Mobile Device Country Detection via Forward Link Parameters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of mobile devices face complications when roaming internationally due to the need to know and use different international direct dialing prefixes for various countries, leading to increased complexity and frustration in making calls.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that extract system-specific parameters from a forward link signal to determine the serving country, allowing for automatic identification and use of the correct dialing prefix for international calls, using parameters such as System Identification, bandclass, Network Identification, local time offset, and daylight savings information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If mobile devices support international roaming with multiple countries, then connectivity coverage is improved, but dialing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile device automatically determines the serving country by extracting system-specific parameters from the forward link signal and translates phone numbers accordingly, eliminating the need for users to manually administer different dialing prefixes for different countries. The system serves itself by autonomously identifying the current network location and applying the correct dialing rules without user intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of automatic country identification by extracting system-specific parameters (such as Mobile Country Code, Network Identification, bandclass) from the forward link signal. This allows the device to dynamically determine the serving country based on the actual network parameters received during roaming, thereby automatically adjusting dialing prefixes without user confusion.
2Ease of operation
If the device automatically determines serving country using system-specific parameters, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile device utilizes existing multi-functional capabilities already present in modern smartphones - specifically the ability to receive and process forward link signals from cellular networks, extract system-specific parameters, and automatically translate phone numbers. This approach leverages universal device functions rather than adding dedicated hardware for country determination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing layer that extracts system-specific parameters from the forward link signal and uses these parameters as intermediaries to determine the serving country. This intermediary mechanism bridges the gap between raw signal reception and high-level dialing operations, enabling automatic country identification through a systematic parameter-based approach.
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus and method for identifying a serving country using at least one system specific parameter comprising extracting the at least one system specific parameter from a forward link signal; determining whether the at least one system specific parameter maps to a unique country; and identifying the serving country for a call.