Mobile Device Location Tracking via Cellular Triangulation and Voice Consent
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for obtaining vehicle location using GPS require dedicated equipment, raising privacy concerns due to potential misuse of location information without user authorization, necessitating alternative methods that ensure user notice and consent.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing cellular triangulation or multilateration to obtain mobile device location, involving automated voice messages for user notification and consent, allowing users to revoke consent, and providing a framework for secure and informed decision-making.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS dedicated equipment is installed in vehicles to obtain location information, then location accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses mobile devices (cell phones, PDAs) as intermediaries to obtain location information. Instead of installing dedicated GPS equipment in vehicles, the system leverages the mobile device's existing capabilities and uses cellular network infrastructure (base stations, location servers) as intermediaries to triangulate and determine the device's location, thereby avoiding direct GPS hardware installation while maintaining location tracking functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The system makes use of the mobile device's existing multi-functionality (cellular communication, GPS receiver in the phone itself, processor) to perform location tracking. The mobile device serves multiple purposes: communication, navigation, and location reporting, eliminating the need for separate dedicated vehicle tracking equipment
2Productivity
If location information is obtained without user authorization, then productivity and decision-making efficiency are improved, but user privacy and security deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by obtaining user consent and providing notification before collecting and using location information. The automated voice message system contacts users in advance to explain the location tracking purpose and obtain authorization, ensuring that location data is only collected after proper user approval, thus preventing privacy violations before they occur
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where users receive automated voice messages notifying them of location tracking status and can provide real-time consent or revoke authorization. This continuous feedback loop ensures users maintain control over their location information, allowing them to monitor and control the use of their data while still enabling productivity benefits when authorized
3Reliability
If web browsers and SMS texting capabilities are used for notification and consent, then user notice and consent can be obtained, but device complexity and user training requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical or software-based consent systems (web browser interactions, SMS text message exchanges requiring literacy and technical understanding) with an automated voice message system that uses natural speech. This substitution makes the consent process accessible to users regardless of their technical proficiency, education level, or language skills, while maintaining reliable consent verification through voice-activated responses
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Ensures user privacy by obtaining informed consent for location sharing, reducing the risk of misuse and aligning with regulatory guidelines like the CTIA Guidelines, while being more accessible and user-friendly than existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
Alternative methods for obtaining location information include cellular triangulation or multilateration methods that are capable of locating mobile devices in a cellular network. These methods involve the measurement of radio signals strength between a mobile device and radio towers in the network.
Implementation Method 2
These methods involve the measurement of radio signals strength between a mobile device and radio towers in the network
Data Source
AI summary
A system for receiving user consent to obtaining location information of a mobile device includes a communications interface configured for communication with a mobile device, a validation logic configured to identify the mobile device at least in part by obtaining an identifier associated with the mobile device, and a notification logic configured to communicate a signal including data representing an automated voice message. The automated voice message provides a notice or the location of a notice including information indicating to the user of the mobile device that consenting to the obtaining of the location information of the mobile device would result in the location information of the mobile device being disclosed. The communications interface is configured to transmit the automated voice message to the mobile device, and to receive from the mobile device data indicating the user consent for obtaining the location information of the mobile device.