Network Intermediary for Subscriber Location Data Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing location-based services face challenges in determining and transmitting location information for communication devices, especially in Internet-based systems where devices do not use location-based telephone numbers and do not transmit location information, such as with Internet phones and notebooks, leading to difficulties in providing location-dependent services.
Innovation Solution
A method where a subscriber unit obtains and stores location information from a network component, which can be inserted into messages sent to services, either by the subscriber unit or by network components, allowing location information to be provided independently of the device's network address and format, enabling communication with location-based services without modifying the device's software.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If location information is determined from telephone number in landline networks, then location-based services can be provided, but Internet-based devices cannot use this method because they do not use location-based telephone numbers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces network components (such as proxies or servers) that act as intermediaries between Internet-based devices and location-based services. These intermediaries automatically determine the device's location using alternative methods (IP address, network configuration data) and insert the location information into messages, allowing devices without traditional telephone numbers to access location-based services.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary determination of location information by network components before messages are sent. The system proactively obtains location data through network queries, IP address analysis, or configuration file retrieval, and prepares it in advance for insertion into outgoing messages, eliminating the need for devices to have built-in location determination capabilities.
2Measurement precision
If devices are required to determine and transmit their own location information, then location accuracy is improved, but device complexity and software modification requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses network intermediaries to handle location determination, eliminating the need for complex software modifications in end devices. The intermediary components perform location queries, analyze network configuration data, and retrieve location information from external sources, maintaining accuracy while keeping device complexity low.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service location determination through automated network queries and configuration file analysis. Network components automatically obtain location information without requiring manual intervention or complex device software, using standard network protocols and existing infrastructure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If location information is embedded in messages by network components, then devices without location capabilities can communicate with location-based services, but network administration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universal location information insertion that works with all message types and devices. The network components are designed to handle multiple device types (Internet phones, notebooks, desktop computers) and message formats through a single unified mechanism, reducing the need for device-specific administration and simplifying network management.
4Ease of operation
If traditional telephone number-based location determination is used, then location information is easily obtained, but Internet-based devices without telephone numbers cannot provide location information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter used for location determination from telephone number to alternative identifiers such as IP address, device ID, or network configuration data. This parameter substitution allows the system to work with Internet-based devices while maintaining the same location-based service functionality, making the system adaptable to modern communication devices.
Data Source
AI summary
Using a method for a subscriber unit's communication with a service that requires information about the subscriber unit's location, the subscriber unit sends the service a message containing information about the subscriber unit's location and at least one piece of information about the subscriber unit's location is stored in at least one network component and is made available by a network component.