Network-Based Location Reminders via Mobile Switching Center
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Solution Overview
Problem
Time-based alarms are ineffective for reminding users of tasks at specific locations due to inaccuracy and high costs associated with GPS-enabled devices, which are not widely available on low-end mobile phones using GSM networks.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing existing mobile networks to provide location-based reminders by instructing the mobile switching center to send reminders when a user reaches a predetermined location, employing LCS Clients, external short messaging entities, and application servers to manage change of area events and periodic location requests.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS enabled devices are used to detect user location for location based services, then location accuracy is improved, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces network-based location servers and mobile switching centers as intermediaries between the user's mobile device and the location reminder service. Instead of requiring GPS hardware in the device, the system uses network infrastructure (base stations, location servers) to determine user location through triangulation and network-based positioning methods, thereby providing accurate location-based reminders without expensive GPS equipment in every device
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/GPS-based location detection system with a network-based electronic positioning system. Instead of using GPS satellites and receivers, the system utilizes mobile network infrastructure (cell towers, base stations, mobile switching centers) to electronically determine user location through signal triangulation and network routing information, achieving location-based services through software and network protocols rather than hardware GPS components
2Device complexity
If time based alarms are used to remind users of tasks, then implementation simplicity is improved, but reminder accuracy for location-specific tasks deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static time-based alarm system into a dynamic location-based reminder system. Instead of fixed time schedules, the system dynamically determines when to trigger reminders based on the user's real-time location relative to target locations. The reminder timing adapts automatically as the user moves through different geographic areas, providing context-aware notifications that respond to changing spatial conditions rather than following rigid temporal schedules
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous feedback loops where the mobile switching center and location servers constantly monitor user location and compare it against predefined target locations. This feedback mechanism triggers reminders automatically when the user enters or exits specific geographic areas, creating a closed-loop system that adjusts reminder delivery based on real-time spatial information rather than relying on predetermined time schedules
3Adaptability or versatility
If GPS enabled devices are used for location based services, then location based service availability is improved, but user accessibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes location-based reminder services universal by implementing them through the existing mobile network infrastructure that all mobile phones access. Instead of requiring specialized GPS-capable devices, the system leverages the universal mobile telephone network (GSM and other cellular networks) to provide location-based services to any mobile phone user regardless of device capabilities. This multi-functional approach allows the same network infrastructure to handle both traditional voice/SMS services and advanced location-based reminders
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for providing location based reminder is provided. The method comprises the steps of instructing mobile switching center to remind user on reaching a predetermined location via transaction input; forwarding the transaction input to external short messaging entity via mobile switching center; processing and sending the transaction input to Location Services (LCS) Client to set up change of area event; determining if the change of area event is invoked and user equipment has entered the predetermined location; providing a report to external short messaging entity via LCS Client, if the change of area event is invoked; and directing external short messaging entity to invoke a reminder on user equipment via application server.