Proxy Location Server for Mobile Station Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile communication systems face challenges in providing accurate location information to third parties, especially in situations where network capacity is limited or users have set devices to silent/vibrate modes, and there is a lack of APIs for accessing location data from HLRs/VLRs, which are also operationally and commercially sensitive.
Innovation Solution
A communication system with a mobile station, a proxy location server, and a location server that uses short-range wireless links to detect and respond to location queries, allowing users to customize responses and provide notifications only after user consent, while maintaining privacy and security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If HLR/VLR are used to provide location information, then location data can be obtained, but the information is operationally and commercially sensitive and no API is available for access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a proxy location server as an intermediary component that sits between the location server and the HLR/VLR. This proxy server receives location queries from the location server, forwards them to the HLR/VLR, and returns the location information. This intermediary approach enables access to sensitive location data without requiring direct integration with the HLR/VLR, thus maintaining security while providing functionality.
2Loss of information
If location queries are sent to mobile stations in silent/vibrate modes, then location information can be requested, but the devices are ignored by their users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the mobile station, upon receiving a location query while in silent or vibrate mode, generates a specific response indicating its operational state. This feedback is sent back to the location server through the proxy location server, allowing the querying system to understand whether the device is in a mode where the user might not be aware of or respond to normal notifications.
3Loss of information
If network capacity is limited at certain locations, then location queries cannot be received or responses cannot be provided, but location-based services are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The proxy location server acts as a local intermediary that can cache or pre-process location information. When the mobile station is within communication range of the proxy server, location queries can be handled through this local intermediary, reducing the load on the core network and improving reliability in areas with limited network capacity.
4Loss of information
If users want to limit dissemination of personal location information, then privacy is protected, but location-based services cannot be provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control over location information dissemination. The mobile station and proxy location server can adjust the level of location information provided based on user preferences, context, and service requirements. This dynamic approach allows the system to balance privacy protection with service provision by selectively sharing location data rather than providing complete information in all cases.
Data Source
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AI summary
A communication system (100) comprises a plurality of mobile stations (118, 124) each operable to communicate with other communication stations by a wireless link of a first kind, at least one location indicator (116) operable to detect by a wireless link of a second kind a location of at least one (118) of the mobile stations when the at least one mobile station is within a communication range of the location indicator, at least one proxy location server (110) operably coupled to at least one associated location indicator (116), and a location server (108) operable to communicate with the at least one proxy location server to receive a notification of the location of the at least one mobile station (118) when detected to be within communication range of the associated location indicator (116).