SMS-Based Location Querying for Mobile Devices Without User Plane
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Solution Overview
Problem
Not all mobile communication devices can communicate across the user plane, particularly due to proprietary programming restrictions, limiting their ability to receive assistance data via Secure User Plane Location (SUPL), which hinders location determination in mobile communication networks.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using a Short Messaging System (SMS) to determine a mobile communication device's location by sending a query via an SMS message, which is received and processed by a location logic on the device to calculate its position using GPS signals, and then transmitting the location back to the network through another SMS message, allowing devices without user plane capabilities to still provide location information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If User Plane A-GPS is used for location determination, then data exchange efficiency is improved, but device compatibility deteriorates because not all devices can communicate across the user plane
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces SMS as an intermediary communication channel between the network and mobile devices. The SMS center acts as a mediator that can reach all devices regardless of their user plane capabilities, enabling location determination for devices that cannot use standard User Plane A-GPS while maintaining compatibility across the entire device ecosystem
2Adaptability or versatility
If Control Plane A-GPS is used for location determination, then device compatibility is improved, but network resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the location determination functionality from the traditional control plane signaling path and implements it through SMS messages. By separating the location query and response mechanisms from the call signaling path, the system reduces network resource consumption while maintaining broad device compatibility through the more efficient SMS delivery mechanism
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
This approach enables location determination for devices that cannot communicate over the user plane, reducing network resource consumption and protocol complexities associated with traditional methods, and ensures that all devices can participate in location-based services.
Implementation Method 1
retrieves a GPS signal from a GPS satellite
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure provides devices, systems, and methods for determining a position of a mobile communication device by communicating with the device via a Short Messaging System (SMS). A location query is submitted to an SMS center, which formats a first SMS message for delivery to the device. The first SMS message is delivered to a designated SMS port on the device. A location logic on the device receives the SMS via the SMS port, extracts the location query, and attempts to calculate a location from received satellite signals. The calculated location is submitted back to the SMS server, either to be forwarded to the location server, or to a network element or device that submitted the location query to the SMS center in the first place. Assistance data may additionally be delivered to the mobile communication device via the SMS port.