SS7 Location Correlator for Accurate Call Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current telephone systems in the US and Canada using the North American Number Plan (NANP) for call establishment often inaccurately reflect the location of parties due to the widespread use of portable communications devices and VoIP, leading to incorrect charge determinations and service provisioning.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system that provides location-based services by determining the geographic location of calling and called parties using a signaling system 7 (SS7) network, address/location handler, living unit address database, location coordinates mapping database, and location correlator, which offers location information in varying levels of accuracy and precision, allowing for accurate charge determination and service provisioning across different communication devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If NPA.NXX identifiers are used for call establishment and charge determination, then the system maintains simplicity and compatibility with existing telephone infrastructure, but location accuracy deteriorates due to portable communications devices and number portability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary location determination system that sits between the existing NPA.NXX identifier system and the service provisioning system. This intermediary queries location databases using alternative methods (such as cellular tower triangulation, GPS coordinates, or wireless network location services) to obtain accurate real-time location information, which is then used for charge determination and service provisioning without disrupting the existing telephone infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the location determination process from the call establishment process. The NPA.NXX identifier system continues to handle call routing and establishment, while a separate location determination module independently queries location databases to obtain accurate geographic information. This segmentation allows both functions to operate independently, maintaining infrastructure compatibility while improving location accuracy
2Measurement precision
If location-based services are implemented to improve charge determination accuracy, then charge accuracy improves, but system complexity increases due to additional databases and location determination mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the location determination system to serve multiple functions: it provides location information for charge determination, enables location-based service provisioning, supports emergency services routing, and facilitates caller ID enhancement. By making the location database and determination mechanisms multi-functional, the system amortizes the complexity across multiple uses, making the added complexity more justifiable and efficient
3Measurement precision
If real-time location information is provided to improve service provisioning, then service accuracy improves, but information processing time increases due to additional database queries and location correlation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary actions by pre-caching location information for frequently called numbers and pre-establishing location determination algorithms. Location databases are pre-indexed by various criteria (area codes, exchange codes, geographic regions) to enable rapid lookup. The system also pre-negotiates service level agreements with wireless carriers for fast location data retrieval, ensuring that when a call is established, location information can be quickly obtained without significant delay
Data Source
AI summary
Services are provided based on the locations, rather than the NPA.NXX identifiers, of called and calling parties. Party location based services can be provided to the called party, to the calling party, or both. Services can include an indication of the location of each party. Services also can include an indication of charges as determined by the location of the parties, rather than the NPA.NXX identifiers. Services can be provided if the parties are using a mobile communications devices, such as a cellular phone, wireline systems (e.g., landline phones), or a combination thereof. In an example configuration, location can be provided in a hierarchy of various levels of accuracy/precision. Different levels can be representative of different resolutions of geography. An example system for facilitating party location based services includes a signaling system number 7 (SS7) network.