Text Message Location Tracking via Network Interception
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication technologies do not provide a straightforward method for determining the location of a device via a text message, especially in emergency situations where timely location information is crucial.
Innovation Solution
A system that allows a user to send a text message with a predetermined location code to a communication network, which authorizes the request and uses GPS or A-GPS techniques to determine the location of the target device and send it back to the sender.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a text message system is used to request location information, then ease of operation is improved, but the ability to obtain location information is worsened (current text message systems do not provide location determination capability)
Solution Approach 1:
The text message system is enhanced to perform multiple functions: it not only transmits conventional messages but also determines and transmits location information. The system integrates messaging and location services into a single unified platform, allowing users to obtain location data through standard text message interaction without requiring separate location-specific applications or interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication network acts as an intermediary that receives the location request code from the first device, determines the location of the second device using GPS or other location techniques, and then transmits this location information back to the first device via text message. This intermediary approach enables location determination functionality to be added to the text message system without requiring direct modifications to the user devices.
2Measurement precision
If GPS or A-GPS techniques are used to determine location, then measurement precision is improved, but use of energy is worsened (GPS/A-GPS consume significant power)
Solution Approach 1:
The network utilizes existing location registration data that devices automatically provide when registering with the network. This self-service approach allows the network to determine device locations without requiring active GPS participation from the devices, thereby obtaining precise location information while minimizing additional energy consumption from the devices themselves.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses assisted GPS (A-GPS) techniques where the network provides auxiliary information to help the device determine its location more efficiently. Rather than requiring full autonomous GPS operation which consumes significant power, the network supplies partial location data or assistance signals that enable the device to calculate its position with reduced energy expenditure.
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
Enables users to quickly and efficiently determine the location of another device through a standard text message, enhancing emergency response capabilities and personal tracking.
Implementation Method 1
the network may provide a request to the second device to determine its location, via global positioning system (GPS) equipment on the second device
Implementation Method 2
the network may determine the location of the second device via assisted GPS (A-GPS)
Data Source
AI summary
A first device may receive a location of a second device simply by sending a text message to the second device. The text message may comprise an identifier of the second device (e.g., phone number of the second device, mobile subsection identification number of the second device, etc.) and a location code. A communication network may intercept the text message. The communication network may analyze contents of the text message. The network may determine that the location code is valid and determine the location of the second device. The network may provide an indication of the location of the second device to the first device.