UE Location Verification Across Super-National Cell Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems face challenges in accurately determining the location of user equipment (UE) within super-national cell coverage areas spanning multiple jurisdictions, leading to potential service theft and regulatory compliance issues due to the inaccuracy of current location determination methods.
Innovation Solution
Implement a mechanism for network functions to request location services that provide precise UE location information with country-level granularity, using varying accuracy levels based on proximity to borders and UE mobility patterns, allowing for rapid determination of whether the UE is inside or outside restricted regions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If current location determination methods are used in super-national cell coverage areas, then the system can provide broad coverage spanning multiple jurisdictions, but the location accuracy deteriorates leading to potential service theft and regulatory compliance issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the location determination process into multiple stages: first determining a coarse location to identify the relevant jurisdiction, then performing a more precise location measurement specific to that jurisdiction. This segmentation allows the system to maintain both broad super-national coverage and high local accuracy by dividing the determination process into hierarchical levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by first determining the jurisdictional area before performing the final location determination. The system preliminarily identifies which country or region the terminal is in, then uses this information to guide the subsequent precise location measurement, ensuring both broad coverage and accurate jurisdiction-specific location data.
2Measurement precision
If high accuracy location determination is performed at all times, then location precision is improved, but signaling load and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements partial action by performing high-accuracy location determination only when necessary - specifically when the terminal is near jurisdictional boundaries or when regulatory requirements demand precise location data. For terminals clearly within a jurisdiction, the system uses lower-accuracy, faster determination methods, thus avoiding unnecessary signaling overhead while maintaining required accuracy levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the location determination accuracy based on terminal mobility patterns and proximity to boundaries. For mobile terminals near borders, higher accuracy is applied; for stationary terminals far from boundaries, lower accuracy suffices. This dynamic adaptation optimizes the balance between location precision and signaling efficiency.
3Reliability
If location determination is performed frequently to ensure regulatory compliance, then compliance reliability is improved, but network signaling load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic location determination based on regulatory requirements and terminal mobility patterns rather than continuous monitoring. The system periodically checks terminal locations at intervals appropriate to the service type and regulatory demands, reducing unnecessary signaling while ensuring compliance is maintained through timely location updates.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a method for an apparatus for a location service, the method comprising: receiving, from a network function, a location request to determine a location of a terminal, the location request comprising a first indication of a first area: determining whether the terminal is inside or outside of the first area; and sending, to the network function, a second indication of whether the terminal is inside or outside of the first area.