Wireless Device Time Zone Estimation Using Parameter Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in accurately estimating the time zone of a wireless device due to unreliable and outdated operational parameters, which can lead to incorrect time zone identification, especially during travel or changes in daylight savings time.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that select and combine relevant parameters such as mobile country code (MCC) and GMT offset to estimate the time zone, with verification using a time server or geographic location information when necessary, to ensure accuracy while minimizing resource consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If operational parameters are provided to the wireless device during registration or operation, then the device can determine time zone information, but the parameters may be outdated or incorrect leading to inaccurate time zone estimation
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors and updates time zone estimation by comparing multiple parameters (MCC, MNC, PLMN ID, geographic location) and uses feedback mechanisms to verify accuracy against time servers, ensuring the most current and accurate time zone information is maintained even as network parameters change
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts which parameters are used for time zone estimation based on their reliability and currency. It transitions between using network-provided parameters (when available and accurate) and geographic location-based parameters (when network parameters are outdated), adapting to changing conditions to maintain accuracy
2Reliability
If multiple parameters are used to estimate time zone, then accuracy is improved, but resource consumption (battery, bandwidth, processing) increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a hierarchical approach where it first attempts estimation with minimal parameters (MCC alone), then progressively incorporates additional parameters (MNC, PLMN ID, geographic location) only when needed to resolve ambiguities or improve accuracy, avoiding unnecessary processing and resource consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The device autonomously determines which parameters are available and sufficient for accurate time zone estimation, making intelligent decisions about when to query additional parameters versus when existing parameters are adequate, thereby minimizing unnecessary processing and battery consumption
3Reliability
If multiple parameters are used to estimate time zone, then accuracy is improved, but data transfer bandwidth consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system queries additional parameters (MNC, PLMN ID, geographic location) only when the initial MCC-based estimation is insufficient or ambiguous, rather than continuously retrieving all possible parameters, thereby minimizing data transfer bandwidth consumption while maintaining accuracy when needed
4Reliability
If multiple parameters are used to estimate time zone, then accuracy is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs time zone estimation using the minimum necessary parameters first (MCC alone for quick estimation), then only processes additional parameters (MNC, PLMN ID, geographic location) when the initial estimation is insufficient, thereby reducing processing time while maintaining accuracy when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-evaluates the sufficiency of available parameters before initiating full processing. It checks whether existing parameters (MCC) are adequate for accurate time zone estimation before committing to more time-consuming processing of additional parameters, thus minimizing unnecessary processing time
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus, and an associated method, estimates a time zone at which an electronic device, such as a wireless device, is positioned. Parameters, such as a mobile country code, a GMT offset, a daylight savings time parameter, and geo location parameters are all candidate parameters from which to make an estimate. Received parameters are identified, and selectably used to obtain an estimate that is matched or verified to ensure likely accuracy.