Systems and methods for speed and location based network access and features control

• US 8,868,081 B2
• Filed: 03/20/2011
• Issued: 10/21/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 03/20/2011
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Ben Levitan, James Heath
• Original Assignee: Ben Levitan, James Heath
• Inventors: Levitan, Benjamin Charles, Heath, James William
• Primary Examiner(s): Ajayi, Joel
• Application Number:
  US13/052,098
• Publication Number:
  US 20120238252A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,311 Days
• Field of Search: 455/441
• US Class Current: 455/441
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/102 Entity profiles
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72457 according to geographic location
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72463 to restrict the functionality of the device
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/082 using revocation of authorisation
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/084 using delegated authorisation, e.g. open authorisation [OAuth] protocol
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/02 Services making use of location information
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/027 using movement velocity, acceleration information
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/029 Location-based management or tracking services
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 48/04 based on user or terminal location or mobility data, e.g. moving direction, speed

Abstract

Systems and methods are presented to allow or prohibit any or all services between a network and a node in the network based upon the geographic location and rate of travel of the node. One exemplary application is for the prevention of texting while driving. For example, in FIG. 1: Typical Wireless Communications Network, the location and rate of travel of the mobile station, (MS), 140, can be determined from the use of Global Positioning System, (GPS), information received by the MS, (140), and transmitted to the network. The MS, (140), may have any or all of its subscriber services enabled or disabled by the network based upon the speed that the MS, (140), is traveling and/or its geographical location. Other methods are possible to determine the location and rate of travel of a mobile station as well. In the preferred exemplary embodiment, it is possible for a mobile wireless network to determine the location and speed of an MS. The preferred exemplary embodiment will disallow the operation of features like text messaging or speaking on the mobile phone, when an individual is driving over a range of predetermined speeds. Additionally, this embodiment would disallow the operation of similar features in specific locations, like schools, and jails. In this embodiment it is also possible to allow any MS to access predetermined destinations for emergencies, like 911, at any time. This embodiment also allows services at otherwise forbidden speeds and/or locations to specific MSs or end-users. In this way public safety officials are not restricted and “hotspot” service can be offered on buses or trains. This enhancement to the network would permit more fine-grained control over where and when services can be allowed.

Claims

1. A method for use in a cell phone network comprising:

a. A Short Message Service Center (SMSC) receiving a text message or Short Message Service (SMS) for delivery to a mobile station (MS);

b. The SMSC querying the Home Location Register (HLR) of the MS for routing information;

c. The SMSC receiving the routing information for the MS for SMS Mobile Terminated Operation;

d. The SMSC sending the SMS to the Mobile Serving Switch (MSC) using the ForwardShortMessage operation (FSM);

e. The MSC retrieving the subscriber information from the Visitor Location Register, (VLR);

f. The MSC sending the Location Services, (LCS), query requesting the InterSystemPOSitionREQuest, (ISPOSREQ), and, including in the query a request for Position Quality of Service information, (PQOS);

specifically, the ISPOSREQ query will include parameters requesting the PQOS parameter of Horizontal Velocity measurement be returned in the response to the ISPOSREQ query;

g. The MS including the PQOS'"'"' Horizontal Velocity measurement in its response to the Location Services'"'"' ISPOSREQ query;

h. The MSC receiving the PQOS parameters from the MS that includes Generalized Time, Geographic Position, Position Source, Horizontal Velocity and Vertical Velocity;

i. The MSC comparing the received Horizontal Velocity to a predetermined maximum value for velocity;

j. The MSC initiating “

SMS Mobile Terminated Delivery Unsuccessful”

procedures when the Horizontal Velocity returned to the MSC from the MS in its response to the ISPOSREQ query exceeds the predetermined value; and

,

k. The MSC allowing SMS Mobile Terminated (SMS-MT) delivery to be processed when the Horizontal Velocity returned to the MSC from the MS in its response to the ISPOSREQ query does not exceed the predetermined value.

2. The method as in 1) where there are further steps comprising:

a. Short Message Service Center (SMSC) receiving a text message or Short Message Service (SMS) from an MS that is originating an SMS message for delivery;

b. The MSC sending the Location Services, (LCS), query requesting the InterSystemPOSitionREQuest, (ISPOSREQ), and, including in the query a request for Position Quality of Service information, (PQOS) to this source MS that is originating the SMS message;

specifically, the ISPOSREQ query will include parameters requesting the PQOS parameter of Horizontal Velocity measurement be returned in the response to the ISPOSREQ query;

c. The source MS including the PQOS'"'"' Horizontal Velocity measurement in its response to the Location Services'"'"' ISPOSREQ query;

d. The MSC receiving the PQOS parameters from the source MS that includes Generalized Time, Geographic Position, Position Source, Horizontal Velocity and Vertical Velocity;

e. The MSC comparing the received Horizontal Velocity to a predetermined maximum value for velocity;

f. The MSC initiating “

SMS Mobile Originated Delivery Unsuccessful”

procedures when the Horizontal Velocity returned to the MSC from the source MS in its response to the ISPOSREQ query exceeds the predetermined value; and

,

g. The MSC allowing SMS Mobile Originated (SMS-MO) delivery to be processed when the Horizontal Velocity returned to the MSC from the source MS in its response to the ISPOSREQ query does not exceed the predetermined value.

3. The method as in 1) wherein there are further steps comprising:

a. The MSC sending the Location Services, (LCS), query requesting the InterSystemPOSitionREQuest, (ISPOSREQ), and, including in the query a request for Position Quality of Service information, (PQOS);

specifically, the ISPOSREQ query will include parameters requesting the PQOS parameter of Geographic Position measurement be returned in the response to the ISPOSREQ query;

b. The MS including the PQOS'"'"' Geographic Position measurement in its response to the Location Services'"'"' ISPOSREQ query;

c. The MSC receiving the PQOS parameters from the MS that includes Generalized Time, Geographic Position, Position Source, Horizontal Velocity and Vertical Velocity;

d. The MSC comparing the received Geographic Position to a predetermined table of allowable geographic positions;

e. The MSC initiating “

SMS Mobile Terminated Delivery Unsuccessful”

procedures when the Geographic Position returned to the MSC from the MS in its response to the ISPOSREQ query is not an allowable location; and

,

f. The MSC allowing SMS Mobile Terminated (SMS-MT) delivery to be processed when the Geographic Position returned to the MSC from the MS in its response to the ISPOSREQ query is an allowable location.

4. The method as in 2) wherein there are further steps comprising:

a. The MSC sending the Location Services, (LCS), query requesting the InterSystemPOSitionREQuest, (ISPOSREQ), and, including in the query to the source MS a request for Position Quality of Service information, (PQOS), Specifically, the ISPOSREQ query will include parameters requesting the PQOS parameter of Geographic Position measurement be returned in the response to the ISPOSREQ query;

b. The source MS including the PQOS'"'"' Geographic Position measurement in its response to the Location Services'"'"' ISPOSREQ query;

c. The MSC receiving the PQOS parameters from the source MS that includes Generalized Time, Geographic Position, Position Source, Horizontal Velocity and Vertical Velocity;

d. The MSC comparing the received Geographic Position to a predetermined table of allowable geographical positions;

e. The MSC initiating “

SMS Mobile Originated Delivery Unsuccessful”

procedures when the Geographic Position returned to the MSC from the source MS in its response to the ISPOSREQ query is not an allowable location; and

,

f. The MSC allowing SMS Mobile Originated (SMS-MO) delivery to be processed when the Geographic Position returned to the MSC from the source MS in its response to the ISPOSREQ query is an allowable location.

5. The method as in 1) wherein there are further steps comprising:

a. The MSC checking the identity of the MS, or the MS'"'"' user against a predetermined list of authorized identities before step f);

b. The MSC initiating steps f) to k) when the identity of the MS device or its user is not authorized; and

,

c. The MSC allowing SMS Mobile Terminated (SMS-MT) delivery to be processed when the identity of the MS device or its user is authorized.

6. The method as in 2) wherein there are further steps comprising:

a. The MSC checking the identity of the source MS, or the source MS'"'"' user against a predetermined list of authorized identities before step b);

b. The MSC initiating steps b) to g) when the identity of the source MS device or its user is not authorized; and

,

c. The MSC allowing SMS Mobile Originated (SMS-MO) delivery to be processed when the identity of the source MS device or its user is authorized.

7. The method as in 1) wherein the SMSC is replaced with a Service Control Point, (SCP), and the attempted communications is a voice call setup request.

8. The method as in 2) wherein the SMSC is replaced with a Service Control Point, (SCP), and the attempted communications is a voice call setup request from the source MS.

9. The method as in 3) wherein the SMSC is replaced with a Service Control Point, (SCP), and the attempted communications is a voice call setup request.

10. The method as in 4) wherein the SMSC is replaced with a Service Control Point, (SCP), and the attempted communications is a voice call setup request from the source MS.

11. The method as in 5) wherein the SMSC is replaced with a Service Control Point, (SCP), and the attempted communications is a voice call setup request.

12. The method as in 6) wherein the SMSC is replaced with a Service Control Point, (SCP), and the attempted communications is a voice call setup request from the source MS.

13. The method as in 1) wherein the SMSC is replaced with a Packet Data Gateway, (PGW), and the attempted communications is an Internet setup request.

14. The method as in 2) wherein the SMSC is replaced with a Packet Data Gateway, (PGW), and the attempted communications is an Internet setup request from the source MS.

15. The method as in 3) wherein the SMSC is replaced with a Packet Data Gateway, (PGW), and the attempted communications is an Internet setup request.

16. The method as in 4) wherein the SMSC is replaced with a Packet Data Gateway, (PGW), and the attempted communications is an Internet setup request from the source MS.

17. The method as in 5) wherein the SMSC is replaced with a Packet Data Gateway, (PGW), and the attempted communications is an Internet setup request.

18. The method as in 6) wherein the SMSC is replaced with a Packet Data Gateway, (PGW), and the attempted communications is an Internet setup request from the source MS.

19. A Method for use in a cell phone network comprising:

a. A Mobility Management Entity, (MME), receiving a SERVICE REQUEST from a Mobile Station, (MS);

b. The MME employing the LTE Position Protocol, (LPP), to request the Horizontal Velocity parameter from the MS through the Enhanced Serving Mobile Location Centre, (E-SMLC);

c. The MS including the Horizontal Velocity measurement in its response to the LTE Position Protocol'"'"'s queries from the E-SMLC;

d. The MME receiving the value of Horizontal Velocity parameter from the E-SMLC;

e. The MME comparing the received Horizontal Velocity to a predetermined maximum value for velocity;

f. The MME initiating “

Service Reject”

procedures when the Horizontal Velocity returned to the MME from the MS in its response to the LPP query exceeds the predetermined value; and

,

g. The MME allowing the service request to be processed when the Horizontal Velocity returned to the MME from the MS in its response to the LPP query does not exceed the predetermined value.

20. The method as in 19) wherein there are further steps comprising:

a. The MME employing the LTE Position Protocol, (LPP), to request the Geographic Position parameter from the MS through the Enhanced Serving Mobile Location Centre, (E-SMLC);

b. The MS including the Geographic Position measurement in its response to the LTE Position Protocol'"'"'s queries from the E-SMLC;

c. The MME receiving value of Geographic Position parameter from the E-SMLC;

d. The MME comparing the received Geographic Position to a predetermined table of allowable geographic positions;

e. The MME initiating “

Service Reject”

procedures when the Geographic Position returned to the MME from the MS in its response to the LPP query is not an allowable location; and

,

f. The MME allowing the service request to be processed when the Geographic Position returned to the MME from the MS in its response to the LPP query is an allowable location.

21. A method as in 19) wherein there are further steps comprising:

a. The MME checking the identity of the MS, or the MS'"'"' user against a predetermined list of authorized identities before step b);

b. The MME initiating steps b) to g) when the identity of the MS device or its user is not authorized; and

,

c. The MME allowing the service request to be processed when the identity of the MS device or its user is authorized.