Patents by Inventor Jeffrey F. Bull

Jeffrey F. Bull has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 9288628
    Abstract: Methods and systems are employed by a wireless location system (WLS) for locating a wireless device operating in a geographic area served by a wireless communications system. An exemplary method includes monitoring a set of signaling links of the wireless communications system, and detecting at least one predefined signaling transaction occurring on at least one of the predefined signaling links. Then, in response to the detection of the at least one predefined network transaction, at least one predefined location service is triggered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: TruePosition, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Anderson, Jeffrey F. Bull, Paul Matthew Czarnecki, Thomas Stephen Ginter, Matthew L. Ward
  • Patent number: 9121923
    Abstract: A Wide Area Sensor Network (WASN) is disclosed that utilizes wideband software defined radios (SDRs) to monitor RF energy over a wide frequency range, detect when critical frequencies are being jammed or otherwise interfered with, and locate the source of the interference so that the interference can be eliminated. The WASN may use one or more geolocation techniques In addition, the WASN may detect and locate unauthorized transmitters as well as estimate the transmitted power of authorized transmitters to assure they are not transmitting more power than authorized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: TruePosition, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey F. Bull, Matthew L. Ward
  • Publication number: 20140342689
    Abstract: Methods and systems are employed by a wireless location system (WLS) for locating a wireless device operating in a geographic area served by a wireless communications system. An exemplary method includes monitoring a set of signaling links of the wireless communications system, and detecting at least one predefined signaling transaction occurring on at least one of the predefined signaling links. Then, in response to the detection of the at least one predefined network transaction, at least one predefined location service is triggered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Inventors: Robert J. Anderson, Jeffrey F. Bull, Paul Matthew Czarnecki, Thomas Stephen Ginter, Matthew L. Ward
  • Patent number: 8838139
    Abstract: Methods and systems are employed by a wireless location system (WLS) for locating a wireless device operating in a geographic area served by a wireless communications system. An exemplary method includes monitoring a set of signaling links of the wireless communications system, and detecting at least one predefined signaling transaction occurring on at least one of the predefined signaling links. Then, in response to the detection of the at least one predefined network transaction, at least one predefined location service is triggered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: TruePosition, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Anderson, Jeffrey F. Bull, Paul Matthew Czarnecki, Thomas Stephen Ginter, Matthew L. Ward
  • Patent number: 8810452
    Abstract: Transmitters are located with a network of sensors by measuring signal characteristics at multiple known locations and processing these measurements at a central node. The sensors communicate their location to the central node along with measured characteristics of the transmitter's signal, and may be required to synchronize with other sensors. Often, GNSS receivers are utilized to locate and synchronize the sensors. However, the GNSS signals may be attenuated by obstructions. In this case, the sensors determine their location by making ranging measurements with sensors that can receive the GNSS signals. The waveform for the wireless backhaul permits this ranging. Additionally, many sensors can determine their location and time synchronize with the geolocation network through reception of signals from other sensors even if they do not have a direct connection to sensors that know their location and are time synchronized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: TruePosition, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey F. Bull
  • Publication number: 20130310070
    Abstract: Methods and systems are employed by a wireless location system (WLS) for locating a wireless device operating in a geographic area served by a wireless communications system. An exemplary method includes monitoring a set of signaling links of the wireless communications system, and detecting at least one predefined signaling transaction occurring on at least one of the predefined signaling links. Then, in response to the detection of the at least one predefined network transaction, at least one predefined location service is triggered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Inventors: Robert J. Anderson, Jeffrey F. Bull, Paul Matthew Czarnecki, Thomas Stephen Ginter, Matthew L. Ward
  • Patent number: 8509805
    Abstract: Methods and systems are employed by a wireless location system (WLS) for locating a wireless device operating in a geographic area served by a wireless communications system. An exemplary method includes monitoring a set of signaling links of the wireless communications system, and detecting at least one predefined signaling transaction occurring on at least one of the predefined signaling links. Then, in response to the detection of the at least one predefined network transaction, at least one predefined location service is triggered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: TruePosition, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Anderson, Jeffrey F. Bull, Paul Matthew Czarnecki, Thomas Stephen Ginter, Matthew L. Ward
  • Patent number: 8478291
    Abstract: A large volume of high accuracy location data is determined in many commercial wireless networks from location based services (LBS) and, in the United States, for E911. Uplink-Time-Difference-of-Arrival (UTDOA) and Assisted GPS (AGPS) are the predominant geolocation technologies providing these high accuracy locations. In the US alone over 10 million wireless subscribers are located every month because they dial the national emergency number “911” on their mobile phones. This rich set of location data provides an a priori distribution of the location of subscribers in the wireless network. All digital wireless communications networks have a mechanism for the subscribers to time synchronize their handsets to the network. This mechanism provides a band of ranges from the serving cell site to the handset. An a posteriori location estimate can be determined very quickly by considering the a priori distribution of callers in the range band that the current subscriber is in.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: TruePosition, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey F. Bull, Rashidus S Mia, Robert J Anderson
  • Patent number: 8463297
    Abstract: A method for use in controlling a mobile device's access to one or more wireless communications networks (WCNs) with an overlaid wireless location system (WLS) includes monitoring a set of one or more predefined signaling links of at least one WCN, and detecting an event associated with the mobile device. Next, using a low-accuracy location function of the WLS, the system determines that the mobile device is within a defined area of interest and is potentially within a defined quiet zone. Next, using a high-accuracy location function of the WLS, the system determines a precise geographic location of the mobile device and based thereon confirms that the mobile device is within the quiet zone or at least within an area of ambiguity around the quiet zone. Finally, the mobile device's access to the wireless communications network is limited, e.g., according to a pre-defined rule established by the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: TruePosition, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey F. Bull, Matthew L. Ward
  • Patent number: 8436768
    Abstract: A Wide Area Sensor Network is disclosed that utilizes wideband software defined radios (SDRs) to provide a capability to monitor the airwaves over a wide frequency range, detect when critical frequencies are being jammed or otherwise interfered with, and locate the source of the interference so that the interference can be eliminated. In addition, a diversity receiver is disclosed. The diversity receiver generates position, time and frequency references for use in locating and synchronizing sensor platforms of a WLS. In an illustrative embodiment, the diversity receiver comprises a first receiver subsystem comprising a terrestrial broadcast receiver, and a common processor platform (CPP) coupled via first link means to the first receiver subsystem. The first receiver subsystem provides a stable time reference and position information to the CPP via the first link means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: TruePosition, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey F. Bull, Benjamin H. Cohen, Adam W. Norgaard
  • Patent number: 8331955
    Abstract: A wireless location system is configured to operate in a CDMA-based wireless communication network. In exemplary embodiments, location measuring units (LMUs) can synchronize to sectors of base stations and store sector timing information. In response to a request to geo-locate a mobile device communicating with a sector, sector timing information for the servicing sector is sent to other LMUs and the LMUs can use the sector timing information to detect uplink signals transmitted by the mobile device. The location of the mobile device can then be estimated based on time of arrival measurements made by the LMUs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: TruePosition, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey F. Bull, Robert J. Anderson
  • Patent number: 8315647
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for processing readily available radio network, timing and power information about cellular networks and typical measurements made by the mobile device and network. A probabilistic method is disclosed that uses both time (i.e., range) and power differences with known downlink transmitter antenna characteristics to locate mobiles with accuracy better than cell-ID with ranging, with high capacity, and without the need for field calibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: TruePosition, Inc.
    Inventors: Pitchaiah Soma, Jeffrey F. Bull, Rashidus S. Mia, Pete A. Boyer
  • Publication number: 20120256789
    Abstract: A Wide Area Sensor Network is disclosed that utilizes wideband software defined radios (SDRs) to provide a capability to monitor the airwaves over a wide frequency range, detect when critical frequencies are being jammed or otherwise interfered with, and locate the source of the interference so that the interference can be eliminated. In addition, a diversity receiver is disclosed. The diversity receiver generates position, time and frequency references for use in locating and synchronizing sensor platforms of a WLS. In an illustrative embodiment, the diversity receiver comprises a first receiver subsystem comprising a terrestrial broadcast receiver, and a common processor platform (CPP) coupled via first link means to the first receiver subsystem. The first receiver subsystem provides a stable time reference and position information to the CPP via the first link means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2009
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Inventors: Jeffrey F. Bull, Benjamin H. Cohen, Adam W. Norgaard
  • Patent number: 8224348
    Abstract: Collection and analysis of network transaction information which includes the mobile device's usage, location, movements coupled with data from non-wireless network sources allow for the automation of analysis for the detection of anti-social behaviors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: TruePosition, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian R. Bolon, Jeffrey F. Bull, Matthew L. Ward
  • Patent number: 8213957
    Abstract: A Network Autonomous Wireless Location System (NAWLS) is designed to allow for precise location of a mobile device (e.g., a cell phone) without interconnection to, and with minimal disruption of, the local wireless communications network. Using distributed radio network monitors (RNM) and a managed network emulator (NE); mobile devices are sampled, acquired or captured. Once triggered by the RNM or NE, an untethered wireless location system (U-WLS) is used to calculate a precise location. The U-WLS; comprising mobile receiver sites, each capable of self location, exchanging information with other components of the NAWLS, and receiving or exchanging signals from the mobile device; utilizes various network-based and handset-based wireless location techniques dependent on the deployed options. In addition, the NAWLS includes data links interconnecting the U-WLS, NE and RNM.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: TruePosition, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey F. Bull, Matthew L. Ward
  • Publication number: 20120165037
    Abstract: A wireless location system is configured to operate in a CDMA-based wireless communication network. In exemplary embodiments, location measuring units (LMUs) can synchronize to sectors of base stations and store sector timing information. In response to a request to geo-locate a mobile device communicating with a sector, sector timing information for the servicing sector is sent to other LMUs and the LMUs can use the sector timing information to detect uplink signals transmitted by the mobile device. The location of the mobile device can then be estimated based on time of arrival measurements made by the LMUs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2010
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: TRUEPOSITION, INC.
    Inventors: Jeffrey F. Bull, Robert J. Anderson
  • Publication number: 20120165038
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for processing readily available radio network, timing and power information about cellular networks and typical measurements made by the mobile device and network. A probabilistic method is disclosed that uses both time (i.e., range) and power differences with known downlink transmitter antenna characteristics to locate mobiles with accuracy better than cell-ID with ranging, with high capacity, and without the need for field calibration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2010
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: TruePosition, INC.
    Inventors: Pitchaiah Soma, Jeffrey F. Bull, Rashidus S. Mia, Pete A. Boyer
  • Publication number: 20120154213
    Abstract: A Wide Area Sensor Network (WASN) is disclosed that utilizes wideband software defined radios (SDRs) to monitor RF energy over a wide frequency range, detect when critical frequencies are being jammed or otherwise interfered with, and locate the source of the interference so that the interference can be eliminated. The WASN may use one or more geolocation techniques In addition, the WASN may detect and locate unauthorized transmitters as well as estimate the transmitted power of authorized transmitters to assure they are not transmitting more power than authorized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: TRUEPOSITION, INC.
    Inventors: Jeffrey F. Bull, Matthew L. Ward
  • Patent number: 8138975
    Abstract: A Wide Area Sensor Network (WASN) is disclosed that utilizes wideband software defined radios (SDRs) to monitor RF energy over a wide frequency range, detect when critical frequencies are being jammed or otherwise interfered with, and locate the source of the interference so that the interference can be eliminated. The WASN may use one or more geolocation techniques In addition, the WASN may detect and locate unauthorized transmitters as well as estimate the transmitted power of authorized transmitters to assure they are not transmitting more power than authorized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: TruePosition, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey F. Bull, Matthew L. Ward
  • Publication number: 20120052835
    Abstract: A large volume of high accuracy location data is determined in many commercial wireless networks from location based services (LBS) and, in the United States, for E911. Uplink-Time-Difference-of-Arrival (UTDOA) and Assisted GPS (AGPS) are the predominant geolocation technologies providing these high accuracy locations. In the US alone over 10 million wireless subscribers are located every month because they dial the national emergency number “911” on their mobile phones. This rich set of location data provides an a priori distribution of the location of subscribers in the wireless network. All digital wireless communications networks have a mechanism for the subscribers to time synchronize their handsets to the network. This mechanism provides a band of ranges from the serving cell site to the handset. An a posteriori location estimate can be determined very quickly by considering the a priori distribution of callers in the range band that the current subscriber is in.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: TRUEPOSITION, INC.
    Inventors: Jeffrey F. Bull, Rashidus S. Mia, Robert J. Anderson