Abstract: Techniques for location tracking, location utilization, and dissemination and management of location information are disclosed. As a location monitoring system, one embodiment includes at least a plurality of mobile computing devices supported by a wireless network, and a computing device coupled to a wired network (e.g., the Internet) that couples to the wireless network. Each of the mobile computing devices is associated with and proximate to an object whose location is being monitored. The computing device stores the locations of each of the mobile computing devices or the objects proximate thereto, and enables only authorized users to obtain access the locations via the wired network.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for identifying a request to locate a user. The request identifies a network operator-independent personal location code (PLC) for the user. Identifying a first device associated with the user based on the PLC. The first device is associated with a first network operator. And obtaining the current location of the first device from the associated first network operator.

Abstract: On startup, a mobile station application will determine the current carrier network and submit a query to an application server that will return the correct location server configuration for the specified network. This information will be used on the mobile station to dynamically configure the device through the available GPS chipset API.

Abstract: Positioning and location services are provided in a wireless communication network using civic address information. The civic address information may comprise a data structure including textual Information Elements such as apartment or office number, street number, street name, city, state, postal code, and the like. A positioning method is defined comprising performing a civic address lookup to obtain a location in civic address format for an identified node, based upon information about the identified node's serving (or associated) node and neighbor nodes. Signaling is defined to request the civic address positioning method, to exchange capabilities, to communicate location information using a civic address format, report a positioning failure and optionally the failure cause, and the like. Location information may be translated between a civic address format and a 3GPP or 3GPP2 positioning format.

Abstract: For a call flow to perform position determination, a network sends to a user equipment (UE) an indication (e.g., a request for permission) to perform a position fix for the UE. The UE responds by sending to the network an acknowledgment (e.g., a grant of permission) to perform the position fix. The UE selectively sends a position estimate for itself to the network, typically along with the acknowledgment. The network may initiate location processing if (1) a location estimate is not received from the UE or (2) a location estimate is received from the UE but the network decides not to use this location estimate. In this case, the network and the UE perform location processing to obtain a position fix for the UE. However, if a location estimate is received from the UE and the network decides to use the location estimate, then the location processing is bypassed or short circuited.

Abstract: A method and device of geographically tagging images by capturing an image, determining a position based on detection of satellite signals and a wireless network signal, and tagging the image with the determined position is provided.

Abstract: Propagation delay offsets of wireless signals are compensated. Compensation is accomplished through determination of an effective wireless signal propagation delay that accounts for signal path delay and propagation delay over the air. Such determination is based at least in part on statistical analysis of accurate location estimates of reference positions throughout a coverage sector or cell, and location estimates of the reference positions generated through time-of-flight (TOF) measurements of wireless signals. Determination of propagation or signal path delay offset also is attained iteratively based at least in part on reference location estimates and TOF location estimates. High-accuracy location estimates such as those obtained through global navigation satellite systems are employed as reference location estimates. Position of probes or wireless beacons, deployed throughout a sector or cell, also are employed as reference locations.

Abstract: Techniques for supporting periodic and other location services with Secure User Plane Location (SUPL) and other location architectures are described. The techniques can provide position estimates for a SUPL enabled terminal (SET) to a SUPL agent periodically and/or based on trigger events. A Home SUPL Location Platform (H-SLP) receives from the SUPL agent a request for position estimates for the SET. The H-SLP starts a SUPL location session with the SET. For each of at least one reporting event during the location session, the H-SLP obtains a position estimate for the SET and sends the position estimate to the SUPL agent. The position estimate may be derived by the SET and sent to the H-SLP. Alternatively, the position estimate may be derived by the H-SLP based on measurements from the SET.

Abstract: A method and system for device discovery in a wireless network is provided. The device discovery involves directionally transmitting a data unit from a transmitting station over a channel in different directions to emulate omni-directional transmission, receiving the data unit transmissions from different directions at a receiving station, determining the quality of the transmissions received from the different directions, and detecting location information for the transmitting station relative to the receiving station based on the highest quality transmission among the transmissions received from the different directions.

Abstract: A method in conjunction with positioning of a mobile terminal in a cellular telecommunication system is disclosed. According to the method, an end user's requested positioning accuracy for the positioning of the mobile terminal is determined (510). Also, an estimated confidence value for the positioning of the mobile terminal is determined (520), and so is a required confidence value for the end user (530). Then, a pre-scale value is produced (540) based on at least the estimated confidence value and the required confidence value. The pre-scale value is applied (550) to the requested positioning accuracy to obtain a pre-scaled requested positioning accuracy. Then, the pre-scaled requested positioning accuracy is sent (560) in the cellular telecommunication system towards the mobile terminal.

Abstract: Techniques are described herein for updating proximity information associated with a femtocell in a wireless communication system. An example of a method described herein includes identifying a location within a wireless communication network, associating the location with a femtocell for which proximity information relating to position of the femtocell is maintained, performing at least one search for the femtocell, and updating the proximity information maintained for the femtocell based on results of the at least one search. Another example of a method described herein includes obtaining a report of proximity information relating to a femtocell, identifying one or more network devices for which the proximity information is relevant, and communicating proximity information update signaling to the one or more network devices.

Abstract: Generating a planogram of a facility in real-time, includes positioning a wireless mobile device at a plurality of geometric positions within the facility. A location of the mobile device at each position is then established using a location mechanism. Each geometric position is then associated with that location of the mobile device. The planogram is then updated with information about the geometric position. The geometric positions are associated with physical objects modeled in the planogram. Non-geometric information can also be obtained at the location of the mobile device, and this non-geometric information can be overlaid onto the planogram.

Abstract: A system and method for communicating with a call center from a vehicle telematics unit that has had its cellular service deactivated. The method includes the step of receiving a request from the telematics unit to communicate with the call center via cellular telephony using a cleared telephone number. The call is then established and the type of request is determined at the call center and used to route the cellular call to an appropriate advisor or department in the call center based on the type of request being made.

Abstract: As part of a localized positioning solution, a mobile device may transmit a request message to a server to obtain information about location contexts near the mobile device. In response, the server may, in some implementations, transmit a response message back to the mobile device that identifies a list of nearby LCIs and an area that encompasses these LCIs. The mobile device may store the returned LCI information and the returned area information in corresponding databases for later use. In some implementations, time limits may be placed on the returned area information after which the information is deemed stale.

Abstract: Systems and methods for location tracking notification are provided. Location sharing involves a mobile device sending location information to another device. This can allow another device to track the geographic location of the mobile device. Even though permissions can restrict access of the location information to only authorised users, the user of the mobile device might nonetheless wish to be informed of when another user is tracking their location. In accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure, if the location of the mobile device is being tracked, then the mobile device executes a user notification indicating that the location of the mobile device is being tracked. This can inform the user that their location is being tracked.

Abstract: A method and location server (120) enable determining a position of a target device (105). The method includes receiving at the location server (120), from the target device (105), a distance message identifying a relative distance between the target device (105) and one or more base stations (115). Next, it is determined at the location server (120) that a primary positioning method is unavailable. In response to the primary positioning method being unavailable, a position of the target device (105) is determined using both a) an alternative positioning method and b) the relative distance between the target device (105) and the one or more base stations (115) that was identified in the distance message.

Abstract: A computationally implemented method includes, but is not limited to: determining that a computing device that was presenting one or more portions of one or more items and that was in possession of a first user has been transferred from the first user to a second user; and marking, in response to said determining, the one or more portions of the one or more items to facilitate the computing device in returning to the one or more portions upon the computing device being at least transferred back to the first user. In addition to the foregoing, other method aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing a map service using a global positioning service in a mobile terminal includes determining a current position of the mobile terminal. A moving path of the mobile terminal is recorded. If content for key point marking are generated, a tag icon corresponding to the content is inserted into a point representing the current position of the mobile terminal. A map message includes the moving path, the tag icon, and the content.

Abstract: A handheld wireless device makes a request for service from a server of a business on a global network, the request originating from the wireless device is automatically routed to the closest server of the business that is geographically closest to the location of the wireless device as determined by a GPS function in the device, or by a router server in the wireless network based on the group of cell towers being connected to by the wireless device, or based on the location of the wireless device in a global telephone network database, for faster access to the service and a response there from.

Abstract: Method for allocating an operating address to a bus-enabled operating device for luminaires, including determining an absolute position or a relative position of the operating device by a position detection device, converting the position into an operating address, and storing the operating address for the operating device.

Abstract: A mobile device receives signals from transmitting devices and generates sets of signal metrics based on the received signals. The mobile device also receives indicated locations, where each indicated location is associated with a respective set of signal metrics. The mobile device provides location-specific data to a transmitting device locating engine to estimate locations of the transmitting devices, where the location-specific data includes data representing the sets of signal metrics and data representing the indicated locations. The mobile device further receives an indication of sharing criteria via a user interface of the mobile device, and causes the estimated locations to be selectively shared with one or more other mobile devices based on the sharing criteria.

Abstract: An interpersonal communication and an interactive information system, where a user can access a wireless local area network connected to a cloud computing service from any compatible mobile device and obtain information specific to the user's location and communicate with other mobile devices in the user's location through the wireless local area network.

Abstract: A handheld wireless device makes a request for service from a server of a business on a global network, the request originating from the wireless device is automatically routed to the closest server of the business that is geographically closest to the location of the wireless device as determined by a GPS function in the device, or by a router server in the wireless network based on the group of cell towers being connected to by the wireless device, or based on the location of the wireless device in a global telephone network database, for faster access to the service and a response there from.

Abstract: Provided are a mobile information terminal, an information management device, and an information management system for mobile information terminals comprising the mobile information terminal and the information management device, with which it is possible to flexibly display also information that is voluntarily provided, for example, by a user, on map information. A navigation system of a vehicle acquires, by wireless communication, location information and post information that has been posted together with the location information, from an information management device of a management center in a state where the location information and the post information are associated. The navigation system controls the display of the acquired post information by a display device to be displayed in superposition in a location that is displayed upon the map information by the acquired location information.

Abstract: A method for feeding back location and weather information by a mobile communication terminal is disclosed, including: obtaining location and weather information of a local machine; sending the obtained location and weather information to a feedback terminal which is preset in the local machine and requires for feedback of the location and weather information of the local machine. Both the local machine and the feedback terminal may be mobile communication terminals. Through the method, the location and weather information of the local machine can be fed back to the feedback terminal.

Abstract: Dynamic and current information is provided regarding a wireless device's entry into or exit from a geographically defined “watched” area. An area watcher application monitors preconfigured wireless devices entry/exit into preconfigured watched areas. The watched areas may watch for any/all subscribers, or for select, preconfigured subscribers listed in an appropriate table or database. Provision of location information is triggered by a wireless subscriber's entry, exit or changing between designated ‘watched’ areas or locations. Continuous polling may be used, or the mobile device itself or network element may be triggered to push its own location upon notification of its entry into or out of watched areas from an area watcher. A third party may be notified when a wireless user enters an area surrounding their retail store, and be sent a message such as “sale inside”, or “Your rentals are overdue”, on their wireless device.

Abstract: A method and system for sharing indoor location information with one or more application program modules within a portable computing device (“PCD”) includes receiving an indoor location data request and determining if a location service is currently being executed by the PCD. If the location service is not being executed, it is determined if a location engine of the PCD has been installed. If the location engine of the portable computing device has not been installed, then the code for the location engine is downloaded from a communications network. Next, the location service may be executed once the location engine has been installed. It is determined if the indoor location data being requested is present in a memory element of the PCD. If the indoor location data being requested is not present in the memory element of the PCD, then the indoor location data is downloaded from the communications network.

Abstract: A communication device can be equipped with global positioning system (GPS) equipment and one or more accelerometers and/or gyroscopes that can be used to determine one or more of the direction or velocity at which the communication device is “cast” by coupling the location information of the communication device, such as using GPS coordinates, cell tower triangulation, or the like, with the “cast direction” of the communication device—thereby creating a cast vector. The strength of the cast may be analyzed to assist with determining how far the cast vector should be projected. The communication device can then determine which, if any, other communications device, entities, and/or objects are within the cast vector. The direction and strength of the cast can be used to assist in creating either a two or three-dimensional sensible area, that originates with the location of the calling party, and extends therefrom a certain distance.

Abstract: Techniques for selecting positioning protocols consistent with the capabilities of the location server in a Secure User Plane Location (SUPL) based service are described. The SUPL Location Platform (SLP) transmits the service capabilities of the SLP, such as the positioning protocol capabilities of the SLP. The SLP transmits its capabilities of the SLP in an initiation message to the SUPL enabled terminal (SET) or after receiving an initiation message from the SET. The SET may transmit a positioning initiation message and the SLP and SET communicate to determine one or more position estimates for the SET. The SET may include in the positioning initiation message a positioning protocol positioning message that is consistent with the SLP service capabilities.

Abstract: A system that tracks a mobile transmitter within a communication system is disclosed. The mobile transmitter transmits in one or more predetermined communication slots, the communication slots being dynamically assigned by a system node in the communication system. The tracking system includes at least three uplink probes spatially separated from one another, each uplink probe measuring transmissions in each of the communication slots as a function of time. A cell monitor monitors downlink scheduling transmissions from the system node directed to the mobile transmitter, the scheduling transmissions specifying a time and communication slot to be utilized by the mobile transmitter in a subsequent transmission. A correlator receives the measured transmissions and the monitored downlink scheduling transmissions.

Abstract: Methods, systems and computer program products for determining a location of a device based on location information are described. In some implementations, location assist information may be requested so as to determine a location of sufficient quality to satisfy a requesting application. Upon receiving the location assist information, empherides from one or more visible sources may be requested. The location assist information may be used to determine the location of the device until the device has received and decoded the empherides.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method is presented for mediating among a plurality of datagrams containing data, settings or preferences to produce ambience settings applicable to a location area that is shared by a plurality of users wherein at least one of said users is associated to one datagram among said plurality of datagrams.

Abstract: A wireless communication device can determine its position in accordance with a distributed positioning mechanism to minimize bandwidth and power consumption at the wireless communication device. The wireless communication device can detect positioning control messages exchanged between independent pairs of access points in a wireless communication network. The wireless communication device can determine position information associated with each access point of each of the pairs of access points and timing information associated with the pairs of access points based, at least in part, on the detected positioning control messages. The position of the wireless communication device can then be calculated based, at least in part, on the position information and the timing information associated with the pairs of access points.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, systems and paradigms for opt-in compliance with regulations. A region in physical space is defined. A condition for the region is defined, the condition being a capability of a communicator such as video recording, still image recording, audio recording, audio output, text messaging, audio communication, or remote connection. The presence and location of a communicator with the capability is detected in the region, and a message is sent to the communicator with a request for a response accepting or rejecting remote deactivation of the capability of the communicator. If an acceptance response is received, the communicator capability is deactivated. If an acceptance response is not received, a notification is generated that includes the lack of acceptance response and the location of the communicator.

Abstract: An implementation of a system, device and method for communicating location data of a mobile station, enhancing location data, optimally communicating Assistance Data, and/or reducing rebids of Measure Position Request messages in a wireless network.

Abstract: A method is provided for acquiring a user location including, when it is required to acquire a current user location, a Location Service Client (LSC) transmitting a location service request carrying a user bearer identifier of user to a Bearer Mapping Function (BMF) through a Gateway Mobile Location Centre (GMLC), and after receiving the location service request, the BMF searching for a corresponding Interworking Packet Access Gateway (iPAG) according to the user bearer identifier, and after obtaining user location information from the iPAG, the BMF returning the user location information to the LSC through the GMLC or instructing the GMLC to obtain the user location information from the iPAG.

Abstract: A method for privacy-preserving proximity detection comprising a grid-and-hashing paradigm, an optimal grid overlay and multi-level grids, which increases the detection accuracy while saving the wireless bandwidth. Furthermore, the present invention also provided a client-side location update scheme and the server-side update handling procedure for continuous proximity detection. The present invention is efficient and scalable under various system parameters and user moving speeds, in mobile geo-social networks.

Abstract: A location engine is disclosed that estimates the location of a wireless terminal using (i) cell ID, (ii) triangulation, (iii) GPS, (iv) RF pattern-matching, or (v) any combination of them. The location engine is adept at discounting the contribution of apparently reasonable but erroneous data. The location engine receives data that are evidence of the location of a wireless terminal at each of a plurality of different times. The location engine then generates an initial hypothesis for the location of the wireless terminal at each time assuming that all of the data is correct and equally probative. Next, the location engine generates one alternative hypothesis for each initial hypothesis and each datum assuming that the datum is erroneous. Finally, the location engine generates the estimate for the location of the wireless terminal at each time by determining which combination of initial hypotheses and alternative hypothesis is the most self-consistent.

Abstract: A computer-based method for correlating relevant information from multiple entities based on contextual correspondence is described. The method includes receiving, at a computer, information relating to a plurality of the multiple entities, the information including data features and context features, correlating the data features utilizing one or more algorithms running on the computer, correlating the context features utilizing one or more algorithms running on the computer, and aggregating the plurality of the multiple entities based on both a correspondence of the data features and a correspondence of the context features for at least one of storage in a memory associated with the computer and output as data from the computer.

Abstract: A data communication apparatus capable of creating a new type of communication is provided. Motion information obtaining means 33 obtains information on the motion of an arbitrary apparatus. An other-party apparatus motion determination section 21 makes a determination as to the motion of the arbitrary apparatus on the basis of the information on the motion of the arbitrary apparatus, the information being obtained by the motion information obtaining means 33. A communication determination section 22 determines whether or not communication is to be performed with an arbitrary apparatus on the basis of the motion determination output by the other-party apparatus motion determination section 21. When it is determined by the communication determination section 22 that communication is to be performed, predetermined data communication is started with the arbitrary apparatus.

Abstract: A method and system for reporting a location of an asset. The method includes: receiving a location tracking request for the asset; dynamically determining a status of the asset; and allowing acquisition of the location of the asset based on the determined status. The method further includes: obtaining the location of the asset responsive to the received request and said allowing; and reporting the obtained location of the asset. The system includes: a reporting module for receiving a location tracking request for the asset; a status module for dynamically determining a status of the asset; and a tracking module for obtaining the location of the asset responsive to the determined status. The reporting module reports the location of the asset responsive to the received location tracking request.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for optimizing the timing of multi-mode system scans in a wireless communication environment. In one embodiment, the method may involve determining at least one of location and movement of a mobile entity (ME). The method may involve adjusting a timer between preferred system scans based on the at least one of the location and the movement of the ME. For example, determining may involve utilizing a movement sensor (e.g., an accelerometer and/or a voltage-controlled oscillator accumulator) to detect the movement of the ME, and/or receiving signals from a Global Positioning System or the like.

Abstract: A method for automatic access to a pre-reserved place may operate on a hotel reservation system, which can communicate with a user smart phone application. The method includes receiving a request from the user smart phone application to effect entry into the pre-reserved place. The request includes user data relating to the user and location data relating to the place. The location data relating to the place is obtainable by the user using the smart phone to scan a code on or in the vicinity of the place and decode the code to identify the location data relating to the place. The user data and the location data are compared with a list of pre-reserved places to identify a matching pre-reserved place. If a matching pre-reserved place is identified, a signal is automatically sent to cause the pre-reserved place to be opened to allow access by the user.

Abstract: A wireless terminal, method, and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The wireless terminal includes circuitry configured to receive a wireless signal transmitted from a base station; perform signal intensity measurement of the received wireless signal; receive, via a graphical user interface, section information that identifies a section of a building structure for which the signal intensity measurement is to be performed; and transmit measurement information acquired by the signal intensity measurement of the received wireless signal, base station identification information that indicates a base station of a transmission source of the wireless signal, and the section information. The measurement information is associated with the base station identification information and the section information.

Abstract: A system that provides content and/or ad publishers the ability to sell and target content, including “deals,” to mobile devices of users when those users and their mobile devices are located within the defined geographic zone. The content may be targeted and mass distributed to all mobile devices having a registered address within the defined geographic area. The content creator and/or content distributor can manually define the regions where they desire to distribute content by plotting vertices on a map to form a polygon enclosing a geographic region. Regions may be defined by population, retail locations, content and/or ad categories and other relevant criteria. The System User can manage the type of message delivered based upon the time of day and day of the week. Such options provide the content creator with granular management of its content based upon the defined regions established by the content creator and/or content distributor.

Abstract: An application executed within a mobile station to be triggered only by a network element, such as a mobile positioning center (MPC) or a Mobile Center (MC). The network element is coupled to a base station. The network element is responsible for authorizing an application that is either resident within the mobile station or that is run in a device that is resident elsewhere in the network. The mobile station communicates with the network element over a communication link through the base station and other infrastructure components. The mobile station will only respond to attempts to trigger particular operations (e.g., run particular applications) if the mobile station receives a short message services (SMS) message as defined by Interim Specification 637A (IS-637A) which is published by the Telecommunication Industry Association (TIA)/Electronics Industry Association (EIA). More specifically, that SMS message must include an SMS Teleservice Identifier that has a particular pre-assigned value.

Abstract: The subject matter disclosed herein relates in one particular implementation to a method, apparatus, and/or system for transmitting, by a location server, a location identifier to a mobile device. The location identifier may be transmitted from the mobile device to one or more trusted entities. Access to a location estimate of the mobile device may be selectively authorized at least partially in response to a request received at the mobile device from the location server including the location identifier.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention disclose a help-seeking method, device and system based on a location based service, which relate to the field of location based service technologies. Help-seeking information sent by a first terminal is received, and a location area of the first terminal is determined according to the help-seeking information; the help-seeking information is sent to a second terminal located in the same location area as the first terminal; and response information fed back by the second terminal is received, and the response information is sent to the first terminal. The problem that, in the prior art, help-seeking information cannot be published in time when a user terminal needs help from another user terminal in the neighborhood of the user terminal in terms of geographic location is solved. The present invention may be applied in a mobile user terminal, for example, a smart phone terminal.

Abstract: A system may enable vehicle operators to request information automatically along the route of travel by transmitting information requests, tied to the vehicle's current position, to a server. The server may store a plurality of informational files associated with particular global positioning system coordinates. Upon receipt of a request, the files associated with a particular position may be located and transmitted to the vehicle. The files may be stored as audio files so the user may listen to the files without being distracted while driving the vehicle.

Abstract: The basic idea of the invention is to separate the location area used in the RAN and the reporting area used when reporting the location of the mobile to the core network. The size of the location area is selected preferably in the RAN based on the services used by the subscriber to optimize the use of radio resources. A reporting area comprises one or a plurality of location areas. The size of a reporting area is selected based on the accuracy of location information needed in the core network. The RAN informs the core network when a subscriber moves out of his current location area. The core network and the radio access network negotiate the size of the reporting area prior to the activation of the service. Additionally, the reporting areas can be renegotiated when the service is in the active state.