Abstract: According to certain aspects, the invention provides a method of achieving near-fingerprinting accuracy without fingerprinting database costs, via parametric representation of training data. In embodiments, this is achieved by using a parametric representation for the training data and limiting the region of applicability of the parametric model in order to mimic fingerprinting. According to certain additional aspects, an algorithm according to principles of the invention includes two separate parts, training and positioning. Training encompasses the derivation of the parametric model and region of applicability. This comprises access point position, propagation model and the window of applicability. Positioning covers the use of the derived model along with a set of fresh observations to generate a position estimate.

Abstract: Methods, program products, and systems for selective location determination are described. A mobile device can determine a location of the mobile device using various techniques. When there is a conflict between the locations determined using different techniques, the mobile device can select a most trustworthy location from the locations, and designate the most trustworthy location as a current location of the mobile device. The mobile device can determine a first location of the mobile device (e.g., a coarse location) using a cell identifier (cell ID) of a cellular network. The mobile device can determine a second location of the mobile device (e.g., a fine location) using one or more media access control (MAC) addresses of a WLAN. The first location and second location can be associated with confidence values that can indicate trustworthiness of the first location and second location.

Abstract: Different emergency alert messages may be provided to different mobile devices within a common geographic region subdivided into a plurality of inner regions. Each inner region may have different emergency alert messages and may be geographically located inside another region.

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 method of transmitting a scheduling request in a wireless communication system is provided. The method includes: transmitting a scheduling request signal by a relay station to a base station in a first subframe; and transmitting data by the relay station to the base station in a second subframe, wherein the scheduling request signal includes allocation information on the second subframe in which the data is transmitted. Accordingly, data can be effective transmitted between the relay station and the base station in the wireless communication system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a site-specific activity at a plurality of remote locations, for example, the inspection of geographically remote equipment or the gathering of data for a census. A mobile operator transports a portable tool to a plurality of locations where a site-specific activity is to be conducted. The portable tool includes a location detection device. Processing of data using the portable tool is enabled only when the portable tool is located proximate a designated site, as determined by the location detection device. In various embodiments, the enabled site-specific activity may include data recordation, data transmission, data reception, data processing, and/or the display of a data entry form.

Abstract: First party geolocation data is obtained along with data indicating one or more contact parties associated with the first party. A relevant contact party radius from the geolocation of the first party is defined such that any contact parties within the relevant contact party radius are considered relevant contact parties with respect to the first party. Contact party geolocation data indicating the geolocation of at least one of the contact parties is then obtained. The first party geolocation data and the contact party geolocation data is then analyzed to identify any relevant contact parties within the relevant contact party radius. When a relevant contact party is identified, contact data for the identified relevant contact party is obtained and/or accessed and provided to one or more applications associated with the first party computing system.

Abstract: Method and arrangement in a network node 302 for improving conditions for ground-based positioning of mobile terminals 310 in a wireless communication system. The method and arrangement concerns adaptation of an antenna arrangement 308 associated with the network node 302, so that a virtual positioning cell 306 is formed in a positioning radio resource, in which positioning reference signals are transmitted or received.

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: An information processing device, includes: a memory configured to store data of one or more indices of radio quality at a plurality of points; and a processor coupled to the memory and configured to: identify one or more points among the plurality of points other than a current location of a mobile terminal that requests communication, and determine whether to permit the communication based on statistical information obtained from the one or more indices of the radio quality at the one or more points.

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: 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: 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: A system and method for determining locations of a plurality of radio frequency (RF) signal sources. The method includes receiving RF signals from the RF signal sources, and determining locations of the RF signal sources based on the received RF signals. The method also includes determining an anchor having an absolute location identified by map data, and then adjusting the determined locations of the RF signal sources based on the anchor.

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: Accurate position capability can be quickly provided using a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN). When associated with a WLAN, a wireless device can quickly determine its relative and/or coordinate position based on information provided by an access point in the WLAN. Before a wireless device disassociates with the access point, the WLAN can periodically provide time, location, and decoded GPS data to the wireless device. In this manner, the wireless device can significantly reduce the time to acquire the necessary GPS satellite data (i.e. on the order of seconds instead of minutes) to determine its coordinate position.

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 radio communication system (100) provides a radio air interface at a master node (102) for subscriber units associated with the master node. Among the subscriber units are several slave nodes (104, 106). The communication system has the ability to operate as a secondary user in unused spectrum portions of a frequency band otherwise reserved for primary operators. The master node accesses an authorization server (108) to obtain a list of unused channels in the region of the master node. Each slave node also contacts the authorization server to obtain a list of unused channels in the region where each respective slave node is located, via another network (118, 121). The unused channels common to the slave nodes and the master node are used to create a backup radio operating parameter list which is used by the master node if a fault occurs between the master node the authorization server.

Abstract: A method, computer code product for limiting a wireless communication device to a specified geographic zone. The device is configured to connect to a subscriber device in a subscriber network and determine if the subscriber device is on a list of preapproved subscriber devices in the specified geographic zone. The device can also be configured to determine if it is connected to a subscriber device on at least one neighbor list of approved subscriber devices. If the device is connected to a subscriber device on the preapproved list or a neighbor list, the device is permission as if it is in the geographic zone. Additional subscriber devices can be added to the neighbor list(s) when the device is handed off from an approved subscriber device based on the previous subscriber device to which the device was connected.

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 modular data processing system (200) for processing communication session data from a cellular mobile communications system (210) comprises at least two autonomous data processing units (340). The autonomous data processing units (340) are arranged in parallel, and are operable simultaneously. Each data processing unit (340) receives and processes raw communication session data from an associated set of controllers of the cellular mobile communications system (210). At least one data collection subsystem (215) supplies the raw communication session data to the at least two autonomous data processing units (340), for calls made within the coverage area of the set of controllers associated with the data processing unit. Processed data may be available more rapidly with the invention. The invention is scalable, and the system may expand as a cellular mobile communications system grows.

Abstract: A cellular communication network has a mobile switching center (MSC) that maintains a GPS location data of a mobile handset referenced by a mobile identification number (MIN) and an electronic serial number (ESN) in addition to a geographic cell number in an HLR database for handsets operating in the network. The GPS location data of the handset may be used for efficient paging to a specific cell to route incoming calls to the handset, route emergency responder calls with the physical location of the handset and to program the handset with the handset transmission strength to the nearest cell tower In lieu of using triangulation algorithm.

Abstract: A distributed antenna system wirelessly receives an overhead signal having a network identifier. The antenna system replaces the network identifier with a first pseudo-network identifier and with a second pseudo-network identifier. The antenna system wirelessly transmits the network overhead signal having the first pseudo-network identifier from a first coverage antenna at a first location. The first pseudo-network identifier is associated with first information associated with the first location. The antenna system wirelessly transmits the network overhead signal having the second pseudo-network identifier from a second coverage antenna at a second location. The second pseudo-network identifier is associated with second information associated with the second location. User communication devices may receive and translate the pseudo-network identifiers into the information for their respective location.

Abstract: A method of determining the location of a mobile device in a communications network having a plurality of nodes, one of the plural nodes serving the device. Observed positioning measurements for a mobile device may be received from the serving node and uplink enhanced cell identification (E-CID) positioning measurements received from the mobile device. One or more ranges between ones of the plural nodes and the mobile device may then be determined as a function of the received observed positioning measurements and the received uplink E-CID positioning measurements. A geographic location of the mobile device may then be estimated as a function the determined one or more ranges.

Abstract: The subject matter disclosed herein relates to a system and method for determining indoor context information relating to a location of a mobile device. Indoor context information may be utilized by a mobile device or a network element to obtain an estimate of a location of the mobile device within an indoor environment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of selective paging in cellular mobile networks, in particular to a method, an apparatus, and a network node for use in selectively paging a user equipment (UE) in a plurality of cells in which the UE is estimated to be located. Accordingly, a method in a network node in a wireless communication network for use in paging a UE in a plurality of cells is provided. The method comprises: determining, for the plurality of cells, the number of observations that is made of the UE in each of a number of sets of cells among said plurality of cells; determining a paging sequence for the UE in the plurality of cells based on said determined number of observations in each of said sets of cells; and enabling paging of the UE in the plurality of cells according to the determined paging sequence.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods, nodes, arrangements and articles of manufacture to automatically identify unknown identities of a target. The method comprises the following steps: positioning indicators indicating presence of a known identity of the target in at least one location are periodically collected; —at least one mobile network is interrogated and lists of identities of users located in defined target areas, each area covering at least one of the collected positioning indicators, are fetched; —a crosscheck between the fetched lists is performed; a single or restricted number of identities that is common to the fetched lists is identified.

Abstract: A method, performed in a positioning node of a wireless communication system, for positioning reporting in the wireless communication system comprises providing (210) of first positioning data of a first format in three dimensions. The first format represents a polygon with corner points. The corner points have coordinates in three dimensions. The first positioning data is transformed (220) into second positioning data of a second format. The second format represents the first positioning data as a representation of an elliptic cylinder that is centered around a center point and has an elliptic base in a base plane. The second positioning data is reported (230) over an interface of the wireless communication system.

Abstract: Analytic and tracking systems and methods are described that use over-the-air identifiers (OTAIs) of mobile devices for tracking, dispatch, identification, etc. In particular, the analytic and tracking systems and methods can include various OTAI sensors that are communicatively coupled to a server and with one another. The OTAI sensors are configured to identify proximate mobile devices concurrent with at least one additional piece of information. The analytic and tracking systems and methods can process identified mobile devices and the additional pieces of information for a plurality of applications.

Abstract: A wireless communication device transmits location information associated with a mobile worker at a first interval when the worker is assigned to a work task. When the worker is not working on the work task, the wireless communication device does not transmit location information, or transmits the location information less persistently. In this manner, business value of tracking mobile worker location is achieved while also allowing for enhanced privacy for the mobile worker when not working on a work task.

Abstract: A system enables interactive socialization of users having a wireless device at a venue. The system includes a registration mechanism for registering a user. A location determination mechanism comprises a global positioning system that identifies the longitude and latitude of other users. An on-location update mechanism publishes the availability of the service at a given venue. A data mechanism runs a list of active sessions against a user compatibility engine. A notification is transmitted to each user that contains a compatibility match listing compatible users at the venue. Intercommunication among users is provided through the system/application, whereby a user receives the compatibility match notification and can respond with a message, block or ignore based on a compatibility assessment. The subject system or application may be used for a dating aid for meeting others, or to create networking opportunities.

Abstract: A method and system for increasing accuracy of wireless based Real-Time Location System (RTLS) devices is disclosed. The method comprising determining whether a mobile device is in a dampening state and determining a wireless dampening factor if the mobile device is in the dampening state. The dampening factor is applied to a plurality of wireless signal strength readings to correct inaccurate readings caused by the dampened state. The system comprises a sensor module for determining whether a mobile device is in a dampening state, and a dampening factor calculator for determining a dampening factor, when the mobile device is in the dampening state.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for triggering location estimation of mobile stations in a geographic region of interest. The disclosed system includes a list of International Mobile Subscriber Identities (“IMSI”) used to track which mobile stations are to have location estimates generated, a database of Network Measurement Reports (“NMR”) used for generating the location estimates, and a location engine. The system operates as a group of concurrently executing processes that i) process IMSIs and NMRs that are extracted by and received from probes that monitor communication links; ii) generate location estimates of mobile stations in the region of interest, based on a sequential indexing of the IMSI list; iii) maintain the freshness of the NMR database; and iv) maintain the freshness of the IMSI list. These processes operate such that the triggering of the location estimations occurs asynchronously with respect to the detection of information on the communication links.

Abstract: A method of controlling a base station is disclosed. Wireless signals received by the wireless terminal are checked for connection information indicating an attempt to connect to a second base station. The method determines whether the wireless terminal is located in a coverage area periphery of the base station in based on receiving the wireless signals, if the wireless signals indicate the attempt to connect to the second base station. The registration status of the wireless terminal is checked by the first base station, if the wireless terminal is located in the coverage area periphery.

Abstract: Techniques for using wireless devices to implement sensor networks are described. For cognitive radio, a wireless device obtains measurements for a first system (e.g., a broadcast system) with which the wireless device is not in communication. The wireless device sends the measurements and associated location information and/or timestamps via a second system (e.g., a cellular system). A server receives measurements from a number of wireless devices and determines the coverage of the first system based on the measurements. For other applications, a wireless device obtains sensor information from at least one sensor at the wireless device and sends the sensor information and associated location information and/or timestamps via a wireless system. A server receives the sensor information and associated information from a number of wireless devices, aggregates the sensor information, and constructs a map. The wireless device may develop a user profile based on the sensor information and associated information.

Abstract: The security level and/or other device behavior, configurations, or settings on a mobile device can be modified based on the location of the mobile device. The location of the mobile device can be determined by analyzing location aspects present at a location, where any parameters or attributes of a location that can assist in identifying a particular location may be used as location aspects. In a setup process, the mobile device identifies available aspects at a location and can use the available aspects to determine a location context associated with a location. In a use example, the device identifies available aspects at a location and determines whether the available aspects match a previously defined location context. If the available aspects match the previously defined location context, device behavior, configurations, or settings on a mobile device can be modified.

Abstract: In accordance with one example embodiment of the present invention a method comprises at least partially enabling a set of functionalities and attributes related to a geofenced session area, wherein at least some of those attributes are associated, at least in part, with analytics pertaining to permanence of users within said geofenced session area.

Abstract: A locator device and system including (a) a beacon, configured to be located via a wireless means; and (b) an adhesive means, adapted to adhere the beacon to a substantially flat surface, wherein the beacon is configured to be tracked by a mobile device running a mobile application adapted to locate the beacon via the wireless means.

Abstract: The subject matter disclosed herein relates to a system and method for determining indoor context information relating to a location of a mobile device. Indoor context information may be utilized by a mobile device or a network element to obtain an estimate of a location of the mobile device within an indoor environment.

Abstract: Enhancements of and to cell phone operations are based in whole or in part on determining the location of the cell phone. Systems and methods select and determine locations or areas of importance or relevance, and based on that information and other programmed factors affect or alter the operations of the cell phone. While the systems and methods are illustrated by use of cell phone embodiments and applications, they are equally applicable to virtually any portable or mobile communication device, including for example, wireless laptop computers and PDAs.

Abstract: A method and a system for storing a constant path loss exponent corresponding to free space; transmitting a signal; receiving the signal via a rake receiver of a user device; identifying a maximum received signal strength based on a signal strength associated with the signal relative to fingers of the rake receiver; storing a current maximum received signal strength value; determining whether the current maximum received signal strength value is a first maximum received signal strength value; calculating a current indoor position of the user device based on the constant path loss exponent and the current maximum received signal strength value when a determination is that the current maximum received signal strength value is the first maximum received signal strength value; and outputting the current indoor position.

Abstract: A method for detecting a collector device in an indoor area associated with imaging devices covering the area includes a plurality of collector devices emitting markers to the imaging devices coupled to a server. The imaging devices capture the images of the collector devices including the markers. The images are processed in order to determine the current positions of the collector devices corresponding to the markers. The server and the collector device communicate with each other and match a current position corresponding to the collector device among the plurality of collector devices.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer program products for use with a wireless communication network. A fixed communication network includes a device server and a fixed information technology (IT) device coupled with the device server. A mobile communication device is coupled by the wireless communication network with the device server and with the IT device. The device server is configured to store identification information for the IT device. The mobile communication device is configured to determine a current location of the mobile communication device, to request the identification information for the IT device from the device server over the wireless communication network, to receive the identification information for the IT device over the wireless communication network from the device server, and to transmit a service request, based upon the identification information, over the wireless communication network to the IT device.

Abstract: A radio site controller is configured to dynamically activate adjacent radio sites by first identifying, based at least on a current location of a subscriber unit in a currently activated first radio site, a currently de-activated second radio site located adjacent to the first radio site, and subsequent activating the identified second radio site. The identified second radio site may be a single de-activated adjacent second radio site, all de-activated adjacent second radio sites, or a subset of de-activated adjacent second radio sites based on a subscriber unit travel direction determination.

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: Included are embodiments for determining data for at least one geographic zone. At least one embodiment of a method includes determining a geographic zone for monitoring and receiving data related to a contact of a user entering the geographic zone. Some embodiments include providing an indication, to the user, that the contact of the user is currently located in the determined geographic zone.

Abstract: An integrated communication system comprises a first communication device connected to a second communication device using a data link. When the first communication device is out of network, a dispatch center can indicate to the use a communication is waiting or wanted by sending a communication request signal to the second communication device. The second communication device transmits the communication request signal to the first communication device over the data link alerting the user of the first communication device to the requested communication.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described herein for determining whether a user device is within a geofenced region using lower powered location tracking techniques. In one instance, the user device may determine the minimum distances to geofenced regions. The user device may track the distance between locations and compare those distances to the minimum distances to determine the likelihood the user device is within one of the geofenced regions.

Abstract: A mobile communication system process a query of a location-based service. More particularly, an apparatus and a method reduce communication processes for an unnecessary query by expanding a resident domain with a query type. The apparatus includes a server for expanding a resident domain comprising a query to be operated by the moving object when the location-based service is used and the moving object for reducing the number of communications with the server according to the expansion of the resident domain.