Abstract: A network node (44) assists a user equipment (36) to perform positioning measurements on positioning signals (46) transmitted by one or more cells during respective positioning occasions of those cells. The node (44) selectively delays transmission of assistance data to the user equipment (36) as needed, based on defined uncertainty in one or more timing parameters, for the network node (44) to identify with certainty between which two consecutive positioning occasions of a reference cell the user equipment (36) will receive that assistance data. The node (44) correspondingly generates the assistance data to be transmitted to indicate positioning occasion timing for at least one cell relative to the latter of those two consecutive positioning occasions of the reference cell.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for improving the reporting of mobility information are disclosed. An example method, suitable for implementation in a mobile terminal such as an LTE UE, begins with the detecting (410) of a transition from idle state to connected state. The mobile terminal subsequently transmits (420) mobility information to the network in response to or in connection with the transition. The mobility information sent to the network includes one or more of several information elements or information types, including a list of recently visited cells, including information specifying a time-of-stay in each cell, or timestamp information that can be used to derive the UE's time in each cell. GPS-based speed information or other generic speed information may be included. Complementary methods for implementation in a base station and corresponding apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: A mechanism is described for facilitating proximity and context-based deduction of global positioning of computing devices according to one embodiment of the invention. A method of embodiments of the invention includes detecting wireless proximity of a plurality of computing devices with respect to a computing device, and selecting one or more of the plurality of computing devices based on their detected proximity to the computing device. The method may further include receiving contextual information from the one or more computing devices, and semantically deducing location of the computing device based on the received contextual information.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an system for displaying viewscreen information on a display in a mobile communication device, wherein the viewscreen information is related to information shown on a viewscreen, wherein the method comprise the steps of determining a direction to the viewscreen from the mobile communication device, communicating the determined direction to a server, determining, in the server, viewscreen information based on the direction to the viewscreen, wherein the viewscreen information is related to information displayed on the viewscreen, receiving viewscreen information from the server in the mobile communication device and displaying the viewscreen information on the display in the mobile communication device.

Abstract: A user's location may be tracked by tracking a device associated with the user. The user's location may be published (e.g. on a website) using a user defined name or some other name that is not related to the coordinates of the location based on the tracked location of the device. If published to a website, the name may be uploaded to the website in a user-editable area of the website, which area may or may not be directed to tracking the location of the user. The device may also be configured to trigger reminders based on whether the device is leaving an area and/or based on whether the device is approaching a location based on the location's membership in a class of locations (e.g. approaching a grocery store).

Abstract: Methods and systems for communicating information by a communication device are disclosed and may include detecting a second handheld communication device that is within range of a first handheld communication device. It may be determined whether the second handheld communication device is authorized to communicate with the first handheld communication device, based on a list of authorized devices. The list of devices may be maintained at the first handheld communication device and may be created prior to the detecting and any prior communication between the first handheld communication device and the second handheld communication device. If the second handheld communication device is authorized, a direct communication link may be established between the first handheld communication device and the second handheld communication device. The link may be established without using an intermediate communication device that includes a bridging function, a routing function, and/or a switching function.

Abstract: A method for reporting of positioning data in a communication network comprises obtaining (202) of positioning data comprising a definition of a polygon in a lateral plane with information of altitude associated to each polygon corner. The method further comprises approximating (204) the polygon with an ellipsoid point having altitude and uncertainty ellipsoid and reporting (206) of the ellipsoid point having altitude and uncertainty ellipsoid over an interface of the communication network as a representation of the positioning data. A node in a communication network comprises a report converter arranged for obtaining positioning data and approximating a polygon with an ellipsoid point having altitude and uncertainty ellipsoid.

Abstract: A method and a system for accurately positioning an electronic device located in an indoor area, generates a request signal for determining the indoor location of the device, and sends the signal to a server coupled to the device through a network. The request signal contains certain parameters pertaining thereto, including the signal strength, and the information of the cell towers through which the device sent the signal. The server uses the signal parameters to determine information pertaining to an approximate spatial position of the device, and sends and information to the device. Multiple positioning algorithms are embedded in the computing hardware of the device, and the device executes these algorithms to determine the exact indoor location thereof.

Abstract: A data sending method and apparatus are provided. In an embodiment, the method includes: detecting whether a wireless terminal has data to be sent to a wireless network side, where the data to be sent includes signaling data or user data; when a result of detecting whether the wireless terminal has data to be sent to the wireless network side is that the wireless terminal has no data to be sent, confirming that a power amplifier of the wireless terminal is in a non-working state; and when the result of detecting whether the wireless terminal has data to be sent to the wireless network side is that the wireless terminal has data to be sent, confirming that the power amplifier of the wireless terminal is in a working state.

Abstract: A secondary wireless communication device may send and receive instant messages by causing a primary wireless communication device to send and receive the messages on behalf of the secondary wireless mobile communication device through a cellular communication system. To accomplish this, the primary and secondary devices may wirelessly communicate with one another through a connection other than the cellular communication system. Synchronization of instant messages between the primary and secondary devices may be maintained whenever the devices are in communication.

Abstract: The concepts relate to radio channel utilization. One example can monitor a location of a mobile device that has both a first type of wireless capabilities and a second type of wireless capabilities. The example can determine a distance from the location of the mobile device to a location of a wireless device. The example can cause data to be transmitted from the mobile device to the wireless device at a power level based upon the distance.

Abstract: Techniques for positioning access points and terminals in WLANs and other wireless networks are described. For access point positioning, measurements are obtained for at least one access point in a WLAN. The measurements may be based on transmission sequences (e.g., beacon frames) transmitted periodically by each access point. The measurements may be made by multiple terminals at different locations or a single mobile terminal at different locations. The location of each access point is determined based on the measurements and known locations of the terminal(s). For terminal positioning, measurements for at least one access point in a WLAN are obtained. The location of the terminal is determined based on the measurements and known location of each access point. The measurements may be round trip time (RTT) measurements, observed time difference (OTD) measurements, time of arrival (TOA) measurements, signal strength measurements, signal quality measurements, etc.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to location and communication systems that can be utilized for locating people, pets and other objects with a software defined radio set. A personal electronic device (PED) such as a cellular telephone, personal data assistant (PDA) or other device that include a software defined radio set can be configured for operation as a locator device. The PED transmits a signal A transponder or micro-transponder (MT) that is tagged to an object is arranged to reply to a transmission received from the PED. The PED based locator is arranged to calculate a distance between the PED and the MT using the time-of-flight (TOF) between the transmission and the receipt of a reply. The absolute geographic position of the PED can be determined using satellite navigation information, while the position of the MT relative to the PED can be determined from the TOF information.

Abstract: A method in a network node for enabling proximity detection is presented. The network node is comprised in a wireless communications network and serves a wireless device. According to the method, the network node obtains a fingerprint of a CSG cell, or of an inter-frequency cell. The network node then transmits the fingerprint to the wireless device, thereby enabling the wireless device to determine when it is in the proximity of the cell.

Abstract: A location label may be determined for a portable electronic device. The location label may provide a textual indication of the particular location of a user of the portable electronic device, such as a restaurant name, or more generally a type of location of the user, such as simply a restaurant. The location label is determined based on a signature vector of operating environment characteristics of the portable electronic device. The operating environment characteristics may include sensor values, visible transmitters, radio connection information, executing applications or other operating environment characteristics that can have a value associated with them.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for observed time difference of arrival (OTDOA) continuity at handover. In one embodiment, the method may involve, in response to being served by a first serving cell, receiving a first set of timing offsets provided in assistance data from the network. The method may involve, in response to being handed over to a second serving cell, deriving a second set of timing offsets from the first set of timing offsets. The method may involve adjusting measured time difference of arrival (TDOA) values of detected first signals according to the first set of timing offsets, and/or adjusting measured TDOA values of detected second signals according to the second set of timing offsets.

Abstract: A system for retrieving information about a position of an inertial computing device (ICD) for use in an application, which includes a network of local positioning docks (PDs), each capable of docking an ICD by restricting three dimensions of a physical position of the ICD near one of the PDs; a database capable of storing information about the positions of the PDs within the network; a calculator capable of determining, based on a position of a positioning dock (PD), the position of the ICD; and an application programming interface (API) connected to the database and capable of outputting the position of a PD to the ICD.

Abstract: The location or changes in location of a communications device may be determined by various means, such as via a satellite navigation system, within the communications device. The location of the communications device may then be used to determine communication standard parameters needed for operation. Different countries may require different parameters for various applications, such as digital video broadcasting (DVB) and/or Bluetooth communication. The communications device may then configure itself to use the appropriate parameters for operation using the determined standards. The configuration information may be stored in the communications device. The communications device may comprise at least one radio wireless communication that may need to be updated. The wireless communication may comprise cellular communication, Internet access, and reception of audio and/or video broadcasts, where the audio/video broadcasts may be analog and/or digital.

Abstract: Methods and systems of continuously optimizing data in WiFi positioning systems. A location-based services system uses WiFi-enabled devices to monitor WiFi access points in a target area to indicate whether a WiFi access point is newly-observed. A WiFi-enabled device communicates with WiFi access points within range of the WiFi-enabled device so that observed WiFi access points identify themselves. A reference database is accessed to obtain information specifying a recorded location for each observed WiFi access point in the target area. Observed WiFi access points for which the reference database has no information specifying a corresponding recorded location are identified. The recorded location information for each of the observed WiFi access points is used to calculate the position of the WiFi-enabled device. The reference database is informed of the WiFi access points (for which there was no information in the database) and is provided the calculated position in conjunction therewith.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for processing position information in a mobile device is described. In one example, a request for a position to be computed within a predefined period of time is received. A plurality of positions is calculated within the predefined period of time. At least one of the plurality of positions is cached in a position cache. Accuracy data is derived with respect to at least one of the plurality of positions. A best position stored in the position cache is identified in response to the accuracy data. The best position may be sent to a server in communication with the mobile device.

Abstract: Implementations and techniques for changing the orientation of a user of a mobile communication device based at least in part on transmit power are generally discussed. The change in orientation of the user may reduce radiation absorbed by the user.

Abstract: A description of a user is estimated based on the context of a user's past and present locations. A disclosed data-processing system continually receives data points for each user that represent spatial and/or temporal events. These events represent, for example, presence of a person at a specific geographic location such as a geographic area or point of interest (POI). The data-processing system evaluates the received data points in relation to one or more of the geographic locations, yielding results that are also based on the demographic characteristics of each visited location and the commercial characteristics of each visited location. The data-processing system evaluates the data points also to determine patterns exhibited in each user's activity or inactivity, and patterns exhibited in the distance traveled and the type of travel. The data-processing system bases the user descriptions on the results of these evaluations.

Abstract: A method, device and circuit for determining a position of a mobile cellular communication device is disclosed. A pseudolites positioning signal is received in a first frequency band at an antenna of the mobile cellular communication device. The pseudolites signal is converted from the first frequency band to a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) frequency band to obtain a corresponding positioning signal in the GNSS frequency band. The converted positioning signal is delivered to a GNSS chipset of the mobile cellular communication device. The GNSS chipset determines the position of the mobile cellular communication device using the converted positioning signal.

Abstract: A particular first wireless device having a plurality of antennas and that is part of a group of a plurality of first wireless devices, transmits to a second wireless device (whose location is to be determined) a packet across the plurality of antennas of the particular first wireless device simultaneously with a plurality of packets transmitted by a corresponding one of other first wireless devices in the group. The packet transmitted by the particular first wireless device uses a subset of a set of subcarriers available for use in the packet such that substantially the entire set of subcarriers are used in the aggregate across the plurality of packets simultaneously transmitted by the plurality of first wireless devices in the group to the second wireless device. The simultaneous reception of the plurality of packets at the second wireless device enables the second wireless device to determine its location.

Abstract: Example methods, apparatuses, or articles of manufacture are disclosed herein that may be utilized, in whole or in part, to facilitate or support one or more operations or techniques for utilizing a reference signal for indoor positioning, such as for use in or with a mobile communication device, for example. In an implementation, a reference signal may be focused into a directed beam, for example using a phased antenna array, and rotated electronically through a sequence of directional angles in a horizontal plane. A mobile device may determine a most probable directional angle from one or more transmitters transmitting a directional beam, measure one or more parameters for each directional angle and determine a location estimate using, for example triangulation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for managing cell informations received from neighbor cells for MDT (Minimization of Drive Text) in the 3GPP system and terminal for performing the method, the terminal including a transceiver which receives cell informations transmitted by at least one neighbor base station; a controller which checks at least one cell information for generating location prediction information to check current location of the terminal among the cell informations received by the transceiver; and a memory which stores the at least one cell information for generating the location prediction information as Minimization of Drive Test (MDT) measurement sample for reporting radio environment under the control of the controller. The terminal is capable of logging the neighbor cell measurement information efficiently depending on whether the terminal logs RF fingerprint information in the idle mode.

Abstract: In one implementation, a method may comprise: storing a user profile indicative of at least one attribute of a user of a mobile station; determining a measurement value based, at least in part, on a signal from at least one sensor on the mobile station; and estimating a location of the mobile station based, at least in part, on an association of the at least one attribute and the measurement value with a context parameter map database.

Abstract: A position fix of a mobile device is computed based, at least in part, on a plurality of data items. A metric that is indicative of a reliability of the position fix may be generated based, at least in part, on a number of independent ones of the data items and/or an indication of reliability of at least one of the data items. In at least one implementation, the plurality of data items may include SPS satellite signals and/or pseudoranges and an externally obtained position.

Abstract: A position estimation apparatus acquires, for base devices, the number of hops from a target sensor node to a base device. The position estimation apparatus calculates, for each base device, a distribution of estimated distances corresponding to the total hops, based on the number of hops and a distribution of estimated distances stored in a storage device. The position estimation apparatus calculates, for each base device, a distribution of estimated positions within a given region, based on the distribution of estimated distances, information concerning a range of the given region, and information concerning a position of the base device. The position estimation apparatus calculates an index that indicates a probability of a position of the target sensor node within the given region, based on the sum of distributions of estimated positions concerning the base stations.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems are described for using multiple measurements including Doppler measurements from a mobile device to identify the position of the base station. Repeated Doppler and velocity measurements from different locations, with measurement groups taken at the same time or within a certain time frame, may be used to identify the location of a base station with which the mobile device is communicating.

Abstract: A portable terminal device includes a display module which can be set to be in a see-through state that a user can see-through a scenery behind, a display control module which controls the display module, a storage module which stores a destination position, a position obtaining module which obtains a current position, and a comparison module which compares the destination position and the current position. Then, the display control module displays information showing the destination position on the display module according to a comparison result of the comparison module, and sets a display area other than information showing the destination position on the display module to be in the see-through state.

Abstract: Techniques presented herein disclose handover using increased probability of the fast ranging success. Propagation delay of the RF signal transmitted from an MS to a target BS may be estimated based on a known propagation delay to a current serving BS and a relative difference in propagation delays to the current serving BS and the target BS, for example, as indicated by different receive times of preamble sequences transmitted from the current serving BS and the target BS.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for determining position of a target device relative to a mobile structure are disclosed. The method includes obtaining measurements by the target device with respect to a plurality of radio beacons, determining whether the target device is on the mobile structure using the measurements, and determining location of the target device relative to the mobile structure using the measurements. The method of determining whether the target device is on the mobile structure includes at least one of comparing motion of target device with motion of mobile structure, detecting mobile radio beacon(s) on the mobile structure from the target device over a period of time, comparing velocity and location of the target device with respect to velocity and location of the mobile structure, comparing measurements obtained by target device from the plurality of radio beacons, and comparing locations obtained by target device from the plurality of radio beacons.

Abstract: In a method in association with a communication system a request for a connection is signaled between a user equipment and another party. The requested connection is then analyzed. Subsequent to detection that location information is required in association with the requested connection, a process for determining information about the location of the user equipment is activated. First information in association with the determining process is communicated on a control plane between the user equipment and the communication system, while second information in association with the determining process is communicated on a user plane between the user equipment and the communication system. An arrangement in association with location services and a user equipment capable of providing location information is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of tracking a first wireless communications device using another computing device, such as a second wireless communications device, includes obtaining current position data for the first wireless communications device and obtaining one or more of speed data, time data, and path data for the first wireless communications device. The first wireless device then transmits the current position data and at least one of the speed data, time data and path data to the second wireless communications device or other computing device. In addition to current position data, the speed, path and time data facilitate tracking of the first wireless communications device. When a first mobile user wants a second mobile user to follow him, the first mobile user can put his device in “follow me” (tracking) mode. This is particularly useful when the first and second mobile users are traveling in respective cars or other vehicles.

Abstract: A system and method for providing localization and mapping within an environment includes at least one mobile device adapted to be moved within the environment. The at least one mobile device includes an inertial measurement unit and at least one radio frequency receiver. The at least one mobile device detects inertial measurements through the inertial measurement unit and values of signal strength through the at least one radio frequency receiver. The system and method also includes a localization module that provides simultaneous localization and mapping of the at least one mobile device within the environment based at least on the inertial measurements detected by the inertial measurement unit and the values of signal strength detected by the at least one radio frequency receiver.

Abstract: Method and arrangement in a base station, a user equipment and a positioning node, for sending, and obtaining, respectively, a value of a propagation delay of a signal. The signal is sent to the base station from a user equipment. The base station and the user equipment are comprised within a wireless communication system. Also, the base station and the user equipment are adapted to exchange wireless signals. The method is characterized by the step of receiving a signal sent from the user equipment. The method is further characterized by the step of measuring the value of the signal propagation delay of the received signal. Still further, the method is characterized by the step of sending the measured value to the equipment and/or to a positioning node comprised within the wireless communication system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for minimizing potential security problems and battery power usage in a tracking device used in tracking an associated product while being transported along a route wherein wireless communication may be nonexistent or intermittent. This is accomplished in part by having an accessible database of signal quality and strength at a large plurality of locations along given transportation routes whereby adjustments can be made as to the times for the tracking device to obtain GPS location information as well as for times to report any location and or product status data to a remotely located central station. The ability to predict when, along a transportation route communication problems may occur provides the opportunity to notify appropriate authorities in advance of arriving at the communication gap zones whereby arrangements can be made to alleviate potential problems during transportation through wireless communication “gap or dead” zones.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for accurately determining whether a mobile electronic device associated with a user is at a meeting location comprise: initiating a scan for a first beacon signal emanating from a first beacon located at the meeting location; detecting the first beacon signal; confirming that the mobile electronic device is within a predetermined proximity of the first beacon based on the first beacon signal; and responsive to confirming that the mobile electronic device is within a predetermined proximity of the first beacon activating a trigger system enabling further resolution of the proximity of the mobile electronic device to the meeting location, wherein the trigger system is located at an entry to the meeting location, and activating a confirmation system to confirm that the mobile electronic device is at the meeting location.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems, apparatus, devices, methods, computer program products, and other implementations, including a method of controlling navigation tasks on a mobile device that includes obtaining data representative of a route of travel for the mobile device, obtaining a list of navigation tasks associated with the route of travel for the mobile device, and performing one or more navigation tasks in accordance with the list of navigation tasks based, at least in part, on proximity of the mobile device to one or more points on the route of travel. Performing the one or more navigation tasks includes one or more of, for example, obtaining satellite positioning assistance data in response to a determination that the mobile device is transitioning from an indoor area to an outdoor area, and/or establishing a communication link with an access point.

Abstract: Systems for and methods of determining likelihood of atypical transmission characteristics of reference points in a positioning system are disclosed. A method of determining a measure of likelihood that a designated wireless device exhibits signal transmission characteristics atypical of a wireless device of a type matching the designated device includes determining reference points associated with the designated device, which are a geographic position at which signals from the designated device were detected and/or another wireless device from which signals were also detected by a receiver within a selected period of time during which the signals from the designated device were detected.

Abstract: A mobile device communicates position samples of one or more reference position with respect to one or more other communication device such as access points to a location server communicatively coupled to a reference database. The location server determines whether to utilize the one or more reference position in the reference position database based on the communicated samples. The mobile device scans the position samples, which indicate position information of the one or more other communication device and/or whether the position information is reliable for use. The scanned position samples are accumulated and transmitted to the location server. The location server updates records for the one or more reference positions with respect to the one or more other communication device in the reference position database based on the accumulated position samples received. The updated records are utilized to determine a fast position fix for the position device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for recommending photogenic locations to visit are provided. One aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a computer-implemented method for recommending photogenic locations. The method includes receiving a signal indicative of a geographic location at which a client device is located. The method further includes determining whether the geographic location is within a threshold distance from at least one of a plurality of photogenic locations. Each of the plurality of photogenic locations can have been identified by clustering a plurality of photographs based on geographic proximity. The method includes transmitting a prompt to the client device when the geographic location is within the threshold distance from at least one of the plurality of photogenic locations. The prompt can indicate the existence of the at least one photogenic location that is within the threshold distance from the geographic location.

Abstract: A wireless communications device includes a radiofrequency transceiver having a wireless voice channel for transmitting and receiving voice communications and a separate wireless data channel for concurrently transmitting and receiving other data. The wireless communications device also includes a memory operatively connected to a processor for processing current location data received over the data channel from another communications device with which the wireless communications device is simultaneously communicating on the voice channel. The wireless communications further includes a display for displaying a phone screen during a voice call, the phone screen presenting call-related information. A map is displayed on the phone screen during the voice call, the map presenting a location current of the other communications device based on the current location data received over the data channel. Optionally, the map can also show the current location of the wireless communications device.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a radio device is provided. The radio device may include a signal transmitter configured to transmit a plurality of signals, the signals being transmitted with different intensities; a response receiver configured to receive a response message to one of the transmitted signals from a radio communication device having received the respective transmitted signal of the plurality of transmitted signals, the response message identifying the received message; and a assessment circuit configured to assess the reachability of the radio communication device from the radio device based on the intensity of the signal to which the radio communication device has responded.

Abstract: Provided are a terminal having a radio frequency identification (RFID) function and a method of processing information of the terminal for allowing intuitive interaction between a screen manipulation and an RFID manipulation with respect to using an RFID related service. The method of processing the information of the terminal including a screen and an RFID recognition unit, includes detecting a screen area corresponding to a position of the RFID recognition unit disposed at a predetermined position of the screen; displaying an RFID icon at a position of the detected screen area; recording information in an RFID tag based on the RFID tag contacting the RFID icon, and recognizing the information from the RFID tag the RFID tag contacting the RFID icon.

Abstract: A method and system for handling position determination devices and related position in mobile equipment is described.

Abstract: Described are a system and method of managing a real-time communication initiated to a mobile communications device. A communication from an originating communications device is sensed as being directed to a first destination address corresponding to a mobile communications device. Location information of the mobile communications device is determined. The communication is directed to a second destination address based on the determined location of the mobile communications device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for indoor/outdoor transition detection of devices to improve selection of the navigation algorithms. A mobile device can scan resources such as radio frequency (RF) sources in its vicinity and compare the scanned resources with a set of indoor-only resources to determine whether the mobile device is located inside a structure (e.g., indoor) or outside the structure (e.g., outdoor). The techniques provide an apparatus and method to determine when a device transitions between indoor and outdoor to efficiently use appropriate algorithm for positioning and/or navigation.

Abstract: A method of providing location option control for Minimization of Drive Test (MDT) in LTE systems is provided. In one embodiment, a UE or an eNB receives an MDT location request that comprises an MDT location option configuration having one or more location options. The UE or eNB determines a first location option based on the MDT location option configuration and initiates positioning for MDT measurements, reporting, and logging according to the first location option. In one novel aspect, each location option is associated with a priority. In addition to MDT measurements, reporting, and logging, a UE determines the best positioning procedure from a list of available location options. In one novel aspect, under a specific positioning objective, the UE prioritizes the list of available location options based on the signal strength and/or quality of cellular and WLAN signals.