Use of Radio Access Technology Diversity for Location

• US 20100120435A1
• Filed: 11/11/2008
• Published: 05/13/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 11/11/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Skyhook Holding, Inc. (Liberty Broadband Corp.)
• Original Assignee: TruePosition Incorporated
• Inventors: Anderson, Robert J., Mia, Rashidus S.
• Granted Patent: US 7,974,627 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 455/440
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 64/003 locating network equipment
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/06 adapted for operation in multiple networks or having at least two operational modes, e.g. multi-mode terminals

Abstract

Various aspects are disclosed herein for determining a location estimate for multi-mode mobile devices using measurements from one or more radio access technologies and providing a combined location solution. Using the multiple radio access technology capability of the wireless communications system, a mobile communications device may be located on a first radio network characterized by a first radio modulation technique, radio network topology, and channel bandwidth. The mobile communications device may then be handed off to a second radio network and located using a second radio network characterized by a second radio modulation technique, radio network topology, and channel bandwidth. The two location estimates may then be used to develop a combined location estimate.

Claims

1. A method for locating a multi-mode mobile communications device in a wireless communications system employing a plurality of radio access technologies, wherein the wireless communications system supports a radio access technology handover mechanism, the method comprising:

receiving first radio signal information from the multi-mode mobile communications device at a first group of sensor stations using a first radio access technology;

causing a handover of the multi-mode mobile communications device to a second group of sensor stations;

receiving second radio signal information from the multi-mode mobile communications device at the second group of sensor stations using a second radio access technology; and

determining a combined location estimate as a function of said first and second radio signal information.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein said first and second radio access technologies differ in at least one of a modulation technique, a radio network topology, or a channel bandwidth.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein said first and second radio access technologies differ in a modulation technique, a radio network topology, and a channel bandwidth

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising executing, prior to said causing a handover, a process to determine whether to cause the handover.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein said process is based on predetermined rules.

6. The method of claim 4, wherein said process is based on a location event type.

7. The method of claim 4, wherein said process is based on a dynamic quality of service information analysis.

8. The method of claim 4, wherein said process is based on a quality of the first radio signal information.

9. The method of claim 4, wherein said process is based on location error factors.

10. The method of claim 4, wherein said process is based on a past history of location determination using the first and second sensor station groups.

11. The method of claim 4, wherein said process is based on network topology of the first and second sensor station groups.

12. The method of claim 4, wherein said process is based on location determination capabilities of the first and second sensor station groups.

13. The method of claim 4, wherein said second group of sensor stations is selected based on wireless location technology available in each sensor station of said second group.

14. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

determining a first probable position of the multi-mode mobile communications device based on analysis of said first radio signal information;

determining a second probable position of the multi-mode mobile communications device based on analysis of said second radio signal information; and

determining a combined location estimate as a function of said first and second probable positions.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein said determining the first probable position or said determining the second probable position is performed using time difference of arrival (TDOA) techniques.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein said determining the first probable position or said determining the second probable position is performed using angle of arrival (AOA) techniques.

17. The method of claim 14, further comprises mathematically combining the first and second probable positions to determine said combined location estimate.

18. The method of claim 1, wherein said determining the combined location estimate further comprises selecting a best location estimate as a function of quality metrics.

19. The method of claim 1, further comprising transmitting said combined location estimate to a network node in response to a pre-set trigger.

20. The method of claim 1, further comprising transmitting said combined location estimate to a network node in response to a prior location request.

21. The method of claim 1, wherein said first radio signal information is received during a call in progress or data session in progress

22. The method of claim 21, wherein the first radio signal information is received on a traffic channel.

23. The method of claim 1, further comprising analyzing mobile device originated calls for indication of an emergency services call.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein said second radio signal information is received during said emergency services call.

25. The method of claim 14, wherein:

said first radio signal information is received on a first control channel;

said second radio signal information is received on a second control channel; and

said determining the second probable position is performed before a conversation state or data session is initiated for the multi-mode mobile communications device.

26. The method of claim 4, further comprising receiving an indication of a pending handover, wherein said process is based on said indication.

27. The method of claim 1, wherein said first and second groups comprise at least one common sensor station and the at least one common sensor station is capable of using both first and second radio access technologies.

28. A system for locating a multi-mode mobile communications device, comprising:

a first group of sensor stations using a first radio access technology and configured to receive first radio signal information from a multi-mode mobile communications device using the first radio access technology;

a second group of sensor stations using a second radio access technology and configured to receive second radio signal information from the multi-mode mobile communications device using the second radio access technology, wherein said first and second groups may comprise common sensor stations;

a first subsystem comprising at least one processor and at least one storage medium communicatively coupled to said at least one processor, the storage medium having stored therein computer-executable instructions for instructing the processor to implement a radio access technology handover mechanism;

a second subsystem comprising at least one processor and at least one storage medium communicatively coupled to said at least one processor, the storage medium having stored therein computer-executable instructions for instructing the processor in performing the following steps;

receiving said first radio signal information;

transmitting a request for a radio access technology handover;

receiving said second radio signal information; and

determining a combined location estimate as a function of said first and second radio signal information.

29. The system of claim 28, wherein said first and second radio access technologies differ in at least one of a modulation technique, a radio network topology, or a channel bandwidth.

30. The system of claim 28, wherein said first and second radio access technologies differ in a modulation technique, a radio network topology, and a channel bandwidth

31. The system of claim 28, wherein said second subsystem further comprises instructions for executing, prior to said transmitting the request, a process to determine whether to transmit the request.

32. The system of claim 31, wherein said process is based on predetermined rules.

33. The system of claim 31, wherein said process is based on a location event type.

34. The system of claim 31, wherein said process is based on a dynamic quality of service information analysis.

35. The system of claim 31, wherein said process is based on a quality of the first location.

36. The system of claim 31, wherein said process is based on location error factors.

37. The system of claim 31, wherein said process is based on a past history of location determination using the first and second sensor station groups.

38. The system of claim 31, wherein said process is based on network topology of the first and second sensor station groups.

39. The system of claim 31, wherein said process is based on location determination capabilities of the first and second sensor station groups.

40. The system of claim 28, wherein said second group of sensor stations is selected based on wireless location technology available in each sensor station of said second group.

41. The system of claim 28, further comprising instructions for:

determining a first probable position of the multi-mode mobile communications device based on analysis of said first radio signal information;

determining a second probable position of the multi-mode mobile communications device based on analysis of said second radio signal information; and

determining a combined location estimate as a function of said first and second probable positions.

42. The system of claim 41, wherein said determining the first probable position or said determining the second probable position is performed using time difference of arrival (TDOA) techniques.

43. The system of claim 41, wherein said determining the first probable position or said determining the second probable position is performed using angle of arrival (AOA) techniques.

44. The system of claim 41, wherein said determining the combined location estimate further comprises mathematically combining the first and second probable positions.

45. The system of claim 28, wherein said determining the combined location estimate further comprises selecting a best location estimate as a function of quality metrics.

46. The system of claim 28, further configured to transmit said combined location estimate to a network node in response to a pre-set trigger.

47. The system of claim 28, further configured to transmit said combined location estimate to a network node in response to a prior location request.

48. The system of claim 28, wherein said second radio signal information is received during a call in progress or data session in progress

49. The system of claim 48, wherein said second radio signal information is received on a traffic channel.

50. The system of claim 28, further comprising at least one subsystem configured to analyze mobile device originated calls for indication of an emergency services call.

51. The system of claim 50, wherein said second radio signal information is received during said emergency services call.

52. The system of claim 41, wherein:

said first radio signal information is received on a first control channel;

said second radio signal information is received on a second control channel; and

said determining the second probable position is performed before a conversation state or data session is initiated for the multi-mode mobile communications device.

53. The system of claim 31, wherein said second subsystem further comprises instructions for receiving an indication of a pending handover, wherein said process is based on said indication.

54. The system of claim 28, wherein said first and second groups comprise at least one common sensor station and the at least one common sensor station is capable of using both first and second radio access technologies.

55. A method for locating a multi-mode mobile communications device in a wireless communications system employing a plurality of radio access technologies, wherein the wireless communications system supports a radio access technology handover mechanism, the method comprising:

receiving first radio signal information, wherein said first radio signal information is received from the multi-mode mobile communications device at a first group of sensor stations using a first radio technology;

transmitting a message indicating a request for a handover of the multi-mode mobile communications device to a second group of sensor stations;

receiving second radio signal information, wherein said second radio signal information is received from the multi-mode mobile communications device at the second group of sensor stations using a second radio access technology, wherein said first and second groups may comprise common sensor stations; and

determining a combined location estimate as a function of said first and second radio signal information.

56. The method of claim 55, wherein said first and second radio access technologies differ in at least one of a modulation technique, a radio network topology, and a channel bandwidth.

57. The method of claim 55, wherein said first and second radio access technologies differ in a modulation technique, a radio network topology, and a channel bandwidth

58. The method of claim 55, further comprising executing, prior to said transmitting the message, a process to determine whether to transmit the message.

59. The method of claim 58, wherein said process is based on predetermined rules.

60. The method of claim 58, wherein said process is based on a location event type.

61. The method of claim 58, wherein said process is based on a dynamic quality of service information analysis.

62. The method of claim 58, wherein said process is based on a quality of the first location.

63. The method of claim 58, wherein said process is based on location error factors.

64. The method of claim 58, wherein said process is based on a past history of location determination using the first and second sensor station groups.

65. The method of claim 58, wherein said process is based on network topology of the first and second sensor station groups.

66. The method of claim 58, wherein said process is based on location determination capabilities of the first and second sensor station groups.

67. The method of claim 55, further comprising:

determining a first probable position of the multi-mode mobile communications device based on analysis of said first radio signal information;

determining a second probable position of the multi-mode mobile communications device based on analysis of said second radio signal information; and

determining a combined location estimate as a function of said first and second probable positions.

68. The method of claim 67, wherein said determining the first probable position or said determining a second probable position is performed using time difference of arrival (TDOA) techniques.

69. The method of claim 67, wherein said determining the first probable position or said determining the second probable position is performed using angle of arrival (AOA) techniques.

70. The method of claim 67, wherein said determining the combined location estimate further comprises mathematically combining the first and second probable positions.

71. The method of claim 55, wherein said determining the combined location estimate further comprises selecting a best location estimate as a function of quality metrics.

72. The method of claim 55, further comprising transmitting said combined location estimate to a network node in response to a pre-set trigger.

73. The method of claim 55, further comprising transmitting said combined location estimate to a network node in response to a prior location request.

74. The method of claim 55, wherein said receiving second radio signal information is performed during a call in progress or data session in progress.

75. The method of claim 74, wherein said second radio signal information is received on a traffic channel.

76. The method of claim 67, wherein:

said first radio signal information is received on a first control channel;

said second radio signal information is received on a second control channel; and

said determining a second probable position is performed before a conversation state or data session is initiated for the mobile communications device.

77. The method of claim 58, further comprising receiving an indication of a pending handover, wherein said process is based on said indication.

78. The method of claim 55, wherein said first and second groups comprise at least one common sensor station and the at least one common sensor station is capable of using both first and second radio access technologies.

79. A system for locating a multi-mode mobile communications device in a wireless communications network employing a plurality of radio access technologies, wherein the wireless communications network supports a radio access technology handover mechanism, the system comprising:

a first group of sensor stations associated with a first radio technology;

a second group of sensor stations associated with a second radio access technology, wherein said first and second groups may comprise common sensor stations;

a subsystem comprising at least one processor and at least one storage medium communicatively coupled to said at least one processor, the storage medium having stored therein computer-executable instructions for instructing the processor in performing the following steps;

receiving first radio signal information, wherein said first radio signal information is received from the multi-mode mobile communications device at the first group of sensor stations;

transmitting a message indicating a request for a handover of the multi-mode mobile communications device to the second group of sensor stations;

receiving second radio signal information, wherein said second radio signal information is received from the multi-mode mobile communications device at the second group of sensor stations; and

determining a combined location estimate as a function of said first and second radio signal information.

80. The system of claim 79, wherein said first and second radio access technologies differ in at least one of a modulation technique, a radio network topology, and a channel bandwidth.

81. The system of claim 79, wherein said first and second radio access technologies differ in a modulation technique, a radio network topology, and a channel bandwidth

82. The system of claim 79, further comprising determining, prior to said transmitting the message, that the second probable position is desired.

83. The system of claim 82, wherein said process is based on predetermined rules.

84. The system of claim 82, wherein said process is based on a location event type.

85. The system of claim 82, wherein said process is based on a dynamic quality of service information analysis.

86. The system of claim 82, wherein said process is based on a quality of the first location.

87. The system of claim 82, wherein said process is based on location error factors.

88. The system of claim 82, wherein said process is based on a past history of location determination using the first and second sensor station groups.

89. The system of claim 82, wherein said process is based on network topology of the first and second sensor station groups.

90. The system of claim 82, wherein said process is based on location determination capabilities of the first and second sensor station groups.

91. The system of claim 79, further comprising instructions for:

determining a first probable position of the multi-mode mobile communications device based on analysis of said first radio signal information;

determining a second probable position of the multi-mode mobile communications device based on analysis of said second radio signal information; and

determining a combined location estimate as a function of said first and second probable positions.

92. The system of claim 91, wherein said determining the first probable position or said determining the second probable position is performed using time difference of arrival (TDOA) techniques.

93. The system of claim 91, wherein said determining the first probable position or said determining the second probable position is performed using angle of arrival (AOA) techniques.

94. The system of claim 91, wherein said determining the combined location estimate further comprises mathematically combining the first and second probable positions.

95. The system of claim 79, wherein said determining the combined location estimate further comprises selecting a best location estimate as a function of quality metrics.

96. The system of claim 79, further comprising transmitting said combined location estimate to a network node in response to a pre-set trigger.

97. The system of claim 79, further comprising transmitting said combined location estimate to a network node in response to a prior location request.

98. The system of claim 79, wherein said receiving second radio signal information is performed during a call in progress or data session in progress.

99. The system of claim 98, wherein said second radio signal information is received on a traffic channel.

100. The system of claim 91, wherein:

said first radio signal information is received on a first control channel;

said second radio signal information is received on a second control channel; and

said determining a second probable position is performed before a conversation state or data session is initiated for the mobile communications device.

101. The system of claim 82, further comprising instructions for receiving an indication of a pending handover, wherein said process is based on said indication.

102. The system of claim 79, wherein said first and second groups comprise at least one common sensor station and the at least one common sensor station is capable of using both first and second radio technologies.

103. A system for locating a multi-mode mobile communications device capable of operating in a network providing both Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) and Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) services, wherein the network further implements an Inter-Radio Access Technologies (Inter-RAT) handover/redirection mechanism, comprising:

a first group of sensor stations configured to receive radio signal information from the multi-mode mobile communications device using UMTS;

a second group of sensor stations configured to configured to receive radio signal information from the multi-mode mobile communications device using GSM;

a subsystem comprising at least one processor and at least one storage medium communicatively coupled to said at least one processor, the storage medium having stored therein computer-executable instructions for instructing the processor in performing the following steps;

receiving first radio signal information from one of the first or second groups of sensor stations;

transmitting a request for an Inter-RAT handover or redirection;

receiving second radio signal information from one of the first or second groups of sensor stations; and

determining a combined location estimate as a function of said first and second radio signal information.

104. The system of claim 103, wherein said second subsystem further comprises instructions for, prior to transmitting the request for the Inter-RAT handover or redirection, executing a process to determine whether to transmit the request.

105. The system of claim 103, further comprising instructions for:

determining a first probable position of the multi-mode mobile communications device based on analysis of said first radio signal information;

determining a second probable position of the multi-mode mobile communications device based on analysis of said second radio signal information; and

determining a combined location estimate as a function of said first and second probable positions.

106. The system of claim 103, wherein said determining the first probable position or said determining the second probable position is performed using one of:

time difference of arrival (TDOA) techniques or angle of arrival (AOA) techniques.

107. The system of claim 105, wherein said determining the combined location estimate further comprises mathematically combining the first and second probable positions.

108. The system of claim 103, wherein said determining the combined location estimate further comprises selecting a best location estimate as a function of quality metrics.

109. The system of claim 103, further comprising at least one subsystem configured to analyze mobile device originated calls for indication of an emergency services call, and wherein said second radio signal information is received during said emergency services calls.

110. The system of claim 105, wherein:

said first radio signal information is received on a first control channel;

said second radio signal information is received on a second control channel; and

said determining the second probable position is performed before a conversation state or data session is initiated for the multi-mode mobile communications device.

111. The system of claim 103, wherein said second subsystem further comprises instructions for receiving an indication of a pending handover or redirection, wherein said process is based on said indication.

112. The system of claim 103, wherein said first and second groups comprise at least one common sensor station and the at least one common sensor station is capable of using both GSM and UMTS.

113. A method for locating a multi-mode mobile communications device in a wireless communications system employing a plurality of radio access technologies, wherein the wireless communications system supports a radio access technology handover mechanism, the method comprising:

receiving first radio signal information from the multi-mode mobile communications device at a first group of sensor stations using a first radio access technology;

determining a first probable position of the multi-mode mobile communications device based on analysis of said first radio signal information;

causing a handover of the multi-mode mobile communications device to a second group of sensor stations;

receiving second radio signal information from the multi-mode mobile communications device at the second group of sensor stations using a second radio access technology;

determining a second probable position of the multi-mode mobile communications device based on analysis of said second radio signal information; and

determining a combined location estimate as a function of said first and second probable positions.

114. A system for locating a multi-mode mobile communications device, comprising:

a first group of sensor stations using a first radio access technology and configured to receive first radio signal information from a multi-mode mobile communications device using the first radio access technology;

a second group of sensor stations using a second radio access technology and configured to receive second radio signal information from the multi-mode mobile communications device using the second radio access technology, wherein said first and second groups may comprise common sensor stations;

a first subsystem comprising at least one processor and at least one storage medium communicatively coupled to said at least one processor, the storage medium having stored therein computer-executable instructions for instructing the processor to implement a radio access technology handover mechanism;

a second subsystem comprising at least one processor and at least one storage medium communicatively coupled to said at least one processor, the storage medium having stored therein computer-executable instructions for instructing the processor in performing the following steps;

receiving said first radio signal information;

transmitting a request for a radio access technology handover;

receiving said second radio signal information;

determining a first probable position of the multi-mode mobile communications device based on analysis of said first radio signal information;

determining a second probable position of the multi-mode mobile communications device based on analysis of said second radio signal information; and

determining a combined location estimate as a function of said first and second probable positions.

115. A method for locating a multi-mode mobile communications device in a wireless communications system employing a plurality of radio access technologies, wherein the wireless communications system supports a radio access technology handover mechanism, the method comprising:

receiving first radio signal information, wherein said first radio signal information is received from the multi-mode mobile communications device at a first group of sensor stations using a first radio technology;

determining a first probable position of the mobile communications device based on analysis of said first radio signal information;

transmitting a message indicating a request for a handover of the multi-mode mobile communications device to a second group of sensor stations;

receiving second radio signal information, wherein said second radio signal information is received from the multi-mode mobile communications device at the second group of sensor stations using a second radio access technology, wherein said first and second groups may comprise common sensor stations;

determining a second probable position of the multi-mode mobile communications device based on analysis of said second radio signal information; and

determining a combined location estimate as a function of said first and second probable positions.

116. A system for locating a multi-mode mobile communications device in a wireless communications network employing a plurality of radio access technologies, wherein the wireless communications network supports a radio access technology handover mechanism, the system comprising:

a first group of sensor stations associated with a first radio technology;

a second group of sensor stations associated with a second radio access technology, wherein said first and second groups may comprise common sensor stations;

a subsystem comprising at least one processor and at least one storage medium communicatively coupled to said at least one processor, the storage medium having stored therein computer-executable instructions for instructing the processor in performing the following steps;

receiving first radio signal information, wherein said first radio signal information is received from the multi-mode mobile communications device at the first group of sensor stations;

determining a first probable position of the mobile communications device based on analysis of said first radio signal information;

transmitting a message indicating a request for a handover of the multi-mode mobile communications device to the second group of sensor stations;

receiving second radio signal information, wherein said second radio signal information is received from the multi-mode mobile communications device at the second group of sensor stations;

determining a second probable position of the multi-mode mobile communications device based on analysis of said second radio signal information; and

determining a combined location estimate as a function of said first and second probable positions.

117. A system for locating a multi-mode mobile communications device capable of operating in a network providing both Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) and Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) services, wherein the network further implements an Inter-Radio Access Technologies (Inter-RAT) handover/redirection mechanism, comprising:

a first group of sensor stations configured to receive radio signal information from the multi-mode mobile communications device using UMTS;

a second group of sensor stations configured to configured to receive radio signal information from the multi-mode mobile communications device using GSM;

a subsystem comprising at least one processor and at least one storage medium communicatively coupled to said at least one processor, the storage medium having stored therein computer-executable instructions for instructing the processor in performing the following steps;

receiving first radio signal information from one of the first or second groups of sensor stations;

transmitting a request for an Inter-RAT handover or redirection;

receiving second radio signal information from one of the first or second groups of sensor stations;

determining a first probable position of the multi-mode mobile communications device based on analysis of said first radio signal information;

determining a second probable position of the multi-mode mobile communications device based on analysis of said second radio signal information; and

determining a combined location estimate as a function of said first and second probable positions.