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Mobile device location determination using micronetworks

  • US 9,820,102 B2
  • Filed: 07/18/2016
  • Issued: 11/14/2017
  • Est. Priority Date: 05/15/2009
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A computer-implemented method for determining a geographic location of a dual-mode mobile device, the method comprising:

  • establishing, through a first network interface of the dual-mode mobile device, a communication session with a macronetwork,wherein the communication session with a macronetwork is established using a first protocol;

    evaluating, by communicating with the macronetwork, whether a geographic location of the dual-mode mobile device, satisfying a location determination criteria, can be obtained from the macronetwork; and

    following the evaluating that the macronetwork-obtained location of the dual-mode mobile device would fail the location determination criteria, obtaining location information by;

    broadcasting, through a second network interface of the dual-mode mobile device using a second protocol distinct from the first protocol, a distress message to a micronetwork,wherein the broadcasting of a distress message to a micronetwork enables the location information to be obtained regardless of whether a two-way communication session Is established with the micronetwork;

    maintaining, at the mobile device, the communication session with the macronetwork through the first network interface of the dual-mode mobile device using the first protocol;

    receiving an identifier from the micronetwork; and

    retrieving location information based on the received identifier.

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