HK1140022A - Tracking implementing geopositioning and local modes - Google Patents

Abstract

A wireless device provides location data concerning an object by use of geolocation in order to provide distance tracking and local location techniques in order to provide local tracking. The geolocation and local location techniques may be implemented at the same time or individually, reconfigurable on demand, in both the tracking and tracked devices. The tracked wireless device includes a wireless communication circuit capable of communication with a multiuser wireless subscriber network. A geolocation reading circuit provides GPS or similar location data and is capable of obtaining geolocation data concerning the object. A local locating device parses local location data, and an indication is provided of geolocation based on the geolocation data, and is further responsive to the local location data which is used to modify the geolocation data with the local location data.

Description

Tracking implementation geo-location and local modes

Related application

The present patent application is co-pending with an application entitled "obtaining a Position fix (Location occupied by Combining Last Reliable Position with Position Changes)" by Combining recently Known Reliable positions and Position Changes, and is commonly assigned to the assignee of the present application and filed by the inventors of the present application.

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to geolocation and location services for wireless devices. More particularly, the present invention relates to modifying geo-location data with local location data.

Background

The present invention relates to locating and tracking mobile devices, such as Wireless Communication Devices (WCDs).

The term WCD as used herein includes, but is not limited to, user equipment, mobile stations, fixed or mobile subscriber units, pagers, or any other type of device capable of operating in a wireless environment. WCDs include personal communication devices such as telephones, pagers, video phones, and internet ready phones with network connections. In addition, WCDs include portable personal computing devices such as PDAs and notebook computers with wireless modems with similar network capabilities. WCDs that are portable or otherwise change location are referred to as mobile units. Wireless communication systems are widely deployed to provide various types of communication such as voice and data. A typical wireless data system or network provides multi-user access to one or more shared resources. A system may use multiple access techniques such as Frequency Division Multiplexing (FDM), Time Division Multiplexing (TDM), Code Division Multiplexing (CDM), and other multiple access techniques. Examples of wireless networks include cellular-based data systems. The following are several such examples: (1) "TIA/EIA-95-B mobile station-base station compatibility standard for dual-mode wideband spread-spectrum cellular systems" (IS-95 standard), (2) standards provided by the community named "third generation partnership project" (3GPP) and included in a group of documents (W-CDMA standard) including documents 3G TS 25.211, 3G TS 25.212, 3G TS 25.213, and 3G TS 25.214, (3) standards provided by the corporation named "third generation partnership project 2" (3GPP2) and included in the TR-45.5 physical layer standard for CDMA2000 spread-spectrum systems (IS-2000 standard), and (4) High Data Rate (HDR) systems conforming to the TIA/EIA/IS-856 standard (IS-856 standard).

One particular type of WCD is a personal positioning device. Personal positioning devices are used to provide positioning information to the user of the device in the form of GPS or to enable external tracking of the device, for example, by using a wireless network. It is generally desirable to provide such personal positioning devices with lower power consumption using, for example, Low Duty Cycle (LDC) technology, a technology that allows the device to enter a deep sleep mode (less frequent transmissions or receptions on a cellular network) in order to conserve battery life. One drawback of LDC is that tracking and other location monitoring becomes difficult due to reduced device activity time. It is often the case that if an object is to be tracked, then there is a time when a very active duty cycle is advantageous.

For the purposes of the present invention, "GPS" is intended to describe GPS, as well as other wide area radio geographic positioning systems, such as GLONASS, Omega (Omega), Loran (Loran), and the like.

Various cellular location services are used to provide geolocation data regarding a handset or other Wireless Communication Device (WCD). Most often this is part of the emergency services functionality, but can also be used for personal tracking and location-oriented services, such as map targeting. The location service may use a location service provided by, for example, a wireless communication network or by a geographic location device such as GPS. "location" and "location services" are used to describe the determination of the physical location of a WCD. Typically, a "location" consists of identifying a location of the WCD that can be translated into geographic coordinates.

A geolocation system uses a signal system to determine geolocation. This is typically associated with GPS, but ground-based systems are also used. In addition, wireless communication networks typically have the ability to provide geographic positioning based on communication links. Such location determinations are considered reliable terrestrial navigation or geolocation because, if the signals are properly received, the determinations are reliable for the accuracy of the system. Such positioning determinations are reliable in the sense that: the positioning is determined based on the operation of a suitably based system in which the navigation signals are suitably received. It should be appreciated that GPS or other navigation systems may themselves generate errors that are not detected by the wireless communication system; however, navigation systems are considered to be reliable in the sense that positioning is detected.

Tracking by using a geolocation system based on a cell phone or other WCD results in a location that is optimally accurate to only a few meters, and sometimes only hundreds of meters. This is a result of a departure from the "reliable" nature of GPS signals. This is usually sufficient for several location services, but for some items, such as keys, purses or small pets, it may still be difficult to locate a lost object, even when oriented within a few meters of the object.

Obtaining location data for a WCD that exceeds data provided by a localized radio reception area determination is useful for a number of reasons, such as providing emergency services and providing consumer location assistance. Emergency services the caller dials the police emergency number and emergency services are then dispatched to the location of the caller. This is accessed by using an emergency services number or a general emergency phone number (e.g., "999" (UK), "911" (north america), "112" (europe), etc.). Many emergency call centers have a feature known as "marking of origin". The caller's telephone number is transmitted over the network and the address corresponding to the telephone number is located in a database of the telephone network provider. By using a digital map and mapping application, the location of the address can be shown on the map instantaneously as the call arrives.

In the case of landline, the location of the caller is typically provided by telephone account data or the like, known as Automatic Number Identification (ANI) in north american SS 7 systems. A modified version of ANI (referred to as "enhanced 911") has been implemented in north america, but these services are still based on fixed subscriber location.

In the case of mobile telephony services, physical positioning is not inherent in the connectivity service. Cellular telephones are typically not located through ANI information such as area codes and prefixes. Automatic Location Identification (ALI) is intended to provide a physical location of a cellular telephone, either through network-based location identification or through WCD-based geolocation.

There are the following situations: ALI is not able to accurately determine the position of a WCD, most notably when a GPS-enabled WCD is not able to acquire GPS satellite signals. For example, metallization of a building will create a faraday cage for GPS reception. Thus, while "enhanced 911" mandates partial and full ALI capabilities, ALI data may not be available. Location services are limited, in part, because it is difficult to receive adequate GPS signals with a mobile phone (especially from within the case).

The data used to perform positioning may be obtained from the WCD itself, as is the case with GPS; obtained primarily from network base stations, such as typical angle of arrival (AOA), time of arrival (TOA), and time difference of arrival (TDOA); or a combination of network determination and device determination. It is possible to enhance the GPS tracking capability by using signals from base stations. This implementation is a technique known as assisted GPS (a-GPS). An a-GPS function provides additional information to a WCD over a communication data link, including satellite constellation data, to significantly improve the chances of acquiring a GPS signal. A second location technique used in conjunction with wireless networks uses triangulation from base stations, such as angle of arrival (AOA), time of arrival (TOA), and time difference of arrival (TDOA).

GPS-based systems in particular consume a lot of battery power from the receiver, so it is advantageous to keep the positioning function off during normal operation. In the case of network-based location services, the location services depend on the degree of communication level of the WCD with the network. In the dormant state, the WCD may only provide signals sufficient to allow the network to identify a particular transmitter sector for communication with the WCD. The user of the WCD also turns off location services to avoid the potential for commercial misuse of the location data. Many WCDs with GPS functionality may be configured to limit location services to emergency calls or to turn on location services only when location-based communication services are required (e.g., for obtaining directions). In such cases, the location device is activated by activating an emergency call service, or running a location-based communication application.

Long range and local positioning and tracking can be addressed separately. The tracking device sends data back via a communication network containing the location, or the tracking device may transmit a beacon signal that can be tracked by another device within the appropriate proximity, typically a radio receiver of some type. These devices operate in one or the other mode and use two separate tracking functions.

Tracking by using a geolocation system based on a cell phone or other WCD results in a location that is optimally accurate to only a few meters, and sometimes only hundreds of meters. This is a result of a departure from the "reliable" nature of GPS signals. This is usually sufficient for several location services, but for some items, such as keys, purses or small pets, it may still be difficult to locate a lost object, even when oriented within a few meters of the object.

Additionally, as described above indoors, a-GPS geolocation systems may result in fixes that vary by hundreds of meters. For example, fig. 1 is a map depicting a position fix determined by AGPS of WCD 103 within a building (shown as "building L") estimated to be at a position fix at location 111. WCD location samples are indicated by small squares (■) that are not separately identified. As can be seen, the WCD "wanders" inside, outside, and sometimes extends toward building KS at location 125. While it is unclear whether the user is at building KS, the WCD is left at a location on a desk in the office during the entire time 111, and does not actually follow the user to building KS 125 or another location. Tracking of WCDs is enabled by the wireless network; however, various factors most relevant to signal propagation presumably result in variations in the detected position fix. This indicates ambiguity in tracking the WCD inside the building.

Fig. 2 is a map depicting the position fix determined by AGPS for several WCDs. A larger percentage of samples are taken within the building at location 111. Most locations of the building are in the general area of the building, which is indicated (at 135); however, some locations depict movement (e.g., 243, 244) across a larger highway 255, which does not occur. Other indications indicate other local regions (at 125 to 127). In the case of some nearby areas such as 266, there is ambiguity suggesting that the user may have walked through those areas with the device, but other locations (273, 275, 277) suggest inaccurate results.

These positioning patterns have a certain degree of predictability. The map of fig. 2 depicts a position fix determined by the AGPS for several WCDs inside a building at the same position fix. As can be seen, the pattern represented by the WCD is different for each WCD. Tracking these WCDs gives the impression that: they are wandering across a roadway or into an adjacent building, and in several cases, almost kilometers away (at 273). It is possible that the WCD will "walk around" further (based on the sample location readings) except that the location readings are constrained by the WCD's communication with sectors within the network.

Fig. 3A and 3B are maps depicting the results of tracking the 5 devices from fig. 2 while they are walking about. The results near building L are scattered, although some locations correspond to actual movement of the WCD outside of building L. Other results are further away, but based on cultural features of the map, it can be seen that the results reflect an accurate indication of location. For example, WCDs are detected along a traffic lane (at 335-338) or in a retail area (at 341). These readings represent readings taken outdoors, which are typically much more accurate than readings taken from inside a building.

While such maps may be interesting, ambiguity means that a location service, such as one provided for emergency services, cannot accurately locate a WCD or more importantly a user who is transmitting a distress signal. If a smaller object is being sought, the information provided by the location service merely indicates that the object is perhaps within a half of a metropolitan area, which is often insufficient for the purpose of more accurately identifying the location of the object.

Velocity instrumentation has been used to detect position fixes, most notably on aircraft. Velocity instruments include inertial reference platforms and similar instruments that measure acceleration, changes in direction, changes in velocity, changes in attitude, and the like. One example is a set of three-axis gyroscopes and accelerometers used to obtain accurate attitude, orientation, and position information of a platform in inertial space. Given enough data to contain the original position, it is possible to determine the position of the object based on velocity measurements derived from a velocity instrument, with corrections made for precession and similar errors. For purposes of this disclosure, "velocity" is intended to refer to motion and other positioning changes, including acceleration, velocity, and other velocity changes.

Disclosure of Invention

A wireless device capable of communicating with a multi-user wireless subscriber network provides positioning data about an object. The wireless device includes wireless communication circuitry, geolocation reading circuitry, a local positioning device, and control circuitry responsive to the geolocation circuitry and the local positioning data. The geolocation reading circuit obtains geolocation data about the object and the local locating device parses the local location data. The control circuit is responsive to the geolocation circuit to provide an indication of geolocation based on the geolocation data and to supplement the geolocation data with local location data in response to the local location data.

In certain configurations, the wireless device is able to modify the geolocation data with the local location data, or provide a relative reading of the geolocation data for the object. A multi-user subscriber network may be used to transmit a request to transmit a local signal that may be identified by an object.

A wireless device capable of communicating with a multi-user wireless subscriber network may be used to provide positioning data, where the device includes a local positioning device capable and control circuitry. The local positioning device provides local positioning data. The control circuit provides local positioning data in response to a predetermined event. The local positioning data allows the geolocation data provided by the network to be augmented with local positioning data.

The control circuit may be responsive to an external signal or a sensed condition signal as a predetermined event. In one configuration, the predetermined event is used to activate a geolocation circuit capable of providing geolocation data regarding the object.

The techniques may be used to detect a first event related to positioning, such as acceleration or a radio signal. In response to detection of an event, geolocation data is provided by activating a GPS or other monitoring of geolocation. Geolocation is used to detect a second event related to location. For example, data regarding one or two geolocation events is provided over a multi-user subscriber wireless network.

Positioning data is obtained from a moving object by obtaining geolocation data, obtaining an indication of reliability characteristics of the geolocation data, determining a need for local positioning data, based in part on the reliability characteristics falling below a predetermined criterion. In the event local positioning data is required, a request for a local signal is transmitted in the absence of such a local beacon signal, and if local positioning data is required.

Various aspects and embodiments of the disclosure are described in further detail below.

Drawings

The features and nature of the present invention will become more apparent from the detailed description set forth below when taken in conjunction with the drawings in which like reference characters identify correspondingly throughout and wherein:

fig. 1 is a map depicting the positioning determined by AGPS for WCDs inside a building.

Fig. 2 is a map depicting a position fix determined by AGPS for several WCDs.

Fig. 3A and 3B are maps depicting the position location determined by AGPS as tracked within a neighboring area.

Fig. 4 shows a WCD suitable for providing supplemental data for location services.

Fig. 5 is a schematic block diagram of a tracking WCD suitable for tracking an object.

Fig. 6 is a flow chart showing the operation of an a-target WCD and a tracking WCD.

Fig. 7 is a diagram showing a functional configuration of an apparatus for providing an indication of positioning data.

Fig. 8 is a diagram showing a functional configuration of an apparatus for providing information regarding the location of a WCD.

Detailed Description

The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any embodiment described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. The word "example" is used herein to mean a "non-limiting example". Each example provided herein is illustrative of only one embodiment; many other embodiments are possible, and the examples provided should not be construed as limiting what otherwise would be the broader category.

Multi-mode tracking

When a tracked device is being located, a wide area location may be determined using a network location service using multi-mode tracking operations. Upon reaching a location identified by a wide-area location, the tracked device may reconfigure to a local beacon mode, and the responder may follow the strength and direction of the signal until the location at which the item was detected or found is reached.

In one configuration, a target WCD to be tracked is identified by a tracking WCD, and the network is queried regarding the location of the target WCD. If the network has location information for the WCD and the location information is considered current, the information is transmitted to the tracking WCD. The WCD may be configured to respond to a hall signal from a tracking WCD by enabling a positioning function of the WCD, and thereby provide positioning data. The location data is accessed via the network and provided to the tracking WCD as wide area location data.

Wide area location data provided to a tracking WCD has accuracy limitations. The tracked WCD transmits at least one beacon signal capable of being locally tracked in response to being queried. Thus, if the wide area location data is sufficient to identify the location of the tracked WCD to the extent necessary to receive the beacon signal, the beacon signal can be used to more accurately locate the tracked WCD.

It is possible to allow a tracked WCD to remain stationary until transmission is of interest. In this manner, the tracked WCD is assumed to be within a predetermined reception area, either because of signals periodically received by the WCD, or because it is assumed that the WCD is unlikely to move beyond the predetermined area. This allows the tracked WCD to remain active for extended periods of time without excessive battery drain and without transmitting large amounts of electromagnetic energy. This is currently done with an ELT transmitter that is stationary before being activated by acceleration or manually. Similarly, GPS location services often remain inactive except when an emergency call is placed. Additional positioning data may also be selectively activated such that positioning services and beacon signals are activated only under predetermined conditions.

Because wide area location data provided to a tracking WCD has accuracy limitations, additional local area data location information may allow the WCD to further expand its location data. When outdoors, the WCD may use known good reference points from a wide area location, such as GPS, to establish a reference point. Then, upon going indoors, the WCD may use the reference position fix, as well as local position fix data derived from velocity sensing circuitry in the WCD, to increase the accuracy of the wide area position fix data available indoors.

Valid data

Referring again to fig. 1, at some point WCD 103 is outside building L and provides reception at that location. In the event WCD 103 enters building L at location 130, a recently known reliable location signal will have been received; however, this reference may also not be present. In either case, it may be determined that data points within the smaller region, labeled 135, are more likely to be valid than, for example, data point 137. By using the clustering of data points within region 135, the weighted average of the valid points can be made more reliable than if all data points were accepted. If further data regarding the movement of WCD 103 becomes available, this movement may be matched to a restricted zone, such as zone 135.

Augmentation of positioning data

In addition to assisted GPS (A-GPS), device location is augmented by using further information about the WCD. Since the reliability of GPS or other positioning data can generally be determined, the determination of a position fix can take into account the reliability.

The accuracy of the wide area location data may be provided to the tracking WCD, or the wide area location data may be used to blindly access the general location of the tracked WCD. In either case, the positioning data is augmented by using rate sensing. Rate sensing may include any inertial instrument, including accelerometers, gyroscopes, or other sensing devices. Thus, if the WCD detects a velocity commensurate with movement within building L, it is possible to conclude that the WCD is unlikely to be outside of kilometers.

On the other hand, if the WCD is in a covered parking garage, the WCD may be carried into the vehicle and then may travel far beyond kilometers. If the WCD is able to detect velocity, it may accept modifications to its detected position fix based on the detected velocity. The positioning can be accurately modified insofar as the velocity measurements are reliable.

In the case of acceleration, the ability to accurately determine speed may be limited. This can be augmented with external positioning information, including GPS and information from communications with the radio network. This allows the velocity of the WCD to be determined over a period of time while allowing instantaneous changes in velocity to be measured. This provides speed data that can be used to provide positioning data.

In another configuration, the wide area location data is used to determine an effective location area for the WCD. In general, the accuracy of the positioning data may be determined. In the case of GPS geolocation, a receiving device (WCD) is able to provide an indication of the accuracy of the location information based on its reception. This does not accommodate minor and substantial deviations caused by the geolocation system itself; however, the accuracy of such systems is often a known factor. In the case of wireless network communications, the wireless network also provides an indication of the location of the WCD. The location as determined by the wireless network may be matched to the location provided by the geolocation system. In many cases, it is possible to determine the effectiveness of a geolocation system based on location data determined by the wireless network.

The ability to match the location determined by the wireless network signals to a geolocation location provides an indication of possible motion of the WCD. For example, if a user enters a closed parking garage, the last known location of the WCD based on satellite navigation (e.g., GPS) would be the location where the user entered the building, or perhaps where the user was inside the building but has come out to receive. If the WCD is placed inside a vehicle, the WCD may be able to receive satellite navigation signals, or may be prevented from receiving such signals. In either case, the location determined for the WCD should generally match a location determined by a network in communication with the WCD.

Obtaining an average of two independent measurements of geolocation

If two independent methods are used to determine position location, the methods may be used additively, as would be the case for determining relative position location between two devices, or two independent methods may be used to establish a non-relative determination or a weighted determination. Non-relative determinations are used to provide more accurate determinations using network resources or resources within the tracked device itself. Obtaining the average of two independent measurements of the geographic position requires a calculation, an example of which is as follows.

Assuming that there are two independent methods to measure the geo-location of an object and that each method is unbiased, the standard deviation of the measurement samples can be used to represent the measurement accuracy of each method. This assumes that the average of many samples using one method is the true location of the object.

Probabilistically, the standard deviation of a probability distribution of values is a measure of the extended range of its values. The smaller the standard deviation, the more "lumped" the values, and the more statistically the individual measurements are accurate. The standard deviation is defined as the square root of the variance. For randomly variable X, the variance is defined as:

σ²＝E((X-E(X))²) (1)

assuming that the first method for measuring X ("method 1") is more accurate due to having a lower standard deviation (and therefore a lower variance) the second method ("method 2") therefore measures a variance of

The weighted average is then selected to calculate a position based on the readings from method 1 and method 2:

X′＝w*X₁+(1-w)*X₂.(0＜w＜1) (3)

the goal is to select the "best" weight w that will minimize the following standard deviation

σ′²＝E((X′-E(X′))²)＝E((w*X₁+(1-w)*X₂)-E(w*X₁+(1-w)*X₂))²)

(4)

＝E((w*(X₁-E(X₁))+(1-w)*(X₂-E(X₂)))²)

σ′²＝E(((w*(X₁-E(X₁)))²+((1-w)*(X₂-E(X₂)))²+2(w*(X₁-E(X₁))*(1-w)*(X₂-E(X₂))) (5)

σ′²＝E(((w*(X₁-E(X₁)))²)+E(((1-w)*(X₂-E(X₂)))²)+2*E(w*(X₁-E(X₁))*(1-w)*(X₂-E(X₂))) (6)

Assuming that method 1 and method 2 are independent,

E(w*(X₁-E(X₁))*(1-w)*(X₂-E(X₂)))＝w*(1-w)E((X₁-E(X₁))*(X₂-E(X₂)))＝0 (7)

σ′²＝E(((w*(X₁-E(X₁)))²)+E((1-w)*(X₂-E(X₂)))²) (8)

σ′²＝w²*E((X₁-E(X₁))²)+(1-w)²*E((X₂-E(X₂))²) (9)

the value of w should be chosen equal to for minimization.

This applies, because it is assumed that

In other words, by weighted averaging the results from two independent measurements, a more accurate result can be achieved than what a better measurement method can achieve individually. For example, smaller variances are achieved in rendering results of lower standard deviations.

By using independent measurements it is possible to control the standard deviation of the sample in order to establish the effective location coordinate zone. If a method for determining position location, such as GPS, loses its position location capability, the method is considered to provide a measure of predetermined reliability prior to the loss of position location capability. At this time, the initial valid positioning coordinate region may be arbitrarily established. The measure of variation may be used to determine the factors that establish the variation in the effective location coordinate area. The measure of this change may be a velocity, acceleration, or another indication related to the active location coordinate zone. The location can be determined using a measurement of variation or a separate independent measurement of location or another measurement as a second independent method. The effective location coordinate zone may be used to control the standard deviation of the measurements of the location.

Further data may also be used to establish valid location coordinate regions. For example, a WCD in a moving vehicle may communicate across different sectors in a wireless network, while the communication sector in a building is limited. In such cases, the positioning coordinates are considered valid based on access to network communications.

A weighted average may be implemented to determine a position fix. Weighted averaging is the way that the final position readings from two completely independent methods are averaged. For example, a first approach would take outdoor GPS readings and add positioning changes over time based on measurements from a velocity sensor. Another approach would be to use network-based positioning, such as triangulation, which would provide positioning information for the same final location.

Both methods have their own measurement errors and can be used independently. The measurement error may be quantified statistically based on the type of technique. By using a weighted average method, it is possible to achieve statistically better results than another technique. By carefully selecting the weights, as demonstrated by equations (1) to (19), it is possible to provide an improvement in the accuracy of the location determination.

Tracking multiple modes of operation

The network location service may include location signals provided from a GPS-capable tracking and reporting capability of a tracked device on a cellular network. This system combines the present method with a local beacon method to facilitate finding an item when you are already within a few feet of the item. This mode can also be used to find items or people indoors where GPS coordinates have poor accuracy, such as finding people who have called emergency numbers (911, 999, 102), or emergency responders who are trapped in a predicament (e.g., firefighters).

Multimode operation would combine long range tracking, for example, by providing GPS position location reports in a local tracking mode where the device transmits beacons via a cellular network, which may also be audible, detectable over distances of several feet or more. The handheld device can receive and thus guide a person through position reporting and through ADF technology based on the strength and direction of the signal to find the tracked device. The local or remote mode of the device may be switched on command or in response to a predetermined event. The device is also capable of operating in both modes simultaneously. The local tracking mode may include adjustable signal strength and frequency to assist in tracking in different environments. The means for receiving tracking information may also be combined and also have two modes.

This tracked device may also incorporate techniques such as the LDC techniques described previously to conserve battery power. This allows the device to combine different power cycling modes with different operating conditions, or to respond to a positioning event by changing the cycling mode.

Configuration of trackable devices

Fig. 4 shows WCD400 adapted to provide supplemental data for location services. WCD400 may be used in any situation where tracking is deemed desirable, for example, for emergency personnel, people who must track it, pets, and inanimate objects. The WCD includes a processor 411, an air interface 413 for wireless communication, geolocation circuitry, such as GPS 415, and home beacon circuitry 417. The additional circuitry may include an event sensor 425 and an auxiliary signal detection device 429.

The event sensor 425 may be a rate instrument such as a motion detector, accelerometer, gyroscope rate sensor, compass device, or a combination of these devices. This enables WCD400 to "know" whether it has moved, and, if sufficient data is provided from event sensor 425, how far and in which direction to move. The auxiliary signal detection means 429 are also capable of detecting events triggered by signals. The signal may be present at a doorway or the like, or may be transmitted by an external tracking device. The local and/or remote tracking mode is enabled by the event sensor 425, the auxiliary signal detection device 429 or by an indication related to a valid location coordinate zone or geofence.

In the case where WCD400 is used by a pet, event sensor 425 and the secondary signal detection device are capable of detecting the movement of the pet. This can be used to signal the movement of the pet to an outdoor area or to allow the pet's WCD to respond to a tracking device. WCD400 may be capable of transmitting positioning data according to a set of predetermined criteria. Battery power is conserved by limiting the criteria by which WCD400 transmits positioning data. If WCD400 is to provide positioning data, but only under predetermined conditions, WCD400 must be able to respond to events; the WCD will have to remain in the active communication mode and provide a position location determination. These position location determinations and transmissions are costly in terms of battery usage, and thus event sensor 425 is used to allow the WCD to remain in a stationary mode until a predetermined event.

The home beacon circuit 417 may be activated after an internal event (e.g., acceleration) is sensed by the event sensor 425 or in response to an external request for a home signal. Of course, an external request must be received and event sensor 425 must therefore be able to at least switch WCD400 into a receive mode.

If a WCD is provided for monitoring a pet, WCD400 may provide positioning data when the pet has moved outdoors to a predetermined secure area. If the pet moves beyond the safe zone, the data is sufficient to indicate positioning, and the pet caretaker may be notified. This may be accomplished by the WCD of the pet transmitting a signal to the caretaker via the wireless network, or by the caretaker receiving a tracking signal provided via the wireless network indicating the location of WCD400 of the pet. When the pet is in a secure area, it is not necessary to provide such monitoring of the pet, and thus activation of the WCD is limited to a particular event. This reduces battery usage because event sensor 425 is used to allow the WCD to remain in a stationary mode until a predetermined event. On the other hand, it may be possible to provide WCD400 with a receive mode such that WCD400 may respond to a trace request when no event other than a trace request is first sensed.

The ability to detect a positioning event allows multiple modes of WCD400 to be monitored. A first monitoring level is associated with a first state of WCD400, and WCD400 may be completely quiescent if no data is provided. The first monitoring level may be no monitoring at all except for detecting a waiting for position determination event. The second monitoring level is initiated by the detection of a first event related to the positioning. The third detection level is associated with detection of a second event related to positioning. A warning signal may be provided upon detection of at least one location determination event.

If WCD400 is used, for example, to monitor a pet or child, a first monitoring level may be a predetermined safe area, such as within a house. The second monitoring level may be, for example, a designated exercise area or enclosed area. The pet is monitored by WCD400 in this case, and the user is provided with an indication of the location of the pet in the designated area or the status of the pet in the designated area. A warning may be provided in response to detecting the first event to notify the caretaker that the pet has moved outside. The third detection level results in the caretaker being alerted and provided with the positioning information. Thus, instead of actively supervising the pet, the caretaker is provided with information about where the pet is and is notified if the pet leaves the designated area.

Tracking device configuration

Fig. 5 is a schematic block diagram of a tracking WCD500 adapted to track an object, such as WCD 400. Tracking WCD500 includes a processor 511, an air interface 513 for wireless communication, a geolocation circuit such as GPS 515 and a display 519. Tracking WCD500 also includes a radio direction finder (ADF)527 that is capable of determining the relative positioning of a home beacon, such as a home beacon from home circuitry 417 associated with WCD 400. Tracking WCD500 is capable of receiving an indication of the location of a target WCD, such as WCD400, of course, depending on the availability of this data, and is capable of displaying the location of the target WCD relative to its own location, representing the location of tracking WCD 500. The tracking WCD may issue a home beacon request to which target WCD400 responds and transmit a home beacon, enabling radiosonde 527 to locate target WCD 400. While the received location of target WCD400 and tracking the location of WCD500 is dependent on location services such as GPS and location determination by the radio network, radiosonde 527 is able to provide at least a relative direction based on signal propagation nulls and signal strength. Generally, the combination of data from the positioning service and the radio direction is sufficient to locate the object.

Operation of

Fig. 6 is a flow chart showing the operation of target WCD400 and tracking WCD 500. Target WCD400 is normally in a quiescent mode (step 610) during which little or no communication is provided by the tracked WCD. If event sensor 425 senses movement (step 613) or is triggered by the delivery of an electronic gateway (step 615), target WCD400 begins providing location information (step 621). This positioning information is transmitted to the wireless network, step 622, which is then communicated to the authorized recipient, step 623. Authorized recipients may be other WCDs, such as tracking WCD500, but may also include other recipients, such as users having computers connected to a network. In an example, an initial event places the target WCD within a designated area that is considered safe (state 631), such as placing a dog in a designated outdoor area. The recipient is provided the location of the target WCD as a secondary target indication (step 632). The indication is considered a "secondary target indication" or a "secondary return" because the indication of the detected position fix is based in part on secondary data provided by the target, such as the identification code of the target, rather than direct detection of the target.

Secondary target indication enables a user with tracking WCD500 or other monitor to monitor (step 641) target WCD 400. This enables the user to provide a certain level of monitoring of the target; at this stage, however, the status of the target is that target WCD400 is located in a designated area. An alarm indication may be provided (step 642) indicating that the target is in an active surveillance zone (designated zone). If target WCD400 moves outside of the designated area (step 645), a second alarm indication is provided (step 646) indicating that target WCD400 has left the designated area. At this point, the user may take any necessary action. This may range from increased observation to remedial action. In the event that an object is not being observed, a user may use tracking WCD500 to obtain additional location information (step 651). Tracking WCD500 provides the relative positioning mentioned above based on the received positioning data. Tracking WCD500 may issue a request for target WCD400, step 655, to transmit a home beacon, step 656, if necessary, to assist in location determination by tracking WCD 500. Since it is likely that the status of tracked WCDs 400 being outside of the secure area is known, tracked target WCD400 may initiate transmission of a home beacon (step 658) without waiting for a request from tracking WCD 500. The response (step 656) of target WCD400 to the request to transmit a home beacon (step 655) is also advantageous in situations where the target object is inherently difficult to locate, even in a secure area.

At some point, tracked WCD400 will begin losing battery power (step 681). WCD400 being tracked may be programmed to reduce its battery consumption consistent with LDC standards (step 683). This allows for prolonged transmission of the tracking data (step 684), albeit at a reduced level.

Referring back to fig. 4, if event sensor 425 is capable of detecting motion or a change in motion, WCD400 is also capable of providing an indication of moving past a certain point with reduced availability of location services. For example, if WCD400 detects that its positioning data is unreliable, an accelerometer may detect a change in velocity. This provides an indication of the location of WCD400 based on the last known location and the detected movement from the last known location. Of course, the accuracy of the revised information is improved with the increased sophistication of rate sensing by event sensors 425. The event sensor 425 may be a rate instrument such as a motion detector, accelerometer, gyroscope rate sensor, compass device, or a combination of these devices.

Functional configuration

Fig. 7 is a diagram showing a functional configuration of an apparatus 700 for providing an indication of positioning data. The apparatus 700 includes means for obtaining geolocation data 703, which may be GPS, circuitry for receiving GPS data from an external device, or a combination of both. Means 705 for obtaining an indication of reliability characteristics of the geolocation data is provided, which may be a processing circuit or a receiver for receiving a reliability indication from a network connection. Where GPS is used to provide geolocation data, the GPS is capable of providing an indication of the reliability of the signal based on satellite acquisition, signal strength, and consistency of data received from multiple satellite signals. This reliability data may be internal, as in the case of the device 700 being tracked, or external, as in the case of the tracking device, or a combination of internal and external. Means 707 for determining a need for local positioning data is included, which may range from manual input to a program responsive to a condition. The means for determining 707 can also be a receiver that responds to a request for local positioning data or a transmitter that transmits such a request. The apparatus 700 includes means 711 for transmitting or obtaining a local signal, which may be a local beacon transmit or receive circuit. Local signals are one way to provide augmented data to locate moving objects.

In one configuration, the apparatus 700 provides a user of the apparatus with the ability to determine a location when separated from a moving object and thus a tracked device. In an alternative configuration, the apparatus 700 provides location data for the moving object, providing data to an external device sufficient to determine the location of the object with the external device separate from the moving object. This will be the tracking device.

Fig. 8 is a diagram showing a functional configuration of an apparatus 800 for providing information regarding the positioning of a WCD. The apparatus includes: means 805 for establishing the last known terrestrial navigation coordinates, velocity detection means 807, means 811 for establishing an effective location coordinate area and means 813 for establishing a weighted average of the detected location coordinates.

The means for establishing the last known terrestrial navigation coordinates 805 may be a GPS device or a receiver output circuit capable of receiving external GPS readings from a wireless network. The rate detection device 807 may be internal (as is the case with inertial reference platforms), or may be circuitry capable of receiving inertial reference data over a network. The means for establishing a valid positioning coordinate region 811 uses the reliable terrestrial navigation data to obtain valid positioning coordinates based on the last known terrestrial navigation coordinates obtained from the means for establishing last known terrestrial navigation coordinates 805 and uses the output of the velocity detection means 807 to obtain positioning coordinates to modify the output of the reliable terrestrial navigation data. The means 813 for establishing a weighted average of the detected location coordinates uses the coordinates within the active location coordinate area. This may include: establishing a known land navigation coordinate as an initial positioning; establishing an effective positioning coordinate area based on the output of the velocity detection device 807 as a modifier of the initial positioning; and means for providing a weighted average based on the received positioning data and the valid positioning coordinate area.

It is also advantageous to exclude outliers that extend beyond the expected result. This provides several advantages, including excluding samples that contain significant factors that distort the measurement; eliminating samples with obvious errors; and allows calculations to be made based on a series of results that are likely to more closely represent the actual positioning.

Summary of the invention

The previous description of some embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the present invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure. For example, one or more elements may be rearranged and/or combined, or additional elements may be added. Additionally, one or more of the embodiments may be implemented by hardware, software, firmware, middleware, microcode, or any combination thereof. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Having described the invention in detail and by reference to embodiments thereof, it will be apparent that modifications and variations are possible, including the addition of elements or the rearrangement or combination of one or more elements, without departing from the scope of the invention defined in the appended claims.

The techniques and modules described herein may be implemented by various means. For example, these techniques may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination thereof. For a hardware implementation, the processing units within an access point or access terminal may be implemented within one or more Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Digital Signal Processors (DSPs), Digital Signal Processing Devices (DSPDs), Programmable Logic Devices (PLDs), Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), processors, controllers, micro-controllers, microprocessors, other electronic units designed to perform the functions described herein, or a combination thereof.

For a software implementation, the techniques described herein may be implemented with modules (e.g., procedures, functions, and so on) that perform the functions described herein. The software codes may be stored in memory units and executed by processors or demodulators. The memory unit may be implemented within the processor or external to the processor, in which case it can be communicatively coupled to the processor via various means.

The previous description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the features, functions, operations, and embodiments disclosed herein. Various modifications to these embodiments may be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope thereof. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims (50)

1. A wireless device for providing positioning data regarding an object, the wireless device comprising:

wireless communication circuitry capable of communicating with a multi-user wireless subscriber network;

a geolocation reading circuit capable of obtaining geolocation data regarding the object;

a local positioning device capable of resolving local positioning data; and

a control circuit responsive to the geolocation circuit to provide an indication of geolocation based on the geolocation data, and further responsive to the local location data to supplement the geolocation data with the local location data.

2. The wireless device of claim 1, further comprising circuitry responsive to the geolocation circuit reading circuitry and the local positioning device capable of modifying the geolocation data with the local positioning data.

3. The wireless device of claim 1, further comprising a geolocation circuit capable of providing a relative reading of the geolocation data pertaining to the object.

4. The wireless device of claim 1, further comprising circuitry capable of transmitting a request over the multi-user subscriber network to transmit a local signal identifiable with the object.

5. A processor comprising circuitry for performing the method of claim 1, the processor comprising the processor provided as a chipset including at least one monolithic integrated circuit.

6. A machine-readable medium comprising instructions for performing the method of claim 1.

7. An apparatus for determining a location of an object, the apparatus comprising:

a receiver that receives positioning data from an external device;

a decision circuit that determines a condition requiring further positioning of the external device; and

a tracking circuit capable of providing augmentation to the received positioning data if the condition requiring further positioning is determined.

8. The wireless device of claim 7, further comprising a request circuit that provides a request for a local positioning signal in response to the decision circuit under a predetermined condition that includes the condition under which the determination requires the augmentation.

9. The wireless device of claim 7, further comprising a geolocation reading circuit capable of obtaining geolocation data regarding the object.

10. The wireless device of claim 9, further comprising:

a geolocation circuit capable of obtaining geolocation data regarding the wireless device; and

a relative positioning circuit responsive to the geolocation reading circuit and the geolocation circuit and reproducing relative readings of the geolocation data pertaining to the object.

11. The wireless device of claim 9, further comprising:

a geolocation circuit capable of providing geolocation data regarding the wireless device; and

a relative positioning circuit responsive to the geolocation reading circuit and the geolocation circuit and reproducing relative readings of the geolocation data pertaining to the object.

12. A processor comprising circuitry for performing the method of claim 7, the processor comprising the processor provided as a chipset including at least one monolithic integrated circuit.

13. A machine-readable medium comprising instructions for performing the method of claim 7.

14. A wireless device for providing positioning data, the wireless device comprising:

wireless communication circuitry capable of communicating with a multi-user wireless subscriber network;

a local positioning device capable of providing local positioning data; and

a control circuit that provides the local positioning data in response to a predetermined event, the local positioning data enabling augmentation of geolocation data provided by the network with the local positioning data.

15. The wireless device of claim 14, further comprising a geolocation circuit capable of providing geolocation data.

16. The wireless device of claim 14, wherein the control circuit is responsive to an external signal that is the predetermined event.

17. The wireless device of claim 14, wherein the control circuit is responsive to a sensed condition signal that is the predetermined event.

18. The wireless device of claim 14, further comprising a geolocation circuit capable of providing geolocation data regarding the object, wherein the control circuit is responsive to a sensed condition signal as the predetermined event.

19. The wireless device of claim 14, further comprising a rate detection device, whereby a detected rate activates the geolocation circuit.

20. The wireless device of claim 14, further comprising:

an acceleration detection device; and

a control circuit that activates the geolocation circuit and the wireless communication circuit in response to accelerations detected by the acceleration detection device to provide geolocation data to the multi-user subscriber network.

21. The wireless device of claim 14, further comprising: an event response circuit, the rate response circuit providing an indication of the predetermined event in response to a predetermined condition.

22. The method of claim 14, further comprising:

detecting at least one first event related to positioning;

in response to detecting the first event, providing the geolocation data by activating monitoring of geolocation;

detecting a second event related to positioning using the geo-positioning data;

providing geolocation data regarding the wireless communication device if the second event related to location is detected.

23. The method of claim 22, comprising providing an audible or visible signal to a user regarding the detected geolocation of the wireless communication device in order to monitor the geolocation.

24. The method of claim 22, comprising providing an output signal over a wireless communication network to permit an external indication of a geolocation of the wireless communication device.

25. The method of claim 22, further comprising selectively activating data augmentation in response to at least one of the detected events.

26. The method of claim 22, further comprising providing an alert signal upon detection of at least one location event, thereby providing a first monitoring level associated with a first state of the wireless communication device, a second monitoring level associated with the first event related to location, and a third detection level associated with detection of the second event related to location.

27. A processor comprising circuitry for performing the method of claim 22, the processor comprising the processor provided as a chipset including at least one monolithic integrated circuit.

28. A machine-readable medium comprising instructions for performing the method of claim 22.

29. A method of obtaining positioning data from a moving object, the method comprising:

obtaining geo-location data by using geo-location data obtained from the moving object;

obtaining an indication of reliability characteristics of the geo-location data;

determining a need for local positioning data, the need based in part on the reliability characteristics falling below a predetermined criterion;

determining the presence of a local beacon signal suitable for local positioning in case local positioning data is required; and

transmitting a request for a local signal in the absence of the local beacon signal and in need of the local positioning data.

30. The method of claim 29, further comprising using an accuracy indication in the determining the need for the local positioning data.

31. The method of claim 29, further comprising:

using the accuracy indication in the determining the need for the local positioning; and

establishing at least one geographical probability region based on the geographical location and the accuracy indication;

extending the geographical probability region using the local positioning data.

32. The method of claim 29, further comprising:

obtaining an accuracy indication from the moving object indicating at least one indication of receiving positioning data;

establishing positioning parameters based on the accuracy indication;

augmenting the geolocation data with localized localization data within geographic constraints established by the localization parameters.

33. The method of claim 32, wherein the indication of received positioning data includes one of:

obtaining the geo-location data from a transmission received from the moving object; or

Obtaining the geo-location data from a wireless network, wherein the wireless network obtains corresponding geo-location data regarding the moving object.

34. The method of claim 29, further comprising:

detecting a warning signal indicating that the object passes a predetermined boundary; and

increasing monitoring of positioning data of the object in response to the warning signal.

35. The method of claim 29, further comprising: transmitting a geofence warning signal when the mobile device exceeds a predetermined geographic limit.

36. The method of claim 29, wherein during locating the mobile object, a wide area location is determined by using a terrestrial navigation receiver on the mobile object, and an ability to acquire terrestrial navigation coordinates is reported over a wireless network, and upon determining the wide area location, a local beacon mode is provided that permits local tracking.

37. An apparatus for providing an indication of positioning data for a moving object, the apparatus comprising:

means for obtaining geo-location data using geo-location data regarding the moving object;

means for obtaining an indication of reliability characteristics of the geo-location data;

means for determining a need for local positioning data; and

means for transmitting or obtaining a local signal providing augmentation data for locating the moving object.

51. The apparatus of claim 37, wherein the means for providing the location data of the moving object provides a user of the apparatus with the ability to determine the location when detached from the moving object.

52. The apparatus of claim 51, further comprising:

means for detecting a warning signal indicating that the object passes a predetermined boundary; and

means for increasing monitoring of positioning data of the object in response to the warning signal.

53. The apparatus of claim 51, further comprising:

means for determining a need for said local positioning based on said accuracy indication; and

means for establishing at least one geographical probability region based on the geographic location and the accuracy indication;

means for augmenting the geographic probability region with the local positioning data.

54. The apparatus of claim 37, wherein the means for providing the location data of the moving object provides data to an external device sufficient to determine the location of the object with the external device separate from the moving object.

55. The apparatus of claim 54, further comprising means for providing a warning signal indicating that the object passes a predetermined boundary.

55. The apparatus of claim 37, further comprising:

means for determining reliability characteristics of the geo-location data; and

means for determining a need for local positioning data, establishing said need based on a determination of said reliability characteristic falling below a predetermined criterion.

56. The apparatus of claim 37, further comprising:

means for determining the presence of a local beacon signal suitable for local positioning if local positioning data is required; and

means for transmitting or obtaining the local signal in response to a need for the local positioning data.

57. The apparatus of claim 37, further comprising using the accuracy indication in the determining the need for the local positioning data.

58. The apparatus of claim 37, further comprising:

means for obtaining an accuracy indication indicative of at least one indication of positioning data;

means for establishing positioning parameters based on the accuracy indication; and

means for augmenting the geolocation data with localized localization data within geographic constraints established by the localization parameters.

59. The apparatus of claim 58, wherein the indication of received positioning data comprises one of:

means for obtaining the geolocation data from transmissions received from the mobile object; or

Means for obtaining the geolocation data from a wireless network, wherein the wireless network obtains corresponding geolocation data for the mobile object.

60. The apparatus of claim 37, further comprising: providing a geofence warning signal when the mobile device exceeds a predetermined geographic limit.

61. The apparatus of claim 37, wherein during locating the mobile object, a wide area location is determined by using a terrestrial navigation receiver on the mobile object, and an ability to acquire terrestrial navigation coordinates is reported over a wireless network, and upon determining the wide area location, a local beacon mode is provided that permits local tracking.

62. A machine-readable medium comprising instructions for performing the method of claim 37.