HK1148155B - Method and system for processing signal - Google Patents

Description

Method and system for processing signals

Technical Field

The present invention relates to signal processing for satellite navigation systems, and more particularly, to a method and system for Location Based Service (LBS) client broker (broker).

Background

Mobile location services, also called location-based services (LBS), are a new value-added service provided by mobile communication networks. The market potential of location services is great. The development of location technology to determine user location coordinates associated with a communication device, such as a mobile phone, has been the driving force for the LBS market. Various positioning techniques have been developed, such as path loss techniques and/or triangulation techniques. These positioning techniques are used to calculate the position coordinates of a communication device, such as a mobile phone, based on the associated received signal strength. During operation, the mobile phone may change its position very quickly, and sometimes beyond the service range of the associated support network (e.g., WiFi, WiMAX, and/or global star navigation system (GNSS)) for some period of time. As such, the mobile phone must acquire its location information quickly and be able to operate with low power consumption in harsh signal propagation environments.

Further limitations and disadvantages of conventional and traditional approaches will become apparent to one of skill in the art, through comparison of such systems with some aspects of the present invention as set forth in the remainder of the present application with reference to the drawings.

Disclosure of Invention

A method and/or system for Location Based Service (LBS) client brokering, substantially as shown in and/or described in connection with at least one of the figures, as set forth more completely in the claims.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of processing a signal, comprising:

obtaining positioning information from a plurality of different sources in a GNSS enabled device;

calculating a plurality of possible positions of the GNSS enabled device based on the acquired positioning information; and

determining a current location of the GNSS enabled device based on the calculated plurality of possible locations.

Preferably, the acquired positioning information comprises GNSS data, GNSS assistance data, LTO data, reference location, reference time, femtocell data, wireless PAN data, WLAN data, WiMAX data, and/or cellular data.

Preferably, the method further comprises calculating the plurality of possible locations of the GNSS enabled device based on one or more of the GNSS data, the GNSS assistance data, the LTO data, the reference location, a reference time, femtocell data, wireless PAN data, WLAN data, WiMAX data, cellular data, and/or user input.

Preferably, the method further comprises calculating each of the plurality of possible positions of the GNSS enabled device in a determined order based on the acquired positioning information.

Preferably, the method further comprises determining a confidence level for each of the plurality of possible locations in the determined order.

Preferably, the method further comprises refining (refine) the determined current location based on respective determined confidence levels associated with the calculated plurality of possible locations.

Preferably, the method further comprises refining the determined current position in the determined order based on a currently calculated possible position and/or a previously calculated possible position.

Preferably, the method further comprises selecting one of the currently calculated possible location and a previously calculated possible location to represent the refined determined current location.

Preferably, the method further comprises combining the currently calculated possible location and a previously calculated possible location to represent the refined determined current location.

Preferably, the method further comprises transmitting the refined determined current position to a positioning server.

Preferably, the method further comprises receiving a location service from the location server based on the transmitted refined determined current location.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for processing a signal, comprising:

one or more circuits for use in a GNSS enabled device that acquire positioning information from a plurality of different sources;

the one or more circuits are configured to calculate a plurality of possible positions of the GNSS enabled device based on the acquired positioning information; and

the one or more circuits may be configured to determine a current location of the GNSS enabled device based on the calculated plurality of possible locations.

Preferably, the acquired positioning information comprises GNSS data, GNSS assistance data, LTO data, reference location, reference time, femtocell data, wireless PAN data, WLAN data, WiMAX data, and/or cellular data.

Preferably, the one or more circuits are operable to calculate a plurality of possible positions of the GNSS enabled device based on one or more of the GNSS data, the GNSS assistance data, the LTO data, the reference position, a reference time, femtocell data, wireless PAN data, WLAN data, WiMAX data, cellular data, and/or user input.

Preferably, the one or more circuits are operable to compute each of the plurality of possible positions of the GNSS enabled device in a determined order based on the acquired positioning information.

Preferably, the one or more circuits determine a confidence level for each of the plurality of possible locations in the determined order.

Preferably, the one or more circuits refine the determined current location based on respective determined confidences associated with the calculated plurality of possible locations.

Preferably, the one or more circuits refine the determined current position in the determined order based on a currently calculated possible position and/or a previously calculated possible position.

Preferably, the one or more circuits select one of the currently calculated possible location and a previously calculated possible location to represent the refined determined current location.

Preferably, the one or more circuits combine the current calculated possible location and a previously calculated possible location to represent the refined determined current location.

Preferably, the one or more circuits transmit the refined determined current position to a positioning server.

Preferably, the one or more circuits receive a location service from the location server based on the transmitted refined determined current location.

Various advantages, aspects and novel features of the invention, as well as details of an illustrated embodiment thereof, will be more fully described in the following description and drawings.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary Location Based Services (LBS) system supporting an LBS client operation in a GNSS enabled handset in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary GNSS enabled handset that supports LBS client operation for LBS applications in the GNSS enabled handset in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is an exemplary call flow diagram illustrating the operation of an LBS client in a GNSS enabled handset in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a diagram of an exemplary LBS client for determining a best position based on global satellite navigation system data in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating exemplary steps for computing optimal location coordinates by the LBS in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 6 is a flowchart of exemplary steps for LBS to refine optimal location coordinates according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a method and system for location-based server service (LBS) client brokering. Various features of the present invention enable a GNSS enabled device to acquire positioning information from a number of different sources, including, for example, GNSS satellites and/or wireless communication networks. The GNSS enabled handset may be capable of obtaining positioning information, including global positioning data, from the received signals. In the event that a location fix is required for a particular Location Based Service (LBS), the GNSS enabled handset may be able to calculate a plurality of possible location coordinates associated with the GNSS enabled handset based on the acquired location information using a plurality of positioning techniques. Additionally, current location coordinates associated with the GNSS enabled handset may be determined by an LBS client running on the GNSS enabled handset based on a plurality of calculated possible location coordinates. The acquired positioning information includes a variety of positioning source data, such as GNSS data, GNSS assistance data, LTO data, reference location, reference time, positioning solution, WiFi data, WiMAX data, and/or cellular data. Exemplary GNSS assistance data includes GPS Assistance (AGPS) data. The LBS client may determine a plurality of possible location coordinates associated with the GNSS enabled handset based on the acquired one or more data, such as GNSS data, GNSS assistance data, LTO data, reference location, reference time, femtocell data, wireless PAN data, WLAN data, WiMAX data, cellular data, and/or user input.

Various positioning schemes may be selected in a particular or determined order based on the acquired positioning information. The LBS client may calculate each of a plurality of possible positions of the GNSS enabled handset in a determined order based on the acquired positioning information. The calculated confidence level for each of the plurality of possible positions may be determined in accordance with the determined order. The current location coordinates of the GNSS enabled handset may be refined based on the corresponding determined confidence levels associated with the computed plurality of possible locations. The current location coordinates of the GNSS enabled handset may be refined in a number of ways using the current computed possible location and/or previously computed possible locations. For example, the LBS client may combine or select one of the currently computed possible locations and the previously computed possible locations to represent the precisely determined current location coordinates. The LBS client may send the precisely determined current location coordinates to the location server using the wireless LBS platform. The GNSS enabled handset is capable of receiving positioning services from the LBS application server based on the current location coordinates determined by the GNSS enabled handset based on its refinement.

FIG. 1 is a diagram of an exemplary Location Based Service (LBS) system supporting an LBS client in a GNSS enabled handset according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the LBS system 100 includes a GNSS enabled handset 110, a wireless LBS platform 120, a wireless communication network 130, the Internet 140, an LBS application server 150, a positioning server 160, an assisted GNSS server 170, a Satellite Reference Network (SRN)180, and a GNSS satellite facility 190. The wireless communication network 130 includes a plurality of communication nodes, such as Base Stations (BSs) and/or Access Points (APs), labeled BS130a-130c and APs 130d-130e, respectively. The GNSS satellite facility 190 includes a plurality of GNSS satellites, respectively labeled as GNSS satellites 190a-190 c.

The GNSS enabled handset 110 may comprise suitable logic, circuitry and/or code that may be operable to receive GNSS signals from a plurality of GNSS satellites such as the GNSS 190a through 190c to determine position coordinates of the GNSS enabled handset 110. To quickly determine the position coordinates, the GNSS enabled handset 110 may be operable to acquire GNSS assistance data from an assistance GNSS server 160 via the wireless communication network 130. In the case where the assisted GNSS server 160 may support Long Term Orbit (LTO) techniques, the GNSS enabled handset 110 may be capable of receiving LTO data via the wireless communication network 130 to quickly calculate position coordinates even without a continuous communication network connection.

The GNSS enabled handset 110 may be operable to transmit and/or receive radio signals via a wireless communication network 130 (which is compatible with a plurality of communication standards). For example, the BSs 130a-130c may be 3GPP, 3GPP2, and WiMAX compatible, while the APs 130d-130e may be femtocell base stations, IEEE 802.15PAN, IEEE 802.11WLAN, or WiFi compatible access points. The GNSS enabled handset 110 may be operable to determine position coordinates based on radio signals (radio signals) received from the wireless communication network 130. In various embodiments of the present invention, a variety of positioning schemes are used to support wireless communication network positioning. In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, a WiFi positioning scheme is implemented by associating a received signal strength, e.g., a Received Signal Strength Indication (RSSI), with a distance between WiFI access points, such as APs 130d-130 e. The change in RSSI value correlates to the distance between the corresponding APs 130d-130 e. The location coordinates of the GNSS enabled handset 110 may be calculated using a variety of positioning models (e.g., path loss models and/or triangulation models) based on RSSI values of signals received from a plurality of APs. The GNSS enabled handset 110 may communicate the calculated position coordinates to the location server 160 for various LBS applications provided by the LBS server 150.

The GNSS enabled handset 110 may be operable to capture and/or determine global positioning data including various technical range (specific) positioning source data such as GNSS data, Long Term Orbit (LTO) data, reference location, reference time, WiFi data, WiMAX data, cellular data, and/or positioning schemes. In this regard, the GNSS enabled handset 110 may be operable to calculate a set of position coordinates based on the captured global positioning data using a variety of positioning schemes (e.g., GNSS, LTO, WiFi, WiMAX, cellular based schemes). The GNSS enabled handset 110 may be configured by executing an LBS client installed thereon to calculate the set of location coordinates. Further, the LBS client may be able to determine and provide the best location coordinates based on the set of calculated location coordinates. The determined optimal location coordinates are transmitted to the LBS server 150, which is used to retrieve a particular LBS application. The LBS server 150 then provides the retrieved specific LBS application or information related to the specific LBS application to the GNSS enabled handset 110 using the wireless LBS platform 120.

The wireless LBS platform 120 may comprise suitable logic, circuitry and/or code that may enable various LBS applications to be provided by the LBS server 150 to various communication devices such as the GNSS enabled handset 110. The wireless LBS platform 120 acts as an interface, for example, providing an interface between the GNSS enabled handset 110 and the LBS server 150 via an IP network such as the Internet 140. In this regard, the wireless LBS platform 120 may communicate with the GNSS enabled handset 110 via an LBS client running on the GNSS enabled handset 110. The wireless LBS platform 120 can support a variety of functions, such as authentication, authorization, and/or accounting for various LBS applications provided by the LBS server 150. In this regard, the wireless LBS platform 120 may be capable of performing position coordinate calculation operations using a variety of positioning schemes (e.g., GNSS, LTO, WiFi, WiMAX, and cellular based positioning schemes) based on global positioning data acquired by the GNSS enabled handset 110.

The wireless communication network 130 may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, and/or code that may enable various voice and/or data services via the BSs 130a-130c and/or the APs 130d-130 e. The wireless communication network 130 can support a variety of communication standards, such as CDMA 2000, WCDMA, GSM, UMTS, LTE, WiFi, and/or WiMAX communication standards. The wireless communication network 130 is capable of transmitting various LBS applications from the LBS server 150 to a plurality of associated communication devices, such as the GNSS enabled handset 110, via the internet 140.

The internet 140 may comprise suitable logic, circuitry and/or code that may enable communication of data using IP protocols via various wired and/or wireless networking technologies. The internet 140 enables communication between the LBS server 150 and the GNSS enabled handset 110.

The LBS server 150 may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, and/or code that may enable retrieval of various information such as requested hotel addresses and maps of the vicinity of the area of interest. The LBS server 150 can transmit the retrieved information to various communication devices, such as the BGNSS enabled handset 110, based on the associated location coordinates. The LBS server 150 forwards the retrieved information to the BGNSS enabled handset 110 using the wireless LBS platform 120.

The location server 160 may comprise suitable logic, apparatus, and/or code that may enable retrieval of location information for residential users as well as enterprise users. In this regard, the location server 160 is capable of identifying various locations associated with a communication device, such as the BGNSS enabled handset 110. Depending on device capabilities, the position fix associated with the GNSS enabled handset 110 may correspond to a WiFi position fix, a WiMAX position fix, and/or a GSM position fix. The positioning information, such as the cellular ID, may be provided directly by the wireless communication network 130 or by the GNSS enabled handset 110 using various signaling, such as Short Message Service (SMS). The cell ID may be provided by in-band signaling and/or out-of-band signaling.

The location server 160 may translate the location information into latitude and longitude of the associated open infrastructure (e.g., WiFi tower providing service, WiMAX tower providing service, cellular base station). The latitude and longitude associated with the open facility may be communicated to the LBS server 150 for retrieval of a particular LBS application for the GNSS enabled handset 110. In the case of assisted GNSS technology, the positioning server 160 may be capable of obtaining GNSS assistance data from an assisted GNSS server 170. The acquired GNSS assistance data may be communicated to one or more GNSS enabled receivers, such as the GNSS enabled handset 110, to implement assisted GNSS techniques.

The assisted GNSS server 170 may comprise suitable logic, circuitry and/or code that may be operable to access a Satellite Reference Network (SRN)180 to track GNSS constellations via the SRN 180 to acquire GNSS satellite data. The assisted-GNSS server 170 may be capable of generating GNSS assistance data and providing the GNSS assistance data to the GNSS enabled handset 110 via the wireless communication network 130. Furthermore, the assistance GNSS server 170 may be configured to use Long Term Orbit (LTO) techniques to provide accurate GNSS assistance data that is valid for up to 30 days in the future. This may be advantageous for the GNSS enabled handset 110 to implement assisted GNSS techniques when the GNSS enabled handset 110 temporarily moves out of the range of the wireless communication network 130. The assisted GNSS server 170 may be operable to communicate messages in various formats that are compatible with various communication networks, such as GSM/UMTS, WiFi, LTE and/or WiMAX. For example, the assisted GNSS server 170 may be GSM/UMTS standard compliant, supporting messages in RRLP format, PCAP interface, OMA SUPLv1.0 and other formats. The assisted-GNSS server 170 may be configured to seamlessly interface with the positioning server 160 via a user board or control panel to communicate with the positioning server 160.

The Satellite Reference Network (SRN)180 may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, and/or code that may enable persistent collection and distribution of GNSS satellite data. SRN 180 includes a plurality of GNSS reference receivers located throughout the world that constantly provide assisted GNSS coverage for local or local networks and/or visited networks. This enables users of GNSS enabled devices, such as the GNSS enabled handset 110, to roam their LBS applications around the world. SRN 180 is able to guarantee a high level of availability, reliability, and performance.

The GNSS satellite facility 190 may comprise suitable logic, circuitry and/or code that may be operable to generate and broadcast suitable GNSS signals via a plurality of GNSS satellites, such as the GNSS satellites 190a-190 c. The broadcast GNSS signals may be received by a GNSS satellite receiver integrated within the GNSS enabled handset 110. The received broadcast GNSS signals may be used to determine navigation and/or positioning information, including, for example, position, velocity, and clock information of the GNSS enabled handset 110. The GNSS satellite facility 190 may be various navigation satellite systems such as the Global Positioning System (GPS), the Global orbiting navigation satellite System (GLONASS), and/or the satellite navigation GALILEO system.

In operation, the GNSS enabled handset 110 may receive signals from the GNSS satellites 190a-190c and/or the wireless communication network, respectively. Due to the capabilities of the device, the GNSS enabled handset 110 may be able to acquire or know global positioning data based on the received signals. The captured global positioning data may include a variety of positioning source data such as GNSS data, GNSS assistance data, LTO data, reference location, reference time, positioning scheme, WiFi data, WiMAX data, and/or cellular data. In the event that a location fix is required for a particular LBS application, the GNSS enabled handset 110 may be able to calculate a set of location fixes based on the captured global positioning data. The set of position coordinates may be computed by an LBC client running on the GNSS enabled handset 110. The set of position coordinates may be calculated using a variety of positioning schemes, such as based on GNSS, LTO, WiFi, WiMAX, and/or cellular technologies. Further, the LBC client in the GNSS enabled handset 110 may determine the best or more accurate position coordinates based on the set of calculated position coordinates. The determined optimal or more precise location coordinates are transmitted to the LBS server 150 through the wireless communication network 130. The LBS server 150 retrieves a particular LBS application based on the determined best location coordinates. The retrieved specific LBS application may be provided to the GNSS enabled handset 110 by the wireless LBS platform 120.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary GNSS enabled handset supporting LBS client operations for LBS applications in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, the GNSS enabled handset 200 may comprise an LBS application module 202, an LBS client 204, a GNSS module 206, and a communication module 208.

The LBS application module 202 may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, and/or code that may enable various LBS applications such as internet location services, E-911 services, location infrastructure services, geographic presentation services (geographic presentation services), or routing services. The data types associated with the LBS application include a geographic map or geo-referenced satellite picture, a text and/or digital html web page, and/or audio video stream files.

The LBS client 204 may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, and/or code that may be operable to provide the best location coordinates of the GNSS enabled handset 200 for various LBS applications provided by the LBS server 150. The LBS client 204 may be capable of capturing or determining global positioning data including a variety of positioning source data, such as GNSS data, LTO data, reference location, reference time, WiFi data, WiMAX data, cellular data, and/or positioning schemes. The LBS client 204 is capable of computing a set of position coordinates for the GNSS enabled handset 200 using a variety of positioning schemes based on the captured global positioning data. Depending on device capabilities, various positioning schemes may include schemes based on GNSS, assisted GNSS, LTO, WiFi, WiMAX, and/or cellular technologies. The LBS client 204 may be configured to perform corresponding position calculation operations in the LBS client 204 or in the wireless LBS platform 120. Based on the set of calculated position coordinates of the GNSS enabled handset 200, the LBS client 204 may be able to determine the best position coordinates of the GNSS enabled handset 200. The determined optimal location coordinates are transmitted to the LBS server 150 to provide the LBS application for the GNSS enabled handset 200.

The GNSS module 206 may comprise suitable logic, circuitry and/or code that may be operable to receive GNSS signals. The GNSS module 206 is capable of processing received GNSS signals and communicating with the LBS client 204 to support various LBS applications.

The communication module 208 may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, and/or code that may enable sending and/or receiving radio signals over the wireless communication network 130. The communication module 208 is capable of processing received radio signals and communicating with the LBS client 204 to support various LBS applications. The received radio signals include various positioning source data, such as GNSS assistance data, LTO data, reference time, and/or supported protocols.

In operation, the GNSS enabled handset 200 may be operable to receive GNSS signals via the GNSS module 206 and transmit GNSS signals via the communication module 208, respectively. The LBS client 204 may be capable of acquiring global positioning data from the received GNSS signals and the received transmitted signals, respectively. The LBS client 204 is capable of calculating a set of location coordinates for the GNSS enabled handset 200 based on the obtained global positioning data. The position coordinates of the set of GNSS enabled handsets 200 may be computed using a variety of positioning schemes, such as those based on GNSS, assisted GNSS, LTO, WiFi, WiMAX, and/or cellular technologies. Based on the set of calculated position coordinates, the LBS client 204 may determine an optimal position for the GNSS enabled handset 200. The LBS client 204 transmits the best location coordinate to the LBS server 150 to retrieve the LBS application.

FIG. 3 is an exemplary call flow diagram illustrating the operation of an LBS client in a GNSS enabled handset according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3, the exemplary steps begin at step 302, where a particular LBS application provided by the LBS server 150 requests location coordinates for the GNSS enabled handset 200 from the LBS client 204 using the wireless LBS platform 120.

In step 304, upon receiving the request, the LBS client 204 determines the best location coordinates for the GNSS enabled handset 200 based on the obtained global positioning data. The acquired global positioning data includes information from the wireless communication network 130 and the GNSS satellite facilities 190. Based on the acquired global positioning data, the LBS client 204 calculates a set of position coordinates for the GNSS enabled handset 200 using a variety of positioning schemes. The various positioning schemes may be schemes based on GNSS, WiFi, WiMAX and/or cellular technologies. Depending on the embodiment, the position calculation may be performed either in the LBS client 204 or the LBS platform 120. The LBS client 204 may be able to determine the best location coordinates for the GNSS enabled handset 200 based on the set of calculated location coordinates using a brokerage algorithm (brokeralgorithm).

In step 306, the LBS client 204 transmits the determined optimal location coordinates to the LBS server 150 for retrieving a particular LBS application for the GNSS enabled handset 200.

In step 308, the LBS server 150 retrieves the specific LBS application according to the received best position coordinates for the GNSS enabled handset 200 and transmits it to the GNSS enabled handset 200 using the wireless LBS platform 120.

FIG. 4 is a diagram of an exemplary LBS client for determining a best position based on global satellite navigation system data in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. As shown in fig. 4, LBS client 400 includes a processor 402, a QoP engine 404, and a memory 406.

The processor 402 may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, and/or code that may enable capturing or learning global positioning data from various positioning source data and storing the data in the memory 406. In the event that a particular LBS application requires location coordinates of the GNSS enabled handset 200, the processor 402 may be able to obtain the best location coordinates of the GNSS enabled handset 200 from the QoP engine 404.

The QoP engine 404 may comprise suitable logic, circuitry and/or code that may be operable to provide optimal position coordinates for the GNSS enabled handset 200. In this regard, the QoP engine 404 may calculate a set of location coordinates for the GNSS enabled handset 200 based on the captured global positioning data using a variety of positioning schemes (such as those based on GNSS and cellular technologies). Each of the calculated position coordinates will be evaluated for confidence (confidence level) and/or uncertainty level. The confidence and/or unreliability of the calculated position coordinates may be specified in a number of ways. For example, the i-th confidence and/or unreliability of the calculated position coordinates may be defined by:

and

wherein, P_meanAnd P_iRespectively, the calculated average position coordinate and the ith position coordinate of the set of GNSS enabled handsets 200. i is a positive integer.

Based on the set of calculated position coordinates, the QoP engine 404 may determine the best position coordinates for the GNSS enabled handset 200 for a particular LBS application. For example, QoP engine 404 may select to combine one or more calculated location coordinates to determine the best location coordinates based on the associated confidence and/or unreliability.

The memory 406 may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, and/or code that may enable storage of information such as configuration data, executable instructions, and data that may be needed for use by the processor 402 and QoP engine 404. The executable instructions include instructions that enable performing position calculations in the QoP engine 404 or in the LBS platform 120. The data includes global positioning data, e.g., GNSS data (navigation satellite data such as GPS data, GLONASS data, and/or GALILEO data), GNSS assistance data, LTO data, reference locations, reference times, positioning scheme information, and related protocol information. The memory 406 may be RAM, ROM, low latency nonvolatile memory such as flash memory and/or other suitable electronic data storage.

In operation, various positioning source data from the GNSS module 206 and/or the communication module 208 are received by the processor 402. The processor 402 captures global positioning data based on the received positioning source data and stores into the memory 406. In the event that a request is made for location coordinates of the GNSS enabled handset 200 for a particular LBS application, the processor 402 communicates with the QoP engine 404 to determine the best or precise location coordinates of the GNSS enabled handset 200 for that particular LBS application. The QoP engine 404 applies a brokerage algorithm to determine the best location coordinates based on a set of location coordinates of the GNSS enabled handset 200. The set of location coordinates may be computed using various positioning schemes based on the acquired global positioning data, including, for example, schemes based on GNSS, LTO, WiFi, WiMAX, and/or cellular technologies.

Fig. 5 is a flowchart illustrating exemplary steps for calculating optimal location coordinates by the LBS according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. As shown in fig. 5, the exemplary steps begin at step 502, where the LBS client 400 captures global positioning data via the GNSS module 206 and the communication module 208, respectively. In step 504, the LBS client 400 determines an available positioning scheme related to the acquired global positioning data. At step 506, the selected available positioning schemes are ranked, e.g., according to computational complexity. In step 508, the positioning scheme number (index) i is reset or initialized to 1. For convenience of illustration, the total number of available positioning schemes is represented by a positive integer N. In step 510, the location coordinates of the GNSS enabled handset 200 are calculated by executing the LBS client 400 based on the acquired global positioning data using the selected ith available positioning scheme. In step 512, a metric value, such as unreliability and/or confidence, for the calculated position coordinates is determined and stored in memory 406.

At step 514, a determination is made as to whether location coordinates of the GNSS enabled handset 200 already exist in the LBS client 400. In the case where the location coordinates of the GNSS enabled handset 200 already exist in the LBS client 400, then in step 516, the location coordinates of the existing GNSS enabled handset 200 are refined based on the currently calculated location coordinates. In step 518, the refined position coordinates are used as the best or more accurate position coordinates for the GNSS enabled handset 200. The best position coordinates are transmitted to the LBS server 150, which will determine the LBS application based on the best position coordinates. The determined LBS application is transmitted from the LBS server 150 to the GNS-enabled handset 200. At step 520, the number of positioning schemes is increased by 1 as a step. In step 522, it is determined whether the positioning scheme number is greater than N. In the event that the positioning scheme number is greater than N, the example step proceeds to end step 526. In step 514, in the case where the LBS client 400 does not have the GNSS enabled handset 200 position coordinates, then the method proceeds to step 524 where the currently computed GNSS enabled handset 200 position coordinates are considered as the best or more accurate position coordinates. The best or more accurate location coordinates are transmitted to the LBS server 150 through the LBS client 400. In step 522, in the event that the positioning scheme index is less than or equal to N, exemplary steps return to step 510 for continued execution.

Fig. 6 is a flowchart of exemplary steps for LBS to refine optimal location coordinates according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 6, exemplary StepsThe process begins at step 602, where P_Exist、P_Current、P_RefinedRespectively, the existing position coordinates, the current computed position coordinates, and the refined position coordinates of the GNSS enabled handset 200. Weight w_ExistAnd w_CurrentFor passing P_ExistAnd P_CurrentCombine to calculate P_RefinedWherein w is_Exist+w_Current1. At step 604, it is determined whether a hybrid combinatorial refinement processing scheme is employed. In the case of the hybrid combination refinement processing scheme, step 606 is then executed to calculate refined position coordinates of the GNSS enabled handset 200 according to the following formula:

P_refined＝w_ExistP_Exist+w_CurrentP_Current

existing position coordinates P_ExistCan be set by setting P_Exist＝P_RefinedAnd (6) updating.

In step 604, without employing the hybrid combinatorial refinement processing scheme, then step 608 is entered, starting from { P based on the associated confidence and/or unreliability_Exist，P_CurrentThe refined position coordinate P of the GNSS enabled handset 200 is selected_Refined. The position coordinate with higher confidence and/or lower uncertainty may be selected as the best position coordinate. P_ExistCan be set by setting P_Exist＝P_RefinedAnd (6) updating.

The invention provides a method and a system for client broker of location-based broker (LBS for short). In accordance with various embodiments of the invention, the GNSS enabled handset 110 may receive signals from various sources such as GNSS satellites 190a-190c and/or the wireless communication network 130. Depending on the device capabilities, the GNSS enabled handset 110 may be capable of acquiring global positioning data from the received signals. When location coordinate information is required by a particular LBS application provided by the LBS server 150, the GNSS enabled handset 110 may calculate the location coordinates of a set of GNSS enabled handsets 210 using a variety of positioning schemes based on the captured global positioning data. Further, the LBS client 204 executing on the GNSS enabled handset 110 may determine the best location coordinates for the GNSS enabled handset 110 based on the set of calculated location coordinates. The acquired global positioning data includes a variety of positioning source data, such as GNSS data, GNSS assistance data, LTO data, reference location, reference time, positioning scheme, WiFi data, WiMAX data, and/or cellular data. Exemplary GNSS assistance data includes assisted gps (agps) data.

The LBS client 204 may use a variety of positioning schemes, such as those based on GNSS, assisted GNSS, LTO, WiFi, WiMAX, and/or cellular technologies, to calculate the set of position coordinates for the GNSS enabled handset 110. The LBS client 204 may be configured to implement these positioning schemes with or without the use of an assisted reference location and/or reference time associated with the acquired global positioning data. Various positioning schemes may be selected in a determined order based on the acquired global positioning data. For example, the various positioning schemes may be selected in order of computational complexity. As described in conjunction with FIG. 5, the first position coordinates of the GNSS enabled handset 110 may be calculated using a first selected positioning solution that corresponds to the least computationally intensive of the various positioning solutions selected. As described in connection with fig. 6, the first calculated position coordinates may be successively refined by the relative position coordinates subsequently calculated using the respective positioning scheme in a determined order. In order to determine the best or more accurate position coordinates of the GNSS enabled handset 110, the first calculated position coordinates may be continuously refined by combining the first calculated position coordinates with respect to the GNSS enabled handset 110 and the subsequently calculated position coordinates. Alternatively, the first calculated position coordinates may be continuously refined by selecting particular calculated position coordinates from the first calculated position coordinates and subsequently calculated position coordinates of the GNSS enabled handset 110. Based on the refined first calculated position coordinates, optimal or more precise position coordinates of the GNSS enabled handset 110 may be determined. The optimal or more accurate position coordinates are transmitted to the LBS server 150 through the wireless communication network 130. The GNSS enabled handset 110 may receive the particular LBS application provided by the LBS server 150 using the wireless LBS platform 120. The LBS server 150 retrieves a particular LBS application based on the determined best location coordinates of the GNSS enabled handset 110.

In accordance with various embodiments of the invention, the GNSS enabled handset 110 may receive signals from a variety of different sources such as GNSS satellites 190a-190c and/or the wireless communication network 130. The GNSS enabled handset 110 may be operable to obtain positioning information represented by global positioning data from the received signals. As previously described, for example in connection with FIGS. 2-4, where a particular LBS application provided by the LBS server 150 requires location coordinates, the GNSS enabled handset 110 may be able to calculate a plurality of possible location coordinates of the GNSS enabled handset 110 using a plurality of positioning schemes based on the acquired positioning information. Further, by running the LBS client 204 on the GNSS enabled handset 110, the current location coordinates of the GNSS enabled handset 110 may be determined based on a plurality of calculated possible location coordinates. The acquired positioning information includes various positioning source data, such as GNSS data, GNSS assistance data, LTO data, reference location, reference time, positioning scheme, WiFi data, WiMAX data, and/or cellular data. Exemplary GNSS assistance data includes assisted gps (agps) data.

The LBS client 204 may determine a plurality of possible location coordinates of the GNSS enabled handset 110 based on one or more of the acquired data, such as GNSS data, GNSS assistance data, LTO data, reference location, reference time, femtocell data, wireless PAN data, WLAN data, WiMAX data, cellular data, and/or user input. Various positioning schemes may be selected in a specified or determined order based on the acquired positioning information. As described in connection with fig. 5 and 6, the LBS client 204 may compute each of the technical GNSS' handset 110 me multiple possible position coordinates in a determined order based on the acquired location information. The confidence level with respect to each of the calculated plurality of possible position coordinates may be determined in the determined order.

The current position coordinates of the GNSS enabled handset 110 may be refined based on calculated confidence levels for the plurality of possible position coordinates. The current location coordinates of the GNSS enabled handset 110 may be refined in a number of ways using, for example, a current computed possible location and/or a previously computed possible location. For example, the LBS client 204 may combine or select one of the currently computed possible location and the previously computed possible location to represent the refined determined current location coordinates. The LBS client 204 uses the wireless LBS platform 120 to transmit the refined determined current location coordinates to the location server 160. In turn, the GNSS enabled handset 110 may receive a positioning service from the LBS server 150 based on the refined determined current location coordinates of the GNSS enabled handset 110.

Another embodiment of the present invention provides a machine and/or computer readable storage and/or medium having stored thereon a machine code and/or a computer program having at least one code section executable by a machine and/or a computer for controlling the machine and/or the computer to perform the method and system for location-based server service (LBS) client broker described herein.

Accordingly, the present invention may be realized in hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software. The present invention can be realized in a centralized fashion in at least one computer system, or in a distributed fashion where different elements are spread across several interconnected computer systems. Any kind of computer system or other apparatus adapted for carrying out the methods described herein is suited. A typical combination of hardware and software could be a general purpose computer system with a computer program that, when being loaded and executed, controls the computer system such that it carries out the methods described herein. The method is implemented in a computer system using a processor and a memory unit.

The present invention can also be implemented by a computer program product, which comprises all the features enabling the implementation of the methods of the invention and which, when loaded in a computer system, is able to carry out these methods. The computer program in the present document refers to: any expression, in any programming language, code or notation, of a set of instructions intended to cause a system having an information processing capability to perform a particular function either directly or after either or both of the following a) conversion to another language, code or notation; b) reproduced in different formats to implement specific functions.

While the invention has been described with reference to several embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from its scope. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (4)

1. A method of processing a signal, comprising:

obtaining, in a GNSS enabled device, positioning information from a plurality of different sources, the positioning information including GNSS data, GNSS assistance data, LTO data, a reference location, a reference time, femtocell data, wireless PAN data, WLAN data, WiMAX data, and/or cellular data;

calculating a plurality of possible positions of the GNSS enabled device based on the acquired positioning information, each of the plurality of possible positions of the GNSS enabled device being calculated in an order determined based on a complexity of the calculation with the acquired positioning information;

determining confidence of position coordinates of each of the plurality of possible positions in the determined order, and calculating position coordinates P of the ith possible position_iIs defined asWherein, P_meanIs an average location coordinate of the plurality of possible locations; and

determining optimal location coordinates of the GNSS enabled device based on confidence selections of location coordinates of the plurality of possible locations combining location coordinates of one or more of the possible locations.

2. The method of processing signals according to claim 1, comprising computing said plurality of possible positions of said GNSS enabled device based on one or more of said GNSS data, said GNSS assistance data, said LTO data, said reference position, a reference time, femtocell data, wireless PAN data, WLAN data, WiMAX data, cellular data, and/or user input.

3. A system for processing a signal, comprising:

one or more circuits for use in a GNSS enabled device that acquire positioning information from a plurality of different sources, the positioning information including GNSS data, GNSS assistance data, LTO data, reference location, reference time, femtocell data, wireless PAN data, WLAN data, WiMAX data, and/or cellular data;

the one or more circuits are configured to calculate a plurality of possible positions of the GNSS enabled device based on the acquired positioning information, each of the plurality of possible positions of the GNSS enabled device being calculated in an order determined based on a complexity of the calculation with the acquired positioning information;

the one or more circuits determine a confidence level for each of the plurality of possible locations in the determined order, the calculated location coordinate P for the ith possible location_iIs defined asWherein, P_meanIs an average location coordinate of the plurality of possible locations; and

the one or more circuits may be configured to determine optimal location coordinates of the GNSS enabled device by combining the location coordinates of one or more of the plurality of possible locations based on the confidence levels of the location coordinates of the plurality of possible locations.

4. The system according to claim 3, wherein said one or more circuits are operable to calculate a plurality of possible positions of said GNSS enabled device based on one or more of said GNSS data, said GNSS assistance data, said LTO data, said reference location, a reference time, femtocell data, wireless PAN data, WLAN data, WiMAX data, cellular data, and/or user input.