Method, apparatus and system for determining the location of a mobile device

Abstract

A method, apparatus, and system are provided for determining the location of a mobile device operatively coupled to a wireless network such that the mobile device can locally compute its location information with high precision. The method includes: the mobile device receiving a respective location information message from each of one or more transmission points of the wireless network via a respective broadcast transmission channel designated for the transmission of location information. The respective location information message includes an indication of the geographical location of one of the one or more transmission points. The method further includes: the mobile device determining the location of the mobile device based on the content of the location information message. The apparatus and system perform any or all of the operations of the above-described method and features described explicitly or implicitly.

Description

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 167,918, filed on February 4, 2021, which claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 971,102, filed on February 6, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to the field of wireless communication, and more particularly, to a method and apparatus for determining the location of a mobile device operatively coupled to a wireless network. Background Art

[0004] Location - based service technologies are very important for supporting current and future mobile device applications. In fact, many location - based wireless control and management services have been proposed, such as location - based optimization of user equipment (UE) operations and location - based resource management in vehicle - to - everything (V2X) systems. Technologies for such location - based services require control / management maps and also require location information to be available on wireless network entities (such as devices, handsets, access points).

[0005] Many network entities obtain location information through the global positioning system (GPS) or similar systems. The GPS system uses satellites to enable a GPS receiver to determine the location of a network entity. Location information is two - dimensional information indicating the absolute geographical location of a device, including the longitude and latitude of the device. Unfortunately, the GPS system has several problems. One problem is that GPS signals are unavailable, especially indoors or on streets in urban areas. Another problem is the excessive power consumption when calculating the location of a device. In addition, due to the lack of altitude information, the GPS system cannot distinguish devices located on different floors of the same building because usually only two - dimensional location information is determined.

[0006] Some systems use alternative positioning technologies, such as the 3rd rd generation partnership project (3GPP) positioning technology and Wi - Fi - based technology. However, these technologies are more suitable for networks or access points rather than the devices themselves when obtaining the device location. In addition, although there are some systems that enable a mobile device to locally estimate its location, the accuracy of the estimated location is far lower than the desired level. For example, the accuracy of these systems is only at the cell or access point level.

[0007] Accordingly, there is a need for a method, apparatus, and system for determining the location of a mobile device that eliminates or reduces one or more limitations of the prior art.

[0008] This background information is provided to disclose information that the applicant believes may be relevant to the present invention. It is not necessary and should not be construed to admit that any of the above information constitutes prior art against the present invention. Summary of the Invention

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention aim to provide a method, apparatus, and system for determining the location of a mobile device. The location refers to a geographical location. In various embodiments, the method can be efficient, reliable, and pervasive, enabling the mobile device to obtain its location information locally with high precision. Such a method, apparatus, and system will enable location-based technologies to be applied to various services, such as smart cities and Industry 4.0. Embodiments of the present invention can enhance existing radio access networks by having one or more transmission points provide their location information. This can enable wireless devices to estimate their location locally without the need to develop a separate dedicated infrastructure network to provide location information. The transmission points can be radio access nodes, such as NodeB, gNodeB, gNB, or (e.g., cellular) base stations. Embodiments of the present invention can also provide a topographical positioning physical / logical channel in an existing wireless network to enable wireless devices to estimate their location locally without developing a separate dedicated infrastructure network. According to an embodiment, a new message design or format can be used for network messages carrying location information.

[0010] According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method implemented by one or more devices in a wireless communication network. The method includes a mobile device receiving a respective location information message from each of one or more transmission points in a wireless network via a respective broadcast transmission channel designated for transmission of location information. The respective location information message includes an indication of the geographical location of one of the one or more transmission points. The method further includes the mobile device determining the location of the mobile device based on the content of the location information message. Thus, the wireless communication network infrastructure is used for the communication and transmission of location information messages. The technical effect can be the combination of a communication and location support infrastructure. Due to such a combination, efficiency is improved.

[0011] In some embodiments, the corresponding broadcast transmission channel designated for the transmission of location information is a dedicated logical channel of the wireless network or a dedicated physical channel associated with the dedicated logical channel. The wireless network can also be used to facilitate general communication with the mobile device. Thus, the location information function is tightly integrated into the wireless communication system as a whole. In some embodiments, the corresponding broadcast transmission channel designated for the transmission of location information is a dedicated physical channel associated with the dedicated logical channel of the wireless network, and the location information message is sent on a portion of the resources allocated to the dedicated physical channel. This portion of the resources can be reused by multiple transmission points in the transmission point. In some cases, the transmission point spacing can be large enough such that the mutual interference due to reuse is below the level required for reliable reception of the location information message. This can reduce the burden on the mobile device by reducing the number of resources required to search for or monitor the location information message.

[0012] In some embodiments, the corresponding broadcast transmission channel designated for the transmission of location information is a dedicated physical channel associated with the dedicated logical channel of the wireless network, and the method further includes the mobile device continuously or intermittently monitoring the dedicated physical channel to detect the dedicated logical channel associated with the dedicated physical channel. The mobile device can determine the location of the mobile device based on the physical layer detection information of the dedicated physical channel. The physical layer detection information can be obtained from signals transmitted by three or more transmission points. The signal can include location information, other signals, or a combination thereof, and the physical layer detection information can include an indication of the distance, direction, or both distance and direction of the three or more transmission points relative to the mobile device. Thus, the mobile device receives the location information message in a manner similar to other channels of a traditional wireless communication system, and can determine its location in a manner similar to a satellite (e.g., GPS)-based positioning system based on triangulation or multilateration, etc. This can support simplifying the design and operation of the mobile device because certain reception operations related to the location information message and other messages can be at least partially unified or integrated.

[0013] In some embodiments, the determination of the location of the mobile device is performed based on the physical layer parameters of the location information message, the physical layer parameters of other signals transmitted by one, two, or more transmission points, or a combination thereof. The physical layer parameters of the signal can also be used for the detection of the location information message.

[0014] In some embodiments, the method further includes the mobile device receiving a decryption key; and decrypting the location information message using the decryption key. If appropriate security can be established, the location message can be encrypted, and the decryption key can be sent to the mobile device, for example, from a control function or from a transmission point to the mobile device. This supports providing the location information service to authorized mobile devices separately, thus supporting charging for the service separately.

[0015] In some embodiments, the method further includes the mobile device sending a registration message to one of the transmission points or a control function communicable with at least one of the transmission points. The method may further include the mobile device receiving resource information from the control function or one of the transmission points. The resource information may indicate communication resources for transmitting location information messages between one or more of the transmission points and the mobile device. The method may further include the mobile device monitoring the communication resources for location information messages. Thus, access to the location information is controlled and managed. This also allows location information services to be charged for and provided separately from other services. In some embodiments, the location information messages are encrypted, and the resource information may further include security information to be used by the mobile device to decrypt the location information messages. The security information may include a decryption key that may be used to decrypt the location information messages, or information for generating or obtaining such a decryption key.

[0016] In some embodiments, the corresponding location information message further includes an identifier of one of the one or more transmission points. The geographical location indication may be one of an absolute geographical location and a geographical location relative to a predetermined reference location. The absolute geographical location may include latitude information, longitude information, and altitude information. The geographical location relative to a predetermined reference location may include a three-dimensional location offset from the reference location. Using relative positions may simplify location determination. The indication of the three-dimensional location may allow the mobile device to determine its location in a complex environment (e.g., in a city or building with multiple levels).

[0017] Embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus for performing operations corresponding to the methods described above and elsewhere herein. According to an embodiment, a mobile device operably coupled to a wireless network is provided. The mobile device is configured to receive respective location information messages from each of one or more transmission points of the wireless network via respective broadcast transmission channels designated for the transmission of location information. The respective location information messages include a geographical location indication of one of the one or more transmission points. The mobile device is further configured to determine the location of the mobile device based on the content of the location information messages. The mobile device may also be configured to operate according to the embodiments described above with respect to the method.

[0018] Embodiments of the present invention provide a system for performing operations corresponding to the methods described above and elsewhere herein. According to an embodiment, a system including a wireless network and a plurality of transmission points and a mobile device is provided. Each transmission point is configured to send a respective location information message including a geographical location indication of one of the plurality of transmission points. The transmission points send the respective location information messages via respective broadcast transmission channels designated for the transmission of location information. The mobile device is operably coupled to the wireless network and is configured to: receive the plurality of location information messages; and determine the location of the mobile device based on the content of the plurality of location information messages.

[0019] The system may also include a control function for: receiving a registration message from a mobile device. The mobile device receives resource information from the control function or one of the plurality of transmission points. The resource information indicates communication resources for transmitting location information messages between one or more transmission points and the mobile device. Based on the resource information, the mobile device monitors or self-configures to monitor the communication resources.

[0020] In some embodiments, the corresponding broadcast transmission channel designated for the transmission of location information is a dedicated logical channel of the wireless network or a dedicated physical channel associated with the dedicated logical channel. The wireless network may also be used to facilitate general communication with the mobile device. The mobile device may also be used to monitor the dedicated physical channel to detect the dedicated logical channel associated with the dedicated physical channel.

[0021] Embodiments have been described above in connection with aspects of the present invention, and these embodiments may be implemented according to these aspects. Those skilled in the art will understand that embodiments may be implemented in combination with the aspects describing them, but may also be implemented together with other embodiments of that aspect. When embodiments of the present invention are mutually exclusive or incompatible, this will be obvious to those skilled in the art. Some embodiments may be described in connection with one aspect, but may also be applicable to other aspects, which will be obvious to those skilled in the art. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0023] Figure 1 An exemplary process for locally calculating the location of a device using location information of a transmission point according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0024] Figure 2 An example of the mapping between physical channels and transmission channels in a wireless network according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0025] Figure 3 An exemplary process for locally calculating the location of a device using location information of a transmission point transmitted through a physical location broadcast channel (PLCH) according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0026] Figure 4 A method for determining the location of a mobile device operably coupled to a wireless network according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0027] Figure 5 A system and apparatus provided according to an embodiment of the present invention are shown.

[0028] Figure 6 An electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown in a schematic diagram.

[0029] Figure 7 A mobile device, a control function, and a transmission point according to an embodiment of the present invention are shown.

[0030] It should be noted that in all the drawings, the same features are identified by the same reference numerals. Detailed implementation manners

[0031] As used herein, the term "about" should be understood to include variations relative to a nominal value, e.g., variations of + / - 10% relative to a nominal value. It should be understood that such variations are always included in the given values provided herein whether or not specifically mentioned.

[0032] Embodiments of the present invention provide a method and apparatus for providing a wireless location information message for use by a mobile device in determining its location. The mobile device is communicatively coupled to a wireless communication network, also referred to as a wireless network, and the mobile device uses a transmission point of the wireless communication network for communication purposes. In addition, the transmission point wirelessly transmits a location information message that is used by the mobile device to determine its geographical location. Thus, the same infrastructure can also be used for wireless communication services and location services. This results in a more efficient use of the infrastructure as the same infrastructure is used for multiple purposes. A transmission point represents the starting point of a transmitted wireless signal, e.g., the starting point is located at the same position as the corresponding antenna. Thus, the same transmission point and the same wireless network facilitate general communication with the mobile device and the transmission of the location information message. General communication can be general-purpose communication, e.g., including voice communication, data communication, or both.

[0033] The location information message sent by a given transmission point includes an indication of the geographical location of the transmission point. Additionally, the location information message can include other relevant information, such as a timestamp indicating the precise time of signal transmission. The mobile device is used to determine its location based at least in part on the location information messages received from multiple transmission points. Various techniques can be used for location determination, such as triangulation, trilateration, multilateration, time-of-arrival processing, time-difference-of-arrival processing, angle-of-arrival processing, etc. In some embodiments, multilateration techniques similar to those used in the global positioning system (GPS) can be used. Physical layer detection information can be used to facilitate these techniques. As described below, the actual location determination can be based only on the signals carrying location information, or on these signals in addition to other physical signals sent by the transmission points. For example, multilateration can include determining the precise time-of-flight of the location information message by determining the reception time of the physical signal carrying the location information message based on the characteristics of the physical signal, such as the time-domain peak or signature in the modulated physical signal. As will be readily understood by those skilled in the art, multilateration techniques similar to those used in the GPS system can be implemented.

[0034] In some embodiments, the location information message includes an indication of the geographical location of a transmission point and an associated transmission point identifier. Alternatively, the location information message includes indications of the geographical locations of multiple transmission points and multiple corresponding associated transmission point identifiers. Based on the location information message, the mobile device determines the locations of a set of transmission points within the communication range. Then, the mobile device can determine its distance from these transmission points, the direction towards these transmission points, or a combination thereof, by monitoring and processing the signals sent by the transmission points. These signals can include the location information message or other transmissions made by the transmission point that are separate from the location information message. For example, the signals can be processed to determine the direction of origin, the time delay between transmission and reception (and thus the distance traveled), or both. This information can be used by the mobile device for triangulation or multilateration positioning to determine its location based on the known locations of the transmission points that sent the signals.

[0035] Various techniques can be used to send the location information message. In some embodiments, the location information message is broadcast as a location information message through existing standardizations (e.g., according to the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3 rdIt is sent through a broadcast transport channel of the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). In some embodiments, the location information message is sent as part of a system information block (SIB), which is defined according to existing wireless communication standards such as 3GPP standards like LTE or 5G standards. In some embodiments, dedicated positioning physical and logical channels can be used to send the location information message. The dedicated positioning physical and logical channels are only used to send the location information message. In some embodiments, a broadcast transport channel can be defined, allocated, or assigned for the specific transmission of the location information message.

[0036] According to an embodiment, the location information of a transmission point in a radio access network can be sent to a mobile device to determine the location of the mobile device. In some embodiments, the location information message can be broadcast through a broadcast transport channel. The broadcast transport channel can be customized or adjusted to send the location information message. The location information message can carry a list of location information. The list of location information can include one or more of the following: absolute location information (such as latitude, longitude, altitude); relative location information about a fixed location or place, or other information indicating the geographical location of the transmission point. Each instance of the location information can correspond to a transmission point identified by the corresponding transmission point identifier in the location information message. The list of location information can include the location information of transmission points in a specific limited area. In some embodiments, an SIB can be used to carry the location information of the transmission point that sends the SIB. The location information carried by the SIB can include longitude information, latitude information, and altitude information of one or more transmission points. The location information can include other information indicating the location of the transmission point. For example, the location information can include information indicating the location of the transmission point in other formats.

[0037] According to an embodiment, the location information of a transmission point can be broadcast on one or more broadcast transport channels (such as the physical broadcast channel (PBCH)). In some embodiments, the transmission point periodically broadcasts a location information control message on one or more broadcast transport channels (such as PBCH). In some embodiments, an evolved Node B (eNodeB, or eNB) or other transmission points can broadcast their location information on one or more broadcast transport channels (such as PBCH) by including the location information in an SIB. The SIB can be an SIB defined according to a previous or current version of the 3GPP wireless communication standard but adapted to include location information. The SIB can be a new SIB not previously defined in the 3GPP wireless communication standard. The location information carried by the SIB can be preconfigured by an operations, administration, and maintenance (OAM) system.

[0038] According to an embodiment, a mobile device may search for downlink (DL) cells and decode SIB messages during normal operation. The mobile device may locally calculate its position based on available physical layer related detection information and the corresponding position information of transmission points (e.g., three or more transmission points). The physical layer detection information may include aspects of the physical layer signals, such as timing or directional aspects, which may be used, for example, to facilitate position determination by triangulation or multilateration techniques. The timing aspect may be used to determine the propagation (flight) time of the signal, and then the propagation (flight) time may be used to determine the distance from the signal transmitter to the signal receiver. The directional aspect may be used to determine the direction of the signal transmitter relative to the signal receiver. Thus, the physical layer detection information may include indications of the distance, direction, or both distance and direction of the three or more transmission points relative to the mobile device.

[0039] Figure 1 An exemplary process 100 for locally calculating the position of a mobile device using the position information of transmission points according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The transmission point 101 and the mobile device 102 are communicatively coupled to a wireless network, and the device 102 may use the transmission point 101 to communicate with other network entities in the network. To this end, the transmission point 101 and the device 102 may be communicatively coupled to each other. In step 110, the transmission point 101 may broadcast a position information message to the device 102 on one or more physical broadcast channels (PBCH). In some embodiments, the position information message may be broadcast by the transmission point 101 periodically (or repeatedly, e.g., continuously or according to a schedule). The position information message may include an identifier of the transmission point 101 and an indication of the geographical location of the transmission point 101. In some embodiments, the position information may be carried by the SIB. For example, the position information may be sent on the PBCH. The position information may be pre-configured by an OAM system in the wireless network. In some embodiments, three or more transmission points 101 may broadcast position information messages for the device 102 to receive.

[0040] Although Figure 1 only the position information message broadcast on the PBCH is shown, those skilled in the art should understand that the position information message may be broadcast on other existing network channels, and it should also be understood that there may be one or more additional instances of the position information message broadcast on the PBCH or other existing network channels. Additionally, although Figure 1It shows that multiple transmission points 101 send location information messages to the mobile device 102. However, those skilled in the art should understand that the location information message can be sent from a single transmission point. In this case, when sent from a single transmission point, the location information message includes an indication of the geographical locations of multiple transmission points. The transmission point that sends the location information message carrying the location information of multiple access nodes can collect information indicating the geographical locations of other transmission points regularly (periodically) or whenever it needs to send a location information message. However, if the mobile device relies on triangulation or multilateration to determine its location, different transmission points should still send signals appropriately configured for this purpose. These signals can be separate from the location information message.

[0041] When the location information message is sent to the mobile device 102, at step 120, the mobile device 102 can start calculating their location. The location calculation can be performed locally within the mobile device 102 without developing a dedicated infrastructure network or communicating with other network entities (such as servers) located remotely within the network. At step 120, the location of the mobile device 102 can be calculated at least in part based on the location information message sent by the transmission point 101. The location calculation can be performed in various ways readily understood by those skilled in the art, such as using triangulation or multilateration.

[0042] According to an embodiment, a location message may be broadcast by a transmission point in a wireless network on one or more broadcast transmission channels defined for (and dedicated to) location information transmission. One of these channels may be referred to herein as a location broadcast physical channel or physical location broadcast channel (PLCH). For example, the PLCH may be used to use a dedicated set of resource units selected from a predetermined dedicated location information transmission (LIT) resource pool. The resource units may be defined according to one or more network resources, such as frequency bands, subcarriers, time slots, and codes, or combinations thereof. One resource unit in the LIT resource pool may be allocated to each transmission point. The PLCH may be designed in a manner similar to the PBCH that has been 3GPP standardized, or another physical / logical synchronization channel. The size of the LIT resource pool may be determined such that the LIT resource pool can facilitate efficient positioning operations of the device while facilitating high accuracy in (device) positioning. It should be noted that in some cases, the positioning operation is considered efficient when only a small area needs to be searched. The size of the LIT resource pool may be restricted such that a mobile device does not have to search a large amount of resource unit space to acquire and decode the message. Another channel defined for transmitting location information may be a positioning transmission channel. This positioning transmission channel may also be referred to as a location channel (LCH). The LCH may be used to convey a location information message of a transmitter. In various embodiments, the newly defined channels (such as the PLCH and LCH) may support a mobile device in obtaining location information more efficiently. For example, a mobile device may more easily detect a location message transmitted via the PLCH and LCH from other information broadcasts from a transmission point.

[0043] Figure 2 Shows an example of the mapping between physical channels and transmission channels in a wireless network according to an embodiment of the present invention. Refer to Figure 2 , the wireless network 200 may include a set of data channels for data transmission, including a downlink transmission channel 210 and a downlink physical channel 220. The downlink transmission channel 210 may be a transmission channel carrying user data and control messages, and the downlink physical channel 220 may be a channel serving the medium access control (MAC) layer within the wireless network protocol architecture.

[0044] As will be readily understood by those skilled in the art, a wireless communication system (e.g., a 5G system defined by 3GPP) may include multiple channels (e.g., data channels). Logical channels include a control channel for transmitting control plane data and a traffic channel for transmitting user plane data. A physical channel corresponds to a set of resources (e.g., time-frequency resources) for transmitting a transport channel, and each transport channel is mapped to a corresponding physical channel. The transport channel provides services accessible to the MAC layer for transmitting information in a specific manner with specific characteristics.

[0045] Referring to Figure 2 , the downlink transport channel 210 may include a broadcast channel (BCH) 211, a location channel LCH 212, a paging channel (PCH) 213, and a downlink shared channel (DL-SCH) 214. Although not shown in the figure, those skilled in the art will understand that the downlink transport channel 210 may also include other downlink transport channels, such as a multicast channel (MCH). The downlink physical channel 220 may include a physical broadcast channel (PBCH) 221, a physical location broadcast channel (PLCH) 222, a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) 223, and a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) 224. Although not shown in the figure, those skilled in the art will understand that the downlink physical channel 220 may also include other downlink physical channels, such as a physical multicast channel (PMCH), a physical control format indicator channel (PCFICH), and a physical hybrid ARQ indicator channel (PHICH).

[0046] Further referring to Figure 2, BCH 211 can be communicatively connected to PBCH 221. BCH 211 can carry information for the master information block (MIB) and cooperate with PBCH 221 to transmit MIB information. LCH 212 is communicatively connected to PLCH 222. LCH 212 can convey the location information message of the transmitter and cooperate with PLCH 222 to transmit the location information message. The location information message of the transmitter can include the location information of the transmission point. PCH 213 and DL-SCH 214 can be communicatively connected to PDSCH 223. PCH 213 and DL-SCH 214 can be multiplexed into PDSCH 223. PCH 213 can carry paging information and send the paging information to PDSCH 223, and DL-SCH 214 can carry SIB information and user data and send the SIB information and user data to PDSCH 223. Thus, PLCH and LCH coexist with other channels, such as other 3GPP standardized physical and transport channels.

[0047] According to an embodiment, the transmission point can repetitively, intermittently, or substantially continuously send the location information message using one (or more) resource units selected from the LIT resource pool. The resource unit can be preconfigured by the OAM system in the wireless network. According to an embodiment, the mobile device can obtain the LIT resource pool information when entering the network and registering to the location service. The mobile device can continuously monitor and detect PLCH to search for and detect LCH. The mobile device can calculate its location based on the available physical layer detection information of PLCH and the corresponding location information message (locally). The available physical layer detection information of PLCH and the corresponding location information message can be retrieved from three or more transmission points.

[0048] In some embodiments, to save energy, the mobile device can perform one or more of these tasks only intermittently instead of substantially continuously. One or more tasks that can be intermittently performed by the mobile device can include monitoring and detecting PLCH and LCH, and calculating the device location using information from the transmission point. In some embodiments, to save energy, the time interval between consecutive monitoring and detection operations of the mobile device can be relatively long. In this case, if necessary, the mobile device can locally determine its own location based on, for example, dead reckoning operations between receiving location information signals. The mobile device can additionally or alternatively store the location information of each transmission point and calculate its location based on the physical layer detection information separate from the location information received from the transmission point.

[0049] Figure 3Exemplary process 300 for locally calculating the location of a device using location information of a transmission point transmitted via a physical location broadcast channel (PLCH) according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Transmission point 301 and device 302 are communicatively coupled to a wireless network, and device 302 can use transmission point 301 to communicate with other network entities in the network. To this end, transmission point 301 and device 302 can be communicatively coupled to each other. In step 310, transmission point 301 can broadcast a location information message to device 302 on one or more physical location broadcast channels (PLCHs). The location information message can include an identifier of transmission point 301 and an indication of the geographical location of transmission point 301. In some embodiments, the location information message can be broadcast periodically by transmission point 301. In some embodiments, the location information can be carried by a SIB. The location information can be preconfigured by an OAM system in the wireless network. In some embodiments, three or more transmission points 301 can broadcast location information messages to device 302. Although Figure 3 only the broadcast of the location information message on the PLCH is shown, those skilled in the art should understand that these location information messages can be broadcast on other network channels designated for location information transmission, and should also understand that there can be one or more additional location information messages broadcast on the PLCH or other network channels designated for location information transmission. In addition, although Figure 3 multiple transmission points 301 are shown sending location information messages to device 302, those skilled in the art should understand that the location information message can be sent from a single transmission point. In this case, when sent from a single transmission point, the location information message includes indications of the geographical locations of multiple transmission points. The transmission point sending the location information message carrying the location information of multiple access nodes can collect information indicating the geographical locations of other transmission points regularly (periodically) or whenever it needs to send a location information message. Device 302 is typically a mobile device. In some embodiments, the mobile device is or is included in a vehicle that uses location information for navigation purposes (such as autonomous navigation or providing navigation assistance to a driver).

[0050] When the location information message is sent to device 302, in step 320, device 302 can start calculating their locations. The location calculation can be performed locally within device 302 without developing a dedicated infrastructure network or communicating with other network entities (such as a server) located remotely within the network. In step 320, the location of device 302 can be calculated at least in part based on the location information message sent by transmission point 301 via the PLCH.

[0051] According to an embodiment, a new message design or format for network messages including location information is provided. In some embodiments, the location information message may be sent or broadcast on one or more broadcast transmission channels (e.g., PBCH, PLCH). In this case, the location information message may include an indication of the location description type and an indication of the number of location records. The location description type may indicate whether the location description type is absolute or relative, which may occupy 1 bit of the message. For the number of location records, each location record may include the ID of the transmission point and the location information. If the location description type is absolute, the location information may include the latitude, longitude, and altitude (elevation) of the transmission point. On the other hand, if the location description type is relative, the location information may include the relative position of the transmission point. The relative position of the transmission point may be represented according to the coordinates on the x, y, and z axes (with some predetermined and well-known origin or zero point).

[0052] In some embodiments, the location information message sent or broadcast on one or more broadcast transmission channels (e.g., PBCH, PLCH) may be carried in the SIB. When the location information is carried in the SIB, the location information message may include the location description type, the transmission point ID, and the location information. As described above, the location description type may be absolute or relative.

[0053] In some embodiments, the location information message may be sent or broadcast via a network channel designated for location information transmission (e.g., PLCH, LCH). In this case, the location information message may include the location description type, the transmission point ID, and the location information. As described above, the location description type may be absolute or relative.

[0054] Figure 4 A method 400 for determining the location of a mobile device 402 operatively coupled to a wireless network according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Refer to Figure 4, in step 410, one or more of the multiple transmission points 401 of the wireless network may repeatedly send corresponding location information messages. Each location information message may include an indication of the geographical location of one or more of the multiple transmission points. In some embodiments of sending a location information message including an indication of the geographical location of the multiple transmission points 401, one of the transmission points 401 may periodically (cyclically) or whenever it needs to send a location information message collect information indicating the geographical locations of other transmission points. In various embodiments, the location information message may include an identifier of the transmission point 401 and an indication of the physical location of the transmission point 401. In various embodiments, the location information message may be encrypted at each transmission point 401. Encryption of the location information message may be performed using various suitable encryption algorithms, such as by utilizing the concepts of public keys and symmetric keys, as will be readily understood by those skilled in the art. The encrypted location message may be decrypted at the mobile device 402, as described further below. If appropriate security can be established, the transmission point 401 may send one or more decryption keys to the mobile device 402 that can be used to decrypt the encrypted location information message. Alternatively, for example, when authenticating the mobile device, the control function or other device may send the one or more decryption keys in a secure manner (via the wireless network).

[0055] In some embodiments, the physical location indication may be one of the following: an absolute physical location and a physical location relative to a predetermined reference location. The absolute physical location may include latitude information, longitude information, and altitude information. The physical location relative to a predetermined reference location may include a three-dimensional location offset from the reference location.

[0056] In some embodiments, the location information message may include multiple records. Each record may include an identifier of a different corresponding transmission point and an indication of the physical location of the different corresponding transmission point.

[0057] In step 420, the mobile device 402 may receive multiple messages. In step 430, the mobile device 402 may determine its location at least in part based on the content of the multiple messages.

[0058] In some embodiments, the location information message may be a dedicated broadcast message sent via a corresponding broadcast transmission channel. The broadcast transmission channel may be defined according to the standard communication protocol of the transmission point 401. The broadcast transmission channel may also be used by the transmission point 401 for other broadcasts. The location information message may be sent in a corresponding system information block (SIB) according to the standard communication protocol of the transmission point. The location of the mobile device 402 may be determined based on the physical layer parameters of the signals received from multiple transmission points. The physical layer parameters of the signals may also be used for the detection of the location information message.

[0059] In some embodiments, the location information message can be sent using a corresponding dedicated logical channel. A corresponding dedicated physical channel can be associated with the dedicated logical channel. Each transmission point can use a corresponding portion of the radio resources to send a corresponding portion of the location information message. The corresponding portion of the radio resources can be selected from a radio resource pool with a limited size and can be dedicated to the physical channel. Additionally, one of the transmission points within a predetermined proximity to each other can use a different portion of the radio resources, and at least two of the transmission points outside the predetermined proximity to each other can use the same portion of the radio resources.

[0060] In some embodiments, each transmission point uses a corresponding portion of the radio resources dedicated to or allocated to the dedicated physical channel to send the corresponding location information message, and the portion of the (radio) resources can be reused by multiple transmission points. The multiple transmission points are spaced far enough apart such that the mutual interference resulting from the reuse is below the level required for reliable reception of the location information message. This approach is similar to frequency reuse but generalized to other types of radio resources such as time slots, spreading codes, frequencies, resource blocks, or combinations thereof. One potential advantage of reusing resources is that the mobile device does not have to search or scan as many resources for signals from the transmission points. This simplifies the signal acquisition process. Another potential advantage of reusing resources is that the globally allocated resource pool for the transmission points to send location information messages can be limited and independent of the geographical location, thus simplifying the design of the wireless communication system.

[0061] In some embodiments, the location information message is encrypted at the transmission point 401, and each encrypted location message is decrypted at the mobile device 402. The decryption of the location information message can be performed using one or more suitable decryption techniques, depending on the technique used to encrypt each location information message, as will be readily understood by those skilled in the art. In some embodiments, the mobile device 402 receives one or more decryption keys that can be used to decrypt the encrypted location information message. In some embodiments, all encrypted location messages can be decrypted using a shared public key. In some embodiments, each encrypted location message is decrypted using a corresponding unique private key.

[0062] Reference Figure 4, Method 400 may also include optional steps 440, 450, and 460 for determining the location of mobile device 402 operatively coupled to a wireless network. In step 440, mobile device 402 may send a registration message to control function 403 via the wireless network. The control function may be located at an access point of the wireless network, or the control function may be located in the core part of the wireless network and accessible via the access point. After receiving the registration message from mobile device 402, in step 450, control function 403 may send resource information to mobile device 402. As a response to the registration message sent in step 440, the resource information may be sent to mobile device 402. The resource information may indicate communication resources for multiple transmission points 401 to send location information messages. The resource information may indicate communication resources allocated for sending location information messages between the mobile device and one or more transmission points. For example, the resource information may indicate which communication resources are expected to be used by one transmission point or more than one transmission point to send a location information message or more than one location information message, which may be received by the mobile device.

[0063] After receiving the resource information from the control function, in step 460, mobile device 402 may be used to monitor the communication resources used by multiple transmission points 401 and allocated for sending one or more location information messages. In some embodiments, in step 460, mobile device 402 may self-configure to monitor the communication resources used by one or more transmission points. In various embodiments, each of the multiple transmission points 401 may use a specific set of communication resources. The location information message may be encrypted, and the resource information may also include security information for the mobile device to decrypt the location information message.

[0064] Embodiments of the present invention may be implemented using electronic hardware, software, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the present invention is implemented by one or more computer processors executing program instructions stored in a memory. In some embodiments, the present invention is implemented partially or fully in hardware, for example, using one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) or application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) to perform processing operations quickly. Various electronic devices (such as computer devices, access point devices, and core network devices), whether virtualized or not, may be used to implement the transmission point or the control function. Electronic devices such as computers, smartphones, and IoT devices may be configured as mobile devices operating as described herein.

[0065] Figure 5FIG. 600 shows a system including a plurality of transmission points 610 of a wireless network, a mobile device 620 operatively coupled to the wireless network, and a control function 630 operatively coupled to the transmission points, where the control function 630 is located, for example, in a core network. Each transmission point 610 is configured to repeatedly transmit a corresponding location information message 644, which includes an indication of the geographical location of the transmission point. The mobile device 620 is configured to receive a plurality of location information messages 644 from different transmission points 610. The mobile device 620 is further configured to determine the location of the mobile device at least in part based on the content of the plurality of location information messages 644.

[0066] In some embodiments, the transmission point 610 may also transmit an additional signal 642, which may also be used by the mobile device 620 to determine its location. For example, the additional signal may be a precise timing or narrow beam signal, which may be processed by the mobile device to determine the distance or direction to the origin of each signal. The mobile device may then use triangulation or multilateration to determine its location relative to the signal origin. The mobile device may also use the location information to determine its actual location. The additional signal 642 may be separate from or integrated with the location information message 644.

[0067] In various embodiments, the control function 630 is configured to interoperate with the transmission points and the mobile device 620. Specifically, the mobile device 620 may send a registration message to the control function 630 via a communication path 646 and the transmission point 610. The registration message may include credentials and a request for location determination services using the signal 642 and the location information message 644. After receiving the registration message and any necessary authentication or authorization, the control function is configured to send a response message via the path 646 and the transmission point 610. The response message may include resource information indicating the communication resources used by the transmission point 610 to transmit the location information message 644. The response message may include resource information indicating the communication resources allocated for transmitting the location information message between the mobile device and one or more transmission points. Based on the resource information, the mobile device 620 self-configures to monitor the communication resources.

[0068] To emphasize that the transmission point 610 is also used for general wireless communication, a wireless communication signal 648 is shown being transmitted between the mobile device 620 and at least one transmission point 610.

[0069] Figure 6Schematic diagram of an electronic device 700 according to different embodiments of the present invention. The electronic device 700 may perform any or all of the operations of the above-described methods and features explicitly or implicitly described herein. For example, a computer with network capabilities may be used as the electronic device 700. The electronic device may be a mobile device or a device that forms part of a transmission point, control function, or other device in a radio communication access network or core network. The device may be part of a data center.

[0070] As shown in the figure, the device includes a processor 710 (such as a central processing unit (CPU), or a dedicated processor (such as a graphics processing unit (GPU)), or other such processing unit), a memory 720, a non-transitory mass storage 730, an I / O interface 740, a network interface 750, and a transceiver 760, all of which are communicatively coupled via a bidirectional bus 770. According to some embodiments, any or all of the described elements may be used, or only a subset of these elements. In addition, the device 700 may include multiple instances of some elements, such as multiple processors, memories, or transceivers. In addition, the elements of the hardware device may be directly coupled to other elements without a bidirectional bus. In addition to or instead of the processor and memory, other electronic components such as integrated circuits may be used to perform the required logical operations.

[0071] The memory 720 may include any type of non-transitory memory, such as static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), read-only memory (ROM), or any combination thereof, etc. The mass storage 730 may include any type of non-transitory storage device, such as a solid state drive, a hard disk drive, a disk drive, an optical disk drive, a USB drive, or any computer program product for storing data and machine-executable program code. According to some embodiments, the memory 720 or the mass storage 730 may record statements and instructions executable by the processor 710 for performing any of the method operations described above.

[0072] Figure 7Shows a transmission point 610, a mobile device 620, and a control function 630 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The control function 630 may be integrated with the transmission point 610, another transmission point, or may be located at different locations in the network, such as in a data center. The transmission point 610 transmits a signal 865, which can be used by the mobile device 620 to determine the location of the transmission point 610, for example, using triangulation or multilateration. For this purpose, the mobile device may receive signals from a plurality of such transmission points (not shown). The mobile device includes a transmitter and a receiver 810, which can be used to receive the signal 865 and can also be used to communicate with the control function 630 via a network 805, etc., which may at least partially include a wireless communication link. The signal 865 is passed to the location tracker 820 of the mobile device and is used to determine the mobile device location.

[0073] The control function 630 or the corresponding transmission point sends at least one location information message via its communication interface 850 and communication channel 815. The location information message includes an indication of the geographical location of one transmission point, or possibly more than one transmission point. Each transmission point may send its own location information message, or one transmission point may send the location information message on behalf of multiple transmission points. The location information message includes an indication of the geographical location of one or more transmission points. The location information message is also passed to the location tracker 820 and is used to determine the mobile device location. The signal 865 and the location information message may be separate or integrated. The location information message may be managed by a location information manager 860 in the control function 630. The location information manager 860 tracks the locations of the transmission points for which it is responsible and configures and triggers the transmission of the corresponding location information messages. The location information manager 860 may also configure the communication resources for sending the location information message and other parameters for sending the location information message. The location information manager 860 may similarly configure which communication resources and other parameters will be used to send the signal 865.

[0074] The mobile device 620 includes a registration manager that sends a registration message to the remote registration manager 855 of the control function 630. The registration message and its response are sent via the transmitter and receiver 810, the network 805, and the communication interface 850. In response to the registration message, the remote registration manager 855 sends a response that includes resource information. The resource information indicates such communication resources that are used (and allocated to) one or more transmission points for sending location information messages, signals 865, or both. This information is passed to the configuration manager 830 of the mobile device 620. The configuration manager 830 configures the mobile device (via the transmitter and receiver 810) to monitor the communication resources indicated in the response for location information messages, signals 865, or both. This can include configuring the mobile device to monitor certain frequencies, time slots, monitor certain preambles or codes, etc. This enables the transmitter and receiver 810 to successfully receive the required location information messages and signals 865 and pass these messages and signals to the location tracker 820 for further processing.

[0075] As described above and elsewhere herein, embodiments of the present invention provide methods, apparatuses, and systems for determining the location of a mobile device. The location refers to a geographical location. In various embodiments, the method can be efficient, reliable, and pervasive such that the mobile device can locally obtain its location information with high precision. Such methods, apparatuses, and systems will enable location-based technologies to be applied to various services, such as smart cities and Industry 4.0. Embodiments of the present invention can enhance existing wireless access networks by having one or more transmission points provide their location information. This can enable wireless devices to locally estimate their location without developing a separate dedicated infrastructure network to provide location information. The transmission point can be a wireless access node, such as a NodeB, gNodeB, gNB, or (e.g., cellular) base station. Embodiments of the present invention can also provide topographical positioning physical / logical channels in existing wireless networks to enable wireless devices to locally estimate their location without developing a separate dedicated infrastructure network. According to an embodiment, a new message design or format can be used for network messages carrying location information, as described above and elsewhere herein.

[0076] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a method for determining the location of a mobile device operably coupled to a wireless network is provided. The method includes sending, from each of one or more transmission points of the wireless network, a corresponding location information message. The corresponding location information message includes an indication of the geographical location of one of the one or more transmission points. The method further includes receiving, at the mobile device, the one or more location information messages and determining the location of the mobile device based at least in part on the content of the location information messages.

[0077] In some embodiments, each location information message is a dedicated broadcast message sent via a corresponding broadcast transmission channel. The broadcast transmission channel may be shared among multiple transmission points. The broadcast transmission channel may be defined according to the standard communication protocol of the transmission point. The broadcast transmission channel may also be used by the transmission point for other broadcasts. In some embodiments, each location information message is sent in a corresponding system information block defined, for example, according to the standard communication protocol of the transmission point. In some embodiments, the location of the mobile device may be determined based on the physical layer parameters of the signals received from one or more transmission points.

[0078] In some embodiments, each location information message is sent using a corresponding dedicated logical channel, a corresponding dedicated physical channel, or both. The corresponding dedicated physical channel may be associated with the dedicated logical channel. Each transmission point may use a corresponding portion of the radio resources (allocated to the physical channel) to send a corresponding portion of the location information message. The corresponding portion of the radio resources may be selected from a radio resource pool with a limited size and may be dedicated to the physical channel. Additionally, some of the transmission points within a predetermined proximity to each other may use different portions of the radio resources, and at least two of the transmission points outside the predetermined proximity to each other may use the same portion of the radio resources. As used herein, the term "dedicated" refers to an entity that is used only for the described purpose and not for other purposes. Each location information message may occupy a portion of the radio resources allocated to the physical channel. Location information messages from different transmission points located within a predetermined area may occupy different portions of the radio resources, and location information messages from different transmission points not located within the predetermined area (i.e., located outside the predetermined area) may occupy the same portion of the radio resources.

[0079] In some embodiments, the method further includes the mobile device sending a registration message to one of the control function or the transmission point via the wireless network. The control function may communicate with at least one of the transmission points. The method may further include, after receiving the registration message, the control function or the said one of the transmission points sending resource information to the mobile device. The resource information may indicate the communication resources used by one or more transmission points to send location information messages. The method may further include, after receiving the resource information, the mobile device monitoring the communication resources. Different sets of communication resources may be allocated to different transmission points. In other words, each of the multiple transmission points may use a specific set of communication resources. The location information message may be encrypted, and the resource information may further include security information for the mobile device to decrypt the location information message. The security information may include a decryption key that can be used to decrypt the location information message, or information for generating or obtaining such a decryption key. Each location information message may include an identifier of one of the said one or more transmission points.

[0080] In some embodiments, the physical location indication can be one of the following: an absolute physical location and a physical location relative to a predetermined reference location. The absolute physical location can include latitude information, longitude information, and altitude information. The physical location relative to a predetermined reference location can include a three-dimensional location offset from the reference location.

[0081] In some embodiments, the location information message can include a plurality of records. Each record can include an identifier of a different respective one of one or more transmission points and a physical location indication of the different respective one of one or more transmission points.

[0082] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a method for facilitating location determination of a mobile device operatively coupled to a wireless network is provided. The method includes repeatedly transmitting a location information message from a transmission point of the wireless network. In various embodiments, the location information message can include an identifier of the transmission point and a geographical location indication of the transmission point. In some embodiments, the physical location indication can be one of the following: an absolute physical location and a physical location relative to a predetermined reference location. The absolute physical location can include latitude information, longitude information, and altitude information. The physical location relative to a predetermined reference location can include a three-dimensional location offset from the reference location. In some embodiments, the location information message can include a plurality of records. Each record can include an identifier of a different respective transmission point and a physical location indication of the different respective transmission point.

[0083] Embodiments of the present invention provide a system or apparatus for performing operations corresponding to the methods described above and elsewhere herein. For example, according to one embodiment, a system including a wireless network and a plurality of transmission points of a mobile device is provided. Each transmission point is configured to repeatedly transmit a respective location information message including a geographical location indication of one of the plurality of transmission points. The mobile device is operatively coupled to the wireless network and is configured to: receive a plurality of location information messages; determine the location of the mobile device at least in part based on the content of the plurality of location information messages. The system can further include a control function configured to: receive a registration message from the mobile device; after receiving the registration message, send resource information to the mobile device, the resource information indicating communication resources allocated for transmitting location information messages between one or more transmission points and the mobile device. According to the resource information, the mobile device self-configures to monitor the communication resources.

[0084] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a mobile device operably coupled to a wireless network is provided. The mobile device is used to send a registration message to a control function. The mobile device is further used to receive a response to the registration message, the response including resource information indicating communication resources allocated for sending location information messages between the mobile device and one or more transmission points. Each corresponding location information message includes an indication of the geographical location of one of the one or more transmission points that sent the corresponding location information message. The mobile device is further used to receive (at least some) location information messages including location information on the communication resources. The mobile device is further used to determine the location of the mobile device at least in part based on the content of the received location information messages. In some embodiments, the mobile device may also be used to self-configure to monitor communication resources for location information messages.

[0085] In some embodiments, each location information message is a dedicated broadcast message received via a corresponding broadcast transmission channel. The broadcast transmission channel may be shared among multiple transmission points. The broadcast transmission channel may be defined according to the standard communication protocol of the transmission point. The broadcast transmission channel may also be used by the transmission point for other broadcasts. In some embodiments, each location information message is received in a corresponding system information block defined, for example, according to the standard communication protocol of the transmission point. In some embodiments, the mobile device is further used to determine the location of the mobile device based on the physical layer parameters of the signals received from one or more transmission points.

[0086] In some embodiments, each location information message is received via a corresponding dedicated logical channel, a corresponding dedicated physical channel, or both. The corresponding dedicated physical channel may be associated with the dedicated logical channel.

[0087] In some embodiments, the location information messages may be encrypted, and the resource information may further include security information. The mobile device may be used to decrypt the location information messages using the security information. The security information may include a decryption key that can be used to decrypt the location information messages, or information for generating or obtaining such a decryption key. Each location information message may include an identifier of one of the one or more transmission points.

[0088] In some embodiments, the physical location indication may be one of the following: an absolute physical location and a physical location relative to a predetermined reference location. The absolute physical location may include latitude information, longitude information, and altitude information. The physical location relative to a predetermined reference location may include a three-dimensional location offset from the reference location.

[0089] In some embodiments, the location information messages may include multiple records. Each record may include an identifier of a different corresponding one of the one or more transmission points and a physical location indication of a different corresponding one of the one or more transmission points.

[0090] It should be understood that although specific embodiments of the technology are described herein for purposes of illustration, various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the technology. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded only as an illustration of the invention as defined by the appended claims and are contemplated to cover any and all modifications, variations, combinations, or equivalents that fall within the scope of the invention. Specifically, providing a computer program product, program element, or program storage or memory device such as magnetic or optical wires, tapes, or optical discs for storing machine-readable signals for controlling the operation of a computer according to the method of the present technology, and / or for constructing part or all of its components according to the system of the present technology, are within the scope of the present technology.

[0091] The actions associated with the methods described herein can be implemented as encoded instructions in a computer program product. In other words, a computer program product is a computer-readable medium on which software code is recorded to execute the method when the computer program product is loaded into memory and executed on the microprocessor of a wireless communication device.

[0092] Furthermore, each operation of the method can be performed on any computing device (such as a personal computer, server, PDA, etc.) and is performed in accordance with one or more program elements, modules, or objects generated from any programming language (such as C++, Java, etc.) or a part of one or more program elements, modules, or objects. Additionally, each operation, or a file or object implementing each such operation, can be performed by dedicated hardware or a circuit module designed for this purpose.

[0093] Through the description of the above embodiments, the present invention can be implemented only by using hardware or by using software and the necessary general hardware platform. Based on such an understanding, the technical solution of the present invention can be embodied in the form of a software product. The software product can be stored in a non-volatile or non-transitory storage medium, and the non-volatile or non-transitory storage medium can be a compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), a USB flash drive, or a mobile hard disk. The software product includes many instructions that enable a computer device (personal computer, server, or network device) to execute the method provided in the embodiments of the present invention. For example, such execution can correspond to the simulation of logical operations as described herein. According to the embodiments of the present invention, the software product can additionally or optionally include a plurality of instructions that enable the computer device to perform operations for configuring or programming digital logic devices.

[0094] Although the present invention has been described with reference to specific features and embodiments thereof, it is evident that various modifications and combinations can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded only as illustrative of the invention as defined by the appended claims and are contemplated to cover any and all modifications, variations, combinations or equivalents falling within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for determining the location of a mobile device, characterized in that, Comprising: The mobile device receives respective broadcast location information messages from each of one or more transmission points of a wireless network via a respective broadcast transmission channel dedicated to the transmission of location information, the respective broadcast location information messages including an indication of the geographical location of one of the one or more transmission points and being repeatedly broadcast according to a schedule; and The mobile device determines the location of the mobile device based on the content of the broadcast location information messages; Wherein the respective broadcast transmission channel dedicated to the transmission of location information is a dedicated physical channel associated with a dedicated logical channel of the wireless network, and wherein the broadcast location information messages are transmitted on a portion of the resources allocated to the dedicated physical channel; Wherein the portion of the resources is used for reuse by a plurality of the transmission points, and the transmission points are spaced apart such that the mutual interference resulting from the reuse is below a level required for reliable reception of the broadcast location information messages.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein The method further comprises: The mobile device continuously or intermittently monitors the dedicated physical channel to detect the dedicated logical channel associated with the dedicated physical channel.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein The mobile device determines the location of the mobile device based on physical layer detection information of the dedicated physical channel, the physical layer detection information being obtained from signals transmitted from three or more transmission points, the signals including the location information, other signals, or a combination thereof, the physical layer detection information including indications of the distances, directions, or both distances and directions of the three or more transmission points relative to the mobile device.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The determination of the location of the mobile device is performed based on physical layer parameters of the broadcast location information messages, physical layer parameters of other signals transmitted from the one or more transmission points, or a combination thereof.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that Further comprising: The mobile device receives a decryption key; And decrypts the broadcast location information messages using the decryption key.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, Further comprising: The mobile device sends a registration message to one of the transmission points or a control function capable of communicating with at least one of the transmission points; And The mobile device receives resource information from the control function or the one of the transmission points, the resource information indicating communication resources for transmitting the broadcast location information messages between the one or more transmission points and the mobile device; The mobile device monitors the communication resources to obtain the broadcast location information messages.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein The broadcast location information messages are encrypted, and wherein the resource information further includes security information to be used by the mobile device to decrypt the encrypted location information messages.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The respective broadcast location information messages further include an identifier of one of the one or more transmission points, and wherein the geographical location indication is one of the following: an absolute geographical location including latitude, longitude, and altitude information, and a geographical location relative to a predetermined reference location and including a three-dimensional position offset from the reference location.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein The broadcast location information messages further include a plurality of records, each record including: Identifiers of different respective transmission points; and Indications of the physical locations of the different corresponding transmission points.

10. A device for determining the location of a mobile device, characterized in that, Comprising: A processor; A machine-readable memory including machine-readable instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the device to: Receive, via a respective broadcast transmission channel dedicated to the transmission of location information, a respective broadcast location information message from each of one or more transmission points of a wireless network, the respective broadcast location information message including an indication of the geographical location of one of the one or more transmission points and being repeatedly broadcast according to a schedule; and Determine the location of the device based on the content of the broadcast location information message; Wherein the respective broadcast transmission channel dedicated to the transmission of location information is a dedicated physical channel associated with a dedicated logical channel of the wireless network, and wherein the broadcast location information message is transmitted on a portion of resources allocated to the dedicated physical channel; Wherein the portion of resources is used for reuse by a plurality of the transmission points, and the transmission points are spaced apart such that the mutual interference resulting from the reuse is below a level required for reliable reception of the broadcast location information message.

11. The device according to claim 10, characterized in that, The machine-readable memory, when executed by the processor, further configures the device to continuously or intermittently monitor the dedicated physical channel to detect the dedicated logical channel associated with the dedicated physical channel.

12. The device according to claim 11, wherein, The device determines the location of the device based on physical layer detection information of the dedicated physical channel, the physical layer detection information being obtained from signals transmitted from three or more transmission points, the signals including the location information, other signals, or a combination thereof, the physical layer detection information including indications of the distances, directions, or both distances and directions of the three or more transmission points relative to the device.

13. The device according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that The device is configured to determine the location of the device based on physical layer parameters of the broadcast location information message, physical layer parameters of other signals transmitted by the one or more transmission points, or a combination thereof.

14. The device according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that, The machine-readable memory, when executed by the processor, further configures the device to: receive a decryption key; and use the decryption key to decrypt the broadcast location information message.

15. The device according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that, The machine-readable memory, when executed by the processor, further configures the device to: Send a registration message to one of the transmission points or a control function communicable with at least one of the transmission points; Receive resource information from the control function or the one of the transmission points, the resource information indicating communication resources for transmitting the broadcast location information message between the one or more transmission points and the device; and Monitor the communication resources for the broadcast location information message.

16. The device according to claim 15, characterized in that The broadcast location information message is encrypted, the resource information further includes security information, and the device is configured to use the security information to decrypt the encrypted location information message.

17. The device according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that The location information message of the corresponding broadcast further includes an identifier of one of the one or more transmission points, and wherein the geographical location indication is one of the following: an absolute geographical location including latitude, longitude, and altitude information, and a geographical location relative to a predetermined reference location and including a three-dimensional position offset from the reference location.

18. A system for determining the location of a mobile device, characterized in that, Comprising: A plurality of transmission points of a wireless network, each transmission point for transmitting a location information message of a corresponding broadcast including a geographical location indication of one of the plurality of transmission points through a corresponding broadcast transmission channel dedicated to the transmission of location information, wherein the location information message of the corresponding broadcast is repeatedly broadcast according to a schedule; the corresponding broadcast transmission channel dedicated to the transmission of location information is a dedicated physical channel associated with a dedicated logical channel of the wireless network, wherein the broadcast location information message is transmitted on a portion of the resources allocated to the dedicated physical channel; the portion of the resources is used for reuse by a plurality of the transmission points, and the transmission points are spaced apart such that the mutual interference resulting from the reuse is below a level required for reliable reception of the broadcast location information message; And The mobile device, operatively coupled to the wireless network, and configured to: Receive a plurality of broadcast location information messages; And Determine the location of the mobile device based on the content of the plurality of broadcast location information messages.

19. The system according to claim 18, wherein Further comprising: A control function, configured to: Receive a registration message from the mobile device, wherein, The mobile device receives resource information from the control function or from one of the plurality of transmission points, the resource information indicating communication resources for transmitting the broadcast location information message between one or more transmission points and the mobile device, Based on the resource information, the mobile device monitors the communication resources.

20. The system according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that, The corresponding broadcast transmission channel dedicated to the transmission of location information is a dedicated logical channel of the wireless network or a dedicated physical channel associated with the dedicated logical channel.

21. The system according to claim 20, wherein The mobile device is further configured to monitor the dedicated physical channel to detect the dedicated logical channel associated with the dedicated physical channel.

22. A mobile device, characterized in that, Comprising components for performing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

23. A system for determining the location of a mobile device, characterized in that, Comprising the mobile device according to claim 22.

24. A system for determining the location of a mobile device, characterized in that, Comprising the apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to 17.

25. A non-transitory processor-readable medium storing instructions, characterized in that, The instructions, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

Images