Indoor Location Accuracy via IMS and FTM Wi-Fi
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless technologies lack a viable architecture for providing meter-level location accuracy and connectivity indoors or underground, particularly for unlicensed wireless service providers offering VoWi-Fi calls and location-based services within premises served by multiple systems operators (MSOs).
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a method and apparatus that temporarily registers mobile devices with a wireless network infrastructure, utilizing IMS-enabled infrastructure and FTM-compliant Wi-Fi access points to obtain and communicate precise location data, enabling meter-level accuracy for indoor location-based services and VoWi-Fi calls through HTTP/S GET requests and secure data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional wireless technologies are used for indoor location services, then connectivity is maintained, but meter-level location accuracy cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines Wi-Fi FTM (Fine Timing Measurement) technology with IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem) infrastructure to create a hybrid location service system. This merging allows the system to achieve meter-level accuracy through FTM while maintaining connectivity reliability through IMS-enabled VoWi-Fi calls and location-based services within MSO-served premises.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary architecture that includes Wi-Fi access points equipped with FTM capability and IMS infrastructure components (such as HSS, MSC, and other core network elements) as mediators between the mobile device and the location service provider. This intermediary system enables precise location determination while ensuring reliable connectivity for voice and data services.
2Measurement precision
If FTM-compliant Wi-Fi access points are deployed, then meter-level location accuracy is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes Wi-Fi access points multi-functional by enabling them to perform both standard Wi-Fi connectivity functions and FTM location measurement functions. The access points serve dual purposes: providing wireless access and facilitating precise location determination, thereby reducing the need for separate dedicated location infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary configuration where FTM capability is pre-deployed in Wi-Fi access points and the necessary IMS infrastructure is pre-established within MSO networks. This preliminary setup allows location services to be activated without requiring complex real-time configuration or additional hardware deployment at the point of use.
3Reliability
If IMS infrastructure is utilized for location services, then connectivity and location accuracy are improved, but implementation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the location service functionality across multiple network elements including Wi-Fi access points, IMS core network components (HSS, MSC, CSCF), and mobile devices. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall implementation while maintaining system reliability through distributed architecture.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enables precise indoor location determination and effective provision of location-based services, including VoWi-Fi calls, by leveraging IMS infrastructure and FTM-enabled Wi-Fi access points, addressing the limitations of existing technologies in achieving meter-level accuracy and connectivity within MSO-served premises.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing IMS-enabled infrastructure and FTM-compliant Wi-Fi access points to obtain and communicate precise location data
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and methods for provision of location-based services to wireless device users. In one embodiment, the apparatus and methods support location-based services requiring indoors or underground positioning (or other applications which cannot be served by GPS/A-GPS or GLONASS), such as via Wi-Fi Location devices with fine timing measurement (FTM) capability. A cable, terrestrial or satellite network operator can obtain location data on e.g., an LTE-enabled UE with SIM capability located within a served premises or venue, via an HTTP/S GET protocol, and forward the location data. In one variant, a managed 3GPP IP Multimedia System (IMS) infrastructure is used in conjunction with UE-specific identifiers under control of a controller entity (e.g., ePDG) in communication with the IMS infrastructure and one or more FTM-enabled Wi-Fi APs within the premises or venue for supporting VoWi-Fi 911 or 411 packet calls made via the IMS.