Location Continuity Service for Mobile Devices Across Access Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing location-based services face challenges in maintaining accurate and continuous location determination of mobile devices as they move between different radio access networks, leading to disruptions in services like emergency calls and navigation, due to the need for multiple location determination techniques and the lack of seamless handover between networks.
Innovation Solution
A Location Continuity Service (LCS) with a Location Continuity Application Server (LCAS) that reconciles location data from multiple access networks, using techniques like U-TDOA, AGPS, and OTDOA, to provide continuous and accurate location information across network changes, ensuring position continuity and location continuity during sessions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple location determination techniques are used for different access networks, then location accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the location determination system into separate network-dependent modules (GSM location module, WiMAX location module, etc.), where each module handles location calculations for its specific network type. This allows the system to maintain high accuracy through specialized techniques while managing complexity through modular architecture, as each segment can be independently optimized and activated based on the current network context.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal location determination framework that can handle multiple access network types through a common architectural structure. The location determination entity serves multiple functions by dynamically selecting appropriate network-specific techniques (U-TDOA for GSM, AGPS for WiMAX, etc.), thereby achieving location accuracy across diverse networks without requiring entirely separate systems for each network type.
2Stability of the object's composition
If location determination techniques are switched when mobile devices move between networks, then location continuity is maintained, but service disruption occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the location determination entity with multiple network-specific location techniques and their corresponding parameters before network handovers occur. When a mobile device switches between access networks, the system can immediately activate the appropriate pre-configured technique without interruption, maintaining location continuity and preventing service disruption in emergency calls and navigation applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the location determination entity continuously monitors the mobile device's network status and adjusts the selected location technique accordingly. This feedback loop ensures that when network changes occur, the system detects the change and switches to the appropriate technique seamlessly, maintaining both location continuity and service reliability throughout the transition.
3Measurement precision
If multiple location estimation techniques are implemented simultaneously, then location accuracy is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by implementing and activating only the necessary location determination techniques for the current network context rather than all possible techniques simultaneously. The location determination entity selects and executes only the relevant technique (e.g., U-TDOA for GSM, AGPS for WiMAX) based on the active network, thereby achieving high accuracy through the appropriate technique while minimizing processing time by avoiding unnecessary calculations from unrelated network types.
Data Source
AI summary
A location continuity application server described herein is configured to access from an access network a set of location data associated with a position measurement for a mobile device. The location continuity application server may also access from another access network another set of location data associated with another position measurement for the mobile device and combine the sets of location data to determine a location of the mobile device. Further, prior to accessing the set of location data, the location continuity application server may provide reference location data associated with a reference location of the mobile device to the access network to enable the access network to obtain the position measurement based at least on the reference location data. The location continuity application server may also access the set of location data and determine the location of the mobile device responsive to a request from an emergency service provider.