JP2018067356A - Determination of location of communication device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method for determining the location of a communication device.SOLUTION: A method for determining the location of a communication device includes, by a base station, generating a request to request a response from the communication device, broadcasting the request on a cellular network, receiving the response from the communication device via three or more antennas, determining signal strengths of the response at the three or more respective antennas, and determining the location of the communication device on the basis of the signal strengths.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  Unless otherwise specified herein, the material described in this section is not prior art to the claims in this application and is not admitted to be prior art by inclusion in this section.

  A structure, such as a building, may be made of a material that may prevent transmission of signals into and / or out of the structure. Devices such as base stations can be deployed inside the structure and signals can be transmitted to a network outside the structure. It is also possible to deploy the antenna inside the structure and transmit signals to various devices inside the structure via an internal line such as an optical fiber line.

  In some embodiments, a method for determining the location of a communication device is generally described. These methods may include generating a request for a response from a communication device by a base station. These methods may also include broadcasting the request over a cellular network. These methods may also include receiving responses from the communication device at three or more antennas. These methods may also include determining the signal strength of each of the responses at the three or more antennas. These methods may also include determining the location of the communication device based on the respective signal strength.

  In some embodiments, a base station configured to determine the location of a communication device is generally described. The base station can include a processor and a memory configured to communicate with the processor. The processor may act to generate a request for a response from the communication device. The processor can also act to broadcast the request over the cellular network. The processor can also act to receive a response from the communication device. The processor can also serve to determine the signal strength of each of its responses at more than two antennas. The processor may act to determine the location of the communication device based on the signal strength.

  In some embodiments, a system that operates to determine the location of a communication device is generally described. These systems may include a processor and one or more antennas inside the structure. Each antenna may be configured to communicate with the processor. A memory may be configured to communicate with the processor. The processor may act to generate a request for a response from the communication device. The processor can also act to broadcast a request for an ID over a cellular network. The processor may also be operative to receive responses from communication devices at more than two antennas. The processor can also serve to determine the signal strength of each of its responses at the three or more antennas. The processor may also serve to determine the location of the communication device within the structure based on the respective signal strength.

  The above summary is merely exemplary and is not intended to be limiting in any way. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

  These and other features of the present disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that these drawings are merely illustrative of some embodiments according to the present disclosure and therefore are not to be considered as limiting the scope of the present disclosure, and that the present disclosure may be used with the accompanying drawings. More specifically, it will be described in more detail.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example system that can be utilized to perform a location determination of a communication device, configured in accordance with at least some embodiments described herein. FIG. 2 illustrates the example system of FIG. 1 with additional details related to determining the location of a communication device, configured in accordance with at least some embodiments described herein. The exemplary system of FIG. 1 with further details related to determining relevant content to be transmitted to a communication device in a structure configured in accordance with at least some embodiments described herein. FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating an example process for performing a determination of a location of a communication device configured in accordance with at least some embodiments described herein. FIG. 8 illustrates an example computer program product that may be utilized to perform a location determination of a communication device, configured in accordance with at least some embodiments described herein. FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an example computing device configured to perform a location determination of a communication device configured in accordance with at least some embodiments described herein.

  In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In these drawings, similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized and other changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented herein. The aspects of the present disclosure generally described herein and illustrated in the figures may be arranged, replaced, or combined in a wide variety of different configurations, all explicitly contemplated herein. It will be readily understood that things can be separated, and designed.

  The present disclosure relates generally to methods, apparatus, systems, devices, and computer program products related to, among other things, determining the location of a communication device.

  Briefly described, techniques for a method and system that operate to determine the location of a communication device are generally described. In some examples, the method may include generating a request for a response from the communication device. The method may also include broadcasting the request over a cellular network. The method may also include receiving a response from the communication device at three or more antennas. The method may also include determining the signal strength of each of the responses. The method may also include determining a location of the communication device based on the respective signal strength. The method may also include analyzing the memory based on the location of the device to identify the content. The method may also include transmitting the content to a communication device.

  FIG. 1 illustrates an example system 100 that may be utilized to perform a location determination of a communication device, configured in accordance with at least some embodiments described herein. As shown, system 100 may include a processor 110, a memory 112, a base station 120, and / or one or more antennas 170, 172, 174, 176, 178 configured to communicate with each other. Base station 120 and processor 110 may be contained in one or more enclosures. System 100 may be implemented in a structure 106 such as a building, shopping mall, museum, or the like. The structure 106 may be constructed of a material that may interfere with the transmission of certain types of signals, such as satellite signals, entering and / or exiting the structure 106. The structure 106 may include multiple facilities such as offices and / or stores. In some embodiments, system 100 may include more than one base station. As further described below, system 100 is adapted to determine the location of a communication device, such as a mobile communication device (sometimes referred to herein simply as a “device”) 130, located within structure 106. Can be implemented.

  Each of the antennas 170, 172, 174, 176, 178 may be configured to communicate within a respective coverage area and may be disposed within the structure 106. The combination of coverage areas of antennas 170, 172, 174, 176, 178 can define the coverage area of the distributed antenna system. The processor 110, the memory 112, and / or the base station 120 may be located inside the structure 106 or outside. The processor 110 may be configured to communicate with the memory 112 and / or the base station 120. Base station 120 may be configured to communicate with antennas 170, 172, 174, 176, 178, such as by wire, Ethernet cable, or fiber optic cable.

  The processor 110 can determine the location of the mobile communication device 130. In certain embodiments, processor 110 may be configured to generate request 150. In some embodiments, the processor 110 may be configured to periodically generate the request 150, such as every minute or at any other timing. Request 150 can include a request for a response, such as ID 152, which can include issuing a device IMSI (International Mobile Subscriber Identity) for device 130. Request 150 may include any other network activity that causes a particular device to generate a response. The processor 110 may also be configured to receive the ID 152 from the base station 120. The processor 110 may determine the location of the device 130 based on the combination of ID 152 signal strength values received at each antenna from the device 130, as described below. In some embodiments, the signal strength value can correspond to a measurement of the power of the signal received at the antenna, which can be related to the distance from the device to the respective antenna. Based on the received signal strengths from the three antennas, the processor 110 can determine the location of the device 130. Memory 112 may be configured to store protocols and / or data associated with system 100.

  Base station 120 may be configured to receive request 150 from processor 110 and broadcast request 150 within structure 106 over a cellular network via one or more antennas 170, 172, 174, 176, 178. . In some embodiments, the base station 120 may be configured to transmit instructions from the processor 110 that broadcasts the request 150. Base station 120 may be further configured to receive a response, such as ID 152, from one or more antennas 170, 172, 174, 176, 178, such as via an Ethernet cable, in response to request 150. Base station 120 may be configured to determine the response or ID 152 signal strength value received at each antenna 170, 172, 174, 176, 178. In some embodiments, base station 120 may include a wireless network card configured to determine a signal strength value for each ID 152 received at each antenna 170, 172, 174, 176, 178. For example, if base station 120 receives ID 152 from three antennas 174, 176, 178, base station 120 may determine a signal strength value associated with ID 152 at each antenna. Each signal strength value can be based on the distance and / or obstruction between the device 130 and the respective antenna.

  In some embodiments, base station 120 can generate ID data 153 that includes ID 152 and one or more signal strength values 155. Each signal strength value 155 can be associated with a respective antenna. Base station 120 can send ID data 153 to processor 110. In some embodiments, base station 120 may be a picocell base station configured to communicate with a network 122, such as a cellular network. In some examples, the base station 120 may be configured to transmit communication packets between the device 130 and the cellular network 122 when the device 130 is within the structure 106.

  A visitor 102 in the structure 106 can use the device 130. Device 130 may be a communication device such as a cellular telephone. Device 130 may include a processor 132, a module 134, and / or a memory 136. Module 134 can be a subscriber identity module (SIM) and can act to store ID 152. The ID 152 can be international mobile subscriber identification information (IMSI) and can act to identify the device 130. Memory 136 may be configured to store application 140. Activation of the application 140 on the device 130 allows the device 130 to be registered with the base station 120. In some embodiments, the device 130 may register with the base station 120 upon entering the structure 106, such as through an attempt to communicate with the network 122. ID 152 may include data that acts to indicate that device 130 is subscribed to cellular network 122. In certain embodiments, the personal identifier and device IMSI may be registered in memory 112, such as in a mall database.

  In certain embodiments, the base station 120 can broadcast the request 150 over the cellular network via antennas 170, 172, 174, 176, 178. The device 130 can receive the request 150 when the device 130 is inside the structure 106. Device 130 may broadcast ID 152 to base station 120 in response to receiving request 150. Antennas 174, 176, 178 may each receive ID 152 with a respective signal strength value associated with ID 152. Base station 120 receives ID 152 from each antenna 174, 176, 178 along with a respective signal strength value 155. When application 140 is launched on device 130, base station 120 can generate ID data 153 that includes ID 152 and signal strength value 155, and can also send ID data 153 to processor 110. It is. The processor 110 can receive the ID data 153 and can further determine the location of the device 130 based on the combination of signal strength values 155 in the ID data 153 from multiple antennas. The processor 110 may identify location-based content 180 in the memory 112 based on the location of the device 130 and / or one or more tables stored in the memory 112, as described below. Is possible. Processor 110 may transmit location-based content 180 to device 130 via base station 120 and / or antennas 170, 172, 174, 176, 178. The device 130 can output location-based content 180, and the visitor 102 can use the device 130 to view the location-based content 180.

  FIG. 2 illustrates the system 100 of FIG. 1 with additional details related to determining the location of a communication device configured in accordance with at least some embodiments described herein. FIG. 2 is substantially similar to the system 100 of FIG. 1, but with further details. The components of FIG. 2 that are labeled the same as the components of FIG. 1 are not described again for clarity.

  Another visitor 202 may move a mobile communication device (sometimes referred to herein simply as a “device”) 230 within the structure 106. Device 230 may include a processor 232, a module 234, and / or a memory 236. Module 234 can be a subscriber identity module (SIM) and can act to store ID 252. The ID 252 can be International Mobile Subscriber Identification Information (IMSI) and can act to identify the device 230. ID 252 may include data that acts to indicate that device 230 is subscribed to the cellular network. In some embodiments, the device 230 may register with the base station 120 once it enters the structure 106. The processor 232 may be configured to facilitate receipt of the request 150 at the device 230 when the device 230 is within the structure 106. Device 230 may be configured to receive location-based content 280 identified by processor 110. The processor 232 may be further configured to output the location-based content 280 to the display of the device 230.

  The memory 112 may include a location protocol 210, a device table 212, a map 214, and / or a content table 216. Location protocol 210 may include logic that facilitates a combination of signal strength values corresponding to ID 152 and / or ID 252. In certain embodiments, location protocol 210 may include logic, such as triangulation logic, triangulation logic, and / or multi-edge survey logic, that determines the location of device 130 and / or device 230.

  In embodiments where the location protocol 210 includes triangulation logic, the processor 110 may use the signal strength value 155 to calculate a triangle formed by the device 130 and a plurality of antennas such as antenna 170 and antenna 174. Is possible. The processor 110 can identify the angles 270, 274 in response to the formation of this triangle. The processor 110 can determine the location of the device 130 based on the angles 270, 274. The processor 110 can determine the location of the device 230 using similar triangulation logic.

In embodiments where the location protocol 210 includes trilateration logic, the processor 110 may determine the location of the device 130 based on the distance between the device 130 and each antenna that receives the ID 152. For example, processor 110 may use signal strength values 155 to calculate distances R ₁₇₄ , R ₁₇₆ , and R ₁₇₈ between device 130 and antennas ₁₇₄ , ₁₇₆ , ₁₇₈ . The processor 110 can determine respective circular areas around the antennas ₁₇₄ , ₁₇₆ , ₁₇₈ having respective radii of R ₁₇₄ , R ₁₇₆ , and R ₁₇₈ . The processor 110 can determine the location of the device 130 by identifying the intersections between these circular areas formed by the radii R ₁₇₄ , R ₁₇₆ , and R ₁₇₈ . The processor 110 can determine the location of the device 230 using similar triangulation logic.

  In embodiments where the location protocol 210 includes multi-sided surveying logic, the processor 110 may determine the location of the device 130 based on the distance between the device 130 and each antenna that receives the ID 152. For example, ID 152 may be received at antennas 170, 172, 174, 176, 178 inside structure 106. The processor 110 may determine the location of the device 130 using the signal strength value 155 and the known locations of the antennas 170, 172, 174, 176, 178. The processor 110 can determine the location of the device 230 using similar multilateral surveying logic.

  Device table 212 may include historical data corresponding to historical locations of device 130 and / or device 230. The processor 110 may store the location of the device 130 and / or the device 230 in the device table 212. The processor 110 can change the historical data in the device table 212 based on the location of the device 130 and / or the device 230. The map 214 may be a map that includes the location of one or more facilities within the structure 106. The map 214 may further include the location of the antennas 170, 172, 174, 176, 178 within the structure 106. Content table 216 may include data corresponding to one or more facilities within structure 106. For example, the content table 216 may include content, media, links, promotions, events, and / or advertisements corresponding to one or more facilities within the structure 106.

  In some embodiments, a visitor 202 using the device 230 can bring the device 230 into the structure 106. Base station 120 may broadcast request 150 via antennas 170, 172, 174, 176, 178. The device 230 can receive the request 150. Device 230 may broadcast ID 252 to base station 120 in response to receiving request 150. Antennas 170, 172, 174 can each receive ID 252 with an associated signal strength. Base station 120 can receive an ID 252 from each antenna 170, 172, 174 and can determine the associated signal strength.

  A visitor 202 can launch the application 140 on the device 230. Base station 120 may determine a signal strength value associated with ID 252. Base station 120 may generate ID data 253 that includes ID 252 and one or more signal strength values 255. Base station 120 may send ID data 253 to processor 110. The processor 110 can search the device table 212 for the ID 252 and can further determine that there is no historical data related to the device 230. The processor 110 can determine the location of the device 230 based on the combination of signal strength values associated with the ID data 252 and can further store the location of the device 230 in the device table 212. In response to the absence of the ID, the processor 110 can generate a historical location corresponding to the location of the device 230 in the structure 106 and store it in the device table 212. Processor 110 identifies location-based content 280 in memory 112 based on the location of device 230 and the analysis of data in device table 212, data in map 214, and / or data in content table 216. Is possible. Processor 110 may transmit location-based content 280 to device 230 via base station 120 and / or antennas 170, 172, 174, 176, 178. Visitor 202 can view location-based content 280 using device 230.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram of FIG. 1 with additional details related to determining relevant content to be transmitted to a communication device in a structure configured in accordance with at least some embodiments described herein. A system 100 is shown. FIG. 3 is substantially similar to FIGS. 1 and 2, but with further details. The components of FIG. 3 that are labeled the same as the components of FIGS. 1 and 2 are not described again for clarity.

  In certain embodiments, the structure 106 may include facilities 300, 302, 304, 306, and / or one or more sectors 320, 322. Map 214 includes the locations of facilities 300, 302, 304, 306 and sectors 320, 322 within structure 106. With reference to the example of FIG. 3, facilities 300 and 304 can be within sector 320, and facilities 302 and 306 can be within sector 322. Device table 212 may include data corresponding to historical locations of device 130 and / or device 230 at facilities 300, 302, 304, 306. For example, the device table 212 may include an indication of the percentage of the time that the device 130 was within each facility 300, 302, 304, 306, or the overall time. The content table 216 can include content 310, 312, 314, 316, and the content 310, 312, 314, 316 can be associated with facilities 300, 302, 304, 306, respectively. In some examples, the content 310, 312, 314, 316 may be coupons and / or information regarding promotional events for the facility 300, 302, 304, 306.

  In certain embodiments, processor 110 may determine that device 130 is within sector 320. The processor 110 can store the location of the device 130 in the device table 212 as a historical location. The processor 110 can analyze the map 214 and can identify that the facilities 300, 304 are inside the sector 320. The processor 110 can identify the location-based content 180 in the memory 112 in response to identifying the facility 300, 304. The identification of location-based content 180 may include the identification of content 310, 314 in content table 216. The processor 110 can edit the content 310, 314 to generate location-based content 180, such as by sorting and rearranging relevant data. The processor 110 can reorder the content 310, 314 in the location-based content 180 based on a historical location analysis of the device 130 in the device table 212. The memory 112 can also store historical purchase data such as what and when the device owner has purchased. For example, device table 212 indicates that device 130 has visited more facilities 304 than facilities 300. The processor 110 may include content 314 associated with the facility 304 in the first row of location-based content 180, and content 310 associated with the facility 300 in the second row of location-based content 180. It is possible to include.

  In some examples, the device table 212 may include data corresponding to the duration that the device 130 existed in the sectors 322, 320, or the facilities 300, 302, 304, 306. As described below, the processor 110 can reorder the content 310, 314 in the location-based content 180 based on the duration that the device 130 has been in the facility 300, 304. In some examples, the device table 212 may include data corresponding to one or more particular items associated with the device 130 profile. For example, the profile of device 130 can be associated with a computer accessory. The processor 110 can sort the content in the location-based content 180 based on the associated item, such as including content related to the facility that includes the computer accessory in the first row of the location-based content 180. It is. The processor 110 may send location-based content 180 to the base station 120.

  In certain embodiments, processor 110 may determine that device 230 is within sector 322. The processor 110 can store the location of the device 230 in the device table 212. The processor 110 can analyze the map 214 and can identify the facilities 302, 306 as being within the sector 322. The processor 110 may identify location-based content 280 in the memory 112 based on the identification of the facilities 302, 306. The identification of location-based content 280 may include the identification of content 312, 316 in content table 216. The processor 110 may reorder the content 312, 316 in the location-based content 280 based on a method such as indexing or based on the location of the facility within the structure 106. For example, the device table 212 may indicate that the device 230 did not exist at the facility 300, 302, 304, 306. In response to the absence of device 230 in device table 212, processor 110 may determine that device 230 is a new device visiting structure 106, and further indexing content 312, 316 can be rearranged. In another example, the processor 110 may determine that the facility 302 is closer to the device 230 than the facility 306 and rearrange the content 312, 316 accordingly.

  In some examples, device 130 and / or device 230 may be configured to receive a text message. The processor 110 can identify location-based content 180, 280 in the memory 112 and can generate a message, such as a text message, that includes the location-based content 180, 280. In some examples, device 130 and / or device 230 may be configured to receive a file in a video format. The processor 110 may generate a video that includes location-based content 180, 280.

  Among other possible benefits, the system according to the present disclosure may benefit employees and / or customers of structures such as shopping malls. For example, a shopping mall and / or store owner within a shopping mall can attract more customers by providing the convenience of receiving coupons and / or offers from stores within the shopping mall. It is possible for a shopping mall owner to detect the location of a visitor inside the mall at the time desired by the shopping mall owner and to wait for that visitor to send a signal from the mobile device. do not need.

  The system according to the present disclosure allows a shopping mall owner and / or store owner to establish direct contact with a visitor instead of waiting for the visitor to contact the shopping mall and / or store can do. A visitor visiting a shopping mall and / or store may benefit from being able to easily receive coupons and / or offers from the store by launching an application on a device such as a cellular phone. Further, by using the system according to the present disclosure, visitors do not have to browse the store's directory to obtain specific coupons and / or offers, and shopping malls and inquiries about promotions and / or events There is also no need to generate a request for the store.

  FIG. 4 illustrates a flow diagram for an exemplary process for performing a determination of the location of a communication device within a structure, configured in accordance with at least some embodiments presented herein. The process of FIG. 4 can be implemented, for example, using the system 100 described above. An exemplary process may include one or more operations, actions, or functions exemplified by one or more of blocks S2, S4, S6, S8, S10, S12, and / or S14. Although illustrated as separate blocks, the various blocks may be divided into further blocks, combined into fewer blocks, or removed, depending on the desired implementation.

  The process may begin with block S2, “Generate request for response from communication device”. The processor can generate a request for a response from the communication device, such as the ID of the communication device. The processor is operable to transmit communication packets between the device and the cellular network. In some embodiments, the communication device can be internal to the structure, and the processor is operative to transmit communication packets between the communication device and a cellular network external to the structure. Is possible.

  Processing can proceed from block S2 to block S4, “Broadcast Request on Cellular Network”. The processor can broadcast the request over the cellular network via the antenna. The antenna can be placed inside the structure.

  Processing can proceed from block S4 to block S6, “Receiving responses from communication devices on three or more antennas”. It is possible for the base station to receive a response from the communication device at more than two antennas.

  Processing may proceed from block S6 to block S8, “Determine signal strength of each of responses at three or more antennas”. A processor can analyze the response to determine the signal strength of each of the responses at the three or more antennas.

  Processing can proceed from block S8 to block S10, "Determine location of communication device based on respective signal strength". A processor can determine the location of the communication device based on the respective signal strength. In some embodiments, the processor may determine the location of the device based on signal strength, such as by using triangulation, trilateration, and / or multilateral surveying. In embodiments where the response includes an ID of a communication device, the processor can search for that ID in a memory configured to communicate with the processor. In response to finding the ID in memory, the processor can update historical data associated with the device. The historical data can correspond to the historical location of the device within the structure. In response to the absence of the ID in memory, the processor can generate historical data associated with the communication device.

  Processing may proceed from block S10 to block S12, “Analyze Memory Based on Location of Communication Device to Identify Content”. A processor can analyze the memory based on the location of the communication device to identify the content. The processor can analyze historical data associated with the communication device. The processor can further analyze the map of the structure. This map may include the location of one or more facilities that may exist within the structure. The processor can further identify a particular facility based on the location of the communication device and analysis of the map. The processor can further identify the content based on those particular facilities.

  Processing can proceed from block S12 to block S14, “Send the content to the communication device”. The processor can send the content to the communication device.

  FIG. 5 illustrates an example computer program product 500 that may be utilized to perform communication device location determinations, configured in accordance with at least some embodiments described herein. Program product 500 may include a medium 502 that carries signals. The signal carrying medium 502 may include one or more instructions 504 that, when executed by a processor, for example, may provide the functionality described above in connection with FIGS. Thus, for example, referring to system 100, processor 110 can execute one or more of the blocks shown in FIG. 5 in response to instructions 504 transmitted by medium 502 to system 100. is there.

  In some implementations, signal-bearing media 502 includes computer-readable media 506, such as, but not limited to, a hard disk drive, a compact disc (CD), a digital video disc (DVD), a digital tape, a memory, and the like. It is possible to include. In some implementations, the media carrying signals 502 includes recordable media 508 such as, but not limited to, memory, read / write (R / W) CD, R / W DVD, and the like. Is possible. In some implementations, the signal carrying medium 502 is a digital communication medium and / or an analog communication medium (eg, fiber optic cable, waveguide, wired communication link, wireless communication link, etc.), but more Can include, but is not limited to, communication media 510. Thus, for example, program product 500 can be transmitted to one or more modules of system 100 by media 502 carrying RF signals, where the media 502 carrying signals is a wireless communication media. 510 (eg, a wireless communication medium that conforms to the IEEE 802.11 standard).

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an example computing device 600 configured to perform a location determination of a communication device configured in accordance with at least some embodiments described herein. In a very basic configuration 602, the computing device 600 typically includes one or more processors 604 and system memory 606. Memory bus 608 may be used to communicate between processor 604 and system memory 606.

  Depending on the configuration desired, the processor 604 may be any type including, but not limited to, a microprocessor (μP), a microcontroller (μC), a digital signal processor (DSP), or any combination thereof. Can be. The processor 604 may include one or more levels of caching, such as a level 1 cache 610 and a level 2 cache 612, a processor core 614, and a register 616. The exemplary processor core 614 may include an arithmetic logic unit (ALU), a floating point unit (FPU), a digital signal processing core (DSP core), or any combination thereof. An exemplary memory controller 618 can also be used with the processor 604, or in some implementations the memory controller 618 can be an internal component of the processor 604.

  Depending on the desired configuration, the system memory 606 includes volatile memory (such as RAM), non-volatile memory (such as ROM, flash memory, etc.), or any combination of volatile and non-volatile memory. , Any type not limited to the above. System memory 606 may include an operating system 620, one or more applications 622, and program data 624. Application 622 may include a location determination algorithm 626 configured to perform the functions described herein, including the functions described above in connection with system 100 of FIGS. Program data 624 may include location determination data 628 that may help to perform a determination of the location of the communication device, as described herein. In some embodiments, the application 622 can be configured to manipulate the program data 624 on the operating system 620 so that a determination of the location of the communication device can result. This described basic configuration 602 is illustrated in FIG. 6 by the components within the inner dashed line.

  The computing device 600 may have additional features or functions and additional interfaces to facilitate communication between the basic configuration 602 and any required devices and interfaces. For example, the bus / interface controller 630 may be used to facilitate communication between the basic configuration 602 and one or more data storage devices 632 via the storage interface bus 634. The data storage device 632 may be a removable storage device 636, a non-removable storage device 638, or a combination of a removable storage device 636 and a non-removable storage device 638. Examples of removable and non-removable storage devices include magnetic disk devices such as flexible disk drives and hard disk drives (HDDs), compact disk (CD) drives, or digital versatile disks (DVDs), to name just a few. Optical disk drives such as drives, solid state drives (SDD), and tape drives are included. Exemplary computer storage media include volatile and non-volatile media, removable, implemented in any manner or technique for storing information such as computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Media and non-removable media can be included.

  System memory 606, removable storage device 636, and non-removable storage device 638 are examples of computer storage media. Computer storage media includes RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disk (DVD) or other optical storage, magnetic cassette, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage This includes, but is not limited to, a device, or any other medium that can be used to store desired information and that can be accessed by computing device 600. Any such computer storage media may be part of computing device 600.

  The computing device 600 also facilitates communication from the various interface devices (eg, output device 642, peripheral interface 644, and communication device 646) to the basic configuration 602 via the bus / interface controller 630. An interface bus 640 may also be included. The exemplary output device 642 includes a graphics processing unit 648 and an audio processing unit 650 that may be configured to communicate to various external devices such as a display or speakers via one or more A / V ports 652. The exemplary peripheral interface 644 is an input device (eg, keyboard, mouse, pen, voice input device, touch input device, etc.) or other peripheral device (eg, printer) via one or more I / O ports 658. A serial interface controller 654 or a parallel interface controller 656 that may be configured to communicate with an external device such as a scanner. Exemplary communication device 646 includes a network controller 660 that may be configured to facilitate communication with one or more computing devices 662 via a network communication link via one or more communication ports 664. .

  A network communication link may be an example of a communication medium. Communication media typically can be implemented by computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in a modulated data signal such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism, and any information Distribution media may be included. A “modulated data signal” can be a signal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode information in the signal. By way of example, and not limitation, communication media includes wired media such as a wired network or direct-wired connection, and acoustic, radio frequency (RF), microwave, infrared (IR), and other wireless media. Wireless media such as can be included. Computer-readable media as used herein may include both storage media and communication media.

  The computing device 600 may be a small form factor portable (or mobile) electronic device such as a cell phone, personal digital assistant (PDA), personal media player device, wireless webwatch device, personal headset device, application specific device, or It can be implemented as part of a hybrid device that includes any of the aforementioned functions. The computing device 600 may also be implemented as a personal computer that includes both laptop and non-laptop computer configurations.

  The present disclosure is not limited with respect to the particular embodiments described in this application, which are intended as illustrations of various aspects. Many variations and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art and may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Functionally equivalent methods and apparatus within the scope of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing description, in addition to the methods and apparatus recited herein. Such variations and modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. The present disclosure is intended to be limited only by the terms of the appended claims and the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. The present disclosure is, of course, not limited to a particular method, reagent, compound composition, or biological system that can vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting.

  For the use of substantially all plural and / or singular terms herein, those skilled in the art will recognize from the plural to the singular and / or singular as appropriate to the situation and / or application. You can convert from shape to plural. Various singular / plural permutations can be clearly described herein for ease of understanding.

  In general, terms used herein, particularly in the appended claims (eg, the body of the appended claims), are intended throughout as “open” terms. Will be understood by those skilled in the art (eg, the term “including” should be construed as “including but not limited to” and the term “having”). Should be interpreted as “having at least,” and the term “includes” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to”. ,Such). Where a specific number of statements is intended in the claims to be introduced, such intentions will be explicitly stated in the claims, and in the absence of such statements, such intentions It will be further appreciated by those skilled in the art that is not present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the appended claims use the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to guide the claims. May include that. However, the use of such phrases may be used even if the same claim contains indefinite articles such as the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and “a” or “an”. Embodiments in which the introduction of a claim statement by the indefinite article "a" or "an" includes any particular claim, including the claim description so introduced, is merely one such description. (Eg, “a” and / or “an” should be construed to mean “at least one” or “one or more”). Should be). The same applies to the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. Further, even if a specific number is explicitly stated in the description of the claim to be introduced, it should be understood that such a description should be interpreted to mean at least the number stated. (For example, the mere description of “two descriptions” without other modifiers means at least two descriptions, or two or more descriptions). Further, in cases where a conventional expression similar to “at least one of A, B and C, etc.” is used, such syntax usually means that one skilled in the art would understand the conventional expression. Contemplated (eg, “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” includes A only, B only, C only, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together And / or systems having both A, B, and C together, etc.). In cases where a customary expression similar to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, such syntax is usually intended in the sense that one skilled in the art would understand the customary expression. (Eg, “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” includes A only, B only, C only, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, And / or systems having both A, B, and C together, etc.). Any disjunctive word and / or phrase that presents two or more alternative terms may be either one of the terms, anywhere in the specification, claims, or drawings. It will be further understood by those skilled in the art that it should be understood that the possibility of including either of the terms (both terms), or both of them. For example, it will be understood that the phrase “A or B” includes the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B”.

  As understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, for any and all purposes, such as providing a written description, all ranges disclosed herein are in all possible subranges and subranges thereof. The combination of is also included. Any range listed is subdivided into 1/2 part, 1/3 part, 1/4 part, 1/5 part, 1/10 part, etc., where the same range is at least equal Can be readily recognized as fully explaining and enabling. As a non-limiting example, each range described herein can be easily subdivided into lower 1/3, middle 1/3, upper 1/3, and so forth. As will also be understood by those skilled in the art, all phrases such as “to”, “at least”, “greater than”, “less than”, etc. include the stated numbers and as described above, then , Refers to a range that can be subdivided into partial ranges. Finally, as understood by those skilled in the art, a range includes each individual element. Thus, for example, a group having one to three cells refers to a group having one, two, or three cells. Similarly, a group having one to five cells refers to a group having one, two, three, four, or five cells.

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the appended claims.

Claims (20)

A method for determining a location of a communication device, comprising:
By the base station,
Generating a request for a response from the communication device;
Broadcasting the request over a cellular network;
Receiving the response from the communication device at three or more antennas;
Determining a signal strength of each of the responses at the three or more antennas, and determining a location of the communication device based on the respective signal strength.   The method of claim 1, which operates to transmit communication packets between the communication device and the cellular network. The method of claim 1, further comprising: analyzing a memory based on the location of the device to identify content; and transmitting the content to the communication device.   The method of claim 1, wherein the response includes an ID of the communication device. Analyzing historical data associated with the communication device, wherein the historical data corresponds to a historical location of the communication device within a structure;
Analyzing a map of the structure, wherein the map includes a location of one or more facilities within the structure;
Identifying a particular facility based on the location of the communication device and analysis of the map;
The method of claim 4, further comprising identifying content based on the specific facility and transmitting the content to the communication device. Prior to analyzing the historical data,
6. The method of claim 5, further comprising: searching for the ID in the memory; and updating the history data based on the location of the communication device in response to finding the ID in the memory. The method described. Prior to analyzing the historical data,
6. The method of claim 5, further comprising searching for the ID in the memory and generating the history data related to the communication device in response to the absence of the ID in the memory. . The communication device is a first communication device;
The response is a first response and further includes a first ID of the first communication device;
The signal strength is a first signal strength;
The request is a method for requesting a first ID of the first communication device and a second ID of a second communication device,
Analyzing a memory to identify first content, wherein the first content corresponds to a historical location of the first communication device within a structure;
Receiving the second ID from the second communication device;
Determining a second signal strength associated with the second ID;
Determining a location of the second communication device within the structure based on the second signal strength;
Analyzing the memory based on the location of the second communication device within the structure to obtain second content corresponding to a historical location of the second communication device within the structure. Identifying and transmitting the first content to the first communication device and transmitting the second content to the second communication device, the first content and the second The method of claim 1, further comprising: transmitting content different from each other. A base station configured to determine a location of a communication device, comprising:
A processor;
A memory configured to communicate with the processor;
The processor is
Generating a request for a response from the communication device;
Broadcast the request over a cellular network;
Receiving the response from the communication device;
Determining the signal strength of each of the responses at three or more antennas;
A base station that operates to determine a location of the communication device based on the signal strength.   The base station of claim 9, wherein the processor is further operative to transmit communication packets between the second communication device and the cellular network.   The base station according to claim 10, wherein the response includes an ID of the communication device. The processor is
Analyzing the memory based on the location of the communication device to identify content;
The base station of claim 11, further operative to transmit the content to the communication device. The processor is
Analyzing historical data in the memory, the historical data corresponding to a historical location of the communication device within a structure;
Analyzing a map of the structure in the memory, the map including locations of one or more facilities within the structure;
Identifying a particular facility in the memory based on the location of the second device and analysis of the map;
Identifying content based on the specific facility;
The base station of claim 9, further operative to transmit the content to the communication device. The response includes an ID of the communication device, and the processor
Searching for the ID in the memory;
14. The base station of claim 13, further operable to update the historical data based on the location of the communication device if the ID is found in the memory. The response includes an ID of the communication device, and the processor
Searching for the ID in the memory;
The base station of claim 13, further operable to generate the historical data associated with the communication device if the ID is not found in the memory. A system acting to determine a location of a communication device,
A processor;
One or more antennas within a structure each configured to communicate with the processor;
Comprising a memory configured to communicate with the processor;
The processor is
Generating a request for a response from the communication device;
Broadcast the request for an ID on a cellular network;
Receiving the response from the communication device at three or more antennas;
Determining the signal strength of each of the responses at the three or more antennas;
A system operative to determine a location of the communication device within the structure based on the respective signal strength. The processor is
Analyzing historical data in the memory, wherein the historical data corresponds to a historical location of the device within the structure;
Analyzing a map of the structure in the memory, the map including locations of one or more facilities in the structure;
Identifying a specific facility based on the location of the device and analysis of the map;
Identifying content based on the specific facility;
The system of claim 16, further operative to transmit the content to the communication device. The response includes an ID of the communication device, and the processor
Searching for the ID in the memory;
The system of claim 16, further operable to update the historical data based on the location of the communication device if the ID is found in the memory. The response includes an ID of the communication device, and the processor
Searching for the ID in the memory;
The system of claim 16, further operable to generate the historical data associated with the communication device if the ID is not found in the memory. And further comprising a base station configured to communicate with the processor and the one or more antennas, wherein the base station is configured to communicate with the communication device and the cellular network when the communication device is internal to the structure. The system of claim 16, which is operative to transmit communication packets between them.