WO2010035025A1

WO2010035025A1 - Method of providing location data

Info

Publication number: WO2010035025A1
Application number: PCT/GB2009/051231
Authority: WO
Inventors: Benedict Toner
Original assignee: Roke Manor Research Limited
Priority date: 2008-09-23
Filing date: 2009-09-22
Publication date: 2010-04-01
Also published as: GB2464258A; GB0817384D0

Abstract

A method of providing improvised location data for a mobile device (M1, M2) comprises determining that the mobile device (M1, M2) is within range of a sensor device (S1, S2, S3). The sensor device (S1, S2, S3) comprises one of a plurality of independent sensor devices having unique location identifiers. The mobile device (M1, M2) receives from the sensor device (S1, S2, S3) the unique location identifier of that sensor device (S1, S2, S3) and then forwards the sensor device location identifier to a network of the mobile device (M1, M2). The network (1) uses the sensor device location identifier to determine the location of the mobile device (M1, M2).

Description

METHOD OF PROVIDING LOCATION DATA

This invention relates to a method of providing location data for a mobile device, or handset, such as a mobile phone, laptop or personal digital assistant. Although some mobile devices include position location devices, such as global positioning system (GPS), this is not always the case and legacy devices without position location may miss out on certain services.

US 7,206,585 describes a system in which an environmental sensor collects location specific information and communicates it over a mobile network using low range communications between the sensor and the handset, allowing the handset's primary network to forward the data to a central server. However, the mobile handset has no active involvement and is no more aware of its location than if it had not forwarded the location specific information.

US6609005 describes a system in which location data acquired by a handset e.g. a GPS set incorporated with the handset, is sent to a webserver where it is used to convert latitude and longitude to a corresponding street address, then that street address is returned and displayed on the handset. However, this requires a source of the location data in the handset, so is of little use for legacy systems which lack an integral GPS set. It is desirable that self- location and tracking of mobile devices within location zones be provided independently of the type of device and without the user having to initiate a request for location information. This allows legacy devices to use new location dependent services, without the user having to purchase a new device, or learn a new way of operating their existing mobile device. In accordance with the present invention, a method of providing improvised location data for a mobile device without location aware circuitry installed, or out of range of location finding equipment comprises determining that the mobile device is within range of a low power sensor device without location aware circuitry installed; wherein the sensor device comprises one of a plurality of independent sensor devices each having a unique location identifier, the identifier having been statically programmed into the device at the time of installation; in the mobile device, receiving from the sensor device, the unique location identifier of that sensor device; forwarding the sensor device location identifier to a network of the mobile device; and in the network, using the sensor device location identifier to determine the location of the mobile device.

The method improvises to provide location data for a mobile device which does not itself contain location aware circuitry, by using the combination of an existing network set up for mobile communications and a system designed for sensor data collection, which is not itself networked, but which is at a known geographical location, which has been programmed into the sensor at the time of its installation.

Preferably, the method further comprises opening a data channel between the sensor device, the mobile device and the network in response to the determination that the mobile device is within range without requiring the mobile device to be registered with the sensor or service using the data channel.

This can provide an inexpensive mechanism for transfer of data. Preferably, the method further comprises, after determining the location of the mobile device, notifying a user of the mobile device of its location by delivering location dependent information or geographical location to the mobile device for notification to the user.

Preferably, the method further comprises receiving in the mobile device, sensor data from the sensor device and forwarding the sensor data with the sensor device location identifier to the network of the mobile device, using only an installed web- browser.

Preferably, the method further comprises, after determining the location of the mobile device, sending location specific data to the mobile device from the network on an anonymous data channel opened to send the sensor data.

The invention does not require user initiation to provide the location data, but sends back to the mobile device, over the anonymous data channel which has already been opened, location specific data, once the location of the mobile device has been determined. This is achieved without requiring the mobile device to have pre -registered any information about itself.

Preferably, received sensor data is used in combination with the sensor device location identifier to choose content of the location specific data.

This allows for changing conditions measured by the sensor to influence the choice of information sent to a user at a particular geographic location. Preferably, the location specific data comprises promotional data associated with the location.

This data is not dependent upon the mobile device or user having a prior association, e.g. by pre -registering, thereby retaining the user's anonymity, but the user therefore benefits from having let their mobile device transfer the sensor data.

Preferably, the method further comprises allocating a public identifier to the mobile device.

This protects the user's privacy.

Any mobile device within range may automatically receive location specific data, but preferably, the mobile device registers its public identifier and a set of user preferences with the network.

This ensures that the user is only sent information relevant to them. Preferably, the method further comprises correlating the public identifier of the mobile device with the determined location of the mobile device, and sending content of location specific data according to the registered user preferences.

Preferably, the network credits accounts of registered mobile devices in response to receipt of sensor location identifiers or sensor data.

This encourages users to allow their mobile device to be used for sensor data transfer. Preferably, the sensor data comprises environmental data.

If there is sufficient mobile traffic in an area, then preferably, the sensor data is transmitted in real time.

However, where this is not possible, suitable storage of sensor data is provided at the sensor site. Control and usage of sensor data would be subject to agreement between the sensor operator and the network operator. If they are different entities, agreement on the processing of the data is also required and preferably, either before or after processing, the network controller the network forwards sensor data to an operator of the sensor device, without information relating to the device or user of the mobile device.

This protects the user's privacy.

As well as using the received sensor data for determining which promotional information to return to the user, the received sensor data may also be published and if the network operator also controls the sensor data, it may arrange for publication of that data. Alternatively, the received sensor data is published by an operator of the sensor device, without any data relating to the mobile device or user being associated with the sensor data. When a mobile device determines that it is within range of a sensor device, the mobile device may activate its short range communication in order to allow communication with the sensor device.

Preferably, the sensor device comprises a wireless transmitter having a predetermined transmission range. Preferably, when the mobile device determines that it is within range of the sensor device, the mobile device activates its short range communication in order to allow communication with the sensor device.

A mobile device in a state which allows the mobile to be discovered or detected, can activate its short range communications when within range, rather than always keeping them on, so extending battery life.

An example of a method of providing location data in accordance with the present invention will now be described, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a block diagram of a system for implementing the method of the present invention; and,

Figure 2 is a flow diagram of the method of the present invention.

The invention provides a mechanism whereby a mobile or cellular handset can be identified and used as part of a 3rd party communication network. The basic mechanism involves a handset owner entering a location zone in which one or more of the short range communication technologies of the handset can be used to transfer data originating from the zone and not from the handset. The invention also allows a mobile handset location, as defined by the location zone of the sensor device, within which the handset is located, to be used by the mobile handset and delivered to a central server with a handset identifier to provide a service of locating a handset without the requirement for user initiation, prior registration, or an integral location device, such as GPS. This makes it possible for a mobile device to obtain its location, or data related to that, without having to include power draining location aware circuitry in the system. The sensor is able to actively determine that a mobile is in range and a signal is then sent to the mobile to inform it of this, rather than the mobile having to determine that it is within range of a sensor. The sensor pushes content and location data to the mobile device, whereas conventionally, location information is sent to a server in response to a handset user initiated event. In order to inform user's that their device is being used in this way, the user may be presented with a message to indicate the arrival of the content from the sensor device and may send an acceptance of the message to give the user's agreement to send information to the network. However, the system may also be operated without having to notify the user and obtain their acceptance. When the handset is used as part of the network, the handset is identified and location data is pushed to it by the short range communication device of the sensor device that defines the location zone. Acceptance of the communication request from the sensor by the handset user allows this location specific data to pass through the mobile handset and be used by an application running on the handset to perform "Self location" that can then be used to trigger internal location specific applications.

Furthermore, the location information passed to the central server may include a static identifier of the mobile handset derived from the short range communications hardware within the handset. This information, when collected at a central server, can be used to track the location and movement of a mobile handset. The delivery of location specific information to a central server can be done in such a way, e.g. via a URL within a web browser, that location specific return aware content can be generated and displayed to the handset owner, again without the need for the handset owner to initiate the communications. The web browser is the standard browser, either installed by the manufacturer or the user when the mobile device is first activated and no special software is required to enable the mobile device to be used in this way. Users might wish to choose to accept being part of the communications transaction on each occasion, or provide a global agreement, e.g. during registration of the mobile device for other purposes, for the use of their device in this way by the sensor device. However, these are optional requirements and the invention is able to operate without any pre-registered information being required.

The transmission of a handset specific identifier (ID) derived from the short range communications device can also be used to identify a mobile handset without the need for the handset owner to disclose information such as a phone number. Prior registration of the ID within a service then allows any location specific content to be generated to suit a set of user defined preferences. The ID can also be used to create an account into which value can be given, such as money, in return for the user's participation in the communications. Figure 1 illustrates a typical implementation of an example of the present invention. In this example, different mobile devices, Ml, M2 associated with a mobile network 1 are present. The first mobile device Ml comes within range 2 of a sensor Sl and the second mobile device is within range of sensor S3. No mobile device is within range of sensor S2. The sensors may be operated by a separate organisation, such as a utility company, or government agency; or by the mobile network service provider itself, or a marketing company, dependent upon whether or not the sensor data is primarily of interest to another organisation, or only for use in relation to service provision in the mobile network, or for other mobile network operators. Typically, the sensor Sl determines that the mobile device Ml has come within range 2 of the sensor and the sensor sends a signal via a wireless transmission 3 informing the mobile device Ml of the presence of the sensor. If the mobile device is in a state which allows the mobile to be discovered or detected when it comes within range of a sensor device, then the mobile device may be set up to sense the presence of the sensor device and to switch on its short range communications to allow communication between the sensor device and the mobile device. In determining the presence of the mobile device Ml, the sensor S 1 may become aware of a handset specific identifier derived from the short range communication device within the mobile device Ml. In this transmission 3, the sensor Sl sends its unique location identifier and the handset specific identifier of the mobile device to the mobile device, which may add another hardware identifier of the mobile device, before forwarding the sensor identifier to the network controller 1 , via wireless transmission 4. Within the network, the sensor identifier can be used to determine a geographical location of the mobile device, e.g. using a database or lookup table in which sensor identifiers and corresponding geographical location have been pre-recorded. The unique location identifier of the sensor is statically programmed into the device at the time of its installation, so if a suitable installation device is used, with sufficient resolution for the density of sensor sites, an actual geographical location may be used as the unique location identifier. Optionally, the mobile network controller 1 may notify the mobile device Ml of its actual geographical location by sending back data on a transmission 5. In one embodiment a dedicated data channel is opened, between the sensor, mobile device and network, via a web browser, without any user initiation in the mobile device being required. This gives an inexpensive mechanism of pushing rich data to the mobile device, which also allows the mobile device to maintain its anonymity and receive information without having to have pre -registered. The notification may take the form of a message on the display of the mobile device, or an audio message. Alternatively, in the case where the mobile device knowingly discloses the network assigned access number (such as a mobile phone number), a multimedia message service (MMS) or short message service (SMS) may be used.

Another sensor S3 may determine that another mobile device M2 is within range, then derive the handset specific identifier from the short range communications hardware of the mobile device and similarly send 6, its unique location identifier and the handset specific identifier to the mobile device M2 for onward transmission 7 to the network controller 1.

Having established a link to the network through the mobile device, the sensor may then use the open data channel 3, 4, 6, 7 to send sensor data to the network. The network may use this sensor data, in combination with the determined geographical location of the mobile device Ml, M2 to send back 5, 8 data to the mobile devices Ml, M2, which is relevant and location specific. For example, a user may pre-register an interest for shopping opportunities and the sensor data may indicate environmental data e.g. pollution, temperature, rainfall, wind speed. In this case, if the sensor data indicates rain at the sensor site, the promotional data sent back to the mobile device can be related to shops selling rainwear and umbrellas. In certain cases, the network may also send 26, 27 a response back to the sensor device via the mobile device, e.g. to acknowledge safe receipt of the sensor data, so that the sensor device can delete that data from its local store.

Coordination, control and operation of the sensors may be the responsibility of the mobile network controller, or of a separate sensor controller 10. If, for example, the sensors are installed by a utility company, the company may delegate the collection and management of the sensor data to a mobile network operator, whilst allowing the network operator to use both location and sensor data to enhance the service provided to mobile device subscriber. In certain circumstances, the organisation collecting the data may wish to publish it, but the invention allows this to be done without any mobile device being identified, so users allowing the sensor data to be passed through their mobile devices, do not have to be concerned about their whereabouts being broadcast as a result.

Sensor and location information may be used as the basis for the returned content sent to any mobile device within range of that sensor, but if the user has pre- registered with the service provider, then a more targeted set of promotional data can be sent. The service provider may give an incentive to non-registered users to apply and register, in the form of vouchers to spend in the promoted businesses, or offers of credit to the user's mobile account. Registered users may receive compensation for forwarding the sensor data.

To protect the user's privacy, a public identifier may be allocated to a registered user, rather than using their telephone number. This can then be used as a means of ensuring that the location specific data sent is appropriate to the user, by correlating it with the registered user preferences.

Not only does the sensor device have a mechanism for sensing whatever measurable is desired, but the device is also provided with a wireless transmitter operating over a predetermined, generally short, range, e.g. of the order of 10s of metres. By keeping to a relatively small area of coverage, location of a device coming within range of a sensor can be more accurately determined than using the location of a cell on which the mobile device is camped.

In an area where many mobile devices pass through, sensor data can be sent effectively in real time. However, sensors in more remote areas, e.g. outside towns and cities may need a store to hold data samples and some system for compressing the data for transmission when an opportunity does arise to use a passing mobile device to forward the sensor data. However, if the mobile network operator also runs the sensors, the operator may decide that they have no interest in historic data and accept that there will be gaps in the data received at the network, when no mobile devices are passing.

As well as storing and using the sensor data for determining what data to send back to a mobile device within range, the sensor data may be published e.g. on a web page, both as raw data and processed e.g. weather trends over a period of time in a particular location.

Fig. 2 illustrates a specific example of some aspects of how the present invention may be used. One aspect is the ability of a mobile phone user 11 to create an online account 12 and to register 13 a publicly available mobile phone identifier with the online service. This can be done using publicly viewable identifiers, such as a Bluetooth MAC address, to identify the handset owner without disclosing their phone number or cellular specific identifier. The user then registers 14 their promotional preferences with the online service and registers 15 an account with a monetary value, such as a pre-pay or subscription account.

Another aspect is that when using the system, the user 11 enters 16 a sensor zone where the sensor has obtained 17 sensor data e.g. environmental data relating to particulate levels, or air quality as well as the sensor having a unique location identifier. This data is transmitted 18 and the mobile phone, which conventionally was standby state, receives 19, the data. The mobile phone optionally stores 20 the received data and forwards 21 the data on to a central databases. In the present invention, the data includes at least the sensor location identifier and the publically available mobile phone identifier, which is used for looking-up 22 in the central database a relationship between the sensor identifier and a geographical location. An advertisement is created 23, relevant to the user, their geographical location and any received environmental data. This is then sent back 24 to the mobile phone and displayed to the user. Meanwhile, the advertiser refunds 25 the user account for having provided the sensor data and any other agreed disbursements or credits according to the user registration. Thus, the system allows self location of a mobile handset without the need for user initiation, as well as using the self location to generate location aware content, also without user initiation.

This mechanism may be used to provide data to mobile handsets which are not registered with the sensor or service using the data channel, by forwarding data without any mobile device identifier and sending location specific data back to that mobile device on an anonymous data channel which has been created by the initial delivery of the sensor data to the network. Clearly the mobile device cannot be given credit if it is not pre -registered, nor can specific preferences be catered for, but promotional data can be sent which is not specific to the user of the mobile device, but might still be of interest and both the user and the services being promoted benefit, whilst protecting the user's privacy.

In some mobile network location dependent information may be broadcast based on the cell in which the mobile device is operating. The system of the present invention allows the device to use its more precise knowledge of where it is, so that the mobile device only present to the user information which is specifically relevant. In a dense urban environment, a cell may cover several hundred meters. In a rural area it may cover many miles. Therefore, the phone strips out data which is not relevant to the user at its actual location.

Claims

1. A method of providing improvised location data for a mobile device without location aware circuitry installed, or out of range of location finding equipment; the method comprising determining that the mobile device is within range of a low power sensor device without location aware circuitry installed; wherein the sensor device comprises one of a plurality of independent sensor devices each having a unique location identifier, the identifier having been statically programmed into the device at the time of installation; in the mobile device, receiving from the sensor device, the unique location identifier of that sensor device; forwarding the sensor device location identifier to a network of the mobile device; and in the network, using the sensor device location identifier to determine the location of the mobile device.

2. A method according to claim 1, further comprising opening a data channel between the sensor device, the mobile device and the network in response to the determination that the mobile device is within range without requiring the mobile device to be registered with the sensor or service using the data channel.

3. A method according to claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising, after determining the location of the mobile device, notifying a user of the mobile device of its location by delivering location dependent information or geographical location to the mobile device for notification to the user.

4. A method according to any preceding claim, further comprising receiving in the mobile device, sensor data from the sensor device and forwarding the sensor data with the sensor device location identifier to the network of the mobile device, using only an installed web-browser.

5. A method according to any preceding claim, further comprising, after determining the location of the mobile device, sending location specific data to the mobile device from the network on an anonymous data channel opened to send the sensor data.

6. A method according to claim 5, wherein received sensor data is used in combination with the sensor device location identifier to choose content of the location specific data.

7. A method according to claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the location specific data comprises promotional data associated with the location.

8. A method according to any preceding claim, further comprising allocating a public identifier to the mobile device.

9. A method according to claim 8, wherein the mobile device registers its public identifier and a set of user preferences with the network.

10. A method according to claim 9, further comprising correlating the public identifier of the mobile device with the determined location of the mobile device, and sending content of location specific data according to the registered user preferences.

11. A method according to claim 10, wherein the network credits an account of a registered mobile device in response to receipt of a sensor location identifier or sensor data.

12. A method according to any of claims 4 to 11, wherein the sensor data comprises environmental data.

13. A method according to any of claims 4 to 12, wherein the sensor data is transmitted in real time.

14. A method according to any of claims 4 to 13, wherein the network forwards sensor data to an operator of the sensor device, without information relating to the device or user of the mobile device.

15. A method according to at least claim 4, wherein the received sensor data is published by an operator of the sensor device, without any data relating to the mobile device or user being associated with the sensor data.

16. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein a wireless transmitter in the sensor device transmits over a predetermined transmission range.

17. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein when the mobile device determines that it is within range of the sensor device, the mobile device activates its short range communication in order to allow communication with the sensor device.