WO2011058499A1

WO2011058499A1 - Methods for profiling cellular network towers and locating mobile communication device, and tools therefrom

Info

Publication number: WO2011058499A1
Application number: PCT/IB2010/055081
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sriram Kannan
Original assignee: Sriram Kannan
Priority date: 2009-11-12
Filing date: 2010-11-09
Publication date: 2011-05-19
Also published as: WO2011058499A4

Abstract

The invention provides a method of profiling a plurality of cellular network towers by identifying a sequence of cellular network towers in a geographical area using a mobile communication device and mapping the sequence with a geographic profile. Thus, a library of a sequence of cellular network towers that is in contact with a mobile communication device at different locations is made available. The invention also provides for locating a mobile communication device based on the unique identifier of the cellular network tower in contact with the mobile communication device. The invention also provides tools for the methods of the invention.

Description

METHODS FOR PROFILING CELLULAR NETWORK TOWERS AND LOCATING MOBILE COMMUNICATION DEVICE, AND TOOLS THEREFROM

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates generally to locating a mobile communication device and more specifically to profiling a plurality of cellular networks towers to be used to locate a mobile communication device.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Knowing the location of a person at any given point of time is useful and sometimes necessary information for a variety of reasons. This may be for safety reasons, or for planning next set of actions, or many other reasons. Currently, very few techniques are available to track a person's location.

[0003] One particularly useful way of tracking a person is through the use of global positioning system (GPS). This typically involves a separate device that is capable of giving GPS related information. Alternately, a number of mobile communication devices such as mobile phones have built-in GPS capabilities. However, using the GPS generally drains the battery life very quickly. Further, for a GPS to function properly, clear view of the skies is a requirement because it operates through contact with satellites. Also, adding GPS capabilities to a mobile phone adds to the cost of the mobile phone also.

[0004] Another particularly useful way of tracking a person through their mobile communication device is by using the Angle of Arrival method. However, the accuracy of location from a single cellular network tower is very low, and an accurate position of a person can be obtained only if in the vicinity of at least three cellular network towers.

[0005] Thus, there is a need for having a capability to track a person in a simple and facile manner that is also cost-effective, at the same time providing for the safety and security of all those involved, while also not violating the privacy of persons being tracked.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

[0006] In one aspect, the invention provides a method for profiling a plurality of cellular network towers. The method comprises identifying a sequence of the plurality of cellular network towers in a geographical area using at least one mobile communication device. Then, the method comprises mapping the sequence with a geographical profile in the geographical area.

[0007] In another aspect, the invention provides a method for locating a mobile communication device. The method comprises querying the mobile communication device to obtain a cellular network tower identity in a geographical area that is in contact with the mobile communication device. The method then comprises mapping the at least one cellular network tower with a geographical profile in the geographical area based on one or more points of interest within the geographical profile, wherein the one or more points of interest is based on a predefined criterion. The method includes identifying the location of the mobile communication device based on the one or more points of interest.

[0008] In yet another aspect, the invention provides a tool for profiling a plurality of cellular network towers. The tool comprises an input module, a mapping module and an assignment module. [0009] In a further aspect, the invention provides a tool for locating a mobile communication device. The tool comprises a querying module, an input module, a mapping module and a processor module.

DRAWINGS

[0010] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:

[0011] FIG. 1 is a flowchart representation of exemplary steps involved in the method of the invention; and [0012] FIG. 2 shows a diagrammatic representation of an embodiment of the method of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0013] As used herein and in the claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include the plural reference unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0014] As used herein, mobile communication device means an electronic device that is capable of two-way communication over a cellular network. Communication may be voice-based, or may be limited to only sending and receiving short message services (SMS), multi-media message service (MMS), General Packet Radio Service (GPRS, and the like, and combinations thereof. A cellular network is a radio network distributed over land areas called cells, each served by at least one fixed-location transceiver known as a cell site. The cellular network is operated by a cellular operator, and for a mobile communication device to function, permission has to be obtained from the cellular operator in the form of subscriptions. One of ordinary skill in the art will be aware that more than one cellular operators can operate in an area. Typically, a mobile communication device is associated with a single cellular operator, however, subscription from more than one cellular operator is also possible. [0015] The mobile communication device is also capable of wide range of functions, such as storing phone numbers, address books, calendars, displaying time and date, alarm functions, web browsing, etc. The capabilities and capacities of a given mobile communication device depends on the make and model of the device. Some of the functions may require permissions from cellular operator, and may operate through the cellular network tower, while others are independent of the cellular operator and cellular network tower, and are entirely user defined and controlled.

[0016] As used herein, user is a person in possession of and using a mobile communication device.

[0017] A cell site, also sometimes referred to in the art as base station, means a site where antennas and electronic communications equipment are placed on a cellular network tower to create a cell in a cellular network. A cell site comprises a cellular network tower for mounting antennas, and one or more sets of transmitter/receivers transceivers, digital signal processors, control electronics, and other auxiliary equipment for specific purposes, such as, but not limited to, a global positioning system (GPS) receiver for timing, regular and backup electrical power sources, sheltering, and the like. Each cellular network tower is identified by a unique identifier. In one exemplary embodiment, the unique identifier for a cellular network tower comprises four components: MCC, MNC, LAC, CID, wherein MCC stands for a country code, MNC stands for a cellular network code, LAC stands for a location area code, and CID stands for the cellular network tower's unique ID. Other forms of unique identifiers for a cellular network tower are also known, and use of this identifier is contemplated within the scope of the invention. On some mobile communication devices, it is possible to programmatically query the unique identifier of a cellular network tower to which the mobile communication device is communicating with at any point in time. Knowing the unique identifier of the cellular network tower, it is possible for the user of the mobile communication device to find out the location of the cellular network tower in one of the following methods. In one method, based on information provided by cellular operator to which the cellular network tower belongs. Alternately, in another method a short string representing the location of the cellular network tower is typically sent to the mobile phone through a special mechanism called the cell broadcast service (CBS), which string is capable of being read on some mobile communication devices through the use of appropriate programs.

[0018] The number of cellular network towers in a given area of region is always determined by a cellular operator. The considerations for the number of cellular network towers may include for example, the number of users in a given area, the nearest next available cellular network tower, the volume of calls faced by a cellular network tower, and the like. A mobile communication device at any given location may be within the vicinity of one or more than one cellular network towers. But only one cellular network tower will actually be in contact with the mobile communication device at a given point of time. While in motion, the mobile communication device will be transferred from one cellular network tower to another cellular network tower based on a variety of considerations, such as signal strength, volume of calls, and the like. The transfer is achieved through a process commonly known in the art as "handing over" or "handing off."

[0019] Since mobile communication devices are very commonly available, with nearly every person carrying one on their person at all times, it is advantageous to track a person's location by tracking their personal mobile communication device. The invention provided herein uses this feature effectively, with its implementation also being cost- effective, facile and extremely useful. [0020] As noted herein, in one aspect the invention provides a method for profiling a plurality of cellular network towers. Referring to Fig. 1, the method of the invention for profiling is represented by numeral 10. The method comprises identifying a sequence of the plurality of cellular network towers in a geographical area using at least one mobile communication device, shown in Fig. 1 by numeral 12. The identification of a sequence of the plurality of cellular network towers may be achieved by a series of steps involving identification of individual cellular network tower and connecting the individual cellular network tower to obtain the sequence. As already noted, each individual cellular network tower is identified by a unique identifier, which identifier may be used as such, or a separate identification may be assigned to distinguish individual cellular network tower from other cellular network tower.

[0021] The method then comprises mapping the sequence with a geographical profile in the geographical area, as given in Fig. 1 by numeral 14. The geographical area may be obtained from any number of sources, such as for example, a map, latitude and longitude that is available from a suitable source such a GPS system, and may be small section within a city, an entire city, a village and the like. The geographic profile, as used herein, means a geographical profile representative of a certain activity. In one exemplary embodiment, the activity may be representative of a user's actions. Thus, for example, a user may traverse from home to work and vice versa along a certain route. This route may be taken to represent a geographic profile. In this example, one skilled in the art will understand that the geographic profile will vary for a different set of users. Geographic profile may also represent a path taken by a standard transportation medium between two given points, such as a train between two cities. In this example, the geographic profile is independent of any users. Other examples of geographic profiles will become apparent to one skilled in the art, and is contemplated to be within the scope of this invention. In some instances, geographic profile may be the same as geographic area.

[0022] In one exemplary embodiment of the method of the invention, a user of a mobile communication device in motion along a route is tracked based on the cellular network tower in contact with the mobile communication device. Fig. 2 shows a diagrammatic representation of an embodiment of the method of the invention, as represented by numeral 16. A user 18 in a vehicle is in possession of a mobile communication device. The user is travelling from a starting point 20 to an end point 22 along a route 24. For purposes of illustration, the position of user 18 in this figure is shown to be between the starting point 20 and the ending point 22. All through the route, a variety of cellular network towers, shown by numeral 26 are available for the mobile communication device to communicate with. [0023] As the user 18 travels between starting point 20 to the end point 22, the route may be divided into a variety of regions based on the cellular network towers that is in contact with the user at a given location. In Fig. 2, the region around starting point is represented by numeral 20, while the region surrounding the ending point is represented by numeral 22, and the route is further split into two more regions in this exemplary embodiment represented by numerals 26 and 28. At region 20, any one of the cellular network towers A, B and C may be in contact with the mobile communication device. At region 26, one of the cellular network towers D, E and F may be in contact with the mobile communication device. Similarly, mobile communication device may be in contact with one of the cellular network towers G, H and I in region 28. Finally, in region 22, one of the cellular network towers J, K and L may be in contact with the mobile communication device. This information is obtained by extracting the unique identifier of the cellular network tower on a periodic basis. This sequence of steps may be repeated a number of times at different time periods (such as night, day, high call volume periods, low call volume periods etc.) to obtain statistical measures, such as reproducibility, confidence intervals, standard deviations, variances, and the like. Once this sequence is obtained, then based on the unique identifier of the cellular network tower at a given point of time, the location of the mobile communication device within a particular region may be given based on the sequence of cellular network towers that have been in contact with the mobile communication device over a period of time just prior to the exact instant the current cellular network tower was identified. Subsequently, based on the geographic profile in a geographic area, the location of the mobile communication device can be pinpointed with a fair degree of accuracy. Thus, using the method of the invention, the location of the mobile communication device may be identified unequivocally as the location is not solely based on the instant cellular network tower in contact with the mobile communication device but on the sequence of cellular network towers that were in contact with the mobile communication device just prior to the instant cellular network tower. The sequence of cellular network towers in contact is part of geographic profile used to obtain a location of the mobile communication device. [0024] The method of the invention further comprises assigning one or more points of interest within the geographical profile based on predefined criteria. The points of interest may be based on the regions as described above in the exemplary embodiment. Other predefined criteria include, such as, specific predefined locations, landmark locations, a list of landmark locations, a user defined list of geographic locations, and the like, and combinations thereof.

[0025] The method of the invention then comprises storing the sequence of the plurality of cellular network towers, the geographical profile, and the one or more points of interest in a profile database. The profile database stores the information in a manner suitable for quick retrieval. Further, for security purposes, the database may also be configured to encrypt the information. Thus, the profile database of the invention further comprises suitable encryption and decryption algorithms to facilitate storage and retrieval of information. The profile database is advantageously stored in a centralized server.

[0026] In an alternate embodiment, at least one point of interest is pre-defined, for which a set of specific geographic profile may be obtained. Some details related to geographic profile may include data such as, but not limited to, latitude and longitude, street address, and the like. Subsequently, each of these points of interest may be mapped to at least one cellular network tower that is present. The basis of mapping at least one cellular network tower to a point of interest may be done on the basis of various factors, such as but not limited to, the latitude and longitude of a given cellular network tower, distance from point of interest, presence or absence of obstructions, call volumes, and the like, and combinations thereof. Such factors may be arrived at without undue experimentation by one skilled in the art. Thus, a predefined route having at least one predefined point of interest may be converted into sets of cellular network towers along the way. In this manner, a mobile communication device may be tracked based on the knowledge of the cellular network tower in instant contact with the mobile communication device at a given point of time.

[0027] In another aspect, the invention provides a method of locating a mobile communication device. The method includes querying the mobile communication device as to the identity of the cellular network tower that is in contact with the mobile communication device. The method then comprises the steps involved in the method for profiling a plurality of cellular network towers as described herein. Subsequently, the method includes locating the mobile communication device based on the one or more points of interest using the profile database of the invention, as described herein.

[0028] The querying of the mobile communication device may be done by third party in order to find out the location of the user, which makes it an on-demand request. The query may be in the form of a message such as a short message service (SMS), or any such standard messaging methods known to one of ordinary skill in the art. This query is processed through an appropriate medium, such as a server, which then activates the method of the invention to obtain the location of the user. In one embodiment, the query reaching the user has to be approved by the owner of the mobile communication device. Such an implementation ensures the privacy of the user is always maintained at any given time, and the user has control over those who can see and monitor the user's position.

[0029] The method of the invention for locating the mobile communication device further comprises receiving a response for the query. This response is received at a medium, which may then be transmitted to an appropriate receiver. A useful medium in such situations may be a server that includes appropriate encryption and decryption algorithms to preserve the integrity of the users. Once appropriate permissions are obtained, the location of the mobile communication device may then be transmitted to the third party making the request. Thus, an interested third party may find out the location of a user at any given point using the method of the invention. [0030] The query to locate the mobile communication device may be activated based on some "trigger events." Such trigger events may include, for example, reaching a predefined point of interest, which would be indicated by the cellular network tower that is in communication with the mobile communication device. Similarly, other trigger events for sending a query may include, for example, reaching a point of interest, leaving a point of interest, and the like, and combinations thereof. Some other triggers may include, for example, remaining at one point of interest for a time period that exceeds a predefined time period. Other variations to this will become obvious to one skilled in the art, and is contemplated to be within the scope of the invention.

[0031] In one embodiment, the response is sent to a second mobile communication device that is in possession of a second user. The response may be in the form of a short message service (SMS), multimedia message service (MMS), an email, and the like, and combinations thereof. One skilled in the art would also appreciate that the messages to be sent to a second mobile communication device may be a customized message, such as for example, "Call Manager and Inform Location." Alternately, the message may be an instruction to trigger further events, for example, set off an alarm to wake up the user, or pass on an instruction such as "send email to a list of users," and the like. Further embodiments would be obvious to one skilled in the art.

[0032] The response may be sent to a requester making a query from a server only on demand from the requester. In another embodiment, the response may be sent automatically sent upon any trigger events as described herein. [0033] The method of the invention provides for tracking movement of users without using extraneous hardware components, nor using too much bandwidth by using the cellular network through SMS and the like. Thus, the method of the invention provides a unique advantage of conserving battery life on a given mobile communication device. Further, by implementing the method of the invention to locate a mobile communication device in such a manner the user provides permissions to be tracked, the tracking can be done in a non- intrusive manner such that the user is not distracted during the process of being tracked. Some exemplary situations are provided where the method of the invention would be very useful. One skilled in the art will be able to appreciate that these are but a few examples and many more such exemplary situations may be contemplated, which will become obvious. Tracking for Logistics industry:

[0034] Fleet management in logistics industry can benefit from the method of the invention to locate a mobile communication device, where both the sender and receiver of consignments by truck can always be in touch with their assets movement. The requester can track location of trucks on demand, especially when configured for points of interest such as reaching/ leaving a toll gate, approaching the point where delivery has to be made, the amount of time spent at particular locations etc. Such information would also be helpful in planning for future activities as well.

Employee Tracking

[0035] Safety of employees, especially females, is of utmost concern these days. An important aspect to the safety of these people is to understand the location and timing information while moving from place of work to home or vice versa, and carries high value both for employers as well as friends and relatives.

School Children's Location

[0036] Parents would want to understand the movement of their children for safety reasons. For example, a parent would like to know the child reached school on time, and whether the child left the school on time. Further, the parent would like to get alerted whenever the child left school at an unexpected time (such as before school closing time). Since, in many instances, schools do not permit operation of a mobile phone inside the school premises, calling the child to get this information is not really viable. But using the method of the invention to locate the mobile communication device that is present on the person of the child, parents can become aware of the child's location at any given time, without the need for calling or involving any kind of action by the child.

[0037] In another aspect, the invention provides a tool for profiling a plurality of cellular network towers using the method of the invention. The tool is advantageously implemented as a software program product, which comprises instruction codes written for the algorithms in an appropriate programming language. Exemplary programming languages includes, for example, but not limited to C, C++, Java, PHP, PERL etc.

[0038] The tool comprises an input module for inputting an identity of the plurality of cellular network towers, and the time spent within each of these cell towers (as well as any other optional information such as GPS coordinates (latitude, longitude, altitude), signal strength, CBS string etc. depending on capability of the mobile phone or other specialized hardware that was used during the data collection process) in the geographical are using at least one communication device. The inputting may be done automatically by appropriate software module that records the cellular network tower identity. [0039] The tool then comprises a mapping module to map the plurality of cellular network towers with the geographic profile as described herein. The tool then includes an assignment module for assigning a unique tower identity (as well as a short human readable description or a tag) to each of the plurality of cellular network towers based on the geographic profile. In this manner, every point of interest associated with a person or a travel or other requirements is mapped to a plurality of sets of cellular network towers, which can then be used to monitor movement. [0040] The tool also comprises a profile database that includes all the information necessary for the tool of the invention. The profile database may advantageously be present as part of a server. The profile database may also be encrypted to ensure safety and security of the data contained within. Thus, the tool also incorporates encryption and decryption algorithms necessary for functioning of the tool.

[0041] In a further aspect, the invention provides a tool for locating a mobile communication device that uses the method for locating a mobile communication device as described herein. The tool may be advantageously implemented as a software program product. The tool comprises a querying module for querying the mobile communication device. The query is sent from a server that is present at an appropriate location. The query may be triggered by a variety of reasons, such as, for example, by a second mobile communication device user, by the user reaching a certain location, by the user leaving a certain location, and the like. The tool then comprises an input module for inputting the identity of at least one cellular network tower in a geographic area that is in contact with the mobile communication device. The input may be obtained from the profile database described herein. The tool then includes a processor module to process the location based on the one or more points of interest to obtain the location of the mobile communication device.

[0042] As already stated herein, it will be obvious to one skilled in the art that the querying may be done upon demand that is approved by the user of the mobile communication device. Once the approval is given, the querying and the information related to location may be related without the necessity for intervention by the user. The approval may involve more than one parameters, such as list of users permitted to track, time frame within which tracking is permitted, geographical boundary within which tracking is permitted, the granularity of location result etc. For example, a trackee may wish to setup tracking permissions such as "Employer can track me only during weekdays, 9:00AM- 5:00PM, and during weekends, can only know the LOCATION CITY, BUT NOT the complete address".

[0043] The tool for obtaining location information of the mobile communication device further comprises a response module to provide a response to the query. The response may be provided upon any of several trigger events, as described herein. Some exemplary trigger events include, for example, reaching a vicinity of the point of interest, leaving a point of interest, remaining at a point of interest beyond a predefined maximum time, and so on. Thus, the response may also be any one of the above-mentioned information, such as, the point of interest, the exact time of leaving a point of interest, the exact time of arriving at a point of interest, time spent at a point of interest, and the like.

[0044] The response module may be configured to send the response in a suitable manner such that it does not occupy too much bandwidth, or expend too much energy. In some instances, a useful way of sending responses is an SMS. In other instances, response may be sent as email to a predefined email address.

[0045] Appropriate user interfaces and inputs for the tools of the invention for profiling a plurality of a cellular network towers in a geographic area and for locating a mobile communication device will become obvious to one skilled in the art, and is contemplated to be included within the scope of the invention. The tool implemented as computer program product is configured to be a mobile application that is implemented in a user's mobile communication device. Thus, it is also configured to be made compatible with any mobile platforms in use. Such platforms include, for example, JavaME, Symbian, Android, Windows® Mobile, iPhone™ and the like.

[0046] While only certain features of the invention have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications and changes will occur to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the invention.

Claims

V We Claim:

1. A method for profiling a plurality of cellular network towers, the method comprising: identifying a sequence of the plurality of cellular network towers in a geographical area using at least one mobile communication device; and mapping the sequence with a geographical profile in the geographical area.

2. The method of claim 1 further comprising assigning one or more points of interest within the geographical profile based on a predefined criteria.

3. The method of claim 2 further comprising storing the sequence of the plurality of cellular network towers, the geographical profile, and the one or more points of interest in a profile database.

4. A method for locating a mobile communication device comprising: querying the mobile communication device to obtain at least one cellular network tower identity in a geographical area in contact with the mobile communication device; mapping the at least one cellular network tower with a geographical profile in the geographical area based on one or more points of interest within the geographical profile, wherein the one or more points of interest is based on a predefined criterion; and identifying the location of the mobile communication device based on the one or more points of interest.

5. The method of claim 4, further comprising storing the identity of the at least one cellular network tower, the geographical profile, and the one or more points of interest in a profile database.

6. The method of claim 4, wherein the querying is on demand approved by an owner of the mobile communication device.

7. The method of claim 4, wherein the predefined criteria comprises a landmark location, a list of landmark locations, a user defined list of geographical locations and a combinations thereof.

8. The method of claim 4, further comprising receiving a response for the querying when the mobile communication device is in a vicinity of the point of interest.

9. The method of claim 8, further comprising communicating the response to at least a second mobile communication device.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the response comprises at least one of a location information for the point of interest, a time of reaching, a time of departing or combinations thereof.

11. A tool for profiling a plurality of cellular network towers, the tool comprising: an input module for inputting an identity of the plurality of cellular network towers in a geographical area using at least one mobile communication device; a mapping module for mapping the plurality of cellular network towers with a geographical profile in the geographical area; and an assignment module for assigning a unique tower identity to each of the plurality of cellular network towers based on the geographical profile.

12. The tool of claim 11, wherein the assignment module is further configured to assign one or more points of interest within the geographical profile based on predefined criterion.

13. The tool of claim 12, wherein the predefined criterion comprises a landmark location, a list of landmark locations, a user defined list of geographical locations or combinations thereof.

14. The tool of claim 13 further comprising a profile database for storing the geographical profile, the unique tower identity, one or more points of interest, and the predefined criterion.

15. A tool for locating a mobile communication device, the tool comprising: a querying module for querying the mobile communication device; an input module for inputting the identity of at least one cellular network tower in a geographical area that is in contact with the mobile communication device; a mapping module for mapping the at least one cellular network tower with a geographical profile in the geographical area based on one or more points of interest within the geographical profile, wherein the one or more points of interest is based on a predefined criterion; and a processor module to process the location based on the one or more points of interest to obtain the location of the mobile communication device.

16. The tool of claim 15, wherein the querying is on demand approved by a user of the at least one mobile communication device.

17. The tool of claim 15, wherein the querying module is configured to query the at least one mobile communication device based on the one or more points of interest.

18. The tool of claim 15, further comprising a response module for receiving a response from the at least one communicating device.

19. The tool of claim 18, wherein the response module is configured to receive the response for the querying when the at least one mobile communication device is in a vicinity of the point of interest.

20. The tool of claim 19, wherein the response comprises at least one of a location information for the point of interest, a time of reaching a point of interest, a time of departing a point of interest, a predefined maximum time at a point of interest, and combinations thereof.

21. The tool of claim 18, wherein the response is a short messaging service, email and combination thereof.