WO2017045109A1

WO2017045109A1 - Position determination of a mobile device in an emergency

Info

Publication number: WO2017045109A1
Application number: PCT/CN2015/089561
Authority: WO
Inventors: Yan Li; Zhimin Du
Original assignee: Qualcomm Inc
Current assignee: Qualcomm Inc
Priority date: 2015-09-14
Filing date: 2015-09-14
Publication date: 2017-03-23
Anticipated expiration: 2018-03-14
Also published as: CN108027415A; CN108027415B; WO2017045461A1

Abstract

Techniques are provided which may be implemented using various methods, apparatuses and devices to determine a verified estimated position for a mobile device in response to an emergency communication from the mobile device via a wireless network. The techniques may make use of multiple types of positioning processes protocols to determine such a verified estimated position for a mobile device. Such a verified estimated position may be of particular use to a PSAP or other entity/service that may be tasked with initiating a proper response to an emergency call made from a mobile device.

Description

POSITION DETERMINATION OF A MOBILE DEVICE IN AN EMERGENCY

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to the field of wireless communications and more specifically, techniques for use in determining a position of a mobile device in an emergency. For example, certain techniques are described in the present disclosure may be used, at least in part, to obtain and potentially verify a position (e.g., via geographical coordinates, via a public address, etc. ) of a mobile device from which an emergency telephone call or other like contact has been initiated.

BACKGROUND

It is often desirable, and sometimes necessary, to know the location or position (these terms being used interchangeably herein) of a wireless mobile device (e.g., a cellular telephone, a smartphone, a portable computer, a location tag, etc. ) . For example, a mobile device may be used to place an emergency call in response to an emergency event. It may be desirable to provide applicable emergency responders with an accurate position of the mobile device.

SUMMARY

In accordance with certain aspects, a method for use in determining a verified estimated position of a mobile device may be provided. For example, such a method may comprise, at a computing device: receiving a first indication corresponding to a first estimated position of a mobile device identified as part of a first location process initiated in response to an emergency communication from the mobile device via a wireless network； obtaining a second indication corresponding to a second estimated position of the mobile device as reported by the wireless network in a second location process； in response to a determination that the first indication and the second indication satisfy a verification criterion, determining a verified estimated position of the mobile device based, at least in part, on the first indication, the second indication, or both； and in response to a determination that the first indication and the second indication does not satisfy the verification criterion: obtaining a third indication corresponding to a third estimated position of the mobile device, the third indication being determined by a third location process； and determining the verified estimated position of the mobile device based, at least in part, on the second indication, the third indication, or both.

In accordance with certain aspects, an apparatus may be provided for use in a computing device for use in determining a verified estimated position of a mobile device. For example, such an apparatus may comprise: means for receiving a first indication corresponding to a first estimated position of a mobile device identified as part of a first location process initiated in response to an emergency communication from the mobile device via a wireless network； means for obtaining a second indication corresponding to a second estimated position of the mobile device as reported by the wireless network in a second location process； means for determining a verified estimated position of the mobile device based, at least in part, on the first indication, the second indication, or both, in response to a determination that a comparison of the first indication and the second indication satisfy a verification criterion； means for obtaining a third indication corresponding to a third estimated position of the mobile device, the third indication being determined by a third location process, in response to a determination that the comparison of the first indication and the second indication does not satisfy the verification criterion； and means for determining the verified estimated position of the mobile device based, at least in part, on the second indication, the third indication, or both, in response to a determination that the comparison of the first indication and the second indication does not satisfy the verification criterion.

In accordance with certain aspects, a computing device for use in determining a position of a mobile device may be provided, which comprises a communication interface, memory and a processing unit coupled to the communication interface and the memory, and wherein the processing unit and the memory are configured to: obtain, via the communication interface, a first indication corresponding to a first estimated position of a mobile device identified as part of a first location process initiated in response to an emergency communication from the mobile device via a wireless network； obtain, via the communication interface, a second indication corresponding to a second estimated position of the mobile device as reported by the wireless network in a second location process； determine whether the first indication and the second indication satisfy a verification criterion； in response to a determination that the verification criterion is satisfied, determine a verified estimated position of the mobile device based, at least in part, on the first indication, the second indication, or both； in response to a determination that the verification criterion is not satisfied: obtain, via the communication interface, a third indication corresponding to a third estimated position of the mobile device, the third indication being determined by a third location process； and determine the verified estimated position of the mobile device based, at least in part, on the second indication, the third indication, or both.

In accordance with certain aspects, a non-transitory medium storing instructions that are executable by a processing unit of a computing device may be provided. Here, for example, the instructions may be executed to: obtain a first indication corresponding to an first estimated position of a mobile device identified as part of a first location process initiated in response to an emergency communication from the mobile device via a wireless network； obtain a second indication corresponding to a second estimated position of the mobile device as reported by the wireless network in a second location process； determine whether the first indication and the second indication satisfy a verification criterion based, at least in part, on a comparison of the first indication and the second indication； in response to a determination that the verification criterion is satisfied, determine a verified estimated position of the mobile device based, at least in part, on the first indication, the second indication, or both； and in response to a determination that the verification criterion is not satisfied: obtain, via the communication interface, a third indication corresponding to a third estimated position of the mobile device, the third indication being determined by a third location process； and determine the verified estimated position of the mobile device based, at least in part, on the second indication, the third indication, or both.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The aforementioned features and advantages of the disclosure, as well as additional features and advantages thereof, will be more clearly understandable after reading detailed descriptions of embodiments of the disclosure in conjunction with the non-limiting and non-exhaustive aspects of following drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example environment in which a position of a mobile device may be estimated using different location processes, in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of some example features that may be provided within an electronic device, such as, for example, a mobile device, a computing device, and/or the like, as applicable, in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example environment in which a position of a mobile device may be estimated using different location processes, in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a call flow diagram illustrating an example technique for determining a verified estimated position of a mobile device using different processes, in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating an example technique for use in a mobile device for determining a verified estimated position of a mobile device using different processes, in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating an example technique for use in a computing device for determining a verified estimated position of a mobile device using different processes, in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating an example technique for use in determining a verified estimated position of a mobile device using different processes, in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments for various techniques for use, at least in part, for determining a position of a mobile device under certain circumstances are disclosed. The following descriptions are presented to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the disclosure. Descriptions of specific embodiments and applications are provided only as examples. Various modifications and combinations of the examples described herein will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other examples and applications without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Thus, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the examples described and shown, but is to be accorded the broadest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein. The word “exemplary” or “example” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration. ” Any aspect or embodiment described herein as “exemplary” or as an “example” in not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or embodiments.

The terms "location" , "position" , “location estimate” and “position estimate” are considered to be synonymous and are used interchangeably herein to refer to any information that may be indicative of a position of a mobile device within a given environment. For example, in certain implementations a position of mobile device may indicated, at least in part, by information comprising a geographic location (e.g., latitude, longitude and optionally altitude, or some other coordinate system) , a civic location (e.g. a street address, a building, apartment or office suite identifier, a well-known place name, etc. ) that may be calculated or otherwise estimated for a mobile device either by the mobile device itself or by some other entity such as a location server. A geographic or civic location may be referred to as “absolute” when corresponding to a fixed point, fixed area or fixed volume (e.g. such as provided by a latitude, longitude and optionally an altitude in the case of a fixed point) , and may be referred to as “relative” when expressed as a displacement or offset to an absolute location (e.g. by specifying distances north or south, east or west and optionally above or below a fixed point with a known absolute location) . Unless otherwise specified, a “position” as used herein may comprise an absolute location, a relative location, or the like, e.g., which may useful to an emergency responder.

Summary of localization:

Various techniques may be used to determine a location/position or a change in a location/position of a mobile device with regard to some reference point. The terms “location” and “position” may be used interchangeably herein.

As may be appreciated, in certain implementations a position of a mobile device may be defined with regard to a one or more reference point (s) , within a single dimension space, or possibly within a multiple dimension space. For example, a position of a mobile device may be represented, at least in part, by one or more applicable coordinate systems/parameters (e.g., one or more x, y, z coordinates, one or more latitude, longitude, altitude coordinates, one or more identified grid points, etc. ) , one or more distances (e.g., a range, a pseudorange, etc. ) , or one or more regions (e.g., an identified area, a cell, a sector, a venue, a building, a room, an intersection, etc. ) , an address (e.g., mailing, civil, etc. ) , just to name a few examples. Similarly, for example, a change in a position of a mobile device may be represented, at least in part, by one or more motion-related parameters (e.g., a vector indicating a direction and magnitude, a trajectory, a course, a plurality of positions, a velocity or speed, etc. ) , again just to name a few examples. As with all of the examples presented herein, unless otherwise stated claimed subject matter is not intended to be so limited.

Example localization techniques may, for example, include one or more radiolocation techniques, one or more sensor-based location techniques, or some combination or hybrid version thereof.

All or part of a process to determine a position of a mobile device may be performed at the mobile device, at one or more other electronic devices, or some combination thereof. By way of example, other electronic devices may comprise one or more types of transmitting and/or receiving network devices that may transmit and/or receive positioning or like informational/data signals, one or more other electronic devices that may provide assistance in the form of data/information or possibly processing/storage resources, one or more peer (mobile) devices that may exchange signals or possibly share data/information or processing resources, and/or the like or some combination thereof just to name a few examples.

Radiolocalization:

Radiolocation techniques may be used to estimate a relative position of a mobile device with regard to one or more other electronic devices (or vice versa) .

An estimated range may be determined (e.g., corresponding to a direct line of sight between a mobile device and another device) using certain radiolocation techniques. For example, one or more signal characteristics, such as, signal strength (e.g., a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) , a signal to noise ratio, etc. ) , signal phase (e.g., spread, Doppler, etc. ) , signal propagation time (e.g., time of flight (TOF) , time of arrival (TOA) , time difference of arrival (TDOA) , Observed Time Difference of Arrival (OTDOA) , Advanced Forward Link Trilateration (AFLT) , round-trip time (RTT) , etc. ) , an angle of arrival (AOA) , a direction of arrival (DOA) , etc. may be measured and indicative, at least in part, of a range, a distance, a direction, a motion, etc., corresponding to a transmitting device and a receiving device.

In certain instances, a transmitting and/or receiving electronic devices used in radiolocation techniques may be physically located at a non-terrestrial location (e.g., onboard an orbiting satellite, onboard an aircraft in-flight. For example, a space positioning system (SPS) may comprise one or more non-terrestrial-based location signal transmitting devices, referred to as Space Vehicles (SVs) , in orbit.

In certain instances, a transmitting and/or receiving electronic devices used in radiolocation techniques may be physically located at a terrestrial location (e.g., attached to a tower, placed in a cabinet, mounted on a wall, configured onboard a vehicle/machine, etc. ) . By way of example, a wireless communication network, a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) and/or the like may comprise one or more terrestrial-based transmitting and/or receiving devices (e.g., a base station, an access point device, a beacon transmitting device, etc. ) .

Some radiolocation techniques may apply multi-lateration techniques (e.g., trilateration) to determine an estimated relative position of a mobile device relative to one or more other devices based, at least in part, on signal propagation times, measured signal characteristics, and/or corresponding signal propagation distances/ranges. In certain examples, a radiolocation technique may be applied to determine an estimated relative velocity or speed of a mobile device, e.g., based on one or more signal characteristics (e.g., a Doppler characteristic) for one or more signals received at a mobile device from one or more other devices (or vice versa) .

In still another example, one or more radiolocation techniques may consider one or more measured or estimated (relative) angles or directions from a mobile device to another device (or vice versa) based on one or more received signals. Hence, triangulation techniques and/or the like may be implemented, at least in part, to determine an estimated relative position of a mobile device based, at least in part, on one or more such angles or directions (e.g., angles of arrival) .

If a position of one or more of the other devices is known or otherwise determinable (e.g., with regard to some coordinate system, map, graph, grid, floor plan, etc. ) , then a corresponding position of a mobile device may be determined (at least in part) based on the relative position of the mobile device to the other device (s) . For example, a latitude and a longitude, and potentially an altitude of a mobile device may be determined, at least in part, based on a calculated pseudorange to one or more SVs having applicable determinable orbital positions. In another example, a grid point or other like position of a mobile device (e.g., with respect to an electronic map, etc. ) may be determined, at least in part, based on a calculated range (s) to one or more terrestrial-based transmitting devices at an applicable known or determinable grid point, etc.

In certain instances, a position of a mobile device may be within a particular geographical area that may correspond to a particular indicator. For example, a location context identifier (LCI) and/or the like may be used as an identifier for a set of geographically linked information for a defined geographic area. The defined geographic area, for example, may include all or part of one or more buildings, one or more particular floors of a building, a certain portion or wing of a building, a venue, a store, a hospital, and/or other such areas that may or may not be mapped according to coordinate system, such as, e.g., a global coordinate system, etc. In certain instances, a set of geographically linked information may, for example, comprise all or part of an annotated electronic map and/or the like corresponding to all or part of an LCI.

Sensor-based localization:

In certain instances one or more sensor-based techniques may be used, at least in part, to estimate a position and/or motion of a mobile device. By way of example, one or more inertial sensors (e.g., one or more accelerometers, one or more gyroscopes, etc. ) may be provided onboard a mobile device to detect or otherwise measure certain motions of a mobile device. Hence, for example, one or more degrees of freedom corresponding to an orientation and/or a motion of a mobile device may be detected or otherwise measured via one or more inertial sensors. Thus, in certain instances a dead reckoning or other like capability may be provided, at least in part, using one or more inertial sensors. In certain embodiment, a pedometer or other like capability may be provided, at least in part, using one or more inertial sensors to detect or otherwise measure applicable walking, running, or other like forms of motion that may be conducted by a person, animal, or machine transporting a mobile device. Accordingly, in certain implementations a motion mode (e.g., walking, running, standing, sitting, riding in vehicle, etc. ) may be identified or otherwise inferred based, at least in part, on one or more detected or otherwise measured motion related parameters.

In certain embodiments, a mobile device may comprise one or more environmental sensors that may be used, at least in part, to detect or otherwise measure certain environmental characteristics. As may be appreciated, certain environmental conditions or changes therein may be indicative of a particular position and/or motion of a mobile device. By way of example, a magnetometer/compass sensor may be used, at least in part, to identify changes in an orientation and/or position of a mobile device, and a barometer/pressure sensor may be used, at least in part, to identify changes in an elevation, an altitude, a height, etc.

In certain instances, changes in the environmental conditions may be indicative of a change of position of a mobile device. For example, a mobile device may be located in different environments (e.g., indoor versus outdoor, etc. ) that may present different conditions (e.g., different temperatures, different humidity levels, different lighting conditions, different sound conditions, etc. ) . Hence, environmental sensors, such as, e.g., a thermometer/temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a light sensor or camera, an audio sensor or microphone, may be used, at least in part, to detect or otherwise measure such changes.

Location Based Services

Localization techniques may support emergency calling, asset tracking, and/or other like services, wherein a position of a mobile device may be desired.

Localization techniques may also support various types of location based services (LBSs) that may be desired. For example, a LBS may include one or more location servers or other like devices that may provide/support various navigation capabilities to/at a mobile device. Thus, in certain instances, a location sever or the like may provide one or more data files (e.g., assistance data) to a mobile device. Some forms of assistance data may, for example, comprise an electronic map and/or the like corresponding to an indoor and/or outdoor environment, an LCI, a venue, etc. By way of example, an electronic map may indicate a floor plan of a building, paths or roads between buildings, etc. In certain instances, some forms of assistance data may comprise a routing graph, a connectivity graph, a grid layout, a radio signal heat map, a light or sound heat map, an address, an LCI, an image, information for augmented reality, a language translation capability, etc., corresponding to all or part of an electronic map and/or the region corresponding to the electronic map. In certain instances, a LBS may relate to a particular venue and comprise various forms of information related to services, products, advertisements, etc., that may be of use or interest to a user or a function of a mobile device.

Example environment for mobile device positioning

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating certain features of an example system 100 comprising various electronic devices, including one or more mobile devices 110 which may communicate (directly or indirectly) with one or more other electronic devices, or otherwise perform and/or support one or more localization techniques, in accordance with an embodiment.

Mobile device 110 may represent any electronic device that may be transported, carried and/or otherwise moved about in some manner such that its position may change from time to time. For example, mobile device 102 may comprise a portable computing device and/or portable communication device that may be transported by a person, an animal, a machine, etc. For example, mobile device 110 may comprise a hand-held computing and/or communication device, such as, a mobile telephone, a smart phone, a lap top computer, a tablet computer, a positioning/navigation device, a wearable device, and/or the like. Of course, as may be expected, in accordance with certain aspects of the present description, claimed subject matter may be drawn to a mobile device that may be configured for emergency communications (e.g., via a voice call, electronic messaging, or the like) .

In certain example implementations, mobile device 110 may comprise a circuit board, an electronic chip, a machine, just to name a few examples. Hence, mobile device 110 may be just a part of a larger device, mechanism, or machine. In certain instances, mobile device 110 may represent a plurality of mobile devices, some or all of which may be of the same type, or which may be of different types.

As illustrated, one or more network devices 120 may transmit wireless signals to one or more mobile devices 110 and/or receive wireless signals from one or more mobile devices 110 over representative communication link 122. In certain implementations, one or more network devices 120 may exchange wired and/or wireless signals with network (s) 140 over representative communication link 142. In certain implementations, one or more network devices 120 may be provided as part of one or more cellular communication systems, or the like. For example, network devices 120 may represent all or part of a base station (BS) (e.g., macro-BS, micro-BS, pico-BS, femto-BS, etc. ) , a repeater, and/or the like just to name a few examples. One or more cellular communication network (s) may be represented by network device (s) 120, possibly combined in part with network (s) 140.

By way of example, in certain implementations one or more network devices 130 may transmit wireless signals to one or more mobile devices 110 and/or receive wireless signals from one or more mobile devices 110 over representative communication link 132. In certain implementations, one or more network devices 130 may exchange wired and/or wireless signals with network (s) 140 over representative communication link 144. In certain implementations, one or more network devices 130 may be provided as part of one or more wireless communication networks or the like. For example, network devices 130 may represent all or part of an access point device, a wireless router device, a wireless modem device, a hot-spot device, a Personal Access Network (PAN) device, a Bluethooth (BT) enabled device, a location beacon transmitting device, and/or the like just to name a few examples. It should be understood that in certain instances, a network device 130 may represent a stand-alone device (e.g., a radio-frequency Identification (RFID) device, a dedicated location beacon transmitting device, etc. ) that as deployed may not necessarily be further connected to other electronic devices via network (s) 140, but which may at least transmit wireless signals to mobile device 110.

Network (s) 140 may comprise various electronic devices and other resources that may be part of a cellular communication system, a wireless communication network, the Internet, an intranet, a local area network, a telephone system, and/or the like or combination thereof, again just to name a few examples. As shown, in certain example implementations, one or more of network devices 120 and/or 130 may be communicatively coupled to one or more other resource device (s) 150, for example, through network (s) 140. By way of some examples, one or more other resource device (s) 150 may comprise one or more computers, one or more servers, one or more storage devices, one or more machines, one or more other networks, and/or the like or some combination thereof. By way of one example, a PSAP 152 is illustrated as being coupled to network (s) 140, and which may represent one or more entities associated with such functions and/or one or more computing devices supportive thereof.

In certain implementations, one or more satellite vehicles (SVs) 170, which may be provided as part of one or more SPS (s) 160, may transmit SPS signals 172 that may be received by one or more mobile devices 110 and/or one or more other electronic devices within system 100. By way of example, SPS (s) 160 may represent all or part of a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) , such as the Global Positioning System (GPS) , Galileo, GLONASS, and/or the like. In certain implementations, SPS (s) 160 may represent all or part of a Regional Navigation Satellite System (RNSS) and/or Regional Satellite Positioning System (RSPS) , such as China’s BeiDou Navigation Satellite System, Japan’s Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS) , the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS) , and/or the like. In certain implementations, SPS (s) 160 may represent all or part of various systems and devices, some of which may be terrestrial-based, that are provided to augment an SPS. Thus, in certain instances, SPS (s) 160 may represent all or part of a satellite-based augmentation service (SBAS) (e.g., the Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) , the European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service (EGNOS) , etc. ) , a Ground-Based Augmentation System (GBAS) , a Ground-Based Regional Augmentation Service (GRAS) , just to name a few examples.

Features of an example electronic device

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram illustrating certain features of an example (special purpose) computing platform 200 that may, for example, be provided in an electronic device 201, and which may communicate with one or more other electronic devices, or otherwise perform and/or support one or more localization techniques, in accordance with an embodiment. Electronic device 201 may represent, at least in part, certain example features that may be provided, as applicable, in mobile device 110, network device (s) 120, network devices (s) 130, and/or other device (s) 150 (FIG. 1) .

As illustrated computing platform 200 may comprise one or more processing units 202 (e.g., to perform data processing in accordance with certain techniques provided herein) coupled to memory 204 via one or more connections 206 (e.g., one or more electrical conductors, one or more electrically conductive paths, one or more buses, one or more fiber-optic paths, one or more circuits, one or more buffers, one or more transmitters, one or more receivers, etc. ) . Processing unit (s) 202 may, for example, be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and software. Processing unit (s) 202 may be representative of one or more circuits configurable to perform at least a portion of a data computing procedure or process. By way of example but not limitation, a processing unit may include one or more processors, controllers, microprocessors, microcontrollers, application specific integrated circuits, digital signal processors, programmable logic devices, field programmable gate arrays, or the like, or any combination thereof.

Memory 204 may be representative of any data storage mechanism. Memory 204 may include, for example, a primary memory 204-1 and/or a secondary memory 204-2. Primary memory 204-1 may comprise, for example, a random access memory, read only memory, etc. While illustrated in this example as being separate from the processing units, it should be understood that all or part of a primary memory may be provided within or otherwise co-located and coupled with processing unit 202 or other like circuitry within electronic device 201. Secondary memory 204-2 may comprise, for example, the same or similar type of memory as primary memory and/or one or more data storage devices or systems, such as, for example, a disk drive, an optical disc drive, a tape drive, a solid motion state memory drive, etc.

In certain implementations, secondary memory 204-2 may be operatively receptive of, or otherwise configurable to couple to, a non-transitory computer readable medium 220. Memory 204 and/or non-transitory computer readable medium 220 may comprise instructions 222 for use in performing data processing, e.g., in accordance with the applicable techniques as provided herein.

Computing platform 200 may, for example, further comprise a communication interface 208. Communication interface 208 may, for example, comprise one or more wired and/or wireless network interface units, radios, modems, etc., represented here by one or more receivers 210 and one or more transmitters 212. It should be understood that in certain implementations, communication interface 208 may comprise one or more transceivers, and/or the like. Further, it should be understood that although not shown, communication interface 208 may comprise one or more antennas and/or other circuitry as may be applicable given the communication interface capability.

In accordance with certain example implementations, communication interface 208 may be enabled for use with various wired communication networks, e.g., such as telephone system, a local area network, a wide area network, a personal area network, an intranet, the Internet, etc.

In accordance with certain example implementations communication interface 208 may, for example, be enabled for use with various wireless communication networks such as a wireless wide area network (WWAN) , a wireless local area network (WLAN) , a wireless personal area network (WPAN) , and so on. The term “network” and “system” may be used interchangeably herein. A WWAN may be a Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) network, a Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) network, a Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA) network, an Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) network, a Single-Carrier Frequency Division Multiple Access (SC-FDMA) network, and so on. A CDMA network may implement one or more radio access technologies (RATs) such as cdma2000, Wideband-CDMA (W-CDMA) , Time Division Synchronous Code Division Multiple Access (TD-SCDMA) , to name just a few radio technologies. Here, cdma2000 may include technologies implemented according to IS-95, IS-2000, and IS-856 standards. A TDMA network may implement Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) , Digital Advanced Mobile Phone System (D-AMBP capability) , or some other RAT. GSM and W-CDMA are described in documents from a consortium named “3rd Generation Partnership Project” (3GPP) . Cdma2000 is described in documents from a consortium named “3rd Generation Partnership Project 2” (3GPP2) . 3GPP and 3GPP2 documents are publicly available. A WLAN may include an IEEE 802.11x network, and a WPAN may include a Bluetooth network, an IEEE 802.15x, for example. Wireless communication networks may include so-called next generation technologies (e.g., “4G” ) , such as, for example, Long Term Evolution (LTE) , Advanced LTE, WiMAX, Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB) , and/or the like. Additionally, communication interface (s) 408 may further provide for infrared-based communications with one or more other devices. A WLAN may, for example, comprise an IEEE 802.11x network, and a WPAN may comprise a Bluetooth network, an IEEE 802.15x, for example. Wireless communication implementations described herein may also be used in connection with any combination of WWAN, WLAN or WPAN.

In accordance with certain example implementations, communication interface 208 may, for example, be enabled for use with various wired communication networks, e.g., such as telephone system, a local area network, a wide area network, a personal area network, an intranet, the Internet, etc.

Computing platform 200 and/or electronic device 201may, for example, comprise one or more interface mechanisms 214. User interface mechanisms 214 may represent one or more devices or other like mechanisms that may be used to obtain inputs from and/or provide outputs to one or more other devices and/or a user. Thus, for example, interface mechanisms 214 may comprise various buttons, switches, a touch pad, a trackball, a joystick, a touch screen, a keyboard, a microphone, a camera, and/or the like, which may be used to receive one or more user inputs. In certain instances, interface mechanisms 214 may comprise various devices that may be used in producing a visual output, an audible output, and/or a tactile output for a user. For example, interface mechanisms 214 may be used to present a video display, graphical user interface, positioning and/or navigation related information, visual representations of electronic map, routing directions, etc., via a display mechanism and/or audio mechanism.

Computing platform 200 and/or electronic device 201may, for example, comprise one or more sensors 216. For example, sensor (s) 216 may represent one or more environmental sensors, such as, e.g., a magnetometer or compass, a barometer or altimeter, a thermometer, a humidity sensor, etc., and which may be useful for positioning and/or determining a motion state. For example, sensor (s) 216 may represent one or more inertial sensors, which may be useful in detecting certain movements of mobile device 102. Thus for example, sensor (s) 216 may represent one or more accelerometers, one or one or more gyroscopes. Further, in certain instances sensor (s) 216 may represent and/or take the form of one or more input devices such as a sound transducer, a microphone, a camera, a light sensor, etc. It should be understood that, in certain instances, one or more sensor (s) 216 may comprise additional data processing and/or memory circuitry/capabilities, for example, to support the operation of the sensor (s) and/or to operatively couple with other features within computing platform 200.

SPS receiver 218 may be capable of acquiring SPS signals 172 (FIG. 1) via one or more antennas (not shown) . SPS receiver 218 may also process, in whole or in part, acquired SPS signals 172 for estimating a position and/or a motion electronic device 201. In certain instances, SPS receiver 218 may comprise one or more processing unit (s) (not shown) , e.g., one or more general purpose processors, one or more digital signal processors DSP (s) , one or more specialized processors that may also be utilized to process acquired SPS signals, in whole or in part, and/or calculate an estimated position of electronic device 201. In certain implementations, all or part of such processing of acquired SPS signals may be performed by other processing capabilities in electronic device 201, e.g., processing unit (s) 202, memory 204, etc., in conjunction with SPS receiver 218. Storage of SPS or other signals for use in performing positioning operations may be performed in memory 204 or registers (not shown) . In certain instances, sensor (s) 216 may generate analog or digital signals that may be stored in memory 204 and processed by DPS (s) (not shown) or processing unit (s) 202 in support of one or more applications such as, for example, applications directed to positioning or navigation operations based, at least in part, on one or more positioning functions.

Processing unit (s) 202, communication interface 208, and/or SPS receiver 208, may for example, comprise a dedicated modem processor or the like that may be capable of performing baseband processing of signals acquired and down converted at receiver (s) 210 of communication interface 208 or SPS receiver 218. Similarly, a modem processor or the like may perform baseband processing of signals to be up converted for transmission by (wireless) transmitter (s) 212. In alternative implementations, instead of having a dedicated modem processor, baseband processing may be performed by a general purpose processor or DSP (e.g., general purpose and/or application processor) . It should be understood, however, that these are merely examples of structures that may perform baseband processing, and that claimed subject matter is not limited in this respect. Moreover, it should be understood that the example techniques provided herein may be adapted for a variety of different electronic devices, mobile devices, transmitting devices, environments, position fix modes, etc.

The techniques described herein may be implemented by various means depending upon applications according to particular features and/or examples. For example, such methodologies may be implemented in hardware, firmware, and/or combinations thereof, along with software. In a hardware implementation, for example, a processing unit may be implemented within one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) , digital signal processors (DSPs) , digital signal processing devices (DSPDs) , programmable logic devices (PLDs) , field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) , processors, controllers, micro-controllers, microprocessors, electronic devices, other devices units designed to perform the functions described herein, and/or combinations thereof.

Those skilled in the art should recognize that, in certain instances, example (special purpose) computing platform 200 may represent one or more features that may be provided, as applicable, in various other types of electronic devices. For example, computing platform 200 may represent one or more features that may be provided in network device (s) 120, network device (s) 130, and/or other devices 150 of FIG. 1, e.g., to support communication with one or more other electronic devices, or otherwise perform and/or support one or more localization techniques, etc.

Responding to Emergency Communications

With regard to emergency communications, wherein estimating a position of a mobile device may be of particular concern so that applicable responders may be successful in rendering aid, as may be expected there may be different processes available for locating a mobile device using wireless signals transmitted by the mobile device and/or received at the mobile device. Indeed, in certain instances, there may be a variety of different service providers having networks of varying designs. Such variety of technology deployments and location techniques have lead many PSAP and/or other like regulators to set certain requirements with regard to locating mobile devices. As the technology continues to improve and evolve, such regulations or other desired capabilities with regard to localization also continue to change.

In accordance with certain aspects of the present description, techniques are described which may be implemented in various manners to allow or otherwise to make use of multiple different types of location processes to produce a “verified estimated location” that may be of use to a PSAP or other like entity and/or applicable emergency responder (s) . In certain instances, for example, a first location process may be performed which makes use of SPS based positioning (at the mobile device) and a second location process may be performed which makes use of a supporting network’s design. Assuming that useful results are obtained from such a first location process, a “first indication” corresponding to an SPS based position may be obtained, for example, as a “first estimated position” . Assuming that useful results are obtained from such a second location process, a “second indication” corresponding to a service region identifiable within the network (e.g., a cell-ID, a sector-IS, etc. ) and/or a possibly a corresponding representative location of such a service region may be obtained, for example, as a “second estimated position” . As described in greater detail herein, in certain instances, a verified estimated position may be determined based, at least in part, on such first and second indications. For example, in certain instances a first estimated position may be compared to an applicable second estimated position to determine whether one or more applicable verification criterion are satisfied. Here, by way of a non-limiting example, a verification criterion may be satisfied if the first and second estimated positions are within a particular distance of one another or some other reference point (e.g., within 1.0 km, or more/less) , both appear within a particular region (defined or otherwise identifiable area or space, building, city block, floor, section, address, etc. ) , and/or the like or some combination thereof. In certain instances, example verification criterion may correspond to certain characteristics of the considered position/location information. For example, if a SPS position fix is deemed to be too old (in age) , then verification may not be possible, e.g., since the mobile device may have moved in the interim. Thus, in certain instances, certain information may be determined to be unsuitable for use based, at least in part, on an age of the information exceeding an acceptable age threshold value (e.g., 120 seconds, or more/less) . In some instances, if the information obtained for an estimated position is deemed to be unsuitable for use for some reason, then verification may not be possible. For example, information corresponding to an estimated position may be deemed to be unsuitable for use in certain implementations based, at least in part, on at least a portion of information in being incomplete in form, improper with regard to substance, incomprehensible, or some combination thereof or the like.

FIG. 3, which is a block diagram illustrating an example environment 300 in which emergency communications (here, e.g., voice calls) from a mobile device 110 may take two different paths (upper path represents an example CS report path, lower path represents an example PS request path) through some example networks to an applicable PSAP. The techniques provided herein may be applicable to support a variety of different paths to/from a mobile device 110 and PSAP 152 or other like entity.

With this in mind, attention is drawn next to FIG. 4, which is call flow diagram showing certain actions that may occur in accordance with certain example implementations to identify (e.g., point out, provide, etc. ) a “verified estimated position” of a mobile device 110 (represented here as a user equipment (UE) , which may be used interchangeably with mobile device and other like terms) to a PSAP 152 or other like entity.

In this example call flow, there are four example positioning process solutions illustrated as S1, S2, S3, and S4. The results of two or more of these solutions may be used to determine whether a verified estimated position of the UE may be determined and identified to PSAP 152.

In this example, solution S1 may make use of an In-band Modem based eCall to ensure reliable and quick communication setup and location data transmission if practical. As illustrated,

actions

1 and 2, which are described below, relate to solution S1. In this example, solution S1 may represent an example first location process with regard to certain subject matter as recited in the initial claims herein. Thus, for example, a computing device associated with PSAP 152 may receive a first indication corresponding to a first estimated position of the UE (mobile device 110) identified as part of a first location process initiated in response to an emergency communication (see action number 1 below) from the mobile device via a wireless network. Here, for example, a first indication may correspond to all or part of an SPS-based position fix for the mobile device.

In this example, solutions S2 and S3 may each represent a second location process with regard to certain subject matter as recited in the initial claims herein. Here, in such example second location process, an MSC/LRF may be configured to report proactively (S2) (see action 3a below) , or return per request (S3) (see actions 3b-6 below) a second indication corresponding to a second estimated position of the UE (mobile device 110) as reported by the wireless network. In this example, the example second indication may comprise Cell ID information or other like information that may correspond to a representative location of a service region identifiable within the wireless network. Thus, in this example, the first estimated position of the mobile device as reported by the mobile device may be based, at least in part, on at least one SPS signal received at the mobile device, while the second indication may not be based on SPS information but rather network design information. In accordance with certain aspects of the present description, for example, at action number 7 as described below, these two different sources of estimated position may be considered with certain verification criterion to determine whether a verified estimated position may be determined/identified based thereon.

In this example, solution S4 provides yet another way (a third location process which may be different from the first location process of solution S1) to obtain yet a (third) estimated position of the UE, under certain conditions. Here, in this example, the third location process applied in solution S4 may make use of SUPL to obtain an updated estimated position which may be the result of an indoor or hybrid positioning process, e.g., in some instances when SPS may be unavailable for a full position fix solution. Example actions 8-10 as described below may correspond to solution S4 (third location process) . Thus, in certain example implementations, in response to a determination that the first indication (from solution S1 (first location process) ) and the second indication (from solution S2/S3) does not satisfy the verification criterion, a third indication may be obtained corresponding to a third estimated position of the mobile device, the third indication being determined by a third location process that may be different from the first location process, and a verified estimated position of the mobile device may then be determined, for example, based, at least in part, on the second indication and the third indication.

At example action number 1 in call flow diagram 400, a user may originate an emergency call at the UE. The UE may detect the call is targeting to a specific number. The UE may first attempt an In-band eCall and may possibly check whether such an In-band eCall works, e.g. whether the underlying network supports eCall, whether an SPS receiver may provide a useful first estimated position fix, etc.

At example action number 2 in call flow diagram 400, if an In-band eCall works, the UE may originate an In-band eCall. Here, for example, the network may route the call from the UE (mobile device 110) to the proper PSAP (Public Safety Answer Point) /Call Center 152. Once the call is established, PSAP/Call Center may initially mute the audio path to receive the TDM (Time Division Multiplexed) and In-band Modem modulated MSD (Minimum Set of Data) that may include the SPS (e.g., GNSS) positioning result from UE. The PSAP/Call Center may subsequently unmute the audio path allowing the PSAP/Call Center Operator and user to communicate, e.g., regarding the emergency situation and discuss rescue measures. In certain instances, the UE may originate a normal emergency call but provide no position results (an example of an unusable position) to the PSAP/Call Center. With regard to FIG. 3, example action number 2 may be carried over the CS domain.

At example action 3a in call flow diagram 400, possibly depending on network capability, once the network detects the call is an emergency call, resources within the network may be configured to proactively pass a Cell ID or other like information, e.g., to serve as a second estimated position (possibly a coarse estimate) to PSAP/Call Center 152. The Cell ID or other like or related information may correspond to the serving cell where the UE originates the call.

At example action 3b in call flow diagram 400, if Step 3a doesn’ t occur (e.g., within a threshold period of time from a time of the emergency communication from the mobile device) , the PSAP/Call Center may send a request to the LRF (Location Retrieval Function) corresponding to the serving operator to retrieve Cell ID and/or other like information. At example action 4 in call flow diagram 400, the LRF may pass the information request to the network, e.g., by sending a Location Report Request. At example action 5 in call flow diagram 400, the network may determine/obtain the requested (e.g., Cell ID, or other like) information and return it to the LRF, e.g., in a Location Report. At example action 6 in call flow diagram 400, the LRF may translate the Cell ID or other like information to a corresponding/representative “second estimated position” and provide such to the PSAP/Call Center 152.

At example action 7 in call flow diagram 400, the PSAP/Call Center may attempt to determine a verified estimated position for the UE 110, e.g., based, at least in part, on a first indication corresponding to the first estimated position from action 2 and a second indication corresponding to the second estimated position from

actions

3a or 6 and some verification criterion. If an In-band eCall is not used at action 2 (e.g., there may be no useable first estimated position reported from the UE) or perhaps if a newer/fresher position fix may be desired (or for still other reasons) the PSAP/Call Center may, as part of the techniques provided herein, initiate (trigger) a SUPL Emergency NI call process, e.g., as per example action 8 in call flow diagram 400.

At action 8, the PSAP/Call Center may, for example, send a MLP (Mobile Location Protocol, or through other protocol) Location Immediate Request to SLP (SUPL Location Platform) aiming at the UE’s MSISDN. At example action 9 in call flow diagram 400, the SLP may initiate a SUPL Emergency NI process with the UE by sending a SUPL INIT. The process may be carried over PS transport (see, e.g., FIG. 3) . With the SUPL Emergency NI process completed, the SLP may have the best available estimated position for UE 110, which may, for example, be based, at least in part, on available localization techniques including SPS, a hybrid approach, OTDOA, or enhanced Cell ID result. Accordingly, at example action 10 in call flow diagram 400, the SLP may pass a third indicator (corresponding to such a “third estimated position” result) to PSAP/Call Center 152. PSAP/Call Center may then consider using such information to determine a verified estimated position that may be of value for an emergency response to the user of the UE.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating an example process 500 for a UE (e.g., a mobile device) , in accordance with certain implementations. At act 502, the UE powers up. At act 504 the UE may compile an emergency number list based on applicable provisions. At act 506, the user may originate a call. At act 508, it may be determined whether the called number appears on the emergency number list； if NO, then the process continues at act 510 as a normal call； otherwise, if YES, then the process continues at act 512. At act 512, it may be determined whether (1) the serving network may support an In-band eCall process and (2) if an SPS/GNSS fix may be available； if NO (1) or NO (2) then the process may continue as a normal call at act 514； if YES (1) and YES/NO (2) then the process may continue at act 516, wherein an In-band eCall is attempted with reporting (possibly obtaining too) of an SPS based first estimated position being reported. At act 518 (following acts 514 or 516) a decision may be made as to whether a SUPL INIT (emergency) may have been received； if NO, then at act 520 the state may be maintained as normal； else, if YES, then at act 522 a SUPL Emergency LI process may begin.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating an example process 600 for one or more computing devices supporting or otherwise operatively associated with a PSAP entity or the like, in accordance with certain implementations. At act 602, the computing device may be in a standby or other like mode (e.g., awaiting a call) . At act 602, an emergency call may be received. At act 608, a determination may be made as to whether the emergency call is an In-band eCall； if YES, then the process continues to act 610 in which an In-band eCall process may be performed, e.g., to obtain an SPS/GNSS result for an MSD, etc. ； else, if NO, then at act 612, a normal emergency call process may be followed. At act 614 (following act 610 or act 612) , a determination may be made as to whether the network has proactively provided cell ID or other like information； if YES, then the process continues to act 618； else, if NO, then at act 616, such cell ID or other like information (e.g., for the “second estimated position” of the mobile device) may be requested and received. At act 618, a determination may be made as to whether a verified estimated position may be determined at this stage, or if a another location process (e.g., a SUPL process) may be necessary； hence, if YES, then the process continues to act 622； if NO, then at act 620 an applicable SUPL process may be performed. At act 622, once a verified estimated position is determined and possibly identified to the PSAP entity in some manner, the computing device may return to normal operations.

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram showing an example method 700 for use, at least in part, in determining a verified estimated position of a mobile device, in accordance with certain example implementations. Method 700 may be performed, for example, using one or more computing devices. In certain instances, the one or more computing devices may be associated with a PSAP or other like entity/function.

At block 702, a first indication may be received which corresponds to a first estimated position of a mobile device identified as part of a first location process initiated in response to an emergency communication from the mobile device via a wireless network. Indeed, for example, in certain instances a first indication may comprise all or part of the information applicable to indicate the first estimated position. In certain example implementations, the first indication may identify, at least in part, the first estimated position of the mobile device as reported by the mobile device. In certain example implementations, the first estimated position of the mobile device as reported by the mobile device may be based, at least in part, on at least one satellite positioning system (SPS) signal received at the mobile device.

At block 704, a second indication may be obtained which corresponds to a second estimated position of the mobile device as reported by the wireless network. In certain example implementations, the second indication may be indicative of a service region identifiable within the wireless network (e.g., a cell ID, a sector ID, etc. ) . In certain example implementations, the second indication may correspond to a representative location (e.g., geographical coordinates, etc. ) of a service region identifiable within the wireless network. In certain example implementations, obtaining the second indication corresponding to the first estimated position of the mobile device as reported by the wireless network, may further comprise receiving the second indicator within a threshold period of time from a time of the emergency communication from the mobile device. In certain example implementations, obtaining the second indication corresponding to a second estimated position of the mobile device as reported by the wireless network, may further comprise, in response to not having received the second indicator within a threshold period of time from a time of the emergency communication from the mobile device: (1) sending a request message, requesting the second indicator, to a device； and (2) receiving a response message, sent in response to the request message, comprising the second indication. In certain example implementations, such a device may comprise one or more computing devices within the wireless network configured to provide a Location Retrieval Function (LRF) capability.

At block 706, in response to a determination that the first indication and the second indication satisfy a verification criterion, a verified estimated position of the mobile device may be determined based, at least in part, on the first indication, the second indication, or both. For example, in certain instances, a verified estimated position may comprise the first estimated position, the second estimated position, or may be derived based, at least in part, on the first estimated position, the second estimated position, or both.

In certain example implementations, at act 706, the computing device may also determine that the first indication and the second indication do not satisfy a verification criterion if the first indication is determined to be unsuitable for use. By way of some examples, a first indication may be determined to be unsuitable for use based, at least in part, on an age of the first indication exceeding an acceptable age threshold value. In certain implementations, for example, a first indication may be determined to be unsuitable for use based, at least in part, on at least a portion of information in the first indication being: incomplete in form, improper with regard to substance, incomprehensible, or some combination thereof.

At block 708, in response to a determination that the first indication and the second indication does not satisfy the verification criterion: a third indication corresponding to a third estimated position of the mobile device may be obtained, the third indication being determined by a third location process that may be different from the first location process； and a verified estimated position of the mobile device may be determined based, at least in part, on the second indication and the third indication. In certain example implementations, a third indication may be based, at least in part, on at least one SPS signal received at the mobile device. In certain example implementations, a third indication may be based, at least in part, on at least one wireless signal received at the mobile device from a terrestrial-based transmitting device (e.g., an access point device, a beacon device, etc. ) . In certain example implementations, such a terrestrial-based transmitting device is provisioned as part of the wireless network carrying the emergency call, part of another wireless network, etc. In certain example implementations, the first location process may comprise an in-band eCall process, and/or the another (third) process may comprise a Secure User Plane Location (SUPL) network initiated (NI) process. In certain example implementations, obtaining the third indication further comprise, at the computing device, initiating the third location process to obtain the third indication corresponding to a third estimated position of the mobile device. For example, initiating a third location process may comprise, at the computing device, sending a location request to a SUPL Location Platform (SLP) , wherein the location request may, for example, indicate a Mobile Station International Subscriber Directory Number (MSISDN) of the mobile device.

In certain implementations, acts 706 or 708 may further comprise, at the computing device, identifying the verified estimated position of the mobile device to a public-safety answering point (PSAP) .

The methodologies described herein may be implemented by various means depending upon applications according to particular examples. For example, such methodologies may be implemented in hardware, firmware, software, or combinations thereof. In a hardware implementation, for example, a processing unit may be implemented within one or more application specific integrated circuits ("ASICs") , digital signal processors ("DSPs") , digital signal processing devices ("DSPDs") , programmable logic devices ("PLDs") , field programmable gate arrays ("FPGAs") , processors, controllers, micro-controllers, microprocessors, electronic devices, other devices units designed to perform the functions described herein, or combinations thereof.

Some portions of the detailed description included herein are presented in terms of algorithms or symbolic representations of operations on binary digital signals stored within a memory of a specific apparatus or special purpose computing device or platform. In the context of this particular specification, the term specific apparatus or the like includes a general purpose computer once it is programmed to perform particular operations pursuant to instructions from program software. Algorithmic descriptions or symbolic representations are examples of techniques used by those of ordinary skill in the signal processing or related arts to convey the substance of their work to others skilled in the art. An algorithm is here, and generally, is considered to be a self-consistent sequence of operations or similar signal processing leading to a desired result. In this context, operations or processing involve physical manipulation of physical quantities. Typically, although not necessarily, such quantities may take the form of electrical or magnetic signals capable of being stored, transferred, combined, compared or otherwise manipulated. It has proven convenient at times, principally for reasons of common usage, to refer to such signals as bits, data, values, elements, octets, integers, symbols, characters, terms, numbers, numerals, or the like. It should be understood, however, that all of these or similar terms are to be associated with appropriate physical quantities and are merely convenient labels. Unless specifically stated otherwise, as apparent from the discussion herein, it is appreciated that throughout this specification discussions utilizing terms such as "processing, " "computing, " "calculating, " "determining" or the like refer to actions or processes of a specific apparatus, such as a special purpose computer, special purpose computing apparatus or a similar special purpose electronic computing device. In the context of this specification, therefore, a special purpose computer or a similar special purpose electronic computing device is capable of manipulating or transforming signals, typically represented as physical electronic or magnetic quantities within memories, registers, or other information storage devices, transmission devices, or display devices of the special purpose computer or similar special purpose electronic computing device.

Wireless communication techniques described herein may be in connection with various wireless communications networks such as a wireless wide area network ("WWAN") , a wireless local area network ("WLAN") , a wireless personal area network (WPAN) , and so on. The term "network" and "system" may be used interchangeably herein. A WWAN may be a Code Division Multiple Access ("CDMA") network, a Time Division Multiple Access ("TDMA") network, a Frequency Division Multiple Access ("FDMA") network, an Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access ("OFDMA") network, a Single-Carrier Frequency Division Multiple Access ("SC-FDMA") network, or any combination of the above networks, and so on. A CDMA network may implement one or more radio access technologies ("RATs") such as cdma2000, Wideband CDMA ("WCDMA") , to name just a few radio technologies. Here, cdma2000 may include technologies implemented according to IS-95, IS-2000, and IS-856 standards. A TDMA network may implement Global System for Mobile Communications ("GSM") , Digital Advanced Mobile Phone System ("D-AMPS") , or some other RAT. GSM and WCDMA are described in documents from a consortium named "3rd Generation Partnership Project" ("3GPP") . Cdma2000 is described in documents from a consortium named "3rd Generation Partnership Project 2" ("3GPP2") . 3GPP and 3GPP2 documents are publicly available. 4G Long Term Evolution ("LTE") communications networks may also be implemented in accordance with claimed subject matter, in an aspect. A WLAN may comprise an IEEE 802.11x network, and a WPAN may comprise a Bluetooth network, an IEEE 802.15x, for example. Wireless communication implementations described herein may also be used in connection with any combination of WWAN, WLAN or WPAN.

In another aspect, as previously mentioned, a wireless transmitter or access point may comprise a femtocell, also known as a “small cell” or “home base station” , utilized to extend cellular telephone service into a small area such as a business or home. In such an implementation, one or more mobile devices may communicate with a femtocell via a code division multiple access ("CDMA") cellular communication protocol or via LTE, for example, and the femtocell may provide the mobile device access to a larger cellular telecommunication network by way of another broadband network such as the Internet.

Techniques described herein may be used with an SPS that includes any one of several GNSS and/or combinations of GNSS. Furthermore, such techniques may be used with positioning systems that utilize terrestrial transmitters acting as "pseudolites" , or a combination of space vehicles (SVs) for one or more GNSS systems and such terrestrial transmitters. Terrestrial transmitters may, for example, include ground-based transmitters that broadcast a PN code or other ranging code (e.g., similar to a GPS or CDMA cellular signal) . Such a transmitter may be assigned a unique PN code so as to permit identification by a remote receiver. Terrestrial transmitters may be useful, for example, to augment an SPS in situations where SPS signals from an orbiting SV might be unavailable, such as in tunnels, mines, buildings, urban canyons or other enclosed areas. Another implementation of pseudolites is known as radio-beacons. The term "SV" , as used herein, is intended to include terrestrial transmitters acting as pseudolites, equivalents of pseudolites, and possibly others. The terms "SPS signals" and/or "SV signals" , as used herein, is intended to include SPS-like signals from terrestrial transmitters, including terrestrial transmitters acting as pseudolites or equivalents of pseudolites.

The terms, "and, "and "or" as used herein may include a variety of meanings that will depend at least in part upon the context in which it is used. Typically, "or" if used to associate a list, such as A, B or C, is intended to mean A, B, and C, here used in the inclusive sense, as well as A, B or C, here used in the exclusive sense. Reference throughout this specification to "one example" or "an example" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the example is included in at least one example of claimed subject matter. Thus, the appearances of the phrase "in one example" or "anexample" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same example. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in one or more examples. Examples described herein may include machines, devices, engines, or apparatuses that operate using digital signals. Such signals may comprise electronic signals, optical signals, electromagnetic signals, or any form of energy that provides information between locations.

While there has been illustrated and described what are presently considered to be example features, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various other modifications may be made, and equivalents may be substituted, without departing from claimed subject matter. Additionally, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation to the teachings of claimed subject matter without departing from the central concept described herein. Therefore, it is intended that claimed subject matter not be limited to the particular examples disclosed, but that such claimed subject matter may also include all aspects falling within the scope of the appended claims, and equivalents thereof.

Claims

A method for use in determining a verified estimated position of a mobile device, the method comprising, at a computing device:

receiving a first indication corresponding to a first estimated position of a mobile device identified as part of a first location process initiated in response to an emergency communication from the mobile device via a wireless network；

obtaining a second indication corresponding to a second estimated position of the mobile device as reported by the wireless network in a second location process；

in response to a determination that the first indication and the second indication satisfy a verification criterion, determining a verified estimated position of the mobile device based, at least in part, on the first indication, the second indication, or both； and

in response to a determination that the first indication and the second indication does not satisfy the verification criterion:

obtaining a third indication corresponding to a third estimated position of the mobile device, the third indication being determined by a third location process； and

determining the verified estimated position of the mobile device based, at least in part, on the second indication, the third indication, or both.
The method as recited in Claim 1, and further comprising, at the computing device:

identifying the verified estimated position of the mobile device to a public-safety answering point (PSAP) .
The method as recited in Claim 1, wherein the first indication identifies, at least in part, the first estimated position of the mobile device as reported by the mobile device.
The method as recited in Claim 3, wherein the first estimated position of the mobile device as reported by the mobile device is based, at least in part, on at least one satellite positioning system (SPS) signal received at the mobile device, and the second indication is not based a SPS signal received at the mobile device.
The method as recited in Claim 1, wherein the second indication is indicative of a service region identifiable within the wireless network.
The method as recited in Claim 1, wherein the second indication corresponds to a representative location of a service region identifiable within the wireless network.
The method as recited in Claim 1, wherein the third indication is based, at least in part, on at least one SPS signal received at the mobile device.
The method as recited in Claim 1, wherein the third indication is based, at least in part, on at least one wireless signal received at the mobile device from a terrestrial-based transmitting device.
The method as recited in Claim 8, wherein the terrestrial-based transmitting device is provisioned as part of the wireless network.
The method as recited in Claim 1, wherein the first location process comprises an in-band eCall process.
The method as recited in Claim 1, wherein the third location process comprises a Secure User Plane Location (SUPL) network initiated (NI) process.
The method as recited in Claim 1, wherein obtaining the second indication corresponding to the first estimated position of the mobile device as reported by the wireless network, further comprises, at the computing device:

receiving the second indicator within a threshold period of time from a time of the emergency communication from the mobile device.
The method as recited in Claim 1, wherein obtaining the second indication corresponding to a second estimated position of the mobile device as reported by the wireless network, further comprises, at the computing device:

in response to not having received the second indicator within a threshold period of time from a time of the emergency communication from the mobile device, sending a request message, requesting the second indicator, to another device； and

receiving a response message, sent in response to the request message, comprising the second indication.
The method of Claim 13, wherein the another device comprises another computing device within the wireless network configured to provide a Location Retrieval Function (LRF) capability.
The method as recited in Claim 1, and further comprising, at the computing device:

determining that the first indication and the second indication does not satisfy the verification criterion if the first indication is determined to be unsuitable for use.
The method as recited in Claim 15, wherein the first indication is determined to be unsuitable for use based, at least in part, on an age of the first indication exceeding an acceptable age threshold value.
The method as recited in Claim 15, wherein the first indication is determined to be unsuitable for use based, at least in part, on at least a portion of information in the first indication being: incomplete in form, improper with regard to substance, incomprehensible, or some combination thereof.
The method as recited in Claim 1, wherein obtaining the third indication further comprises, at the computing device, initiating the third location process to obtain the third indication corresponding to a third estimated position of the mobile device.
The method as recited in Claim 18, wherein initiating the third location process comprises, at the computing device, sending a location request to a SUPL Location Platform (SLP) , and wherein the location request indicates a Mobile Station International Subscriber Directory Number (MSISDN) of the mobile device.
The method as recited in Claim 1, wherein the computing device is operatively provisioned to support an entity of a PSAP.
An apparatus for use in a computing device for use in determining a verified estimated position of a mobile device, the apparatus comprising:

means for receiving a first indication corresponding to a first estimated position of a mobile device identified as part of a first location process initiated in response to an emergency communication from the mobile device via a wireless network；

means for obtaining a second indication corresponding to a second estimated position of the mobile device as reported by the wireless network in a second location process；

means for determining a verified estimated position of the mobile device based, at least in part, on the first indication, the second indication, or both, in response to a determination that a comparison of the first indication and the second indication satisfy a verification criterion；

means for obtaining a third indication corresponding to a third estimated position of the mobile device, the third indication being determined by a third location process, in response to a determination that the comparison of the first indication and the second indication does not satisfy the verification criterion； and

means for determining the verified estimated position of the mobile device based, at least in part, on the second indication, the third indication, or both, in response to a determination that the comparison of the first indication and the second indication does not satisfy the verification criterion.
The apparatus as recited in Claim 21, and further comprising:

means for identifying the verified estimated position of the mobile device to a public-safety answering point (PSAP) .
The apparatus as recited in Claim 21, wherein the first indication identifies, at least in part, the first estimated position of the mobile device as reported by the mobile device, and wherein the first estimated position of the mobile device as reported by the mobile device is based, at least in part, on at least one satellite positioning system (SPS) signal received at the mobile device, and the second indication is not based a SPS signal received at the mobile device.
The apparatus as recited in Claim 21, wherein the second indication is indicative of a service region identifiable within the wireless network.
The apparatus as recited in Claim 21, wherein the second indication corresponds to a representative location of a service region identifiable within the wireless network.
The apparatus as recited in Claim 21, wherein the third indication is based, at least in part, on at least one wireless signal received at the mobile device from a terrestrial-based transmitting device.
The apparatus as recited in Claim 21, wherein the first location process comprises an in-band eCall process, and the third location process comprises a Secure User Plane Location (SUPL) network initiated (NI) process.
The apparatus as recited in Claim 21, and further comprising:

means for sending a request message, requesting the second indicator, to another device, in response to not having received the second indicator within a threshold period of time from an initial time of the emergency communication from the mobile device； and

means for receiving a response message, sent in response to the request message, comprising the second indication.
The apparatus as recited in Claim 21, and further comprising, at least one of:

means determining that the comparison of the first indication and the second indication does not satisfy the verification criterion if the first indication is determined to be unsuitable for use.
The apparatus as recited in Claim 21, wherein the means for obtaining the third indication further comprises:

means for initiating the third location process to obtain the third indication corresponding to the third estimated position of the mobile device.
A computing device for use in determining a position of a mobile device, the computing device comprising:

a communication interface；

memory； and

a processing unit coupled to the communication interface and the memory, and wherein the processing unit and the memory are configured to:

obtain, via the communication interface, a first indication corresponding to a first estimated position of a mobile device identified as part of a first location process initiated in response to an emergency communication from the mobile device via a wireless network；

obtain, via the communication interface, a second indication corresponding to a second estimated position of the mobile device as reported by the wireless network in a second location process；

determine whether the first indication and the second indication satisfy a verification criterion；

in response to a determination that the verification criterion is satisfied, determine a verified estimated position of the mobile device based, at least in part, on the first indication, the second indication, or both；

in response to a determination that the verification criterion is not satisfied:

obtain, via the communication interface, a third indication corresponding to a third estimated position of the mobile device, the third indication being determined by a third location process； and

determine the verified estimated position of the mobile device based, at least in part, on the second indication, the third indication, or both.
The computing device as recited in Claim 31, wherein the first indication identifies, at least in part, the first estimated position of the mobile device as reported by the mobile device, and wherein the first estimated position of the mobile device as reported by the mobile device is based, at least in part, on at least one satellite positioning system (SPS) signal received at the mobile device.
The computing device as recited in Claim 31, wherein the second indication is indicative of a service region identifiable within the wireless network.
The computing device as recited in Claim 31, wherein the second indication corresponds to a representative location of a service region identifiable within the wireless network.
The computing device as recited in Claim 31, wherein the third indication is based, at least in part, on at least one wireless signal received at the mobile device from a terrestrial-based transmitting device.
The computing device as recited in Claim 31, wherein the first location process comprises an in-band eCall process, and the third location process comprises a Secure User Plane Location (SUPL) network initiated (NI) process.
The computing device as recited in Claim 31, wherein the processing unit and memory are further configured to:

send a request message, via the communication interface, requesting the second indicator, to another device, in response to not having received the second indicator within a threshold period of time from an initial time of the emergency communication from the mobile device； and

obtain, via the communication interface, a response message, sent in response to the request message, comprising the second indication.
The computing device as recited in Claim 31, and further comprising, at least one of:

means for determining that the first indication and the second indication does not satisfy the threshold positional variation value if the first indication is determined to be unsuitable for use.
The computing device as recited in Claim 31, wherein the means for obtaining the third indication further comprises:

means for initiating the third location process to obtain the third indication corresponding to the third estimated position of the mobile device.
A non-transitory medium storing instructions that are executable by a processing unit of a computing device to:

obtain a first indication corresponding to an first estimated position of a mobile device identified as part of a first location process initiated in response to an emergency communication from the mobile device via a wireless network；

obtain a second indication corresponding to a second estimated position of the mobile device as reported by the wireless network in a second location process；

determine whether the first indication and the second indication satisfy a verification criterion based, at least in part, on a comparison of the first indication and the second indication；

in response to a determination that the verification criterion is satisfied, determine a verified estimated position of the mobile device based, at least in part, on the first indication, the second indication, or both； and

in response to a determination that the verification criterion is not satisfied: ,

obtain, via the communication interface, a third indication corresponding to a third estimated position of the mobile device, the third indication being determined by a third location process； and

determine the verified estimated position of the mobile device based, at least in part, on the second indication, the third indication, or both.