초록 ▼

A system and method for initially locating and subsequently tracking the location of one or more mobile phones in a cellular communication network are disclosed. Software for implementing a scheduling and tracking system ("STS") is incorporated into the base station controller ("BSC") of a cellular

A system and method for initially locating and subsequently tracking the location of one or more mobile phones in a cellular communication network are disclosed. Software for implementing a scheduling and tracking system ("STS") is incorporated into the base station controller ("BSC") of a cellular communication network for performing scheduling and tracking functions with respect to mobile phone location. In one aspect of the invention, time difference of arrival ("TDOA") techniques are used to determine a location of each of a number of designated mobile phones active in the network. In another aspect of the invention, a scheduling portion of the STS originates and maintains a schedule of time measurement updates with reference to the previous location of the mobile phone. In yet another aspect of the invention, a tracking portion of the STS keeps track of the location of each of the designated mobile phones over time.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method of tracking a plurality of cellular telephones in a cellular telephone network, the method comprising:selecting a plurality of cellular telephones to be tracked;scheduling time measurements for each of said selected cellular telephones, wherein said scheduling co

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method of tracking a plurality of cellular telephones in a cellular telephone network, the method comprising:selecting a plurality of cellular telephones to be tracked;scheduling time measurements for each of said selected cellular telephones, wherein said scheduling comprises assigning update times to said selected cellular telephones to achieve maximum possible separation between said update times across said cellular telephone network both temporally and geographically;for each of said selected cellular telephones:performing said time measurements according to said assigned update time;determining a location of said selected cellular telephone using said time measurements; andadding said determined location to a tracking log for said selected cellular telephone.