WO2005009067A1

WO2005009067A1 - Dynamic group tracking

Info

Publication number: WO2005009067A1
Application number: PCT/IB2004/051235
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jian Wu
Original assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget Lm Ericsson (Publ)
Priority date: 2003-07-16
Filing date: 2004-07-15
Publication date: 2005-01-27
Also published as: CN1571553A

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method and a service node for performing dynamic tracking of a group of mobile terminals. The group of mobile terminals for which dynamic tracking is to be performed is first defined. One of the mobile terminals is identified as the reference point. A maximum distance to be respected between the reference point and the other mobile terminals of the group is then provided. Actual distance between the reference point and the other mobile terminals of the group is measured, and a warning signal is issued if the actual distance of one of the mobile terminals of the group is greater than the provided maximum distance.

Description

Description Dynamic group tracking

[ 1 ] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[2] Field of the Invention

[3] The present invention relates to a method and a service for providing dynamic tracking of a group of mobile terminals.

[4] Description of the Related Art

[5] Location based services have become more and more popular in the mobile telecommunications industry over the past decade. With the advent of more precise location definition, the mobile telecommunications network infrastructure has been used for purposes broader than pure mobile communications.

[6] Nowadays, publicity can be directed to mobile terminals based on their current location and on their preferences. Location based services is also used for assistance, such as identifying closest gas station or hospital based on the location of the mobile terminal. The concept of location-based services is also being used in the context of tracking movement: of specific individuals, for example prisoners, and of goods and vehicles.

[7] Prior art method of tracking using location based services relies on a static geographical area in which the mobile terminal is to be tracked, i.e. a city or a province. However, the prior art does not deal efficiently with dynamic areas for tracking of a group of mobile terminals.

[8] Accordingly, it should be readily appreciated that in order to overcome the deficiencies and shortcomings of the existing solutions, it would be advantageous to have a method and a service for dynamically tracking a group of mobile terminals. The present invention provides such a method and service.

[9] Summary of the Invention

[10] In one aspect, the present invention is a method for performing dynamic tracking of a group of mobile terminals. The method includes steps of defining a group of mobile terminals, and identifying one of the mobile terminals as a reference point. A maximum distance to be respected between the reference point and each of the mobile terminals of the group is defined. An actual distance between each of the mobile terminals of the group and the reference point is measured. A warning signal is issued when one of the mobile terminals' actual distance exceeds the defined maximum distance.

[11] In another aspect, the present invention is a service node for performing dynamic group tracking of a group of mobile terminals. The service nodes consists of a group definition means for identifying a plurality of mobile terminals belonging to the group. The group definition means includes a reference indicator for identifying one of the plurality of mobile terminals as a reference point. The service node also includes a service definition means for defining a maximum distance to be respected by each mobile terminal of the group with respect to the reference point. An input means receives location information for each of the mobile terminals belonging to the group. A distance measuring means calculates an actual distance between each of the mobile terminals belonging to the group and the reference point, based on the received location information by the input means. Then, a warning means verifies that the actual distance calculated by the distance measuring means is shorter than the maximum distance and generates a warning signal if the actual distance of one of the mobile terminals of the group is greater than the maximum distance.

[ 12] Brief Description of the Drawings

[13] For a more detailed understanding of the invention, for further objects and advantages thereof, reference can now be made to the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[14] Figure 1 (Prior Art) is schematic telecommunications network coverage defining a static area;

[15] Figure 2 is a schematic telecommunications network coverage defining a dynamic area in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;

[16] Figure 3 is graphical representation of the dynamic area in movement in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;

[17] Figure 4 is a flow chart of a method for dynamic group tracking in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;

[18] Figure 5 is a schematic telecommunications network in accordance with an aspect of the present invention; and

[19] Figure 6 is a block diagram of a service node for dynamic group tracking in accordance with the present invention.

[20] Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

[21] The present invention providesa method and a service node for performing dynamic tracking of a group of mobile terminals. The expression dynamic tracking is used to refer to tracking over an area that is dynamic, i.e. changing. More particularly, in the context of the present invention, the area in which tracking is performed is defined as a maximum distance from a reference point, the reference point being a mobile terminal. Therefore, when the reference point moves, the area defined by the maximum distance there from moves with respect to the mobile telecommunications network infrastructure.

[22] In prior art solutions, the area in which tracking is to be performed is a static area. Reference is now made to Figure 1, which is a schematic mobile telecommunications network coverage defining a static area in accordance with the prior art. The mobile telecommunications network 100 is represented as a plurality of cell coverage 102. The cell coverage 102 is represented as equally shaped hexagons, but it should be clear to those skilled in the art that hexagons are used for clarity reasons only. To avoid overcrowding the Figure, all mobile telecommunications network equipment have been omitted. In prior art solutions, a tracking area 104 was defined as a static area. Mobile terminals could move in and out of the tracking area 104, but the tracking area remained at the same position with respect to the mobile telecommunications network coverage 100.

[23] Reference is now made to Figure 2, which shows aschematic telecommunications network coverage 100 defining a dynamic area 200 in accordance with an aspect of the present invention. In the present invention, the area for tracking is the dynamic area 200. A reference point 202 and a maximum distance 204 from the reference point 202 define the dynamic area 200. More particularly, in the present invention, the reference point 202 is a mobile terminal. Because the reference point 202 is a mobile terminal, it is possible for the dynamic area 200 to move in accordance with the movement of the reference point throughout the mobile telecommunications network coverage 100. It should be noted that even though the dynamic area 200 is represented as a flower-type shape, the present invention is not limited to such shape, and any other shape is also encompassed by the present invention.

[24] Reference is now made to Figure 3, which shows a graphical representation of the dynamic area 200 in movement over the mobile telecommunications network coverage 100 in accordance with an aspect of the present invention. On Figure 3, the mobile terminal acting as reference point moves from location 202a, to 202b, 202c, 202d and 202e. As it can be appreciated, because of the movement of the reference point 202, the dynamic area 200 thereby defined also moves over the mobile telecommunications network coverage 100 from 200a to 200 e. It should be noted that even though the dynamic area moves over the mobile telecommunications network coverage, it remains always defined by the reference point 202 and the maximum distance 204 therefrom.

[25] Reference is now made toFigure 4, which shows a flow chart of a method for dynamic group tracking in accordance with an aspect of the present invention. First, a group for which dynamic group tracking should be performed is defined in step 400. Defining of the group can be performed in many different ways. For example, the defining of the group (step 400) may be performed by means of a subscribing terminal (not shown), activating a dynamic group tracking service in a mobile telecommunications network by identifying a group of mobile terminals participating to the dynamic group tracking service. The subscribing terminal may consist of a network operator, a mobile terminal, a computer over the Internet, or any other means by which a service can be activated in a mobile telecommunications network as known to those skilled in the art. Another possibility may consist of inviting mobile terminals to participate to the dynamic group tracking, prior to including them in the dynamic group tracking service. The participating mobile terminals may consists of a plurality of mobile phones, wireless Personal Digital Assistants, wireless computers or any other wireless device capable of connecting and communicating over the mobile telecommunications network. The group may be defined by identifying the mobile terminals by their telephone number, their Internet address, or any other address known to the mobile telecommunications network.

[26] The method than proceeds with identifying a reference point 200 (step 402). The reference point is one of the mobile terminals of the group. Specific group parameters are also defined (step 404), which are specific to the group of mobile terminals for which dynamic group tracking is to be performed. The specific group parameters may include some of the following features: a specified value for the maximum distance 204 (in meters, kilometres, # of cells, etc.), a time interval at which distance measurements should be made, a terminal to be warned if needed, a period during which the dynamic group tracking is to be performed, i.e. start and end dates, time to start and end the dynamic group tracking, etc. The specified value for the maximum distance 204 corresponds to the maximum distance that may separate any of the mobile terminals of the group from the reference point. The maximum distance 204 may be up to an infinite range, and the maximum distance 204 may also may changed at any time, should that be desired.

[27] When the dynamic group tracking starts in accordance with the specific group parameters, an actual distance between each mobile terminal of the group and the reference point is measured (step 406). For doing so, location information is fetch from the mobile telecommunications network. Various methods of measurements may be used to determine the actual distance between each of the mobile terminals of the group and the reference point. For example, triangulation may be used to determine each mobile terminal's location. Then, the difference between the locations is calculated to obtain the actual distance. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that any method for determining the actual distance between one of the mobile terminal of the group and the reference point may be used without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention.

[28] Then, in step 408, verification is made to determine whether the actual distance of any of the mobile terminals of the group exceeds the specified maximum distance. If the actual distance of one of the mobile terminal is greater than the specified maximum distance, a warning signal is issued (step 410). The warning signal may consist of an SMS message, an alarm message or a voice call sent to the mobile terminal cor- responding to the reference point, or to any other terminal identified as the terminal to be warned in case of exceeding distances. Any other type of message or signal, which is known in the mobile telecommunications industry, may also be used without departing from the spirit of the present invention. If the verification of step 408 is negative, the method goes back to step 406, and performs again the measurement of the distance as previously described. In the event that a frequency for the measurement is specified in the group parameters defined in step 404, the method awaits until the next cycle before initiating distance measurements.

[29] It is important to note that even though the method is presented as a sequential method, it is also encompassed in the present invention to modify, add or delete some steps of the method. For example, it is a possibility to add or delete mobile terminals to the group at any time, even when the dynamic group tracking service is ongoing. It is also possible to change the maximum distance 204 at any moment, or to identify a different mobile terminal as the reference point 200. Also, in the event that one of the mobile terminals wanders away from the reference point 200 to a distance greater than the set maximum distance 204, it is possible to automatically extend the time interval.

[30] It is also possible, in the context of the present invention, to add to the present method some emergency procedures to be undertaken in addition to issuing the warning in step 410. Such emergency procedures may consist, without limited thereto, of indicating to the reference point 200 or any responsible to be contacted a current position of the mobile terminal that has exceeded the maximum distance 204. Other emergency procedures may consist of contacting local police department, or other local authorities. Another emergency procedure may consist of automatically activating a warning signal on the mobile terminal that has exceeded the maximum distance 204.

[31] Reference is now made toFigure 5, which shows a schematic telecommunications network in accordance with an aspect of the present invention. The mobile telecommunications network coverage 100 is interacting with a Wireless Network infrastructure 500. The wireless network infrastructure 500 is represented as a cloud for clarity purposes, but it is meant to include all mobile telecommunications network equipment required to have a functioning mobile telecommunications network. It should also be noted that the wireless network infrastructure could consists of any radio and network standards known in the art. The wireless network infrastructure communicates with a location server 502, which stores information on current location of mobile terminals operating in the mobile telecommunications network coverage 100. The wireless network infrastructure 500 also communicates with an application server 504, on which the dynamic group tracking service runs. The application server 504 with the installed dynamic group tracking service is also referred herein as the service node. The service node also communicates with the location server 502 to obtain location in- formation from specific mobile terminals. It is to be noted that the service node and the location server 502 have been illustrated as separate nodes, but that they could be co- located, or within the same application server should it be preferred.

[32] Reference is now made concurrently to Figures 5 and 6, where Figure 6 is a block diagram of a service node for dynamic group tracking in accordance with the present invention. The service node 504 includes an input means 602, which receives/fetches information from the location server 502 and the wireless network infrastructure 500. The input means communicates with a group definition means 604, a service definition means 606 and a distance measuring means 608. The group definition means 604 identifies the mobile terminals belonging to the dynamic tracking group. The group definition means 604 also includes a reference indicator (not shown) for identifying one of the mobile terminals as the reference point.

[33] The service definition means 606 stores information defining the maximum distance to be respected by each mobile terminal of the group with respect to the reference point. The service definition means 606 also stores all other group parameters defined in step 404 of the method. The distance measuring means 608 calculates the actual distance between each of the mobile terminals belonging to the group and the reference point, based on received location information at the input means 602.

[34] The service node also includes a warning means 610 communicating with the group definition means 604, the service definition means 606 and the distance measuring means 608. The warning means 610 verifies that the actual distance measured by the distance measuring means 608 is shorter than the maximum distance defined at the service definition means 606 for the mobile terminals participating to the dynamic group tracking. The warning means 610 also generates a warning message if the actual distance of one of the mobile terminals is greater than the maximum distance. The warning signal is sent to an output means 612, which sends the warning signal as previously described in step 410 of the method.

[35] It should be noted that it is possible for the method and service node to have multiple groups for which to perform dynamic group tracking simultaneously. Such tracking is preferably performed independently, in accordance with defined group parameters.

[36] Based upon the foregoing, it should now be apparent to those of ordinary skills in the art that the present invention provides an advantageous solution, which offers dynamic group tracking. Such dynamic group tracking is particularly interesting for group such as a teacher with his/her students, where the teacher's mobile terminal is used as the reference point. The present invention could also be interesting in the guided touring industry, where large groups walk while visiting a city. In such cases, the present invention ensures that all group members are within defined distance, and when one mobile terminal of the group wanders away, a responsible is immediately informed. [37] Although the method and service node of the present invention have been illustrated in the accompanying Drawings and described in the foregoing Detailed Description, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed, but is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications and substitutions without departing from the spirit of the invention as set forth and defined by the following claims.

Claims

[1] 1.A method for performing dynamic tracking of a group of mobile terminals, the method comprising steps of: defining a group of mobile terminals; identifying one of the mobile terminals as a reference point; defining a maximum distance with respect to the reference point to be respected by each mobile terminal of the group; measuring an actual distance between each of the mobile terminals of the group and the reference point; and issuing a warning signal when at least one of the mobile terminals' actual distance exceeds the maximum distance. [2] 2.The method of claim 1, wherein the method further comprises a step of defining a time interval between each step of measuring the distance. [3] 3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of issuing a warning signal consists of sending an alarm message to the reference point. [4] 4.The method of claim 1, wherein the method further comprises a step of defining a date and time period for which the steps of measuring the distance and issuing the warning signal are to be performed. [5] 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the method is performed in a node of a mobile telecommunications network. [6] 6. A service node for performing dynamic tracking of a group of mobile terminals, the service node comprising: group definition means for identifying a plurality of mobile terminals belonging to the group, the group definition means including a reference indicator for identifying one of the plurality of mobile terminals as a reference point; service definition means for defining a maximum distance to be respected by each mobile terminal of the group with respect to the reference point; input means for receiving location information for each of the mobile terminals belonging to the group; distance measuring means to calculate an actual distance between each of the mobile terminals belonging to the group and the reference point, based on received location information at the input means; and warning means for verifying that the actual distance measured by the distance measuring means is shorter than the maximum distance defined at the service definition means, and for generating a warning message if the actual distance of one of the mobile terminals is greater than the maximum distance. [7] 7.The service node of claim 6, wherein the service definition means also defines a time interval for determining the actual distance, and a date and time period for the dynamic tracking to be performed. [8] 8.The service node of claim 6, wherein the generated warning message is sent to the reference point.