{"schema_version":"1.0","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854489","patent":{"patent_number":"US-9854489","title":"Location processing in small cells implementing multiple air interfaces","assignee":null,"inventors":[],"filing_date":"2015-03-20T00:00:00.000Z","publication_date":"2017-12-26T00:00:00.000Z","cpc_codes":["H04W","H04W","H04W","H04W","H04W","H04W","H04W"],"num_claims":22,"abstract":"A heterogeneous network which supports multiple communication technologies (e.g., communication in accordance with multiple air interface standards) in a unified architecture can provide near-term solutions to capacity problems. Specifically, in one embodiment, a heterogeneous network that includes both macro-base cells and pico cells and that incorporates longer range wireless air interfaces (e.g., second, third, or fourth, generation wireless air interface standards) and shorter range wireless air interfaces (e.g., Wi-Fi) can be provided. Such a heterogeneous network can include the coordination of security, quality of service, assessment of mobility of user equipment, authentication, provisioning systems, and location information."},"analysis":{"summary":"Location Processing in Small Cells Implementing Multiple Air Interfaces addresses the growing demand for accurate and reliable location services in modern wireless networks. The core innovation lies in its heterogeneous network architecture, which integrates macro-base cells and pico cells utilizing multiple air interface standards (e.g., 4G/LTE and Wi-Fi). This patent solves the problem of inaccurate or unavailable location data, particularly in dense urban environments and indoor settings where GPS signals are often weak or obstructed.\n\nThe key technical approach involves coordinating security, quality of service, mobility assessment, authentication, provisioning systems, and location information across different air interfaces. By combining data from various sources, the system can triangulate a user's location with greater precision than relying on a single technology. This coordinated approach also optimizes network capacity by offloading traffic from macro-base cells to pico cells, improving overall network performance.\n\nThe business value of this system is significant. It enables more reliable location-based services, enhancing user experiences and opening up new opportunities for applications such as navigation, asset tracking, emergency response, and augmented reality. The improved network capacity and performance also translate to cost savings for network operators. The market opportunity is substantial, driven by the increasing reliance on mobile devices and the growing demand for accurate location data in various industries.\n\nThis technology allows for more precise location determination, especially in areas where traditional GPS signals are unreliable. The system enhances the accuracy of location-based services. By combining data from different air interfaces, the system can triangulate a user's location with greater precision than relying on a single technology. This has significant implications for applications that require accurate location information, such as emergency services and asset tracking. The ability to coordinate security and quality of service across different air interfaces is another important feature of this system.","layman_explanation":"Location Processing in Small Cells Implementing Multiple Air Interfaces addresses a common problem: the unreliability of location services, particularly GPS, in urban environments and indoors. GPS signals can be weak or blocked by buildings, leading to inaccurate location data and frustrating user experiences. Existing solutions often fall short in these challenging environments.\n\nThis patent describes a system that combines multiple wireless technologies, such as cellular networks (4G/LTE) and Wi-Fi, to provide more accurate and reliable location information. Instead of relying solely on GPS, the system uses a network of small cells (pico cells) to triangulate a user's location based on the signals from different wireless sources. Think of it like having multiple eyes instead of just one, allowing you to see more clearly and accurately.\n\nThis innovation matters because it has the potential to improve a wide range of applications that rely on location data, such as navigation, asset tracking, emergency services, and augmented reality. By providing more accurate and reliable location information, the system can enhance user experiences, improve safety, and unlock new business opportunities. The market impact is significant, given the increasing reliance on mobile devices and the growing demand for location-based services.\n\nLooking ahead, this technology could be further developed to support new applications and services, such as indoor navigation and precision agriculture. The market adoption timeline will depend on factors such as the availability of small cell infrastructure and the integration of the technology into mobile devices. From an investment perspective, this patent represents a valuable asset in the rapidly growing market for location-based services.","technical_analysis":"Location Processing in Small Cells Implementing Multiple Air Interfaces presents a heterogeneous network architecture designed to improve location accuracy and network capacity. The system integrates macro-base cells and pico cells, each supporting different wireless air interfaces, such as 4G/LTE and Wi-Fi. The core technical challenge addressed by this patent is the accurate determination of user location in environments where GPS signals are weak or unavailable.\n\nThe system employs a combination of techniques to overcome this challenge, including triangulation based on signal strength from multiple air interfaces. Advanced signal processing algorithms are used to filter noise and improve the accuracy of location estimates. The system also incorporates mobility management techniques to track the movement of users between different cells and air interfaces, ensuring seamless connectivity. One key implementation detail is the coordination of security, quality of service, mobility assessment, authentication, provisioning systems, and location information across different air interfaces. This requires a central controller that can manage and optimize network resources in real-time. The performance characteristics of the system are influenced by factors such as the density of pico cells, the bandwidth of the air interfaces, and the efficiency of the signal processing algorithms.\n\nThe integration patterns involve the use of standard wireless protocols and APIs, allowing the system to be deployed on existing network infrastructure. Code-level implications include the need for efficient algorithms for signal processing, location estimation, and mobility management. The patent also describes methods for optimizing network performance by dynamically adjusting the parameters of the air interfaces based on user demand and network conditions. The ability to coordinate security across different air interfaces is another important technical feature. The system uses a variety of security protocols to protect user data, including encryption, authentication, and access control.","business_analysis":"Location Processing in Small Cells Implementing Multiple Air Interfaces presents a significant business opportunity in the rapidly growing market for location-based services. The market opportunity size is substantial, driven by the increasing reliance on mobile devices and the growing demand for accurate location data in various industries, including navigation, asset tracking, emergency response, and augmented reality. The competitive advantages of this system include its ability to provide more accurate location data than traditional GPS-based solutions, particularly in dense urban environments and indoor settings. The system also enhances network capacity by offloading traffic from macro-base cells to pico cells, improving overall network performance.\n\nThe revenue potential of this system is significant. Network operators can generate revenue by offering enhanced location-based services to their subscribers. The system can also be licensed to other companies that develop location-based applications. Potential business models include subscription-based services, licensing agreements, and revenue sharing partnerships. The strategic positioning of this system is strong. It addresses a key pain point in the market by providing more accurate and reliable location data. The system also aligns with the trend towards heterogeneous networks and the increasing use of small cells. ROI projections for this system are attractive. The improved location accuracy and network capacity can lead to significant cost savings for network operators. The revenue generated from enhanced location-based services can also contribute to a strong return on investment.\n\nThis technology allows for more precise location determination, especially in areas where traditional GPS signals are unreliable. The system enhances the accuracy of location-based services. By combining data from different air interfaces, the system can triangulate a user's location with greater precision than relying on a single technology. This has significant implications for applications that require accurate location information, such as emergency services and asset tracking. The ability to coordinate security and quality of service across different air interfaces is another important feature of this system.","faqs":null,"topics":["location processing","small cells","wireless networks","air interfaces","heterogeneous networks"],"tech_cluster":null},"seo":{"title":"Location Processing in Small Cells - Patent US-9854489","description":"Discover how this patent enhances location accuracy in wireless networks using small cells and multiple air interfaces. Full analysis, claims, and applications.","keywords":["location processing","small cells","wireless networks","air interfaces","heterogeneous networks","patent","patent US-9854489","location accuracy","network capacity","mobile technology"]},"attribution":{"source":"Patentable","source_url":"https://patentable.app","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854489","license":"CC-BY-4.0-like","license_terms":"AI-generated analysis on this page (summary, layman_explanation, technical_analysis, business_analysis, faqs) may be reused with attribution and a visible link back to the canonical URL above. Patent abstracts, claims, and bibliographic data are USPTO public domain.","required_link":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854489","citation_suggestion":"Patentable. \"Location processing in small cells implementing multiple air interfaces\" (US-9854489). https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854489","copyright_holder":"Nomic Interactive Technology LLC"},"links":{"html":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854489","json":"https://patentable.app/api/llm-context/US-9854489","site":"https://patentable.app","llms_txt":"https://patentable.app/llms.txt"},"generated_at":"2026-05-31T21:09:38.188Z"}