Importance

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Abstract

A method for determining position by obtaining directional information from spatial division multiple access (SDMA)-equipped and non-SDMA-equipped base stations. The method is directed for use in a wireless communication system which includes a plurality of base stations each having a corresponding coverage area. For each of the base stations, a plurality of RF measurements are determined in cooperation with a receiver, including a link budget of the base station, for a predetermined plurality of distances and directions. Determined RF measurements for each of the base stations are modeled as a scaled contour shape having minimum and maximum boundaries. Base stations which neighbor the mobile unit are determined so as to define a first bounding polygon area by their intersecting contours. The first bounding polygon area generally describes the relative position of the mobile unit. A second bounding polygon area is determined in accordance with the lobes of neighboring base stations as described in terms of azimuth angles. The intersection of the first and second bounding polygon areas are determined so as to define a location polygon which more precisely describes the position of the mobile unit in terms of minimum and maximum error estimate.

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First Claim