Exact location identification in a mobile computing network

In a mobile communication environment, whenever there is a call request, the network must know where the intended recipient of the call is currently located. This gives rise to the problem of location management. Different location management schemes for mobile networks have been proposed so far, but whatever be the scheme, it can only identify a location area comprised of a number of cells, or at best a single cell, which may extend over an area of a few square kilometers. In case of some emergency needs of a mobile user, e.g., in case of fire, medical assistance, accident etc., it is essential to know the exact location of it, to provide immediate services. In such circumstances, it is a prerequisite to identify the exact location of the particular mobile user, within a radius of a few meters or so. So far, there is no such location management scheme that is capable of finding the exact location of any user with such an accuracy. We propose a simple scheme for determining the exact location of a mobile terminal. Using our technique, in the case of some emergency, the mobile user transmits a special distress signal. In response to that, the base station B/sub 0/ of the cell (in which the mobile user currently is), along with two other adjacent base stations exchange a few messages among themselves and the mobile, and hence it finally computes the exact co-ordinates of the mobile user.