Location accuracy improvement using a priori probabilities

A non-transitory computer readable medium comprising instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to carry out a cell identification with ranging wireless location method, wherein the method comprises:

• defining a grid overlaying the coverage area of a wireless communication network (WCN), wherein the grid includes a plurality of grid boxes each of which corresponds to a respective geographic area;
• associating with each box of the grid a number representing a count of historical high accuracy subscriber handset locations corresponding to the geographic area associated with that grid box;
• determining an improved nominal location for each of a plurality of range bands in the WCN, wherein the improved nominal location associated with each range band is based on the count of historical high accuracy subscriber handset locations associated with the grid boxes corresponding to the range band;
• identifying, for a subscriber handset to be located, a specific range band corresponding to a range value and a cell sector identifier;
• and
• providing an improved accuracy location estimate based on the improved nominal location corresponding to the identified specific range band.

A cell identification with ranging wireless location system for determining a subscriber handset location estimate, wherein the system is for use in association with a wireless communications network (WCN), comprising:

• means for defining a grid overlaying the coverage area of the WCN, wherein the grid includes a plurality of grid boxes each of which corresponds to a respective geographic area;
• means for associating with each box of the grid a number representing a count of historical high accuracy subscriber handset locations corresponding to the geographic area associated with that grid box;
• means for determining an improved nominal location for each of a plurality of range bands in the WCN, wherein the improved nominal location associated with each range band is based on the count of historical high accuracy subscriber handset locations associated with the grid boxes corresponding to the range band;
• means for identifying, for a subscriber handset to be located, a specific range band corresponding to a range value and a cell sector identifier;
• and
• means for providing an improved accuracy location estimate based on the improved nominal location corresponding to the identified specific range band.