GPS enabled mobile stations and location methods therefor

Abstract

A satellite positioning system enabled mobile station and method therefor having a satellite positioning system signal reception interface, for example a GPS receiver, an information processor coupled to the satellite positioning system signal reception interface, the information processor controlling the satellite positioning system signal reception interface for receiving satellite positioning system signals upon which mobile station positioning may be determined based upon a satellite positioning system based position fix generation rate instruction.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTIONS[0001] The present inventions relate generally to locating mobile stations, and more particularly to locating satellite positioning system enabled mobile stations.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONS[0002] Locating cellular telephone handsets in cellular communication networks based on a satellite positioning system, for example the Navigation System with Time and Range (NAVSTAR) global positioning system (GPS), is one approach likely to be implemented for supporting enhanced emergency 911 (E-911) services, which will soon be mandatory in the United States of America.[0003] Market driven forces are also motivating communications equipment manufacturers and service providers to more quickly and accurately locate cellular telephone handsets and other mobile stations, for example to provide promotional and fee based value-added services. Satellite positioning system based positioning will likely be among the contenders for many of these market opportunities.[0004] Satell...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This approach ensures timely and accurate location fixes while minimizing battery drain and costs, with customizable settings for user safety designations and network prioritization, enhancing service reliability in emergency scenarios.

Problems solved by technology

Additionally, there will likely be service fees associated with at least some satellite positioning system based positioning schemes, for example those utilizing terrestrial network-assistance.

Reducing the frequency or rate at which the cellular handset generates and updates satellite positioning system based location fixes, for example, to conserve battery power and reduce costs associated therewith, generally increases the time required to obtain a position fix.

In some applications, however, a substantial delay in the generation of a location fix is undesirable or unacceptable, for example in E-911 applications where the caller is in imminent danger, or where the mobile station is moving at a high rate of speed and will have changed its position significantly by the time a position fix is obtained.

Images