User plane location services over session initiation protocol (SIP)

Abstract

A method and mechanism to allow a location server to initiate a user plane location service (e.g., SUPL defined by OMA) procedure to a user plane enabled device via Instant Messaging, or alternatively, via an existing SIP session if a multimedia session is already established. The location request is signaled to the user plane enabled device via a SIP INFO message. The location request uses SIP messaging to overcome firewall and other network security issues. Location using SUPL over SIP may be provided about a caller making an E911 emergency call. An Instant Message may be sent to the user plane enabled device, e.g., a VoIP wireless phone.

Description

[0001]The present application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 861,267, entitled “User Plane Location Service over Session Initiation Protocol (SIP)”, filed Nov. 28, 2006, the entirety of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]This invention relates generally to wireless and long distance carriers, Internet Service Providers (ISPs), and information content delivery services / providers and long distance carriers. More particularly, it relates to location services for the wireless industry.[0004]2. Background of Related Art[0005]Location information regarding subscribers or subscribers' individual devices is becoming increasingly available in a wireless network. Location information relates to absolute coordinates of a wireless device.[0006]FIG. 4 shows a conventional LoCation Services (LCS) request.[0007]In particular, as shown in FIG. 4, a location server 106 requests location informa...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

It is the case that there are some scenarios where conventional use of User Plane Location Services does not work well or does not work at all.

For example, one scenario in which a target device (e.g., SET) has Internet access via, e.g. WLAN, LAN, or DSL, it may not be possible for the location server to initiate location by use of an SMS message, or WAP Push.

This is particularly true if the location server cannot determine the IP address of the target device, and the network to which the target device attaches does not support correct inter-working with SMS or WAP Push messaging.

The present inventors appreciate that the existing mechanism of using WAP Push / SMS messaging may not be efficient and reliable, as WAP Push / SMS messaging is built upon store-and-forward mechanisms.

In other words, there is no guarantee that the trigger of a location service request will be delivered to a target before the emergency call ends.

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