PC Assisted GPS via Wireless Network Module

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies have not effectively enabled the realization of Assisted-Global Positioning System (A-GPS) functionality on personal computers with network functions, despite its superiority in outdoor positioning accuracy and rapid signal acquisition.

Innovation Solution

A method for a PC to initiate a GPS positioning session by connecting via a wireless network module, receiving GPS auxiliary information from a location server, searching for current satellites, calculating pseudo-distances, and transmitting this data to the server for position calculation, using AT commands and NMEA format data for accurate positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If A-GPS is implemented on mobile terminals with cellular transceivers, then positioning accuracy and signal acquisition speed are improved, but the functionality cannot be extended to personal computers

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveA-GPS functionality applicabilityVSAvoidpositioning service availability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extends A-GPS functionality from mobile terminals to personal computers by implementing a wireless network module that can establish data connections with location servers. The PC uses its existing network communication capabilities (HTTP, WAP protocols) to receive assistance data, making the positioning function universal across different device types including PCs, mobile phones, and PDAs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If GPS positioning is performed without assistance data, then device complexity is reduced, but signal acquisition time increases to 2-3 minutes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal acquisition speedVSAvoidnetwork communication capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The location server performs preliminary calculations of GPS auxiliary parameters (ephemeris data, clock correction, ionospheric delay) based on approximate terminal positions obtained from network location information such as base station triangulation. This preliminary action enables the PC to quickly acquire precise positioning data without performing complex real-time orbital calculations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If the PC uses wireless network module for A-GPS positioning, then positioning service is enabled on PC, but additional hardware component is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning service availabilityVSAvoidhardware configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The wireless network module serves dual purposes: it provides general internet connectivity for the PC and simultaneously enables A-GPS positioning by establishing data connections with location servers. This multi-functionality approach avoids adding dedicated GPS hardware while enabling positioning capabilities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2511732B1Method for realizing assisted global position system (a-GPS) by personal computer (PC)
Publication Date: 2020.01.08 HUIZHOU TCL MOBILE COMM CO LTD
  • EP2511732B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2511732B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

A method for a PC to realize an A-GPS in a PC technology field is provided. The method includes: a. the PC controlling a wireless network module of the PC to connect with a network to initiate a GPS positioning session; b. a location server transmitting GPS auxiliary information to the PC; c. the PC acquiring information of a current satellite according to the GPS auxiliary information. The method enables the A-GPS function to be applicable for the PC to provide positioning and navigation services to the PC. A corresponding A-GPS server can be connected to acquire the information of the current satellite based on the GPS auxiliary information with the network function provided by the wireless network module of the PC to accelerate the speed for acquiring data of the current satellite, and then current position information of the PC can be accurately calculated.