Location Service Provider Selection via SUPL Proxy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing location services for portable electronic devices often face challenges in accurately determining the position of devices, especially in environments where satellite signals are weak, and require users to manage multiple IP addresses and location servers, leading to inefficiencies and reduced positioning accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A method where a Secure User Plane Location (SUPL) Location Center acts as a proxy server to seamlessly select between Real Time Location Service (RTLS) and Global Positioning System (GPS) providers based on the device's connected cellular communication cell and local access points, using received signal strength values to estimate the device's position even when satellite signals are unavailable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple location service providers (GPS and RTLS) are deployed to improve positioning accuracy in different environments, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases as users must manage multiple IP addresses and server locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a location center as an intermediary component that mediates between the portable electronic device and multiple location service providers (GPS and RTLS). The location center receives location requests from the device, automatically selects the appropriate service provider based on current conditions, and returns the position information to the device. This intermediary approach allows the system to utilize multiple providers for improved accuracy while shielding users from the complexity of managing multiple connections and configurations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If satellite-based GPS is used to determine device location, then global coverage is achieved, but positioning accuracy deteriorates in environments with weak satellite signals such as indoors or urban canyons
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic parameter changes by switching between different location determination methods based on environmental conditions. When satellite signals are strong, the system uses GPS; when signals are weak or unavailable (such as indoors or in urban canyons), it switches to RTLS using local access points. This parameter switching approach maintains global coverage capability while adapting to local conditions to preserve positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic selection of location service providers based on real-time conditions. The location center continuously evaluates signal strength and environmental factors to dynamically switch between GPS and RTLS providers. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain optimal positioning accuracy across varying environments, from open outdoor areas to indoor locations with no satellite visibility.
3Measurement precision
If RTLS using local access points is deployed to improve indoor positioning accuracy, then positioning accuracy is improved in local areas, but the system becomes more complex requiring management of multiple access points and servers
Solution Approach 1:
The location center serves as an intermediary that manages the complexity of RTLS deployment. It handles the coordination with multiple access points, selection of appropriate RTLS providers, and processing of position information. This centralised management approach allows RTLS to be deployed across multiple access points and locations without increasing the complexity burden on individual portable devices or end users.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for selecting a real time location service provider enables improved positioning services. The method includes processing a request for a position of a portable electronic device, where the request identifies at least one local access point and a connected cellular communication cell to which the device is operatively connected (step 705). The connected cellular communication cell is then matched with a listed cellular communication cell, where the listed cellular communication cell is associated with the real time location service provider and with a plurality of registered access points (step 710). Further, the at least one local access point is matched with at least one registered access point in the plurality of registered access points (step 715). Finally, the real time location service provider is selected based on an association of the at least one registered access point with the real time location service provider (step 720).