SUPL Periodic Positioning Method for Mobile Terminals

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current mobile communications systems lack a standardized method for periodic positioning in Secure User Plane Location (SUPL) based position information systems, which is essential for providing continuous location services to users.

Innovation Solution

A periodic positioning method is introduced in the SUPL system, where a location server initiates a session with a target terminal, sends trigger information, and exchanges messages to calculate and report the terminal's position at predetermined intervals, allowing for continuous location tracking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If periodic positioning is implemented in SUPL system, then continuous location tracking capability is improved, but standardization and compatibility with existing network elements become problematic

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous location tracking capabilityVSAvoidcompatibility with existing network elements
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic positioning functionality within the existing SUPL framework by reusing established message types (SUPL INIT, SUPL POS INIT, SUPL REPORT) and network elements (H-SLP, V-SLP, SET). The solution adds periodic positioning capability without requiring new standardized protocols or network components, making the system universally compatible with existing SUPL infrastructure while enabling continuous location tracking

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic trigger parameters (reporting period, start time, end time) that allow flexible configuration of periodic positioning sessions. The location server can dynamically initiate and control periodic positioning based on client requirements, adapting the positioning schedule to different service needs while maintaining compatibility with the static SUPL protocol structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If frequent position updates are sent, then location tracking accuracy is improved, but signaling overhead between terminal and location server increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocation tracking accuracyVSAvoidsignaling overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic positioning by setting a reporting period parameter that determines the interval between position updates. Instead of continuous or frequent updates, the system sends position reports at predetermined periodic intervals (e.g., every 5 seconds, every minute), reducing signaling overhead while maintaining acceptable location tracking accuracy for mobile terminals

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent allows dynamic adjustment of the reporting period parameter to balance between location tracking accuracy and signaling overhead. The location server can configure different reporting periods based on terminal mobility, service requirements, and network conditions, optimizing the trade-off between update frequency and signaling load

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP1920543B1Periodic positioning method in mobile communications system
Publication Date: 2013.07.17 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP1920543B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1920543B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1920543B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A positioning method in a SUPL based position information system, and more particularly, a method for performing periodic positioning capable of processing a periodic positioning request by a location server or a periodic positioning request by a mobile communications terminal when the location server and the terminal respectively manage a trigger generating the periodic positioning.