SUPL Server Network Detection for Mobile Location

Solution Overview

Problem

In a communication system where mobile stations can access both 3G and LTE networks, existing location support devices face increased communication volume and potential delays in transmitting location results due to the need to inquire about the accessed communication network from both protocols, as information about the used protocol is not retained in the subscriber information database.

Innovation Solution

A location system comprising a location information providing device and a management device that determines the accessed network by analyzing location information requests and transmitting relevant terminal information to efficiently acquire and transmit location information, thereby reducing unnecessary inquiries to non-accessed networks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the location support device inquires about the accessed communication network from both 3G and LTE exchanges, then the location information can be obtained from either network, but the communication volume increases and transmission delays occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocation information acquisitionVSAvoidcommunication efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile station performs preliminary action by including information indicating the accessed communication network (3G or LTE) in the location information request message sent to the location information providing device. This allows the location support device to determine in advance which exchange to inquire, avoiding the need to query both exchanges and thereby reducing communication volume and transmission delays while maintaining reliable location information acquisition

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the location support device inquires about the accessed communication network from both 3G and LTE exchanges, then the location information can be obtained from either network, but transmission delays occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocation information acquisitionVSAvoidlocation result transmission time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile station performs preliminary action by including information indicating the accessed communication network (3G or LTE) in the location information request message sent to the location information providing device. This allows the location support device to determine in advance which exchange to inquire, avoiding the need to query both exchanges and thereby reducing communication volume and transmission delays while maintaining reliable location information acquisition

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2704457B1Position measurement system, position information provision device, position information administration device, and position measurement method

Publication Date: 2017.08.09 NTT DOCOMO INC

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AI summary

Location support relating to a mobile station that can make use of multiple communication networks is provided more efficiently. In an SUPL server of a location system, a judgment is made as to which of two communication networks is accessed by a mobile station based on information specifying the access point of the mobile station, with this access point being notified from the mobile station, whereby the information is then notified from the SUPL server to a location information management device. As a result, in the location information management device, requests to a communication network, which is not accessed by the mobile station, for location information for use in location of the mobile station are suppressed. This makes it possible for location support relating to a mobile station capable of using multiple communication networks to be carried out more efficiently.