KR100731268B1 - Method, terminal device and system allowing for handling location services independently from a cellular communication system - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a method for requesting location-related information of a mobile communication terminal device, a method for servicing location-related information of a mobile communication terminal device, devices capable of performing the methods, and a system comprising the devices according to the present invention. To start. A basic concept of a method for requesting location related information of a mobile communication terminal device includes encoding a location request. The location request includes instructions and information for instructing the receiving location service network device to retrieve location related information and for transmitting the encoded location request to the location service network device. A basic concept of a method for servicing location related information of a mobile communication terminal device includes receiving a location request as defined above, retrieving location related information according to the location related information, and encoding an encoded location response. Transmitting to the device.

Description

Method, terminal device and system allowing for handling location services independently from a cellular communication system

The present invention relates to a method for requesting location related information of a mobile terminal device, and more particularly to a terminal device and a system capable of processing location services in a manner independent of a cellular communication system in a mobile network.

Different techniques are available for determining information about the location of mobile communication devices, in particular mobile communication terminals. The location information defines the location of the mobile communication device in relation to the reference coordinate system, based on or derived from geographically encoded information, for example, location information such as street name, height, speed, and / or having an application specific data format. To a set of data. This determination of location information can provide a large number of applications and services based on, using it, assisted by and dependent on it.

In general, these location-specific applications and services may be divided into two classes of applications and services. That is, location-based services or applications, ie applications or services that use information about a location to process corresponding derived or dependent service information, for example, and location-dependent services or applications, ie some predefined An application or service that is allowed and / or available to be used within a geographical geographic area.

In general, location-specific applications and services will be one of the important features of the future and a solution is under development. Currently, access to location services provided by cellular communication systems distinguish between internal and external clients. That is, the internal client is a mobile communication terminal device that is subscribed to the cellular communication system and operates as clients requesting location services, and the external client is network entities that access location services provided by operators of cellular communication systems from the outside ( networked entities). Access procedures are different for internal and external clients. Thus, operators of public land mobile networks (PLMNs) must implement location service (LCS) logic for potential clients that are scattered, redundant, and thus inefficiently implemented.

Moreover, location-based applications play an important role in transactions when initiating positioning functions. In order not only to achieve the best possible user experience of location enabled consumer services, but also to make best use of the location function, an important part of the application execution and process will be physically within the mobile terminal. In the case of such use, the location information that results from the location checking function must be available at the mobile terminal available for use of the application residing on the terminal.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an interoperable method that allows a mobile communication terminal device to use location services (LCS) in a manner independent of the cellular communication system to which it is subscribed. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a system comprising a mobile communication terminal device capable of performing the method of the present invention and a location service entity and mobile communication terminal device capable of performing the method of the present invention.

Advantages of the present invention allow operators of public land mobile networks to concentrate additional location related services such as location services and charging of location requests, and to provide centralized privacy processing for requests and basic location information (given by longitude, latitude and precision). Provide enhanced location services, such as geo-services, which translate into city and street related location information. Both external and internal LCS clients may request location information for mobile communication terminal devices, respectively, in a similar and equivalent manner. Moreover, a radio access network (RAN) independent method for requesting location information originating from a mobile communication terminal device is also in a public land mobile network that does not natively support location services (such as IS-95). Enable to provide location services. In addition, multi-mode products used for different radio access networks based on different standards do not need to implement all RAN specific location service procedures and can provide location services between different radio access networks.

The objects of the invention are solved by the accompanying independent claims. The accompanying dependent claims show further embodiments of the presented solutions.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a method for requesting location related information of a mobile communication terminal device from a location serving networked device, that is, a location server providing or delivering location information is provided. The method includes receiving an initiation, encoding a location request, and transmitting the encoded location request.

Initiation, understood as an initiation signal, is performed by an initiator, which may be an auto triggered initiation application executed by user input or on a mobile communication terminal. The initiation sends a signal to a mobile communication terminal device or to an application running on the mobile communication terminal device to generate a location request. Encoding the position request is performed according to a predefined encoding format suitable for the position request. The location request includes, but is not limited to, a set of one or more instructions that instruct at least identification information for the mobile communication terminal device and at least the location service network device receiving the location request to retrieve location related information. The step of transmitting the encoded location request transmits the encoded location request to the location service network device via a wireless communication network. The wireless communication network may further hand over the transmitted encoded location request to a wired communication network to which the location service network device is connected.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the mobile communication terminal device receives the encoded location response as a result of the delivery of the previous encoded location request. The encoding of the position response is performed according to the position request. That is, the location response includes location related information in accordance with a set of one or more instructions requesting to retrieve at least location related information. The encoded position response is decoded in the mobile communication terminal device. The decryption results in location related information that can be provided to one or more applications running on the mobile communication terminal device for further processing.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the encoding is based on extended markup language (XML) encoding or binary encoded extensible generation language encoding. This may be, for example, but not limited to, wireless binary extended markup language (WBXML) as the most common binary encoding for extensible generation language (XML) used in connection with wireless communication. Encoding of location requests according to XML or binary coded XML results in well-defined XML-based location requests and well-defined binary coded XML-based location requests, respectively. Corresponding document type descriptions (DTDs) relate to XML encoding and binary coded XML encoding, which define the structure and content of the resulting XML-based and binary coded XML-based documents that can later be decoded if necessary. do.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the step of transmitting the encoded location request further comprises the step of bounding the encoded location request, adding communication protocol related information to the location request, and the added Sending a location request.

The bounding of the encoded location request results in a location request bound to a suitable communication protocol supported by the mobile communication terminal device. The suitable communication protocol is also applicable to a location service network device that receives the bounded location request. Alternatively, an intermediate network service may be inserted between the communication of the mobile communication terminal device and the location service network device and convert the communication protocol used by the mobile communication terminal device to the communication protocol supported by the location service network device or the like. You can do the reverse. For example, hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP), wireless application protocol (WAP), wireless session protocol (WSP), wireless datagram protocol (WDP), and one of those other Suitable communication protocols may be used as the communication protocol but the possible applicable communication protocols will not be limited thereto.

Communication protocol related information is added to the location request. That is, all additional necessary information such as header information including content type identification information (multimedia internet mail extension (MIME) type), content size information, receiver identification information, and the like is encoded therein.

The added and bound location request is finally sent over the corresponding communication protocol stack, which performs the physical aspects of the communication. For example, the hypertext transfer protocol stack, the wireless application protocol stack, and the wireless session, respectively, according to Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), Wireless Application Protocol (WAP), Wireless Session Protocol (WSP), and Wireless Datagram Protocol (WDP). Although the protocol stack and the wireless datagram protocol stack may be used for transmission respectively, the possible applicable communication protocol stacks will not be limited thereto.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the encoded position response is based on extensible generation language (XML) encoding or binary encoded extensible generation language encoding. This may be, for example, but not limited to, Wireless Binary Extensibility Generation Language (WBXML) as the most common binary encoding for Extensibility Generation Language (XML) used in connection with wireless communication. The encoding of the position response according to XML or binary coded XML results in a well-defined XML-based position response and a well-defined binary coded XML-based position response, respectively. A corresponding document type description (DTD) relates to XML encoding and binary coded XML encoding, which define the structure and content of the resulting XML-based and binary coded XML-based documents which can later be decoded if necessary.

In particular, the resulting location response and encoding of the location request may be based on the same or related document type description (DTD).

According to one embodiment of the invention, decoding the encoded position response comprises parsing of the position response. The analysis of the position response may be performed according to the encoding of the position response. In particular, the analysis may be based on each document type description (DTD) associated with XML-based or binary coded XML-based encoding of the location response.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a method for servicing location related information of a mobile communication terminal device is provided. The method includes receiving a location request, retrieving location related information, encoding a location response, and transmitting the location response.

The location request is received from a mobile communication terminal device and includes, but is not limited to, a set of one or more instructions instructing to retrieve at least identification information and at least location related information for the mobile communication terminal device. The search is performed with the information provided by the received location request. The step of encoding the position response is based on the result of the search step. Correspondingly, the location response includes at least location related information retrieved as a result of the location request. The location response is sent to the mobile communication terminal device that sent the location request.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the location request is an encoded location request. The encoding of the location request is based on XML encoding or binary encoded XML encoding. This may be, for example, but not limited to, Wireless Binary Extensibility Generation Language (WBXML) as the most common binary encoding for Extensibility Generation Language (XML) used in connection with wireless communication. XML encoding and binary coded XML encoding result in well-defined XML-based position responses and well-defined binary coded XML-based position responses, respectively. A corresponding document type description (DTD) relates to XML encoding and binary coded XML encoding, which define the structure and content of the resulting XML-based and binary coded XML-based documents which can later be decoded if necessary.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the encoded location request is analyzed to extract the included information.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the encoding of the position response is based on extensible generation language (XML) encoding or binary encoded extensible generation language encoding. This may be, for example, but not limited to, Wireless Binary Extensibility Generation Language (WBXML) as the most common binary encoding for Extensibility Generation Language (XML) used in connection with wireless communication. The encoding of the position response according to XML or binary coded XML results in a well-defined XML-based position response and a well-defined binary coded XML-based position response, respectively. A corresponding document type description (DTD) relates to XML encoding and binary coded XML encoding, which define the structure and content of the resulting XML-based and binary coded XML-based documents which can later be decoded if necessary.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the step of transmitting the encoded location response further comprises the step of bounding the encoded location response, adding communication protocol related information to the location response, and the added Sending a location response.

The bounding of the encoded location response results in a location response that is bound to a suitable communication protocol supported by the location service network device.

The suitable communication protocol is also applicable to a mobile communication terminal device for receiving the bounded location response. Alternatively, an intermediate network service may be inserted between the communications of the mobile communication terminal device and the location service network device and convert the communication protocol used by the location service network device into a communication protocol supported by the mobile communication terminal device or the like. You can do the reverse. For example, hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP), wireless application protocol (WAP), wireless session protocol (WSP), wireless datagram protocol (WDP) and others of that kind are suitable communication protocols and used as communication protocols. The possible applicable communication protocols may be, but are not limited to this.

Communication protocol related information is added to the location response. That is, all additional necessary information such as header information including content type identification information (e.g., multimedia Internet mail extension (MIME) type), content size information, receiver identification information, etc. is encoded therein.

The added and bounded location response is ultimately sent over the corresponding communication protocol stack which performs the physical aspects of the communication. For example, the hypertext transfer protocol stack, the wireless application protocol stack, and the wireless session, respectively, according to Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), Wireless Application Protocol (WAP), Wireless Session Protocol (WSP), and Wireless Datagram Protocol (WDP). Although the protocol stack and the wireless datagram protocol stack may be used for transmission respectively, the possible applicable communication protocol stacks will not be limited thereto.

According to one embodiment of the invention, a software tool is provided for processing location related information of a mobile communication terminal device. The software tool includes program portions for performing the operations of the above-described methods when the software tool is implemented and / or executed in a computer program.

According to one embodiment of the invention, a computer program product for processing location related information for a mobile communication terminal device is provided. The computer program includes program code portions directly loadable into the local memory of the processing device, terminal device, mobile communication terminal device or network device to perform the operations of the above-described methods when the program is executed.

According to one embodiment of the invention, a computer program product for processing location related information for a mobile communication terminal device is provided. The computer program product includes program code portions stored on a computer readable medium for performing the operations of the above-described methods when the program product is executed in a processing device, a terminal device, a mobile communication terminal device or a network device.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, there is provided a computer data signal representing a program which, when executed by a processor, causes the method steps of any one of claims 1 to 11 to be carried out and which is implemented on a carrier wave. . Carriers are included that contain a set of encoded instructions.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, a mobile communication terminal device for processing location related information for a mobile communication terminal device is provided. The mobile communication terminal device includes a component for receiving an initiation, an element for encoding the location request, and a communication interface for transmitting the encoded location request.

The element receiving the initiation represents an initiator, which may be an auto triggered initiation application, either by user input or running on a mobile communication terminal. The encoding element operates according to a predefined encoding format applicable to the location request. The location request includes, but is not limited to, a set of one or more instructions that instruct at least identification information for the mobile communication terminal device and at least the location service network device receiving the location request to retrieve location related information. The communication interface is used to send the encoded location request to the location service network device via a cellular communication system. The cellular communication system may further hand over the transmitted encoded location request to a wired communication network to which the location service network device is connected.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the mobile communication terminal device further comprises a communication interface and an analysis element capable of receiving an encoded position response. The encoding of the position response is performed according to the position request. That is, the location response includes location related information in accordance with a set of one or more instructions requesting to retrieve at least location related information. The analysis element decodes the encoded position response. The decryption results in location related information that can be provided to one or more applications running on the mobile communication terminal device for further processing.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a mobile communication terminal device according to an embodiment of the above-described method of requesting location related information of a mobile communication terminal device from a location service network device, that is, from a location server that provides or transmits location information It is possible to operate.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a location serving networked device for providing location related information of a mobile communication terminal device is provided. The location service network device includes a communication interface for receiving a location request and sending a location response, an element for retrieving location related information, and an element for encoding a location response.

The communication interface may receive a location request from a mobile communication terminal device. The location request includes, but is not limited to, a set of one or more instructions instructing to retrieve at least identification information and at least location related information for the mobile communication terminal device. The search element may perform a search for location related information with the information provided by the received location request. The element encoding the position response performs encoding of the position response based on the result of the search operation. Correspondingly, the location response includes at least location related information retrieved as a result of the location request. The communication interface may further send a location response to the mobile communication terminal device that sent the location request.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the location service network device is operable according to the embodiment of the above-described method of servicing location related information of a mobile communication terminal device.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a system capable of processing location related information of a mobile communication terminal device is provided. The system comprises at least a mobile communication terminal device and a location service network device, wherein the mobile communication terminal device and the location service network device are at least partially interconnected via a communication network consisting of a cellular communication network. Specifically, the mobile communication terminal device is a mobile communication terminal device requesting location-related information from the above-described location service network device, and the location service network device serves to service location-related information of the mobile communication terminal device as described above. Location service network device.

The invention will be described in more detail by the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic block diagram showing the location technology (LCS) structure of the current technology level according to the 3rd Generation Cooperation Project (3GPP) standard.

2A illustrates a first flowchart illustrating an operation sequence performed by a mobile communication terminal device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2B shows a second flowchart illustrating the sequence of operations performed by the location service network device according to one embodiment of the invention. FIG.

3 shows a block diagram illustrating elements of a mobile communication terminal device and a location service network device capable of performing the above-described operation sequences according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The same parts, elements and / or operations shown in the drawings will be referred to using the same reference numerals.

Shows a schematic block diagram illustrating an exemplary location service (LCS) structure in accordance with ^{the; (3 rd Generation Partnership Project 3GPP} ) standard 1 is a third generation partnership project. 1 relates generally to location service (LCS) features in a mobile communications global system (GSM) and a universal mobile communications system (UMTS).

Typically with respect to a GSM public land mobile network (PLMN), the mobile communication terminal device 100 (UE; user device) is a suitable air interface, herein referred to as the GERAN air interface (Um). Connected to 400 is a corresponding radio access network, herein a GSM edge radio access network (GERAN) 300. Note that the mobile communication terminal device 100 represents one or more mobile communication terminal devices 100 connected to a radio access network (GERAN) 300. GERAN 300 typically includes base transceiver stations (BTS) and base station controllers (BSC) connected to the base transceiver station. The system of base station transceivers (BTS) and base station controllers (BSC) is also represented as a base station (sub-) system (BSS). Location Services (LCS) within a provided cellular communication network (GSM network herein) may also include one or more second generation service switching centers (2G-MSC) 301 and one or more second generation serving GPRS (General Packet Radio Service). ) Supported nodes (2G-SGSN) 302. Both 2G-MSC 301 and 2G-SGSN 302 include the ability to allow mobile communication terminal device authentication and manage location requests of location services (LCS). The inclusion of one of the 2G-MSC 301 and the 2G-SGSN 302 in localization procedures is in particular a function provided by the mobile terminal device 100 and implemented in the mobile terminal device 100. And the type of location measurement method used to determine the mobile communication terminal device 100 as well as the capability. In particular, including one of the 2G-MSC 301 and the 2G-SGSN 302 operates a general packet radio service (GPRS) or circuit switching data (CSD) service, respectively. It depends on the capability of the mobile communication terminal device 100 to be used. The 2G-MSC 301 is connected to the GERAN 300 via the A interface 401 or the Abis interface 401. The 2G-SGSN 302 is connected to the GERAN 300 via an interface (Gb interface) 402 from the base station subsystem to the 2G-SGSN.

Basically, GERAN LCS (Location Service) procedures for determining location information for a mobile communication terminal device are standardized and in particular the following methods are used to determine location information.

Cell coverage based positioning method;

Enhanced observed time difference (E-OTD) location determination method; And

Global positioning system (GPS) based positioning method.

The positioning procedures described above are outside the scope of the present invention and may refer to the Third Generation Collaboration Project (3GPP) standard document for further details. GERAN LCS (Location Service) procedures for determining location information are performed at GERAN 300 and in particular are implemented in a base station controller (BSS) or serving mobile location connected to a base station (sub) -system (BSS) via a dedicated Lb interface. It is performed by a serving mobile location center (SMLC). The serving mobile location center (SMLC) supports the LCS function of GERAN (300).

The home subscriber service entity (HSS) 320 represents and includes both a second generation home location register (2G-HLR) and a third generation home location register (3G-HLR). A home location register (HLR) includes at least location service (LCS) subscriber information and routing information and is accessible from GMLC 200 via home location register interface (Lh) 420. The included 2G-HLR logically relates to the GSM network components of GERAN 300 and further GERAN 300, while the included 3G-HLR logically relates to the UMTS network of UTRAN 310 and further UTRAN 310. Related to the components. This generic HSS 320 is shown for simplicity but does not limit the scope of the invention. The home subscriber service entity (HSS) 320 shown will represent any number of subscriber service entities.

Gateway mobile location center (GMLC) 200 represents a network location service entity for servicing location information of a requested mobile communication terminal device, such as mobile communication terminal device 100. In particular, the GMLC receives and manages location requests for mobile terminal devices and mediates and transmits corresponding responses including available location / position information for one or more requested mobile terminal devices. Represents a device. The GMLC 200 primarily acts as a gateway device operable with external LCS clients, ie clients that are not directly part of a public land mobile network (PLMN), such as an external service provider that requires location information to operate a service. Thus, the GMLC 200 provides and supports a gateway interface (Le) 430 or a reference point (Le) 430, each capable of communicating with one or more external LCS clients 330. The GMLC 200 is further connected to the 2G-MSC 301 and the gateway interface (Lg) via the gateway interface (Lg) 403 used according to the routing information obtainable from the corresponding HLR included by the HSS 320. 404 is connected to 2G-SGSN 302. The illustrated gateway mobile location center (GMLC) 200 may represent any number of gateway mobile location centers.

One or more second generation service switching centers (2G-MSC) 301, one or more second generation serving General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) support nodes (2G-SGSN) 302, a second generation home location register ( One or more Home Subscriber Service Entities (HSS) 320 and one or more Gateway Mobile Location Centers (GMLC) 200 (when GMLC is operated by a provider of a cellular communication network), including 2G-HLR). A core network, in particular herein, forms a GSM core network connected to GERAN 300 via the Abis interface 401 and Gb interface 402.

The external LCS client 330 represents any number of external LCS clients allowed to access location services (LCS) provided by GMLC 200. The external LCS client 330 may be, for example, an external service provider that needs location information for the mobile communication terminal device 100 to generate service related information. As mentioned above, the external LCS client 330 uses a gateway interface (Le) 430 for access, that is, to send a location request and receive a location response. Gateway interface (Le) 430 is a standardized interface and preferably GMLC 200 and gateway interface (Le) 430 are protocol frameworks for manufacturer interoperability exchange of location information with GMLC 200. It supports location inter-operability forum mobile location protocol (LIF-MLP).

Mobile Location Protocol (MLP) relates to the complexity and diversity of individual interfaces and the location methods described above by providing common interfaces between application content engines and between applications and networks regardless of location technologies and air interfaces. Solve the problems. The mobile location protocol also employs interfaces on privacy and security issues, management interfaces for access control, and billing interfaces.

The above description briefly introduced a GSM-based public land mobile network (PLMN) capable of providing location services (LCS). The following description will introduce in a similar manner to a UMTS-based public land mobile network (PLMN) that can provide location services (LCS).

Typically with respect to a UMTS public land mobile network (PLMN), the mobile communication terminal device 100 (UE; user device) is connected to a corresponding air interface, UTRAN air interface (Uu) 410, through a suitable air interface. Access network, herein referred to as a UMTS terrestrial radio access network (UTRAN) 310. Note that the mobile communication terminal device 100 represents one or more mobile communication terminal devices 100 connected to a radio access network (UTRAN) 310. The UTRAN 310 typically includes several Node B entities that can implement local measurement units (LMU type B) and wireless network controllers (RNC) connected thereto. Location Services (LCS) in a provided mobile communication network (UMTS) may also include one or more mobile service switching center servers (MSC server) 312 and one or more third generation serving GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) supporting nodes 3G. -SGSN) 311 is supported. Both the MSC server 312 and the 3G-SGSN 311 are responsible for mobile terminal device subscription authentication and for managing location requests of location services (LCS). The inclusion of one of the MSC server 312 and the 3G-SGSN 311 in a localization operation is particularly provided by the mobile terminal device 100 and implemented in the mobile terminal device 100. It also depends on the location measurement method used to determine the mobile communication terminal device 100. In particular, one of the MSC server 312 and the 3G-SGSN 311 includes a mobile communication terminal device 100 for operating a general packet radio service (GPRS) or circuit switching data (CSD) service, respectively. Depends on your ability. The MSC server 312 is connected to the UTRAN 310 via a UTRAN interface (Iu) 411, in particular the UTRAN interface (Iu) 411 is a UTRAN circuit switched interface (Iu-CS) 411. The 3G-SGSN 311 is also connected to the UTRAN 310 via a UTRAN interface (Iu) 412 and in particular the UTRAN interface (Iu) 412 is a UTRAN packet switched interface (Iu-PS) 412.

Because GERAN, such as GERAN 300, can be operated as a functional subset of UTRAN 310, additional interfaces are the supporting entities of UTRAN 310, herein the 3G-SGSN 311 and MSC server. Provide interconnection of GERAN 300 to 312. Corresponding UTRAN interfaces 405 and 406 (Iu 405, Iu 406) interconnecting GERAN 300 to MSC server 312 and interconnecting GERAN 300 to 3G-SGSN 311, respectively. ) Is shown in FIG. 1.

Basically, UTRAN LCS (Location Service) procedures for determining location information for a mobile communication terminal device are standardized and in particular the following procedures are used to determine location information.

Cell coverage based positioning method;

A method for locating observed time difference of arrival (OTDOA); And

Global positioning system (GPS) based positioning method.

The positioning procedures described above are outside the scope of the present invention and may refer to the Third Generation Collaboration Project (3GPP) standard document to retrieve a detailed description. The UTRAN LCS (Location Service) procedures for determining location information are performed in the UTRAN 310 and in particular by a Serving Mobile Location Center (SMLC), which is in particular connected to a radio network controller (RNC) via a dedicated Iupc interface. It is performed by standalone A-GPS SMLC. The Serving Mobile Location Center (SMLC) supports the LCS function of UTRAN 310.

As described above with respect to the description of the GSM Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) providing location services (LCS), the Home Subscriber Service Entity (HSS) 320 includes a second generation home location register (2G-HLR) and a third. Represents and includes both generation home location registers (3G-HLR). A home location register (HLR) includes at least location service (LCS) subscriber information and routing information and is accessible from GMLC 200 via home location register interface (Lh) 420. The included 2G-HLR logically relates to the GSM network components of GERAN 300 and further GERAN 300, while the included 3G-HLR logically relates to the UMTS network of UTRAN 310 and further UTRAN 310. Related to the components. This generic HSS 320 is shown for simplicity but does not limit the scope of the invention.

Gateway Mobile Location Center (GMLC) 200 operates and provides services in the manner described above with regard to GSM Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) descriptions that provide Location Services (LCS). The GMLC 200 receives and manages location requests for mobile communication terminal devices and mediates and includes corresponding location / position information for one or more requested mobile communication device devices. Represents a gateway device sending responses. The GMLC 200 primarily acts as a gateway device operable with external LCS clients, ie clients that are not directly part of a public land mobile network (PLMN), such as an external service provider that requires location information to operate a service. Thus, the GMLC 200 provides and supports a gateway interface (Le) 430 or a reference point (Le) 430, each capable of communicating with one or more external LCS clients 330. GMLC 200 is further connected to MSC server 312 and through gateway interface (Lg) 413, which is used in accordance with routing information obtainable from the corresponding HLR included by HSS (320). 414 is connected to the 3G-SGSN (311).

One or more service switching center servers (MSC server) 312, one or more third generation serving General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) support nodes (3G-SGSN) 311, third generation home location register (3G-HLR) One or more Home Subscriber Service Entities (HSS) 320 and one or more Gateway Mobile Location Centers (GMLC) 200 (if GMLC is operated by a provider of a cellular communication network) ) Network, in particular the UMTS core network connected to UTRAN 310 via Iu interface 411 and Iu interface 412 described above.

As described above, when the corresponding mobile communication terminal device is subscribed to the GERAN 300 or the UTRAN 310, the external LCS client 330 representing any number of external LCS clients independently manages the gateway interface (Le) 430. Access GMLC 200 via The requested routing information may be retrieved from the HSS 320 by the GMLC 200. Thus, Location Interoperability Forum Mobile Location Protocol (LIF-MLP) is supported by GMLC 200 and provided to external LCS clients.

Additional access methods may be provided to external LCS clients. For example, an open service architecture service capability server (OSA SCS) 430 and a GSM system control function (gsmSCF) entity 350 are additionally illustrated in FIG. Shown. OSA SCS 430 may be used via Open Service Architecture Application Program Interface (OSA API) 440 and may access GMLC 200 through proprietary interface 443. The gsmSCF entity 350 can be used via the OSA SCS 430 connected via an additional proprietary interface 441. The gsmSCF entity 350 communicates with the GMLC 200 via the user location interface (Lc) 442.

The description set forth with reference to the drawings shown in FIG. 1 and to FIG. 1 concentrates on GMLC 200 interaction and interoperability with respect to exemplary GERAN 300 and UTRAN 310 and their additional support elements. It is to be understood that the description including elements and interfaces (reference points) mentioned is not intended to be all exhaustive. Please refer to the corresponding standard techniques for further explanation.

To further illustrate the difficulties of the prior arts overcome by the present invention, location requests of internal clients and external clients will be described below. The internal client is understood that the mobile communication terminal device is subscribed to the GERAN 300 or UTRAN 310, while the external client is an external LCS that is, for example, an independent service content provider from the GERAN 300 and UTRAN 310 service providers. Will be understood as a client.

Mobile terminating location request (MT-LR): The MT-LR is an external LCS client for receiving location / position information of a mobile terminal device which is indicated as a target mobile terminal device. Is initiated by. Hereinafter, a series of operations that outline a procedure based on a mobile destination location request (MT-LR) is presented.

(a) The external LCS client 330 requests the current location of the target mobile communication terminal device 100 from the GMLC 200. The GMLC 200 receiving the request can verify the LCS client identity, authorization and entitlement of the requested location service (LCS), as well as addressable identification of the target mobile communication terminal device 100 from the request data or subscription data. Information, i.e. mobile station integrated services data network (MSISDN) identification information, international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI) identification information, packet data related address identification information or other such kind Induce that. GMLC 200 may also provide additional LCS related information including, for example, LCS type information (eg, current location), LCS quality of service (QoS) information (eg, precision, response time), and the like. Receive.

(b) The GMLC 200 may retrieve routing information for the target mobile communication terminal device 100 from the HSS / HLR 320 by a request-response procedure. The retrieved routing information identifies 2G-MSC 301 or 2G-SGSN 302 or both to support and deliver location information in case of target mobile communication terminal device 100 subscribed to GERAN 300, respectively, In the case of the target mobile communication terminal device 100 subscribed to the UTRAN 310, the MSC server 312 or 3G-SGSN 311 or both are identified to support and transmit location information, respectively.

Selecting 2G-MSC 301, 2G-SGSN 302, MSC server 312, 3G-SGSN 311 to service location information to GMLC 200 is a priority procedure. 100 and the LCS capabilities for the service entities 301, 302, 312, and 311 described above.

(c) 2G-MSC 301 and MSC server 312 each support circuit-switched (CS) data communication, and correspondingly circuit-switched MT-LR (CS-MT-LR) locates It is additionally operated. For example, CS-MT-LR is used in connection with a call (CS related call).

2G-SGSN 302 and 3G-SGSN 311 each support packet-switched (PS) data communications, and correspondingly packet-switched MT-LR (PS-MT-LR) to determine the location It works in addition. For example, the PS-MT-LR is used in connection with a packet switched data communication session.

(c.1) CS-MT-LR (Line Switched MT-LR):

GMLC 200 sends a location request message indicated by HSS / HLR 320 to 2G-MSC 301 and MSC server 312, respectively. The location request message includes at least information about an identity of the target mobile communication terminal device 100 and LCS related information. The MSC / MSC server 301/312 is responsible for notifying the target mobile communication terminal device 100 of the requested LCS when a notification is requested or when the privacy policy indicates a notification (privacy verification).

The MSC / MSC server 301/312 requests a location from the RAN, herein the GERAN 300 or the UTRAN 310, respectively, to initiate one of the methods described above for determining the location of the mobile communication terminal device. Send a message. The method used to determine the location of the mobile communication terminal device takes into account the requested QoS information. The results of the performed location determination method are returned to the initial location request message transmission entity, ie 2G-MSC 301 and MSC server 312, respectively. The results may include location information in the case of a successful decision and error information in the case of an unsuccessful decision.

The used 2G-MSC 301 or the used MSC server 312 sends the received results of the location determination method performed to the GMLC 200 containing additional information.

(c.2) PS-MT-LR (Packet Exchange MT-LR):

GMLC 200 sends a location request message indicated by HSS / HLR 320 to 2G-SGSN 302 and 3G-SGSN 311, respectively. The location request message includes at least information about an identity of the target mobile communication terminal device 100 and LCS related information. The 2G-SGSN / 3G-SGSN 302/311 is responsible for notifying the target mobile communication terminal device 100 of the requested LCS when a notification is requested or when a privacy policy indicates a notification (privacy verification).

The 2G-SGSN / 3G-SGSN 302/311 is directed to the RAN, herein the GERAN 300 or the UTRAN 310, to disclose one of the methods described above for determining the location of the mobile communication terminal device. Send a location request message to. The method used to determine the location of the mobile communication terminal device takes into account the requested QoS information. The results of the location determination method performed are returned to the originating location request message transmission entity, i.e., 2G-SGSN 302 and 3G-SGSN 311, respectively. The results may include location information in the case of a successful decision and error information in the case of an unsuccessful decision.

The 2G-SGSN 302 used or the 3G-SGSN 311 used sends the received results of the performed positioning method to the GMLC 200 containing additional information.

(d) GMLC 200 sends the location information received from one of 2G-MSC 301, MSC server 312, 2G-SGSN 302, and 3G-SGSN 311 as a request response to external LCS client 330. To be sent). GMLC 200 is also a preferred graphics system requested by external LCS client 330 prior to sending the encoding of location information (universal location co-ordinates) provided by SGSNs or MSC / MSC servers. Can be converted to

Mobile originating location request (MO-LR): The MO-LR is initiated by an internal LCS client, i. E. A mobile communication terminal device, for receiving self-relating location information. Hereinafter, a series of operations that outline a procedure based on a mobile origination location request (MO-LR) is presented.

(a) The mobile communication terminal device 100 is a 2G-MSC 301 or a 2G-SGSN (in the case of a RAN related to the mobile communication terminal device 100, which is the GERAN 300, in one of the LCS serving entities). 302, and in the case of a RAN associated with the mobile communication terminal device 100, which is the UTRAN 310, forwarding a service request (access management service request) to the MSC server 312 or 3G-SGSN 311 via the RAN. Set up or use the established wireless communication / signaling connection.

The 2G-MSC 301 and the MSC server 312 each support circuit switched (CS) data communications and correspondingly operate further to determine the location of the circuit switched MO-LR (CS-MO-LR). For example, CS-MO-LR is used in connection with a call (CS related call).

2G-SGSN 302 and 3G-SGSN 311 each support packet switched (PS) data communication, and correspondingly, packet switched MO-LR (PS-MO-LR) operates further to determine location. . For example, PS-MO-LR is used in connection with a packet switched data communication session.

(b) CS-MO-LR (line switched MO-LR):

(b.1) The service request is a corresponding location service entity, i.e. addressed 2G-MSC 301 or addressed MSC server, by a service response indicating acceptance of a service request that includes information about available LCS capabilities. 312). The mobile communication terminal device sends a CS-MO-LR message to the 2G-MSC / MSC server (301/312) containing additional LCS related information and also optional identification information for one or more additional LCS receiving clients receiving location information. Call location services provided by the 2G-MSC / MSC server 301/312. The GMLC address, for example the address of GMLC 200 herein, may be specified in the message or provided by the 2G-MSC / MSC server 301/312 to service location information to additional external LCS receiving clients. have.

The 2G-MSC / MSC server 301/312 is directed to the RAN, GERAN 300 or UTRAN (herein, respectively) to disclose one of the above-described methods for determining the location of the mobile communication terminal device 100. The location request message; The method used to determine the location of the mobile communication terminal device 100 takes into account the requested QoS information. The results of the location determination method performed are returned to the mobile communication terminal device 100 and to the originating location request message transmission entity, i.e., the 2G-MSC 301 and the MSC server 312, respectively. The results may include location information in the case of a successful decision and error information in the case of an unsuccessful decision.

(b.2) If the mobile communication terminal device 100 has also identified one or more additional external LCS clients to receive location information, the 2G-MSC / MSC server 301/312 may be assigned to the mobile communication terminal device 100. Sends to the GMLC 200 a mobile application part (MAP) subscriber location report that includes information about the, one or more additional clients, and additional procedure related information. The MAP subscriber location report is responded by a MAP subscriber location report acknowledgment from GMLC 200.

(b.3) GMLC 200 transmits the location information to one or more external LCS clients correspondingly identified.

(b.4) The MSC / MSC server 301/312 reports the successful transmission of the MAP subscriber location report to the mobile communication terminal device 100 and releases the CM and wireless communication connection.

(c) PS-MO-LR (Packet Exchange MO-LR):

(c.1) The service request is a corresponding location service entity, i.e. addressed 2G-SGSN 302 or addressed 3G-SGSN, by a service response indicating acceptance of the service request including information on available LCS capabilities. Answered from 311. The mobile communication terminal device sends a 2G-SGSN / 3G-SGSN (302 /) to the PS-MO-LR message containing additional LCS related information and also optional identification information for one or more additional LCS receiving clients receiving location information. 311) to invoke the location services provided by the 2G-SGSN / 3G-SGSN 302/311. The GMLC address, for example the address of GMLC 200 herein, may be provided in the message or provided by 2G-SGSN / 3G-SGSN 302/311 to service location information to additional additional LCS receiving clients. Can be.

The 2G-SGSN / 3G-SGSN 302/311 is directed to a RAN, herein to GERAN 300 or UTRAN, to disclose one of the methods described above for determining the location of the mobile communication terminal device 100. Send a location request message to 310. The method used to determine the location of the mobile communication terminal device 100 takes into account the requested QoS information. The results of the location determination method performed are returned to the mobile communication terminal device 100 and to the originating location request message transmission entity, namely 2G-SGSN 302 and 3G-SGSN 311, respectively. The results may include location information in the case of a successful decision and error information in the case of an unsuccessful decision.

(c.2) If the mobile communication terminal device 100 also identified one or more additional external LCS clients to receive the location information, the 2G-SGSN / 3G-SGSN 302/311 may use the mobile communication terminal device 100 The mobile application part (MAP) subscriber location report, which includes information about the < RTI ID = 0.0 >), < / RTI > one or more additional clients, and additional procedure related information. The MAP subscriber location report is responded by a MAP subscriber location report acknowledgment from GMLC 200.

(c.3) GMLC 200 transmits the location information to one or more external LCS clients correspondingly identified.

(c.4) The 2G-SGSN / 3G-SGSN 302/311 reports to the mobile communication terminal device 100 a successful transmission of the MAP subscriber location report.

As described above in connection with the MT-LR and MO-LR procedures, both of these procedures deal with the problem of requesting determination of location information for the mobile communication terminal device. However, the above description also indicates that the present specification distinguishes location applications corresponding to physical location in the processing of procedures. That is, internal requests for location information are handled differently than external requests for location information. The mobile communication terminal device divergence location request (MO-LR) is based on RAN access handled by a 2G-SGSN / 3G-SGSN or 2G-MSC / MSC server and based on a mobile application part (MAP). The MO-LR may also be supported by an additional serving mobile location center (SMLC). Correspondingly, functions implemented in the mobile communication terminal device 100 in order to provide location services and request and use the location information to applications operating in the mobile communication terminal device 100 are related to the mobile communication terminal device 100. Should be adopted in a radio access network (RAN). The description shown in FIG. 1 relates to GERAN and UTRAN by way of example. Additional cellular standards for RANs with location service functions equivalent to the provided MO-LR can be used or can compensate for the lack of location services (LCS) such as the IS-95 standard.

2A illustrates an operation sequence performed by a mobile communication terminal device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The operation sequence represents example operations for overcoming the above-described problems with the MO-LR procedure. The illustrated operation sequence provides a procedure that is used independently from the origination. That is, the same procedure may be applied by the location application at the mobile communication terminal device and at an external entity operating as an external LCS client. The illustrated sequence of operations is indicated as a terminal originated location query (TO-LQ). TO-LQ operates as an Internet-based protocol, that is, a protocol independent of the radio access network (RAN).

In step S100, an embodiment of the TO-LQ procedure according to the present invention starts.

In step S110, the TO-LQ is initiated by the initiator. The initiator may be any of an intermediate device, such as an internal location server function associated with or implemented in a mobile communication terminal device or an application executed by a mobile communication terminal device that accepts user input or operates automatically. It may be a user input.

In step S120, the location request according to the TO-LQ including the instructions and the location request related information is encoded. The location request may be operated by a location request receiving entity that services a corresponding response including location information according to the TO-LQ location request, decrypts the location request, analyzes the decoded instructions and the location request related information. Encoded in such a way that it is. Accordingly, the location request includes one or more of the following information: LCS type information, which enables defining different types of location services such as mobile terminal device identification information, authentication information, verification information, location determination methods, mobile communication terminal Quality of service information such as the location of the device, the location of the mobile communication terminal device being transmitted to another LCS receiving entity, location assistance data, encryption key and response time period, and precision of location information. For example, additional information regarding the above-described information such as GMLC identification information / address information defining GMLC, identification information / address information about LCS receiving entity, etc. may be further included to convey location information to another LCS receiving entity. .

The encoding is for example performed by a dedicated software module or code section which is responsible for encoding the location request. The encoding of a valid location request may be based on a well-defined Extensible Generation Language (XML) document related to the corresponding document type definition (DTD). The well defined XML document contains the LCS related information described above and instructions indicative of the requested location service. GMLC may receive, decrypt and analyze an XML document containing an LCS request according to the TO-LQ. The dedicated software module or code section may be realized as a standalone application called by a suitably defined application program interface (API). In addition, the dedicated software module or code section may be a plug-in software module or equivalent code section such as known as browser applications having software interfaces that associate plug-in software modules.

In step S130, the encoded location request is transmitted to the location service entity. The sending of the location request may include binding the location request to a suitable bearer and service capable of sending the encoded location request. Internet Protocol (IP) based Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) and Wireless Session Protocol / Wireless Application Protocol (WSP / WAP) based messages are suitable for transmitting encoded location requests in a manner independent of the radio access network (RAN). For example, the encoded location request is bound to an HTTP message, and additional information such as the receiving entity address (eg, GMLC's IP address), multimedia Internet mail extension (MIME) type, etc., is further encoded for transmission. Similarly, the encoded location request is bound to a WAP / WSP message and additional information such as receiving entity address, MIME type, etc., is further encoded for transmission. The resulting HTTP or WSP message (s) may be connected to a circuit switched (CS) data communication connection (e.g., HSCSD service: high speed circuit switched data service) or a packet switched (PS) data communication connection (e.g., GPRS: generic packet). Wireless system). The communication service and communication bearer used depend on the capabilities of the associated RAN and receiving LCS service entity (eg GMLC).

In the case of an HTTP / WSP bound location request message, the HTTP stack or WSP stack in the mobile communication terminal device is called to send a TO-LQ location request to an HTTP-based location service entity, for example GMLC, respectively. If the mobile terminal device uses a WAP stack (WSP) to send an encoded TO-LQ location request, a dedicated proxy device or gateway device negotiates between WSP and HTTP and converts WSP-based communication to HTTP-based communication. Or vice versa. The latter communication is supported by a location request receiving entity, for example GMLC.

The step S130 of sending a location request may continue to step S140 or step S170 depending on whether the mobile communication terminal device expects a location response to the location request.

In step S170, the operation sequence ends. That is, it does not wait for a subsequent position response.

In step S140, the mobile communication terminal device waits for a location response to the transmitted location request. The location response can wait within a predetermined time period. The location response includes the location request related information encoded in the previously sent location request and the information according to the provided instructions. The location response may also include error information if the location request service fails. The error information may also include information about the reason for the error. In response to the transmission, the location response is received as HTTP-based or WSP-based communication, for example via one of the bearers supported by the mobile communication terminal device and the radio access network (RAN) used.

In step S150, the received location response is decoded and analyzed to provide, or forward, to further location processing applications of the mobile terminal device, in particular to a response included for delivering to the initiator of the location request that initiated the above-described sequence of operations. Prepare the information.

The location response may be a well defined XML document encoded by a location service entity, eg, GMLC, with respect to the corresponding document type description (DTD). This XML-based location response requires decoding and analysis by a dedicated software module or section of code capable of encoding XML documents based on the corresponding document type description (DTD). The dedicated software module or code section may further be implemented to support the plug-in software module or plug-in code section or equivalent software solution described above.

In step S160, the information included in the decoded and analyzed location response is provided or delivered to the plug-in software module or to one or more applications that further process the information.

The operation sequence provided with reference to FIG. 2A provides an alternative mobile communication terminal device originating location response solution, namely an alternative location request as compared to the MO-LR described above.

Well-defined XML documents that allow for encoding a location request and a location response to the location request may be based on binary encoding of the XML documents, and in particular based on Wireless Binary Extensibility Generation Language (WBXML). Binary coding contributes to efficient data communication. That is, bandwidth can be saved in a wireless communication system, which is economical for users and providers of cellular communication cellular networks because the user can save costs. This WBXML encoding is specified by the WAP forum used in connection with the location service. The WAP Forum LCS-related protocol is optimized for external LCS clients that provide a large number of functions resulting in a complex structure in which the implementation of the WAP Forum LCS-related protocol in a mobile terminal device becomes a heavy protocol that is currently unreasonable.

The MLP protocol used for location related data communication between external LCS clients and GMLC also provides a well defined XML encoding of related location documents. However, the LIF MLP protocol is optimized for external LCS clients that provide a large number of functions that result in a complex structure in which the implementation of the MLP protocol in a mobile communication terminal device is currently an unreasonable heavy protocol.

Both the LIF MLP protocol and the WAP Forum LCS related protocol can be used to derive a lightweight subset from those (related to design and encoding techniques) that are application protocol variants that can be implemented in mobile communication terminal devices. Interoperability aspects should be considered in protocol variants derived by adapting the function of the variants.

The operation sequence shown in FIG. 2A relates to an embodiment of the method of the present invention performed by a mobile communication terminal device. That is, it relates to the encoding of the position request and the decoding of the position response that is the result of the position request. The following sequence of operations provides an embodiment of the corresponding method invention relating to the decoding of the position request and the encoding of the corresponding position response.

2B illustrates an operation sequence performed by a location service network device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In step S200, an embodiment of the location service entity, i.e., the TO-LQ procedure according to the present invention, which is performed in the GMLC herein, begins.

In step S210, the GMLC receives the location request encoded in step S120 of FIG. 2A and transmitted in step S130. The location request is received via a communication interface that allows data communication via the RAN with a mobile communication terminal device. The communication interface can handle IP-based data communications and in particular HTTP-based data communications over IP-based connections. The location request may be received as an HTTP bounded location request message processed through the HTTP stack provided by GMLC. The location request is extracted from the HTTP bound location request message.

In step S220, the GMLC decodes and analyzes the location request including location request related information and instructions as described above with respect to FIG. 2A. If the location request is a well-defined XML document, GMLC implements a corresponding decoder and analyzer for decoding and analyzing the well-defined XML document, taking into account the corresponding document type description (DTD).

The resulting location request related information and instructions instruct and allow GMLC to operate location services.

In step S230, the requested location information is retrieved by the GMLC. The retrieval of the requested location information may require additional operations and location procedures. In particular, the GMLC retrieves location information according to the GMLC controlled operations illustrated with respect to the MT-LR procedure described as in steps (b) to (c) with reference to FIG. That is, the routing information of the next LCS request to the RAN may identify a 2G-SGSN / 3G-SGSN or 2G-MSC / MSC server related to the RAN to which the mobile communication terminal device is subscribed. The routing information may be provided to the GMLC and, if necessary, the routing information may be requested from the HSS / HLR of the cellular communication network. In addition, priority information returned from the HSS / HLR or available to GMLC is considered in routing decisions. Location request procedures equivalent to CS-MT-LR or PS-MT-LR operate via either the identified 2G-MSC / MSC server or the identified 2G-SGSN / 3G-SGSN. The 2G-MSC / MSC server or 2G-SGSN / 3G-SGSN obtains the requested location information from GERAN or UTRAN, respectively, and returns the obtained location information to GMLC. The GERAN and UTRAN determine the location of the mobile communication terminal device in accordance with available and / or supported individual positioning procedures that may or may not include (data communication) interaction with the target mobile communication terminal device.

Individual positioning procedures inclusively include:

A cell coverage based positioning method;

An arrival observation time difference (OTDOA) positioning method (in UTRAN) and an improved observation time difference (E-OTD) positioning method (in GERAN); And

Global Positioning System (GPS) based positioning method.

In the above, the cell coverage based positioning method does not require explicit support by the target mobile communication terminal device. Different methods can also be combined for better precision.

Data communication of the GMLC for retrieving the location information according to the location request of the mobile communication terminal device is performed as a mobile application part (MAP) using respective MAP interfaces.

In step S240, the location information retrieved by GMLC is encoded for transmission. The encoding of a valid location response may similarly be based on a well-defined extensibility generation language (XML) document related to the corresponding document type definition (DTD). The well defined XML document includes relevant information such as the retrieved location information and additionally the precision of the retrieved location. The mobile communication terminal device can receive, decode and analyze an XML document that contains the retrieved location information in association with a previously sent location request. A dedicated software module or section of code may be realized as a standalone application called by a suitably defined application program interface (API) for performing the encoding.

The Internet Protocol (IP) based Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) is suitable for transmitting an encoded location response to a mobile communication terminal device that is similarly routed through an associated Radio Access Network (RAN). For example, the encoded location response is bounded with an HTTP message, receiving entity address (e.g., international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI), mobile station integrated service data network (MSISDN) identification or packet service identification). ), Such as multimedia Internet mail extension (MIME) type, is further encoded for transmission.

In step S250, when the received location request indicates retransmission, the encoded location response is sent to the mobile communication terminal device. In addition, if the received location request indicates retransmission, the encoded location response is sent, for example exclusively or in addition, to another receiving entity defined in the location request. If further indicated, a notification may be sent to the mobile communication terminal device indicating that the location response is to be further defined to a receiving entity, for example an external LCS client.

In step S260, the operation sequence ends.

3 illustrates elements of a mobile communication terminal device and a location service network device capable of performing the above-described operation sequences according to an embodiment of the present invention. A system of location service entities 200 such as mobile communication terminal device 100 and GMLC 200 is provided. Both the mobile communication terminal device 100 and the GMLC 200 may perform the above-described operation sequences according to an embodiment of the present invention. The mobile communication terminal device 100 operates the HTTP stack allowing data communication with the GMLC 200 operating the HTTP stack. The mobile communication terminal device 100 alternatively operates a WAP stack (WSP) that allows data communication with the GMLC 200 via the HTTP / WSP proxy device 150 or the gateway device 150. Proxy device 150 or gateway device 150 is responsible for converting WSP-based communication to HTTP-based communication and vice versa. In general, data communication between the mobile communication terminal device 100 and the GMLC 200 is carried over a radio access network (RAN), which is associated with the mobile communication terminal device 100 and is an example. For example, it provides interoperability data communication capability to GMLC 200 that is connected to an IP-based network such as the Internet.

The mobile communication terminal device 100 includes an application 101, an encoder 102, an analyzer 103, a communication agent 105, an HTTP and / or a WAP stack (WSP stack) 106, and the like. Communication adapter or communication air interface 107. The analyzer 103 operates as a decoder, an analyzer and / or an interpreter for decoding, analyzing and / or interpreting the position responses received by the mobile communication terminal device 100. The analyzer 103 is responsible for processing the received location response in a manner suitable for the location information included in the location response to be provided or communicated to one or more applications that use or process the location information in encoding. Correspondingly, the function of the analyzer 103 depends on the encoding technique used to encode the position response.

GMLC 200 provides location services 211, encoder 121, analyzer 213, communication agent 215, HTTP stack 216 and communication adapter or network interface 217 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Include. The analyzer 103 operates as a decoder, an analyzer and / or an interpreter for decoding, analyzing and / or interpreting a location request received from the mobile communication terminal device 100. The analyzer 103 receives the location request in a manner suitable for the location request related information and instructions included in the location request to be provided or communicated to one or more applications that process retrieval of the requested location information in accordance with the location request at the time of encoding. Responsible for dealing with. Correspondingly, the functionality of the analyzer 103 depends on the encoding technique used to encode the position request.

In accordance with the above-described methods according to the invention, the operation sequences will simply be repeated to indicate the function and interaction of the elements shown. One of the applications 101 operable in the mobile communication terminal device 100 initiates a request for location services, for example, requesting the current location of the mobile communication terminal device 100. The dedicated location service software tool may encode a corresponding location request that includes location request related information and instructions that define the required location service. The dedicated location service software tool may be one of the applications 101 (e.g., a plug-in software tool) that performs encoding in relation to the encoder 102 or the encoder 102. As mentioned above, the encoded location request may be a well defined XML based location request and in particular a well defined WBXML based location request. This encoded location request is sent to a dedicated location service entity, here GMLC 200. The communication agent 105 may bound a location request encoded with a suitable supported communication protocol and a suitable supported communication bearer. Suitable communication protocols supported in almost all cellular communication networks are the Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) and the Wireless Session Protocol (WSP). Moreover, many operating cellular communication networks may also use Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP). Wireless application protocol (WAP) and wireless session protocol (WSP) as well as hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP) are suitable for bound coded location requests. The bound coded location request is further passed to the corresponding protocol stack 106 (ie, HTTP and / or WSP stack 106) and via a communication adapter 107 a radio access such as GERAN or UTRAN described above. Sent to the network RAN. In the mobile communication terminal device 100, the communication adapter 107 is an over-the-air communication adapter that provides for the use of a suitable bearer supported by the associated RAN.

The terminal originating location query (TO-LQ) of the present invention is intended to operate independently from the associated radio access network which is guaranteed by using HTTP, WAP or WSP allowing the mobile communication terminal device 100 to use IP based location services. It is intended. Assuming that the location service entity, GMLC 200, is an IP-based server, GMLC 200 supports HTTP and expects to receive a location request from mobile communication terminal device 100 bound to an HTTP-based message. When the location request is bound to a WAP or WSP based message, a mediating network entity 150, such as a WAP / WSP proxy or WAP / WSP gateway, may convert the WAP / WSP based location message into a corresponding HTTP based message or You can reverse the conversion.

Finally, the HTTP-based location request is received by the communication adapter 217 of the GMLC 200 and passed to the communication agent 215 and the HTTP stack that extract the encoded location request. The encoded location request is decoded, analyzed and interpreted by the analyzer 213 to operate the location services 211 of the GMLC 200 in accordance with the location request. The analyzer 213 is similar to the operation of the encoder 102 implemented in the mobile communication terminal device 100 but must process the encoded location request in a reverse manner. That is, for a location request encoded based on a well-defined XML document or a well-defined WBXML document, the analyzer 213 analyzes and interprets the XML / WBXML encoded location request based on the corresponding document type description (DTD). do. The resulting instructions and location request related information are passed to location services 211 provided by GMLC 200. The location services 211 of the GMLC 200 access the requested location information from the core network of the cellular system to which the mobile communication terminal device 100 subscribes or perform location determination procedures provided and supported by the radio access network. It is understood as a gateway service that can be accessed.

When the location response is requested or expected by the mobile communication terminal device 100, the retrieved location information is encoded by the encoder 212 provided with the location information retrieved from the location services 211. The encoding of the position response may be based on the same encoding technique as the technique used to encode the position request. The communication agent 215 bounds the location response into an HTTP-based communication message and passes it to the HTTP stack 216 and is sent to the mobile communication terminal device 100 via the communication adapter 217.

If necessary, the intermediary network entity 150 converts the HTTP-based message into a WAP / WSP-based message supported by the mobile communication terminal device 100.

The mobile communication terminal device 100 receives the location response via the communication adapter 107. The location response is forwarded to the HTTP / WSP stack 106, then forwarded to the communication agent 105 and finally to the analyzer 103. The analyzer 103 should process the encoded position response in a manner similar to the operation of the encoder 212 implemented in GMLC 200 but in the opposite manner. That is, for a position response encoded based on a well defined XML document or a well defined WBXML document, the analyzer 103 analyzes and interprets the XML / WBXML encoded position response based on the corresponding document type description (DTD). do. The resulting location information is passed to one of the applications 101. In particular, the location information can be passed to the application that initiated the location request.

The present invention has been described in terms of using hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP), wireless application protocol (WAP) and wireless session protocol (WSP). The invention has also been described in terms of using corresponding communication protocol stacks, such as a hypertext transfer protocol stack, a wireless application protocol stack, and a wireless session protocol stack. It will be understood that the communication protocols and communication protocol stacks represent exemplary implementations of embodiments according to the present invention. Multiple additional communication protocols (eg, wireless datagram protocol) and corresponding communication protocol stacks (eg, wireless datagram protocol stack) can be used in connection with embodiments in accordance with the present invention, and are described above. It is known to those skilled in the art to implement them instead of the equivalents. The intermediary network entity, corresponding to the above-described intermediary network entity 150, which represents a WAP / WSP proxy or WAP / WSP gateway and may convert WAP / WSP based location messages into corresponding HTTP based messages and vice versa. 150 is adapted to convert the communication protocol (s) used by the mobile communication terminal device 100 to the communication protocol (s) used by the location service entity 200 or vice versa.

It will also be noted that binary encoding of Extensible Generation Language (XML) was primarily referred to as Wireless Binary Extensibility Generation Language (WBXML). Wireless Binary Extensibility Generation Language (WBXML) represents the most common binary encoding for Extensibility Generation Language (XML) used in connection with wireless communications. Since the type of encoding of the targeted requests and responses according to embodiments of the invention does not affect the conceptual idea on which the invention is based, the encoding is (understood by both transmitting and receiving entities). It may be performed in any suitable manner, and in particular, the binary encoding of the Extensible Generation Language (XML) may be based on some definition different from the Wireless Binary Extensibility Generation Language (WBXML), which represents a group of binary coded Extensibility Generation Languages. .

As technology advances, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the concept of the present invention may be implemented in several different numbers of ways. Accordingly, the invention and its embodiments are not limited to the examples described above but may vary within the scope of the claims.

Claims (21)

A method for requesting location related information of a mobile communication terminal device, Receiving an initiation instructing to encode a location request; Encoding, by the mobile communication terminal device, a location request in a predefined encoding format independent of the subscribed radio access network, the location request to at least identification information for the mobile communication terminal device and at least a location service network device. Instructions for instructing the user to retrieve location related information; Bounding the encoded location request to a suitable internet based communication protocol; Adding information related to the communication protocol to the location request; And Sending the bounded location request via a wireless communication network via a suitable communication stack corresponding to the communication protocol. The method of claim 1, The predefined encoding format is A well-defined XML-based format based on the corresponding document type description; And A one of a well-defined binary coded XML-based format based on the corresponding document type description. The method of claim 1, Receiving an encoded position response encoded according to the predefined encoding format of the position request, the position response comprising at least position related information; And Decoding the encoded position response such that the included position related information is available for further processing. The method of claim 3, The encoded location response is encoded as one of a well-defined XML-based location response based on a corresponding document type description and a well-defined binary coded XML-based location response based on a corresponding document type description. How to. The method of claim 4, wherein The decoding of the encoded position response includes: Parsing the location response. In the method for servicing location-related information of the mobile communication terminal device, Receiving, by the mobile communication terminal device, a location request encoded in a predefined encoding format independent of the subscribed radio access network, wherein the location request comprises at least identification information for the mobile communication terminal device and at least location service network; Instructions for directing a device to retrieve the location related information; Retrieving the location related information according to the location request; Encoding a position response in a predefined encoding format, the position response comprising at least the retrieved position related information; Bounding the encoded location response to a suitable internet based communication protocol; Adding information related to the communication protocol to the location response; And Sending the bounded location response to the mobile communication terminal device over a suitable communication protocol stack corresponding to the communication protocol. The method of claim 6, The predefined encoding format is A well-defined XML-based format based on the corresponding document type description; And A one of a well-defined binary coded XML-based format based on the corresponding document type description. The method of claim 6, The location request is a coded location request, which is one of a well-defined XML-based location request based on a corresponding document type description and a well-defined binary coded XML-based location request based on a corresponding document type description. How to. The method of claim 8, -Analyzing the encoded location request. A computer readable medium storing a program for processing location related information for a mobile communication terminal device. A computer having a program recorded thereon for executing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9 when the program is implemented as a computer program for execution in a processing device, a terminal device, a communication terminal device or a network device. Readable media. delete delete delete A mobile communication terminal device capable of requesting location related information from a location service network device in a manner independent of the radio access network to which the mobile communication terminal device is subscribed, A component for receiving an initiation to encode a location request; An element 102 for encoding the location request in a predefined encoding format, the location request instructing at least the identification information for the mobile communication terminal device and at least the location service network device to retrieve location related information; An element comprising a; An element bounding the encoded location request to a suitable internet based communication protocol; An element for adding information relating to the communication protocol to the location request; And A communication interface (105, 106, 107) for transmitting said encoded location request to said location service network device via a cellular communication system and receiving an encoded location response according to said encoded location request from said location service network device; Mobile communication terminal device comprising a. The method of claim 14, The communication interface (105, 106, 107) is further adapted to receive an encoded position response according to the encoded position request, the encoded position response comprising at least position related information; A component (103) for analyzing the encoded position response, wherein the included position related information is adapted for use for further processing. delete A location serving networked device for servicing location related information of a mobile communication terminal device, A communication interface (215, 216, 217) for receiving a location request from a mobile communication terminal device and for transmitting a location response to the mobile communication terminal device, wherein the location request includes at least identification information for the mobile communication terminal device and at least the Instructions for instructing a location service network device to retrieve the location related information, the location request comprising: a communication interface encoded in a predefined encoding format independent of a radio access network to which the mobile communication terminal device subscribes; An element 211 for retrieving the location related information according to the location request; An element (212) for encoding the position response in a predefined encoding format according to the encoding of the position request, wherein the position response includes at least the retrieved position related information; An element bounding the encoded location request to a suitable internet based communication protocol; And A element for adding information relating to the communication protocol to the location request. delete A system comprising at least a mobile communication terminal device and a location service network device interconnected via a communication network comprising at least partly a wireless communication network, the system capable of processing location related information of the mobile communication terminal device, comprising: The mobile communication terminal device is: A component for receiving an initiation to encode a location request; An element 102 for encoding the location request in a predefined encoding format independent of the radio access network to which the mobile communication terminal is subscribed, the location request at least identifying information for the mobile communication terminal device and at least location An element comprising instructions to direct a service network device to retrieve location related information; An element bounding the encoded location request to a suitable internet based communication protocol; An element for adding information relating to the communication protocol to the location request; And A communication interface (105, 106, 107) for transmitting said encoded location request to said location service network device via a cellular communication system, The location service network device is: A communication interface 215, 216, 217 for receiving a location request from a mobile terminal device and sending a location response to the mobile terminal device, wherein the location request is at least identification information for the mobile terminal device and at least location; Instructions for instructing a service network device to retrieve the location related information, the location request comprising: a communication interface encoded in a predefined encoding format independent of a radio access network to which the mobile communication terminal device subscribes; An element 211 for retrieving the location related information according to the location request; An element that binds the encoded location response to a suitable internet based communication protocol; An element for adding information relating to the communication protocol to the location request; And An element 212 for encoding the position response in a predefined encoding format independent of the radio access network to which the mobile communication terminal device is subscribed, the position response comprising at least the retrieved position related information; System characterized in that. delete delete

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