Method and apparatus for determining the position of a terminal in a cellular mobile network

0001The invention relates to a method and an arrangement for Position determination of a terminal in a cellular mobile radio network.

0002is the essential feature of a mobile network that a subscriber telecommunication services from any use any location within the service area can. In particular, in cellular networks such as GSM, GPRS or UMTS networks are different services known whose linked functionality with the position of the participant is, and thereby the user an added value compared to pure mobile telephony offer.

0003Examples of such so-called "Location Based Services" (LBS) or "Location Based Applications" are:<ul><li>Emergency Call with automatic transmission of the present position,</li><li>Disaster warnings to all mobile subscribers, which residing in an affected area,</li><li>position-dependent billing, so that for example for an individual in their home area or for company employees lower call rates are calculated in the workplace,</li><li>Traffic monitoring or tracking the positions of Vehicles (eg taxis or lorries) and transport goods by a headquarters.</li></ul>

0004It is expected that in future also position related information services will continue to increase in importance.

0005the position of a terminal or more must for all LBS Devices to determine which both mobile phones as equipped with appropriate radio equipment Computer may be or microprocessors. The simplest method based on the fact that in the radio network is known, in which Cell a mobile device is located. It should not Modification required at the mobile terminal. In the core areas of large cities, where the cell radii in areas are of several hundred meters, is thereby already a useful for many purposes positioning possible. In rural areas with large cells this SAI ( "Service Area Identity ") - method, however, for many applications too imprecise.

0006The SAI process can be refined in that the Time is measured from the transmission of signals the base station of the cell required to the terminal and back is, that the "Round Trip Time" (RTT). By "base station" the transmitting / receiving system of a base station here understood, ie the "Base Transceiver Station" (BTS). In which SAI + RTT method is a precision in the positioning of about 100 m in a strip-shaped area around the base station around possible.

0007Another known method in which no modification must be made on the terminal, is in several known locations, the arrival times of the terminal the transmitted signal to be measured. To this end, several Post called the network "Location Measurements Units" (IMUs) arranged. This can at the location of a base station be installed or at any other locations.

0008To make a position determination, the terminal will prompted by a message to, for example, to send so-called handover access bursts. At least three LMUs measure the arrival times of these bursts and derive their measurement data to a device in the mobile network, the Mobile Location Center (MLC), continue. From the difference between two arrival times and the known positions the associated LMUs can close the MLC on that the mobile station on a particular, between the LMUs extending hyperbole is. From the points of intersection several hyperboles gives the location of the terminal. Although these so-called OTD ( "Observed Time Difference") - method Accuracies in the order of 30 m are possible, the considerable expense is disadvantageous, the results for the network operator in that it comprises a plurality must install LMUs.

0009Position determination by measurements of arrivals signals is also with this modified terminals possible. These E-OTD ( "Enhanced OTD") - method measures the Terminal, the difference between the arrival times of certain Signals which are radiated from a plurality of base stations. From the measured time differences, the position calculate, if either the measured signals in synchronism be broadcast or the time difference between the Aussendezeitpunkten is known. Also require E-OTD method So an extra effort in that the base stations must be adapted to the additional signals to send. The mobile device must have a considerable processing capacity have to adjust the position calculation can perform.

0010Another class of methods for determining the position uses GPS ( "Global Positioning System"), wherein the terminals must be equipped with a GPS receiver. The positioning using GPS (and in the future with the European GALILEO system) provides a very high measurement accuracy of 10 m or less. However, should sufficient for this process Reception level (sight) of at least four satellites present. This requirement is in particular within critical of buildings or in urban canyons. Moreover, a terminal by the GPS receiver not inconsiderable expensive. For the under construction UMTS networks are also provided micro and picocells, in particular inside buildings and in the central region the cities will ensure a supply. Here are all functioning on the basis of the radio network Positioniermethoden proportional precisely to the cell sizes.

0011Compared with this state of the art, the object of the Invention to provide a method and an arrangement for determining the position a terminal device in a cellular mobile radio network propose that enable a high positional accuracy and at the same time the number of required additional Devices or equipment in the network and at minimize the terminals.

0012This object is achieved by a method having the features of Claim 1 and an An arrangement having the features of claim 12 dissolved.

0013An essential idea of ​​the invention is for determining position zoom to pull such data that do not separately by transmission and measurement of additional Signals between base stations and terminal are determined have to. Data advantageously should rather be used, the already present in the terminal, and in which the Transfer this information to a centralized or decentralized This means for further calculation and administration without additional effort and with minimum load the network infrastructure can take place. If such data interrogated by the terminal, a position of the terminal determined in appropriately designed device in the network will.

0014Concretely, a method is proposed in which in a first step, a measurement data request message from a Position determination server is transmitted to the terminal. The position determination server, a special form be an MLC, for example, a gateway MLC.

0015In a second step, measurement data by network measurements performed for selecting a serving cell in the terminal were, on a data storage in response the request message read. It is particularly those power measurements continuously in the terminal be performed.

0016In a further step the read measurement data from the terminal to the position determination server in the form of a Measurement data response message transmitted. Finally, the calculated position of the terminal in position determination server, and on the basis of the transmitted data. Furthermore, this can field strength models used , as they are known from the network planning.

0017No additional processing capacity for this process the network and only minor modifications to the terminal needed, such as on the software; it must, for example, a GPS receiver to be installed separately. It is only necessary, the measurement data (as in the 3GPP procedure standardized) already in the network measurements to choose from a serving cell incurred to store in a form so, that they read and the position determination server can be transmitted. For example, the Data is read from the memory of the terminal and using a data channel, (eg in a GPRS network) Use the IP interface to the position determination server are received.

0018Instead of numerous LMUs that distributed throughout the network installed must be, here is only one additional processing computer to implement the network. Allows an realized significant cost savings in the network infrastructure will. The MLCs are dispensable for the most part, Serving MLCs can be omitted altogether, as part of Gateway MLC that are not for the position determination server are required.

0019By using an IP data connection can also be the complex in the IT environment and due to specific hardware expensive SS7 connectivity bypass and further communication between position determination server and terminal significantly facilitate comparison with known methods. Finally requires The inventive method also only a minimal additional user channel network traffic.

0020In a preferred embodiment of the inventive method relate to the measurement data, the field strength of at least one Base station of the mobile radio network. The field strength or the is receiving level of a base station at the location of the terminal a key input parameters for the method for Cell selection, for example, from any device. When switching is carried out. Therefore, these field strength is at least in Terminal before. From this can on the distance between the base station and terminal are closed when the transmission power the base station and possibly other data, such as beam shape and direction of the transmitting antenna of the base station known are.

0021In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention affecting the measurement data continue the cell ID of the Base station powered cell. The field strength and cell ID are thereby mutually stored in association in the measurement data storage. If these measured data to the position determination server transmitted, this can on the cell ID, the capture or other geographic location of the base station Facilities of the cellular network to query. From the Field strength of the base station at the location of the terminal, ie the Reception level may then (for a known transmission power of the base station) the mutual distance and the area, where the terminal is located, are calculated.

0022In a further embodiment of the process relating to the Measurement data the cell in which the terminal is currently, and / or adjacent to these cells. Usually missed a terminal at least the field strength of the base station, of which the terminal is supplied, and the reception level the neighboring base stations, typically a total of about three to seven stops. If this data, or Transferred part of it to the position determination server, can this the position of the terminal with correspondingly determine high accuracy. In individual cases it may well be sufficient, serving only the field strength of the terminal Base station or those base station that the Terminal is closest to refer to the calculation. This applies for example. Then, when the transmit antenna of the base station a having very pronounced directivity. In this case, is the localization of small errors of only one Field strength possible.

0023In further embodiments of the invention, the measurement data are advantageously over an IP connection from the terminal to the Position determination server received. Building an IP connection For example, in GPRS or UMTS networks particularly easily possible and can configured in accordance with Devices without active input from the user be performed. Unless the user is appropriate by Configuration of the terminal hereby agree shows, therefore, the position of the terminal can without his intervention be determined at any time in a simple manner.

0024In further embodiments of the inventive method is in an access to the location determination server, thereby query the calculated position of the terminal, the position determination server access authorization checked. Here, for example. In the OMA ( "Open Mobile Alliance ", especially in the Location and Privacy Subgroup) described procedures for application come.

0025This allows a rapid positioning can be achieved, since authorization requests to the HLR or HSS (eg via "Any Time Interrogation 'ATI) can be avoided. Naturally it is also possible to make the position determination server at an AA ( "Authentication / Authorization") - server implement to the methods of examination of credentials to use in a simple manner. Likewise, the Position determination server also processes known per se use as for authentication to in AA servers Application come. To this end, the applications may have on register position determination server.

0026In known OTD method enters a request for a Positioning of a unit or application in the mobile network or an external power first to a gateway MLC (GMLC). This determines the location area ( "Location Area ") of the participant at the HLR and HSS (for GSM or UMTS networks), and checks whether the application is authorized is to query the position of the participant. An admissible Request passes the gateway MLC to a serving MLC further. This selects the LMUs made, calculated from the delivered Measurement data the position and estimates the corresponding accuracy from. The result is then returned to the application. As can be seen from this description, are for some the known processes, the network latency is not insignificant, as to determine the position an extensive Communications is required. An embodiment of a inventive position determination server used by this designed for checking an access authorization is, can reduce this latency.

0027In one embodiment of the method according to the invention is the calculated position and in particular to the terminal even received, which for this purpose in the position determination server is registered. This is useful for applications running on the terminal. This may be due to her for Provided position data specifically more data local relevance from a memory in the terminal or from the mobile network . Check

0028An arrangement for determining the position of a mobile radio terminal in a cellular mobile radio network initially has a Function block for power measurements in the terminal of the Implementation of network measurements to select a serving cell is trained. Moreover, a data memory for temporarily storing data before passing through the network measurements be determined. According to the invention is further a measuring retrieval function block in front of the terminal and a position determination server the mobile network or the operator the mobile network.

0029The measuring retrieval function block is adapted to one of the Position determination server received measurement data request message evaluate. Further, it is configured to in response to this analysis measurement data from the measurement data storage and read out to a data response message create concerning the read out measurement data, and to send reply message to the position determination server.

0030The position determining server is adapted to said measurement data request message to create at the terminal and to send, and the information transmitted by the terminal data response message to receive and evaluate. This includes in particular, to remove the transmitted data and, based on the transmitted measurement data, the position of the calculate terminal.

0031In a further embodiment, the position determination server various closely related to GMLCs Operators also specified in the OMA home and Outboundroaming carry out.

0032In a particularly preferred embodiment of the arrangement is the position determination server especially adapted evaluate measurement data at least the field strength a base station and the cell ID of the base station by these powered cell relate. In a further development the arrangement of the position determination server adapted access location information from base stations or calculate this, and the position of the terminal Based on this base station location information to calculate.

0033In an advantageous embodiment of the invention Assembly includes the measuring retrieval function block in the terminal a Java application. In this way, at least a portion of the Functionality of measuring retrieval function blocks on particular easily be implemented. Many modern devices based on Java applications, so adding a another application at a lower cost is possible. So an inventive Java application as easy to the terminal will be downloaded.

0034In further embodiments of an inventive arrangement is on the terminal a Java runtime environment implemented, in connection with the measurement of the retrieval function block expires. There are specially designed for terminals Java Runtime Environments known, such as the J2ME ( "Java 2 Platform, Micro Edition ") -. Such technology environment provides significant functionality for mobile uses, including user interface functionalities for connection to the network, local data storage, and Application management. A set of APIs for aufsetzende Applications provided. In such Near the inventive method can advantageously especially little effort to implement. That's the way it is possible, for example a particularly simple manner, an IP connection between position determination server and the measurement polling function block produce, over which the measurement data be transmitted.

0035Other aspects, advantages and expediencies of the invention result from the dependent claims and the subsequent Description with reference to FIGS. Of these shows:<sl><li>FIG. 1 in schematic form a cellular mobile radio network, in which the inventive method is performed;</li><li>Fig. 2 shows a simplified network architecture of an inventive Cellular network;</li><li>Fig. 3 is a simplified architecture diagram of a mobile radio network with position determination server and the functional Construction of an inventively embodied terminal;</li><li>Fig. 4 is a message flow diagram illustrating an example of the Message flow according to an embodiment of the invention illustrated.</li></sl>

0036In all figures, identical and functionally identical elements with the same reference numerals.

0037In the wireless network shown schematically in FIG. 1 10 may be a GSM, GPRS, UMTS or TETRA ( "Terrestrial Trunked Radio") - or the like cellular network act cellular network. This network 10 includes a Plurality of cells CEL and CEL1 - on CEL8. Each of these cells is in each case by one of the symbolically indicated base stations 12 supplied. In the schematic drawing of FIG. 1 all cells of the same size and shape, actually can the mobile radio cells but very different dimensions have. The base stations 12 (that is, the BTSs of the base stations) must not be located in the center of a cell, but can, depending on the beam shape of the transmitting antenna of the base stations approximately at an edge or corner of the to serving cell are.

0038In a cell CEL of the mobile network 10 is a located Terminal 14. After switching on the terminal 14 must first found a suitable radio cell for the supply be before the user begin Making and answering can. For this purpose has the terminal 14 via a conventional Cell selection method.

0039To select a cell, the terminal 14 first detects the Reception level on a plurality of frequency carriers. To this end, , the terminal 14, for example, a list of about recourse stored on the SIM card frequency carriers, to the last visited cell and its neighbors belong. In the absence of such a list, the terminal must 14 all possible, that is predetermined by the mobile phone standard Carrier frequencies by scanning. In the example of FIG. 1 could be the terminal 14, the reception level or field strengths the base stations of the cells CEL, CEL1 - CEL8 measured.

0040The carrier frequencies are on the field strength ranked in the form a list in the terminal 14 is stored. Starting from the most measured reception level leads the terminal then other methods known to deal with the mobile network synchronize and possibly prepare a connection. Sinks the reception level of the base stations 12 below a critical value, taking the terminal 14 whose measured field strength is not in the list of metrics. in the Example network of FIG. 1, this could, for example, the base stations the distance from the terminal 14 remote cell CEL4 and CEL7 affect.

0041The list includes in addition to the field strength of the base stations CEL cells, CEL1 to CEL8 the associated cell IDs. This cell identifier is, for example, in a GSM system, the BCCH ( "Broadcast Common Control Channel") - carrier broadcast.

0042The described power measurement does not lead the terminal 14 only when by turning, but even if the Participants to the terminal 14 in the on-state within the mobile network continues to move. The power measurements serve to determine the conditions for a cell change, for, among other things require that the reception level a neighboring cell is higher than the reception level of currently used cell. Because of the frequency of the power measurements give the read in the novel process Measurement data, the current position of the terminal 14 with sufficient accuracy. Alternatively, a power measurement, also by the receipt of a measurement data request message be initiated, as described in more detail below.

0043According to the invention is a device in the network 10 provided, namely a position determination server 16 (or "Location Server", LS). This performs the calculation of the position the terminal 14 through, which is why the terminal 14 no reproached capacity to perform more complex calculations must become.

0044To calculate the server accesses 16 to the measurement data in Terminal 14 (symbolized by arrow 17), that is to the list of the most recent power measurement. The list has, in the example of FIG. 1, the field strengths of the base stations the cells CEL, CEL1 to CEL8 and related Cell IDs. However, not all in the list listed Couples (field strength / cell ID) can be queried, but for example, only the first three items, ie, those base stations with the strongest reception levels. In the example shown in Fig. 1 which relates to the cells CEL 5, CEL6 and CEL8 what symbolized by the arrows 18 becomes. It often occurs that the reception level of the Base stations of neighboring cells are stronger than that of the serving cell.

0045The server 16 also accesses the geographic positions and coordinates of the base stations of the cells of the mobile network 10 to, symbolized by the arrow 19. This query need not be addressed to the base stations themselves, but may refer to a database, more below portrayed.

0046From the position of a base station and the transmission power and directivity (beam shape) of a base station and the strength of the field this base station as of was the terminal 14 is measured, then the server 16 can by known algorithms for locating a geographical determine the range, be in the positions the terminal 14 have to be. This region can, for example, a hyperbolic have. Performs the Location Server 16 this calculation as for three base stations, the terminal is 14 am Intersection of three hyperbolas.

0047Fig. 2 shows in form of a schematic overview some significant nodes of the mobile network 10 from Fig. 1. To prepare an IP connection between the terminal 14 and position determination server 16 is a radio link required between the terminal 14 and a BTS 20th The Connection runs further through a BSC 24, a central Network node 26 (here a MSC / VLR), and a gateway MLC. With the BTS 20 and BSC 24 to a LMU and a Serving MLC be connected, as the known methods for position determination are required.

0048The classic network components BTS 20, BSC 24, MSC 26, HLR and GMLC, in the example shown in Fig. 2 with each other connected by means of the SS7 protocol stack. The connection the Positionsbstimmungs server 16 takes place over a IP connection. In the same way, the transfer of data between the server 16 and a requesting application or an LCS client APL.

0049The connection between terminal 14 and server 16 is based on the IP protocol so that the server 16 no SS7 stack required is. Using this connection, the measurement data can differ from requested terminal and transmitted by this are (arrow 17 in Fig. 1).

0050In FIGS. 1 and 2, essential to the invention Components will be explained in more detail below. In the Fig. 3, some of the nodes of the mobile network 10 as well as the Terminal 14 is shown schematically. The mobile device 14 communicates with a base station 12, more precisely with the BTS 20 of the base station 12 in radio signal communication. Among is generally the exchange of radio signals between the units 14 and 20 via a radio link understood 22 will. This applies particularly to the detection of the of the BTS 22 transmitted broadcast signals in the BCCH channel in the cell (CEL in FIG. 1) in which the terminal 14 is.

0051It also incorporates a base station 12, the BSC ( "Base Station Controller ") 24, as is known in the art. The BSC 24 communicates with other nodes of the mobile network 10 in Connection. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 3 is connected to the BSC 24, in particular a central network device 26.. This may take place at an MSC (see FIG. Fig. 2) also as a SGSN ( "Serving GPRS Support Node") act to the GPRS or UMTS network.

0052At the network device 26 can numerous other nodes be connected, of which in Fig. 3 only the position determining or Location Server shown 16th The server 16 in turn has access to a database 28 and data base with positions and maximum transmit powers of the base stations of the network 10. This data base 28 may be about as Server as part of a subnet for the network management of Cellular network 10 are present. Further, the Location Server 16 access a server 30 having an authentication database. The access from the location server 16 to the data bases 28 and 30 can be direct, as shown in FIG. 3, or via the central network nodes 26th

0053The position determination server 16 has a control unit 46 that controls the other units of the server, of which are essential to the invention shown in Fig. 3 are. In particular, a generation unit is 48 for creating data-request messages and a Measuring data evaluation unit 50 before. From this calculated Position data of the terminal 14 may be in a position data memory 52 saved, as explained in more detail below will be.

0054The terminal 14 has an antenna 32 for sending and Receiving radio signals. The antenna 32 is connected to a transmitting / receiving unit 34 is connected, the radio signals received to a central control unit 36 ​​of the terminal 10 forwards and driven by this, by radio signals via the antenna to send the 32nd The control unit 36 is for communication (via the radio link 12) with means the cellular network 10, and controls to this end, the transmitting / receiving unit 34 according to the protocols the mobile radio standards for cellular networks 10th

0055After switching on of the terminal device 14 via a (not shown) Input unit for user commands causes the control unit 36 a unit for power measurements 38 ( "Network Measurement Unit "NMU), power measurements in the above in connection with FIG. 1 described, the person skilled in known manner perform. The NMU 38 can also be a part of the central However, its control unit 36, it is for reasons of Clarity in FIG. 3 is separated from this illustrated. The Result of network measurements, a list of the measured field strengths with the corresponding cell identifiers or cell IDs, by decreasing order of reception level, to the control unit 32 returned, which in this list a Measurement data memory 40 stores.

0056The data stored in the data memory 40 field strengths and Cell IDs are conventionally used for a renewed accelerating power measurement at reconnection of the terminal 14, prepare a location update or a Reselection in idle mode or during an ongoing prepare voice connection.

0057According to the invention lies in the device 14 further comprises a measuring retrieval ( "Location Information Retrieval ", LIR) -Funktionsblock 42 before, which also be a part of the control unit 32 can represented as a separate block, however, in the Fig. 3 is.

0058The terminal 14 may be, for example, a so-called "Java phone" act, ie a device whose essential Features in the form of Java applications are implemented. The LIR-function block can in this Case for a substantial part of a Java application consist.

0059The terminal 14 may further include a Java runtime environment be implemented, such as a J2ME environment. Based on these Technology can particularly simple IP connectivity with GPRS and UMTS networks are prepared according to the invention over the then the measurement data is transmitted to the Location Server 16th

0060An example of the sequence of the method according to the invention is now based on the message flow diagram of FIG. 4 described.

0061When news shipping and receiving units in Fig. 4 of the Location Server 16 and the terminal 14 presented with LIR function block 42nd Other unit is shown an application APL.

0062The example sequence of FIG. 4 begins with the application APL (from the position determination server 16 view LCS client) in a step S1, a position data request message to the position determination or Location Server 16 sends. Usually, to an IP-based used Internet connection. The application APL may be on a computer, but also to a mobile radio terminal ( "Mobile Device ") are, therefore, a mobile phone or a mobile purpose computer. In the second case the application is using APL in the same area (in English terminology a sogg. "Mobile Internet environment"), as for the used subsequently described transmission of measurement data becomes. It is understood that other data transmission technologies (Leased line, SMS, ...) are used. The application APL can eg. By a user request to be made to the position data request (S1) to generate and send. but trigger may also be a be automatically generated action, such as a cyclic monitoring. The skilled worker is aware of such trigger; which one Attraction triggers in detail, is not for the invention essential.

0063As a result of the step S1 is in the server 16 of the Application APL shipped position data request message receive. In step S2, the Location Server sends 16 in response to the received message is a measurement data request message to the terminal to be located 14, more at the measurement polling function block 42. For this purpose the building Server 16 first an IP connection. This is in a known mobile phone network 10, for example, in the GPRS / UMTS standard based, standardly provided on why not go into the details of this connection set here becomes. The terminal 14 may be a Java phone, on the Java runtime environment (for example, according to the J2ME technology) is implemented. Such an apparatus is also provided for the establishment of IP connectivity, so that here also the details are not explained further.

0064The request message sent to the terminal 14 via the IP connection to query the data is in the preparation unit 48 of the position determination server 16 (this and the following numbers refer to FIG. 3) and created via the control device 46 of the server shipped.

0065The request message passes via the spark gap 20 at the terminal 14 and via the receiving unit 34 to the central control unit 36 ​​of the terminal transmitted. These performs a preliminary evaluation of the obtained request message through and forwards the request to the measurement polling function block 42 further. This is (step S3) caused by the list of recently measured field strengths of surrounding Base stations from the measurement data memory read 40th

0066Here, various embodiments of the request message, or the reaction of the measurement retrieval function block 42 conceivable to the request message. So could the message about contain a parameter which indicates how many read reception levels with the associated cell IDs are, for example, only the strongest three, or all included in the list. It is also conceivable, a parameter with evaluating which according to the "Privacy" settings (Privacy) before reading the measurement data a Message or interactive application to the user of the mobile phone outputs (via its display) and the data then delivers according to the response of the user. After all could be included that causes a parameter that Terminal 14 a renewed power measurement is carried out, the most recent to obtain measurement data.

0067The data read in step S3 measurement data from the measuring retrieval function block 42 is set in a data response message. This is the functional block 42 to the central Control unit 36 ​​passed. Along with the destination address, ie, the address of the position determination server 16, and the accompanying request reference is the response message then Step S4 via the existing IP connection and the spark gap 20 sent to the server 16th

0068In the embodiment of FIG. 4, the transfer takes place of messages in steps S2 and S4 via IP protocol connections. Of course, to another Transport protocol used over the Funknutzkanal.

0069The step S4 ends with the response message in the Control unit 46 received the Location Server 16 and (Pre-) is evaluated. In response to it to be a measurement data response message is, this is to Measuring data evaluation unit 50 passed. here are taken supplied from the terminal 14 measured data and, if necessary cached.

0070To determine the position of the terminal 14 in step S5 based on the field strength or reception levels of the surrounding base stations is information relating to the linkage between base station-related field strengths and the associated geographic coordinates required. For this purpose, engages the evaluation unit 50 read to a data base server 28 to. The database server 28 contains a list of base stations the cellular network 10, for example, all base stations or the base stations of a geographical region. To each base station, the cell ID, the current Position and the maximum transmit power reported, with of the base station transmits on the BCCH. Furthermore, Information about the orientation (lobe) of the base station available. The server 28 may be about part of a subnetwork be the mobile network 10, the network planning and for the Network management is used, but also a database of this derived and as improved by reference measurements Data collection. In this case, would be the actuality the data in the data base 28 by an appropriate administration to ensure or software-technical update.

0071From the positions of the base stations, which transmission power and the measured field strength of each base station can the location of the terminal are calculated. To be used for this purpose Algorithms based on the attenuation and propagation electromagnetic radio carrier waves and are known (And are, for example, to calculate the power structures used). As a result of the position determination passes the evaluation unit 50 the calculated position the terminal 14, possibly supplemented by an indication of the accuracy the position, that the error range ( "± 30 m in East-West direction, ± 10 m in north-south direction ") to the control unit 46th

0072In a step S6, the calculated position data from Position determination server 16 to the application on the APL Terminal 14 transmitted. This can be based on the same Fastening technology as in the position data request take place, usually via IP.

0073Received from the APL application on the terminal position data 14 then according to the exact purpose of this Application further processed.

0074The reference to FIG. 4 described example, by using suitable protocols can be modified. Thus, it is z. B. conceivable that the terminal to be located on demand cyclically, automatically and asynchronously its measured data to the Position determination server which then results for later retrieval by applications stores (example: Vehicle tracking). Also possible is the timed Position monitoring by the position determination server to an appropriate position data request message of an application ( "triggering request").

0075Furthermore, the server 16 may advantageously adapted be, the authorization of the requesting device or application to check. For this purpose, a corresponding authentication verification message to an authentication transmitted or registration data base 30 (see. Fig. 3) will. Is an application in the data base 30 with an entry represents, for example, an application name, an IP address and possibly a password runs, checking the registration or authentication positive. The result of the check is in a Verification response message to the position determination server 16 returned. In the illustrated in Fig. 4 Example would be the justification for the application APL check (Not shown in FIG. 4).

0076In the figures, always just one position determination server shown. Of course, the mobile phone network, several of these Server present, the about certain geographical regions or subnets concern.

0077The foregoing description is meant to be exemplary and to the scope of the invention, the following by the Claims is specified, no limit.