ES2192157T3

Method and device for position determination

Abstract

Method for determining the position of a terminal device using one or more positioning methods, characterized in that a positioning method selection device (PMSD) is provided in the terminal device in the terminal device to centrally manage by one or more programs of application the use of one or more positioning methods.

ES2192157T3, drawing sheet 1 — Sheet 1 of 8

Term

Term ended

Projected expiry passed 2 July 2021, 5.2 years ago.

66 claims: 20 independent, 46 dependent

1
ES 2 192 157 T3 REIVINDICACIONES 1. Un método para determinar la posición de un dispositivo terminal utilizando dos o más métodos de posicionamiento (206 a 209), en el que se proporciona un dispositivo de selección del método de posicionamiento (PMSD) (204) en el dispositivo terminal para gestionar el uso de dichos dos o más métodos de posicionamiento mediante uno o más programas de aplicación (201, 202) ejecutables por el dispositivo terminal, caracterizado por que el dispositivo de selección del método de posicionamiento recibe datos de posicionamiento de dichos dos o más métodos de posicionamiento, por que el dispositivo de selección del método de posicionamiento determina si los datos de posicionamiento recibidos de dichos dos o más métodos de posicionamiento cumplen un requisito de calidad recibido de uno en particular de dichos uno o más programas de aplicación y por que el dispositivo de selección del método de posicionamiento proporciona datos de posicionamiento que cumplen con dicho requisito de calidad en dicho uno en particular de dichos uno o más programas de aplicación.
2
Un método de acuerdo con la reivindicación 1, caracterizado por que dicho dispositivo terminal es un dispositivo de terminal portátil.
3
Un método de acuerdo con la reivindicación 1, caracterizado por que al menos uno de dichos dos o más métodos de posicionamiento está implementado en dicho dispositivo terminal.
4
Un método de acuerdo con las reivindicaciones 1, 2 o 3, caracterizado por que al menos uno de dichos dos o más métodos de posicionamiento es externo a dicho dispositivo terminal.
5
Un método de acuerdo con la reivindicación 4, caracterizado por que dicho dispositivo de selección del método de posicionamiento registra la conexión de un método de posicionamiento externo a dicho dispositivo terminal.
6
Un método de acuerdo con cualquiera de las reivindicaciones 1 a 5, caracterizado por que dicho dispositivo terminal es un terminal móvil de una red de comunicaciones móviles.
7
Un método de acuerdo con cualquiera de las reivindicaciones 1 a 6, caracterizado por que el dispositivo de selección del método de posicionamiento recibe una solicitud de datos de posicionamiento de uno en particular de dichos uno o más programas de aplicación.
8
Un método de acuerdo con cualquiera de las reivindicaciones 1 a 7, caracterizado por que el dispositivo de selección del método de posicionamiento recibe una indicación de un requisito de calidad para dichos datos de posicionamiento establecidos por dicho uno en particular de dichos uno o más programas de aplicación.
9
Un método de acuerdo con la reivindicación 8, caracterizado por que el dispositivo de selección del método de posicionamiento selecciona un método de posicionamiento para su uso por dicho uno en particular de dichos uno o más programas de aplicación que puede proporcionar datos de posicionamiento que cumplen con dicho requisito de calidad.
10
Un método de acuerdo con cualquiera de las reivindicaciones 1 a 9, caracterizado por que el dispositivo de selección del método de posicionamiento mantiene un registro de cuál de dichos dos o más métodos de posicionamiento está disponible para su uso por parte de dichos uno o más programas de aplicación.
11
Un método de acuerdo con cualquiera de las reivindicaciones 1 a 10, caracterizado por que el dispositivo de selección del método de posicionamiento monitoriza una condición de funcionamiento de dichos dos o más métodos de posicionamiento.
12
Un método de acuerdo con cualquiera de las reivindicaciones 1 a 11, caracterizado por que el dispositivo de selección del método de posicionamiento recibe al menos una condición para la selección de un método de posicionamiento para el uso de uno en particular de dichos uno o más programas de aplicación.
13
Un método de acuerdo con cualquiera de las reivindicaciones 1 a 12, caracterizado por que el dispositivo de selección del método de posicionamiento recibe una condición para la selección de un método de posicionamiento de un usuario del dispositivo terminal.
14
Un método de acuerdo con la reivindicación 13, caracterizado por que dicha condición para la selección de un método de posicionamiento recibido del usuario del dispositivo terminal es uno de los siguientes:un orden de preferencia relativo a la selección de un método de posicionamiento, una calidad deseada de datos de posicionamiento.
15
Un método de acuerdo con las reivindicaciones 13 o 14, caracterizado por que dicha condición para la selección de un método de posicionamiento recibida del usuario se introduce directamente en el dispositivo de selección del método de posicionamiento a través de una interfaz de usuario del dispositivo terminal. ES 2 192 157 T3
16
Un método de acuerdo con cualquiera de las reivindicaciones 12 a 15, caracterizado por que el dispositivo de selección del método de posicionamiento aplica dicha condición para la selección de un método de posicionamiento a todos los dichos uno o más programas de aplicación.
17
Un método de acuerdo con la reivindicación 1, caracterizado por que el dispositivo de selección del método de posicionamiento determina si los datos de posicionamiento recibidos de dichos dos o más métodos de posicionamiento cumplen con una condición recibida del usuario.
18
Un método de acuerdo con la reivindicación 1, caracterizado por que el dispositivo de selección del método de posicionamiento recibe y combina los datos de posicionamiento de más de un método de posicionamiento.
19
Un método de acuerdo con la reivindicación 1, caracterizado por que el dispositivo de selección del método de posicionamiento proporciona los datos de posicionamiento a uno en particular de dichos uno o más programas de aplicación.
20
Un método de acuerdo con la reivindicación 1, caracterizado por que el dispositivo de selección del método de posicionamiento proporciona los datos de posicionamiento a uno en particular de dichos uno o más programas de aplicación en un formato solicitado por dicho programa de aplicación en particular.
21
Un método de acuerdo con la reivindicación 1, caracterizado por que el dispositivo de selección del método de posicionamiento proporciona datos de posicionamiento obtenidos en relación con una solicitud de datos de posicionamiento de un primer programa de aplicación a dicho primer programa de aplicación y a un segundo programa de aplicación.
22
Un método de acuerdo con la reivindicación 21, caracterizado por que el dispositivo de selección del método de posicionamiento proporciona dichos datos de posicionamiento obtenidos en relación con una solicitud de datos de posicionamiento a partir de dicho primer programa de aplicación a dicho segundo programa de aplicación si dichos datos de posicionamiento cumplen un requisito de calidad establecido por dicho segundo programa de aplicación.
23
Un método de acuerdo con la reivindicación 1, caracterizado por que si dichos datos de posicionamiento recibidos de dichos dos o más métodos de posicionamiento no cumplen un requisito de calidad establecido por uno en particular de dichos uno o más programas de aplicación, el dispositivo de selección del método de posicionamiento informa a dicho programa de aplicación particular que los datos de posicionamiento no cumplen con dicho requisito de calidad.
24
Un método de acuerdo con cualquiera de las reivindicaciones 1 a 23, caracterizado por:mantener en el dispositivo terminal un registro centralizado sobre al menos una propiedad de posicionamiento de dichos uno o más métodos de posicionamiento;mantener en el dispositivo terminal un registro centralizado que comprende al menos una condición especificada para la selección de un método de posicionamiento;permitir que un programa de aplicación envíe una solicitud de posicionamiento;y seleccionar un método de posicionamiento para su uso que cumpla al menos una condición especificada para la selección de un método de posicionamiento.
25
Un método de acuerdo con la reivindicación 24, caracterizado por que dicha al menos una propiedad de posicionamiento de dichos dos o más métodos de posicionamiento comprende al menos un parámetro que indica una calidad de posicionamiento.
26
Un método de acuerdo con la reivindicación 24, caracterizado por que dicha al menos una condición especificada para la selección de un método de posicionamiento comprende al menos un valor requerido para al menos un parámetro que indica una calidad de posicionamiento.
27
Un método de acuerdo con la reivindicación 26, caracterizado por que dicho al menos un valor de parámetro se especifica mediante un programa de aplicación que envía una solicitud de posicionamiento.
28
Un método de acuerdo con la reivindicación 24, caracterizado por que dicha selección se realiza de acuerdo con al menos una condición especificada mediante la comparación de al menos una propiedad de posicionamiento de dos o más métodos de posicionamiento con al menos una condición de posicionamiento de una solicitud de posicionamiento recibida.
29
Un método de acuerdo con la reivindicación 24, caracterizado por que en dicho registro centralizado, en el que se mantiene al menos un registro sobre las propiedades de posicionamiento de dos o más métodos de posicionamiento, al menos un registro también se mantiene sobre al menos un valor esperado de dicha al menos una propiedad de posicionamiento de dichos dos o más métodos de posicionamiento. ES 2 192 157 T3
30
Un método de acuerdo con la reivindicación 29, caracterizado por que dicho al menos un valor esperado se mantiene mediante el mantenimiento de una conexión continua con dichos dos o más métodos de posicionamiento.
31
Un método de acuerdo con la reivindicación 29, caracterizado por que dicho al menos un valor esperado se actualiza mediante la recepción de un valor de al menos un método de posicionamiento.
32
Un dispositivo terminal para la determinación de la posición utilizando dos o más métodos de posicionamiento (206-209), que comprende un dispositivo de selección del método de posicionamiento (PMSD) (204) para gestionar el uso de dichos dos o más métodos de posicionamiento mediante uno o más programas de aplicación (201, 202) ejecutables mediante el dispositivo terminal, estando dicho dispositivo de selección del método de posicionamiento adaptado para recibir datos de posicionamiento de dichos dos o más métodos de posicionamiento y caracterizado por que dicho dispositivo de selección del método de posicionamiento está adaptado para determinar si los datos de posicionamiento recibidos desde dichos dos o más métodos de posicionamiento cumplen un requisito de calidad recibido de uno en particular de dichos uno o más programas de aplicación y por que el dispositivo de selección del método de posicionamiento comprende medios para proporcionar datos de posicionamiento que cumplen con dicho requisito de calidad a dicho uno en particular de dichos uno o más programas de aplicación.
33
Un dispositivo terminal de acuerdo con la reivindicación 32, caracterizado por que comprende medios para la implementación de al menos uno de dichos dos o más métodos de posicionamiento.
34
Un dispositivo terminal de acuerdo con las reivindicaciones 32 o 33, caracterizado por que dicho dispositivo de selección del método de posicionamiento está adaptado para gestionar al menos un método de posicionamiento que está implementado en el exterior del dispositivo terminal.
35
Un dispositivo terminal de acuerdo con la reivindicación 34, caracterizado por que el dispositivo de selección del método de posicionamiento registra una conexión de un método de posicionamiento externo al dispositivo terminal.
36
Un dispositivo terminal de acuerdo con cualquiera de las reivindicaciones 32 a 35, caracterizado por que es un terminal móvil de una red de comunicaciones móviles.
37
Un dispositivo terminal de acuerdo con cualquiera de las reivindicaciones 32 a 36, caracterizado por que el dispositivo de selección del método de posicionamiento comprende medios para la gestión de la interacción entre dichos uno o más programas de aplicación y dichos dos o más métodos de posicionamiento.
38
Un dispositivo terminal de acuerdo con la reivindicación 37, caracterizado por que el dispositivo de selección del método de posicionamiento comprende medios para recibir una solicitud de datos de posicionamiento de uno en particular de dichos uno o más programas de aplicación.
39
Un dispositivo terminal de acuerdo con la reivindicación 38, caracterizado por que el dispositivo de selección del método de posicionamiento comprende medios para recibir una indicación de un requisito de calidad para dichos datos de posicionamiento establecidos por dicho uno en particular de dichos uno o más programas de aplicación.
40
Un dispositivo terminal según la reivindicación 39, caracterizado por que el dispositivo de selección del método de posicionamiento comprende medios para seleccionar un método de posicionamiento para su uso por parte de dicho uno en particular de dichos uno o más programas de aplicación que pueden proporcionar datos de posicionamiento que cumplen con dicho requisito de calidad.
41
Un dispositivo terminal de acuerdo con cualquiera de las reivindicaciones 32 a 40, caracterizado por que el dispositivo de selección del método de posicionamiento comprende medios para mantener un registro de cuál de dichos dos o más métodos de posicionamiento está disponible para su uso por parte de dichos uno o más programa de aplicación.
42
Un dispositivo terminal de acuerdo con cualquiera de las reivindicaciones 32 a 41, caracterizado por que el dispositivo de selección del método de posicionamiento comprende medios para la monitorización de una condición de funcionamiento de dichos dos o más métodos de posicionamiento.
43
Un dispositivo terminal de acuerdo con cualquiera de las reivindicaciones 38 a 42, caracterizado por que el dispositivo de selección del método de posicionamiento comprende medios para recibir al menos una condición para la selección de un método de posicionamiento para su uso a partir de dicho uno en particular de dichos uno o más programas de aplicación.
44
Un dispositivo terminal de acuerdo con cualquiera de las reivindicaciones 32 a 43, caracterizado por que el dispositivo de selección del método de posicionamiento comprende medios para recibir una condición para la selección de un método de posicionamiento de un usuario del dispositivo. ES 2 192 157 T3
45
Un dispositivo terminal de acuerdo con la reivindicación 44, caracterizado por que dicha condición para la selección de un método de posicionamiento comprende uno de los siguientes:un orden de preferencia relativo a la selección de un método de posicionamiento, una calidad deseada de los datos de posicionamiento.
46
Un dispositivo terminal de acuerdo con las reivindicaciones 44 o 45, caracterizado por que comprende una interfaz de usuario que comprende medios para permitir a un usuario introducir una condición para la selección de un método de posicionamiento directamente en el dispositivo de selección del método de posicionamiento.
47
Un dispositivo terminal de acuerdo con cualquiera de las reivindicaciones 43 a 46, caracterizado por que el dispositivo de selección del método de posicionamiento comprende medios para aplicar dicha condición para la selección de un método de posicionamiento a todos los dichos uno o más programas de aplicación.
48
Un dispositivo terminal de acuerdo con la reivindicación 32, caracterizado por que el dispositivo de selección del método de posicionamiento comprende medios para determinar si los datos de posicionamiento recibidos de dichos dos o más métodos de posicionamiento cumplen una condición recibida del usuario.
49
Un dispositivo terminal de acuerdo con la reivindicación 32, caracterizado por que el dispositivo de selección del método de posicionamiento comprende medios para combinar datos de posicionamiento de más de un método de posicionamiento.
50
Un dispositivo terminal de acuerdo con la reivindicación 32, caracterizado por que el dispositivo de selección del método de posicionamiento comprende medios para proporcionar los datos de posicionamiento a uno en particular de dichos uno o más programas de aplicación.
51
Un dispositivo terminal de acuerdo con la reivindicación 32, caracterizado por que el dispositivo de selección del método de posicionamiento comprende medios para proporcionar los datos de posicionamiento a uno en particular de dichos uno o más programas de aplicación en un formato solicitado por dicho programa de aplicación en particular.
52
Un dispositivo terminal de acuerdo con la reivindicación 32, caracterizado por que el dispositivo de selección del método de posicionamiento comprende medios para proporcionar datos de posicionamiento obtenidos en relación con una solicitud de datos de posicionamiento de un primer programa de aplicación a dicho primer programa de aplicación y medios para proporcionar datos de posicionamiento obtenidos en relación con una solicitud de datos de posicionamiento de dicho primer programa de aplicación a un segundo programa de aplicación.
53
Un dispositivo terminal de acuerdo con la reivindicación 52, caracterizado por que dichos medios para proporcionar datos de posicionamiento obtenidos en relación con una solicitud de datos de posicionamiento a partir de dicho primer programa de aplicación a dicho segundo programa de aplicación comprenden medios para proporcionar los datos de posicionamiento a dicho segundo programa de aplicación si dichos datos de posicionamiento cumplen con un requisito de calidad establecido por dicho segundo programa de aplicación.
54
Un dispositivo terminal de acuerdo con la reivindicación 32, caracterizado por que el dispositivo de selección del método de posicionamiento comprende medios para informar a uno en particular de dichos uno o más programas de aplicación que dichos datos de posicionamiento no cumplen un requisito de calidad establecido por dicho programa de aplicación en particular si dichos datos de posicionamiento recibidos de dichos dos o más métodos de posicionamiento no cumplen con dicho requisito de calidad.
55
Un dispositivo terminal de acuerdo con la reivindicación 32, caracterizado por que comprende:unos primeros medios de mantenimiento (115 a 117) para mantener en el dispositivo terminal un registro centralizado sobre al menos una propiedad de posicionamiento de dichos dos o más métodos de posicionamiento;unos segundos medios de mantenimiento (114, 118) para mantener en el dispositivo terminal un registro centralizado sobre al menos una condición especificada para la selección de un método de posicionamiento;unos medios (109, 111) para permitir que una solicitud de posicionamiento sea enviada por un programa de aplicación;unos medios de selección (110 a 118) para la selección de un método de posicionamiento para su uso que cumpla al menos una condición especificada para la selección de un método de posicionamiento.
56
Un dispositivo terminal de acuerdo con la reivindicación 55, caracterizado por que dichos primeros medios de mantenimiento (115 a 117) están dispuestos para mantener un registro que comprende al menos un valor de parámetro que indica una calidad de posicionamiento proporcionada por dichos dos o más métodos de posicionamiento.
57
Un dispositivo terminal de acuerdo con la reivindicación 55, caracterizado por que dichos segundos medios de mantenimiento (114) están dispuestos para mantener un registro sobre al menos un valor requerido para dicho al ES 2 192 157 T3 menos un parámetro que indica una calidad de posicionamiento.
58
Un dispositivo terminal de acuerdo con la reivindicación 55, caracterizado por que dichos segundos medios de mantenimiento (118) están dispuestos para mantener un registro sobre al menos una condición especificada indicativa de un orden preferido de dichos dos o más métodos de posicionamiento.
59
Un dispositivo terminal de acuerdo con la reivindicación 55, caracterizado por que dichos segundos medios de mantenimiento (118) están dispuestos para mantener un registro sobre al menos una condición especificada para permitir el uso de un método de posicionamiento especificado.
60
Un dispositivo terminal de acuerdo con la reivindicación 55, caracterizado por que dichos medios de selección (110 a 118) para la selección de un método de posicionamiento para su uso comprenden, además, medios de comparación (113).
61
Un dispositivo terminal de acuerdo con la reivindicación 60, caracterizado por que dichos medios de comparación (113) están dispuestos para comparar al menos un valor de parámetro que indica una calidad de posicionamiento proporcionada por dichos dos o más métodos de posicionamiento con al menos un valor de parámetro que indica una calidad de posicionamiento necesaria en una solicitud de posicionamiento recibida.
62
Un dispositivo terminal de acuerdo con la reivindicación 55, caracterizado por que dichos primeros medios de mantenimiento (115 a 117) para mantener un registro centralizado sobre al menos una propiedad posicionamiento de dichos dos o más métodos de posicionamiento comprenden, además, medios de formación (110, 111, 115) para formar por lo menos un valor esperado para al menos una propiedad de posicionamiento de dichos dos o más métodos de posicionamiento.
63
Un dispositivo terminal de acuerdo con la reivindicación 62, caracterizado por que dichos medios de formación (110, 111, 115) están dispuestos para formar dicho al menos un valor esperado estando en conexión continua con dichos dos o más métodos de posicionamiento.
64
Un dispositivo terminal de acuerdo con la reivindicación 63, caracterizado por que dichos medios de formación (110, 111, 115) están dispuestos para actualizar dicho al menos un valor esperado mediante la recepción de un valor de parámetro a partir de dichos dos o más métodos de posicionamiento.
65
Un producto de programa informático para determinar la posición de un dispositivo terminal utilizando dos o más métodos de posicionamiento (206-209), en donde dicho producto de programa informático comprende:medios de programa informático para proporcionar un dispositivo de selección del método de posicionamiento (PMSD) (204) en el dispositivo terminal para la gestión de la utilización de dichos dos o más métodos de posicionamiento mediante uno o más programas de aplicación (201, 202) ejecutables por el dispositivo terminal, medios de programa informático para hacer que dicho dispositivo de selección del método de posicionamiento reciba datos de posicionamiento de dichos dos o más métodos de posicionamiento, y estando dicho producto de programa informático caracterizado por que comprende además medios de programa informático para hacer que dicho dispositivo de selección del método de posicionamiento determine si los datos de posicionamiento recibidos de dichos dos o más métodos de posicionamiento cumplen un requisito de calidad recibido de uno en particular de dichos uno o más programas de aplicación y medios de programa informático para hacer que dicho dispositivo de selección del método de posicionamiento proporcione datos de posicionamiento que cumplan dicho requisito de calidad a dicho uno en particular de dichos uno o más programas de aplicación.
66
Un producto de programa informático de acuerdo con la reivindicación 65, caracterizado por que comprende:unos medios de programa informático para mantener en el dispositivo terminal un primer registro centralizado sobre al menos una propiedad de posicionamiento de dichos dos o más métodos de posicionamiento;unos medios de programa informático para mantener en el dispositivo terminal un segundo registro centralizado sobre al menos una condición especificada para la selección de un método de posicionamiento;unos medios de programa informático para permitir que una solicitud de posicionamiento sea enviada mediante un programa de aplicación;y unos medios de programa informático para seleccionar un método de posicionamiento para su uso que cumpla al menos una condición especificada para la selección de un método de posicionamiento.

Independent claims66

89 paragraphs in 8 sections, as filed

IS 2 192 157 T3

DESCRIPTION

Method and device for position determination

The present invention relates to a method and a device for determining position.

Background of the invention

The integration of different positioning methods in portable terminal devices has made it possible for a user of such a terminal to determine his geographical position. The use of satellites to determine position has given rise to the global navigation system GPS (Global Positioning System). The evolution of mobile communication systems and mobile terminals has also given rise to other types of positioning methods, for example the E-OTD system (Enhanced Observed Time Difference), which is based on the measurement of differences in the times of reception of the signals sent by several base stations in a mobile terminal.

In the development of methods and devices for position determination, the emphasis so far has been primarily placed on the interaction between an application used in the device and a positioning method. An example of this type of device is a portable GPS navigation device, which allows a user of the device to determine their position using the global positioning system to display positioning information including, for example, longitude and latitude information, in a device screen. Since the reliability of different positioning methods under different geographical conditions varies, the problems this can cause the user of the device have been solved by allowing more than one positioning method to be used on a single terminal. In this way, the most suitable positioning method for any given situation can be used, for example by selecting the method to be used from more than one available alternative. For example, the GPS positioning system is especially suitable for use when traveling on the road in a vehicle. In places where the reliability of the GPS system is not the best possible, such as inside buildings, other positioning methods can be used that work better, for example E-OTD or TOA (time of arrival) methods.

Such a method and device are presented in patent publication GB 2 322 248 A, in which the terminal comprises a single positioning application, capable of using several different positioning systems and changing the positioning method automatically. if the positioning method in question becomes inoperative. In GB 2 322 248, the application using the positioning data provided by the various positioning methods only provides the user with the information relating to the determination of the position. In other words, the application only makes limited use of the positioning data. In the future, however, as applications of greater development and diversification, different applications in mobile terminals will use positioning information increasingly and in more complex and varied ways, not limited to the direct presentation of information related to positioning to the user. Of the device. A single terminal is likely to comprise several applications and services that use positioning information, as well as several available positioning methods. For example, it is likely that future mobile terminals, for example those developed in connection with mobile communication networks of 3<sup>to</sup> generation, they will provide much more varied positioning-based applications than are currently available. These applications may include, for example, navigation systems incorporating map-based screens for tracking the user's position, or applications designed to locate a particular type of service or point of sale closest to the user's current location.

As the number of applications in a mobile terminal that require access to positioning data increases and the number of different positioning methods that an application can access also increases, the need will arise to manage and control the use of the data. positioning methods through applications in an efficient way. The need for efficient control of positioning methods by applications will become even more important as the complexity of the positioning-related tasks that are performed by applications increases.

Summary of the invention

Now a method and a device for position determination have been invented, by means of which positioning methods integrated in and which can be connected to a terminal device, or provided by a mobile communication network, for example, can be used. by more than one application with the help of a positioning method selection device (PMSD). By means of the invention, one or more applications can simultaneously or at different times obtain positioning usage data provided by one or more positioning methods through the PMSD.

At any given time, the PMSD can automatically determine the best possible positioning method available for use by the terminal applications, based on the requirements that specify the quality of service (quality of positioning, QoP) defined by the user or the application. , without having to know

ES 2 192 157 T3 the behavior of the positioning methods available under different conditions. By using a device for selecting the positioning method according to the invention, the number of tasks to be performed by the applications in use is reduced, since each application requests positioning data centrally, from the device for selecting the device. positioning method, not from each positioning method separately. Therefore, the PMSD works as an interface between the applications and the positioning methods that manages and controls the use of the different positioning methods of the applications and ensures that the positioning data provided corresponds as closely as possible to the quality requirements specified by the user and / or the application.

In a method according to the invention, each application available in the terminal sends a positioning request to the positioning method selection device when positioning information is required. The PMSD knows the number of positioning methods available at any given time and their current operational status (eg in use / not in use), as well as their performance under prevailing conditions. Applications do not have to know which positioning method is used at any given time or how and in what format each positioning method provides the positioning data requested by the application.

In particular, but not necessarily, when using a terminal device for personal position determination, for example, such as a GPS locator, such that the user attempts to determine his or her location with the help of the terminal device, the PMSD can take into account user conditions, such as the order of preference of the different positioning methods, i.e. that the positioning method that the user wishes to use as the first choice, provided that the positioning method in question is available for use. In addition, the user can define which positioning methods the PMSD wants to use at a certain time by allowing or prohibiting the use of certain positioning methods. The user can specify the conditions regarding the selection of the positioning methods directly to the PMSD (independent of the application) through a user interface, instead of through the application that he is using. This advantageous feature reduces and simplifies the exchange of information between the applications and the PMSD. The conditions set by the user in relation to the selection of a positioning method may also comprise the desired precision of the requested positioning data (eg longitudes, latitudes, distance from a given point). Since each positioning method has its own performance and characteristic properties, the PMSD is able to select a certain positioning method for use in relation to a positioning request from a particular application according to the task to be performed by the particular application. .

Centrally made settings for the PMSD affect all applications directly, so the user does not have to configure settings for each application separately. When a service, to which a connection has been made, for example by means of a WAP (wireless application protocol) or another browser, asks the browser to provide information regarding its location with a certain precision, the location information is expressed ultimately, in accordance with the conditions established by the user. For example, the browser application will not communicate location information for the service if the user has established positioning methods for use at the time that cannot provide positioning data with the accuracy required by the application. Alternatively, the user can define in advance the positioning methods from which each particular application can receive location information from the PMSD. This is an advantageous feature, particularly if the cost of using a positioning method is based on the number of times the positioning data is requested.

The PMSD can also detect the positioning methods connected through the terminal device that are in use or retired from use. For example, when using the terminal device in an automobile, the user can connect the terminal to the automobile navigation system, such as a GPS system, through a serial port or other equivalent port or connector. In this way, it is possible to make use of the car's own positioning system, which is possibly more accurate and versatile (for example, providing map data and other information on road networks) of the terminal's internal GPS locator. On the other hand, the car system can be used if the terminal does not have an internal GPS device.

Upon arrival at their destination by car, the user takes the terminal with him / her, whereupon the external GPS system is no longer available for use by the PMSD, and the PMSD searches for the most suitable one of the methods of Positioning available, or defined in advance by the user, for example, the internal GPS device of the terminal. When the user enters a building, the terminal's internal GPS receiver may enter an environment where it is unable to receive the necessary signals from the satellite (a so-called dead region), in which case its operation is impeded. In this situation, the PMSD looks once again among the available positioning methods for a new system, such as the E-OTD system or Bluetooth or WLAN services, that work best indoors. In other words, the PMSD automatically records which positioning devices / methods are available for use. External positioning devices can be detected, for example, based on connections to terminal connectors or in other equivalent ways known in the art. Requests can also inform PMSD of their requirements automatically.

IS 2 192 157 T3

A method according to the present invention is characterized by the features listed in the characterizing part of an independent claim directed to a method.

Advantageously, a method according to the first aspect of the invention comprises the steps of:

- maintaining a centralized record on at least one positioning property of said one or more positioning method;

- maintaining a centralized register comprising at least one specified condition for the selection of a positioning method;

- allow one or more application programs to send a positioning request; Y

- selecting a positioning method for use that meets at least one specified condition for the selection of a positioning method.

A terminal device according to the present invention is characterized by the characteristics listed in the characterizing part of an independent claim directed to a terminal device.

Advantageously, a device according to the second aspect of the invention comprises:

- first maintenance means for maintaining a centralized record on at least one positioning property of said one or more positioning methods;

- second maintenance means for maintaining a centralized record on at least one specified condition for the selection of a positioning method;

- means for allowing a positioning request to be sent by one or more application programs;

- selection means for selecting a positioning method for use that meets at least one specified condition for selecting a positioning method.

A computer program product according to the present invention is characterized by the features listed in the characterizing part of an independent claim directed to a computer program product.

Advantageously, a computer program product according to the third aspect of the invention comprises:

- computer program means for maintaining a first centralized record on at least one positioning property of said one or more positioning methods;

- computer program means for maintaining a second centralized record on at least one specified condition for the selection of a positioning method;

- a computer program means to allow a positioning request to be sent by one or more application programs;

- computer program means for selecting a positioning method for use that meets at least one specified condition for selecting a positioning method.

By means of the invention, one or more applications may request positioning data from the PMSD in accordance with a parameter value (or values) indicating the quality of the required positioning, the PMSD using one or more positioning methods to provide positioning data. positioning of the necessary quality for the application (s). The application (or applications) form the value or values that indicate the quality of the required positioning parameter, and send it (s) to the PMSD, with which the PMSD is able to select the most suitable positioning method to provide the data of positioning on the basis of the received parameter (or parameters) and provides the positioning data to the application (or applications) in the correct format, that is, in a format required by the application. The PMSD can also form the positioning data by combining data from various positioning methods to achieve the best possible positioning accuracy.

The application can form a parameter value, in which case the precision can be a criterion, for example. Alternatively, several parameters can be formed, in which case, in addition to the precision, the value of the parameter (or values of the parameters) can be the cost, if the use of the positioning method is subject to a charge, or the speed to which the positioning method provides positioning data. It should be noted that the parameter values are not limited to the above examples, but other parameters can also be used.

The user can define the conditions regarding the positioning methods, such as an order of preference and if the user wants a certain positioning method to be available for use or withdrawn from use, directly to the PMSD. Because the positioning methods are normally provided as commercial services and the cost of using the service incurred by the user is based on the number of times the positioning data is requested, it is considerably more expensive if each application has access to the data. independent positioning methods. The method and the device according to the invention therefore have the advantage of reducing the cost for the user of the use of positioning methods, since several applications can use the positioning data already acquired by an application, through the PMSD.

IS 2 192 157 T3

Next, a system according to the invention will be described in greater detail with reference to drawings 1 to 8, in which

Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram of a device according to the invention, in which a method for selecting a positioning method according to the invention is implemented;

Figure 2 illustrates the interaction between positioning methods and applications, using a positioning method selection device according to the invention;

Figure 3 presents a general description of a method according to the invention;

Figure 4 presents a flow chart showing the operation of a positioning method selection device according to the invention;

Figure 5 presents a signaling diagram showing the interaction between two different applications and a positioning method selection device according to the invention;

Figure 6 presents a signaling diagram showing the operation of a device according to the invention when there are two different positioning methods in use;

Figure 7 illustrates the interaction between services and applications based on positioning without a device for selecting the positioning method according to the invention; Y

Figure 8 presents a block diagram of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a PMSD positioning method selection device (100) in accordance with the invention. By way of example, two different applications 101 and 102 are presented, as well as three different positioning methods; However, the number of applications and positioning methods is not limited to the numbers mentioned above. Applications 101 and 102 request positioning data through the PMSD, which uses additional information received from positioning methods 103-105 to form the positioning data. The user can define parameters related to positioning tasks and positioning methods, by means of a user interface 106 to 108. Said parameters are stored in a register 118.

Applications 101, 102 connect to the PMSD device via interface 109, requesting positioning data from the PMSD. Applications 101 and 102 are able to define the parameters relating to the requested positioning data, such as the required precision or the type and format of the positioning data, for example.

The positioning methods, 103 to 105 are connected to the PMSD through an interface 110. The interface 110 may comprise, for example, a serial port or the like for the connection of an external positioning method, as well as the interfaces for the methods positioning devices integrated into the terminal and, for example, for related positioning services provided by a mobile communication network.

Control means 111 to 113 control the operation of the various functional blocks of the PMSD, as well as the transmission of data between them. The control means comprise a controller 111, which can be implemented, for example, as a microprocessor or equivalent means for controlling the functions of the PMSD. The control means further comprise a random access memory 112; as well as a permanent memory 113 to store the commands necessary to control the functions of the PMSD.

The parameter (or parameters) that describe the quality of the positioning data (QoP position quality), such as the positioning accuracy requested by the application n, is stored in a register 114, where n indicates the application in use and is an integer between 1 and the maximum number of applications. Said parameter (or parameters) can be received directly from each application automatically, depending on the operating state of the application or, for example, when the application is installed on the terminal.

A parameter (or parameters) describing the quality of the positioning data provided by positioning method x is stored in register 115, where x indicates the positioning method in use and is an integer between 1 and the number of methods in positioning available. This parameter (or parameters) represents an expected value, according to which an application can expect the PMSD to supply it with the data. Said parameter (or parameters) can be provided directly from each positioning method automatically, updating, for example, at given intervals, or when a particular positioning method is taken into use.

The default values for the parameters that describe the quality of the positioning data provided by the x positioning method are stored in register 116. The PMSD can obtain parameters that describe the quality of the positioning data from the positioning methods to set intervals, or continuously monitor the situation and update the default values when necessary. A default value is a parameter value according to which the positioning method is capable of supplying positioning data to the PMSD.

IS 2 192 157 T3

The value of the parameter (or parameters) that describes the quality actually achieved by the positioning data provided by method x is stored in register 117, when said positioning method returns the positioning data requested by application n to the PMSD. In addition to the implementation shown in Figure 1, the positioning method selection device can also be implemented as a computer program, in which case the functional blocks of the device are implemented as a program code.

Figure 2 illustrates the interaction between positioning methods and applications, when using a positioning selection device (PMSD) according to the invention. By way of example, two different applications are shown, in this case a WAP browser 201 and a navigation guide 202, but other possible applications can also be used. Different positioning methods 205-209 are also shown, as well as a user interface 203, by means of which the user defines (ref. 210) parameters related to positioning. Positioning methods can include, for example, the GPS and / or E-OTD system described above. The user may also be provided with an option to enter the positioning data, such as an address, geographic coordinates (e.g. latitude and longitude) or the like, directly through the user interface, or to access the data of positioning stored in a database, for example, a contact card or database of positions of interest (POI).

The PMSD (204) receives (ref. 211, 212) positioning requests from applications 201, 202, and forms a response to said positioning request from the data provided by the positioning methods 205 to 209, or by the user through of the user interface. The PMSD may also receive information about the positioning accuracy of the positioning request, as well as information about the type and format of the positioning data requested by the application in question. Positioning requests and parameter (s) relating to a given positioning task may be received by the PMSD in an "off" manner when a particular application requires positioning data, or they may be received continuously in a sequence. This situation can arise, for example, if the application in question aims to provide the user with an up-to-date estimate of his position when moving from one place to another.

The PMSD 204 is also responsible for monitoring the performance of the various positioning methods 205 to 209 under existing conditions, and always using (ref. 213 to 217) the most suitable positioning method to obtain the positioning data. By repeatedly or continuously receiving requests for positioning data from a given application, the PMSD can select an appropriate positioning method when it first receives a positioning request and use that method to supply positioning data in response to subsequent requests from it. application until the sequence of requests comes to an end. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the PMSD makes use of its control capability to select the best possible positioning method for each of the request sequence.

If positioning methods external to the terminal are also available, such as a GPS receiver in a car, the PMSD records the possibility of using such external positioning methods, for example, by adding information about such external positioning methods to a list containing all available positioning methods. This list can be, for example, a user-defined preference list, in which the new positioning method is set as the first-choice positioning method, for example. Consequently, when an external positioning method is withdrawn from use by disconnecting an external positioning device from the mobile terminal, the PMSD removes said positioning method, for example by deleting data about said positioning method from the list of available positioning methods.

In one embodiment of the invention, the PMSD is also capable of combining the positioning data provided by more than one positioning method to achieve the positioning quality requested by a particular application. This can be done, for example, by receiving positioning data consecutively from more than one positioning method and combining the data in an appropriate way to achieve the desired positioning quality. In an alternative embodiment, the PMSD can access previously stored positioning data obtained from any suitable positioning method and combine it with recently received positioning data. In this embodiment, it is advantageous to associate a timestamp with each positioning request, whereby the most recently obtained positioning results can be selected for the combination. A validity period can also be defined for the positioning data, such that the stored positioning data is deleted once its validity period expires.

The user can define the parameters related to the position determination directly to the PMSD 204 via the user interface 203 instead of giving separate definitions for each application 205 to 209. The user can define, for example, the accuracy with which applications 201, 202 receive positioning data or which method 205-209 the user prefers to use as the first choice positioning method of positioning. Depending on the application used, the parameter (or parameters) in relation to the determination of the position can also be provided automatically from the application in question, to the extent that said application is capable of this. Thus, the task of the applications 201, 202 is simply to request positioning data from the PMSD 204. This means that they do not necessarily require

ES 2 192 157 T3 no information on the operation of the various existing positioning systems 205-209 available to PMSDs or any other positioning systems that may be implemented in the future. When the management of the positioning methods is carried out centrally by the user and / or the applications that act directly on a PMSD, instead of in a decentralized way, separately for each positioning method, the loading of the applications in this sense can be decreased and part of the capacity can be diverted to other functions of the application. In some situations, it may be advantageous, however, to allow a particular application to select or use a positioning method directly. Therefore, in one embodiment of the invention, it is possible for any application to bypass or disable the operation of the PMSD and use any of the available positioning methods in a manner analogous to that known from prior art systems.

Figure 3 illustrates the method according to the invention on a general level. The user can define the parameters that represent the conditions based on a positioning method to be used, through the user interface 307. Said conditions can comprise, for example, the positioning methods that the user allows to be used by certain applications in a given time and the order in which the user prefers to use the positioning methods. User-supplied parameters are stored (ref. 310) in register 308, from which the PMSD can retrieve them (ref. 312). User-defined parameters can also include positioning accuracy, positioning reliability, the interval at which the positioning data is updated, or the time allowed to elapse before the first positioning data is provided after activating a positioning method. Other types of parameters can also be used, in addition to those mentioned above.

Application n (ref. 301), where n is an integer between 1 and the number of available applications, refers to the application in use at a given time, for example a WAP browser, which requests (ref. 309) to positioning method selection device (PMSD) 303 positioning data. The parameters that describe the quality of the positioning data requested by the application are sent (ref. 309) from application 301 to PMSD 303 and stored in register 304 for use in connection with the positioning request. This can be done all at once, for example, when a new application is installed in the terminal, or when an application is activated. It can also be done in relation to each positioning request or when the required quality changes in the positioning data. User-defined parameters stored in register 308 can also be used when selecting a positioning method to use.

The PMSD 303 acquires (ref. 311) data on the available positioning methods, as well as the positioning properties of the positioning methods. Next, the PMSD 303 takes the positioning method x in use (ref. 302), where x indicates the positioning method in question and is an integer between 1 and the total number of available positioning methods. The default values for the parameters that describe the quality of the positioning data provided by the positioning methods are stored in register 306 and, as described above, these default values represent the quality with which the positioning methods are capable of providing the PMSD with positioning data. The default values can be stored in advance or updated when the positioning method 302 provides (ref. 311) to the PMSD the first new value of a parameter (or parameters) under the prevailing conditions. The PMSD receives a new parameter (or parameters) in real time and stores it (ref. 315) in register 305. The PMSD selects a positioning method with the help of a decision-making algorithm, an example of realization that is shown in figure 4. The algorithm operates in such a way as to select a positioning method whose parameter (or parameters) describing the quality of the positioning achieved by the positioning method and stored in register 305 best correspond to the parameter (or parameters) in the register 304 that describe the quality of the positioning data required by the application making the positioning request, according to the conditions specified by the user.

The decision-making algorithm illustrated in Figure 4 will now be described in detail. In step 401 an application sends a positioning request to the PMSD afterwards, in step 402, the PMSD sets the value of the variable x, which indicates the positioning method under consideration at a given time, to zero, and sets the value maxMethod , which indicates the total number of positioning methods, to correspond to the total number of positioning methods available to the PMSD at that time. At step 403, the value of variable x is incremented and the method proceeds to step 404, where the value of variable x is examined to determine if it is less than or equal to the total number of maxMethod positioning methods.

If the condition in step 404 is true and the value of x is less than or equal to the total number of maxMethod positioning methods, the method proceeds to step 405, where the highest priority positioning method is examined in the order of preference. user defined and / or application that has not been tested yet. The PMSD can monitor the number of available positioning methods and the working status of each positioning method, or each method can be used in turn, and if a certain positioning method is not available at a certain time, the following positioning method to use.

IS 2 192 157 T3

The method then proceeds to step 406, where it is examined whether the value (or values) of the parameter (or parameters) QoP_APPn_REQ, indicating the quality of the positioning data requested by application n, is greater than or equal to Expected value (s) of the QoP_METx_EXP parameter (or parameters), describing the quality of the positioning data provided by the x positioning method. The value of the QoP_APPn_REQ and QoP_METx_EXP parameters can be a single value, more than one value, or an average of several values. If the value (or values) of the parameter (or parameters) provided by the positioning method x is not equal to the best one requested by the application n, the method returns to step 403, where the next possible available positioning method is examined and steps 403 to 406 are repeated until a positioning method is found that provides as its default value (or values) a value in accordance with the parameter (or parameters) that indicate the quality of the positioning data requested by the application n.

In step 407, the POS_METODOx positioning method identified during steps 402-406 is requested for the positioning data and the QoP_METx_ACT value (or values) of the parameter (or parameters) that describes the quality actually achieved by the provided positioning data. by POS_METODOx. In step 407, the PMSD establishes a connection with said positioning method and receives the positioning data produced by the positioning method.

In the next step 408, it is examined whether the value (or values) of the parameter (or parameters) QoP_METx_ACT that describes the quality actually achieved by the positioning data provided by POS_METODOx is equal to or better than the value (or values) of the parameter ( or parameters) QoP_APPn_REQ that indicate the quality of the positioning data requested by the application. If the QoP_METx_ACT parameter (or parameters) achieved is not actually equal to or better than the requested QoP_APPn_REQ parameter (or parameters), the method returns to step 403, where the variable indicating the positioning method to consider is increased once more . Subsequently, the following positioning method is tried in steps 404 to 408.

If the condition in step 404 is now false (i.e. x is not less than or equal to maxMethod), all positioning methods have been tested, and none of them meet the specifications given in the PMSD by the user and / or application in question at that point in time. In this case, the method proceeds to step 411, where several different actions can be taken depending on the implementation. The simplest implementation is to inform the application and / or the user, via the application, that none of the available positioning methods can provide positioning data of sufficient quality at that time. The PMSD can also provide the application with the result of the positioning method that was tested last (QoP_METx-1), together with its quality parameters, or the parameters of the results and quality of the method that gave the best result. Furthermore, the application may be provided with a notification to be transmitted to the user, possibly containing a warning that the quality requirement or requirements have not been met, and the QoP parameter or QoP parameters whose requirement does not satisfy the positioning data.

In a third implementation example, the positioning data of the first positioning method (MET1) according to the order of priority defined by the user, together with its quality parameters (QoP) are returned to the application and a notification to be transmitted for the user is also returned to the application, which may contain a warning that the quality requirement (s) have not been met, as well as the QoP parameter or parameters whose positioning requirement has not been met.

The user can be informed of all the results through the application, and can request to make a decision, which can be, for example, the selection of a positioning method that best responds to the application's positioning request, for example For example, based on positioning accuracy, or other criteria. The application can also be provided with the positioning data together with the QoP parameters supplied by the positioning method whose result is the closest in terms of QoP parameters to the requirements established by the application. For example, if none of the positioning methods in use provide the accuracy required by the application, the PMSD may return the most accurate positioning result achieved. In this case, in addition, a notification to be transmitted to the user is returned to the application, which may contain a warning that the quality requirement or requirements have not been met, and the QoP parameter or parameters whose positioning requirement data is not have been fulfilled.

If the parameter or parameters that describe the quality of the positioning data obtained in practice QoP_METx_ACT are equal to or better than the value (or values) of the QoP_APPn_REQ parameter requested by the application, the method continues to step 409, where the value expected (or expected values) QoP_METx_EXP is updated with QoP_METx_ACT, and positioning data is returned to the application. The PMSD can update the expected QoP_METx_EXP value (or values) of the parameter (or parameters), relative to the positioning data of each positioning method continuously, for example at certain intervals. Updating the expected value is particularly advantageous when multiple applications use the same positioning method, in which case other applications not only receive the positioning data they request, but also have direct access to the expected QoP_METx_EXP value (s) updated by the PMSD.

Figure 5 presents a signaling diagram showing the interaction between two different applications and a PMSD positioning method selection device according to the invention. As an example, two

ES 2 192 157 T3 different APP1 and APP2 applications are shown using the PMSD. First, in step 501, the APP1 application establishes a connection to the PMSD. Then, in step 502, the PMSD generates a QoP_APP1_REQ value (or values) for the parameter (or parameters) that indicate the quality of the positioning data requested by the application. Advantageously, QoP_APP1_REQ is of a type required by the application in question. QoP_APP1_REQ is stored in PMSD register 304, as can be seen in figure 3, and an acknowledgment (ref. 515) that the parameter (or parameters) has been generated is sent to the application.

In step 503, the APP1 application sends a positioning request to the PMSD, after which, in step 504, the PMSD executes the algorithm according to Figure 4, in an attempt to find a given positioning method. count of the QoP_APP1_REQ parameter or parameters that indicate the quality of the positioning data required by the application. Next, in step 505, the APP2 application also establishes a connection to the PMSD, after which, in step 506, the PMSD creates a QoP_APP2_REQ parameter value (or values), which describes the quality of the positioning data. requested by the APP2 application. At the same time, the PMSD sends an acknowledgment (ref. 516) indicating the creation of the parameter or parameters for the APP2 application.

In step 507, the PMSD sends the positioning data to the APP1 application. In the next step, 508, the APP2 application sends a positioning request to the PMSD. If the QoP_APP2_REQ parameter (or parameters) indicating the quality of the positioning data requested by the APP2 application corresponds to the QoP_APP1_REQ parameter (or parameters) for the APP1 application, the PMSD can send the same positioning data to the APP2 application. In this case the PMSD does not have to examine different positioning methods, but can send the already produced positioning data to the APP2 application as well. If the positioning data sent to the APP1 application cannot be sent to the APP2 application, for example as a result of different quality requirements, or if a different parameter (or parameters) has been defined for the APP2 application, the PMSD works as It does so in step 504. Next, in steps 511 and 513, the APP1 application and the APP2 application close their connections with the PMSD, whereby the PMSD clears the parameters QoP_APP1_REQ, step 512, and QoP_APP2_REQ, step 514, for said applications from their registration and provides the applications with an acknowledgment that the parameters have been removed, steps 517 and 518.

It should be noted that the order of the requests made by the positioning applications APP1 and APP2 and the time required for the requests may vary. Furthermore, in an alternative embodiment, said parameters are not deleted, but are preserved and can be used later, if necessary. The PMSD can be provided with the quality requirements when a new application is installed, and in this case it is not necessary to provide the PMSD with the quality requirements in relation to each positioning request.

Figure 6 presents a signaling diagram showing the operation of a device according to the invention when there are two different positioning methods in use. As an example, the PMSD device demonstrates the use of two different positioning methods POS_MET1, POS_MET2, of which the user has selected POS_MET2 as the first choice positioning method. In step 601, the POS_MET 1 positioning method is registered with the PMSD. The registration can take place, for example, when an external GPS system is connected to the terminal via a serial port, or in such a way that a positioning method that has been out of service becomes operational, for example because geographic conditions have improved, or a positioning method built into the terminal is activated. The PMSD creates a default value (or values) for the QoP_MET1_DEF parameter (or parameters) that describes the quality of the positioning data provided by the positioning method, step 625, and stores it in the register (ref. 306 in the Figure 3), at the same time, increasing the value of the maxMethod variable by one, which indicates the total number of available positioning methods. In step 602, the PMSD sends an acknowledgment of its registration to the positioning method POS_MET1. In step 603, the positioning method POS_MET2 is registered, whereby the PMSD creates a value (or values) for the parameter (or parameters) QoP_MET2_DEF, step 626, increasing the value of maxMetodo by one and sending an acknowledgment. registration, step 604.

In step 605, the user defines the setting of the positioning method parameters, such as an order of preference or desired precision of the positioning data. Other quality criteria that are not mentioned in this document can also be used. In step 627, the PMSD stores the user's configuration in the registry (ref. 308 in FIG. 3) as the POS_PREF parameter (or parameters) and sends an acknowledgment to the user, step 606.

In step 607, the user activates application APP1 and application APP1 establishes a connection to the PMSD, step 608. In step 628, the PMSD creates a value (or values) QoP_APP1_REQ for the parameter (or parameters) that indicates the quality of the positioning data required by the APP1 application, which may be, for example, a positioning accuracy that is automatically defined by the APP1 application or a user-defined positioning accuracy. In step 609, the PMSD provides the APP1 application with an acknowledgment in response to the connection establishment, after which the APP1 application makes a positioning request to the PMSD in step 610.

IS 2 192 157 T3

In step 629, the PMSD executes the algorithm according to FIG. 4. In step 611, the PMSD first sends a positioning request to the POS_MET2 positioning method, which the user has selected as the first choice positioning method. In step 612, the positioning method POS_MET2 sends the positioning data, as well as the value (or values) of the QoP_MET2_ACT parameter (or parameters) actually achieved in the PMSD. In step 630, the PMSD stores the value of the QoP_MET2_ACT actually achieved parameter (or parameters) as the expected QoP_MET2_EXP value (or values). The PMSD algorithm is executed again, after which the PMSD advises that the value (or values) of the parameter (or parameters) actually reached is not equal to or better than the one defined by the application or the user as the value (or values). ) of the QoP_APP1_REQ parameter (or parameters). Therefore, the next positioning method in the user-defined order of preference, that is, POS_MET1, is now being tested.

In step 613, the PMSD sends a positioning request to the positioning method POS_MET1, which sends the positioning data and the value (or values) of the parameter (or parameters) QoP_MET1_ACT to the PMSD in step 614. In step 631, the PMSD stores the value (s) of the QoP_MET1_ACT parameter (or parameters) actually achieved as the expected QoP_MET1_EXP value, and the PMSD algorithm is executed. Now, the expected value (or values) QoP_MET1_EXP is equal to or better than the value (or values) QoP_APP1_REQ defined for application APP1, whereby in step 615 the positioning data is sent to application APP1.

In step 616, the application terminates the connection with the PMSD, whereby in step 632, the PMSD can remove the QoP_APP1_REQ parameter (or parameters) from its registry and acknowledge that the connection has been terminated, step 617. In this period, the APP1 application informs the user that the search for positioning data is over, and the user can thus stop the APP1 application in step 618, if desired. Alternatively, the APP1 application may continue to operate in step 616, but nevertheless informs the PMSD that it no longer requires the positioning data at that time, whereupon the APP1 application terminates its connection to the PMSD. When the positioning data is required again, the APP1 application registers with the PMSD once more, for as long as it takes to receive the positioning data.

Figure 7 shows an alternative implementation of a system comprising various applications and various positioning methods, implemented without a PMSD device. The system comprises two different applications that use the positioning methods, for example, a WAP browser 701 and a navigation guide 702. It also comprises a user interface 703, with which the user can define (ref. 109, 110) parameters and conditions related to positioning tasks to be performed by the applications, and different positioning methods 704 to 708, including a GPS 705 receiver integrated in the terminal and, for example, an external GPS device 706 that can be connected to the terminal through a serial port. In this system, each application must be independently in communication with each available positioning method, it must process the positioning data received from the positioning methods and choose which application positioning method to use at a particular time. Furthermore, if the user also wishes to establish conditions related, for example, to the quality of the positioning data required by each application, which must be done for each application separately.

Figure 8 presents a block diagram of a mobile station 800 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. A processor 801 controls the various functional blocks involved in the operation of the mobile terminal: a random access memory RAM 802, a radio frequency block RF 803, a non-volatile or read-only memory 805 ROM, as well as a user interface UI 806 that has at least one display and one keyboard. In Figure 8, mobile terminal 800 is also shown to include a GPS 807 GPS receiver. The operating instructions of the processor 801, which is the program code corresponding to the basic functions of the mobile station, are stored in the memory 805 read-only ROM and can be executed as required by the processor 801, for example, under user control of the terminal. According to the program code, the processor 801 uses the Rf block 803 and the antenna 804 to form a connection with a mobile communication network, allowing the mobile terminal to transmit information and receive information from the mobile communication network through a radio path.

In this example, the mobile terminal also comprises the hardware and program code that enables it to use an E-OTD positioning method provided by the mobile communication network. It further comprises a positioning method selection device (PMSD) 808 applied in accordance with the present invention. The PMSD 808 receives requests for positioning data from applications running on the mobile terminal 800, for example, a navigation system and / or a Web browser. In accordance with program code stored in ROM, and executed by microprocessor 801, PMSD 808 monitors the operating status of GPS receiver 807 and the E-OTD positioning method. According to the method described above, the PMSD 808 provides the applications with positioning data that meet the specified quality requirements and conditions. The PMSD 808 receives the quality requirements and conditions for the selection of positioning methods from the applications and / or directly from the user through the UI 806 user interface. The PMSD 808 uses the RAM 802 memory as a working memory to maintain the registers that store the various quality parameters and to make comparisons between the parameters that describe the quality of the requested positioning data and those that have actually been achieved. The PMSD

IS 2 192 157 T3

808 It also provides indications to the user through the display of the UI, for example in a situation where neither the internal 807 GPS receiver nor the E-OTD positioning method can provide positioning data of sufficient quality to comply with application and / or user requirements.

The implementations and embodiments of the invention that have been described herein are exemplary. It is obvious to a person skilled in the art that the invention is not restricted to the details of the embodiments described above and that the invention can be implemented in other ways without departing from the characteristics of the invention. The described embodiments are to be considered illustrative, not restrictive. Therefore, the possibilities for the implementation and use of the invention are restricted only by the appended claims.

Contents8

34 members in 15 offices

This recordMember, by publication datePriority claim5 more offices are in the list below

Priority claims9

Priority claims
Document	Office	Kind	Date
20001576	Finland	A	2000-06-30
20001576	Finland	A	2000-06-30
20001576	Finland	–	2000-06-30
0100632	Finland	W	2001-07-02
0100632	Finland	W	2001-07-02
20001576	–	–	–
FI20000001576	–	–	–
PCTFI200100632	–	–	–
WO2001FI00632	–	–	–

Members34

Family members, oldest first
Document	Office	Kind
FI20001576A0	Finland	A0	2000-06-30
CA2414604A1	Canada	A1	2002-01-10
WO0203093A1	World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)	A1	2002-01-10
AU8215701A	Australia	A	2002-01-14
FI108372B	Finland	B	2002-01-15
US2002019698A1	United States of America	A1	2002-02-14
KR20030020315A	Republic of Korea	A	2003-03-08
EP1297352A1	European Patent Office (EPO)	A1	2003-04-02
BR0112016A	Brazil	A	2003-05-13
HK1051898A1	Hong Kong, China	A1	2003-08-22
ES2192157T1	Spain	T1	2003-10-01
CN1449500A	China	A	2003-10-15
JP2004502942A	Japan	A	2004-01-29
DE01960758T1	Germany	T1	2004-04-15
AU2001282157B2	Australia	B2	2006-08-17
KR100795990B1	Republic of Korea	B1	2008-01-21
CN100370273C	China	C	2008-02-20
US7558696B2	United States of America	B2	2009-07-07
US2009299685A1	United States of America	A1	2009-12-03
EP2270533A1	European Patent Office (EPO)	A1	2011-01-05
EP2270534A1	European Patent Office (EPO)	A1	2011-01-05
JP2011209298A	Japan	A	2011-10-20
US2015327009A1	United States of America	A1	2015-11-12
EP1297352B1	European Patent Office (EPO)	B1	2016-01-06
DK1297352T3	Denmark	T3	2016-02-29
ES2192157T3This record	Spain	T3	2016-03-09
US2016112834A1	United States of America	A1	2016-04-21
US9392403B2	United States of America	B2	2016-07-12
US2016227364A1	United States of America	A1	2016-08-04
CY1117325T1	Cyprus	T1	2017-04-26
US2017329018A1	United States of America	A1	2017-11-16
US9851450B2	United States of America	B2	2017-12-26
BRPI0112016B1	Brazil	B1	2018-02-27
EP2270534B1	European Patent Office (EPO)	B1	2018-10-03

Method and device for position determination

Abstract

Term

IS 2 192 157 T3

DESCRIPTION

IS 2 192 157 T3

IS 2 192 157 T3

IS 2 192 157 T3

IS 2 192 157 T3

IS 2 192 157 T3

IS 2 192 157 T3

Priority claims9

Members34

Numbers

Titles2

Classification