[go: up one dir, main page]

EP1346598A2 - Radio communications system and method for determining the position of at least one user device - Google Patents

Radio communications system and method for determining the position of at least one user device

Info

Publication number
EP1346598A2
EP1346598A2 EP02701168A EP02701168A EP1346598A2 EP 1346598 A2 EP1346598 A2 EP 1346598A2 EP 02701168 A EP02701168 A EP 02701168A EP 02701168 A EP02701168 A EP 02701168A EP 1346598 A2 EP1346598 A2 EP 1346598A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
radio
rnc
radio network
smlc
subscriber device
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP02701168A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Mark Beckmann
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Siemens AG
Siemens Corp
Original Assignee
Siemens AG
Siemens Corp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Siemens AG, Siemens Corp filed Critical Siemens AG
Publication of EP1346598A2 publication Critical patent/EP1346598A2/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S19/00—Satellite radio beacon positioning systems; Determining position, velocity or attitude using signals transmitted by such systems
    • G01S19/01—Satellite radio beacon positioning systems transmitting time-stamped messages, e.g. GPS [Global Positioning System], GLONASS [Global Orbiting Navigation Satellite System] or GALILEO
    • G01S19/03—Cooperating elements; Interaction or communication between different cooperating elements or between cooperating elements and receivers
    • G01S19/09—Cooperating elements; Interaction or communication between different cooperating elements or between cooperating elements and receivers providing processing capability normally carried out by the receiver
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S19/00—Satellite radio beacon positioning systems; Determining position, velocity or attitude using signals transmitted by such systems
    • G01S19/01—Satellite radio beacon positioning systems transmitting time-stamped messages, e.g. GPS [Global Positioning System], GLONASS [Global Orbiting Navigation Satellite System] or GALILEO
    • G01S19/03—Cooperating elements; Interaction or communication between different cooperating elements or between cooperating elements and receivers
    • G01S19/05—Cooperating elements; Interaction or communication between different cooperating elements or between cooperating elements and receivers providing aiding data
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W64/00—Locating users or terminals or network equipment for network management purposes, e.g. mobility management

Definitions

  • UMTS Universal Mobile Telecommunication System
  • UMTS Universal Mobile Telecommunication System
  • the object of the invention is to show a way in which, in a radio communication system, the position determination of a specific subscriber device can be carried out on the network side in a simple and reliable manner.
  • This object is achieved in a method of the type mentioned at the outset in that, on at least one request signal for determining the position of the respective subscriber device, one or more message signals between the radio network control unit which is assigned to the base station of the location radio cell of the respective subscriber device to be located, and at least one further one Position calculation unit can be exchanged in such a way that a position calculation for the respective subscriber device to be located is made possible on the radio network side.
  • the invention further relates to a radio communication system which has means for carrying out the method according to the invention.
  • FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of the signaling of messages between a subscriber device to be located, a radio network control unit and an additional position calculation unit of a radio communication system for carrying out the method according to the invention
  • Figure 2 is a schematic representation of the hierarchical
  • FIG. 3 shows a schematic representation of the additional connection of the position calculation unit according to FIG. 1 to the respectively responsible radio network control unit.
  • a service that is offered in a mobile radio system in particular according to the UMTS standard (universal mobile teleco communication system), is the so-called location service.
  • One of the possible methods of determining a position is the so-called assisted GPS method.
  • the mobile station to be located in each case is equipped with a GPS (global positioning system) receiver and measures signals which are emitted by satellites
  • a method for determining a position is of no interest for this invention.
  • UMTS standard a distinction is made between UE assisted and UE based methods.
  • the position is calculated in the network of the radio communication system.
  • the calculation of the position itself in the user device UE to be located is transmitted to the user device UE to be located for the assisted GPS method.
  • the network receives this assistance data from a reference GPS receiver, which here in Figures 1 with 3 for the sake of clarity r has been omitted.
  • the present exemplary embodiment deals only with the UE assisted GPS method, in which the position for the respective subscriber device to be located in the network is calculated.
  • the subscriber device UE to be located is connected via an air interface S1 to a base station NodeB, which in turn is connected to the radio network control unit RNC (Radio Network Controller) via a landline connection S2.
  • RNC Radio Network Controller
  • FIG. 2 thus shows part of a radio communication system that otherwise has a multiplicity of base stations, such as NodeB, in associated radio cells FC, at least one radio network control unit (RNC) being assigned to a predefinable group of base stations (NodeB) for coordination.
  • RNC Radio Network Controller
  • one or more message signals are now sent between the radio network control unit that the base station, e.g. NodeB of the location radio cell FC of the respective subscriber device to be located, e.g. UE is assigned, and at least one further position calculation unit such as SMLC (see FIG. 3) exchanged in such a way that a position calculation for the respective user equipment UE to be located is made possible on the radio network side.
  • the base station e.g. NodeB of the location radio cell FC of the respective subscriber device to be located, e.g. UE is assigned
  • at least one further position calculation unit such as SMLC (see FIG. 3) exchanged in such a way that a position calculation for the respective user equipment UE to be located is made possible on the radio network side.
  • the radio network control unit RNC sends one or more message signals (assistance data) via the air interface either to all subscriber devices of a radio cell (broadcast) or to a specific, individual subscriber device such as UE.
  • the radio network control unit RNC sends a message (Measurement Control) to the subscriber device whose position is to be determined and requests it to take GPS measurements.
  • the subscriber device such as UE then sends the measurement results (measurement report) back to the radio network control unit RNC, which then calculates the position therefrom.
  • the radio network control unit inquires RNC with the aid of a message N1, assistance data request, assistance data from the position calculation unit SMLC, in order to then distribute it to all UEs (broadcasting).
  • This message can expediently also contain information when the assistance data are to be sent to the radio network control unit RNC for the first time and / or a point in time when the GPS-SMLC should no longer send assistance data to the RNC.
  • the message N1 can preferably contain a periodicity information, from which the position calculation unit SMLC can see that it can regularly send the assistance data.
  • the position calculation unit SMLC receives in particular the additional functionality of regularly sending assistance data to the RNC.
  • this assistance data is expediently supplied by the position calculation unit SMLC to the radio network control unit RNC by means of a message N2 “assistance data response *”.
  • the radio network control unit RNC can expediently continue with a message N5 “Position Calculation Re- quest * inform the position calculation unit SMLC that it should determine the position of a desired subscriber device.
  • this message preferably contains an identity of the subscriber device, the position of which is to be determined.
  • the message contains information with which the radio network control unit RNC notifies the position calculation unit SMLC that the radio network control unit RNC requires assistance data. This is particularly advantageous if the RNC does not distribute the assistance data to all subscriber devices of the respective radio cell in which the subscriber device UE is located, the position of which is to be determined.
  • the message can optionally also indicate a time when the RNC received assistance data for the last time.
  • the position calculation unit SMLC can then decide whether the assistance data has changed since the last time and - if this is the case - only sends the assistance data that has changed since the last time. Furthermore, it may be expedient that the radio network control unit RNC responsible in each case forwards the last measurements received by the user equipment UE to be located and the time at which these were carried out to the position calculation unit SMLC. This is particularly advantageous because the GPS-SMLC can then decide whether the data is current enough and can already determine the position.
  • the message may also contain information as to how exactly the position is to be determined.
  • the message can expediently contain information about the start point, end point and periodicity. This is particularly advantageous because it is the position calculation unit SMLC can be made possible to determine the position in a certain period of time or also indefinitely.
  • the message may also contain information about how the result (e.g. area or point with an inaccuracy) is to be passed on to the responsible radio network control unit RNC.
  • the position calculation unit SMLC can request the radio network control unit RNC that on the one hand it can deliver the assistance data to the user equipment UE using the existing measurement procedures, and it can request GPS measurements to be carried out.
  • the position calculation unit SMLC can also use this message to deliver the assistance data to the radio network control unit RNC.
  • the message can in particular contain an identification of the user device UE to be located, the position of which is to be determined.
  • the radio network control unit RNC After the radio network control unit RNC has received the GPS measurement results from the user equipment UE, the radio network control unit RNC delivers the results to the position calculation unit SMLC with the aid of a message N9 “Measurement Response”.
  • the radio network control unit RNC If the radio network control unit RNC cannot deliver GPS measurement results, it sends a message N10 “Measurement Failure *” to the position calculation unit SMLC.
  • This message preferably contains an identification of the subscriber device for which no GPS measurement results could be delivered. Furthermore, the message expediently contains information about the reason why the Measurement results could not be delivered. Possible reasons can be, for example, "too little assistance data *," no reception of results from the UE * and "UE not known at the RNC *. This is particularly advantageous because the position calculation unit SMLC thus knows the reason for the failure and can react to it. If, for example, the reason is "too little assistance data *, the position calculation unit SMLC can deliver more assistance data with the next" measurement request * message.
  • the GPS measurement results could be delivered to the position calculation unit SMLC, and the latter could determine or calculate the position with the desired accuracy, it sends a message Nil “Position Calculation Response * to the radio network control unit RNC, in which the position and an indication of the Accuracy with which the position could be determined is included.
  • the message preferably contains an identification of the user equipment UE to be located.
  • the message may also include a time that indicates when the position was determined.
  • the GPS position calculation unit SMLC expediently sends a message Nil “Position Calculation Failure *” to the RNC.
  • This message preferably contains an identification of the user equipment UE, the position of which could not be determined.
  • a reason for the failure of the position determination will expediently be included. The following reasons can preferably be given: "Insufficient measurement results *," Position could not be determined with the desired accuracy *. This is particularly advantageous since the radio network control unit RNC can then start the procedure again and eliminate any reasons for the error can.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Radar, Positioning & Navigation (AREA)
  • Remote Sensing (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Mobile Radio Communication Systems (AREA)

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for determining the position of at least one user device (UE) of a radio communications system. According to said method, in response to a request signal (AS), one or several message signals is/are exchanged between the radio network controller (RNC) that is allocated to the base station (NodeB) of the location radio cell (FC) of the respective user device (UE) to be located and at least one additional position calculation unit (SMLC), in such a way that a positional calculation for the respective user device (UE) that is to be located can be carried out in the radio network.

Description

Beschreibungdescription

Funkkommunikationssystem sowie Verfahren zur Positionsermitt- lung mindestens eines TeilnehmergerätsRadio communication system and method for determining the position of at least one subscriber device

In einem Funkkommunikationssystem, wie z.B. nach dem UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunication System) -Standard kann es in der Praxis gegebenenfalls von Interesse sein, den aktuellen Standort bzw. Aufenthaltsort eines spezifischen Teilneh- mergeräts, insbesondere Mobilfunkgeräts, selektiv zu bestimmen.In a radio communication system, e.g. According to the UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunication System) standard, it may be of interest in practice to selectively determine the current location or location of a specific subscriber device, in particular a mobile device.

Der Erfindung liegt als Aufgabe zugrunde, einen Weg aufzuzeigen, wie bei einem Funkkommunikationssystem die Positionser- mittlung eines spezifischen Teilnehmergeräts in einfacher sowie zuverlässiger Weise netzseitig durchgeführt werden kann. Diese Aufgabe wird bei einem Verfahren der eingangs genannten Art dadurch gelöst, dass auf mindestens ein Anfragesignal zur Positionsermittlung des jeweiligen Teilnehmergeräts ein oder mehrere Nachrichtensignale zwischen derjenigen Funknetzwerk- Kontrolleinheit, die die Basisstation der Aufenthaltsfunkzelle des jeweiligen zu ortenden Teilnehmergeräts zugeordnet ist, und mindestens einer weiteren Positionsberechnungsein- heit derart ausgetauscht werden, dass funknetzseitig eine Po- sitionsberechnung für das jeweilig zu ortende Teilnehmergerät ermöglicht wird.The object of the invention is to show a way in which, in a radio communication system, the position determination of a specific subscriber device can be carried out on the network side in a simple and reliable manner. This object is achieved in a method of the type mentioned at the outset in that, on at least one request signal for determining the position of the respective subscriber device, one or more message signals between the radio network control unit which is assigned to the base station of the location radio cell of the respective subscriber device to be located, and at least one further one Position calculation unit can be exchanged in such a way that a position calculation for the respective subscriber device to be located is made possible on the radio network side.

Dadurch, dass mindestens ein Nachrichtensignal zwischen der jeweilig zuständigen Funknetzwerk-Kontrolleinheit und mindes- tens einer zusätzlichen Positionsberechnungseinheit des Funknetzwerkes ausgetauscht wird, ist in einfacher sowie zuverlässiger Weise eine netzwerkseitige Ermittlung der spezifi- sehen Position des jeweilig zu ortenden Teilnehmergeräts möglich.Because at least one message signal is exchanged between the respectively responsible radio network control unit and at least one additional position calculation unit of the radio network, a network-based determination of the specific see the position of the respective subscriber device to be located possible.

Die Erfindung betrifft weiterhin ein Funkkommunikationssys- tem, das Mittel zur Durchführung des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens aufweist.The invention further relates to a radio communication system which has means for carrying out the method according to the invention.

Sonstige Weiterbildungen der Erfindung sind in den Unteransprüchen wiedergegeben.Other developments of the invention are given in the subclaims.

Die Erfindung und ihre Weiterbildungen werden nachfolgend anhand von Zeichnungen näher erläutert.The invention and its developments are explained in more detail below with reference to drawings.

Es zeigen:Show it:

Figur 1 in schematischer Darstellung die Signalisierung von Nachrichten zwischen einem zu ortenden Teilnehmergerät, einer Funknetzwerk-Kontrolleinheit sowie einer zusätzlichen Positionsberechnungsein- heit eines Funkkommunikationssystems zur Durchführung des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens,1 shows a schematic representation of the signaling of messages between a subscriber device to be located, a radio network control unit and an additional position calculation unit of a radio communication system for carrying out the method according to the invention,

Figur 2 in schematischer Darstellung den hierarchischenFigure 2 is a schematic representation of the hierarchical

Aufbau des FunkkommunikationsSystems mit den ver- schiedenen Komponenten nach Figur 1, undStructure of the radio communication system with the different components according to FIG. 1, and

Figur 3 in schematischer Darstellung die zusätzliche An- bindung der Positionsberechnungseinheit nach Figur 1 an die jeweilig zuständige Funknetzwerkkon- trolleinheit .3 shows a schematic representation of the additional connection of the position calculation unit according to FIG. 1 to the respectively responsible radio network control unit.

Elemente mit gleicher Funktion und Wirkungsweise sind in den Figuren 1 mit 3 jeweils mit denselben Bezugszeichen versehen. Ein Service, der in einem Mobilfunksystem insbesondere nach dem Standard UMTS (universal mobile teleco munication System) , angeboten wird, ist der sogenannte Location Service. Dabei wird die Position einer Mobilfunkstation bzw. Teilnehmergeräts UE (= User Equipment) bestimmt. Eine der möglichen Methoden eine Position zu bestimmen, ist die sogenannte As- sisted GPS Methode". Dabei ist die jeweilig zu ortende Mobilfunkstation mit einem GPS (global positioning system) Empfän- ger ausgestattet und mißt Signale, die von Satelliten ausgesandt werden. Das genaue Verfahren zur Bestimmung einer Position ist für diese Erfindung nicht von Interesse. Gemäß dem UMTS Standard wird zwischen UE assisted und UE based Methode unterschieden. Bei der UE assisted Methode erfolgt die Bere- chung der Position im Netzwerk des Funkkommunikationssystems. Bei der UE based Methode erfolgt die Berechnung der Position im jeweilig zu ortenden Teilnehmergerät UE selbst. Um eine schnellere Positionsbestimmung zu ermöglichen, werden dem jeweilig zu ortenden Teilnehmergerät UE für die Assisted GPS Methode sogenannte Assistance data übermittelt. Diese Assistance Data erhält das Netzwerk von einem Referenz GPS Empfänger, der hier in den Figuren 1 mit 3 der Übersichtlichkeit halber weggelassen worden ist.Elements with the same function and mode of operation are given the same reference numerals in FIGS. 1 and 3. A service that is offered in a mobile radio system, in particular according to the UMTS standard (universal mobile teleco communication system), is the so-called location service. The position of a mobile radio station or user equipment UE (= user equipment) is determined. One of the possible methods of determining a position is the so-called assisted GPS method. The mobile station to be located in each case is equipped with a GPS (global positioning system) receiver and measures signals which are emitted by satellites A method for determining a position is of no interest for this invention. According to the UMTS standard, a distinction is made between UE assisted and UE based methods. In the UE assisted method, the position is calculated in the network of the radio communication system. In the UE based method the calculation of the position itself in the user device UE to be located. To enable a faster position determination, so-called assistance data is transmitted to the user device UE to be located for the assisted GPS method. The network receives this assistance data from a reference GPS receiver, which here in Figures 1 with 3 for the sake of clarity r has been omitted.

Das vorliegende Ausführungsbeispiel beschäftigt sich der Einfachheit halber nur mit der UE assisted GPS Methode, bei der die Position für das jeweilig zu ortende Teilnehmergerät im Netzwerk berechnet wird. Gemäß Figur 1 ist das zu ortenden Teilnehmergerät UE über eine Luftschnittstelle Sl mit einer Basisstation NodeB verbunden, welche wiederum über eine Festnetzverbindung S2 mit der Funknetzwerkkontrolleinheit RNC (Radio Network Controller) verbunden ist. In Figur 2 ist also ein Teil eines FunkkommunikationsSystems dargestellt, das an- sonsten eine Vielzahl von Basisstationen wie z.B. NodeB in zugehörigen Funkzellen FC aufweist, wobei jeweils einer vorgebbaren Gruppe von Basisstationen (NodeB) mindestens eine Funknetzwerk-Kontrolleinheit (RNC) zur Koordinierung zugeord- net ist.For the sake of simplicity, the present exemplary embodiment deals only with the UE assisted GPS method, in which the position for the respective subscriber device to be located in the network is calculated. According to FIG. 1, the subscriber device UE to be located is connected via an air interface S1 to a base station NodeB, which in turn is connected to the radio network control unit RNC (Radio Network Controller) via a landline connection S2. FIG. 2 thus shows part of a radio communication system that otherwise has a multiplicity of base stations, such as NodeB, in associated radio cells FC, at least one radio network control unit (RNC) being assigned to a predefinable group of base stations (NodeB) for coordination.

Auf mindestens ein Anfragesignal AS zur Positionsermittlung des jeweiligen Teilnehmergeräts UE hin werden nun ein oder mehrere Nachrichtensignale zwischen derjenigen Funknetzwerk- Kontrolleinheit, die die Basisstation wie z.B. NodeB der Aufenthaltsfunkzelle FC des jeweiligen zu ortenden Teilnehmergeräts wie z.B. UE zugeordnet ist, und mindestens einer weiteren Positionsberechnungseinheit wie z.B. SMLC (siehe Figur 3) derart ausgetauscht, dass funknetzseitig eine Positionsbe- rechnung für das jeweilig zu ortende Teilnehmergerät UE ermöglicht wird.In response to at least one request signal AS for determining the position of the respective user equipment UE, one or more message signals are now sent between the radio network control unit that the base station, e.g. NodeB of the location radio cell FC of the respective subscriber device to be located, e.g. UE is assigned, and at least one further position calculation unit such as SMLC (see FIG. 3) exchanged in such a way that a position calculation for the respective user equipment UE to be located is made possible on the radio network side.

Im einzelnen sendet für die UE assisted GPS Methode zur Positionsbestimmung die Funknetzwerkkontrolleinheit RNC ein oder mehrere Nachrichtensignale (Assistance data) über die Luftschnittstelle entweder an alle Teilnehmergeräte einer Funkzelle (Broadcast) oder an ein bestimmtes, einzelnes Teilnehmergerät wie z.B. UE. Wenn die Position des jeweiligen Teilnehmergeräts bestimmt werden soll, sendet die Funknetzwerk- kontrolleinheit RNC eine Nachricht (Measurement Control) an das Teilnehmergerät, dessen Position bestimmt werden soll, und fordert es auf GPS Messungen zu machen. Das Teilnehmergerät wie z.B. UE sendet dann die Messergebnisse (Measurement Report) an die Funknetzwerkkontrolleinheit RNC zurück, welche dann daraus die Position berechnet.In detail, for the UE assisted GPS method for position determination, the radio network control unit RNC sends one or more message signals (assistance data) via the air interface either to all subscriber devices of a radio cell (broadcast) or to a specific, individual subscriber device such as UE. When the position of the respective subscriber device is to be determined, the radio network control unit RNC sends a message (Measurement Control) to the subscriber device whose position is to be determined and requests it to take GPS measurements. The subscriber device such as UE then sends the measurement results (measurement report) back to the radio network control unit RNC, which then calculates the position therefrom.

Zur netzseitigen Positionsberechnμng ist nun eine offene Schnittstelle S3 zwischen der zustä digen Funknetzwerkkon- trolleinheit RNC und einer weiteren, zusätzlich eingeführten, vorzugsweise externen Netzwerkeinheit SMLC (serving mobile location center) vorgesehen. Deren Aufgabe ist es, die Berechnung der Position für das jeweilig zu ortende Teilnehmer- gerät durchzuführen (siehe Figur 3) . Dazu wird ein Nachrichtenaustausch zwischen der Positionsberechnungseinheit SMLC und der Funknetzwerkkontrolleinheit RNC implementiert, sowie nachfolgend auf die in den Nachrichten benötigten eingegangen, die eine Positionsberechnung durch die Positionsberech- nungseinheit SMLC ermöglichen.For the position calculation on the network side, there is now an open interface S3 between the responsible radio network con roll unit RNC and a further, additionally introduced, preferably external network unit SMLC (serving mobile location center) are provided. Their task is to calculate the position for the respective subscriber device to be located (see FIG. 3). For this purpose, an exchange of messages between the position calculation unit SMLC and the radio network control unit RNC is implemented, as well as the ones required in the messages below, which enable position calculation by the position calculation unit SMLC.

Im einzelnen erfragt die Funknetzwerkkontrolleinheit RNC mit Hilfe einer Nachricht Nl, Assistance data request, Assistance Data von der Positionsberechnungseinheit SMLC, um diese an- schließend an alle UEs zu verteilen (Broadcasting) . Zweckmäßigerweise kann diese Nachricht auch Informationen enthalten, wann zum ersten Mal die Assistance Data an die Funknetzwerkkontrolleinheit RNC gesendet werden sollen, und/oder einen Zeitpunkt, wann der GPS-SMLC keine Assistance Data mehr an den RNC senden soll. Außerdem kann die Nachricht Nl vorzugsweise eine Periodizitätsangabe enthalten, aus der die Positionsberechnungseinheit SMLC entnehmen kann, daß sie regelmäßig die Assistance Data senden kann. Dazu erhält die Positionsberechnungseinheit SMLC insbesondere die zusätzliche Funktiona- lität, regelmäßig Assistance Data an den RNC zu senden.In detail, the radio network control unit inquires RNC with the aid of a message N1, assistance data request, assistance data from the position calculation unit SMLC, in order to then distribute it to all UEs (broadcasting). This message can expediently also contain information when the assistance data are to be sent to the radio network control unit RNC for the first time and / or a point in time when the GPS-SMLC should no longer send assistance data to the RNC. In addition, the message N1 can preferably contain a periodicity information, from which the position calculation unit SMLC can see that it can regularly send the assistance data. For this purpose, the position calculation unit SMLC receives in particular the additional functionality of regularly sending assistance data to the RNC.

Weiterhin werden diese Assistance Data zweckmäßigerweise von der Positionsberechnungseinheit SMLC mittels einer Nachricht N2 „Assistance Data Response* an die Funknetzwerkkontrollein- heit RNC geliefert.Furthermore, this assistance data is expediently supplied by the position calculation unit SMLC to the radio network control unit RNC by means of a message N2 “assistance data response *”.

Zweckmäßigerweise kann die Funknetzwerkkontrolleinheit RNC weiterhin mit einer Nachricht N5 „Position Calculation Re- quest* der Positionsberechnungseinheit SMLC mitteilen, dass diese die Position eines gewünschten Teilnehmergeräts bestimmen soll. Dazu enthält diese Nachricht vorzugsweise eine I- dentität des Teilnehmergeräts, dessen Position bestimmt wer- den soll. Weiterhin kann es zweckmäßig sein, wenn die Nachricht eine Information enthält, mit dem die Funknetzwerkkontrolleinheit RNC der Positionsberechnunsgeinheit SMLC mitteilt, dass die Funknetzwerkkontrolleinheit RNC Assistance Data benötigt. Dies ist besonders vorteilhaft, wenn der RNC die Assistance data nicht an alle Teilnehmergeräte der jeweiligen Funkzelle verteilt, in der sich das Teilnehmergerät UE aufhält, dessen Position bestimmt werden soll. Weiterhin kann die Nachricht ggf. zusätzlich einen Zeitpunkt angeben, wann der RNC zum letzten Mal Assistance data erhalten hat. Dies ist besonders vorteilhaft, da die Positionsberechnungseinheit SMLC dann entscheiden kann, ob sich die Assistance data seit dem letzten Mal geändert hat, und - falls dies der Fall ist - nur die Assistance data sendet, die sich seit dem letzten Mal geändert hat. Weiterhin kann es zweckmäßig sein, dass die je- weilig zuständige Funknetzwerkkontrolleinheit RNC die letzten vom jeweilig zu ortenden Teilnehmergerät UE empfangenen Messungen, und den Zeitpunkt, wann diese durchgeführt wurden, an die Positionsberechnungseinheit SMLC weitergibt. Dies ist besonders vorteilhaft, da der GPS-SMLC dann entscheiden kann, ob die Daten aktuell genug sind und bereits die Position bestimmen kann.The radio network control unit RNC can expediently continue with a message N5 “Position Calculation Re- quest * inform the position calculation unit SMLC that it should determine the position of a desired subscriber device. For this purpose, this message preferably contains an identity of the subscriber device, the position of which is to be determined. Furthermore, it can be expedient if the message contains information with which the radio network control unit RNC notifies the position calculation unit SMLC that the radio network control unit RNC requires assistance data. This is particularly advantageous if the RNC does not distribute the assistance data to all subscriber devices of the respective radio cell in which the subscriber device UE is located, the position of which is to be determined. Furthermore, the message can optionally also indicate a time when the RNC received assistance data for the last time. This is particularly advantageous since the position calculation unit SMLC can then decide whether the assistance data has changed since the last time and - if this is the case - only sends the assistance data that has changed since the last time. Furthermore, it may be expedient that the radio network control unit RNC responsible in each case forwards the last measurements received by the user equipment UE to be located and the time at which these were carried out to the position calculation unit SMLC. This is particularly advantageous because the GPS-SMLC can then decide whether the data is current enough and can already determine the position.

Weiterhin kann die Nachricht ggf. Informationen enthalten, wie genau die Position bestimmt werden soll. Zusätzlich kann die Nachricht zweckmäßigerweise Informationen über den Startpunkt, Endpunkt und Periodizität enthalten. Dies ist besonders vorteilhaft, da es so der Positionsberechnungseinheit SMLC ermöglicht werden kann, in einem bestimmten Zeitraum o- der auch unbegrenzt regelmäßig die Position zu bestimmen.The message may also contain information as to how exactly the position is to be determined. In addition, the message can expediently contain information about the start point, end point and periodicity. This is particularly advantageous because it is the position calculation unit SMLC can be made possible to determine the position in a certain period of time or also indefinitely.

Letztendlich kann die Nachricht ggf. auch Informationen über die Art, wie das Ergebnis (z.B. Fläche, oder Punkt mit einer Ungenauigkeit) an die zuständige Funknetzwerkkontrolleinheit RNC weitergegeben werden soll, enthalten.Ultimately, the message may also contain information about how the result (e.g. area or point with an inaccuracy) is to be passed on to the responsible radio network control unit RNC.

Mit Hilfe der Nachricht N6 „Measurement Request* kann die Po- sitionsberechnungseinheit SMLC die Funknetzwerkkontrolleinheit RNC auffordern, dass diese mit Hilfe der bereits existierenden Measurement Prozeduren dem Teilnehmergerät UE zum einen die Assistance Data liefern kann, und es auffordern kann GPS Messungen durchzuführen. Die Positionsberechnungs- einheit SMLC kann mit Hilfe dieser Nachricht auch die Assistance Data an die Funknetzwerkkontrolleinheit RNC liefern. Weiterhin kann die Nachricht insbesondere eine Identifikation des zu ortenden Teilnehmergeräts UE enthalten, dessen Position bestimmt werden soll.With the help of the message N6 “Measurement Request *, the position calculation unit SMLC can request the radio network control unit RNC that on the one hand it can deliver the assistance data to the user equipment UE using the existing measurement procedures, and it can request GPS measurements to be carried out. The position calculation unit SMLC can also use this message to deliver the assistance data to the radio network control unit RNC. Furthermore, the message can in particular contain an identification of the user device UE to be located, the position of which is to be determined.

Nachdem die Funknetzwerkkontrolleinheit RNC die GPS- Messergebnisse vom Teilnehmergerät UE enthalten hat, leifert die Funknetzwerkkontrolleinheit RNC die Ergebnisse mit Hilfe einer Nachricht N9 „Measurement Response* an die Positionsbe- rechnungseinheit SMLC.After the radio network control unit RNC has received the GPS measurement results from the user equipment UE, the radio network control unit RNC delivers the results to the position calculation unit SMLC with the aid of a message N9 “Measurement Response”.

Falls die Funknetzwerkkontrolleinheit RNC keine GPS- Messergebnisse liefern kann, sendet sie eine Nachricht N10 „Measurement Failure* an die Positionsberechnungseinheit SMLC. Diese Nachricht enthält vorzugsweise eine Identifikation des Teilnehmergeräts, zu dem keine GPS Messergebnisse geliefert werden konnten. Weiterhin enthält die Nachricht zweckmäßigerweise eine Information über den Grund, warum die Messergebnisse nicht geliefert werden konnten. Mögliche Gründe können beispielsweise „zu wenig Assistance data*, „kein Empfang von Ergebnissen vom UE* und „UE nicht am RNC bekannt* sein. Dies ist besonders vorteilhaft, weil die Positionsberechnungseinheit SMLC somit den Grund für das Fehlschlagen kennt und darauf reagieren kann. Wenn z.B. der Grund „zu wenig Assistance data* ist, kann die Positionsberechnungseinheit SMLC mit der nächsten „Measurement Request* Nachricht mehr Assistance data liefern.If the radio network control unit RNC cannot deliver GPS measurement results, it sends a message N10 “Measurement Failure *” to the position calculation unit SMLC. This message preferably contains an identification of the subscriber device for which no GPS measurement results could be delivered. Furthermore, the message expediently contains information about the reason why the Measurement results could not be delivered. Possible reasons can be, for example, "too little assistance data *," no reception of results from the UE * and "UE not known at the RNC *. This is particularly advantageous because the position calculation unit SMLC thus knows the reason for the failure and can react to it. If, for example, the reason is "too little assistance data *, the position calculation unit SMLC can deliver more assistance data with the next" measurement request * message.

Konnten die GPS - Messergebnisse an die Positionsberechnungseinheit SMLC geliefert werden, und diese konnte die Position mit der gewünschten Genauigkeit bestimmen bzw. berechnen, so sendet sie eine Nachricht Nil „Position Calculation Response* an die Funknetzwerkkontrolleinheit RNC, in der die Position und eine Angabe der Genauigkeit mit der die Position bestimmt werden konnte, enthalten ist. Weiterhin enthält die Nachricht vorzugsweise eine Identifikation des zu ortenden Teilnehmergeräts UE. Außerdem kann die Nachricht auch eine Zeitangabe enthalten, die angibt, wann die Position bestimmt worden ist.If the GPS measurement results could be delivered to the position calculation unit SMLC, and the latter could determine or calculate the position with the desired accuracy, it sends a message Nil “Position Calculation Response * to the radio network control unit RNC, in which the position and an indication of the Accuracy with which the position could be determined is included. Furthermore, the message preferably contains an identification of the user equipment UE to be located. The message may also include a time that indicates when the position was determined.

Konnte die Position nicht bestimmt werden, so sendet die GPS- Positionsberechnungseinheit SMLC zweckmäßigerweise eine Nachricht Nil „Position Calculation Failure* an den RNC. Diese Nachricht enthält vorzugsweise eine Identifikation des Teilnehmergeräts UE, dessen Position nicht bestimmt werden konnte. Zusätzlich wird zweckmäßigerweise ein Grund für das Fehlschlagen der Positionsbestimmung enthalten sein. Vorzugsweise können folgende Gründe mitgeteilt werden: „Ungenügende Mess- ergebnisse*, „Position konnte nicht mit gewünschter Genauigkeit bestimmt werden* . Dies ist besonders vorteilhaft, da die Funknetzwerkkontrolleinheit RNC dann die Prozedur noch einmal starten kann und eventuelle Gründe für den Fehler beseitigen kann. Für den Fall, dass die Position nicht mit der gewünschten Genauigkeit bestimmt werden, kann es zweckmäßig sein, die bestimmte Position und die Genauigkeit, mit der diese bestimmt werden konnte, der Nachricht hinzuzufügen. Dies ist besonders vorteilhaft, da die Funknetzwerkkontrolleinheit RNC dann entscheiden kann, ob sie die Ergebnisse dennoch verwenden möchte . If the position could not be determined, the GPS position calculation unit SMLC expediently sends a message Nil “Position Calculation Failure *” to the RNC. This message preferably contains an identification of the user equipment UE, the position of which could not be determined. In addition, a reason for the failure of the position determination will expediently be included. The following reasons can preferably be given: "Insufficient measurement results *," Position could not be determined with the desired accuracy *. This is particularly advantageous since the radio network control unit RNC can then start the procedure again and eliminate any reasons for the error can. In the event that the position is not determined with the desired accuracy, it may be expedient to add the determined position and the accuracy with which this could be determined to the message. This is particularly advantageous since the radio network control unit RNC can then decide whether it would still like to use the results.

Claims

Patentansprüche claims 1. Verfahren zur Positionsermittlung mindestens eines Teilnehmergeräts (UE) eines Funkkommunikationssystems, das eine Vielzahl von Basisstationen (NodeB) in zugehörigen Funkzellen (FC) aufweist, wobei einer vorgebbaren Gruppe von Basisstationen (NodeB) jeweils mindestens eine Funknetzwerk-Kontrolleinheit (RNC) zur Koordinierung zugeordnet ist, d a d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c h n e t , dass auf mindestens ein Anfragesignal (AS) zur Positionsermittlung des jeweiligen Teilnehmergeräts (UE) ein oder mehrere Nachrichtensignale (Nl) zwischen derjenigen Funknetzwerk- Kontrolleinheit (RNC) , die die Basisstation (NodeB) der Aufenthaltsfunkzelle (FC) des jeweiligen zu ortenden Teilnehmer- geräts (UE) zugeordnet ist, und mindestens einer weiteren Positionsberechnungseinheit (SMLC) derart ausgetauscht werden, dass funknetzseitig eine Positionsberechnung für das jeweilig zu ortende Teilnehmergerät (UE) ermöglicht wird.1. Method for determining the position of at least one subscriber device (UE) of a radio communication system which has a multiplicity of base stations (NodeB) in associated radio cells (FC), a predefinable group of base stations (NodeB) each having at least one radio network control unit (RNC) for coordination is assigned, characterized in that on at least one request signal (AS) for determining the position of the respective subscriber device (UE) one or more message signals (Nl) between that radio network control unit (RNC) that the base station (NodeB) of the location radio cell (FC) of the respective is assigned to localized subscriber devices (UE) and at least one further position calculation unit (SMLC) is exchanged in such a way that a position calculation for the respective localized subscriber device (UE) is made possible on the radio network side. 2. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, d a d u r c h g e k e n n ze i c h n e t , dass die Positionsermittlung in einem UMTS (Universal Mobile Teleco munication System) , GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) und/oder im EDGE (Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Enviro- ments) FunkkommunikationsSystem, insbesondere Mobilfunksystem, durchgeführt wird.2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the position determination in a UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunication System), GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) and / or in the EDGE (Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Developments) radio communication system, in particular Mobile radio system is carried out. 3. Verfahren nach einem der vorliegenden Ansprüche, d a d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c h n e t , dass als Teilnehmergerät ein Mobilfunkgerät, insbesondere Zellulartelefon, verwendet wird. 3. The method according to any one of the present claims, characterized in that a mobile radio device, in particular a cellular telephone, is used as the subscriber device. 4. Funkkommunikationssystem mit Mitteln (SMLC, RNC, UE) zur Durchführung des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche . 4. Radio communication system with means (SMLC, RNC, UE) for performing the method according to the invention according to one of the preceding claims.
EP02701168A 2001-01-17 2002-01-07 Radio communications system and method for determining the position of at least one user device Withdrawn EP1346598A2 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE10101969 2001-01-17
DE10101969 2001-01-17
PCT/DE2002/000018 WO2002058425A2 (en) 2001-01-17 2002-01-07 Radio communications system and method for determining the position of at least one user device

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1346598A2 true EP1346598A2 (en) 2003-09-24

Family

ID=7670864

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP02701168A Withdrawn EP1346598A2 (en) 2001-01-17 2002-01-07 Radio communications system and method for determining the position of at least one user device

Country Status (3)

Country Link
US (1) US20040053628A1 (en)
EP (1) EP1346598A2 (en)
WO (1) WO2002058425A2 (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN101212718B (en) * 2006-12-27 2011-09-21 中兴通讯股份有限公司 Location-based service optimization method and system in redirection process

Families Citing this family (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1610473B1 (en) * 2003-04-03 2016-05-25 NEC Corporation Positioning system and positioning method in mobile communication network
FR2865606B1 (en) * 2004-01-26 2008-05-16 Evolium Sas METHOD FOR SUPPORTING LOCATION SERVES IN A MOBILE RADIOCOMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM
US7570927B2 (en) * 2006-06-16 2009-08-04 Motorola, Inc. Decentralized wireless communication network and method having a plurality of devices
US20080108374A1 (en) * 2006-11-02 2008-05-08 Motorola, Inc. Standalone positioning in 3G UMTS systems
EP2276306B1 (en) * 2009-07-17 2013-04-03 HTC Corporation Apparatus for setting the transmission priority of long term evolution (LTE) positioning protocol data
US8509731B2 (en) * 2009-11-06 2013-08-13 Research In Motion Limited Location determination for mobile devices in emergency situations

Family Cites Families (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5929806A (en) * 1997-04-30 1999-07-27 Motorola, Inc. Method for estimating a location of a mobile unit based on at least two fixed transceivers
US5952969A (en) * 1997-08-18 1999-09-14 Telefonakiebolaget L M Ericsson (Publ) Method and system for determining the position of mobile radio terminals
US6070078A (en) * 1997-10-15 2000-05-30 Ericsson Inc. Reduced global positioning system receiver code shift search space for a cellular telephone system
US6411811B2 (en) * 1998-04-20 2002-06-25 Ericsson Inc. System and method for provisioning assistance global positioning system information to a mobile station
US6266533B1 (en) * 1998-12-11 2001-07-24 Ericsson Inc. GPS assistance data for positioning of mobiles with built-in GPS
US6671377B1 (en) * 1999-03-18 2003-12-30 Ericsson Inc. System and method for downloading network information to mobile stations for location calculation
US6323803B1 (en) * 1999-08-10 2001-11-27 Ericsson Inc. System and method for incremental broadcast of GPS navigation data in a cellular network
US6429808B1 (en) * 1999-11-12 2002-08-06 Motorola, Inc. Method and apparatus for assisted GPS integrity maintenance

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See references of WO02058425A2 *

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN101212718B (en) * 2006-12-27 2011-09-21 中兴通讯股份有限公司 Location-based service optimization method and system in redirection process

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2002058425A2 (en) 2002-07-25
US20040053628A1 (en) 2004-03-18
WO2002058425A3 (en) 2002-11-07

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
DE69626187T2 (en) Vehicle emergency message system
DE69922492T2 (en) METHOD FOR CONNECTING A BASE STATION TO A CELLULAR SYSTEM
DE60115947T2 (en) POSITIONING A SUBSCRIBER DEVICE IN A PACKAGED MOBILE REMOTE NETWORK THROUGH THE USE OF BOTH PACKET MEDIA AND LINE-MESSAGED MESSAGES
CH695813A5 (en) Apparatus and method for performing a handoff during positioning within a cellular network.
WO1999056326A2 (en) Location-dependent execution of services of a mobile radio network
DE10256457B4 (en) Exchange of geographical position information between position information server and core network element
EP1346598A2 (en) Radio communications system and method for determining the position of at least one user device
EP2095149B1 (en) Satellite navigation receiver
DE10345224B4 (en) Method for position estimation of a subscriber station of a radio communication system and network device
EP1325658B1 (en) Method for determining the position of at least one subscriber terminal of a radio communications system, and a corresponding radio communications system
WO2000062567A1 (en) Measurement of service quality in communications networks
WO2001056317A1 (en) Mobile gps system and communication system based on actual location
DE69933239T2 (en) COMMUNICATION SYSTEM THE INFORMATION CONTAINS DIFFERENT TIME ZONES WHERE MOBILE DEVICES ARE FIXED
EP1370095B1 (en) Method for determining a position in mobile radio networks
DE102004009266B4 (en) Method for transmitting user data in a multihop system and network node device therefor
EP1263250B1 (en) Method to determine the location of a mobile station in a mobile radio system
EP1300990B1 (en) Method and communication apparatus for providing distance-related quality-of-service in a communication system
EP0615392B1 (en) Method and apparatus for location dependent handover in a mobile radio network
EP0939570A2 (en) Method for location-dependent billing of connections between mobile subscribers or between mobile subscribers and fixed network subscribers
WO2005101881A2 (en) Mobile terminal for receiving packet-oriented radio signals
DE102006046977A1 (en) Method and device for operating a mobile communication network
DE102023209498A1 (en) Rescue device for a vehicle, vehicle, rescue system and method for initiating a rescue journey
DE60031255T2 (en) METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING GENERAL INFORMATION FOR USERS IN A MOBILE RADIO NETWORK
EP2288197B1 (en) Method for generating a dynamic cellular planning and a method for generating location specific information
EP1253791A1 (en) Service Server

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20030702

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A2

Designated state(s): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: AL LT LV MK RO SI

RBV Designated contracting states (corrected)

Designated state(s): AT BE CH DE FR GB LI

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION IS DEEMED TO BE WITHDRAWN

18D Application deemed to be withdrawn

Effective date: 20060801