GPS location for mobile phones using the internet

A method for determining a geographic location of a portable remote unit, the method comprising the steps of:

• providing a communication system comprising at least one base station and a system controller, the at least one base station bi-directionally coupling the remote unit to the system controller through wireless links;
• transmitting a message from the remote unit to the system controller through the at least one base station, the transmitted message including a time stamp;
• in response to the transmitted message, requesting satellite information from a server coupled to the system controller, the server containing satellite information for a satellite positioning system;
• in reply to the request, retrieving the requested satellite information from the server;
• providing the retrieved satellite information to the remote unit;
• and
• acquiring a predetermined number of satellites of the satellite positioning system in accordance with the provided satellite information, wherein the acquired satellites provide coded signals for determining the geographic location of the remote unit;
• wherein the step of retrieving the requested satellite information further comprises the steps of:
• determining a time delay between the time stamp and time the message from the remote unit was received;
• querying a satellite information database stored in a data store of the server using the time delay and the determined approximate location of the remote unit within the request for satellite information;
• wherein the retrieved satellite information is comprised of the results of the database query.

A wireless communication system, comprising:

• a system controller;
• at least one mobile station;
• and
• at least one base station for bi-directionally coupling said at least one mobile station to said system controller through wireless links;
• wherein said system controller comprises an interface for relaying a message from said at least one mobile station to said communications network, said message including a time stamp, and for receiving a reply, in response to said message, from a satellite positioning data server that is coupled to said communication network, said reply being transmitted to said at least one mobile station to aid said at least one mobile station in acquiring positioning satellites;
• and
• wherein said server further comprises means for evaluating said time stamp to determine a time delay between said time stamp and a time said message from said mobile station was received, said server providing said satellite information in accordance with said time delay such that said provided satellite information represents said satellites at a time said provided satellite information is received at said mobile station.

A communication system, comprising:

• a network;
• a plurality of wireless service providers having a plurality of subscriber units, each of said plurality of service providers being bi-directionally coupled to said network;
• and
• a satellite positioning data server bi-directionally coupled to said network for replying to requests received from individual ones of said plurality of service providers for individual ones of said plurality of subscriber units, each of said requests including a message having a time stamp and providing an approximate geographical location of individual ones of said requesting subscriber units;
• wherein said server further comprises means for evaluating said time stamp to determine a time delay between said time stamp and a time said message from said subscriber unit was received, said server providing said satellite information in accordance with said time delay such that said provided satellite information represents said satellites at a time said provided satellite information is received at said subscriber unit.

A position locating system for determining a geographic location of a communication unit, comprising:

• a communications system comprising a central control station, said control station bi-directionally coupled to said communication unit;
• and
• a server coupled to said control station by a communication infrastructure external to said communications system, said server comprising a data store which contains satellite information for a satellite positioning system;
• wherein in response to a message from said communication unit, said message including a time stamp, said server provides satellite information to said control station over said communication infrastructure such that said provided satellite information is passed to said communication unit;
• wherein said provided satellite information comprises information to aid in acquiring a predetermined number of satellites, said acquired satellites providing coded signals for determining said geographic location of said communication unit;
• and
• wherein said server further comprises means for evaluating said time stamp to determine a time delay between said time stamp and a time said message from said communication unit was received, said server providing said satellite information in accordance with said time delay such that said provided satellite information represents said satellites at a time said provided satellite information is received at said communication unit.

A mobile radiotelephone, comprising:

• a GPS receiver for receiving coded signals from a plurality of satellites, said coded signals for determining a geographic location of said mobile radiotelephone;
• a telecommunication transmitter for transmitting a message from said mobile radiotelephone to a communication system, said message including a time stamp, said communication system coupled to a communication infrastructure external to said communication system;
• a telecommunication receiver for receiving, in response to said transmitted message, satellite information from said external communication infrastructure through said communication system which aids said mobile radiotelephone in acquiring and receiving said coded signals from said plurality of satellites;
• and
• wherein said server further comprises means for evaluating said time stamp to determine a time delay between said time stamp and a time said message from said transmitter was received, said server providing said satellite information in accordance with said time delay such that said provided satellite information represents said satellites at a time said provided satellite information is received at said mobile radiotelephone.