GPS satellite signal acquisition assistance system and method in a wireless communications network

A system for transmitting a GPS receiver code-phase search range to a integrated GPS/wireless terminal unit operating in a wireless network, comprising:

• a GPS receiver operable to generate a GPS time reference;
• means for obtaining a time offset for the GPS/wireless terminal unit relative to said GPS time reference;
• a controller operable to calculate a GPS code-phase search range with reference to a base station geographic location, a radius of the wireless coverage area served by the base station, an elevation angle of a GPS satellite, and said time reference;
• and
• a transmitter coupled to said controller and operable to transmit said calculated GPS code search range.

A system for transmitting a GPS receiver code-phase search range to a integrated GPS/wireless terminal unit operating in a wireless network, comprising:

• a GPS receiver operable to generate a GPS time reference;
• means for obtaining a time offset for the GPS/wireless terminal unit relative to said GPS time reference;
• means for obtaining a location reference for the GPS/wireless terminal unit;
• a controller operable to calculate a GPS code-phase search range with reference to a variance of a positioning error of said location reference, and said time reference;
• and
• a transmitter coupled to said controller and operable to transmit said calculated GPS code search range.

A method for defining a GPS receiver code-phase search range for an integrated GPS/wireless terminal unit operating in a wireless network having a base station, comprising the steps of:

• obtaining a time reference for the GPS/wireless terminal unit establishing the time offset relative to the base station GPS time;
• calculating a GPS code-phase search range with reference to the base station geographic location plus a radius of the wireless coverage area served by the base station, an elevation angle of a GPS satellite, and said time reference;
• and
• transmitting said calculated GPS code-phase search range.

A method for defining a GPS receiver code-phase search range for an integrated GPS/wireless terminal unit operating in a wireless network having a base station, comprising the steps of:

• obtaining a time reference for the GPS/wireless terminal unit establishing the time offset relative to the base station GPS time;
• obtaining a location reference for the GPS/wireless terminal unit;
• calculating a GPS code-phase search range with reference to a variance of a positioning error of said location reference, and said time reference;
• and
• transmitting said calculated GPS code-phase search range by the base station.

A system for transmitting a GPS receiver code-phase search range to an integrated GPS/wireless terminal unit operating in a wireless network, said system comprising:

• a receiver operable to generate a GPS time reference;
• a controller operable to calculate the GPS code-phase search range with reference to a base station geographic location, a position estimate of the integrated GPS/wireless terminal unit having an uncertainty area with a center distinct from the base station geographic location, and said GPS time reference;
• and
• a transmitter coupled to said controller and operable to transmit said calculated GPS code-phase search range.