Today, there are 29 satellites in the GPS network, each orbiting the Earth approximately six times per day. As a user moves his or her wireless GPS device from one location to another, the satellites in view relative to that location change. GPS devices attempting to determine the user's position can now take advantage of this invention and receive a culled list of satellites from which a faster and more accurate location can be determined.
The Culled Satellite Ephemeris Information Based On Accurate Distance in Range Calculations, For Quick, Accurate Assisted Locating Satellite Location Determination patent provides a method and apparatus for more quick and dependable location solutions by only using those satellites that are expected to be within site of the wireless handset user for the longest time. The method and apparatus of culling the satellites can be performed in a wireless communications base station and/or a mobile device.
This latest A-GPS patent represents the seventh in TCS' A-GPS patent portfolio. A-GPS usage is expected to continue to show strong growth in the future as operators worldwide deploy A-GPS handsets and infrastructure for their precise location requirements. ABI Research recently stated that 25 percent of all 3G GSM-based handsets will offer GPS by the end of 2008.
"TCS continues to strengthen its proven leadership in the location-based services marketplace," stated Tim Lorello, senior vice president and chief marketing officer for TCS. "We have long believed that precise location is extremely important for successful location-based services. With more GPS-based wireless devices coming to market, our expertise in worldwide deployments, our significant contributions to standards and interoperability, and our strong patent portfolio position TCS as an excellent partner for a wireless operator interested in generating new revenues from this promising technology."
This represents TCS' 52nd announced patent with more than 150 additional patent applications pending in the United States and jurisdictions throughout the world.
TeleCommunication Systems, Inc. (TCS) produces wireless data communications technology solutions that require proven high levels of reliability. TCS provides wireless and VoIP E9-1-1 network-based services, secure deployable communication systems and engineered satellite-based services, and commercial location applications, like traffic and navigation, using the precise location of a wireless device. Customers include leading wireless and VoIP operators around the world, and agencies of the U.S. Departments of Defense, State, and Homeland Security.
