초록 ▼

An apparatus and method is disclosed, utilizing a communications network (in this particular design, it is a GEM (Geo-Mobile) satellite system) to initialize a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver (such one integrated into a handheld user terminal, or phone used within the communication network)

An apparatus and method is disclosed, utilizing a communications network (in this particular design, it is a GEM (Geo-Mobile) satellite system) to initialize a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver (such one integrated into a handheld user terminal, or phone used within the communication network) to enable the GPS receiver to quickly acquire GPS satellite signals and perform positioning calculations. By systematically feeding the GPS receiver key pieces of information (GPS satellite trajectories, time estimate, position estimate, and additional positional references), the time to first fix (TTFF) of the GPS receiver can be drastically reduced.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [17.] A gateway station for use in a communication network, the communication network comprising at least one terminal, a communications satellite and a plurality of GPS satellites, the gateway station comprising:a continually-tracking GPS receiver;means for computing GPS sate

[ What is claimed is:] [17.] A gateway station for use in a communication network, the communication network comprising at least one terminal, a communications satellite and a plurality of GPS satellites, the gateway station comprising:a continually-tracking GPS receiver;means for computing GPS satellite trajectory data for GPS satellites visible to each terminal;means for computing a rough position estimate for each terminal; and ns for sending signals representing GPS satellite trajectory data, time synchronization signals, and signals representing rough position estimates to each terminal.