Abstract: A method and system for increasing the number of geographical addresses for mobile devices in regions of the Earth nearer to the equator than those regions closer to the North and South poles and without significantly increasing the size (number of bits) of the addresses is provided. Typically, regions nearer to the equator have higher populations and a greater need for large amounts of geographical addresses than those regions found closer to the South and North poles. By using the sine of a latitude coordinate for a particular location instead of the actual latitude coordinate, the range of available geographical addresses for mobile devices in the most densely populated regions on Earth can be significantly increased while decreasing the number of addresses available in regions closer to the South or North poles.

Abstract: A vehicle tracking unit for a vehicle of a type including a vehicle battery and at least one vehicle security device may include a vehicle position determining device, a wireless communications device for communicating with a monitoring station and including a receiver and a transmitter, a back-up battery, and a battery sensing circuit for sensing a voltage of at least one of the back-up battery and the vehicle battery. Furthermore, the vehicle tracking unit may also include a security device detector circuit for the at least one vehicle security device, a controller cooperating with the wireless communications device, the security device detector circuit, and the vehicle position determining device for sending position and security signals to the monitoring station. In addition, the controller may also be connected to the battery sensing circuit for disabling operation of the receiver based upon the sensed battery voltage being below a threshold.

Abstract: A system for tracking a person from a system subscriber who affixes a location unit to the person to be tracked is provided wherein the location unit calculates the location of the person at any given time. The system includes a web host connected to a wide area web network, such as the Internet, the web host includes a computer readable medium and is accessible by the subscriber from a remote computer terminal. A computer program resides on the web host for receiving a tracking request from the subscriber and transmitting a tracking call to the location unit carried by the person. The computer program includes instructions embodied in computer readable code for automatically transmitting the tracking call, receiving location data from the location unit in response to the tracking call, and transmitting the location data to the subscriber's terminal where the current location of the person is displayed.

Abstract: A system for providing location dependent services to a plurality of mobile terminals within a coverage area. The system defines services deployment areas in which the services are available. A server receives, from a plurality of sources, location information indicating the locations of mobile terminals and tracks them so that their presence in particular service deployment areas can be determined. The services receive meta-information classifying the location information and use this meta-information to determine whether the source of the location information is reliable enough for the service to be provided. If it is reliable enough, the service is provided to the mobile terminal.

Abstract: A vehicle tracking system includes a vehicle racking unit and a monitoring station communicating therewith. The vehicle tracking unit preferably includes a test switch, a vehicle position determining device, a wireless communications device, and a controller. The controller is preferably for operating the at least one vehicle device and for cooperating with the wireless communications device and the vehicle position determining device to determine and send vehicle position information to the monitoring station. Moreover, the controller may be switchable to a test mode for test operation of the at least one vehicle device responsive to activation of the test switch. Accordingly, an installer, for example, can quickly check that the tracking unit has been properly installed.

Abstract: Internet nodes having global positioning receivers or the like are configured for communicating position information over the Internet, using an Internet protocol (IP). Preferably, information packets according to the protocol include some or all of a source identifier, a time stamp and/or an indicator of the type or format of the position information. Preferably, end-users may provide for encryption, passwords or other features for controlling the entities which can receive or use the position information.

Abstract: A location determination apparatus, method and system (10, 23, 26, 32, 36, 48, 52, 60, 64, 74, 78, 84, 90, 106) that is an improvement upon existing location determining techniques. The invention enables precision indoor location determination through the use of non-DTV terrestrial broadcast signals (e.g. one way, wide area, dissemination of information)(20), or re-broadcast signals (44, 56, 70, 80) of the proposed (terrestrial based) digital satellite radio relay transmitters (42, 54) to provide position location. This solution does not require a local receiver to correct for long distance propagation dispersion, particularly for the satellite relay, as the digital radio satellites are already synchronized to GPS time.

Abstract: A vehicle tracking unit may include a vehicle position determining device, a wireless communications device, and a controller for cooperating with the vehicle position determining device to determine vehicle position information based upon the vehicle changing a direction of travel by greater than a threshold. Moreover, the controller may also cooperate with the wireless communications device to send the vehicle position information to a monitoring station based upon each occurrence of the vehicle changing the direction of travel by greater than the threshold.

Abstract: A secure event data recording system configured for use in a passenger vehicle. The secure event data recording system can include an event data recorder; a memory device coupled to the event data recorder and configured to store event data processed in the event data recorder; and, an input/output port communicatively linked to the memory device through which read/write access can be provided to the memory device. Significantly, a tamper proof sealing mechanism can be provided which bars access to the memory device, the event data recorder and the input/output port without causing an irreparable breach of the tamper proof sealing mechanism.

Abstract: A geo-location technique for use in mobile communications networks employs both FDD and Time Division Duplex (TDD) modes of operation, and is applicable when both FDD and TDD systems are jointly deployed or both FDD and TDD modes of a wireless system such as UMTS are jointly activated. It has been determined that the near-far interference can be much easier controlled on purpose in the TDD mode than in the FDD mode thanks to the slotted data transmission nature of a TDD system that permits adjustment of the interference level at the time slot level instead of the frame level. Indeed, in a TDD system, loading and interference levels can be gracefully decreased in a single time slot without harming the ongoing traffic or complicating the power control operations, as would be the situation in a UMTS FDD system via IPDL or similar solutions that require to mute the pilot transmission. The invention applies to both situations whether or not the terminals are equipped with a dual receiver.

Abstract: A method for the continuous real time tracking of the position of at least one mobile object in a defined multidimensional space comprising at least one mobile transmitter module which is attached to at least one mobile object, the signals from said module being received by a stationary receiving and signal processing network and then centrally processed. The signals emitted by the transmitter module are electromagnetic waves sent within a frequency band range using time division multiplex techniques. Due to the fact that the frequency band is used as a single channel for the purpose of maximizing the accuracy with which a position is detected, and due also to the fact that the communication process between the transmitters (Sp, Sb) and the receivers (E1, . . .

Abstract: A service provider generates digital records of calendar events with respect to its clients using its own data, and automatically transfers these records to portable digital devices of the clients. Preferably, the service provider maintains a computer system or terminal at the point of personal contact with the client, which is also used to track service provider operations. The provider's computer system automatically generates an event record in a format for use by the client, from data in the computer system used to track service provider operations. Preferably, the service provider maintains a list of clients and their associated portable digital device interface type. The provider's computer system generates an appropriate calendar event, and formats and transmits it according to the client's interface type.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for estimating mobile station location in a wireless communication system. At initiation of a call or a page response, a mobile station of the system sends an access request signal to a primary base station. The primary base station responds with an access acknowledgment which may be intentionally delayed such that the mo bile station increases its transmit power level. The primary base station then transmits a channel assignment message to the mobile station. The mobile station responds by transmitting a location signal in the form of a known user-specific traffic preamble at the higher transmit power level. The primary base station intentionally delays sending an acknowledgment of the preamble, such that the mobile station transmits the preamble for a longer period of time than it would otherwise.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and arrangement for positioning one or more mobile stations, in which the location of the mobile stations is determined in the horizontal direction using at least two radio direction finding stations. Information on the location of each mobile station is maintained on a server. The mobile station measures at least one variable proportional to the location of the mobile station in the vertical direction and signals information on the measurement results to a control unit time-divisionally at the same frequency controlled by the control unit. In the control unit the location of each mobile station is determined in the vertical direction on the basis of the signalled data and the data on the location is conveyed to the server, where the three-dimensional location of the mobile stations is determined. The locations of at least some of the mobile stations are displayed graphically.

Abstract: The present invention includes as one embodiment a method for automatically controlling access to a mobile computing device with pertinent data. The method includes predefining access parameters of the mobile computing device, determining an actual location of the mobile computing device and using the actual location of the mobile computing device to automatically control access to the mobile computing device based on the predefined access parameters. Also, the method includes storing the predefined access parameters in a private Internet networked location, accessing and updating the predefined access parameters and sending the updated access parameters to the mobile computing device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for automatically registering destination of visit or a normally stationed spot to a mobile information system such as car navigation system. A position information detected by position detecting means 101 is stored in position storage means 102. From the position information or from pattern of moving loci stored in the position storage means 102, the position recognizing means 103 recognizes a place frequently visited or a normally stationed spot of the system, and these are registered automatically as registered destination or a normally stationed spot (owner's own home). Thus, the destination frequently visited can be registered without performing specific operation. The registered position can be used as a place of destination for searching a desirable route for the vehicle. Also, by recognizing the normally stationed spot, theft can be detected.

Abstract: A process to determine the impact location of a transmitter-bearing object which is released for tracking purposes or to hit a target within a geographical area, wherein data obtained from the impact location can be used to determine the relation of the impact location and the target.

Abstract: A method and cellular telecommunication apparatus for displaying the local time. The apparatus is provided with an internal clock, which indicates time in at least hours and minutes. The apparatus is also provided with display means for displaying time, and control means for calculating the local time based on information about local time data. Upon activation of the apparatus, it establishes a wireless connection to a cellular network, wherein the time is displayed on the display means. The apparatus sends a request to the network, which comprises a question about local time data. In response to the request, the network sends a response back to the apparatus. The response comprises information about local time data. The control means calculates the time difference between the internal clock and the local time data, and changes the indication of hours in the display means based on the time difference.

Abstract: Classes of cognition models which may include: 1) Radio Environment models, 2) Mobility models and 3) Application/User Context models are utilized in a wireless communications network. Radio Environment models represent the physical aspects of the radio environment, such as shadowing losses, multi-path propagation, interference and noise levels, etc. Mobility models represent users motion, in terms of geo-coordinates and/or logical identifiers, such as street names etc. as well as speed of user terminal etc. The context model represents the present state and dynamics of each of these application processes within itself and between multiple application processes. These data are employed to optimize network performance.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method for dynamically updating a propagation model of communication signals in an area being subjected to earthworking operations which alter the topology of the terrain in which the method comprises the steps of dynamically updating a terrain map of the area as a function of the earthworking operations and dynamically updating the propagation model in response to updating the terrain map.

Abstract: A method and system for positioning mobile units using angle measurements taken by neighboring mobile units is disclosed. A selected mobile unit and mobile units in the vicinity of the selected mobile unit are selectively instructed to measure and report information related to the position of the selected mobile unit. The reported information is used to compute a position of the selected mobile unit.

Abstract: A device for determining the location or the position of an object moving along a known course includes equipment associated with the object. The equipment includes at least one central computer, at least one receiver/decoder of signals originating from one or more satellites, a radio interface and a database having a mapping of the course of the object. The device includes further central equipment including a central computer, one or more radio interfaces, a bus system, a database including the mapping of the course, an application for managing modifications of the mapping and at least one console, and moving-object/central-equipment and man/moving-object interface elements.

Abstract: An apparatus (10, 240, 300) includes a signpost (11, 241-256, 322, 612, 623, 626-628, 652, 661, 682, 686, 703) which transmits signpost signals (24) to a tag (12, 271-275, 301-316, 395-397, 616-618, 641-643, 653, 656-657, 662-664, 679, 708, 711), which in turn transmits beacon signals (72) to a reader (13, 261, 319, 521-530). One of the signpost and tag is mounted on an item to be tracked. A control system (14, 500) is responsive to the reader, and can cause the signpost to vary the signpost signal in a manner which varies at least one operational characteristic of the tag, such as a transmission rate, a transmission power, a tag identification code, a password, or an encryption code, or which shifts the tag between a normal operational mode and a low power operational mode in which its transmitter is disabled.

Abstract: A synchronizing position detecting circuit includes a window size determining circuit, a synchronizing code generating circuit, a correlation circuit and a synchronizing position determining circuit. The window size determining circuit calculates a moved distance of a mobile station during a sleep time based on a moving speed and the sleep time and selects a window size based on a phase change of a distance signal corresponding to the moved distance. The code generating circuit repeatedly produces a synchronizing code that coincides with a part of a code of the distance signal and successively shifts a phase of the synchronizing code by a predetermined phase width so as to shift the window size. The correlation circuit calculates a correlation function between the synchronizing code and the distance signal. The position determining circuit determines a correlation function having a maximum value to detect the distance signal and outputs a synchronizing position signal representing a detecting position.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for maintaining a delivery list having a plurality of stop locations, for monitoring travel data associated with a vehicle in relation to the delivery list, and for, when the vehicle approaches, is at, or leaves a stop location, sending a communication to a party associated with a subsequent stop location to notify the party of impending arrival at the subsequent stop location.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a system and method for determining the earliest time of arrival of a received signal in a wireless communications system. In particular, the present invention relates to a system and method for de-rotation of the carrier phase of a received signal to offset the effects of combining a received line-of-sight signal with various received multipath artifacts that may shift the complex phase of the received signal. The system and method of the present invention can improve the accuracy of the estimated time of arrival of a received signal by computing the time of arrival of the received signal at numerous different phase references and identifying the earliest of the computed times of arrival.

Abstract: Various approaches for forming more accurate location estimates are disclosed. In some approaches, a plurality of preliminary location estimates are formed based on subsets of time-of-arrival measurements. A final location estimate is then made based on the preliminary location estimates. In other approaches, a quality indicator associated with the time-of-arrival measurements is modified, and subsequently used in a location algorithm. Optionally, multiple approaches may be used together.

Abstract: A modular traffic information system comprising a central processing unit positionable in a vehicle and a data storage unit; a viewable display unit positionable in a vehicle and adapted to act as a user interface between the central processing unit and an operator; an addressable bus coupled to the central processing unit; and at least one electronic component positioned within a vehicle and removably coupled to the central processing unit through the bus, the electronic component selected from the class of electronic components including receivers, transmitters and supplemental electronic components.

Abstract: A novel method and apparatus for determining geolocation of a mobile transmitter is provided. The apparatus and the method utilize an orthogonal projection of a source signal to canceling interference from the source signal in the geolocation process.

Abstract: An inventive rearview mirror assembly is disclosed in which a microwave antenna is mounted so as to receive transmissions from one or more satellites through the front windshield of the vehicle. The microwave antenna may be tuned to receive satellite transmissions from a position identification system constellation of satellites, such as GPS or GLONASS. Additionally, the microwave antenna may be tuned to alternatively or additionally receive transmissions from at least one communication satellite, such as a CD radio satellite. In addition to the inventive rearview mirror assembly, an inventive electrical control system is disclosed that may be used as a navigation system, an electrochromic rearview mirror control system, a head lamp control system, a tire pressure monitoring and display system, a temperature sensing and display system, a vehicle compass system, a vehicle data recorder system, and/or a vehicle odometer verification system.

Abstract: A method of forming an ad hoc hierarchical communication network involves associating a plurality of wireless transceivers with articles, and assigning to each of the transceivers a class designation representative of a characteristic or behavior of the article with which the transceiver is associated. A network organization routine of the wireless transceivers operates to establish the hierarchical network based on the transceivers' class designations, resulting in a logical network organization that provides efficiencies for asset tracking. Each wireless transceiver's class designation is used by a digital processor of the wireless transceiver to selectively receive packets intended for receipt by transceivers of the same class. The class-based network reduces power consumption and signal interference, which increases battery life in the wireless transceivers.

Abstract: A mobile station communicates with both a cellular network, by which it is assigned a mobile identification number, and to a cordless cellular base station utilizing the same cellular frequency range and communications protocol. The cordless cellular base station is preferably connected to a public switched telephone network and is assigned a landline number. The cordless cellular base station acts as a conduit between the mobile station and the public switched telephone network. When the mobile station comes within range of a cordless cellular base station, it deregisters automatically from the cellular network and register with the cordless cellular base station. Once the mobile station is communicating with the cordless cellular base station, the cordless cellular base station communicates with the cellular network to instruct the cellular network to route all calls for mobile identification number to the cordless cellular base station's landline number.

Abstract: A method of tracking changes in position of a plurality of remote stations, each having, the method comprising: (a) assigning a plurality of transmission slots to each of the remote stations; (b) determining, by the respective stations, of their positions; (c) initially transmitting, by the respective stations of their positions; (d) determining, by the respective stations, of their positions, relative to the previously determined and transmitted positions; and (e) subsequently transmitting, by the respective stations, of the determined relative positions, wherein the slots themselves indicate the relative determined position and wherein the determined relative position is indicated by the presence or absence of a signal in one or more of said plurality of slots.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and arrangement for positioning one or more mobile stations, in which the location of the mobile stations is determined in the horizontal direction using at least two radio direction finding stations. Information on the location of each mobile station is maintained on a server. The mobile station measures at least one variable proportional to the location of the mobile station in the vertical direction and signals information on the measurement results to a control unit time-divisionally at the same frequency controlled by the control unit. In the control unit the location of each mobile station is determined in the vertical direction on the basis of the signalled data and the data on the location is conveyed to the server, where the three-dimensional location of the mobile stations is determined. The locations of at least some of the mobile stations are displayed graphically.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cooperative element location system especially useful for locating a cellular telephone making a call from an unknown location. The call may be a request for emergency assistance, or for location-based commercial services, for example. Various embodiments may optionally include a mobile location component, a cellular telephone enabled to chirp-on-demand, and/or an interferometer link. A mobile location component may include a directional antenna. The directional antenna may be mounted on an antenna boom on top of an emergency vehicle, for example. The mobile location component may alternately or additionally comprise a hand-held unit. System elements may cooperate to generate a situation awareness map or other display. The mobile location component may be moved in the general direction of a first location calculation associated with a first circular error of probability.

Abstract: An accident notification system for a vehicle includes a damage predicting system which detects that a vehicle occupant has been injured in an accident involving the vehicle, a vehicle position detecting system which detects the position of the vehicle, and a mobile communication terminal which receives a signal predicting injury to the vehicle occupant from the damage predicting system to generate a calling from the vehicle to a call center. The call center performs a notification to an accident response facility on the basis of the calling and obtains prediction information that the vehicle occupant has been injured from the damage predicting system and vehicle position information detected by the vehicle position detecting system. Accordingly, even when there is no one who notifies an accident response facility of an accident, emergency cleaning-up after an accident and treatment for an injured vehicle occupant can be made.

Abstract: In a location method based on distance measurements, the distance between a mobile station and a base station is measured by finding the one-way propagation time between the two radio stations. This one-way propagation time is obtained by sending a location signal and measuring its time of arrival. In order to mitigate inaccuracy due to use of measurements corresponding to reflected radio paths which are longer than direct radio paths, a method is proposed to ensure that the distance calculation will be done by using the first time of arrival of the location signal. The first time of arrival corresponds to a propagation through the shortest radio path, which is likely to be the direct path. The first time of arrival is determined by using a location signal which includes a plurality of identical messages, and by combining these messages on reception in order to obtain a signal of higher energy of which the shortest path is detected.

Abstract: A system and method for computing the location of a mobile terminal in a wireless communications network, such as an ad-hoc wireless communications network. In particular, the system and method estimates the location of a mobile terminal in a wireless communications network, such as an ad-hoc terrestrial wireless communications network, based on estimated distances to a plurality of terrestrial reference terminals using error minimizing techniques, such as those based on Gauss's postulate.

Abstract: A navigation method and system are disclosed whereby users of the systems are provided with backup driving instructions. A wireless communications system allows end users' computing devices to receive dynamic route guidance from a remotely located navigation services provider. The dynamic route guidance provides each end user with maneuvering instructions at appropriate locations along a route to a desired destination. In addition to the dynamic route guidance, the navigation service provider also provides the end users with backup driving instruction data. The backup driving instruction data can be used by an end user's computing device to provide backup driving instructions for traveling to the destination. The backup driving instruction data can be used in case wireless communications is interrupted.

Abstract: The present invention provides a digital signal processing method and system thereof for producing precision platform orientation measurements and local Earth's magnetic measurements by measuring threes axes gravity acceleration digital signals by an acceleration producer, detecting Earth's magnetic field vector measurement by an Earth's magnetic field detector to achieve digital three-axes Earth's magnetic field vector signals, and producing pitch, roll, and heading angles using said three-axes gravity acceleration digital signals and said digital three-axes Earth magnetic field vector signals by a Digital Signal Processor (DSP) chipset.

Abstract: A chronometric identification and location tag for an animal, such as a dog, that incorporates a variety of detection and sensing functions as well as communication capacities. Assembled in a compact form that allows ready transport on a trainable animal, such as a dog, the chronometer identification and location tag enables the location of the associated animal, as well as the transmission and reception of information and data. Specific embodiments include the use of GPS to provide location data, as well as an alternative location system using temporary or permanent antenna installations. Hazardous material, visual, and acoustic detectors and other sensors and/or generators may be used in conjunction with transmission facilities for providing data regarding the animal's environment. Information and signals may be transmitted to the central controller by a receiver and a speaker can provide for audio signaling to the animal or others close to the animal in an audible range of the speaker.

Abstract: In a vehicle anti-theft matching system, password matching is effected only when a mismatch between a current vehicle position acquired from a car navigation system 1 and an authorized storage area registered in a position registration section 11 beforehand has existed for a period of time exceeding a given period. When the vehicle is returned to the authorized storage area within a given period of time, the vehicle is deemed to remain unstolen. Thus, password matching is not performed. Labor imposed on an authorized owner when his/her vehicle is driven in a normal state can be mitigated as compared with the case of a related-art system which always performs matching for identifying an authorized owner.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to methods and devices for the real-time localization of terrestrial transmitters belonging to a TDMA type cellular radiocommunications network. The device comprises an antenna array, a multichannel receiver and a digital processor. The method consists of the interception, from an aircraft, of radioelectric signal and the detection of these signal by the implementation of a multichannel synchronization to determine the various sources of transmission, the simultaneous computation of an elevation angle &Dgr; and an azimuth angle &thgr; to instantaneously determine the direction of arrival of the radioelectric signal from the determined transmission sources and the building of track in the geographical areas in which the transmission sources are located in order to estimate the position of the transmitters.

Abstract: An active antenna system of a radio communication terminal includes: a directional antenna for transmitting and receiving an RF signal to and from a base station through a radio link; and an amplifying unit integrated on one board together with the directional antenna and amplifying and filtering the RF signal. A transmistering the RF signal. A transmistivity of a radio communication terminal is improved, a loss according to a transmission path between an active antenna and the radio communication terminal can be compensated, and a speech quality can be maintained by above a certain level even in an area remote from a base station.

Abstract: A triggerable remote controller is disclosed which includes a trigger signal including a command, a GPS processor coupled to the trigger signal, a position signal carrying position information generated by the GPS processor in response to the trigger signal, a telemetry transmitter coupled to the position signal, a telemetry transmit signal transmitted by the telemetry transmitter, the telemetry transmit signal carrying the position information, a trigger signal controller coupled to the trigger signal, an actuator coupled to the trigger signal controller, the trigger signal controller being configured to attempt to activate the actuator depending on the command. A sensor may also be coupled to the trigger signal controller and the trigger signal controller may be configured to attempt to access the sensor. A GPS antenna embedded in a grommet-shaped housing is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of using historic data from previous calls made from mobile terminals within a wireless communications network to predict future call management options to maximize quality. The method may include determining a route traveled by a mobile terminal in a mobile communication network by determining the geographic position of the mobile terminal at a plurality of time instants as the mobile terminal is moving within the network. The positions are stored in a memory, and a route is determined when a predetermined number of locations occur within a predetermined area. Once a route is determined, subsequent mobile terminals moving through the network are monitored and their paths are compared with the predetermined routes. The mobile terminal is considered to be moving along the predetermined route when the path matches any of the predetermined routes.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention provide a method and system for location based configuration of a wireless access point and an access device in a hybrid wired/wireless network. A method for providing location based configuration in a hybrid wired/wireless network may include identifying a location of a network device within the hybrid wired/wireless network. Configuration information corresponding to the determined location of the network device may be determined. The determined configuration information may be communicated to the networking device in order to facilitate location based configuration of the network device. The network device may include, but is not limited to, an access device, an access point and a switching device.

Abstract: An inter-vehicle wireless communication and warning system (50) for a host vehicle (52) within a wireless communication network is provided. The system includes a first variable antenna (54) that receives a vehicle discovery signal and a variable amplifier (56) that is electrically coupled to the first variable antenna (54), which modifies the vehicle discovery signal. A smart transmission antenna (62) focuses and transmits a pattern signal to at least another vehicle in the wireless communication network. A smart antenna amplifier (66) is electrically coupled to the smart antenna (62) and modifies the pattern signal. A main controller (58) is electrically coupled to the variable amplifier (56), the smart antenna amplifier (66), and a vehicle network (60). The main controller (58) generates the pattern signal in response to the vehicle discovery signal and a vehicle network signal.

Abstract: The phase difference between a known stable reference signal (11) and a known signal output by a wireless mobile communication device (5, 5B) is determined at several known locations (1-4, 1B-4B). The location of the wireless mobile communication device is then determined from the phase difference information. Also, the approximate location of a wireless mobile communication device (5A) can be estimated by transmitting a message from the device at a predetermined power level (71), and determining where among a plurality of predetermined locations (1A-4A) the transmitted message has been received.

Abstract: A geographic-based communications service system has a mobile unit for transmitting/receiving information, and access points connected to a network. The access points are arranged in a known geographic locations and transmit and receive information from the mobile unit. When one of the access points detects the presence of the mobile unit, it sends a signal to the network indicating the location of the mobile unit and the information requested by the mobile unit. Based on the signal received from the access point, the network communicates with information providers connected to the network and provides data to the mobile unit through the access point corresponding to the location of the mobile unit.