Methods and apparatus for mobile station location estimation

Abstract

Methods and apparatus for estimating mobile station location include receiving reported signal strengths or other attachment indicator values from a mobile station. The reported signal strengths are compared with characteristic received signal strength values in a coverage area of a mobile network. A mobile switching center determines if a local function is requested and initiates a location estimation process by a mobile location module (MLM). The MLM receives the reported signal strength contours associated with the attachment points. Based on a comparison of the reported attachment indicator values with characteristic values, the MLM provides a mobile location estimate.

1 . A mobile station location processor, comprising;
 an input configured to receive attachment indicators associated with at least 5 two points of attachment of the mobile station;   a memory configured to store sets of predetermined attachment indicators associated with the at least two points of attachment; and   an estimation unit configured to provide an estimate of the mobile station location based on a comparison of the received attachment indicators and at least one set of the at least two predetermined attachment indicators.   
   
   
       2 . The mobile station location processor of  claim 1 , wherein the estimation unit is configured to provide the estimate of the mobile station location based on a comparison of the received attachment indicator values and the sets of attachment indicator values associated with the at least two points of attachment. 
   
   
       3 . The mobile station location processor of  claim 2 , wherein the received attachment indicator values are reported by the mobile station. 
   
   
       4 . The mobile station location processor of  claim 3 , wherein the attachment indicator values are received signal strength values. 
   
   
       5 . The mobile station location processor of  claim 1 , wherein the attachment indicator values are received signal strength values reported by the mobile station.