METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR MOBILE STATION LOCATION ESTIMATION
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.