Communications protocol for mobile device

• US 7,269,429 B2
• Filed: 12/05/2002
• Issued: 09/11/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 12/05/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: The Boeing Co.
• Original Assignee: The Boeing Co.
• Inventors: Galetti, Ralph R.
• Primary Examiner(s): Milord; Marceau
• Application Number:
  US10/310,481
• Publication Number:
  US 20040203400A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,741 Days
• Field of Search: 455/456.1, 455/456.3, 455/456.5, 455/427, 455/404.2, 455/466, 455/574, 455/13.4, 455/63.1, 455/63.3, 342/357.12, 342/357.03, 342/357.07, 342/357.17, 342/357.09, 342/357.14, 701/93, 701/301, 466/466
• US Class Current: 455/456.3
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 1/3805 with built-in auxiliary receivers
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72403 with means for local support of applications that increase the functionality
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2250/10 including a GPS signal receiver

Abstract

A communication device and method for operating the same includes a GPS receiver that periodically generates a position signal, a wireless modem transmitting or receiving messages and a controller that is coupled to the receiver and the modem. The controller discontinues operating the wireless modem when the GPS signal generates the position signal and vice versa to reduce interference with the other device.

Claims

1. A method of operating a communication device having a transmitting device with an antenna for sending wireless signals which is in proximity to a GPS signal receiver with an antenna for periodically receiving external signals for GPS position determination comprising:

putting the transmitting device into a sleep mode of predetermined time duration in which it does not transmit wireless signals during a time period in which the GPS signal receiver is receiving external signals for GPS position determination;

checking whether the GPS signal receiver has obtained a position fix from the external signals for GPS position determination; and

reactivating the transmitting device to transmit wireless signals only when both of the following conditions are met;

the predetermined time duration for the sleep mode has lapsed, and

the GPS signal receiver has obtained a position fix for GPS position determination.

2. A method as recited in claim 1 further comprising waiting a predetermined amount of time before resuming operation of the transmitting device after receiving the GPS signals.

3. A method as recited in claim 1 wherein said predetermined amount of time corresponds to a time for obtaining a position fix from the received GPS signals.

4. A method as recited in claim 1 further comprising:

deriving a position fix from the GPS signals and transmitting the position fix to a base station;

receiving a response signal from the base station;

checking a checksum from the response signal to confirm that the position fix was properly received by the base station.

5. A method as recited in claim 4 further comprising updating a position fix display on the communication device when the check sum is a proper checksum.

6. A method as recited in claim 1 wherein the communication device is a mobile unit.

7. A method as recited in claim 1 wherein the transmitting device is a wireless modem.

8. A communication device comprising:

a transmitting device with an antenna for sending wireless signals which is in proximity to a GPS signal receiver;

a GPS signal receiver with an antenna for periodically receiving external signals for GPS position determination comprising;

a receiving device periodically receiving a plurality of GPS position signals;

a controller coupled to the GPS signal receiver and the transmitting device, said controller having a programmed control sequence for;

putting the transmitting device into a sleep mode of predetermined time duration in which it does not transmit wireless signals during a time period in which the GPS signal receiver is receiving external signals for GPS position determination;

checking whether the GPS signal receiver has obtained a position fix from the external signals for GPS position determination; and

reactivating the transmitting device to transmit wireless signals only when both of the following conditions are met;

the predetermined time duration for the sleep mode has lapsed, and

the GPS signal receiver has obtained a position fix for GPS position determination.

9. A communication device as recited in claim 8 wherein upon reactivation the transmitting device transmits a position fix derived from the GPS signals to a base station.

10. A communication device as recited in claim 9 wherein the transmitting device receives a response signal to the position fix transmission from the base station having a checksum.

11. A communication device as recited in claim 10 further comprising a position fix display, said controller changing the position fix display on the communication device when the check sum is a proper checksum.

12. A communication device as recited in claim 8 wherein the transmitting device is a wireless modem.

13. A method of operating a communication device having a transmitting device with an antenna for sending wireless signals which is in proximity to a GPS signal receiver with an antenna for periodically receiving external signals for GPS position determination comprising:

putting operation of the transmitting device on hold for a predetermined time duration;

thereafter, turning on the GPS signal receiver and obtaining a position fix;

thereafter, turning off the GPS signal receiver; and

then reactivating operation of the transmitting device after the predetermined time duration has elapsed.

14. A method as recited in claim 13 further comprising transmitting the position fix as a wireless signal sent by the transmitting device to a base station.

15. A method as recited in claim 14 further comprising receiving a response signal from the base station having a checksum to validate reception of the position fix sent as the wireless signal.

16. A method as recited in claim 15 further comprising storing the position fix information by the communication device until the checksum is received to confirm that the position fix signal was properly received by the base station.

17. A method as recited in claim 16 further comprising changing a display of the position fix on the communication device when the check sum is confirmed as a proper checksum.