GpsOne
Encyclopedia
gpsOne is the brand name for a cellphone chipset manufactured by Qualcomm
that allows cell phones to more accurately plot a user's position, using a technology referred to as A-GPS
or Assisted-GPS. For differences between GPS and A-GPS
methods, please see their respective articles.
More than 300 million gpsOne enabled handsets are currently on the market, making it one of the most widely deployed solutions.
Qualcomm
Qualcomm is an American global telecommunication corporation that designs, manufactures and markets digital wireless telecommunications products and services based on its code division multiple access technology and other technologies. Headquartered in San Diego, CA, USA...
that allows cell phones to more accurately plot a user's position, using a technology referred to as A-GPS
Assisted GPS
Assisted GPS, generally abbreviated as A-GPS or aGPS, is a system which can, under certain conditions, improve the startup performance, or time-to-first-fix of a GPS satellite-based positioning system. It is used extensively with GPS-capable cellular phones as its development was accelerated by...
or Assisted-GPS. For differences between GPS and A-GPS
Assisted GPS
Assisted GPS, generally abbreviated as A-GPS or aGPS, is a system which can, under certain conditions, improve the startup performance, or time-to-first-fix of a GPS satellite-based positioning system. It is used extensively with GPS-capable cellular phones as its development was accelerated by...
methods, please see their respective articles.
Current Uses
- gpsOne is primarily used today for Enhanced-911 E911 service, allowing a cell phone to relay its location to emergency dispatchers, thus overcoming one of the traditional shortcomings of cellular phone technology. Using a combination of GPS satellite signals and the cell towers themselves, gpsOne plots the location with greater accuracy than traditional GPS systems in areas where satellite reception is problematic due to buildings or terrain.
- GeotaggingGeoTaggingGeotagging is the process of adding geographical identification metadata to various media such as a geotagged photograph or video, websites, SMS messages, QR Codes or RSS feeds and is a form of geospatial metadata...
- addition of location information to the pictures taken with a camera phone. - Location basedLocation-based serviceA Location-Based Service is an information or entertainment service, accessible with mobile devices through the mobile network and utilizing the ability to make use of the geographical position of the mobile device....
information delivery, (i.e. local weather and traffic alerts). - Verizon WirelessVerizon WirelessCellco Partnership, doing business as Verizon Wireless, is one of the largest mobile network operators in the United States. The network has 107.7 million subscribers as of 2011, making it the largest wireless service provider in America....
uses gpsOne to support its VZ NavigatorVZ NavigatorVZ Navigator is a GPS navigation software for Verizon Wireless phones that turns the phone into a GPS navigation device. It is a white label product based on Networks in Motion's AtlasBook mobile navigation platform. It is compatible with many recent Verizon GPS Phones, and available through Get It...
automotive navigation systemAutomotive navigation systemAn automotive navigation system is a satellite navigation system designed for use in automobiles. It typically uses a GPS navigation device to acquire position data to locate the user on a road in the unit's map database. Using the road database, the unit can give directions to other locations...
. - Verizon disables gpsOne in some phones for other applications as compared to AT&T and T-Mobile. gpsOne in other systems besides Verizon can be used with any 3rd party applications.
Future Uses
Some vendors are also looking at GPS phone technology as a method of implementing location based solutions, such as:- Employers can track vehiclesFleet TrackingFleet tracking is the use of GPS technology to identify, locate and maintain contact reports with one or more fleet vehicles in real-time. Immediate access to the location history of individual fleet vehicles allows precisely time-managed, current and forward journey planning, responsive to...
or employees, allowing quick response from the nearest representative. - Restaurants, clubs, theatres and other venues could relay SMS special offers to patrons within a certain range.
- When using a phone as a 'wallet'Mobile PaymentMobile financial services, also referred to as mobile money, mobile payment, mobile banking, mobile money transfer and mobile wallet generally refer to payment services operated under financial regulation and performed from or via a mobile device....
and making e-payments, the user's location can be verified as an additional layer of security against cloning.- For example, John Doe in AverageTown USA is most likely not purchasing a candy bar from a machine at LAX if he was logged paying for the subway token in NYC, and calling his wife from the Empire State Building.
- Location-based gameLocation-based gameA location-based game is one in which the game play somehow evolves and progresses via a player's location. Thus, location-based games almost always support some kind of localization technology, for example by using satellite positioning like GPS."Urban gaming" or "Street Games" are typically...
s.
Functions
gpsOne can operate in four modes:- Standalone - The handset has no connection to the network, and uses only the GPS satellite signals it can currently receive to try to establish a location.
- MS Based - The handset is connected to the network, and uses the GPS signals and a location signal from the network.
- MS Assisted - The handset is connected to the network, uses GPS signals and a location signal, then relays its 'fix' to the server. Which then uses the signal strength from the phone to the network towers to further plot the user's position. Users can still maintain voice communication in this scenario, but not 'Internet/Network service', (i.e. Web browser, IM, streaming TV etc.)
- MS Assisted/Hybrid - Same as above, but network functionality remains. Normally only in areas with exceptional coverage.
Adoption
Since introduction in 2000, the gpsOne chipset has been adopted by 40+ vendors, and is used in more than 250 cellphone models worldwide.More than 300 million gpsOne enabled handsets are currently on the market, making it one of the most widely deployed solutions.