ANONYMOUS POSITIONING OF A WIRELESS UNIT FOR DATA NETWORK LOCATION-BASED SERVICES

摘要

This invention concerns a process and a system for providing location information for a wireless unit in a wireless network to a location-based service provider, using a data network. In particular, the location information is provided to the location-based service provider without necessarily providing the identity of wireless unit, e.g., a subscriber's wireless identification number, to the service provider. In this regard, a subscriber's identification number may be hidden from the positioning service provider via a process in which an alias is used instead of the subscriber's normal identity. The subscriber's number may further be concealed from the service provider via a process wherein encrypted information is used instead of the subscriber's normal identity.

主权项

1. A method for providing location-based services relating to a wireless communications unit in a wireless communications network via a data network, comprising the steps of:
receiving within said data network a data network search request, wherein said search request originates from a wireless unit in said wireless communications network and includes at least one search parameter; determining a location associated with said wireless communications unit; searching said data network, utilizing said at least one search parameter and said location associated with said wireless communications unit, to identify information associated with said search request; and providing said information to said wireless communications unit.