Abstract: A motion sensing apparatus generally comprising a housing unit operable to be attached to an object at an attachment position, an accelerometer operable to provide a signal corresponding to an acceleration measurement; and a processing system. The processing system is operable to acquire the signal corresponding to the acceleration measurement and analyze the acquired acceleration measurement to identify the attachment position of the housing unit.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
January 28, 2008
Date of Patent:
November 8, 2011
Assignee:
Garmin Switzerland GmbH
Inventors:
Christopher J. Kulach, James K. Rooney, Paul R. MacDonald, Ross G. Stirling
Abstract: Systems, devices and methods are provided for selecting a desired track log from a set of track log points so as to provide electronic systems, such as navigational aid devices, with the capability of more powerful and flexible applications. In one embodiment, a desired first endpoint and a desired second endpoint are specified for a desired track log. An actual first endpoint is assigned based on the desired first endpoint and a set of track log points. An actual second endpoint is assigned based on the desired second endpoint and the set of track log points. The desired track log is identified using the actual first endpoint, the actual second endpoint, and at least one track log point. At least one of the desired first endpoint and the desired second endpoint is capable of being specified by specifying a location. Other aspects and embodiments are provided herein.
Abstract: A mounting device comprises a base for placement on a vehicle dashboard or other surface; an attachment mechanism positioned on the base for removably coupling with the electronic device; a battery system including a rechargeable battery positioned within the base or the attachment mechanism for providing power to the electronic device when it is coupled to the attachment mechanism; and at least one solar cell positioned on or incorporated into the base or the attachment mechanism for charging the rechargeable battery.
Abstract: A system and method of providing aerial navigation. Techniques are described for receiving global positioning system data, receiving local positioning system data such as instrument landing system data, generating a virtual target flight path using the global positioning system data and the local positioning system data, and presenting a virtual target flight path indicator corresponding to the virtual target flight path. In one implementation, the system includes a user interface, a global positioning component, a local positioning component, and a processing system.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
March 17, 2008
Date of Patent:
October 11, 2011
Assignee:
Garmin Switzerland GmbH
Inventors:
Daniel Keegan Flanigan, Jay R. Flatland, Merlin R. James, Eric D. Schlef
Abstract: A method and apparatus for estimating a motion parameter corresponding to a subject element employs one or more accelerometers operable to measure accelerations and a processing system operable to generate a motion parameter metric utilizing the acceleration measurements and estimate the motion parameter using the motion parameter metric.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
November 14, 2008
Date of Patent:
October 11, 2011
Assignee:
Garmin Switzerland GmbH
Inventors:
Christopher J. Kulach, James K. Rooney, Paul R. MacDonald
Abstract: An electronic device includes a communication component; a location-determining component; a display; and a computing device all housed within a portable, handheld housing or other enclosure. The communications component transmits and receives mobile communications over a wireless communication network or path and provides identification information to the computing device. The location determining component determines locations of the electronic device as it is carried or driven from place to place and provides corresponding location data to the computing device. The computing device links the identification information with the location data to indicate the location of the device when a communication was made or received. The identification information and location data may be linked by adding a geocode or geotag to the identification information or by cross-referencing the information and data in a database.
Abstract: According to some embodiments, a sensor device for determining forces exerted by a cyclist on a pedal of a bicycle is provided. The sensor device includes a plurality of sensors coupled to a substrate, and wiring coupled to the sensors and the substrate, wherein the sensors, the substrate, and the wiring are housed inside a pedal spindle coupled to the pedal. The sensor device may also be used in a system for improving a pedaling technique of a cyclist.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
July 29, 2009
Date of Patent:
September 6, 2011
Assignee:
Garmin Switzerland GmbH
Inventors:
George David O'Neill, Clark Farrell Foy, Timothy S. Clark, Patrice Gagnon
Abstract: A wind gauge display apparatus comprising a control device and a reconfigurable display for displaying a first visual representation of a wind gauge if a wind angle is within a first range and displaying a second visual representation of the wind gauge if the wind angle is within a second range. The angles displayed on the reconfigurable display may be determined by input from a user. On the reconfigurable display, a location of a visual indicator of wind speed may be different in the first visual representation of the wind gauge than in the second visual representation of the wind gauge. The wind gauge display apparatus may also comprise a sensor for determining wind angle and wind speed.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
February 25, 2009
Date of Patent:
August 9, 2011
Assignee:
Garmin Switzerland GmbH
Inventors:
Nathan L. Karstens, Brian K. Feller, Jon Josephson
Abstract: A device with an improved user interface and mounting features comprises a sensor operable to detect a mounting configuration of the device, a display, and a processing system coupled with the sensor and the display. The processing system is generally operable to receive an indication of the detected mounting configuration from the sensor and present information on the display according to the detected mounting configuration.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
April 4, 2007
Date of Patent:
July 26, 2011
Assignee:
Garmin Switzerland GmbH
Inventors:
Glenn T. Peterman, Paul E. Skelton, Kevin M. Hansen, Scott T. Moore
Abstract: A plotting system and method for plotting radar and/or sonar signals on a bump map, with a simulated height of each data point representing a corresponding signal strength. The plotting system may comprise a processing device for associating particular signal strengths with normal vectors. The normal vectors may be used to determine the simulated heights to be illustrated on the bump map. The plotting system may also comprise a display for graphically displaying the bump map. Furthermore, the processing device may also associate particular signal strengths with particular colors, such that both color and simulated height may illustrate the strength of the plotted signals.
Abstract: A portable GPS/radio unit (10) communicates over a wireless radio network (12) with at least one other such unit. The unit (10) may transmit radio signals over the network (12) indicative of the unit's location. The unit (10) includes a single, push-to-talk button (38) that may be pressed to both transmit a voice communication and to initiate transmission of location data. The unit (10) also includes a “polling” function that requests location data from other units, an auxiliary coding system that codes or encrypts all transmitted data, and an emergency message feature that facilities the transmission and receipt of emergency messages.
Abstract: A portable electronic device includes a radio frequency receiver; a radio frequency transmitter; and a processing system coupled with the receiver and transmitter. The processing system directs the receiver to scan a radio frequency spectrum for available radio channels over which the transmitter may transmit. The processing system may further direct the receiver to perform a second scan for radio channels which are actively transmitting information. The processing system then selects an available radio channel as the radio channel best suited for use by the transmitter to transmit information to the external audio system. The processing system may select a transmission frequency which is spectrally distant from the active radio channels and/or may take into account a transmission profile of the transmitter to select a frequency that does not interfere with the reception of incoming radio signals.