Abstract: System and method for enabling signal acquisition in a satellite positioning system (SPS) when signals from SPS satellites are attenuated by the operating environment of a SPS receiver. A preferred embodiment comprises a communications server (for example, communications server 220) coupled to a SPS receiver (for example, SPS receiver 210) at one end and a time server (for example, time server 225) by a public network (for example, the Internet 230). Preferably, the communications server 220 is coupled to the Internet 230 via a wireless network to facilitate maximum mobility and flexibility. The communications server 220 queries the time server 225 for the current time and then provides the current time to the SPS receiver 210. The SPS receiver 210 makes use of the current time to assist it in signal acquisition.

Abstract: The phase difference between a known stable reference signal (11) and a known signal output by a wireless mobile communication device (5, 5B) is determined at several known locations (1-4, 1B-4B). The location of the wireless mobile communication device is then determined from the phase difference information. Also, the approximate location of a wireless mobile communication device (5A) can be estimated by transmitting a message from the device at a predetermined power level (71), and determining where among a plurality of predetermined locations (1A-4A) the transmitted message has been received.

Abstract: The phase difference between a known stable reference signal (11) and a known signal output by a wireless mobile communication device (5, 5B) is determined at several known locations (1-4, 1B-4B). The location of the wireless mobile communication device is then determined from the phase difference information. Also, the approximate location of a wireless mobile communication device (5A) can be estimated by transmitting a message from the device at a predetermined power level (71), and determining where among a plurality of predetermined locations (1A-4A) the transmitted message has been received.

Abstract: The phase difference between a known stable reference signal (11) and a known signal output by a wireless mobile communication device (5, 5B) is determined at several known locations (1-4, 1B-4B). The location of the wireless mobile communication device is then determined from the phase difference information. Also, the approximate location of a wireless mobile communication device (5A) can be estimated by transmitting a message from the device at a predetermined power level (71), and determining where among a plurality of predetermined locations (1A-4A) the transmitted message has been received.

Abstract: This is a Braille display device which comprises: a plurality of cavities; and circuitry to individually excite the plurality of cavities. The plurality of cavities contain a positive and a negative electrode 18, 22, 26 and are filled with a quantity of polar organic gel 24 sensitive to electric fields. The cavities are sealed by an elastomeric film 14. The elastomeric film is held generally flat, by its own tension, in the absence of any voltage applied to the electrodes 18, 22, 26 in the plurality of cavities. The display device can also include circuitry to determine whether the cavity has been touched by person who is reading the display. The display device can also include circuitry to individually vibrate each cavity. Other devices, systems and methods are also disclosed.