Abstract: Particular implementations are particularly useful in providing a system in which the hardware is more easily upgradable and new hardware functionality may be added without adding any new physical hardware. Through placement of an FPGA closely associated with the CPU of a personal computer, the FPGA may be reconfigured to act as new hardware. A system for installing new virtual hardware involves loading firmware into memory associated with the FPGA and reconfiguring the FPGA through a microcontroller. Particular implementations include universal ports associated with the FPGA into which adapter plugs can be placed to quickly adapt to any device that may be added through the virtual hardware use of the FPGA. Other implementations include high density connectors into which a plurality of ports of varying configurations may be plugged for connection of external electronic equipment through the FPGA.

Abstract: When a global positioning system receiver receives signals from too few satellites to determine its position unambiguously, the receiver determines a solution surface as a set of possible locations determined from the signals received from the satellites. It then determines a minimum possible distance from a base location to that solution surface. If the base location is a geofence anchor, the receiver can determine whether a geofence crossing event has happened. If the base location is on a route, the receiver can determine whether it is following the route. A receiver with an ordinary clock can do so with signals from two satellites; a receiver with an extremely accurate clock can do so with a signal from one satellite.