Patents by Inventor Frank van Diggelen

Frank van Diggelen has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 8977288
    Abstract: A geo-fence capable device is disclosed that is capable of performing an accurate geo-fence operation while minimizing power consumption. The device includes sensors, Wi-Fi connectability and GNSS. Sensors intermittently detect whether the device is in motion. When determined to be in motion, Wi-Fi is used to acquire a wireless access point list and to compare the access point list to previously-stored access points in order to determine whether the device is still within a particular region. GNSS is used to confirm exit from a region and to intermittently monitor whether the device has entered a new region. GNSS and application processor use can be minimized by utilizing sensor and Wi-Fi functionality as preliminary region monitors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Charles Abraham, Frank van Diggelen
  • Patent number: 8963773
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for maintaining integrity of long-term-orbit information used by a Global-Navigation-Satellite-System or other positioning receiver is described. The method comprises obtaining a predicted pseudorange from a first set of long-term-orbit information possessed by a positioning receiver; obtaining, at the positioning receiver from at least one satellite, a measured pseudorange; determining validity of the predicted pseudorange as a function of the predicted pseudorange and the measured pseudorange; and excluding from the long-term-orbit information at least a portion thereof when the validity of the predicted pseudorange is deemed invalid. Optionally, the method may comprise updating or otherwise supplementing the long-term-orbit information with other orbit information if the validity of the predicted pseudorange is deemed invalid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Global Locate, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank Van Diggelen, Matthew Riben
  • Publication number: 20150035700
    Abstract: A global navigation satellite system (GNSS) enabled device that is configured to distinguish reflected GNSS signals from direct GNSS signals utilizing three-dimensional models of the terrain in the proximity of the GNSS enabled device. By utilizing the identification of reflected GNSS signals, the reflected GNSS signals can be excluded and/or weighted to achieve a more accurate location determination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Applicant: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Frank VAN DIGGELEN, Stephen Mole
  • Patent number: 8934853
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure use shared oscillator for cellular communications and location detection in a communication device. The communications device estimates a frequency offset of one of its subsystems. The communications device determines a frequency offset that results from drifting of this shared oscillator, typically caused by aging and/or changes in temperature, voltage, humidity, pressure, and/or vibration to provide some examples, from the frequency offset this subsystem. The communications device provides various compensation parameters to its various subsystems to compensate for the frequency offset that results from drifting of the oscillator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Lorenz, Kamesh Medapalli, Frank Van Diggelen, Charlie Abraham
  • Patent number: 8930137
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for distribution and delivery of global positioning system (GPS) satellite telemetry data using a communication link between a central site and a mobile GPS receiver. The central site is coupled to a network of reference satellite receivers that send telemetry data from all satellites to the central site. The mobile GPS receiver uses the delivered telemetry data to aid its acquisition of the GPS satellite signal. The availability of the satellite telemetry data enhances the mobile receiver's signal reception sensitivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Global Locate, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank Van Diggelen
  • Publication number: 20150006616
    Abstract: A communication platform that integrates communication and sensing capabilities into a single integrated communication platform. The communication platform can senses relativity information, such as environmental information, location information, platform user information, or the like. Further, the communication platform can perform cross-sensor functionality so as to utilize relativity information from multiple sensors. The cross-sensor functionality can be utilized in multiples sensors implemented within the communication platform, in one or more other communication platforms, or any combination thereof. The communication platform can also offload processing operations from a host processor to one or more sensor hubs and/or sensor processors within the communication platform and/or to a sensor processor of one or more other communication platforms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: John WALLEY, Frank van DIGGELEN
  • Publication number: 20150002308
    Abstract: A communication platform that integrates communication and sensing capabilities into a single integrated communication platform. The communication platform can senses relativity information, such as environmental information, location information, platform user information, or the like. Further, the communication platform can perform cross-sensor functionality so as to utilize relativity information from multiple sensors. The cross-sensor functionality can be utilized in multiples sensors implemented within the communication platform, in one or more other communication platforms, or any combination thereof. The communication platform can also offload processing operations from a host processor to one or more sensor hubs and/or sensor processors within the communication platform and/or to a sensor processor of one or more other communication platforms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: John WALLEY, Frank van DIGGELEN
  • Publication number: 20150005029
    Abstract: A communications device having a communication channel interface between a cellular communications module and a Global Navigation system (GNSS) module is provided. The communication channel interface can be used to forward one or more of: a frequency offset correction message, a fine time assistance (FTA) message, and an assisted-GNSS (A-GNSS) message from the cellular communications module to the GNSS module; to forward timing and frequency information from the GNSS module to the cellular communications module to enable a delayed sleep mode wake up of the cellular communications module; to enable hybrid data fusion between the cellular communications module and the GNSS module; and/or to offload processes from the GNSS module to the cellular communications module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2013
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: Kamesh MEDAPALLI, Robert Lorenz, Charles Abraham, Brima Ibrahim, Frank van Diggelen
  • Patent number: 8902104
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for processing satellite signals from a first satellite navigation system and a second satellite navigation system is described. In one example, at least one first pseudorange between a satellite signal receiver and at least one satellite of the first satellite navigation system is measured. At least one second pseudorange between the satellite signal receiver and at least one satellite of the second satellite navigation system is measured. A difference between a first time reference frame of the first satellite navigation system and a second time reference frame of the second satellite navigation system, is obtained. The at least one first pseudorange and the at least one second pseudorange are combined using the difference in time references.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Global Locate, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank van Diggelen
  • Patent number: 8854259
    Abstract: A GNSS receiver in a wake up state during a standby mode may acquire ephemeris from received GNSS signals such as GPS signals and/or GLONASS signals. When subsequently transitioning from the standby mode to a normal mode operating at a high frequency clock, the acquired ephemeris may be utilized to generate a navigation solution for the GNSS receiver. The GNSS receiver in the wake up state during the standby mode may be switched to operate at the high frequency clock in order to receive GNSS signals. The GNSS receiver may extract complete ephemeris from the received GNSS signals, and may subsequently transition from the wake up state to a sleep state during the standby mode to save power. Radio frequency front-end components of the GNSS receiver may only be turned on to receive the GNSS signals. The GNSS receiver may transition between the standby mode and the normal mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Frank van Diggelen, Charles Abraham
  • Patent number: 8823587
    Abstract: Aspects of a method and system for keeping a device for satellite navigation in a state that enables rapid signal acquisition are provided. The device may acquire broadcast ephemeris from one or more satellite signals during a data refresh operation. The satellite signals may comprise a GPS signal, a GLONASS signal, a GALILEO signal, or a combination thereof. The device may compute extended or future ephemeris from the acquired broadcast ephemeris during the data refresh operation. In a positioning operation that is subsequent to the data refresh operation, the device may determine satellite navigation information from the computed extended ephemeris. In some instances, a time associated with a schedule of the data refresh operation may be adjusted based on the computed extended ephemeris. The extended ephemeris may be computed by integrating current and/or historic broadcast ephemeris into an orbit model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Charlie Abraham, Frank van Diggelen
  • Publication number: 20140210664
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for locating position of a satellite signal receiver is described. In one example, pseudoranges are obtained that estimate the range of a satellite signal receiver to a plurality of satellites. An absolute time and a position are computed using the pseudoranges at a first time. The absolute time is then used to compute another position at a subsequent time. In another example, a plurality of states associated with a satellite signal receiver are estimated, where the plurality of states includes a time tag error state. A dynamic model is then formed relating the plurality of states, the dynamic model operative to compute position of the satellite signal receiver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: GLOBAL LOCATE, INC.
    Inventors: Frank van DIGGELEN, Charles ABRAHAM
  • Publication number: 20140141795
    Abstract: A geo-fence capable device is disclosed that is capable of performing an accurate geo-fence operation while minimizing power consumption. The device includes sensors, Wi-Fi connectability and GNSS. Sensors intermittently detect whether the device is in motion. When determined to be in motion, Wi-Fi is used to acquire a wireless access point list and to compare the access point list to previously-stored access points in order to determine whether the device is still within a particular region. GNSS is used to confirm exit from a region and to intermittently monitor whether the device has entered a new region. GNSS and application processor use can be minimized by utilizing sensor and Wi-Fi functionality as preliminary region monitors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Charles ABRAHAM, Frank van DIGGELEN
  • Publication number: 20140098910
    Abstract: A method of correlating a digital communications signal is described. In an example, a window is defined equal to a portion of an epoch of the digital communication signal. The digital communication signal is then correlated across the window. A determination is made as to whether a correlation peak results from the correlating. Timing parameters are then established for receiving additional digital communication signals in response to presence of the correlation peak.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: Global Locate, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank VAN DIGGELEN, Charles Abraham
  • Patent number: 8692712
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for locating position of a satellite signal receiver is described. In one example, pseudoranges are obtained that estimate the range of a satellite signal receiver to a plurality of satellites. An absolute time and a position are computed using the pseudoranges at a first time. The absolute time is then used to compute another position at a subsequent time. In another example, a plurality of states associated with a satellite signal receiver are estimated, where the plurality of states includes a time tag error state. A dynamic model is then formed relating the plurality of states, the dynamic model operative to compute position of the satellite signal receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Global Locate, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank van Diggelen, Charles Abraham
  • Patent number: 8643541
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining a location of a remote receiver is described. The remote receiver receives satellite tracking data from a server, which it stores in memory. This satellite tracking data has a predetermined validity time period associated with it. When a connection cannot be established between the remote receiver and the server and the predetermine validity time period of the satellite tracking data has expired, the remote receiver calculates acquisition assistance data using the expired satellite tracking data for use with obtaining ephemeris data from a satellite. The remote receiver then calculates its position using the receiver ephemeris data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Frank Van Diggelen, Sergei Podshivalov, Charles Abraham
  • Publication number: 20140022122
    Abstract: A multi-standard GNSS receiver, handle different global navigation satellite systems (GNSSs), determines with respect to a current time instant, the earliest broadcast timing based on corresponding satellite broadcast cycles for satellites in the different GNSSs. The multi-standard GNSS receiver acquires broadcast ephemeris at the determined earliest broadcast timing to determine its own first position. A search order is determined based on the corresponding satellite broadcast cycles and the current time instant. The multi-standard GNSS receiver may selectively utilize appropriate satellite receivers such as the GPS receiver and the GLONASS receiver to search for satellite signals based on the determined search order. Channels for different GNSSs are scanned to identify transmitting satellites based on the corresponding satellite broadcast cycles for ephemeris downloading. The satellite search is prioritized by comparing the current time instant with the corresponding satellite broadcast cycles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Frank van Diggelen, Charles Abraham
  • Publication number: 20140019044
    Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product to provide accurate positioning of a vehicle while conserving power is provided. The system includes a receiver configured to receive a positioning signal that determines a position of the vehicle and an auxiliary sensor configured to provide data to supplement the positioning signal so as to provide the position of the vehicle more accurately than with using solely the positioning signal. The system also includes an auxiliary controller coupled to the auxiliary sensor. The auxiliary controller is configured to generate a first signal to power-up the auxiliary sensor if the vehicle is proximate to entering an area that reduces accuracy of the positioning signal, and calibrate the auxiliary sensor prior to the vehicle entering the area; and generate a second signal to power-down the auxiliary sensor if the vehicle is proximate to exiting the area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Roberto Ernesto ZANUTTA, Frank van Diggelen, Steven Malkos
  • Publication number: 20140004877
    Abstract: Embodiments provide systems and methods for position determination. In an embodiment, position is estimated using round-trip delay measurements based on one or more received signals. In another embodiment, position is estimated by further using angle-of-arrival measurements based on one or more received signals. Embodiments may be used by a fixed or mobile device to self-learn its position and to assist other nearby devices learn their positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: BROADCOM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Frank VAN DIGGELEN, Vladimir BELOV
  • Publication number: 20140002307
    Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for indoor/outdoor transition detection of devices to improve selection of the navigation algorithms. To determine whether an outdoor-to-indoor transition has occurred, a mobile device can determine whether a difference between an indoor position determined using indoor position information and outdoor position determined using outdoor position information is less than a threshold and can conclude that the mobile device transitioned from outdoor to indoor of the structure, if the difference is less than the threshold. Also, to determine whether an indoor-to-outdoor transition has occurred, the mobile device can determine whether an indoor position survey area exists, determine whether an outdoor position determined based on outdoor position information is outside of the survey area, and determine whether a signal strength associated with the outdoor position location information is greater than a threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2012
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen Mole, Yan Lu, Frank van Diggelen