Abstract: A system for detecting a GPS denial device includes a plurality of GPS receivers, a plurality of remote sensor interfaces, a gateway, and a computer management system. Each of the plurality of GPS receivers determines positional parameters based on the signals received from the GPS satellites. Each remote sensor interface is associated with a respective GPS receiver such that each remote sensor interface extracts the GPS parameters from a respective GPS receiver. The plurality of remote sensor interfaces and the gateway are communication nodes in an ad hoc wireless network. The gateway receives the extracted GPS parameters from the remote sensor interfaces. The computer management system receives the extracted GPS parameters from the gateway and compares the determined GPS parameters with historical GPS parameters for the plurality of GPS receivers to detect whether an active GPS denial device is present in the vicinity of the system.

Abstract: A device for receiving and transmitting wireless signals includes a transceiver capable of receiving a wireless signal; and a standards-based radio capable of activation thereof in response to a reception of a wireless signal by the transceiver. The transceiver includes a receiver capable of receiving a wireless signal transmitted to prompt activation of said standards-based radio; and a transmitter configured, in response to a reception by said receiver of a wireless signal transmitted to prompt activation of said standards-based radio, to selectively transmit a wireless signal for another transceiver to prompt activation of another standards-based radio.

Abstract: A method for determining a terrestrial location of an apparatus that is deployed in a generally known geographical region includes capturing, by the apparatus, an earthbound image of the sky from a terrestrial location at an identified time; communicating, by the apparatus, data representative of the captured earthbound image of the sky; and determining the terrestrial location of the apparatus based on the data communicated by the apparatus by comparing the captured earthbound image of the sky to a master mapping of the sky relative to the surface of the Earth.

Abstract: Multiple standards based radio (“SBR”) devices, each having a high-gain directional antenna, are utilized in a remote sensor interface (“RSI”) unit to optimize detection and reception by the RSI of radio signals from gateway controllers, hopping radios, and other wireless devices.

Abstract: A first apparatus includes an imaging component configured to capture an earthbound image of the sky from a terrestrial location, a chronometric component, a communication component configured to transmit data representative of a captured earthbound image of the sky, and a controller. The controller is configured to cause an earthbound image of the sky to be captured using the imaging component at a time identified by the chronometric component and data representative of the captured earthbound image to be transmitted. A second apparatus includes a computer and a computer readable medium accessible by the computer and including data representative of a master mapping of the sky relative to the Earth and computer-executable instructions for determining a terrestrial location based on data representative of a captured earthbound image of the sky and an identified time at which the earthbound image was captured. A system includes the first and second apparatus.

Abstract: A transceiver includes a two-way communication component capable of powering down to conserve energy and capable of powering up in response to an electronic signal, the two-way communication component including a transmitter and a first receiver; and a second receiver that is configured to screen a radio frequency broadcast and provide the electronic signal to the two-way communication component in order to power up the two-way wireless communication component. The second receiver is configured to screen the radio frequency broadcast for first criteria, and screen the radio frequency broadcast for second criteria. The electric current may be an order of magnitude larger when screening for the first criteria than the second criteria. Screening also may be performed for third criteria, namely, specific data. The second receiver is adapted to draw substantially less current while awaiting receipt of and listening for a radio frequency broadcast than the two-way wireless communication component.

Abstract: A shipping container that facilitates communications between wireless communication devices within the shipping container and an external network container includes a keyhole communication device that is adapted for wireless communications with the external network and that includes first and second housing components. The first and second housing components together form an integrated housing structure that extends through a small opening in a wall of the shipping container, with the first housing component being disposed exterior to the shipping container and the second housing component being disposed interior to the shipping container. A first antenna is disposed within the first housing component for communications via a first communications protocol, such as a Bluetooth protocol. A second antenna also may be disposed within the first housing component for communications via a second communications protocol, such as a cellular communications protocol.

Abstract: A method of forming an ad hoc hierarchical communication network among a plurality of wireless transceiver includes assigning to each of the transceivers one or more common designations. A network organization routine of the transceivers operates to establish hierarchical networks based on the transceivers' common designations, resulting in a logical network organization that provides efficiencies for acquiring information from particular transceivers that share a common designation. Each transceiver's common designation is used by a digital processor of the transceiver to selectively receive data packets that are intended for receipt by transceivers sharing the particular common designation. Such a “common designation” network reduces power consumption and signal interference, which increases battery life in the transceivers.

Abstract: A method of forming an ad hoc hierarchical communication network among a plurality of wireless transceiver includes assigning to each of the transceivers one or more common designations. A network organization routine of the transceivers operates to establish hierarchical networks based on the transceivers' common designations, resulting in a logical network organization that provides efficiencies for acquiring information from particular transceivers that share a common designation. Each transceiver's common designation is used by a digital processor of the transceiver to selectively receive data packets that are intended for receipt by transceivers sharing the particular common designation. Such a “common designation” network reduces power consumption and signal interference, which increases battery life in the transceivers.

Abstract: A method of forming an ad hoc hierarchical communication network among a plurality of wireless transceiver includes assigning to each of the transceivers one or more common designations. A network organization routine of the transceivers operates to establish hierarchical networks based on the transceivers' common designations, resulting in a logical network organization that provides efficiencies for acquiring information from particular transceivers that share a common designation. Each transceiver's common designation is used by a digital processor of the transceiver to selectively receive data packets that are intended for receipt by transceivers sharing the particular common designation. Such a “common designation” network reduces power consumption and signal interference, which increases battery life in the transceivers.

Abstract: A wireless transceiver (5008) includes a low power radio frequency (LPRF) component (5010) that powers down to conserve energy and powers up in response to a signal; and a second receiver (5014) that provides the signal via line (5018) in response to receipt of a radio frequency broadcast. The broadcast is targeted to activate particular transceivers by including in the broadcast identifications such as class designations, in which case the transceivers power up and form networks. A transceiver may include one or more identifications and may include a unique identification of the transceiver itself. The LPRF component may be a Bluetooth radio, but the overall transceiver itself only draws about 10 to 15 ?A while actively awaiting and screening for a targeted broadcast.

Abstract: Systems and methods utilized a wireless transceiver (5008) having a low power radio frequency (LPRF) component (5010) that powers down to conserve energy and powers up in response to a signal; and a second receiver (5014) that provides the signal via line (5018) in response to receipt of a radio frequency broadcast. The broadcast is targeted to activate particular transceivers by including in the broadcast identifications such as class designations, in which case the transceivers power up and form networks. A transceiver may include one or more identifications and may include a unique identification of the transceiver itself. The LPRF component may be a Bluetooth radio, but in such case the overall transceiver itself only draws about 10 to 15 ?A while actively awaiting and screening for a targeted broadcast.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for manufacturing a wireless transceiver (5008) having a low power radio frequency (LPRF) component (5010) that powers down to conserve energy and powers up in response to a signal; and a second receiver (5014) that provides the signal via line (5018) in response to receipt of a radio frequency broadcast. The broadcast is targeted to activate particular transceivers by including in the broadcast identifications such as class designations, in which case the transceivers power up and form networks. A transceiver may include one or more identifications and may include a unique identification of the transceiver itself. The LPRF component is a Bluetooth radio, but the overall transceiver itself only draws about 10 to 15 ?A while actively awaiting and screening for a targeted broadcast.

Abstract: An accessory module for a user terminal is disclosed that utilizes information broadcast from the GPS system to determine the user terminal's position on the earth. An improved electrical interface between the GPS accessory module and the user terminal is utilized that takes advantage of pre-existing electrical interfaces within the user terminal. The accessory module also includes a method and apparatus for managing its power consumption. A set of mechanical interfaces among the components of the GPS accessory module are disclosed for minimizing electrical path lengths, noise and crosstalk in the accessory module, and for providing for mechanical mounting of the components. A mechanical interface between the user terminal and the accessory module is also disclosed for coupling to an existing user terminal in place of that user terminal's removable battery pack.