Abstract: With the present invention a cost effective infrastructure for geofencing of vehicles is provided which is able to monitor a large amount of complex geofences. In addition, a reliable method for geofencing of vehicles in real-time is provided.

Abstract: Signal acquisition assistance data is obtained for receiving devices such as wireless position assisted location devices seeking signals from any source, such as satellite vehicles and base stations. The data may be obtained from previously acquired data, based upon evaluation of changes in parameters such as time and location that may jeopardize validity. In some cases the data may be adjusted for the changes in parameters. Refined data may be calculated by a receiver using partial measurements of signal sets, particularly if the acquisition assistance data provided by a remote entity includes more distinct parameters than have typically been provided. New data need not be obtained until the validity of previous data expires due to limitations upon temporal extrapolation using Doppler coefficients, unless mobile station movement that cannot be compensated is detected, and jeopardizes validity of the previous data.

Abstract: A global navigation satellite system-tracking (“GNSS-tracking”) device and method for determining one or more positions of the GNSS-tracking device utilizing a user-plane service is disclosed. The GNSS-tracking device may comprise: charging and tracking modules adapted to be disengagably coupled together, wherein the tracking module comprises (i) tracking circuitry for determining at least one position of the tracking module using the user-plane service in a satellite positioning system, and (ii) a chargeable source for supplying power to the tracking circuitry when disengaged from the charging module, and wherein the charging module is operable to charge the chargeable source when the charging module is coupled to the tracking module.

Abstract: A method for reducing Time To First Fix (TTFF) of a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver includes storing ephemeris information into a non-volatile memory, and utilizing the ephemeris information to determine a GNSS time, in order to reduce the TTFF. An apparatus for reducing TTFF of a GNSS receiver includes a storage module and a processing module coupled to the storage module. The storage module is utilized for storing data, wherein the stored data in the storage module is non-volatile. The processing module stores ephemeris information into the storage module and utilizes the ephemeris information to determine a GNSS time, in order to reduce the TTFF.

Abstract: A distributed orbit and propagation method for use in a predicted GPS or GNSS system, which includes a predicted GPS server (PGPS Server), a source of high accuracy orbit predictions (Orbit Server), a global reference network (GRN Server) providing real-time GPS or GNSS assistance data to the PGPS Server, a predicted GPS client (PGPS Client) running on a device equipped with a GPS or AGPS chipset. In response to requests from the PGPS Client, the PGPS Server produces and disseminates an initial seed dataset consisting of current satellite orbit state vectors and orbit propagation model coefficients. This seed dataset enables the PGPS Client to locally predict and propagate satellite orbits to a desired future time. This predictive assistance in turn helps accelerate Time To First Fix (TTFF), optimize position solution calculations and improve the sensitivity of the GPS chip present on, or coupled with, the device.

Abstract: A GNSS enabled device that is communicatively coupled to a network, receives time stamps via the network. The time stamps are generated based on reference clock signals within the network. GNSS receiver clock signal frequency may be adjusted based on the time stamps. When GNSS satellite signals and/or SRN signals are not available, the time stamps enable synchronization with GNSS satellites. Network clock signals and/or time stamps may be generated by an access point, a DSL modem, a cable modem and/or a primary reference clock within the network. A series of time stamps may be utilized for adjusting frequencies. Clock signals may be generated for adjusting frequencies based on a comparison between time stamps and oscillator or mixer output. Clock signals are generated for baseband, intermediate and/or RF frequency signal processing. GNSS satellite signals may be demodulated, correlated with a pseudonoise code sequence and/or synchronized based on the time stamps.

Abstract: Each of a first and a second navigation satellite system (NSS) are adapted to operate according to a first and a second specification, respectively, and each includes a first and a second plurality of satellite vehicles (SV), respectively. Each of the first and the second plurality of SVs are adapted to be identified by a first and a second plurality of unique corresponding identifications (IDs), respectively. A processor is adapted to receive and identify a first plurality of corresponding signals transmitted from the first plurality of SVs in response to the first plurality of unique corresponding IDs. The processor is adapted to receive and identify a second plurality of corresponding signals transmitted from the second plurality of SVs in response to the second plurality of unique corresponding IDs. The processor is adapted to determine position location information in response to receiving and identifying the first plurality of corresponding signals and the second plurality of corresponding signals.

Abstract: Aspects of a method and system for customized full ephemeris compatible with standard AGPS network devices allows a GPS enabled handset to receive real-time full ephemeris from an AGPS server for calculating a position fix. The real-time full ephemeris may be generated at the AGPS server in response to one or more request for real-time full ephemeris from the GPS enabled handset. The AGPS server may be configured to provide fresh full ephemeris generated at smaller intervals such as every 10-15 minutes as approximated real-time full ephemeris. The generated real-time full ephemeris or fresh full ephemeris may be communicated to the GPS enabled handset periodically or aperiodically. Various predicted real-time full ephemeris or predicted fresh full ephemeris compatible with various standards may be generated via Short Term Orbits (STO) technology.

Abstract: A practical method for adding new high-performance, tightly integrated Nav-Com capability to any Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) user equipment requires no hardware modifications to the existing user equipment. In one example, the iGPS concept is applied to a Defense Advanced GPS Receiver (DAGR) and combines Low Earth Orbiting (LEO) satellites, such as Iridium, with GPS or other GNSS systems to significantly improve the accuracy, integrity, and availability of Position, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) and to enable new communication enhancements made available by the synthesis of precisely coupled navigation and communication modes. To achieve time synchronization stability between the existing DAGR and a plug-in iGPS enhancement module, a special-purpose wideband reference signal is generated by the iGPS module and coupled to the DAGR via the existing antenna port.

Abstract: The present invention provides a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) based positioning system and tracking method using a data communication network. When a GNSS-based positioning device is connected to a data communication network, the positioning device transfers the GNSS digital data and supplementary information used for additional performance improvement to a location tracking server through the data communication network, the location tracking server calculates a position of the positioning device with improved receiver sensitivity based on plentiful computational resources available at the location tracking server. Thus, the positioning device may find its location of even in very poor signal condition. Further, the present invention provides a positioning system and method using a data communication network, which may achieve time synchronization when there is a need to extract not only position information but also absolute timing information.

Abstract: An Aided Location Communication System (“ALCS”) is described that may include a geolocation server and a wireless communication device having a GPS section where the GPS receiver section is capable of being selectively switched between a standalone mode and at least one other mode for determining a geolocation of the wireless communications device. An Aided Location Communication Device (“ALCD”) is also described. The ALCD includes a position-determination section having a GPS receiver and a communication section where the position-determination section is selectively switchable between a GPS-standalone mode and at least one other mode for determining a geolocation of the ALCD.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a system for determining the position of a GPS terminal. The system comprises a GPS terminal, a location aiding server, and a communications system. Messages are passed between the GPS terminal and the server, as well as within the GPS terminal, to determine the mode of operation of the GPS portion of the system. Decisions are made based on availability of aiding data and Quality of Service requirements.

Abstract: Systems and methods according to one or more embodiments are provided for obtaining a precise absolute time using a satellite system. The precise absolute time may be used, for example, as an aid for positioning systems including navigation in attenuated or jammed environments. A method of obtaining precise absolute time transfer from a satellite according to an embodiment comprises: receiving a precision time signal from a satellite, wherein the precision time signal comprises a periodic repeating code; determining a timing phase of the code; receiving additional aiding information; and using the timing phase and the additional aiding information to determine a precise absolute time.

Abstract: A GNSS enabled mobile device receives GNSS assistance data comprising acquisition assistance data, from an A-GNSS server and calculates a relative GNSS position using the receive acquisition assistance data and a local code delay measurement, without using ephemeris data. The received GNSS assistance data comprises an approximate position, acquisition assistance data, satellite almanac data, and/or satellite azimuth and elevation fields, but no ephemeris data. The A-GNSS server calculates corresponding acquisition assistance data at a current time instant and/or one or more future time instants for the approximate position. The satellite azimuth and elevation fields are calculated using local GNSS measurements together with the acquisition assistance data in the received GNSS assistance data are used to calculate the relative GNSS position, which is added to the approximate position to generate an actual GNSS position.

Abstract: For supporting the provision of a continuous stream of assistance data for a satellite signal based positioning, a sequence of interlinked messages comprising assistance data is generated. The messages are provided for transmission to a wireless communication terminal. The wireless communication terminal receives the sequence of interlinked messages and provides the assistance data in the received messages for use in positioning computations.

Abstract: The disclosure provides devices, systems, and methods for approximating the location of a mobile communication device. A base station transceiver (BTS) broadcasts assistance data across a control channel. The assistance data is received by a mobile communication device in communication with the BTS. The assistance data includes location information for the BTS, and Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) information associated with the BTS. The assistance data can be broadcast by incorporating these fields in a control channel between the BTS and the mobile communication device. A-GPS devices correlate the received assistance data with a GPS almanac in order to connect to a set of positioning satellites. Devices without a GPS receiver or devices unable to connect to a satellite correlate the received assistance data to a known approximate location, by referring to a database stored on the device or on the network.

Abstract: A mobile communication device is disclosed which receives a Base Station Transceiver (BTS) broadcast that identifies the serving cell coordinates, PLMN information, etc. The device determines an approximate location in Europe, and uses this information to invoke an almanac containing information about GALILEO satellites rather than GPS satellites. Consequently, broadcast network identifiers are used to determine an appropriate satellite constellation.

Abstract: A mobile communication terminal 10A, in a process of acquiring assistance information in advance for using for a GPS position measuring at step S10, makes a judgment of whether or not the assistance information is to be acquired, prior to the GPS position measuring command by a user. When a result of this judgment is affirmative, the terminal 10A transmits an assistance information request to a position measuring assistance server 50. When the assistance information is returned from the position measuring assistance server 50 in response to this the assistance information request, in the cellular phone 10A, the assistance information is received and stored, and then prepared for a command for position measuring by the user, for which possibility of being made is higher in a short period. As a result, it is possible to perform quickly the position measuring of a current location of the mobile communication terminal.

Abstract: Systems and methods according to various embodiments provide for navigation in attenuated environments by integrating satellite signals with Internet hotspot signals. In one embodiment, a receiver unit adapted to perform geolocation comprises an antenna adapted to receive a precision time signal from a satellite and receive additional aiding information from a wireless network station, wherein the precision time signal comprises a periodic repeating code.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided to allow for the use of existing satellite identification parameters generically, so as to allow for Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS) identification. In addition, an optional or conditional parameter is linked to the satellite identification parameter for a frequency identification, where frequency identification is indicative of a Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA) frequency value. Such a frequency identification parameter is optional as it is needed only for current GLONASS and/or near-future GLONASS (e.g., GLONASS-M) satellites. Hence, utilization of the frequency identification parameter maybe unnecessary and therefore, not included/not linked when considering next generation GLONASS satellites, e.g., GLONASS-K satellites. Additionally, signals supported by particular global positioning system (GPS) satellites can be indicated with the use of generic satellite identification.

Abstract: A method for fixing a position of a user apparatus includes the step of starting a fixing session and, within the fixing session, determining a size of a snapshot of a signal of a positioning system depending on the receiving conditions of the signal at the user apparatus, the snapshot being capable of enabling the fixing of the position; receiving, at network equipment, from the user apparatus via a network connection the snapshot; and fixing at the network equipment the position of the user apparatus on the basis of the snapshot.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining time-of-day in a mobile receiver is described. In one example, expected pseudoranges to a plurality of satellites are obtained. The expected pseudoranges are based on an initial position of the mobile receiver and an initial time-of-day. Expected line-of-sight data to said plurality of satellites is also obtained. Pseudoranges from said mobile receiver to said plurality of satellites are measured. Update data for the initial time-of-day is computed using a mathematical model relating the pseudoranges, the expected pseudoranges, and the expected line-of-sight data. The expected pseudoranges and the expected line-of-sight data may be obtained from acquisition assistance data transmitted to the mobile receiver by a server. Alternatively, the expected pseudoranges may be obtained from acquisition assistance data, and the expected line-of-sight data may be computed by the mobile receiver using stored satellite trajectory data, such as almanac data.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating a bar code and for using a bar code to assist with positioning are provided. The method for generating a bar code to assist with positioning includes obtaining Global Positioning System (GPS) assistance data, generating a bar code with the GPS assistance data encoded therein, and displaying the bar code. The method for using a bar code to assist with positioning includes scanning a bar code, obtaining GPS assistance data from the scanned bar code, receiving and locking onto one or more GPS signals by using the GPS assistance data, and determining a position using the received one or more GPS signals.

Abstract: Satellites of a satellite positioning system broadcast within the navigation signals ephemeris data having a certain period of validity. At a mobile station, ephemeris data are required for position-fixing. In assisted satellite positioning systems, acquisition of navigation signals emitted by the satellites is facilitated as assistance data are provided to the mobile station. At a server station, a request for assistance data issued by the mobile station is received, and the server station transmits ephemeris data as part of the assistance data to the mobile station in response to its request. Upon receiving the request for assistance data issued by the mobile station, the server station decides whether the mobile station could achieve a specified position fix accuracy if the mobile station was provided with the broadcast ephemeris data. In the positive, the server station transmits the broadcast ephemeris data to the mobile station.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for processing location service messages in a satellite position location system is described. In one example, a mobile receiver includes a satellite signal receiver, wireless circuitry, and at least one module. The satellite signal receiver is configured to receive satellite positioning system signals, such as Global Positioning System (GPS) signals. The wireless circuitry is configured to communicate location service messages between the mobile receiver and a server through a cellular communication network. The location service messages may include any type of data related to A-GPS operation, such as assistance data, position data, request and response data, and the like. The at least one module is configured to provide a user-plane interface and a control-plane interface between the satellite signal receiver and the wireless transceiver.

Abstract: Method and apparatus to implement a “virtual” real-time clock at a terminal based on time information from multiple communication systems. At least one system (e.g., GPS) provides “absolute” time information for the virtual real-time clock, and at least one other system (e.g., a cellular system) provides “relative” time information. The virtual real-time clock is “time-stamped” with absolute time as it becomes available from the first system. Relative time (which may be received from multiple asynchronous transmitters) is mapped to the timeline of the virtual real-time clock as it is received from the second system. Absolute time at any arbitrary time instant on the timeline may then be estimated based on the absolute time from the first system and the relative time from the second system. Absolute times from the first system for two or more time instants may also be used to calibrate the relative time from the second system.

Abstract: A system and method for exchanging location assistance information between electronic devices using a near field communication (NFC) interface. Positioning satellite signals are received from one or more position satellites. Location assistance information is generated based at least in part on the received positioning satellite signals and/or navigation information. The location assistance information is transferred through a near field communication interface from the first electronic device to another electronic device, wherein the location assistance information includes one or more contemporaneous positioning satellite signals received by the first electronic device.

Abstract: For supporting the use of positioning assistance data, a positioning assistance server collects positioning assistance data from at least one mobile device and Provides the collected positioning assistance data for distribution to at least one other device.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for a GPS device that uses at least one cellular acquisition signal is described. More particularly, a GPS device is configured to receive at least one cellular acquisition signal for obtaining benefits associated with AGPS with only a small subset of AGPS circuitry to interact with a cell phone network. This facilitates use of GPS devices without subscription to a cell phone service provider, thus avoiding cellular subscription fees.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and system for monitoring a wireless network clock compared to an absolute time scale using the user mobile stations themselves. The major advantage is the capability to transfer GPS time to a Mobile Station in a wireless network, and thus to decrease the time necessary for the mobile receiver to perform position calculations, with minimal additional hardware required by the network.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for processing a satellite positioning system (SPS) signal is described. In one example, a timing reference related to a SPS time of day is obtained from a wireless communication signal received by a mobile receiver. A bias in a local clock of the mobile receiver with respect to a frame timing of a repeating code broadcast by the satellite is compensated for in response to the timing reference. An expected code delay window is obtained for the SPS signal at the mobile receiver. The SPS signal is correlated with a reference code within the expected code delay window. In another example, an expected code delay window is obtained at the mobile receiver. The mobile receiver selects a sampling resolution in response to a size of the expected code delay window. The SPS signal is sampled at the selected sampling resolution and then correlated with a reference code.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for enabling a navigation signal receiver to perform both data assisted and non-data assisted integration to provide better integration during signal acquisition, reacquisition and tracking. In data assisted integration mode, a receiver uses known or predicted data bits to remove the modulated data bits of a received signal prior to integration. In non data assisted integration mode, when the data bits are not known or predictable, the receiver uses an optimal estimation or maximum likelihood algorithm to determine the polarities of the modulated data bits of the received signal. This may be done by determining which of various possible bit pattern yields the maximum integrated power. When the modulated data bits are not known or predictable over a limited range, the receiver carries out data assisted integration over the known or predictable data bits and additional non data assisted integration.

Abstract: Various techniques are provided for calibrating a frequency of a local clock using a satellite signal. In one example, a method of transferring frequency stability from a satellite to a device includes receiving a signal from the satellite. The method also includes determining a code phase from the satellite signal. The method further includes receiving aiding information. In addition, the method includes calibrating a frequency of a local clock of the device using the code phase and the aiding information to substantially synchronize the local clock frequency with a satellite clock frequency.

Abstract: A method and apparatus, including software, for the development and operational use of precise utility location and utility asset management information. Field-usable data sets may be produced that meet standards of accuracy and usability that are sufficient for use by field operations personnel participating in damage prevention activities associated with ground penetrating projects (e.g., excavating, trenching, boring, driving, and tunneling) or other asset applications. Some embodiments relate to integrating utility asset data including coordinate location, and geographical information data using a consistently available and accurate coordinates reference for collecting the data and for aligning the geographical information data. Some embodiments relate to managing projects with equipment that provides real time images and the updating of the data as required with this desired accuracy.

Abstract: Locating satellites (e.g., GPS) are culled into a sub-plurality based largely on dwell time within an inverted cone above a relevant site in communication with a wireless device. A first inverted cone having a first base angle is defined above a first site, a second inverted cone having a second base angle is defined above a second site. If the second site is farther from an equator of Earth than the first site, then the second inverted cone is made to have a base angle larger than a base angle of the first inverted cone. If the first site is farther from the equator of Earth than the second site, then the first inverted cone is made to have a base angle larger than a base angle of the second inverted cone. The span of the inverted cone over the site closest to the equator may be limited.

Abstract: The present invention provides a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) based positioning system and tracking method using a data communication network. When a GNSS-based positioning device is connected to a data communication network, the positioning device transfers the GNSS digital data and supplementary information used for additional performance improvement to a location tracking server through the data communication network, the location tracking server calculates a position of the positioning device with improved receiver sensitivity based on plentiful computational resources available at the location tracking server. Thus, the positioning device may find its location of even in very poor signal condition. Further, the present invention provides a positioning system and method using a data communication network, which may achieve time synchronization when there is a need to extract not only position information but also absolute timing information.

Abstract: A system and method for assisting an integrated GPS/wireless terminal unit in acquiring one or more GPS satellite signals from the GPS satellite constellation. The invention includes a method for narrowing the PN-code phase search. That is, by accounting for the variables in geographic location and time delay relative to GPS time, the systems and methods of the present invention generate a narrow code-phase search range that enables the terminal unit to more quickly acquire and track the necessary GPS satellites, and thereby more quickly provide accurate position information to a requesting entity.