Abstract: A method and device for predicting satellite trajectory extension data in a mobile apparatus. The device in accordance with the present invention comprises an I/O interface and a microprocessor. The input/output (I/O) interface is used for obtaining at least one satellite navigation message for at least one satellite. The microprocessor is used for determining a propagating condition according to the satellite navigation message, estimating at least one parameter of a satellite trajectory prediction model according to the propagating condition, and propagating at least one set of satellite trajectory extension data by using the satellite trajectory prediction model.

Abstract: A communication device within a GNSS group propagates GNSS assistance data to one or more other communication devices in the GNSS group utilizing direct device-to-device connections. The GNSS assistance data comprises ephemeris received from one or more GNSS satellites and/or predicted ephemeris. As a source device, the communication device generates, and/or acquires from other resources such as a remote location server, the predicted ephemeris. As a destination device, the communication device receives existing GNSS assistance data from a source device and/or other communication devices in the GNSS group. A GNSS position for the communication device and corresponding time information are used to refresh the received GNSS assistance data.

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: The present invention is related to location positioning systems, and more particularly, to a method and apparatus of synchronizing to data frames in a positioning system signal. According to one aspect, the invention speeds up the frame synchronization process by computing a frame synchronization metric for each satellite and then combining together the metrics for all tracked satellites together, after compensating for respective signal transit times. Then the invention makes a frame sync decision on the combined satellite metric. In embodiments, an optimal combining algorithm is used based on CNO of each satellite. According to further aspects, the invention further speeds up the frame synchronization process by predicting many bits in the subframe so that more bits are known in addition to the 8-bit preamble. For example, the invention recognizes that many bits in a subframe rarely change or don't change very often. Moreover, the invention uses old ephemeris used to predict new ephemeris parameters.

Abstract: An electronic circuit (2250) for a satellite receiver (100, 2200). The electronic circuit (2250) includes a correlator circuit (2310) operable to supply a data signal including ephemeris data and a subsequent satellite time datum, and a data processor (2370, 2380) operable to infer satellite time TS from as few as one of the ephemeris data prior to the satellite time datum. Other circuits, devices, receivers, systems, processes of operation and processes of manufacture are also disclosed.

Abstract: The subject matter disclosed herein relates to a system and method for processing multiple navigation signal components received from multiple global navigation satellite systems (GNSS?). In a particular implementation, a code phase in a first navigation signal component may be detected based, at least in part, on information in a second navigation signal component.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for managing a network element in a satellite navigation data distribution system is described. In one example, a network element includes a processor for processing satellite navigation data. For example, a network element may be a reference station, a hub, or a server in the satellite navigation data distribution system. The network element includes a memory for maintaining status variables associated with the processing of the satellite navigation data. The status variables may relate to the integrity of the satellite navigation data. The network element further includes a management agent for monitoring states of the status variables and communicating with a network management system to exchange information related to the states of the status variables. In one example, the management agent is configured to communicate using a simple network management protocol (SNMP).

Abstract: A low power, lightweight, collapsible and rugged antenna positioner for use in communicating with geostationary, geosynchronous and low earth orbit satellite. By collapsing, invention may be easily carried or shipped in a compact container. May be used in remote locations with simple or automated setup and orientation. Azimuth is adjusted by rotating an antenna in relation to a positioner base and elevation is adjusted by rotating an elevation motor coupled with the antenna. Manual orientation of antenna for linear polarized satellites yields lower weight and power usage. Updates ephemeris or TLE data via satellite. Algorithms used for search including Clarke Belt fallback, transponder/beacon searching switch, azimuth priority searching and tracking including uneven re-peak scheduling yield lower power usage. Orientation aid via user interface allows for smaller azimuth motor, simplifies wiring and lowers weight. Tilt compensation, bump detection and failure contingency provide robustness.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus includes: a reception unit that receives positioning information necessary for a positioning process from the outside; a determination unit that determines whether or not a process on the basis of an operation input is a predetermined process that uses the positioning information in a case where the operation input is received from a user; and a control unit that performs control of an operation of the reception unit based on a result of the determination performed by the determination unit and a content of the operation of the reception unit.

Abstract: A satellite positioning system receiver programmed to determine information for a satellite using ephemeris data (710), determine information for the same satellite using almanac data (722), which may have been previously stored on the receiver, to determine an error between the satellite information determined from the ephemeris data and the satellite information determined from the stored almanac data (730), and to update the stored almanac data based upon the error (734).

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: 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.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for calculating corrections to a navigation solution based on differential GPS data includes receiving GPS ephemeris from at least three GPS satellites. A PVT solution is resolved from the GPS ephemeris. The PVT solution includes a Circular Error Probable (CEP). Differential GPS data for calculating the corrections to the PVT solution is received. A corrected PVT solution is then based upon the differential GPS data. The corrected PVT solution is compared to an area defined by the CEP. Where the corrected PVT solution is not within the area, the corrected PVT solution is rejected in favor of the PVT solution for determining an accurate navigational solution.

Abstract: The subject matter disclosed herein relates to providing assistance information to a mobile station for performing position estimation operations.

Abstract: A positioning method whereby inertial positioning data is calculated based upon measurements of an Inertial Navigation System. Virtual satellite ranging data is then generated based upon the inertial positioning data. The virtual satellite ranging data is then combined with received satellite ranging data from one or more satellites forming part of a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). A GNSS positioning solution is then calculated based upon the combined received satellite ranging data and the virtual satellite ranging data.

Abstract: A method for updating a set of transformation information parameters used in a global navigation satellite system includes: obtaining at least one satellite navigation information for a satellite; and updating the set of transformation information parameters according to the obtained satellite navigation information. The method can extend the life time of the set of transformation information parameters, and used to generate better predictions of the satellite trajectory therefore the TTFF can be reduced while the positioning accuracy can also be improved.

Abstract: For amending navigation data of a global navigation system, navigation signals are received from a space vehicle, and a predicted clock phase offset of the clock signal sent from the space vehicle is estimated and stored in a memory. The clock phase offset difference between the current estimated clock phase offset and a previously estimated clock phase offset times (T1) is then computed and stored. An earlier computed phase offset difference between a previously estimated clock phase offset and a further previous estimation for said clock phase offset is obtained, wherein the time interval between the current measurement epoch and second earlier epoch is at least T1. The difference between the computed clock phase offset differences is derived, and compared with a given threshold value. If the latter difference is greater than the given threshold value, an integrity risk signal is generated and transmitted to other devices for position determination.

Abstract: A device can access scaled values and scaling factors, which are used to convert the scaled values into coefficients and residuals. The coefficients and residuals can in turn be used with time-dependent functions to reconstruct predicted ephemeris data, including clock correction data, for satellite navigation system satellites. Ephemeris data that is broadcast from any of the satellites can be used to update the calculated ephemeris data.

Abstract: A system and method of locating the position of a satellite or a user using a satellite positioning system. The system and method includes receiving, at a terminal, satellite positioning data for at least one specified time period over a communications channel. In addition, the system includes storing, at the terminal, the satellite positioning data for the at least one specified time period. Responsive to an event at a later time, the system generally calculates, at the terminal, the satellite position at the later time based only on the satellite positioning data for the at least one specified time period.

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: A GNSS enabled mobile device receives GNSS signals from visible GNSS satellites. Broadcast ephemeris is extracted from the received GNSS signals for generating ephemeris extension (future ephemeris) in the next several days for each of the visible GNSS satellites. The GNSS enabled mobile device uses the generated future ephemeris to determine a position fix even without fresh broadcast ephemeris completely received from the visible GNSS satellites. The generation of future ephemeris is scheduled according to the age of available ephemeris extensions and/or the time of visibility. Available ephemeris such as extracted broadcast ephemeris are integrated into an orbit model using the multi-step numerical integration methods and propagated to generate future ephemeris. The generated future ephemeris is reformatted into a desired orbit model and/or format of the GNSS enabled mobile device.

Abstract: Devices and methods are described for determining position information without broadcast ephemeris data for a spanned time period using predictions of future satellite states. These predictions include predictions of satellite clock bias. During the spanned time period, broadcast ephemeris is received such that a broadcast-ephemeris-derived satellite clock bias may be determined. The predictions of satellite clock bias subsequent to the receipt of the broadcast ephemeris may then be corrected based upon the broadcast-ephemeris-derived satellite clock bias.

Abstract: Devices and methods are described for determining position information without broadcast ephemeris data for extended time periods. A client device is disclosed that stores satellite states determined from broadcast ephemeris and numerically integrates equations of motion with regard to the stored satellite states to determine current satellites states. The client device uses the current satellite states in conjunction with received satellite signals to determine where the satellite signals were received.

Abstract: A method and device for predicting satellite trajectory extension data in a mobile apparatus. The device in accordance with the present invention comprises an I/O interface and a microprocessor. The input/output (I/O) interface is used for obtaining at least one satellite navigation message for at least one satellite. The microprocessor is used for determining a propagating condition according to the satellite navigation message, estimating at least one parameter of a satellite trajectory prediction model according to the propagating condition, and propagating at least one set of satellite trajectory extension data by using the satellite trajectory prediction model.

Abstract: In a method of autonomous orbit projection performed within a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver, distinct broadcast orbits are received over time from a GNSS satellite during operation of the GNSS receiver. A plurality of the distinct broadcast orbits are stored within the GNSS receiver. Within the GNSS receiver, a plurality of the stored broadcast orbits are converted into a time series of range data for the GNSS satellite. A projected orbit for the GNSS satellite is determined by utilizing the time series of range data as an input to an orbit projector of the GNSS receiver.

Abstract: Provided is a system that allows navigation by GPS while underwater by locating the antenna above water and the display below water. In one embodiment, the GPS antenna is attached to a tow-able buoy having a diver-down flag. In another embodiment, the GPS antenna is carried by the diver and released to float to the surface when the diver wishes to navigate. A preferred embodiment uses a handheld computer to display GPS data, and can be expanded to also calculate and display depth and decompression data, and to provide for further expansion and integration to include other devices.