Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for permitting higher transmit power at a mobile device. In one embodiment, a method is disclosed, comprising: receiving, at a base station, an emergency request from a mobile device; sending, from the base station to a neighboring base station, a high power reservation message to reserve one or more radio resource blocks at the neighboring base station for non-use; and sending, from the base station to the mobile device, a resource allocation including the one or more radio resource blocks and a power control message requesting high transmit power.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an antenna assembly including an antenna configured to receive a signal and, based on the received signal, generate a first linearly polarized signal at a first feed point and a second linearly polarized signal at a second feed point; and a switching circuit configured to periodically switch between the first feed point and the second feed point to select a polarized signal between the first and second polarized signals at a point in time based on a switching signal.

Abstract: There is provided a method for providing Observed Time Difference of Arrival (OTDOA) Reference Signal Time Difference (RSTD) measurements from a wireless device to a location server. The method comprises sending, from the wireless node to the location server, a capability to support OTDOA location measurements using multipath RSTD, receiving, at the wireless node, a request for OTDOA location measurements using multipath RSTD, from the location server. The method comprises receiving, at the wireless node, assistance data providing details of required OTDOA location measurements using multipath RSTD from the location server, receiving, at the wireless node, a signal from an RSTD reference cell and a neighbor cell. The method comprises observing, at the wireless node, a time difference between the received signals thereby obtaining the required OTDOA location measurements using multipath RSTD and sending the required OTDOA location measurements using multipath RSTD from the wireless node to the location server.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed and include receiving a signal via a first communication channel at a plurality of azimuth angles. The method includes determining a plurality of first communication channel phase angle differences between a pair of antennas. The method includes receiving a second signal via a second communication channel and at the plurality of azimuth angles. The method includes determining a plurality of second communication channel phase angle differences between the pair of antennas that each correspond to one of the plurality of azimuth angles. The method includes generating a first reference curve based on the plurality of first communication channel phase angle differences. The method includes generating a second reference curve based on the plurality of second communication channel phase angle differences. The method also includes generating a calibration curve that is based on an interpolation of the first reference curve and the second reference curve.

Abstract: An antenna system and method use an electronically-scanned antenna array and a hybrid beam former architecture. The antenna system includes a matrix of antenna elements and a feeder network. The feeder network includes a first layer including phase shifters. Each of the phase shifters is for a respective antenna element of the antenna elements. The feeder network also includes a second layer and a third layer. Each of the first set of the first time delay units in the second layer is for a respective first subarray of the first subarrays of the antenna elements. Each of the second set of the second time delay units in the third layer is for a respective second subarray of the second subarrays of the first subarrays.

Abstract: A Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) antenna system and operating method that provides spatial- and temporal multiplexing with polarization independent operating modes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and a method for refined zoning via intersection. Specifically, anchor nodes (200) of a zone-based positioning system are divided into multiple hyper zones (40, 50) in different ways, where the different ways of dividing the hyper zones may be orthogonal to each other, with possibly partial overlapping. For each way of dividing the hyper zones (40, 50), the most likely candidate hyper zone is selected based on a user zoning method. Thereafter, the intersection (42) of the identified hyper zones is taken as the final location result of a mobile node to be located.

Abstract: An antenna system includes an antenna lens, and one or more antenna feeds placed at an on or off-focal point of the antenna lens. Each of the one or more antenna feeds comprises one or more antenna feed elements that are electrically independently operable. The antenna system also includes an antenna feed network electrically coupled with the one or more antenna feed elements via signal paths.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for permitting higher transmit power at a mobile device. In one embodiment, a method is disclosed, comprising: receiving, at a base station, an emergency request from a mobile device; sending, from the base station to a neighboring base station, a high power reservation message to reserve one or more radio resource blocks at the neighboring base station for non-use; and sending, from the base station to the mobile device, a resource allocation including the one or more radio resource blocks and a power control message requesting high transmit power.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automatically generating top level index files for use in adaptive bitrate streaming in accordance with embodiments of the invention are disclosed. One embodiment of the method of the invention includes receiving a request from a playback device at a playback server, where the request identifies a piece of content, retrieving a list of assets associated with the identified piece of content using the playback server, filtering the list of assets using at least one predetermined criterion using the playback server, generating a top level index file describing each asset in the filtered list of assets using the playback server, and sending the top level index file to the playback device using the playback server.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for permitting higher transmit power at a mobile device. In one embodiment, a method is disclosed, comprising: receiving, at a base station, an emergency request from a mobile device; sending, from the base station to a neighboring base station, a high power reservation message to reserve one or more radio resource blocks at the neighboring base station for non-use; and sending, from the base station to the mobile device, a resource allocation including the one or more radio resource blocks and a power control message requesting high transmit power.

Abstract: A method for operating a beam-steering system includes receiving a signal to be tracked, generating a first phase-mode signal, a second phase-mode signal and a third phase-mode signal from the received signal, and generating a first intermediate auxiliary signal, a second intermediate auxiliary signal, and a first intermediate main signal in accordance with the phase-mode signals. The method also includes deriving a first steering signal proportional to a circumferential steering angle of the received signal from the first intermediate main signal and the first auxiliary signal, and deriving a second steering signal proportional to a radial steering angle of the received signal from the second intermediate auxiliary signal and the first intermediate main signal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method implemented by a wireless device in a wireless communication system, for adjusting a maximum output power level of the wireless device. The method comprises obtaining an indication indicating a current level of criticality in the system in which a network node serving the wireless device is operating, and adjusting the maximum output power level based on the current level of criticality indicated by the obtained indication.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method implemented by a wireless device in a wireless communication system, for adjusting a maximum output power level of the wireless device. The method comprises obtaining (310) an indication indicating a current level of criticality in the system in which a network node serving the wireless device is operating, and adjusting (320) the maximum output power level based on the current level of criticality indicated by the obtained indication.

Abstract: A method, computer-readable storage device and apparatus for locating a source of a communication impairment are disclosed. For example, the method detects the communication impairment, performs a sweep to locate a direction of the source of the communication impairment, wherein the sweep is performed in response to the detecting the communication impairment at the endpoint device, and generates a null in the direction of the source of the communication impairment.

Abstract: A communication system includes an omnidirectional antenna to receive a wideband primary signal, a nulling antenna to receive a secondary signal and a controller. The nulling antenna is oriented to place a null in a direction of a desired communication signal and the controller subtracts a processed secondary signal from a processed wideband primary signal to produce a jamming cancelled signal.

Abstract: An interference cancellation system supports a dynamic operating range from maximum interfering signal level to the on-channel noise floor. The system uses a novel combination of analog and digital processing effectively cancelling 1) high-level interfering signal components, 2) low-level interfering noise, and 3) distortion components. The system employs an interrelated combination of cross-domain analog and digital processing techniques to defeat the inherent dynamic range limitations existing in either individual domain.

Abstract: A method and system for transmitting three distinct electromagnetic signals on a same frequency are provided. One or more transmitting devices transmit a first data signal and an inverse of the first data signal in two orthogonal linear polarities of an antenna maintaining their inverted phase relationship and a same amplitude as propagated. Transmitting devices also transmit a second data signal in a linear polarity with a 45 degree rotation around the transmit axis of the first data signal. Transmitting devices also transmit a third data signal in linear polarity orthogonal to the second data signal and consequently 315 degree rotation around the transmit axis from the first data signal.

Abstract: Techniques for assigning multipaths to finger processors to achieve the desired data performance and low power consumption are described. A search is initially performed to obtain a set of multipaths for a transmission from at least one base station. At least one multipath (e.g., the minimum number of multipaths) having a combined performance metric (e.g., a combined SNR) exceeding a threshold is identified. The at least one multipath is assigned to, and processed by, at least one finger processor to recover the transmission from the base station(s).

Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment, a phased array antenna comprises multiple subcircuits in communication with multiple radiating elements. The radio frequency signals are adjusted for both polarization control and beam steering. In a receive embodiment, multiple RF signals are received and combined into at least one receive beam output. In a transmit embodiment, at least one transmit beam input is divided and transmitted through multiple radiating elements. In an exemplary embodiment, the phased array antenna provides multi-beam formation over multiple operating frequency bands. The wideband nature of the active components allows for operation over multiple frequency bands simultaneously. Furthermore, the antenna polarization may be static or dynamically controlled at the subarray or radiating element level.

Abstract: An antenna includes a waveguide having an aperture at a first end and a conducting component at a second end, the conducting component shorting the waveguide and a first set of two orthogonal dipoles, fed in quadrature, the orthogonal dipoles located near the aperture of the waveguide operating close to its dominant mode cut off frequency.

Abstract: A method and system for transmitting electromagnetic signals are provided. Data signals including a first data signal conveying first data, a second data signal conveying second data, and a third data signal conveying third data are provided. One or more transmitting devices transmit the first data signal and an inverse of the first data signal in two orthogonal linear polarities of an antenna maintaining their inverted phase relationship as propagated. Transmitting devices also transmit the second data signal in a linear polarity with a 45 degree rotation around a transmit axis of the first data signal. Transmitting devices also transmit the third data signal in a linear polarity orthogonally from the second data signal and consequently ±45 degrees from the first data signals. One or more receiving stations receive the transmitted first data signal, the inverse of the first data signal, the second data signal and the third data signal.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for a receive electronically steered array aperture including a plurality of radiators each having a single complex phase/amplitude control at a radiating phase center of the radiators to simultaneously receive up to four circularly polarized plane waves, each of the plane waves being arbitrarily of left hand circular polarization or right hand circular polarization, from spatially diverse sources.

Abstract: A regional positioning method and apparatus in a wireless sensor network (WSN) is provided. The regional positioning method in a WSN, the regional positioning method including: setting a locating premise in the WSN based on a signal strength of an anchor node; sensing an event where a sensor node, installed in a target and called a target node, joins the WSN; detecting a locating premise where the target node is located based on the sensing of the event; and recognizing a location of the target based on the detected locating premise.

Abstract: The integrity of operation of a GPS precision aircraft approach and landing system may be compromised by error producing effects of reflected multipath signals. An integrity monitor antenna system as disclosed may utilize both attenuation and shadowing of reflected multipath GPS signals to achieve extreme multipath mitigation of the order of 50 dB suppression. An antenna with a right-hand circular polarization pattern having a sharp cut off at the horizon may provide 30 dB suppression of reflected multipath signals. A signal absorbent ground plane bed of defined dimensions may provide 20 dB attenuation of incident multipath signals. A signal/processor may be employed to derive position error data for integrity monitoring, based upon differentials between a known fixed location and a current GPS-indicated location. Communication of identification of a subset of particular GPS satellites for common usage may also reduce potential error levels.

Abstract: A mechanism that enables a gateway to dynamically determine which of two transmission signal polarizations is best received by a wireless communication device having a nominally linear antenna. A first pilot and second pilot signals, having different polarizations and orthogonally encoded, are transmitted to the communication device. The communication device determines the relative or absolute signal strengths of the first and second pilot signals and transmits this information to the gateway. The gateway then selects the polarization having the strongest associated signal strength to transmit content-bearing signals to the communication device. Alternatively, the communication device may also determine the phase difference between the first and second pilot signals and transmit this information to the gateway.

Abstract: A radar system having a processor, a waveform generator, a plurality of antenna interfaces, a set of first antennas configured to transmit a waveform, and a set of second antennas configured to receive a reflected waveform is disclosed. The waveform generator and antenna interfaces are in control and signal communication with the processor, each of the first antennas are in signal communication with one of each antenna interface, and each of the second antennas are in signal communication with one of each antenna interface. The waveform generator is in control and signal communication with each antenna interface, and is configurable to generate a waveform conforming to at least two ISM bands. Each first antenna is configured to transmit a circularly polarized electromagnetic waveform, and each second antenna is configured to receive a reflected circularly polarized electromagnetic waveform complementary to the first antennas.

Abstract: A device includes a request arbitration unit that (1) receives a number of requests for PN vectors from a number of processing units and (2) provides a control indicative of each request selected for processing. An address generator provides one or more addresses (which may be dependent on a particular PN sequence being requested and the offset of the PN sequence) for each selected request. One or more memory units store all “base” PN sequences (e.g., and X(i) sequence and a Y(i) sequence defined by W-CDMA) that may be used to generate all requestable PN vectors. The memory unit(s) provide one or more segments of one or more base PN sequences, based on the address(es). A buffering unit provides a set of one or more PN vectors derived from the one or more PN segments for each selected request.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for circular superdirective receive antenna arrays. A method includes calculating an minimum array efficiency of the superdirective circular receive array, calculating a maximum superdirective gain of the superdirective circular receive array, determining an amplitude weight or a phase weight for an array element in the superdirective circular receive array based on the minimum array efficiency and the maximum superdirective gain, and determining number of array elements in the superdirective circular receive array and a radius of the superdirective circular receive array.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for facilitating location-based services. In the arrangement described, when a mobile station is engaged in a data session with a server, the mobile station may be made to initiate a voice call to a designated number. As a result, a switch or other such entity may send a signaling message (such as an Origination Request message) to a central controller, thereby providing the central controller with an indication of the mobile station's current location. The central controller may then make that location information available to the server. In turn, the server may use the location to perform a location based service, such as providing location-based information to the mobile station.

Abstract: An antenna alignment apparatus and alignment method is used to effectively position an antenna used in a satellite communication system on the satellite orbital arc, and to ensure that a proper antenna polarization is achieved during installation or alignment of a remote station antenna. The apparatus includes a secondary receiving device mounted on the feed arm of the antenna at a specified distance from the primary receiving device located on the primary plane of the antenna. An antenna using this system and method may be properly aligned on the orbital arc using only simple receiving equipment.

Abstract: A communications system in which a communications channel is defined at least in part by an electromagnetic wave having a carrier frequency and an electric field vector, the extremity or terminus of which traces a non-linear periodic path at a rotation frequency less than the carrier frequency and greater than zero from the perspective of an observer looking into the axis of propagation of the wave. The transmitter of the communications system launches a wave having such characteristics and modulated with information in a suitable manner. The receiver of the communications system is sensitive to the periodic path and rotation frequency. The combination of the periodic path and the carrier frequency provides selectivity that can be used to define multiple communications channels.

Abstract: A method of determining the position of a satellite in a near geosynchronous orbit includes receiving at least one main lobe signal from an antenna on a first GPS satellite. A GPS signal, including GPS time and Doppler, is received from a pseudolite positioned on the Earth and an approximate position of each of a plurality of second GPS satellites is determined from an onboard almanac. Side lobe signals and accompanying noise are received from antennas on the plurality of second GPS satellites. The GPS signal and known sequential data bits are used for sorting or integrating the side lobe signals from the accompanying noise and the position of the satellite in a near geosynchronous orbit is determined using the one or more main lobe signals and the sorted side lobe signals.

Abstract: An adaptive antenna array employs selective polarization nulling and spatial nulling to receive desired signals in the presence of jamming signals. The desired signals have the same circular polarization, and the array includes at least one antenna element having an opposite circular polarization to null jamming signals having an opposite circular polarization. A gain pattern for the array is selected to minimize signals having the same circular, or linear, polarization. The gain pattern is computed based on jamming signals received when no desired signals are transmitted, or selected based on measured desired signals.

Abstract: A receiving system 100 is disclosed which includes at least one antenna 101 providing a plurality of antenna beams providing signal diversity between communicated signals. A first processing branch 103 is included for processing a first plurality of signals appearing within a first plurality of the antenna beams. The first processing branch 103 includes a plurality of signal paths, some of which include delays 105, each receiving a one of the first plurality of signals from a corresponding one of the first plurality of antenna beams. Delays 105 apply a predetermined amount of delay proportionate to the corresponding one of the beams. First processing branch 103 further includes a combiner 106 for combining the first plurality of signals after output from the plurality of signal paths. A second processing branch 104 is provided for processing a second plurality of signals appearing within a second plurality of the antenna beams.

Abstract: In a method and a device for reduction of intermodulation distortion in radio communication systems, a signal, which is intended to be transmitted, is fed to an active antenna for transmission in a main lobe. The antenna includes a plurality of transmitter stages each of which is supplied with a partial signal and includes an input stage, an amplifier, an output stage and an antenna element. A first phase rotation of each partial signal is performed before each amplifier, and a second phase rotation of each partial signal is performed after each amplifier. The sum of the first phase rotation and the second phase rotation is chosen to a value which is constant, and the second phase rotation is chosen so that an intermodulation lobe which is transmitted from the antenna is controlled in a direction which deviates substantially from the direction of said main lobe.

Abstract: A device and method for locating a mobile station (MS) in a mobile communication system. In the MS locating device for an MS which receives signals synchronized to a predetermined time from at least one adjacent base station (BS) and is located within a serving BS of the at least one BS, an analog to digital converter (ADC) converts the received BS signals to digital chip sample data, a memory stores the chip sample data, a dedicated searcher detects at least two signals by correlating the chip sample data received from the memory by off-line processing and calculates the signal-to-interference ratios (SIRs) and time difference of arrival (TDOA) of the two signals, and a controller estimates the MS location based on the SIRs and TDOA received from the dedicated searcher.

Abstract: A communications system in which a communications channel is defined at least in part by an electromagnetic wave having a carrier frequency and an electric field vector, the extremity or terminus of which traces a non-linear periodic path at a rotation frequency less than the carrier frequency and greater than zero from the perspective of an observer looking into the axis of propagation of the wave. The transmitter of the communications system launches a wave having such characteristics and modulated with information in a suitable manner. The receiver of the communications system is sensitive to the periodic path and rotation frequency. The combination of the periodic path and the carrier frequency provides selectivity that can be used to define multiple communications channels.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing multipath reflection effects in timing systems is disclosed in which a determination is made of whether a received signal is a reflected signal. A detector provides from an input signal a pair of signals representative of whether the input signal contained right-hand circularly polarized and left-hand circularly polarized components. The representative signals are separately processed in synchronized logic circuits to determine relative power levels. The power levels are compared to determine the nature of the dominant polarization of the input signal.

Abstract: An aircraft in-flight entertainment system includes an antenna, a satellite TV receiver connected to the antenna, at least one video display connected to the satellite TV receiver, and wherein the antenna is steered using received signals from the relatively wide bandwidth from at least one satellite TV transponder, such as a direct broadcast satellite (DBS) transponder. The system may include an antenna steering positioner connected to the antenna, and an antenna steering controller comprising the received signal detector for generating a received signal strength feedback signal based upon signals from the at least one satellite TV transponder. A processor may be connected to the detector for controlling the antenna steering positioner during aircraft flight and based upon the received signal strength feedback signal. The antenna steering controller may further comprise at least one inertial rate sensor, and the processor may calibrate the sensor based upon the received signal strength feedback signal.

Abstract: GPS receivers are provided that reduce all types of interference signals with a simple receiver structure that includes an antenna system having a reference antenna element and a plurality of auxiliary antenna elements, a plurality of phase shifters and a power combiner. The receiver also includes a downconverter, a digital GPS processor and an analog-to-digital converter (ADC). Each antenna element generates a single output signal in response to all polarization components of a GPS signal. In response to a composite signal of interference signals and GPS signals, the reference antenna element provides a reference signal and the auxiliary antenna elements provide auxiliary signals which each has a phase difference from the reference signal that is a function of its respective auxiliary antenna element's location in an antenna array space and of paths of the interference signals.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing multipath reflection effects in timing systems is disclosed in which a determination is made of whether a received signal is a reflected signal. A detector provides from an input signal a pair of signals representative of whether the input signal contained right-hand circularly polarized and left-hand circularly polarized components. The representative signals are separately processed in synchronized logic circuits to determine relative power levels. The power levels are compared to determine the nature of the dominant polarization of the input signal.

Abstract: A satellite based signal transmission and reception system which generates multiple beams with low side lobes and minimal crossover losses. The system includes a focusing device and an array of signal generator elements coupled to feed radiator elements. The feed radiator elements are assigned into overlapping beam sub-arrays characterized by a frequency and radiated beam polarization. Each overlapping sub-array generates a transmission beam signal which is orthogonally polarized with respect to the beam generated by the other overlapping sub-array. The use of beam orthogonality provides for physically overlapping beam sub-arrays without the use of analog combining networks which are inherently lossy structures. This allows beams to be generated having a highly tapered amplitude distribution to simultaneously achieve low side lobe levels and low beam cross over losses.

Abstract: A GPS receiver embodying the invention includes a first channel that preferentially processes line-of-sight signals and a second channel that preferentially processes multipath signals. It then compares the results to determine if the multipath has degraded the results of the processing of the line-of-sight signals.

Abstract: The invention relates to a Common Direct Broadcasting Service (CDBS) system for a communications spacecraft. The CDBS system comprises N uplink antennas for receiving uplinks from terrestrial transmitting stations. Each uplink includes left-hand circular polarized (LHCP) signals and/or right-hand circular polarized (RHCP) signals. The LHCP signals and the RHCP signals have frequencies within predetermined channels of a first and/or second predefined frequency band. The CDBS system also comprises means for separating the LHCP signals of the uplinks received by each uplink antenna from the RHCP signals of the uplinks received by each uplink antenna. The CDBS system further comprises a plurality of receivers for converting the separated LHCP signals and RHCP signals of the uplinks to first signals and second signals, respectively, of the uplinks. The first and second signals have frequencies within channels of a third and/or fourth predefined frequency band.

Abstract: A system for determining the location of portable communication devices such as cellular telephones and the like has multiple small, dedicated multipath calibration transponders at known positions. When a portable communication device initiates a call, base stations in the coverage area direct the transponders to generate response signals which are received by the base stations. The characteristics of the signals from the portable device and the transponders are provided to a base station controller linked to the base stations. The base station controller derives a coarse position using the raw device position information and uses the raw transponder position information and the transponder's known positions to derive a correction vector representative of multipath distortion of transponder signals in the area of the portable device.

Abstract: In a short wave transmission method, a carrier in a short wave band is circularly polarized and radiated from an antenna, thereby removing an influence of fading. A short wave transmission apparatus has a transmission apparatus including a carrier generation unit, a subcarrier generation unit, a first mixer, a phase shifter, a second mixer, and two orthogonal dipole antennas. The carrier generation unit generates a carrier in a short wave band. The subcarrier generation unit generates a subcarrier. The first mixer receives the carrier and the subcarrier. The phase shifter phase-shifts the subcarrier generated from the subcarrier generation unit by .pi./2. The second mixer receives the carrier and a subcarrier which is phase-shifted by .pi./2 by the phase shifter.

Abstract: Systems that distribute live television programs to passengers of an aircraft by way of satellites of a direct broadcast satellite (DBS) system when the aircraft is in range of the satellites and distributes time-delayed television programs when the aircraft is out of range of the satellites. The present invention provides for real-time reception and storage of live television programs in a storage medium (in compressed digital format) and presentation to passengers during that time when the aircraft is within the coverage area of satellites. The stored programming is distributed to the passengers later in the flight, when the aircraft is out of range of the satellites. The stored programming includes all channels transmitted by the satellites. Thus, a large number of programs are made available to the passengers on a time-delay basis. A low-cost system is disclosed that distributes a single television channel to overhead monitors and headphones.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are described for determining with a high degree of accuracy the location of an object, based upon signals transmitted from a plurality of satellites rotating about the earth in known orbits. First, the latitude and longitude of a fixed point is determined with accuracy. The object is capable of moving with respect to the fixed point. Second, the satellite signals are received at the fixed point and processed to determine the approximate latitude and longitude of the fixed point. A first difference between the accurate and approximate latitudes is taken to provide a differential latitude correction of a magnitude corresponding to the first difference and of a direction to the north or south. A second difference between the accurate and approximate longitudes is also taken to provide a differential longitude correction of a magnitude corresponding to the second difference and of a direction to the west or east.

Abstract: A satellite television system that provides live television programming to passengers by integrating direct broadcast satellite services into an in-flight aircraft entertainment system. The system has an antenna disposed on the aircraft that is pointed at a plurality of satellites that are part of a direct broadcast satellite system. The antenna is controlled by an antenna controller and antenna interface unit that send control signals and process status signals to steer the antenna. The antenna is steered to lock it onto RF signals transmitted by the satellites. The antenna interface unit downconverts the received encoded RF signals to provide encoded left hand circularly polarized RF signals and right hand circularly polarized RF signals that contain different sets of television channels. The downconverted encoded RF signals are processed by a receiver to provide encoded video and audio signals of different television channels. The receiver does not decode or D/A convert the downconverted signals.