Abstract: Systems and methods are directed to information exchange between a location point (LP) and a wireless device. A LP may include a network access point (AP) and/or a dedicated location entity. In one embodiment, supplemental location-related information of a LP including, but not limited to, a geographic location source, geographic location accuracy, geographic location update time, LP type, distance from another LP, and/or timing offset calibration accuracy, may be wirelessly transmitted from a LP to a wireless device.

Abstract: In a non-limiting and example embodiment, a method is provided for facilitating direction calculation, comprising: detecting, by an apparatus at least one indication frame from another apparatus, determining properties associated with transmission of at least one subsequent frame from the another apparatus on the basis of the at least one indication frame, and gathering measurement information for direction calculation on the basis of the determined properties and the at least one subsequent frame from the another apparatus.

Abstract: A method for jointly determining the azimuth angle ? and the elevation angle ? of the wave vectors of P waves in a system comprising an array of sensors, a number of waves out of the P waves being propagated along coherent or substantially coherent paths between a source and said sensors, includes at least the following steps: selecting a subset of sensors from said sensors to form a linear subarray of sensors; applying, to the signals from the chosen subarray, an algorithm according to a single dimension to decorrelate the sources of the P waves; determining a first component w of said wave vectors by applying, to the signals observed on the sensors of the chosen subarray, a goniometry algorithm according to the single dimension w; determining a second component u of said wave vectors by applying a goniometry algorithm according to the single dimension u to the signals from the entire array of sensors; determining ? and ? from w and u.

Abstract: An approach for providing location sharing via simulation is disclosed. A location sharing platform determines at least one location point associated with at least one device and at least one algorithm for determining at least one predicted route of the at least one device based, at least in part, on the at least one location point. The location sharing platform then causes, at least in part, a transmission of the at least one location point and the at least one algorithm to at least one other device for generating location tracking information.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for distributing satellite navigation data is described. In one example, satellite signals are processed at each of a plurality of reference stations to receive a respective plurality of satellite navigation data streams. Packets are formed in response to said plurality of satellite navigation data streams to generate a plurality of packetized satellite navigation data streams. The packetized satellite navigation data streams are sent to a processing system. The processing system removes duplicate packets within said plurality of packetized satellite navigation data streams to generate a combined packet stream. The combined packet stream is then sent into a communication network.

Abstract: A broadcasting device includes a broadcasting unit configured to broadcast positional information indicating an indoor position of the broadcasting device to a predetermined area, wherein the broadcasting unit broadcasts range information indicating the size of the predetermined area together with the positional information.

Abstract: A 3-dimensional (3D) precast locating system for identifying and tracking 3D location, that includes ground elevation and geographical location, of a precast, is provided. The system comprises an RFID tag embedded within the precast, a precast lifting machinery having a hook for lifting the precast, wherein a 3D location of the lifting machinery is predetermined as a reference, and an RFID reader attached to the lifting machinery for identifying the precast by operationally reading the RFID tag of the lifted precast. The system further comprises a sensor assembly for detecting an instant 3D location of the hook with reference to the predetermined 3D location of the lifting machinery and a position translational controller for deriving an instant 3D location of the lifted precast based on the 3D location of the hook detected by the sensor assembly, with reference to the predetermined 3D location of the lifting machinery.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for locating threats to an aircraft that are located on the ground. Associated bearings from a sensor in an aircraft are determined for each of a plurality of detected shots from a threat at ground level. A sensor ground projection is plotted along each associated bearing. Each sensor ground projection is mapped to an elliptical uncertainty area reflecting the inherent error in bearing determining instrumentation. An estimation of the position for the threat based on the intersection points between mapped uncertainty areas of the sensor ground projections is calculated.

Abstract: An approach is provided for providing location information of user devices based on signal frequencies of transmitters. The positioning platform processes and/or facilitates a processing of one or more signals, from one or more transmitters, captured at one or more user devices to determine one or more frequencies of the one or more signals. Next, the positioning platform determines device location information of the one or more user devices based, at least in part, on the one or more frequencies.

Abstract: A first user device transmits a first signal, and a second user device transmits a second signal. A processing unit receives the first signal and the second signal. The processing unit identifies the first user device as an active target and the second user device as an active tracking device based on a predefined rule set including a plurality of selection criteria.

Abstract: A terrestrial positioning and timing system (TPTS) comprising a ground segment and user segment is disclosed that is comprised of a spread-spectrum based range and bearing reference signal, with respect to a reference time, transmitted by an antenna over a broad region of space; and a spread-spectrum based bearing variable signal with bearing specific modulation referenced to a reference time, transmitted using a scanning antenna over a spatial region of space that is more narrow than the spread-spectrum based range and bearing reference signal transmission spatial area. Various embodiments enable the TPTS station and user to support various position, velocity or time services. Most notably, an embodiment with a single TPTS station, active interrogation/transponder reply, and data delivery subsystem can provide a position, velocity, and time solution for the user. Additional embodiments disclosed provide varying levels of user solutions to include bearing, position, velocity, or time.

Abstract: Methods for identifying a vehicle using a predetermined location are provided, as well as a radio beacon and an onboard unit for use with the methods. One method comprises: carrying, on the vehicle, an onboard unit that broadcasts status messages that each indicate a current position of the onboard unit and a radio identifier that changes after each or several status messages; receiving at least one status message in a radio beacon; detecting a location usage of the vehicle by evaluating the status message(s) based on the position(s) indicated therein with respect to the predetermined location; transmitting an identification request from the radio beacon to the onboard unit addressed according to the radio identifier from the status message(s); receiving and conducting a legitimacy check of the identification request in the onboard unit and, if the request is legitimate, transmitting an identification of the onboard unit to the radio beacon.

Abstract: A wireless system includes a transmitter with a baseband processor responsive to groups of transmitter antenna arrays for communicating over directional beams; and a receiver with a baseband processor responsive to groups of receiver antenna rays for communicating with the transmitter over the directional beams, the receiver including both a rank adaptation providing a transmit mode feedback to the transmitter and a blind beamforming providing a transmit beamformer index feedback to the transmitter and receiver groups of antenna arrays.

Abstract: Systems and methods of transmitting location data based on wireless communication activity can include a location transmitting device having a sensor communicatively coupled to a low-power transmitter. The transmitter (e.g., a Bluetooth™ transmitter) can transmit location data from which an electronic device can derive its location. The sensor can be a sensor configured to detect wireless data transmissions (e.g., cellular data transmissions). In one example, the transmitter can transmit location data in response to the sensor detecting data transmissions of an electronic device. The transmitter can remain in an idle, standby, or otherwise low-power state until the sensor detects data transmissions of an electronic device. In response, the transmitter can transmit data which can be received by the electronic device. The electronic device can then derive the electronic device's location from the data transmitted by the transmitter.

Abstract: According to the invention, a transmitting beacon (4) comprises at least two transmitting current loops (6.1, 6.2, 6.3) which are mutually orthogonal and capable of transmitting electromagnetic waves (5.1, 5.2, 5.3), as well as means (7) for supplying power to said transmitting current loops (6.1, 6.3) in series.

Abstract: Selective radio communication between a radio beacon and an onboard unit of a vehicle passing the radio beacon comprising: in the onboard unit determining the current heading of the onboard unit and transmitting information thereon to the radio beacon; in the radio beacon checking whether the heading indicated in the heading information is within predetermined boundaries, and if so, carrying out a radio communication with the onboard unit.

Abstract: A broadcasting device includes a broadcasting unit configured to broadcast positional information indicating the position of the broadcasting device; and a receiving unit configured to receive, from a communication terminal receiving the broadcast positional information, terminal identification information for identifying the communication terminal and the positional information.

Abstract: A wireless computing device includes an antenna that is configured to transmit and receive wireless signals. The wireless computing device comprises a transmitter component that causes a first wireless signal to be transmitted to a wireless access point via the antenna, wherein the first wireless signal comprises a request for a location proof, wherein the request for the location proof comprises data that identifies the wireless computing device, and wherein the location proof comprises data that is indicative of a geographic location of the wireless access point. The system also includes a receiver component that receives, via the antenna, a second wireless signal from the wireless access point, wherein the second wireless signal is received by the receiver component subsequent to the transmitter component causing the first wireless signal to be transmitted to the wireless access point.

Abstract: A satellite navigation receiver and method for enhancing time to first fix are provided. The receiver comprises a radio frequency (RF) translator, correlator blocks, and a navigation data processor. The RF translator conditions navigation signals over carrier frequencies. The correlator blocks comprise a predetermined number of correlator channels configured for the carrier frequencies. The predetermined number of correlator channels is divided for parallel collection of sub-frames of navigation data across one or more operation service codes. The sub-frames of navigation data are collected across one or more operation service codes and on one of the carrier frequencies. The sub-frames of navigation data are collected across the carrier frequencies and on one of the operation service codes. The sub-frames of navigation data are collected across the carrier frequencies and across the operation service codes.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for sending positional information from transmitters/beacons are disclosed. In one implementation a transmitter generates a range block including a ranging signal and a hybrid block including positioning data, and sends the range block and hybrid block in predefined slots in a transmit frame. A receiver in a user device receives signals from a plurality of transmitters and generates position/location information using trilateration and measured altitude information in comparison with transmitter altitude information.

Abstract: An RNSS based street light controller pluggable into a standard electrical interface of a street light for drawing power and controlling a lamp of the street light eliminates the need for photosensors, wiring terminals and related components and yields a street light controller with modest installation and configuration requirements and robust performance and failure recovery characteristics. In some embodiments, the RNSS based street light controller comprises an RNSS receiver, a first electrical interface and a lamp controller, wherein the first electrical interface is adapted to couple with a second electrical interface of a street light and the lamp controller is adapted to regulate a supply of power to a lamp of the street light via the first electrical interface based at least in part on information received by the RNSS receiver.

Abstract: The object of the present disclosure is an active positioning system for positioning at least one mobile device (100) by utilizing radio frequency technology, the positioning system comprising at least one essentially stationary fixed base station (101) i.e. an active positioning system antenna (101), and an electronics unit (106) i.e. a transceiver of the antenna (101), which transceiver comprises at least one antenna for transmitting signals comprising at least position information to at least one mobile device (100), which position information of the signals comprises information on an effect area of the antenna (102, 104) by using certain transmit power. The active positioning system comprises as the mobile device a TAG (100), which is fixed to the user or application of the TAG directly or indirectly, an electronics unit (106) of the base station (101), at least one antenna (102, 104) directed to different sections of a controlled area.

Abstract: The location of one or more mobile nodes in a wireless local area network (WLAN) is determined. Nodes in the WLAN include respective ping drivers to generate ping event values related to transmit count stamps and receive count stamps for wireless messages exchanged between the nodes. Each wireless message is associated with a transmit offset corresponding to an expected transmit time. A sorting module groups the ping event values and produces a difference between the respective receive count stamps and the transmit count stamps for each wireless message. Based on the sorted ping event values, the sorting module generates transmit offset values relating to the transmit offsets. A space-time calibration unit generates, from the sorted differences and the transmit offset values, a clock rate solution and a location solution for at least one of the nodes in the WLAN.

Abstract: Magnetic tracking systems and methods for determining the position and orientation of a remote object. A magnetic tracking system includes a stationary transmitter for establishing a reference coordinate system, and at least one receiver. The remote object is attached to, mounted on, or otherwise coupled to the receiver. The transmitter can include a set of three mutually perpendicular coils having a common center point, or a set of three coplanar coils with separate centers. The receiver can include a set of three orthogonal coils. The position and orientation of the receiver and the remote object coupled thereto is determined by measuring the nine mutual inductances between the three transmitter coils and the three receiver coils. The magnetic tracking system provides reduced power consumption, increased efficiency, digital compensation for component variation, automatic self-calibration, automatic synchronization with no connections between transmitter and receiver, and rapid low-cost implementation.

Abstract: High precision radio frequency direction finding systems are described that can determine an angle-of-arrival and geo-location of a RF emitter with respect to a mobile platform. A radio frequency direction finding (RFDF) system for determining a position of a RF emitter with respect to a mobile platform can include an angle-of-azimuth (AoA) system configured to determine an azimuth of a RF emitter with respect to the mobile platform; an attitude measurement system configured to measure the attitude of the mobile platform; a geo-location system configured to calculate the geo-location of the RF emitter; and a processor system configured to calculate a position of the RF emitter.

Abstract: A method is provided for demodulating a signal carrying a message transmitted by a terrestrial beacon, executed by a system comprising a constellation of satellites suitable for detecting said signal and for repeating it towards receiving stations on the ground, and an analysis module suitable for receiving signals from said stations. Each receiving station transmits the signals that it receives from the satellite to the analysis module, said module realigning said signals in frequency and/or in time relative to one another, combining the realigned signals to generate a synthetic signal having an enhanced signal-to-noise ratio, and determining the content of said message and/or the modulation parameters of said synthetic signal. The method applies notably to the accurate and reliable location of distress beacons by a satellite system.

Abstract: A GPS signal transmitter configured with a reduced number of components and achieving low cost, space saving, and low power is provided. A GPS signal transmitter of the present invention includes: a crystal oscillator; a carrier wave generator that outputs a first carrier wave and a second carrier wave whose phase is inverted to the phase of the first carrier wave, using a clock output by the crystal oscillator; a microcomputer that is driven with the clock output by the crystal oscillator and outputs a control signal based on a C/A code which is a pseudo random code; a switch that switches over between the first carrier wave and the second carrier wave according to the control signal from the microcomputer and generates a modulation wave; and an antenna that transmits the modulation wave by radio.

Abstract: A method of and system for calibrating a repeater in a wireless communications system are provided. The one or more calibration parameters for the repeater are derived from (a) time measurements derived from one or more signals relayed by the repeater and received at a plurality of different measurement positions, and (b) the positions of the measurement locations. In one application, the one or more parameters are used in determining the positions of subscriber stations in the wireless communications system.

Abstract: A method for improving position beacon tracking using spatial probabilities is provided. A beacon identity recognition device receives a central probability file from a remote data processing system to form a local probability file. The device receives a current position beacon identity. The device compares current position beacon identity to a previous beacon identity stored in the local probability file to form a comparison. The device determines if the current position beacon identity is valid based on the comparison. The device transmits a valid position beacon identity to the remote data processing system. The device updates the local probability file and then combines a weighted version of the local probability file with a new copy of the probability file from the remote data processing system to form a combined probability file. The combined probability file is then sent to the remote data processing system and replaces the existing probability file.

Abstract: A directional pattern table memory stores combined directional pattern groups in each of which combined directional patterns are ordered by different predetermined priority according to a different radio propagation environment. A controller computes a communication performance expected value based on RSSIs for when an initial combined directional pattern is set on steerable antenna apparatuses; selects one combined directional pattern group based on relative strengths of RSSIs; and according to the priority, sequentially sets combined directional patterns of the selected one combined directional pattern group, on the steerable antenna apparatuses, computes a communication performance value based on a PHY rate and a PER at each of sequential settings, and performs communication using a combined directional pattern with a communication performance value that first exceeds the communication performance expected value.

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: A radio frequency ranging system is grounded in establishing and maintaining phase and frequency coherency of signals received by a slave unit from a master unit and retransmitted to the master unit by the slave unit. For a preferred embodiment of the invention, coherency is established through the use of a delta-sigma phase-lock loop, and maintained through the use, on both master and slave units, of thermally-insulated reference oscillators, which are highly stable over the short periods of time during which communications occur. A phase relationship counter is employed to keep track of the fractional time frames of the phase-lock loop as a function of the reference oscillator, thereby providing absolute phase information for an incoming burst on any channel, thereby enabling the system to almost instantaneously establish or reestablish the phase relationship of the local oscillator so that it synchronized with the reference oscillator.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for a navigation system. A method includes providing a global positioning system fix having a plurality of tracking parameters; providing a theater positioning system fix; monitoring the plurality of tracking parameters for predetermined conditions; and, when the predetermined conditions are met, sending a notifying signal and switching to the theater positioning system fix as a primary fix. An apparatus includes a system controller; a global positioning system receiver coupled to the system controller; a radio frequency locating receiver coupled to the system controller; and an operator interface coupled to the system controller.

Abstract: A system for tracking balls in sports in which players kick, pass, bounce, strike or carry a ball. The ball is equipped with two beacons pulsing in the 5-10 Hz range at a frequency which is not attenuated by the body of the players. one beacon has a very short range of 40-120 cm and the other has a range of 1-5 meters. A data logger worn by the players includes a clock, location and speed sensors, a receiver for the beacon signals and a micro controller to record the data from all the sensors. The micro controller is able to record whether the player is in possession of the ball or is contesting the ball. The path of the ball from player to player is tracked relative to the playing field. An impact or pressure sensor may be fitted to the players footwear, glove or a bat stick, club or racquet to register a kick or ball strike.

Abstract: A method, comprising: detecting, at an apparatus, one or more radio signals from a first location; using the one or more detected radio signals to estimate a bearing from the first location; and using the bearing estimate to determine whether further detection of one or more radio signals is required before positioning the apparatus; and positioning of the apparatus using a bearing and constraint information.

Abstract: A positioning system (1) comprising one or more transmitters configured to transmit transmissions including positioning data, wherein the system is configured to synchronize the transmission with a reference time. The transmissions are formed using a repeating pseudorandom number (PRN) code comprising a plurality of chips. The system (1) is configured to determine a timing bias (44;54) between the first transmission and the reference time. The system (1) is configured to change the number of chips in one or more of said transmissions such that the timing bias of a subsequent pseudorandom number (PRN) code is reduced.

Abstract: A positioning system and method are provided to use multiple RFID readers to position a target object with an active RFID tag equipped thereon. The system and method defines a geometric center of the locations of the RFID readers as a first coordinate. When the RFID readers continuously receive RF signals of the active RFID tag, a corresponding signal intensity of each of the RF signals is calculated and compared to obtain an approaching vector corresponding to the location of the RFID reader with the greatest signal intensity of the RF signal. A positioned location of the target object is then approached from the first coordinate to a second coordinate according to the approaching vector. The first coordinate and the positioned location of the target object will be reset as the second coordinate. The reset first coordinate is output as the latest positioned location of the target object.

Abstract: A system includes a three dimensional antenna and mobile devices that wirelessly communicate with the antenna. A phase of arrival and a phase difference of arrival are calculated, and a distance between the three dimensional antenna and the mobile device is calculated. A direction between the three dimensional antenna and the mobile device is calculated. The direction calculation includes an angular spread function of multipath scattering in the communication between the three dimensional antenna and the mobile device. The direction calculation further includes an estimation of a propagation delay and an angle in the communication between the three dimensional antenna and the mobile device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) terminal for confirming positions of ships and rescuing the ships during a marine disaster in a marine search and rescue system and an apparatus and a method for monitoring an operating state of the EPIRB terminal. The EPIRB terminal comprises: a sensor unit for sensing the sinking of a ship in which the EPIRB terminal is provided; a generation unit for generating a distress message corresponding to the sensed result of the sensor unit; and a transmission unit for broadcasting a distress signal including the distress message. The sensor unit comprises: a water-pressure sensor for outputting a water-pressure detection signal by sensing the water pressure in the inside of the ship; a moisture sensor for outputting a moisture detection signal by sensing the moisture inside the ship; and a separation sensor for outputting a separation detection signal by sensing the separation of the EPIRB terminal from the ship.

Abstract: The wireless detection beacon is for use with a Radio Frequency (RF) interrogator transmitting at a first frequency and receiving at a second frequency. The wireless detection beacon includes a substrate, a power supply carried by the substrate, an antenna assembly carried by the substrate, and a local oscillator (LO) carried by the substrate and configured to be powered by the power supply to provide an LO signal at a third frequency. A mixer is carried by the substrate and coupled to the antenna assembly and the LO. The mixer is configured to generate an outgoing beacon signal to the antenna assembly at the second frequency based upon mixing an incoming signal from the RF interrogator at the first frequency with the LO signal at the third frequency.

Abstract: A device and method for providing location estimations. The device may be configured to estimate its location be transmitting and/or receiving signals of respective transmission ranges. The device may also be configured to transition from a client device operational mode to a location beacon operational mode once an accurate location estimation has been obtained.

Abstract: Storing and retrieving beacon reference data in a truncated cuckoo hash table. Checksums of beacon identifiers associated with beacons are used to retrieve beacon reference data describing locations of the beacons in a hash table. The data is stored in one or more hash tables by cuckoo hashing to eliminate aliasing. The hash tables are provided to devices such as mobile devices. The devices retrieve the beacon reference data from the tables based using beacon identifiers of observed beacons. Location information for the devices is inferred using the retrieved beacon reference data. The cuckoo hash tables consume less memory storage space and obfuscate the beacon reference data.

Abstract: A position information transmitter including: a digital processing device including a CPU and a position information database storing position information of the position information transmitter and information of channels used by other position information transmitters; and a radio transmitting device executing a signal modulation, wherein the digital processing device generates spread spectrum signals from the position information of the position information transmitter and information of channels used by other position information transmitters, by using the C/A code, and the radio transmitting device modulates the spread spectrum signals and transmits modulated signals as a radio signals.

Abstract: A marine electronic device such as a chartplotter which includes a display; a location determining component; and a processing system for receiving location data from the location determining component and for causing information to be displayed by display. The processing system causes the display to display information which assists an operator in navigating and ascertaining characteristics of bodies of water, objects on nearby shores, and other vessels.

Abstract: Presented is a proximity monitoring apparatus and method.

Abstract: An apparatus may comprise a location-aware application, a first location detector, and a data storage device. The storage device may contain service-access-point (SAP) data that identifies a first SAP through which the apparatus may access a second location detector. The first detector may obtain data from the second detector via the first SAP and use the obtained data to determine a location of the apparatus. This determined location may be provided to the location-aware application. The data storage may include program instructions for modifying the SAP data such that the SAP data identifies a second SAP through which the apparatus may access a third location detector. The first detector may obtain data from the third detector via the second SAP and then use the obtained data to determine a location of the apparatus. This determined location may be provided to another location-aware application that is executable at the apparatus.

Abstract: A mobile storage unit is disclosed. The mobile storage unit includes a rigid exo-skeletal frame and a flexible storage bag that couples to the rigid exo-skeletal frame while within an open storage region framed by the exo-skeletal frame. The mobile storage unit also includes a top seat portion and stabilizing features that extend and retract from the rigid exo-skeletal frame to support the mobile storage unit in the upright position. The mobile storage unit can also include a monitoring device for transmitting signals that are used to determine the location of the mobile storage unit.

Abstract: Methods and systems for dynamic tracking utilizing leaky wave antennas (LWAs) are disclosed and may include configuring a transmitting angle of a plurality of leaky wave antennas in a wireless device at a desired starting angle. A RF signal strength may be measured at the sweeping transmitting angles for each of the leaky wave antennas, and a location of one or more objects may be tracked from the measured RF signal strength and a corresponding angle of reception of the LWAs. A resonant frequency of the LWAs may be configured utilizing micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) deflection. The LWAs may be situated along a plurality of axes in the wireless device. The LWAs may comprise microstrip or coplanar waveguides, where a cavity height of the LWAs is dependent on spacing between conductive lines in the waveguides. The LWAs may be integrated in integrated circuits, integrated circuit packages, and/or printed circuit boards.

Abstract: A method and system of determining the position of a radio signal transmitter are described. The method includes determining the type of radio signal being transmitted from the radio signal transmitter by analysing radio signal characteristics and correlating different sets of information to determine the position of the radio signal transmitter. Each set of information corresponds to a different relative position of at least one receiver to the transmitter and includes radio signal data derived from radio signals received by the at least one receiver from the transmitter at each respective relative position and positioning data containing information about the position of the at least one receiver at each respective relative position.

Abstract: Embodiments herein may use first and second path loss values L1 and L2 to calculate first and second distances R1 and R2 between the MS and first and second base stations BS1 and BS2, respectively, in a wireless packet-carrying network. L1 and L2 may comprise values of a reduction in signal strength of signals as transmitted by the BS1 and the BS2 and as received by the MS. The MS may triangulate its position relative to a grid using R1 and R2. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.