Abstract: An apparatus, a method and a computer program are provided. The apparatus comprises: determination circuitry configured to determine a first bearing from a first location to a radio transmitter at a second location, using at least one radio signal received from the radio transmitter; and orientation circuitry configured to control orientation of an electronic map, to align the first bearing with a second bearing of the electronic map, from the first location to the radio transmitter.

Abstract: Through use of the method and circuits disclosed herein, connection and disconnection of positioning system antenna to a positioning system enabled mobile device is automatically detected. Upon detection of a connection or disconnection of the active positioning antenna, a low noise amplifier is disabled (or enabled) and the gain of the receive chain is readjusted.

Abstract: A method for positioning a femtocell base station through a SUPL platform includes the steps of: initiating a SUPL program in the femtocell base station to establish communication between the femtocell base station and the SUPL platform so as to obtain assistant positioning information and approximate location information of the femtocell base station through the SUPL platform; the femtocell base station capturing related satellite signals according to the assistant positioning information, and if the captured related satellite signals are sufficient for positioning calculation, performing the positioning calculation to obtain precise location information of the femtocell base station and replacing the approximate location information with the precise location information. The location information obtained by positioning will be provided by the femtocell base station to a core network for registration or broadcast by the femtocell base station within its coverage.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for self-labeling access points with their geographic location from received beacon frames. In particular, the present invention transmits beacon frames including temporary location information from mobile devices. The beacon frames are received by an access point, filtered by the access point and then used to determine a location. Once the location has been determined, the access point uses the determined location to self-label itself by converting the location information to a geographic code and inserting it as part of the SSID of the access point's beacon signal. The present invention also includes a number of methods using geographic codes including a method for generating and transmitting geographic codes for mobile devices, a method for determining a location of an access point, a method for self-labeling an access point, and a method for filtering beacon frames.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and a method for locating at least one target (X) using au array of transceivers or sensors (S), in which at least a portion has a known geographic location, each comprising data processing means (S1) implementing at least one algorithm (AA, AS, AR, AF) for locating a target, means (S2) for transmitting/receiving a signal that decreases with the distance, the sensor array (S) covering at least one geographic area or area (Z), characterized in that they implement for each instant (t) an exchange of data or similarity data (DS) between the sensors (S) and a leading sensor (SL), and a distribution determination (DP) of the probability of the location of the target (X) using at least one reession algorithm (AR) on the basis of the similarity data (DS).

Abstract: A real-time path-directed controller is disclosed. The controller is extraordinarily well-suited for navigating a vehicle along a desired path across a field for agricultural applications. The controller comprises several important assemblies. It comprises a position sensor which produces an object position signal to an object position signal conditioning module (which, in turn, produces a conditioned object position signal to a controller summer). The controller also comprises a heading conditioning module for receiving the object position signal and conditioning the object position signal to produce a conditioned heading signal to the controller summer. The controller also comprises a control apparatus sensor for producing a control apparatus signal to a control apparatus signal conditioning module (which, in turn, produces a conditioned control apparatus signal to the controller summer).

Abstract: A system and method for estimating a geolocation of a non-cooperative target using any reasonable target location estimate. Collectors may acquire actual signal measurements including a direction of arrival (DOA), a target range, a time difference of arrival (TDOA), a range rate, a range sum, and/or a frequency difference of arrival (FDOA). A processing device may receive the actual signal measurements and navigational data regarding the collectors. Then, the processing device may calculate an estimated target location as a solution to a nonlinear optimization problem where an objective function to be minimized is a weighted sum-of-squares of differences between the actual signal measurements and calculated values corresponding to signal measurements that theoretically should be produced for a particular target location. The algorithm used to solve this problem may be a globally convergent algorithm, such as a Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm.

Abstract: A frequency generation unit (FGU) in a communication device includes a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO), an adjustable filter having a capacitive element for wideband operation, a current source with variable gain, and chirp generation control circuitry (CGC) that is used to generate location signals. The FGU receives, from a reference device, at least one location signal control parameter that defines linear frequency slope characteristics for a location signal. The CGC configures, based on the at least one location signal control parameter, the gain and a polarity of the current source to generate a first current during a first time period for charging the capacitive element to generate a control signal that is coupled to the VCO to generate a first part of the location signal having the defined linear frequency slope characteristics, wherein the first part of the location signal is transmitted using a transceiver of the communication device.

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: A beacon device includes a control circuitry, a window, and a plurality of sets of illumination sources. The window includes a prismatic structure forming a ring from a planar perspective. The prismatic structure defines an inside surface and an outside surface from the planar perspective. The plurality of sets of illumination sources are coupled to the control circuitry. Each set of illumination sources includes a first illumination source disposed proximal to the inside surface of the prismatic structure and includes a second illumination source disposed proximal to the outside surface of the prismatic structure. The control circuitry is to illuminate a first set of the plurality of sets of illumination sources to transmit a signal in a first direction.

Abstract: A wayfinding device is provided for giving directions to a desired destination within a building having a plurality of wayfinding beacons configured to transmit data using an ultrasound signal. The ultrasound signal can include a plurality of bursts, wherein a sequence of predefined time intervals between consecutive bursts within the plurality of bursts uniquely identifies each wayfinding beacon. The wayfinding device is separate from the wayfinding beacons and includes a wayfinding beacon recognition component configured to identify a wayfinding beacon when the device receives the data through the ultrasound signal from a wayfinding beacon. The device is further programmed to provide directions to a user of the device in a direction toward the desired destination in response to identifying a wayfinding beacon.

Abstract: A tracking and locating system includes a user unit, a central unit, and a range finder. The user unit includes a beacon that transmits an information signal. The central unit receives the information signal from the beacon, interprets content of the information signal, and reports the content. The range finder receives the information signal from the beacon, interprets a header of the information signal to determine a range, and reports the range.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a navigation satellite of a satellite positioning supplementary system are provided in which a unit generates a navigation signal with a signal strength being dimensioned in such a way that it is still possible to receive signals of other satellite navigation systems.

Abstract: A system and method of wireless data communication over a network of devices and device types are disclosed. In one aspect, the beacons of a first device type are sent and received from devices of the first device type or a second device type, by a first device of the first device type. A plurality of beacons of the first device type or the second device type are sent or received from a plurality of devices of the first device type or a second device type, by a second device of the second device type. Each of channels by the first device is sensed. A free channel for data communication between the first device and the second device is located. Beacons of the first device type are sent out by the first device. Channel reservations of time blocks are made of the free channel for data transmissions.

Abstract: A method for locating a target wireless device is disclosed. At least one directional antenna is swept through a field of view at each of a plurality of sensing locations. A position is determined for each of the plurality of sensing locations. During the sweep at each of the plurality of sensing locations, a set of signal strength data for the target wireless device and a set of bearing information are collected. A plurality of lines of bearing are determined, one from each of the plurality of sensing locations to the target wireless device, based on the determined position, the collected set of signal strength data, and bearing information for each of the plurality of sensing locations. A target location of the target wireless device is determined based on an intersection of at least two lines of bearing from the plurality of lines of bearing.

Abstract: An emergency locator beacon testing and communication system is described. The system uses privately-owned Local User Terminals which provide direct feeds to a privately-operated beacon information processor having dedicated on-line servers for consolidating and providing access to beacon test information. The system receives beacon signals relayed through the Cospas-Sarsat satellite system, correlates the beacons' unique identification numbers (UIN's) in the received signals to the UIN's of beacons known to be undergoing testing, collects the data transmitted by beacons under test, and displays beacon test results in a useful format on a user-friendly website.

Abstract: Applications and uses for geographic coded of network access points includes a method for generating a geographic code and an associated graphical user-interface; a method for rejecting or filtering out geographic codes of inaccurately labeled access points; a method for using geographic codes as part of network service discovery; a method for using geographic codes as part of resource discovery and display; a method for using geographic codes for asset tracking; a method for using geographic codes for file transfer and an associated user interface; a method for using geographic codes for location tracking; a method for using geographic codes as part of a domain name registry; and a method for sending geographic codes automatically.

Abstract: A method for transmission to a receiver of a geographic coordinate ? of a transmitter positioned in a spherical coordinate system ?, ?, at least a portion of one hemisphere of the Earth's sphere being divided into N sections each bounded by a minimum ? and a maximum ?, each section being subdivided into X cells each bounded by a minimum ? and a maximum ?, X varying depending on the section, includes at least the following steps: partitioning all of the latitude sections into M+1 classes, M sections being interspersed between two sections of the same class; transmitting, in one and the same message, the coordinate ? of the transmitter referenced relative to the cell in which the transmitter is located and the class of the latitude section in which the transmitter is located, the range of the receiver being at the most equal to the width of a cell along the axis of variation of the coordinate ?.

Abstract: Example methods, apparatuses, and articles of manufacture are disclosed herein that may be utilized to facilitate or otherwise support RF ranging-assisted local motion sensing based, at least in part, on measuring one or more characteristics of a range between communicating devices in one or more established RF links.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a transmitter and a receiver device, which includes a receiver section and a processing module. The transmitter transmits a high carrier frequency signal. The receiver section includes first and second antennas that have an antenna radiation relationship for receiving the high carrier frequency signal. A receiver module of the receiver section determines first and second signal properties of the received high carrier frequency signal. The processing module determines a position of the receiver device with respect to the transmitter based on the first and second signal properties and maps the position to a coordinate system.

Abstract: A method for improving location determination for a mobile device location of which precludes it from sufficiently accurate determination by a standard position determination mechanism is disclosed. The method includes a step of receiving, at a server and from a mobile device, an indication that the mobile device detects a supplemental position determination signal not associated with an overhead channel set that is transmitted in support of traffic channels required to support voice or data communications. The method also includes steps of referencing a database to identify one or more criteria associated with the supplemental position determination signal; determining that the one or more criteria associated with the supplemental position determination signal indicates that a source generating the supplemental position determination signal is within a close proximity of the mobile device; and identifying the location of the source generating the supplemental position determination signal.

Abstract: A communication device uses its FGU to generate a location signal that can be used by a reference device to calibrate the communication device and to determine the distance of the communication device from the reference device. The communication device: receives, from a reference device, at least one location signal control parameter that defines pulse shape characteristics for a location signal; configures its FGU based on the at least one location signal control parameter; generates a linear first part of a phase-incoherent location signal having the defined pulse shape characteristics by progressively sweeping an output of the FGU over a range of frequencies from a first frequency to a second frequency within a first time period; and transmits at least one iteration of the first part of the location signal.

Abstract: A method of calculating the position or state of motion of one or more terminals is proposed in which each has a receiver capable of making measurements of signals received from one or more transmission sources for use in calculating the unknown position or state of motion of the or each terminal. At least one transmission source has a known directional transmission pattern, and the bearing from one of the receivers of the or each of the transmission source having a known directional transmission pattern is estimated. Weights are assigned to the measurements made by the one receiver, the weights being calculated from the bearing or bearings and the known directional transmission pattern of the transmission sources.

Abstract: The present invention provides a positional information transmitter, a positional information receiver and a position measuring system capable of measuring a position under moving circumstances. The positional information transmitter transmits positional information for specifying the current position.

Abstract: Mobile platforms exchange their positions in a three-dimensional common reference frame based on data from their respective inertial sensors. The mobile platforms establish the common reference frame, e.g., by contacting each other. The position of each mobile platform is updated in its local reference frame and the position is transformed into a position in the common reference frame. The position in the common reference frame may then be transmitted to the other mobile platform, which can then determine the spatial relationship between the mobile platforms based on the received common reference frame position. Either mobile platform may pass the common reference frame to additional mobile platforms by establishing a new reference frame with a new mobile platform, generating a transformation from the new reference frame to the common reference frame and providing the transformation to the new mobile platform.

Abstract: A device of a supplementary navigation satellite is provided. The device includes a unit for generating navigation signals, the signal strength of the navigation signals being dimensioned in such a way that it is still possible to receive signals of other satellite navigation systems.

Abstract: A wireless device capable of producing an emergency beacon signal is disclosed. The wireless device has a radio portion and may include a beacon transmitter and a controller in signal communication with the radio portion and beacon transmitter. The controller is capable of instructing the beacon transmitter to transmit a beacon location signal in response to the radio portion receiving a beacon activation signal. The wireless device may further include a satellite position system (“SPS”) receiver in signal communication with the controller.

Abstract: A personal navigation device configured to determine heading readings continuously using data from a sensor in the personal navigation device. Heading readings are selected corresponding to a periodic event. A representative heading is determined from the selected heading readings. When a portion of the selected heading readings has a value within a range of the representative heading, a static heading indicator is asserted to indicate the personal navigation device is moving in a static heading. The static heading indicator may be used to smooth an estimated trajectory of the personal navigation device.

Abstract: Location inference using selected beacons. Data is received representing a set of beacons observed by a computing device. The beacons are located within a first geographic area. A subset (e.g., a clique) of the beacons is selected based on a coverage area of each of the beacons, where each of the beacons in the selected subset has a coverage area that overlaps with the coverage area of each of the other beacons in the selected subset. Using known or estimated positions of the beacons, a second geographic area is defined based on the selected subset of beacons and the beacon reference data and the coverage areas associated therewith. The second geographic area, smaller than the first geographic area, represents an approximate location of the computing device. In some embodiments, the computing device is calculated to be within the second geographic area with 95% probability.

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: Methods and systems for determining the distance between two objects and optionally activating an alarm when the distance exceeds a predetermined threshold. The detection system includes a base unit and a remote unit. The base unit includes a first transmitter for transmitting at least one locator pulse; a first receiver for receiving at least one return pulse, the first receiver including a pulse detector for detecting the leading edge of the at least one return pulse; and a distance measurement unit. The remote unit includes a second receiver for receiving the at least one locator pulse; and a second transmitter for transmitting the at least one return pulse in response to the at least one locator pulse. The distance measurement unit is adapted for determining the distance between the base unit and the remote unit based on the leading edge of the at least one return pulse.

Abstract: A positioning system designed to provide a three dimensional location of an object. The system can include one or more multiple transmitters or electromagnetic beacons, software defined radio receivers with an associated processing unit and data acquisition system, and magnetic antennas. The system applies theoretical calculations, scale model testing, signal processing, and sensor data to operate.

Abstract: A method for estimating the location of a beacon from an ensemble of measurements associated with said beacon, where, contained in each measurement, are GPS data from which surfaces of location may be extracted, together with the ID's of beacons detectable at the point of measurement, is disclosed. The method comprises extracting the canonical set of surfaces of location implicit in each of the associated measurements, and determining the estimate of the location of the beacon as the point for which the sum of the squares of the distances to each of the surfaces so extracted is minimized. A system for the compilation of a database of beacon locations from measurements containing a time-stamped recording of the composite GPS signal (which recording is referred to as a datagram), together with the ID's and associated signal strengths of beacons detectable at the point of measurement, is also disclosed.

Abstract: A mixer mixes respective signals of L1, L2C, and L5-E5a with a local oscillation signal where the frequency of the L1 signal has an image relationship with the frequencies of the L2C and L5-E5a signals to conduct frequency conversion. An image removal mixer mixes the respective position signals of 1stIF with a local oscillation signal where the frequency of the L1 signal of the 1stIF has an image relationship with the frequencies of the L2C signal and the L5-E5a signal of 1stIF to conduct frequency conversion. The image removal mixer then outputs the L1 signal of 2ndIF and the L2C and L5-E5a signals of 2ndIF, independently. A branching filter separates the L2C and L5-E5a signals of 2ndIF from each other, and outputs the separated signals.

Abstract: Positional information is provided at a place out of reach of radio wave. The process executed by a positional information providing apparatus includes the steps of: obtaining a received positioning signal; specifying an emission source of the positioning signal; obtaining, when the emission source of the positioning signal is outdoors, a navigation message included in the positioning signal; executing a process for calculating the position based on the signal; obtaining, when the emission source of the positioning signal is indoors, message data from the positioning signal; obtaining coordinate values from the data; and displaying positional information based on the coordinate values.

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: The relative position of one vehicle vs. another vehicle, both driving in a vehicular environment, is determined using vehicular communications based on the IEEE 802.11 standard. The relative position determination is performed in a measuring vehicle using data provided by a measured vehicle through IEEE 802.

Abstract: Provided is a receiving apparatus for detecting an interior position using digital broadcasting signals includes: a receiving unit receiving a digital broadcasting signal, which includes navigation information used for determining a position of the receiving apparatus, transmitted from a digital broadcasting signal transmitting apparatus; and an output unit outputting a signal to outside the receiving apparatus via wireless communication, wherein the receiving unit receives the digital broadcasting signals from a plurality of the digital broadcasting signal transmitting apparatuses.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure provide methods for positioning transmitting stations, such as cell towers. Further, aspects of the disclosure provide a database for storing information of the transmitting stations. In addition, aspects of the disclosure provide methods for positioning a moving object having a receiver based on the database of the transmitting stations and wireless signals transmitted by the transmitting stations. The methods increase in-transit location visibility of shipment while reducing GNSS usage, and thus reduce power consumption. The methods allow positioning receiving stations when GNSS signals may not be available, such as due to interference.

Abstract: A pet location system having a pet locator with GPS capabilities in communication with a wireless network such that a user interface accessible on a common computer network or by telephone is provided. The pet location system includes access to the user interface via a computer on the common computer network or via a telecommunications network.

Abstract: An information provision apparatus mounted in a driver's vehicle, including a vehicle approach determiner configured to execute a vehicle approach determination process to determine whether or not an opponent vehicle is likely to approach the driver's vehicle at a future time, based on driving information including information as to whether a blinker of the driver's vehicle is in an on-state or in an off-state at a current time, and driving information including information as to whether a blinker of the opponent vehicle is in an on-state or in an off-state, and a notification device configured to inform a driver driving the driver's vehicle of an opponent vehicle that is likely to approach the driver's vehicle.

Abstract: A system and method for estimating a geolocation of a non-cooperative target using any reasonable target location estimate. Collectors may acquire actual signal measurements including a direction of arrival (DOA), a target range, a time difference of arrival (TDOA), a range rate, a range sum, and/or a frequency difference of arrival (FDOA). A processing device may receive the actual signal measurements and navigational data regarding the collectors. Then, the processing device may calculate an estimated target location as a solution to a nonlinear optimization problem where an objective function to be minimized is a weighted sum-of-squares of differences between the actual signal measurements and calculated values corresponding to signal measurements that theoretically should be produced for a particular target location. The algorithm used to solve this problem may be a globally convergent algorithm, such as a Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method of locating a vehicle, comprising: a) connecting a removable locator device to the vehicle, said locator device automatically noting when it has been connected to the vehicle and then using locating technology to retrieve, at regular intervals, location coordinates for the current location of said locator device, said location coordinates approximating the location of the vehicle; b) sensing a loss of connection between the locator device and the vehicle; c) automatically storing, as a waypoint on the locator device, the last location coordinates retrieved prior to sensing said loss of connection; and, d) removing the locator device from the vehicle to enable use of the locator device to return to the stored waypoint, wherein the stored waypoint represents the approximate location of the vehicle.

Abstract: According to the invention, the system comprises: at least three position beacons (3) arranged about said location (2) and emitting in the long-wave range, and an apparatus associated with the user (1) and including means for receiving, processing and displaying the information transmitted by said beacons (3).

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 navigation signal generator on a framework that provides a standardized object-oriented means for developing and managing signal processing functions. The framework provides the ability to dynamically reallocate functions allowing numerous communications, signals intelligence, and information warfare missions that may be required under a single platform and co-exist with other frameworks. In one embodiment the system is a software defined navigation augmentation using the software defined radio architecture.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a high-precision time of arrival ultra-wideband positioning system are provided. In one embodiment, a method for generating precision localizer messages for an ultra-wideband time-of-arrival positioning system is provided. The method comprises receiving a signal from an atomically accurate reference, generating a timing signal based on the atomically accurate reference signal, correcting a system time based on the timing signal when an error is detected, and transmitting an ultra-wideband signal having a localization message based on the system time.

Abstract: The present invention regards a motorised system with electric traction with computer vision for outdoor environments, which can interact with the surrounding environment in an autonomous way or remotely operated. This vehicle tows a trailer that permits, amongst other functions, to perform golf balls picking.

Abstract: A system, method, and article of manufacture for locating or communicating with a patron at a hospitality facility includes a server and a plurality of client terminals. The server may receive, from one of the plurality of client terminals, a patron identifier identifying a patron and a location identifier identifying a location in the hospitality facility and storing the location identifier in an account corresponding to the patron identified by the patron identifier. A patron, using a client terminal may send a request for the location of a particular patron to the server. The server retrieves, from an account corresponding to the particular patron, a location identifier for the particular patron and sends a message based on the location identifier for the particular patron.

Abstract: A real-time path-directed controller for navigating an object along a desired path is disclosed. The controller comprises: a position sensor which contributes to the production of a conditioned object position signal to a controller summer; a heading conditioning module which contributes to the production of a conditioned heading signal to the controller summer; a control apparatus sensor which contributes to the production of a conditioned control apparatus signal to the controller summer; and a control apparatus null position conditioning module which contributes to the production of a conditioned null position signal to the controller summer. The controller summer sums the signals to produce a controller summer signal to a controller summer conditioning module so as to produce a control apparatus control signal to a control apparatus controller so as to direct the control apparatus and thereby direct the object by feedback control along the desired path.