Abstract: A network, network device and method is disclosed. A network of network nodes is disclosed in which the network nodes securely transmit communication signals using one or more spatial parameters unique to the network nodes. A dad positioning device capable of operating as a node in a network of the present invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: To provide a positioning system that clearly defines a disposition of a base station for identifying a position of a radio set. While a wireless base station 1 that transmits and receives a distance-measuring signal to and from a terminal 2 to be measured by wireless communication is disposed at each corner forming an equilateral triangular, the length of each side of the equilateral triangle is made to be a maximum communication distance of the wireless base station 1.

Abstract: A system for geolocating a radio frequency (RF) transmitter in the presence of multipath interference may include a plurality of RF receivers arranged in spaced relation. The system may also include a controller coupled to the plurality of receivers and configured to generate a plurality of measurements associated with the RF transmitter. The controller may also compute a plurality of ambiguity functions based upon the plurality of measurements and due to the multipath interference, and project the plurality of ambiguity functions onto a common geo-referenced grid. The controller may also detect a peak on the common geo-referenced grid indicative of a geolocation of the RF transmitter.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing interference in a transmitting end of a multi-antenna system are provided. The method includes receiving channel information for all Receive (Rx) antennas; calculating a beam-forming matrix that maximizes a Signal-to-Interference plus Noise Ratio (SINR) for each Rx antenna by using the received channel information; calculating an integer value which is in proportion to an interference signal for each Rx antenna by using the received channel information and the calculated beam-forming matrix, and performing Dirty Paper Coding (DPC) on a Transmit (Tx) signal by using the calculated integer value; and performing beam-forming by multiplying the Tx signal that has undergone the DPC by the calculated beam-forming matrix. Accordingly, a highest data rate for each user and a highest diversity can be obtained.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, determining the location of a target of interest includes determining a beacon location of the beacon. The beacon location is transmitted to a sensor. The sensor is operable to determine a sensor location of the sensor. The sensor is further operable to determine a target location of the target according to the beacon location and the sensor location. The target location is distinct from the beacon location.

Abstract: In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, systems and methods disclosed herein provide for tracking of objects, aircraft, vehicles, and ground equipment in a tracking area, such as an airspace and/or an airport terminal area. One embodiment of a tracking system of the present disclosure comprises a signal monitoring component adapted to communicate with an object, such as an aircraft, when the object enters the tracking area. The signal monitoring component is adapted to transmit a monopulse beacon query signal to the object and receive a monopulse beacon response signal from the object. The tracking system further comprises an interface component adapted to process the received monopulse beacon response signal from the object, initialize a beacon transponder on the object, and assign a network address to the object.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a system and method for mitigating multipath in DSSS CDMA radio navigation signals by a) transmitting a rapid pulsing pattern from a transmitting device to a position receiver that samples the transmitted signal, b) separating the received samples and storing sample-based correlation accumulation values into independent bins that are synchronous with the received pulsing pattern, c) applying a logical decision process to determine the accumulation bin associated with the leading edges of the received pulses, and d) generating a range estimate from the correlation accumulation bin associated with the leading edges of the received pulses.

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: According to the present invention, there is provided a system and method for wireless sensor networks (WSN) positioning which is cost-effective, scalable, can be easily implemented, and provides excellent performance and accuracy. In the present invention, a few reference nodes with known locations transmit linear frequency modulation continuous waves (FMCW), while sensor nodes receive these waves and calculate the range difference among them based on the time frequency difference arrival (TFDA). The location information of the sensor nodes is obtained through the solving of a set of hyperbolic equations. This technique is cost-efficient, scalable and can be easily implemented.

Abstract: A system and a method for estimating a state of a carrier are provided. The system includes the carrier, an electromagnetic wave sensing device, a motion sensing device, and a controller. The electromagnetic wave sensing device detects an electromagnetic wave emitted by at least one feature object in an environment around the carrier. The motion sensing device detects motion information of the carrier moving in the environment. The controller estimates state information of the carrier in the environment through a probabilistic algorithm according to the electromagnetic wave and motion information detected by aforementioned sensing devices. Thereby, in the present invention, the location and posture of the carrier in the environment can be precisely estimated according to the motion information of the carrier and existing information of the environment around the same.

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 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 radioterminal includes a wireless communications transceiver, a GPS receiver and a controller. The controller is configured to authorize at least one other radioterminal to receive geographic position information of the radioterminal, to activate the GPS receiver to obtain a measure of a geographic position of the radioterminal and to activate the wireless communications transceiver to transmit the measure of the geographic position of the radioterminal to the at least one other radioterminal that was authorized, responsive to a rate of change of position of the radioterminal. Related methods also are described.

Abstract: An algorithm of collecting and constructing training location data is provided as it is applied to a test space of a plurality of beacons and training locations. The signal patterns of beacons adjacent to each training location are detected. The signal pattern is converted into a signal vector and each signal vector is integrated for calculating a feature vector of each training location. The coordinate and the feature vector of each training location, after being recorded, are introduced into a numerical data fitting model for constructing the signal pattern function of each beacon. For positioning, the current signal patterns of the beacons adjacent to the user location are detected and converted to a discriminant function. Thereafter, the minimum of the discriminant function is computed so as to find the position of the user location.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure provide methods, apparatus, and articles related to code combination for GPS III, and more particularly, to methods and apparatuses for enabling signal modulation that potentially may minimize power throw away for target code power ratios by shifting linear signal constellation points radially to a circle of equal amplitude, e.g., where the circumference represents e.g. the average RMS power of the original linear signals.

Abstract: A mobile station position locating system is provided in which having a provisional position locating section sets base station set and locate a position of a mobile station as a provisional position locating result using the base station set. A provisional position locating result-group extracting section extracts a provisional position locating result associated with the base station set not including a specified base station, among provisional position locating results. A variation calculating section calculates a variation ? of a provisional position locating result group with each base station being assigned to a specified base station, and a position locating base-station setting section sets a position locating base station excluding the base station assigned to the specified base station, among the provisional position locating result groups with the least variations.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the location of a mobile device. A first set of signals from a plurality of radio frequency (“RF”) sources may be received at a mobile device and then downconverted into a second set of signals. The mobile device may then time stamp the second set of signals and transmit the time stamped signals to a location determining system. The location of the mobile device may be determined at the location determining system as a function of the time stamped signals.

Abstract: Disclosed are a base station and a mobile terminal for location detection, and a location detecting method. The base station in which a plurality of antennas having RF modules are installed transmits a signal including location information of each of the antennas to the mobile terminal. The mobile terminal carries out location detection by selectively using location information received from a GPS receiver or location information received from a DSRC transceiver. The base station and mobile terminal for location detection can perform location detection with high accuracy using the existing DSRC service. Thus, the base station and mobile terminal can carry out location detection having an error of approximately 10 m in downtown areas or buildings.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for a navigation system. A process includes providing a plurality of transmitters distributed throughout a desired coverage area; locking the plurality of transmitters to a common timing reference; transmitting a signal from each of the plurality of transmitters. An apparatus includes a plurality of transmitters distributed throughout a desired coverage area; wherein each of the plurality of transmitters comprises a packet generator; and wherein the plurality of transmitters are locked to a common timing reference.

Abstract: A method of determining speed and heading of a rover/rover having one degree of freedom comprising the following steps: (A) determining a rover position coordinates using at least one source of a radio position measurements; (B) storing a set of statistically different rover points in a memory block, and (C) using a subset of rover points including a plurality of stored rover points and a current rover point to determine a speed and a heading of the rover. It is assumed that each rover point comprises a time Epoch and a rover position determined at time Epoch, and that each pair of statistically different rover points comprises two rover positions separated by a statistically significant distance.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of sensor network localization through reconstruction of a radiation pattern with a characteristic value of an antenna depending on orientation thereof. The method can minimize errors using an antenna characteristic value and a signal strength depending on the orientation. In addition, the method can minimize errors using an artificial neural network to characterize a distorted radiation pattern of an antenna and using it for the localization of a triangulation method. Furthermore, the method can increases the localization rate even in a passive localization method by characterizing an asymmetric antenna radiation pattern and constructing the antenna characteristic through an artificial neural network.

Abstract: Device and a method for locating a mobile object approaching a surface reflecting electromagnetic waves. The location device includes an emission antenna and a reception antenna. The emission antenna has one or more emission positions emitting a detection signal toward the mobile object. The reception antenna has at least one column of one or more reception positions, receiving a signal transmitted by the mobile object. An emission of the detection signal is activated on each emission position. An emission position that produces a detection by the reception antenna, of the signal of maximum energy transmitted by the mobile object, is selected to track the mobile object. One or more signals of maximum energy, received by one or more reception positions, are used to angularly locate the mobile object. The invention can be used to determine the position of an aircraft in the final landing phase for a guidance device.

Abstract: A system, including: an electrical network fitted to a building, for distributing electrical power within the building to make the building operational, the network comprising a plurality of nodes for outputting the electrical power each node comprising a receptacle for receiving a lighting element; and a plurality of radio devices, retrofitted to the operational building, wherein each of the radio devices is operable, when powered via a respective node of the network, to transmit data relating to positioning.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining a direction and range, at a predetermined level of granularity, for a transmitting device in a communications system are presented. Determinations, based on indicia related to the signal conditions, information contained in the received signals, and/or inferences surrounding the transmission conditions can be employed in identifying a transmitter, determining the range and direction of a transmitter and/or identifying a relative location of a transmitter without relaying, retransmitting, and/or conveying the transmitted and received signal across a supporting communications network. These determinations can be formed centrally at the transmitting or receiving user equipment or mobile device or formed in a distributed manner between the transmitting and receiving user equipment or mobile devices across a communications system.

Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) positioning system for positioning an RF device on a surface is provided. The RF positioning system utilizes the property of the RF device generating a response signal upon receiving an RF signal to perform positioning. The RF positioning system includes an antenna set, a switch unit, an RF module and micro-controller unit (MCU). The antenna set has a plurality of antennas in different sizes. The RF module is coupled to the switch unit. The MCU, coupled to the switch unit and the RF module, controls the switch unit to select one antenna from the antenna set and controls the RF module to generate the RF signal. The MCU further estimates a distance between the RF device and the RF positioning system according to whether the RF positioning system receives the response signal through the selected antenna.

Abstract: A signalling beacon which includes a global positioning system receiver, operable to determine a geographic location of the signalling beacon, a radio frequency transmitter operable to transmit a radio frequency signal, a radio frequency receiver operable to receive a radio frequency signal, a processor, operable to read the geographic location from the global positioning system receiver, to compile a data message containing the geographic location of the signalling beacon and to transmit the data message as a radio frequency signal via the radio frequency transmitter and a waterproof case for housing the global positioning system receiver, the radio frequency transmitter, the radio frequency receiver and the processor.

Abstract: A positioning system that includes a plurality of chronologically synchronized Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) Positioning-Unit Devices and a position receiver incorporating a TDMA Adaptive Directional Antenna Array is disclosed. The plurality of chronologically synchronized Positioning-Unit Devices, positioned at known locations, transmit positioning signals in a predetermined Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) sequence, such that each Positioning-Unit Device has a unique transmission time slot. The TDMA Adaptive Directional Antenna Array is configured to consecutively steer a directional receive antenna in spatial synchronization with the plurality of Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) Positioning-Unit Device transmissions, such that the directional receive antenna is oriented toward the currently transmitting Positioning-Unit Device, or the directional receive antenna is oriented toward the origin of the currently received positioning signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a location method characterised in that it comprises the following steps: a) receiving in a location device (1) signals from radio signal transmitters, each radio signal transmitter being capable of transmitting a digital frame including a header containing at least one transmitter identifier, and determining a list of identifiers containing an identifier for each transmitter; b) determining a set of candidate elements among sub-areas, or elements, of a geographic area; c) selecting the best candidate in the set of candidate elements; and d) locating said location device (1) in said element selected as the best candidate during step c).

Abstract: A method for positioning a wireless communication device includes storing position data relating to one or a plurality of reference areas to at least one data base. It is examined which of said reference areas is located in the vicinity of the wireless communication device, and at least position data about the reference area located in the vicinity of the wireless communication device is retrieved for the wireless communication device. In order to perform the positioning, the method further includes selecting the reference area located in the vicinity of the wireless communication device as the default position of the wireless communication device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for a navigation system. A process includes providing a plurality of transmitters distributed throughout a desired coverage area; locking the plurality of transmitters to a common timing reference; transmitting a signal from each of the plurality of transmitters. An apparatus includes a plurality of transmitters distributed throughout a desired coverage area; wherein each of the plurality of transmitters comprises a packet generator; and wherein the plurality of transmitters are locked to a common timing reference.

Abstract: To provide a method of measuring a position of a node by using a radio communication system which comprises the node to send a position measuring signal, and a plurality of base stations to receive radio signals from the node, the method including: the base stations watching signals from the node through a predetermined channel; at least one of the base stations sending a reference signal after receiving of the position measuring signal; at least two of the base stations measuring the reception timing of the position measuring signal and the reception timing of the reference signal; and calculating the position of the node by using the reception timing of the position measuring signal and the reference signal measured by the base stations which have received the reference signal, and position information of the base station which has received the position measuring signal.

Abstract: A network-aided GNSS node locator for receiving GNSS signal samples. A GNSS positioning system may include a GNSS remote node for sampling a GNSS signal and transmitting the GNSS signal samples through a communication network having an intermediate node. The GNSS node locator receives the GNSS signal samples through the communication network, geolocates the intermediate node from a node ID, and uses the GNSS signal samples with the intermediate node geographical location for determining the geographical location of the remote node.

Abstract: A pseudo-spatial-average-covariance-matrix generating unit selects, from matrixes Rf1, Rf2, Rb1 and Rb2, one appropriate matrix or two or more appropriate matrixes for combination to generate a pseudo-spatial-average-covariance matrix R. A pseudo-spatial-average-covariance-matrix Hermitian-conjugate product generating unit generates a target-count-estimation matrix RRH. A target-count-estimation-matrix decomposing unit performs LU decomposition on RRH into a lower triangular matrix L and an upper triangular matrix U. An index generating unit generates an index using elements of the upper triangular matrix U. An index-parameter scanning unit estimates a target count by using the index generated by the index generating unit.

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: A method for positioning a wireless communication device includes storing position data relating to one or a plurality of reference areas to at least one data base. It is examined which of said reference areas is located in the vicinity of the wireless communication device, and at least position data about the reference area located in the vicinity of the wireless communication device is retrieved for the wireless communication device. In order to perform the positioning, the method further includes selecting the reference area located in the vicinity of the wireless communication device as the default position of the wireless communication device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for estimating bias errors in a time-difference-of-arrival/frequency-difference-of-arrival (TDOA/FDOA) geolocation system using a reference signal transmitter in which position and/or motion information of the reference signal transmitter is encoded into the reference signal. The motion information may include the velocity and/or acceleration of the reference signal transmitter. The reference signal is received by multiple collection platforms operating in conjunction with a geolocation system and a reference correction processing system. The reference correction processing system receives, via the multiple collection platforms, the position and/or motion information, which is immediately and unambiguously associated with specific reference signal transmissions. The geolocation system estimates the position and/or velocity of the reference signal transmitter using conventional TDOA/FDOA techniques.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a device and method for precisely determining the direction and distance to a satellite radio beacon. In one embodiment, the disclosed device is used for SAR (search and rescue) of people in distress, upon activation of an emergency radio beacon, such as a marine EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon) or an airborne ELT (Emergency Locator Transmitter) or a terrestrial PLB (Personal Location Beacon) or a marine SSAS (Ship Security Alert System) beacon, beacons which are part of the Cospas-Sarsat system.

Abstract: A tracking system includes an emitter array configured to emit radiation around a subject to be tracked in at least one dimension wherein each emitter or group of emitters is modulated to permit identification of a source of the radiation. A receiver is configured to receive the radiation from the emitter array, wherein one of the emitter array and the receiver are located on the subject to be tracked. A processor is configured to interpret changes in radiation and correlate the changes to a device position to output a device position control signal.

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 (S610); specifying an emission source of the positioning signal (S612); obtaining, when the emission source of the positioning signal is outdoors, a navigation message included in the positioning signal (S622); executing a process for calculating the position based on the signal (S624); obtaining, when the emission source of the positioning signal is indoors, message data from the positioning signal (S630); obtaining coordinate values from the data (S632); and displaying positional information based on the coordinate values (S650).

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: Method for the transmission of navigation data to user terminals of a satellite navigation system composed of navigation satellites and pseudolites. The method includes transmitting positional information for at least one of the pseudolites, as part of the navigation data, without the use of separate channels or protocols for the transmission of the positional information for the at least one pseudolite. The positional information is transmitted in the form of a model of a pseudolite trajectory in a reference coordinate system which the model accounts for orbit-divergent motions of the at least one pseudolite, and the positional information for the at least on pseudolite forms a part of the navigation data.

Abstract: This invention integrates a novel technique for mappers to efficiently collect attributes utilizing various wireless systems such as bluetooth. The wireless technique in the data-gathering device allows the flag-man/data gatherer to input useful information into the device, which can readily be available to the mapper at the other end. This invention makes the traditional mapping technique much more efficient and reliable. Due to the ability to exchange data promptly, it nearly diminishes the room for discrepancies. This device overcomes mainly two deficiencies in current mapping device: the need to use a wire to connect data recording device to a data-collecting device, and the need to use some form of oral communication to relay the attributes of the data being collected. This proves to be very efficient by cutting down the investigation data collection time to nearly half, especially at the times when there is heavy traffic and the accident needs to be cleared up as quickly as possible.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a device and method for precisely determining the direction and distance to a satellite radio beacon. In one embodiment, the disclosed device is used for SAR (search and rescue) of people in distress, upon activation of an emergency radio beacon, such as a marine EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon) or an airborne ELT (Emergency Locator Transmitter) or a terrestrial PLB (Personal Location Beacon) or a marine SSAS (Ship Security Alert System) beacon, beacons which are part of the Cospas-Sarsat system.

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: An apparatus having corresponding methods comprises a signal generator to generate an radio-frequency (RF) signal comprising a ranging signal comprising a component of a television signal; a wireless transmitter to wirelessly transmit the RF signal; and a self-check unit comprising a receiver to receive the RF signal, and to recover the ranging signal from the RF signal, a pseudorange circuit to determine a pseudorange based on the ranging signal, and a self-test circuit to generate a self-test output based on the pseudorange.

Abstract: This invention relates to immersed moving bodies for which the activity requires knowledge of their absolute geographic coordinates. This is the case particularly for moving bodies performing site survey operations, excavations and more generally exploration operations. A moving body can equally well refer to an independent diver, a manned vehicle or an unmanned machine. The device is used by an immersed moving body for independent determination of its absolute geographic coordinates. The device, according to the invention comprises on board calculation means (31) associated with “surface” position means (32) consisting of a GPS or GALILEO type receiver, submarine positioning means (33) operating on the principle of homing in association with immersed fixed accoustic beacon (41) and a set of sensors (36) that the moving body (42) uses to determine its working depth, its horizontality, and the difference between the direction followed and a fixed direction, for example magnetic north.

Abstract: An apparatus is configured for inclusion in an arrow, where the apparatus includes a device configured to provide feedback to a user concerning the arrow shot from a bow, and a processor coupled to the device, the processor configured to control an operation of the device at least during a flight of the arrow.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for two-stage location. In one implementation, there is provided a method for receiving a first location of a first radio, the first radio providing the first location of the first radio; using the received first location to determine when to transmit an activation command from a portable locator to a second radio, the second radio coupled to the first radio; and receiving at the portable locator a beacon transmitted to enable the portable locator to precisely locate the second radio and the coupled first radio.

Abstract: A method for processing weak indoor signals in presence of cross-correlation or continuous wave interference and associated GPS receiver are provided. The method comprises providing a two-dimensional delay-Doppler accumulated power pattern having a plurality of accumulated powers corresponding to frequency and time; for a predetermined frequency, determining an average value of accumulated powers of the two-dimensional delay-Doppler accumulated power pattern over a plurality of times; and subtracting the average value from the accumulated powers used in determining the average at the frequency over the plurality of times to generate a delay-Doppler accumulated power pattern with suppressed interference effect.

Abstract: A system for determining the position and orientation of a flying object such as a missile includes a ground segment having at least one pseudolite station located on the earth's surface which transmits into space a navigation signal that uniquely identifies the pseudolite station, and a user segment having at least one sensor which is situated in the missile and is designed to receive the navigation signal from the at least one pseudolite station and to determine its absolute position and orientation in space on the basis of the received navigation signal.