Abstract: A portable electronic device is provided which includes a housing having a front face, a base, and a back wall joined in a polyhedron configuration. The front face includes an input area having keys for data entry and a display area having a screen to illustrate information to the user. The front face, back wall, and base are joined in the polyhedron configuration, such that the front face is presented to the user at an angle to horizontal when the base is mounted upon a horizontal or vertical surface. The front face, back wall, and base are joined at rounded edges to afford a smooth contour which is easily and comfortably grasped within the hand of the user. The portable electronic device further includes a sensor to determine whether the housing is aligned upon a horizontal or vertical axis. This sensor delivers its output to a display control which realigns information displayed upon the view screen to shift the displayed information between vertical and horizontal configurations.

Abstract: A method and device for displaying animated navigation information has a processor, a memory, a display, and an input, housed in a portable, handheld housing. In various embodiments of the present invention, a plurality of frames are stored in memory, wherein each frame includes data indicative of a still-shot of a portion of an animated sequence represented by the total plurality of frames. The processor retrieves the frames in sequence for display on the display, such that successively displaying each of the frames on the display presents a visualization on the display of animated movement. In one aspect of the invention, animation is provided upon power up of the unit to provide the user with an indication of the nature of use and features of the unit. In another aspect of the invention, animation is provided to provide an indication to the user of satellite signal acquisition for use in navigation purposes.

Abstract: A voltage controlled oscillator circuit incorporating a closed loop coarse tuning mechanism. In this system, a reference oscillator is set with the desired frequency for the voltage controlled oscillator. A resulting voltage used to drive the oscillator is produced by a synthesizer connected in series with a loop filter. The resulting voltage is connected to a fine tune input of the voltage controlled oscillator and also to the input of an adaptive closed loop coarse tuning mechanism. The adaptive closed loop coarse tuning mechanism is comprised of an op amp configured in a noninverting feedback loop connected to a parallel resistor/adapt switch loop. The loop is followed by a shunt capacitor filter which is then connected directly to the coarse tune input of the VCO. If the adapt switch is closed, current from the coarse amp flows through a filter and to a coarse tune port of the VCO.

Abstract: A data card having a retractable handle is disclosed. In the preferred embodiment, the data card includes an electronic data storage medium contained within a two-piece protective housing. A removable handle is slidably engaged with the housing and is movable between a stored position, wherein the handle does not extend beyond the housing, and an active position, wherein the handle is extended beyond the housing for easy manipulation by the user.

Abstract: A system and method for constructing an R-Tree index structure, and packing spatial data in the structure to permit parameters of the R-Tree to be constructed to be selected, within provided ranges, by an operator of the system. The spatial data features to be packed into the R-Tree constructed, are sorted, according to fractal geometry, and placed in a table of records. Each record is individually selected from the table, and data associated with each record is temporarily stored in one of a plurality of buffer storage locations according to a plurality of packing algorithms. The data in a buffer storage location is split, into first and second groups of data, upon the occurrence of one of a plurality of predetermined conditions. Data is selectively removed from the buffer for placement in the R-Tree being packed, such that data representing nearby geographical areas is most optimally clustered together.

Abstract: A data card having a retractable handle is disclosed. In the preferred embodiment, the data card includes an electronic data storage medium contained within a two-piece protective housing. A removable handle is slidably engaged with the housing and is movable between a stored position, wherein the handle does not extend beyond the housing, and an active position, wherein the handle is extended beyond the housing for easy manipulation by the user. In an alternative embodiment, the handle is pivotally mounted to the housing and is movable between a stored position, wherein the handle is maintained against the housing, and an active position, wherein the handle is pivotally swung away from the housing.

Abstract: A electronic navigation device utilizing a desired orientation to adjust an electronic map displayed on the device. Acquiring global positioning system data, a processor calculates the current position of the navigation device. Scanning into cartographic memory located in memory, the processor locates a predefined thoroughfare containing or most adjacent the calculated position. Utilizing points located nearest the calculated position, the processor establishes the heading of the thoroughfare at that location. The processor adjusts the orientation of the map display to reflect the calculated heading of the adjacent thoroughfare. The processor continues to update the current position and the heading of the map display on a real time basis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a circuit for obtaining a wide dimming ratio from a Royer inverter and, more particularly, to a circuit that allows a back light to have wide dimming ratio without having unwanted current spikes that would significantly reduce the life of the back light bulbs. The invention is directed to a DC-to-AC inverter circuit for obtaining a wide dimming ratio in a display back light. The DC-to-AC inverter circuit consists of a voltage source, a Royer inverter circuit and switch circuit to turn on the Royer inverter. The Royer inverter is configured to receive a DC pulse modulated (PWM) signal that is coupled a transformer to produce an output AC PWM signal that is sent to the display back light. The configuration creates an imbalance in the Royer circuit that in turn prevents current spikes that occur when rapidly turning on the Royer inverter.

Abstract: A circuit board assembly is provided for electrically coupling together two or more circuit boards, with one circuit board oriented at an acute angle relative to the other circuit board. The assembly includes a first circuit board having a first edge and a plurality of connecting holes disposed therethrough adjacent the first edge. Each of the holes is electrically isolated from the others and each is electrically connected to electronic circuitry printed on the first circuit board. The assembly further includes a second circuit board having a first edge and a plurality of connecting holes disposed therethrough adjacent the first edge. Each of the holes of the second board is electrically isolated from the others and is electrically connected to electronic circuitry printed on the second circuit board. The assembly also includes a conductive support plate having a plurality of connecting legs extending therefrom along a first edge thereof.

Abstract: A navigation device for selectively displaying thoroughfare names utilizes a processor, memory, display, input and antenna/receiver. The navigation device, incorporated within a vehicle receives GPS satellite signals from a plurality of satellites orbiting the earth and calculates its position, velocity and direction. Cartographic data, including data indicative of thoroughfares and their corresponding names is stored in the memory and displayed on the display along with an icon indicative of the location of the vehicle. As the vehicle is navigated along a thoroughfare displayed on the display, the processor causes the display to display the names of thoroughfares which, in one embodiment, intersect with the thoroughfare being navigated; in another embodiment are crosswise with the thoroughfare being navigated.

Abstract: A method and device implementing a three-level hierarchy for storing, recalling and processing navigational and graphical data. A vehicle is equipped with an electronic navigation thoroughfare planning device capable of calculating the distance to a desired thoroughfare. To calculate a distance, a driver inputs a plurality of variables, including cartographic data and a final desired destination, as well as several potential additional variables. Upon receiving the driver inputs, the navigation device implements a three-level hierarchy for storing, recalling and processing cartographic data. After the cartographic data is stored in memory, the navigation unit can calculate distance to a thoroughfare utilizing a cascading search method beginning with searching the most specific first level and progressing to the broader second and third levels until a common network between the two locations is established.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for removably mounting an electronic device to a surface and for positioning the device with respect to the surface. The apparatus includes a cradle securable to the electronic device and a pivot link, which has a first end and a second end. The first end being pivotally coupled to the cradle. The apparatus also includes a support having a mounting pedestal coupled thereto. The second end of the pivot link is pivotally coupled to the support. The apparatus has a base which has a lower face that can be coupled to the surface and an upper face. The upper face has a receiving slot for the pedestal, the slot having a shoulder extending thereabove to engage the pedestal. The slot further has an open end to allow the pedestal to be moved within the slot. The base further includes a releasable locking arm having a retaining ridge located in line with the open end of the slot to selectively hold the pedestal within the slot.

Abstract: A connector is provided for connecting an accessory such as an antenna, external power source, programming cable or the like to a mobile phone or other appliance. The appliance includes a housing presenting an end wall through which at least one electrical contact is accessible, and a pair of posts secured to and protruding from the end wall. The connector includes axially spaced end walls and a pair of side wall portions that are generally diametrically opposed to one another. Each of the end walls include a pair of protrusions that extend laterally beyond the side wall portions such that each of the protrusions of the one end wall are spaced axially from one of the protrusions of the opposite end wall. A spring clip is supported on the housing by each pair of axially opposed protrusions, and the clips include elongated body portions extending between the axially opposed protrusions, and distal ends that protrude axially beyond the distal end wall protrusions.

Abstract: A hexafilar slot antenna for GPS receivers. The antenna has a cylindrical dielectric body covered with a conductive coating. Six helical slots are formed in the antenna and extend around one half of its circumference to provide a right hand circular polarization for receiving GPS signals. A microstrip feed system is provided and is arranged to create balanced currents along both sides of each slot so that the impedance transformation is not adversely affected.

Abstract: A portable electronic navigational aid device and method calculates estimated time en route and estimated time of arrival. A user inputs a plurality of variables, including identity, cartographic data, final destination. Upon receiving the inputs, the device determines from cartographic data the estimated distance to the final destination and the type of thoroughfare the inputted trip will traverse. During operation, the device recalls the average driving velocity for the inputted driver over each different type of thoroughfare traversed. Using prestored average velocity data, the device calculates an initial estimated time en route and an estimated time of arrival for a desired route. The device continues to receive GPS data as to the driver's position and velocity and updates the average velocity record for that driver on the specific type of thoroughfare. As the average velocity fluctuates, the device adjusts the estimated time en route and the estimated time of arrival.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for removably mounting an electronic device to a surface where such mounting can be accomplished using only one hand. The apparatus includes a mounting bracket that is securable to the electronic device. The bracket has a mounting pedestal coupled to it which has a lower ratchet surface. The apparatus further has a base which has a lower face that can be coupled to the surface, and an upper face which has a receiving slot for the pedestal. The slot has a shoulder extending thereabove to engage the pedestal, and an open end that allows the pedestal to be moved within the slot. The base further includes a releasable locking arm which has a retaining ridge located in line with the open end of the slot to selectively hold the pedestal within the slot. The locking arm has an upper pawl surface located to engage the ratchet surface when the pedestal is located within the slot.

Abstract: An ergonomic hand held combined global positioning wireless telephone device utilizes a unique arrangement of components to minimize the size and especially the length of the device housing. To that end, a keypad and a display are positioned on a control face of the device while an ear piece and a mouth piece are positioned on an audio face which is opposite the control face. Further, a GPS board is angled with respect to the housing to provide additional space for a battery pack latching mechanism, a GPS antenna, and a speaker.

Abstract: A sonar depth sounder device and method for processing echo signals, reflected from objects within a body of water, utilizes a processor, a memory, a display, and a keypad connected to the processor. The receiver receives sonar signals indicative of ambient noise in an underwater environment. The processor receives an electrical signal representative of the ambient noise, and calculates a detection threshold. The detection threshold is calculated by multiplying a scaling factor times the variance of the signal indicative of the ambient noise, and adding that product to the mean of the signal indicative of the ambient noise in the underwater environment. A transmitter then excites a transducer which emits sonar pulses into a body of water, and a receiver receives reflected sonar echo signals. When the intensity of the reflected sonar echo signals is less than the detection threshold, the reflected echo signals are eliminated from processing.