Abstract: In a combined GPS/altimeter device, the calibration and hence the accuracy of barometric altimeter measurements are enhanced with the aid of derived altitudes from a GPS. The device determines the need for calibration and perform the subsequent computations necessary to facilitate the calibration. Furthermore, the device determines a correction quantity that should be applied to barometric altitude readings, thereby allowing the device to be calibrated while in motion. Both of these features ultimately result in a more accurate determination of altitude.

Abstract: A personal navigation device includes a GPS receiver for receiving GPS signals from a plurality of GPS satellites; a processing system coupled with the GPS receiver for determining a location of the personal navigation device as a function of the GPS signals; a display coupled with the processing system for displaying information related to the location of the personal navigation device; a housing on which the display is mounted and in which the GPS receiver and processing system are housed; and an antenna coupled with the GPS receiver for assisting in reception of the GPS signals. The antenna is fixedly positioned along a plane that is generally parallel with a plane passing through the housing.

Abstract: A system for estimating motion parameters corresponding to a user. The system may generally include a receiver operable to receive a signal from an external source, an inertial sensor operable to be coupled with the user and arbitrarily oriented relative to the direction of user motion for generation of a signal corresponding to user motion, and a processing system in communication with the receiver and inertial sensor.

Abstract: Route shaping systems and methods determine a route from a current location through a shape location to a destination. An area of interest is determined for the shape location, and a highest road class for road segments through the interest area is identified. A route is calculated from a starting location through the interest area to the destination, and the route includes a selected road segment through the interest area with the highest road class.

Abstract: A device which converts geographic coordinates such as track logs to navigational routes matched to known road networks includes a GPS receiver; a display; and a processing system. The GPS receiver determines a series of geographic coordinates corresponding to points along a path traveled by a user of the device. The processing system accesses the series of geographic coordinates; compares them to a database of known paths to find a match; and displays at least a portion of the matching path along with navigational information which permits the user to generally follow the series of geographic coordinates while traveling on the path.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are provided for automatic flight logs. One method includes receiving one or more location data points associated with a flight, automatically recording the one or more location data points in a flight log, and allowing access through a display user-interface to view and operate on the flight log. Receiving the one or more location data points includes obtaining the location data points from a global positioning system (GPS).

Abstract: A motion sensing apparatus generally comprising a housing unit operable to be attached to an object at an attachment position, an accelerometer operable to provide a signal corresponding to an acceleration measurement; and a processing system. The processing system is operable to acquire the signal corresponding to the acceleration measurement and analyze the acquired acceleration measurement to identify the attachment position of the housing unit.

Abstract: A computer program operable to interface with a browser and access a navigation device to utilize navigation information. The computer program may acquire information from the navigation device and provide the acquired information to the browser. The computer program may also acquire navigation information from the browser and provide the acquired information to the navigation device.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods are provided for an improved navigational route planning device which provides more understandable, accurate and timely route calculation capabilities. The navigational aid device with route calculation capabilities includes a processor connected to a memory. The memory includes cartographic data and a desired destination, the cartographic data including data indicative of thoroughfares of a plurality of types. A display is connected to the processor and is capable of displaying the cartographic data. The device is adapted to calculate a route to navigate to the desired destination. And, the device is adapted to adjust a starting point for the route calculation to an appropriate location such that the device is on the route at a time when the route calculation is completed. The device processes travel along the route, recognizes when the device has deviated from the route, and calculates a new route to navigate to the desired destination.

Abstract: A combined global positioning system receiver and two-way radio communications unit (GPS/radio unit) that is configured for wirelessly communicating with one or more other such units and that includes a substantially waterproof enclosure for protection of the electronic components contained therein is provided. The substantially waterproof enclosure includes first and second cooperatively mated housing sections which, when mated, form an internal compartment or chamber for enclosing electronic components of the GPS/radio unit. The waterproof enclosure may further include a cover positioned over a plurality of tubular structures which protrude from a top end wall of the second housing section. Also provided is a method of waterproofing a GPS/radio unit including a number of different techniques for waterproofing different features and elements of the enclosure.

Abstract: A wearable electronic device (10) is disclosed comprising a location determining component (12) enclosed by an elongated housing (14) and a strap (16) operable to secure the housing to a user's forearm for use during exercise or other periods of activity. The housing (14) includes a display (30) and at least one input (44). The display (30) communicates information concerning the device (10) and the input (44) controls the operation of the location determining component (12). In a first preferred embodiment, the location determining component (12) is a GPS receiver operable to determine a geographic location of the device (10). In a second preferred embodiment, the device (110) comprises a location determining component (112) and an exercise performance monitor component (162) operable to compute information relative to the user's exercise.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for remotely controlling a power state of devices comprises interconnecting, with an Ethernet cable, a first multi-function display (MFD) and at least one device for communicating with the first MFD. The first MFD comprises a switch for changing a power state. A power source provides power for the first MFD and the at least one device. The first MFD remotely controls the power state of the at least one device through a control signal output to the Ethernet cable. The at least one device receives the control signal and changes the power state of the at least one device in response to the control signal.

Abstract: A portable apparatus (10) providing both substantially automated performance monitoring and audio entertainment features. In a preferred embodiment the apparatus (10) broadly comprises a portable housing (12); an attachment mechanism (14); a GPS component (16); a heart rate monitor component (17); an audio component (18); a user interface (20); a processor (26); and a power supply (30). The housing (12) may include a headset (1112a) wherein the GPS component (16) is located, and a second housing component (1112b) wherein the processor (26) is located, wherein the GPS component (16) communicates with the processor (26) in a wireless manner. The apparatus (10) is adapted to determine a number of laps or a distance, to provide an elapsed time, and to determine a speed.