Patents Assigned to NovAtel
  • Publication number: 20140164630
    Abstract: A Universal Serial Bus (USB) modem/Wireless Wide Area Network (WWAN) device is provided that when connected to a host device, presents itself as an Ethernet endpoint to the host device, without requiring additional software/drivers to be downloaded to the host device. Embedded in the USB modem/WWAN device are various modules that provide functionality allowing either automatic connection to the Internet or redirection to a local Web User Interface (UI) that a user may employ to configure the USB modem/WWAN device and/or manually connect to the Internet. Additionally, the USB modem/WWAN device employs predetermined rules to determine whether or not/how the redirection occurs, including in scenarios where wireless connectivity to the Internet is unavailable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: Novatel Wireless, Inc.
    Inventors: John Wu, Matthew Carlisle, Slim Souissi, Seung Kim, Gwan Hee You
  • Publication number: 20140153556
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a first interface module configured to interface with one or more user devices through a wireless local area network (WLAN) connection; a second interface module configured to interface with a wireless communication network through a wireless wide area network (WWAN) connection; and a controller. The controller is configured to detect availability of carrier hotspots; if no carrier hotspot is detected, route traffic to and from the one or more user devices through the WWAN connection; and if a carrier hotspot is detected, route traffic to and from the one or more user devices through the detected carrier hotspot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2013
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: Novatel Wireless, Inc.
    Inventors: John Wu, Brad Kim, Slim Souissi
  • Patent number: 8730914
    Abstract: An Intelligent Mobile HotSpot (IMHS) comprises a local area network radio interface; an in home display interface; a user interface comprising one of a switch, button, or input (collectively an input); non-transitory memory configured to store instructions; and a processor coupled with memory, the instructions configured to cause the processor to perform the following in response to an activation of the input: automatically establish a data connection with a vehicle display over the local area network, or automatically establish a data connection with a television over the in home display interface, and automatically cause a landing page to be displayed on the in vehicle display or the television.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Novatel Wireless, Inc.
    Inventor: Slim Souissi
  • Publication number: 20140125812
    Abstract: A camera image processing subsystem processes image data corresponding to observations taken through a lens of focal point f using a spherical pin-hole model that maps the image data through a perspective center of a pin-hole prospective plane located within the lens onto a model sphere that is a focal length f in diameter and has its center at the perspective center of the pin-hole prospective plane. The subsystem models systematic distortion as rotation about coordinate axis of the pin-hole prospective plane, and maps all of the data, over the entire field of view of the lens, to corresponding spherical coordinates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2012
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: NOVATEL INC.
    Inventor: Kristian Morin
  • Publication number: 20140120873
    Abstract: A system and method for provisioning wireless devices such that they are only capable of accessing network services when in a specified location. A device surveys the current location of the device for existing base stations and stores a corresponding network environment profile. After the profile is stored, network services will only be provided to the device if the current network profile matches the stored profile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: Novatel Wireless, Inc.
    Inventor: Novatel Wireless, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20140118536
    Abstract: A system determines an otherwise unknown position and orientation of a camera in a working environment, relative to an associated coordinate system, based on visually identifiable unique objects in images taken by the camera. The system utilizes a database that includes or may be updated to include position coordinates for unique objects of interest. The system identifies a plurality of objects within one or more images taken by the camera at a given location, and enters the database either to determine position coordinates for the respective identified objects or to add position coordinates to the data base for the respective identified objects, or both. The system may also update the database to include newly identified unique objects and objects that are altered between images, to determine position and orientation of the camera in a changing environment. Sensors may be included to add additional information relative to the position and orientation of the camera.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: NOVATEL INC.
    Inventors: Kristian Morin, Sandy Kennedy
  • Patent number: 8712473
    Abstract: A system and method for seamlessly increasing download throughput in a wireless wide area network (WWAN) device is herein disclosed. Remote file servers frequently impose per connection transfer limits upon host devices that are requesting files for download. In order to bypass these limitations, a WWAN device acting as a proxy server can replace a single file request with a series of independent requests over multiple connections, each requesting a separate portion of the original file. The blocks of requested data can then be reassembled at the WWAN device before being transferred to the device requesting the file. A user of the requesting device can therefore benefit from increased download rates, yet without having to download or install any additional software within the requesting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Novatel Wireless, Inc.
    Inventors: John Wu, Slim Souissi
  • Publication number: 20140095091
    Abstract: A computer-based processing system (e.g., host server) is operable for receiving historical device operation information (power consumption data) collected during operation of the remote battery-operated device in accordance with a first set of operating parameters, including rechargeable battery information (such as the number of charging cycles experienced). The first set of operating parameters enable operation of the battery-operated device in a first operating mode. The processing system calculates an observed battery life for the device based on the received historical power consumption data and a power capacity value representing a power capacity of the battery resident in the device. This observed battery life may be output to a user and used to determine whether the device will meet a predetermined operational life. If not, parameters for the device can be modified and a new projected battery life calculated (simulation), with the new modified parameters controlling power consumption in the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: NOVATEL WIRELESS, INC.
    Inventors: Charles Chapman Moore, David Marten
  • Patent number: 8660564
    Abstract: A system and method for managing voice communication between devices located within a local network and other devices. The present invention permits the managing and selective routing of voice communications over VoIP systems, circuit-based cellular systems and public switched telephone network systems based upon predefined criteria such as Quality of Service (QoS) considerations, geographic considerations, cost considerations and other factors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Novatel Wireless, Inc.
    Inventor: Slim S. Souissi
  • Patent number: 8638257
    Abstract: A GNSS receiver utilizes an antenna structure that two or more antennas that are spaced apart from their neighboring antennas by less than 1 wavelength of a GNSS satellite carrier signal of interest. The receiver calculates the orientation of the antennas directly from differences in the carrier phase angles measured at the two antennas, without resolving integer carrier cycle ambiguity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Novatel, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick C. Fenton
  • Patent number: 8633854
    Abstract: A system for generating and utilizing a look-up mechanism consisting of one or more phase difference error maps, tables and/or mathematical models calculates the respective maps, tables and/or models by placing a short baseline or ultra-short baseline antenna array in a known location and known orientation, determining angles of incidence of incoming GNSS satellite signals with respect the antenna array and calculating expected carrier phase differences between respective pairs of antennas, calculating measured carrier phase differences between the respective pairs of antennas, and determining carrier phase difference errors using the expected and measured carrier phase differences. The carrier phase difference errors are then recorded in the look-up mechanism, with the maps and, as appropriate, look-up tables for the respective pairs of antennas being indexed by angles of incidence. Thereafter, the system utilizes the look-up mechanism when determining the unknown orientation of the antenna structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: NovAtel Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick C. Fenton
  • Publication number: 20130304866
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for making cloud storage more easily accessible using a wireless device, such as, e.g., a wireless Universal Serial Bus (USB) dongle/modem, mobile hotspot device, etc. In particular, the wireless USB device is used to emulate a standard mass storage class device, thus allowing a user local data access to the wireless USB device. This “local” data access is then translated to remote data access with respect to the actual cloud storage allowing cloud storage to be effectuated without additional login procedures and without the opening/installation of cloud storage-specific applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2012
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicant: NOVATEL WIRELESS, INC.
    Inventors: John Jun Wu, Sangram Tidke, Arup Bhattacharya
  • Patent number: 8565779
    Abstract: A method for automatically configuring a portable device comprises determining a position of the portable device and automatically configuring the portable device based on the determined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Novatel Wireless, Inc.
    Inventor: John Jun Wu
  • Patent number: 8558738
    Abstract: A GNSS receiver reduces the time to first fix by utilizing the properties of existing radiated signals of opportunity, such as AM or FM radio signals, television signals and so forth, to reduce the uncertainties associated with oscillator frequency and phase, and further utilizing an Almanac and battery backed-up date and time to determine the satellites in view and reduce the uncertainties associated with Doppler. The receiver may use multiple signals of opportunity to determine the city or local area in which the receiver is located based on the set of frequencies of the signals, and also to reduce search uncertainties for oscillator frequency by estimating an offset based on the differences between the frequencies of the respective signals of opportunity at the receiver and the nominal broadcast frequencies of the signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: NovAtel Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan Ladd, Patrick C. Fenton
  • Patent number: 8538019
    Abstract: Methods, systems, devices and computer programs for configuring nodes on a wireless network can include generating a security key for the network, setting the security settings on the access point based on the security key, and saving the security key in a profile data file on a removable memory device along with a portable configuration utility for using the profile data file for configuring other nodes on the network. The removable memory device can then be inserted into other nodes and the portable configuration utility can be run to match the same key on the other network nodes based on the information stored in the profile data file on the removable memory device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Novatel Wireless, Inc.
    Inventors: Cuong Pham, John Wu, Ulf Soderberg
  • Patent number: 8521142
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide for methods and apparatus for fragmenting a single message and sending the message fragments over multiple independent networks to a single receiving unit. The receiving unit then reassembles the message fragments to generate the original message. One embodiment of an apparatus according to the invention is a wireless radio frequency modem that can both receive and transmit fragmented messages over multiple independent networks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Novatel Wireless, Inc.
    Inventors: Slim Salah Souissi, Michael Scott Andrews
  • Publication number: 20130195088
    Abstract: A mobile hotspot device may be used to interface one or more host computing devices with a wireless wide area network. The mobile hotspot device is powered by a high-capacity lithium ion (Li-Ion) cylindrical battery pack(s) and has a small, pen-like form factor. Use of the Li-Ion cylindrical battery pack(s) improves mobile hotspot device talk time over prismatic battery cell technology, as well as avoids premature device/modem shutdown experienced when a prismatic battery cell is proximate to a printed circuit assembly of the mobile hotspot device. Additionally still, Li-Ion cylindrical battery pack(s) avoid negatively impacting volume capacity of the mobile hotspot device. Further still, use of the Li-Ion cylindrical battery pack(s) allows for unique, interactive information display, as well as evolutionary mobile hotspot device design and form factors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: NOVATEL WIRELESS, INC.
    Inventors: Kwun Ho, John Jiang, Pedro Gutierrez, Tony Ornelas, Mahsa Nakhjiri
  • Publication number: 20130194746
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for controlling output energy levels in wireless communications devices, such as wireless USB modems, while optimizing performance of the wireless communications devices. Controlling output energy levels includes controlling specific absorption rate (SAR) levels and heat levels generated by one or more radiating elements in a wireless communications device. Controlling output energy levels is achieved by integrating one or more radiating elements in a movable device, such a fan and/or by incorporating a moving reflector element, such as a fan, proximate to one or more radiating elements. Integrating the one or more radiating elements in, e.g., a fan, or by using a fan near the one or more radiating elements, the radiation pattern resulting from the output energy may be spatially averaged and/or dithered, reducing SAR levels and allowing for excessive output heat energy to be vented and/or one or more radiating elements to be cooled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: NOVATEL WIRELESS, INC.
    Inventor: Ian Lockerbie
  • Patent number: 8489093
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for performing efficient vertical handoffs in a wireless user device are provided. The user device can comprise a mobile phone, computer table, handheld computer, or other computer system capable of connecting to more than one mobile wireless network that use different wireless communication protocols. Various efficient scanning methods are disclosed that are efficient in terms of battery usage, thermal performance, processing power, throughput performance, or a combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Novatel Wireless, Inc.
    Inventors: Slim Souissi, John Wu, Brad Kim
  • Publication number: 20130178167
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for controlling Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) levels in wireless communications devices that utilize at least two transmit (Tx) antennas. In particular, mechanisms are provided to reduce and/or maintain SAR levels to meet regulatory requirements by at least one of the following: controlling energy transmission based upon orientation of the device; controlling use of Tx antennas such that physically separate Tx antennas are utilized; and coordinating the use of Tx antennas based upon time averaged energy considerations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2012
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: Novatel Wireless, Inc.
    Inventors: Ian Lockerbie, Kevin Clancy