Abstract: A method for standard positioning service (SPS) and precise positioning service (PPS) cooperative operation is disclosed. In one embodiment, a positioning signal is received. A PPS data portion of the positioning signal is acquired with PPS receiver. An SPS data portion of the positioning signal is acquired with an SPS receiver. The PPS receiver and the SPS receiver are then communicatively coupled. The PPS data portion from the PPS receiver is then cross-validated with the SPS data portion from the receiver, wherein the cross validation of the PPS data portion and the SPS data portion provides information about the validity of the positioning signal.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and system for determining a geographic position. In one embodiment, a data message comprising pseudorange data for a designated location and pseudorange corrections for a designated region surrounding the designated location is created. The data message is sent via a cellular telephone connection to a base station located in the designated region. The data message is then transmitted from the base station to a mobile position determination unit using a radio transmitter.

Abstract: A GPS receiver for integrating a GPS signal separately in a series of “A” type and “B” type time segments, the “A” segments alternating with the “B” time segments; combining the squares of the magnitudes of “A” time segment integrations corresponding to code phases for forming “A” type combined magnitudes; combining the squares of the magnitudes of the “B” time segment integrations corresponding to code phases for forming “B” type combined magnitudes; and determining an acquisition code phase of the signal from the strongest of the “A” or “B” combined magnitudes. The “A” time segments and the “B” time segments are one-half the period of the data bits of the signal, thereby ensuring that either the “A” time segments or the “B” time segments avoid the nullifying effect of data bit inversions.

Abstract: A method of tracking at least one mobile unit utilizing a radio and light based 3-D positioning system comprising a stationary self-positioning radio (pseudolite) transceiver, a stationary laser transmitter positioned in a location with known coordinates, a wireless link, and a display.

Abstract: A method for estimation of relative coordinates between at least two parts of a system. The method generally includes two main steps: measuring a set of relevant coordinates for each part of the system; and processing each measurement result to estimate the relative coordinates between at least two parts of the system. The system includes a main body and at least one sub assembly. A first sensor A is configured to measure a movement rate of a sub assembly. A second sensor B is configured to measure a movement rate of a main body. A third absolute measurement sensor C is configured to estimate an integrator offset and a drift rate due to the first sensor A bias and due to the second sensor B bias.

Abstract: A radio and light based 3-D positioning system comprising a stationary self-positioning radio (pseudolite) transceiver, a stationary laser transmitter positioned in a location with known coordinates, and at least one mobile integrated radio receiver (pseudolite)/laser detector (RR_LD). The stationary self-positioning radio (pseudolite) transceiver is configured to receive a first plurality of external radio signals, is configured to determine its position coordinates based on the first plurality of received external radio signals, and is configured to broadcast at least one internal radio signal. The stationary laser transmitter is configured to broadcast at least one laser beam.

Abstract: A direct digital drive audio system and method system and method are presented. The direct digital drive system and method utilizes a digital signal to directly drive the speakers. In one exemplary implementation, an audio system includes a sample register, an convergence adjustment component, an accumulated error register, a digital driver and a speaker. The sample register is coupled to the convergence adjustment component which is coupled to the accumulated error register and the digital driver which in turn is coupled to the speaker. The sample register holds an audio sample. The convergence adjustment component calculates the error for each sample. The accumulated error register stores an accumulated error. The digital driver determines whether to drive on a positive digital value, drive on a negative digital value or not drive. The speaker creates audio sounds based upon a signal from the digital driver.

Abstract: A positioning system or synthetic phase processor or rover station for providing high integrity positions with graduated accuracies. The positioning system includes one or more real time kinematic (RTK) reference stations for receiving GPS signals at established reference positions and measuring reference phases. The positioning system or the rover station selects a synthetic offset vector and uses the synthetic offset vector for inferring synthetic reference phases to a synthetic position. The rover station uses the synthetic reference phases with actual or virtual reference positions for determining a rover position having an added positional error controlled by the synthetic offset vector. For another embodiment a positioning system or a secure rover station dithers a secure position with a synthetic offset vector for providing an unsecure rover position having the added positional error.

Abstract: A GPS receiver having a fast method for determining GPS clock time. The GPS receiver includes a signal processor for receiving GPS signals from GPS satellites and detecting current GPS data bits carried by the respective GPS signals, a chapter memory for storing a block of expected GPS data bits for the respective GPS satellites, and a GPS time detector for detecting a successful match when a chunk of the expected data bits within a selected search range within the block matches a chunk of the current data bits, and using the successful match for determining the GPS clock time. In an anytime embodiment the GPS receiver enters an operation mode at any time in order to minimize user request latency. In a focused embodiment the GPS receiver enters the operation mode at a prescribed time-of-entry in order to minimize power consumption for cycles of standby and operation modes.

Abstract: A method and system for variable data rate transmission in a real-time kinematic (RTK) positioning system. An RTK positioning system having a reference station and a rover utilizes wireless communications for data transfer. The data transmission rate between the reference station and the rover is dynamically controlled by a programmable transmission controller. The transmission rate is determined on the basis of specific parameters. Parameters that may be used to determine the data transmission rate include rover demand, required rover accuracy, satellite positioning system (SATPS) events, the required data for ambiguities, and the type and content of the data transmitted.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling an electronic device is described. The method includes programming a device controller with a location and/or time to define a geo-temporal zone according to the location and/or a window of time, and to select a device function that zone. A device state, which includes the current time and the device position, is then monitored. Upon determining that the device state corresponds with the defined geo-temporal zone, the device is controlled to execute the selected function. The function can relate to selectively enabling or disabling some or all of the device capabilities, power management, and others.

Abstract: A system to produce orthogonal beams includes a laser diode operating in conjunction with a collimating lens, with or without an aperture, and a simple compact optic. At least one collimated beam is directed toward an optic comprised of components that are bonded together. Beams are reflected from at least one optical components at right angles to produce a plumb beam. Additionally, a beam is reflected from the optic at a right angle, as well as transmitted through the optic, to produce square and level beams. All beams are orthogonal to each other, have relatively equal power, and are aligned and oriented so as to appear to be originating from a coincident point. An optional orthogonal beam may be produced. An optic in the shape of a cuboid comprised of six small components is also disclosed.

Abstract: A laser beam transmitter and a method of calibrating such a transmitter result in a beam of laser light that is projected in a desired direction with respect to a transmitter body. The transmitter and a beam target are positioned such that a properly calibrated beam will illuminate a desired point on the target, such as for example the target center. The transmitter is activated and the offset of the point illuminated on the target from the target center measured. A plurality of optical wedge correction elements having varying wedge angles is provided, and the appropriate one of these optical wedge correction elements that will correct for the measured offset is selected. The selected optical wedge correction element is positioned in the transmitter body in the path of the beam. The optical wedge correction element is rotated until the beam is substantially aligned to illuminate the target center. The optical wedge element is then affixed in place in the transmitter body.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for factorized processing of a set of GNSS signal data derived from signals having at least three carriers. A geometry filter is applied to the set of GNSS signal data using a geometry carrier-phase combination to obtain an array of ambiguity estimates for the geometry carrier-phase combination and associated statistical information. A bank of ionosphere filters is applied to the set of GNSS signal data using a geometry-free ionosphere carrier-phase combination to obtain an array of ambiguity estimates for the ionosphere carrier-phase combination and associated statistical information. At least one bank of Quintessence filters is applied to the set of GNSS signal data using a geometry-free and ionosphere-free carrier-phase combination to obtain an array of ambiguity estimates for the geometry-free and ionosphere-free carrier-phase combination and associated statistical information.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and system for controlling an electronic device. In one embodiment, a controller is coupled with a position determining component, and a motion detecting component. In one embodiment, the motion detecting component detects motion of the electronic device and generates a signal to the controller indicating the motion. The controller, in response to the signal, causes the position determining component to determine the geographic location of the electronic device. The geographic location is compared with a pre-defined zone and, in response to the comparing, a command is generated for controlling the electronic device.

Abstract: The transmitter for projecting a beam of laser light includes a source of a beam of laser light, and a projection arrangement for directing the beam of laser light at a selected grade. The transmitter further includes a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of said transmitter, and a temperature correction circuit, including a look-up table, responsive to said temperature sensor, for adjusting said projection arrangement in dependence upon offset grade values that are stored in said look-up table for a plurality of transmitter temperatures. These offset grade values are separately determined on an empirical basis for each transmitter, such that temperatures induced errors in the direction of the beam of laser light are compensated.

Abstract: A position determination system for movable objects or personnel comprising at least one portable position sensor built into a wearable item of a member of personnel having an identification number, or embedded into a movable object having an identification number, and Mobile Initialization Station (MIS). The Mobile Initialization Station (MIS)/Portable Initialization Station (PIS) selected from the group consisting of: {(SATPS)/transceiver unit; (GPS)/transceiver unit; and a TVPS transceiver unit} is configured to provide a set of high accuracy initialization data. The portable position sensor is configured to utilize the high accuracy initialization data to generate and broadcast the positional data of at least one member of personnel having an identification number, or of at least one movable object having an identification number.

Abstract: The present invention is a portable motion-activated position reporting device. In one embodiment, a controller is coupled with an interrogator component, a position determining component, a wireless communications component, and an initiating component. In one embodiment, the initiating component detects motion of the position reporting device and generates a signal to the controller indicating the motion. The controller, in response to the signal, activates the interrogator component and the position reporting device.