Patents Examined by Harry Liu
  • Patent number: 9541651
    Abstract: Approaches to signal processing using tapered coherent integration time period durations. In this regard, signal processing of received signals (e.g., received satellite navigation signals) may be received at a receiver. The received signals may be processed in a coherent integration process whereby the duration of subsequent coherent integration time periods are reduced in response to errors resulting from frequency instability that grows in time. As such, relatively long durations for coherent integration times may result in improved signal to noise ratios (SNRs) for integrated signals in initial coherent integration time periods. However, as errors that are introduced into the signal processing due grow over time, the durations of subsequent coherent integration time periods may be reduced, thus reducing the effect of the error in a SNR of resulting integrated signals. In turn, receiver sensitivity may be improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: iPosi, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher Neil Kurby
  • Patent number: 9541626
    Abstract: A method, apparatus and system for globally referenced positioning in a shielded environment includes integrating and correlating information from a UWB receiver, a GPS receiver, and a bent-path GPS receiver adapted to extract a GPS radio frequency wave from a heterodyned GPS signal. The method, apparatus, and system is resistant to interference and can be used in a shielded environment such as indoors or behind a line-of-sight barrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: Lightwaves Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce D. Melick, David M. Snyder, Leslie D. Baych, Philip T. Kennedy
  • Patent number: 9535160
    Abstract: A positioning system comprises an onboard GNSS satellite receiver in a mobile element belonging to a user which estimates the position of said mobile element at various instants, a first processing module determining a consistency indicator by combining the estimated positions and data provided by secondary information sources, using a dynamic model of movement of the mobile elements to be positioned. The indicator is determined by comparing a speed, acceleration, gyration triplet derived from direction and velocity measurements taken by the mobile element, to a dynamic model of movement of an object, vehicle, person or animal to be positioned. The system comprises a consolidation module containing means storing the positions estimated at various instants, a digital filter to obtain a filtered position from the stored positions of a user, the consistency indicator calculated from filtered positions; and detection means determining from the consistency indicator whether the estimated positions are falsified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Thales
    Inventor: Yves Bardout
  • Patent number: 9535161
    Abstract: A navigation receiver operating in a differential navigation mode transmits primary estimates of coordinates with an accuracy estimate that can vary during operation. To improve the positioning quality when the accuracy estimate changes, smoothed estimates of coordinates are generated according to a two-branch algorithm. The current-epoch accuracy estimate is compared to a current-epoch value of threshold accuracy. Upon determining that the current-epoch accuracy estimate is greater than or equal to the current-epoch value of threshold accuracy, the current-epoch smoothed estimates of coordinates are set equal to the current-epoch extended estimates of coordinates calculated from the sum of the previous smoothed estimates of coordinates and coordinate increments calculated from carrier phases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Topcon Positioning Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Vladimir Viktorovich Veitsel, Andrey Vladimirovich Veitsel, Dmitry Pavlovich Nikitin, Mark Isaakovich Zhodzishsky, Andrey Valeryevich Plenkin, Viktor Abramovich Veitsel
  • Patent number: 9537201
    Abstract: A reconfigurable antenna structure includes first and second reconfigurable antennas, a configuration module, and an antenna processing circuit. The first reconfigurable antenna is configured, in response to a first configuration signal, to have a first radiation pattern and to have a first frequency bandwidth and the second reconfigurable antenna is configured, in response to a second configuration signal, to have a second radiation pattern and to have a second frequency bandwidth. The configuration module is configured to generate the first and second configuration signals. The antenna processing circuit is configured to send one or more transmit signals to one or more of the first and second reconfigurable antennas for transmission via one or more of the channels of interest and receive one or more receive signals from the one or more of the first and second reconfigurable antennas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: BROADCOM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Nicolaos Georgiou Alexopoulos, Seunghwan Yoon, Alfred Grau Besoli
  • Patent number: 9531069
    Abstract: In a communication system provided with a plurality of base stations, first and second known signals are defined as known signals to be transmitted by the communication terminal. A plurality of carriers for use in transmission of the first known signal and a plurality of carriers for use in transmission of the second known signal are alternately arranged in a frequency direction in the first and second known signals in the same transmission frequency band. In each base station, at the time of transmitting a signal to a communication terminal that transmits the first known signal, the communication unit which transmits the communication terminal by use of a plurality of antennas performs null-steering in relation to transmission directivity at the plurality of antennas based on the first known signal from the communication terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: KYOCERA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yuuki Nakasato
  • Patent number: 9529070
    Abstract: A radionavigation signal tracking device comprises a first and a second tracking stage for radionavigation signals. The first tracking stage comprises a first carrier phase-locked loop. The latter produces a first error signal arising from a phase difference between the first carrier and its replica. The phase of the replica of the first carrier is adjusted with the first error signal. The second tracking stage comprises a second carrier phase-locked loop. The latter produces a second error signal arising from a difference between the first phase difference and a phase difference between the second carrier and the replica thereof. The phase of the replica of the second carrier is adjusted with the first and second error signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignees: CENTRE NATIONAL D'ETUDES SPATIALES, M3SYSTEMS
    Inventors: Willy Vigneau, Nabil Jardak, Philippe Paimblanc, Anchalee Puengnim, Lionel Ries
  • Patent number: 9531446
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for using location services available from other radios in a multi-radio system to assist a beamforming mechanism, particularly in establishing and maintaining mmWave communication link. A majority of wireless client devices for use in a mmWave communication link are equipped with multiple radios. Many of the “other” radios include technologies that support location based services, including GPS, Wi-Fi and cellular communications. One or more non-mmWave in one device is used to provide relative location information regarding the other device with which the mmWave communication link is to be established. The relative location information is used to derive a direction for communication, and to compute beamforming parameters, in a limited set of transmit/receive sectors where the destination device is likely to be found, in order to streamline the beamforming process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: INTEL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Bahareh Sadeghi, Carlos Cordeiro, Guoqing Li, Vallabhajosyula S. Somayazulu
  • Patent number: 9531086
    Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling variable gain amplifiers include setting a phase at a phase shifter in each of multiple of front-ends of a phased array transceiver, accounting for a constant phase shift of a phase-invariant variable gain amplifier. A gain is set at the phase-invariant variable gain amplifier in each of the multiple front-ends to perform tapering of beam pattern side lobes. A resistance in the phase-invariant variable gain amplifier is set to provide a phase shift that is independent of gain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: John F. Bulzacchelli, Bodhisatwa Sadhu, Alberto Valdes Garcia
  • Patent number: 9531070
    Abstract: A method includes implementing a coupled Voltage Controlled Oscillator (VCO) array with a number of VCOs, and mixing Local Oscillator (LO) signals generated through the number of VCOs of the coupled VCO array with signals from antenna elements of an antenna array to introduce differential phase shifts in signal paths coupled to the antenna elements during performing beamforming with the antenna array. The method also includes accommodating differential coupling between the VCOs to improve immunity to noise and/or interference during the beamforming compared to the VCOs accommodating single-ended coupling therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Inventor: Christopher T. Schiller
  • Patent number: 9519063
    Abstract: The technology disclosed relates to implementing a novel-testing framework that combines playback of captured GNSS signals with real-time emulation of assisted global navigation satellite system telemetry (abbreviated A-GNSS) in a test session with a mobile device. In particular, it can be used for testing A-GNSS performance of communication devices, navigation systems, telematics and tracking applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: Spirent Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Davis, Kunal Shanishchara, Ram Garapaty, Brock Butler
  • Patent number: 9519047
    Abstract: A system of asynchronously-clocked fixed-location devices and a roaming client device can be used for a distance determination of the roaming client device. The system includes a master device, at least one slave device, and any number of roaming client devices. The master device transmits a series of pulses. Once those pulses reach the client device, the client device will begin to count the number of pulses. Once those pulses reach the slave device, the slave device will transmit an acknowledgement pulse. After the client device receives the acknowledgement pulse, the client device will stop counting the pulses from the master device. The total number of pulses counted by the client device will then be used in the distance determination of the client device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Inventor: Kerry L. Davis
  • Patent number: 9507019
    Abstract: A method for acquiring and tracking an in-flight or airborne target using an antenna is provided. In the acquisition process, the antenna is rotated to collect RF power data. The location of peak RF power is determined and the antenna is pointed to that location. The antenna may then undergo a search pattern on either side of that location to detect a specified drop in RF power and a modem on which to lock. In the tracking process, an algorithm allows the antenna to track the target in a pure RF mode, a GPS-based open loop pointing mode or a hybrid mode. The tracking may automatically switch between the pure RF mode and the hybrid mode, depending upon whether GPS data is available from the target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: L-3 Communications Corp.
    Inventors: Scott M. Lyon, Jonathan R. Lawton, Joshua R. Warr, Richard A. Vester
  • Patent number: 9507026
    Abstract: A verified antispoofing navigation apparatus is provided. The apparatus comprises: a primary navigation receiver configured to provide a set of primary measurements related to positioning of a mobile platform; a supplemental navigation device configured to provide a set of supplemental measurements related to positioning of the mobile platform; an identity monitoring device configured to verify an identity of a driver of the mobile platform; and a verification and authentication navigation processor configured to verify authenticity of the set of primary measurements provided by the primary navigation receiver by using the set of supplemental measurements provided by the supplemental navigation device. The verified antispoofing navigation apparatus further comprises: a driver authentication navigation processor configured to provide the driving and rest times of the driver to relevant authorities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventor: Mark E. Nichols
  • Patent number: 9494694
    Abstract: A method and apparatus of location sequence inferences for moving objects traveling along a path. The method and apparatus primarily concerns determining the location of a moving vehicle on a roadway in a roadway network. The inputs to the system include: raw GPS tracking sequence with timestamp, trajectory of the moving object inferred by map matching, accurate speed sequence from a reliable device, e.g. OBD (On-Board Diagnostics is an automotive term referring to a vehicle's self-diagnostic and reporting capability), historical map matching results and historical locations sequence inference results. The output of the system is a sequence of more accurate location (on road segments) sequences than raw GPS locations and map matching results.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Wei Shan Dong, Ning Duan, Peng Gao, Chun Yang Ma, Zhi Hu Wang, Xin Zhang
  • Patent number: 9494679
    Abstract: The invention relates to a radar-transparent component comprising a plastic body. Said component is characterized in that at least parts of the surface have a coating with a thickness of between 10 nm and 100 nm that comprises a semiconductor. Said coating gives the plastic body the desired metallic appearance without the body losing the characteristic of a radar-transparent component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: OERLIKON SURFACE SOLUTIONS AG, PFAFFIKON
    Inventors: Antal Keckes, Peter Schuler, Carlos Ribeiro
  • Patent number: 9494691
    Abstract: Spoofing of a satellite positioning system is detected by receiving position location data from multiple sources. The received data is compared and inconsistent data is marked. A position location is estimated based on the received position location data, while accounting for the marked inconsistent data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Arnold Jason Gum, Douglas Neal Rowitch
  • Patent number: 9494693
    Abstract: A method for determining a position of an object having a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver comprises receiving signals that are transmitted by GNSS transmitters positioned on board satellites positioned in view of the object; updating service data in the object, the service data including satellite clock data, satellite orbit data, satellite delay code bias data relating to delay code biases of the GNSS transmitters, and ionospheric model data indicating a state of an ionosphere; determining, based on the ionospheric model data, ionospheric delay data indicating corrections relating to delays of the signals, the delays of the signals resulting from passage of the signals through the ionosphere, and reception of the signals by the GNSS receiver; and determining a position of the object based on the signals, the satellite clock data, the satellite orbit data, the satellite delay code bias data, and the determined ionospheric delay data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: European Space Agency
    Inventors: Manuel Hernández-Pajares, José Miguel Juan Zornoza, Jaume Sanz Subirana, Jaron Samson, Michel Mathias Maria Tossaint
  • Patent number: 9488732
    Abstract: A satellite navigation signal receiver connected to a legacy satellite navigation system receives a plurality of satellite signals. The receiver selects a subset of the plurality of signals and uses all available data from all of the signals to correct any errors in the subset of signals or otherwise increase the precision of the subset of signals. Alternatively, the receiver uses all of the available data in the plurality of signals to simulate idealized satellite signals that the legacy satellite navigation system uses to derive a location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventor: James H. Doty
  • Patent number: 9491289
    Abstract: A remote tracking system is described including one or more remote tracking devices and a monitoring center. The remote tracking device includes a tamper-resistant housing intended to be held securely to a wearer by a strap, a positioning system receiver in the housing and operable to receive signals indicative of the location of the remote tracking device, a cellular transceiver in the housing and operable to communicate with the monitoring center, and a processor in the housing and in electrical communication with the positioning system receiver and the cellular transceiver, the processor operable to monitor a status for the remote tracking device. The remote tracking system is able to compare the location of the remote tracking device with a set of pre-programmed rules and establish a two-way voice communication between the wearer and the monitoring center upon the occurrence of certain programmable conditions in the remote tracking system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: SecureAlert, Inc.
    Inventors: David Derrick, Bruce G. Derrick