Abstract: A communication device uses its FGU to generate a location signal that can be used by a reference device to calibrate the communication device and to determine the distance of the communication device from the reference device. The communication device: receives, from a reference device, at least one location signal control parameter that defines pulse shape characteristics for a location signal; configures its FGU based on the at least one location signal control parameter; generates a linear first part of a phase-incoherent location signal having the defined pulse shape characteristics by progressively sweeping an output of the FGU over a range of frequencies from a first frequency to a second frequency within a first time period; and transmits at least one iteration of the first part of the location signal.

Abstract: A frequency generation unit (FGU) in a communication device includes a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO), an adjustable filter having a capacitive element for wideband operation, a current source with variable gain, and chirp generation control circuitry (CGC) that is used to generate location signals. The FGU receives, from a reference device, at least one location signal control parameter that defines linear frequency slope characteristics for a location signal. The CGC configures, based on the at least one location signal control parameter, the gain and a polarity of the current source to generate a first current during a first time period for charging the capacitive element to generate a control signal that is coupled to the VCO to generate a first part of the location signal having the defined linear frequency slope characteristics, wherein the first part of the location signal is transmitted using a transceiver of the communication device.

Abstract: A reference device determines its distance from a communication device by first using a training process to determine a calibrated time delay for the communication device when the communication device is at a known distance from the reference device, wherein the calibrated time delay comprises a steady state internal processing delay for the communication device. Subsequently, when the reference device is at an unknown distance from the communication device, the reference device determines the unknown distance using the previously determined calibrated time delay.

Abstract: A sensor enhanced communication device (200) is provided with a wake mode, a standby mode and sleep mode. The sleep mode is a periodic occurrence within the standby mode which places a cluster of sensors and transducers (202) into a state of arousal in which the sensitivity of the transducers and sensors is increased while the sampling rate is decreased. Incremental learning can occur during the sleep mode as well as basic memory transfers. Since the cluster does not have to re-acquire information upon entering wake mode, the overall power efficiency is improved.

Abstract: If the mobile station (101) locates a peer it will request network metadata and may obtain location related services or service lists. The mobile station (101) negotiates with one of more peers (103) to share the work load of background scanning for network services. After successful negotiation, any peers in the “discovery net” will report or advertise to each other of any newly discovered networks, or networks to which connectivity has been lost. Since the various mobile stations may, when powered on, scan periodically for network changes, the metadata stored on the mobile station (101) will be dynamic and will change periodically upon travels and/or encounters with additional peers. Because the peers (103) may also possess location information, the mobile station (101) may additionally adjust its scan to prioritize services advertised by those members of peers (103) that are located most proximate to the mobile station (101).

Abstract: A system (10) and method (50) for controlling the transmission power of a node (14) that includes at least one base station (12), at least one node (14), a sensor (16), and a control unit (20). The node (14) is in communication with the base station (12). The sensor (16) is integrated with each of the nodes (14), wherein the sensor (16) collects data that includes at least the amount of combustible material (18) proximate to the node (14). The control unit (20) is integrated with each node (14) and configures the transmission power of each of the nodes (14) based upon the data collected by the sensor (16).

Abstract: A system (100) and method (300) for utilizing peer networks to extend a battery life of a mobile device in a wide area network (WAN) using a Wireless_Local Area Network (WLAN) is provided. The method can include monitoring (302) a power-level of the mobile device, determining (304) if the power-level is below a pre-determined threshold, identifying (306) peers to serve as transmit proxies in view of the power-level, and switching from a high-power transceiver (206) to a low-power transceiver (208) to reduce power consumption. The mobile device can communicate with the peers using a low-power transceiver in the WLAN to transmit communication data within the WAN.

Abstract: A display device and method (300) includes a processor (718) and a head's up display (HUD) (112) that provides direction or exit route indicators to a user's peripheral line of vision in the form of a plurality of light sources (41 or 722) such as LEDs along a scan line of the HUD. The processor can activate (304) a first light source along the scan line within an ambiguous zone (40) and activate (306) a second light source a predetermined distance away from the first light source as the first and second light sources scan through the ambiguous zone. Note, a point between the first and second light source indicates a desired direction or exit route. A location of the second light source can be activated based on one or more of a scan rate, a distance the HUD is away from a user's eyes, a user's eye spacing, or the ambiguous zone.

Abstract: A system (400, 500) and method (800) of personal inertial navigation measurements can include measuring (802) an angle, measuring (804) an angular velocity independent of an angle measurement, measuring (806) an angular acceleration independent of the angle measurement and independent of an angular velocity measurement, and combining (808) the angle measurement, the angular velocity measurement, and an angular acceleration to provide an angled output. The angle measurement can be measured using a compass or magnetic field, the angular velocity can be measured using a gyroscope (such as a MEMS gyroscope), and the angular acceleration measurement can be measured using an angular accelerometer (such as a molecular electronic transfer device having a magneto hydrodynamic effect device). The method can further include suppressing (810) noise caused by the angle measurement by using a sample and hold circuit (504) controlled by a higher ordered component to suppress noise from a lower ordered component.

Abstract: A mobile communication device (202) outside the service area of a communications network 210 in need of satellite positioning assistance information to perform a location determination (308). The mobile communication device receives the assistance information from a peer mobile communication device (204, 206) over a direct link.

Abstract: A location determination device (104) is worn on a user's head to facilitate searching and tracking for another individual carrying a portable radio (102) as well as locating exit routes. At least two antennas (108), a monopulse receiver (110) and a display are integrated into the location determination device (104). Location determination device (104) scans for an incoming signal (106) from the portable device (102) and coverts the signal into angular location data. The location data and egress information are displayed to the peripheral vision of the user of the location determination device (104).

Abstract: A portable communication device (100) is capable of coupling to a two-way radio (102) via an interface. The portable communication device is capable of selectively functioning as an accessory for the two-way radio and as a standalone communication device when coupled to the two-way radio.

Abstract: A system for integrating environmental sensors and asynchronous ubication repeaters forming an n-point spatially random virtual lattice network (100) includes a ubication repeater (101) for communicating both positional and environmental information to a two-way radio transceiver (102) used by police or firefighters. The ubication repeater (101) initially determines its position upon actuation from the two-way radio transceiver (102) where environmental information can be transmitted to the firefighter's two-way radio transceiver (102) or to a central location (104). The central location (102) can provide a composite overview of an environmental situation during an emergency.

Abstract: A location determination system (100) utilizes a low accuracy timing infrastructure (106) to synchronize a personal tracking device (120) having high accuracy timing location determination devices integrated therein. The PTD (120) includes a radio frequency (RF) location unit (102) and integrated sensors, such as altimeter (132), GPS receiver (134) and inertial navigation unit (IMU) (136). The RF location unit (102) receives a synchronization command from the low accuracy timing infrastructure (106) and provides timing data representing range information in response thereto. The range information is used by the high accuracy timing infrastructure (180) to compute updated X, Y, Z coordinates of the PTD (120).

Abstract: A re-configurable interface used in modular electronic architectures includes a host (203) and one or more modules (201) for interfacing with the host (203) to provide additional functionality. A configuration controller (209) located in the host (203) is for reading a memory device (215) located in the module (201) for providing configuration information to the host. The pin controller (209) then is able to reconfigure pins of the host connector (207) to communicate with the module (201).

Abstract: In one embodiment, a two-way radio console (600) and a portable communication device (100) comprise a mobile communication system in accordance with the present invention. The two-way radio console (600) has a docking interface (602) formed therein. The portable communication device is capable of coupling to the two-way radio console via the docking interface. Further, the portable communication device is capable of selectively functioning as an accessory for the two-way radio console and as a standalone communication device when coupled to the two-way radio console. In this embodiment, the accessory is at least one of the following: a microphone, a speaker, and a two-way controller.

Abstract: A wireless communication system (100) employs a method (700) and apparatus for automatically tracking locations of wireless communication devices (102, 104, 106) in a geographic area, such as an ad hoc area of an emergency scene, that is divided into two or more zones (108, 110, 112). A wireless communication device (102) or a host device (122), determines a location of the wireless device (102). The wireless device's location is then associated with one of the zones (108, 110, 112). An indication (410) of a zone change is presented to a user of the wireless device and/or the host device (102, 122), as applicable, in the event that the wireless device's location reflects a transition of the device from one zone to another. Alternatively, each wireless device (102, 104, 106) might be associated with a corresponding group, such as a fire department, and the zone change indication might include an identifier (412) of the wireless device's group.

Abstract: A first velocity model for a first object (190) and a second velocity model for a second object (195) are established. A spatial relationship between the first object and the second object is established. At least a portion of the first velocity model is adjusted based on at least a portion of the second velocity model and the spatial relationship of the first object to the second object.

Abstract: A first set of coordinates (100) of a device and an estimated positional error (“EPE”) radius (102) is measured. An EPE circle (104) is derived, in which the device is approximately located, from the first set of coordinates (100) and the EPE radius (102). When it is determined that the EPE radius (102) exceeds a predetermined threshold, a first range (106) between the device and a ranging site (108) is measured, and a locus of points (110) on and within the EPE circle (104) is determined, wherein a distance between the ranging site (108) and each point in the locus of points (110) approximately equals the first range (106).

Abstract: In one embodiment, a two-way radio console (600) and a portable communication device (100) comprise a mobile communication system in accordance with the present invention. The two-way radio console (600) has a docking interface (602) formed therein. The portable communication device is capable of coupling to the two-way radio console via the docking interface. Further, the portable communication device is capable of selectively functioning as an accessory for the two-way radio console and as a standalone communication device when coupled to the two-way radio console. In this embodiment, the accessory is at least one of the following: a microphone, a speaker, and a two-way controller.