Abstract: A mobile communication device (202) and peer mobile communication devices (204, 206) are capable of direct voice and data communication. The mobile communication device has a reference oscillator (104) which is used for generating operating frequencies, and is subject to frequency errors resulting from manufacturing tolerances, heat, and other error sources. The mobile communication device receives a frequency correction message (506) from a peer mobile communication device that has calibrated its reference oscillator. The frequency correction message contain offset information which is used by the mobile communication device to determine its offset (316) from a nominal frequency (302).

Abstract: A method and system for location determination at a mobile communication device 102 is provided. The mobile communication device 102 includes a satellite positioning receiver 410. The mobile communication device 102 acquires a first location aiding parameter and a second location aiding parameter from a first Terrestrial Communication Network (TCN) 108 and a second TCN 110, respectively. Selection of the first TCN 108 and the second TCN 110 is based on the first and second location aiding parameters, respectively. The satellite positioning receiver 410 uses the first and second location aiding parameters to determine the location at the mobile communication device 102.

Abstract: A satellite positioning system (SPS) antenna aiding device (100) includes an SPS receiver (102), an environmental sensor (106) to determine a heading value, a tilt value, or an acceleration value, and a processor (104). The processor can be programmed to determine (306) heading, determine (304) an estimated direction of peak antenna gain in relation to satellites in view, and prioritize (308) acquisition attempts of a portion of satellites in view based on the estimated direction of peak antenna gain and environmental data. The processor can perform (310) a split search with correlators split between searches for satellites with assumed peak gain using a shorter dwell time and longer dwell time searches for satellites with lower gain. The device can electronically present (312) an orientation guide to a user based on the estimated direction of peak antenna gain and in view of the heading of the SPS receiver.

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 mobile device (100) includes a satellite positioning receiver (102) for determining a precise location of the device (220). The first time the precise location is determined, the satellite positioning receiver is provided with location aiding information including an approximate location and a radius of uncertainty. The approximate location is determined by acquiring the location of a present base station (202), and the locations of one or more neighbor base stations (306), and calculating the spatial center of the base stations, and adjusting the spatial center according to received signal strengths of the base stations. A radius around the approximate location is then determined. The approximate location and radius are provided to the satellite positioning receiver.

Abstract: A mobile communication device (202) and peer mobile communication devices (204, 206) are capable of direct voice and data communication. The mobile communication device has a reference oscillator (104) which is used for generating operating frequencies, and is subject to frequency errors resulting from manufacturing tolerances, heat, and other error sources. The mobile communication device receives a frequency correction message (506) from a peer mobile communication device that has calibrated its reference oscillator. The frequency correction message contain offset information which is used by the mobile communication device to determine its offset (316) from a nominal frequency (302).

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: The invention concerns a method (300) and system (100) for providing adjustments for a compass (126). The method can include the steps of receiving (312) geographical positional information from a communications network (110), generating (314) a declination value based on the geographical positional information and calibrating (330) a reading for the compass using the declination value. The receiving, generating and calibrating steps can be performed at a portable electronic device (114) containing the compass. As an example, the geographical positioning information can be based on at least one of latitudinal and longitudinal coordinates, an area code and a postal delivery code.