Abstract: A method and system for sending messages that indicate position. In one embodiment, the message transmission device includes a message transmission unit that is coupled to a position determination system. A server is adapted to receive messages from the message transmission device. In operation, a first message is generated at the message transmission device. The position of the message transmission device is determined and is included in the message. The message is then sent to the server. The server then generates a second message that complies with any instruction indicated in the first message that relates to position. An instruction that relates to position can indicate routing, format, performance of a task, etc. By indicating return routing in the instruction, a user can obtain location in any of a number of desired formats without the need to store extensive databases in the message transmission device.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for creating a configuration file for use with a resource allocator that allocates computer system resources, such as CPU resources, among workloads operating on the system. A software application referred to as a “wizard” generates a graphical user interface (GUI) having multiple linked input screens to prompt a user step-by-step to enter specifications for the workloads. The GUI displays a prompt for a user to define a workload and to configure a resource allocation policy for the defined workload. The CPU resource allocation policy specifies how resources are allocated to the defined workload. The wizard receives the requested specifications from a user input device. Based on the received specifications, a configuration file is created and may be used by a resource allocator to allocate resources among workloads according to the specifications.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for allocating computer resources. The method may be implemented in software instructions in a resource allocator that allocates resources among workloads operating on the system. Parameters defining service level objectives for the execution of workloads are received from a user input device. At least one of the service level objectives is a utilization cap that limits the overall allocation of system resources among the workloads. The parameters include priorities for the service level objectives, including the utilization cap. As the workloads execute on the system, utilization data is received indicating usage of system resources. Resources are allocated to the workloads according to the priorities of the service level objectives and based on the utilization data.

Abstract: A system for assuring the location integrity of a decryption chip used to receive and decrypt encrypted signals ES received from an encrypted signal source. The decryption chip operates in association with a licensed signal receiver and is licensed for use at a selected site or location Li and is positioned adjacent to a Satellite Positioning System (SATPS) antenna and receiver/processor that determine the present location L of this antenna. If the SATPS-determined location L is within a region R(Li;di), centered at the location Li and having a selected diameter di, and if the signal ES is associated with a channel that is authorized for reception by this signal receiver, the decryption chip is enabled, and the signal ES is decrypted for audible or visual display on the signal receiver. Otherwise, the decryption chip does not decrypt the incoming signal ES. The licensed site location Li can be changed and the group of channels for which signal receipt and decryption is authorized can be changed.

Abstract: A system for restricting use of a vehicle by a selected vehicle operator to permitted time intervals and permitted vehicle travel corridors. If a driver is seated behind the driver's wheel, the system requires that the driver provide one or more samples of an ident indicium, such as a fingerprint, facial scan, retinal scan, voice sample or blood sample analysis, to identify the driver, or of a personal identification indicium contained on a token or card, or of personal information entered using a data entry device (e.g., keypad). When this indicium is satisfactorily presented and analyzed, the system allows operation of the vehicle (including selected vehicle accessories) but further determines (i) whether the present time and/or accumulated vehicle operation time and/or mileage is within a permitted time interval or accumulated time and/or mileage range and (ii) whether the vehicle present location and/or speed are within permitted ranges corresponding to the permitted time interval.

Abstract: A system for restricting use of a vehicle by a selected vehicle operator to permitted time intervals and permitted vehicle travel corridors. If a driver is seated behind the driver's wheel, the system requires that the driver provide one or more samples of an ident indicium, such as a fingerprint, facial scan, retinal scan, voice sample or blood sample analysis, to identify the driver, or of a personal identification indicium contained on a token or card, or of personal information entered using a data entry device (e.g., keypad). When this indicium is satisfactorily presented and analyzed, the system allows operation of the vehicle (including selected vehicle accessories) but further determines (i) whether the present time and/or accumulated vehicle operation time and/or mileage is within a permitted time interval or accumulated time and/or mileage range and (ii) whether the vehicle present location and/or speed are within permitted ranges corresponding to the permitted time interval.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a vehicle theft alarm using a handheld computing device. A handheld computing device is disclosed that includes an image capture device, a location determination system and a communication device. The handheld computing device can be used for capturing images and transmitting images to other locations via the communication device. The handheld computing device also includes a position determining system for determining position of the vehicle. The handheld computing device can be located within a vehicle and the alarm system activated such that, upon the occurrence of an alarm triggering event, the image capture device captures images of the driver's compartment of the vehicle and the location determination system determines the location of the vehicle. The captured images and the determined location are transmitted through the communication device to a designated remote location.

Abstract: An integrated radio direction finding and GPS receiver tracking system. In one embodiment, a transmitter device is attached to an object to be located. The transmitter device transmits a signal. The transmitted signal is received by a portable, user-totable tracking unit. The portable, user-totable tracking unit uses the received signal to determine at least the bearing of the object from the portable, user-totable tracking unit. A position generating system is coupled to the portable, user-totable tracking unit to generate the position information of the portable, user-totable tracking unit. The bearing of the object from the portable, user-totable tracking unit and the position information of the portable, user-totable tracking unit is transmitted from the portable, user-totable tracking unit to a base station.

Abstract: A trip meter, such as a taximeter or a mileage meter for a commercial vehicle, such as a truck, are combined with an integral GPS receiver/computer which provides GPS position and time information. Odometer input pulses to the trip meter are accurately calibrated by using GPS position, velocity, and time information to generate corrected odometer pulses which are provided to the odometer input terminal of the trip meter. The GPS system is integrated into the trip meter for calibrating and cross checking of the input odometer pulses to provide reliable, consistent distance measurements by the trip meter. GPS position, velocity, and time information produce incontrovertibly accurate corrected, odometer input pulses and GPS time signals for the trip meter to precisely compute elapsed time and distance traveled. A backup dead-reckoning subsystem operates when the GPS receiver has service outages.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing navigation information including a simplified location display. The mobile unit includes a GPS position determination system including a GPS antenna, a GPS receiver, and a GPS processor. The system also includes a microprocessor and a database storage device. A map database is stored in the database storage device. In operation, the simplified location display system continually displays the travel path and location along the travel path that corresponds to the current location. The user may select optional displays which include the next cross street in the direction of travel, the last cross street in the direction of travel, the next parallel cross street to the right from the direction of travel, and the next parallel cross street to the left from the direction of travel.

Abstract: A taximeter system includes a taximeter or trip meter for a truck integrated with an integral GPS receive/computer for providing GPS position and time information. The odometer input pulses to the taximeter are accurately calibrated by using GPS position, velocity, and time information to generate corrected odometer pulses which are provided to the odometer input terminal of the taximeter. The GPS system is integrated into the taximeter for calibrating and cross checking of input odometer pulses to provide reliable, consistent distance measurements by the taximeter. The integrated taximeter and GPS system provided according to the invention uses GPS position, velocity, and time information to produce incontrovertibly accurate corrected, odometer input pulses and GPS time signals for the taximeter to precisely compute elapsed time and distance traveled. Dead reckoning operation of the system is available when the GPS receiver has service outages.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for prediction or estimation of fuel or energy consumption by a vehicle over a chosen trip route, where the route includes a plurality of road segments. Fuel consumption over each road segment is estimated, using information on one or more of the following variables: representative altitude of the road segment; representative slope of the road segment; estimated vehicle average speed along the road segment; length of the road segment; condition of the road segment; condition of the vehicle tires; expected vehicle traffic density along the road segment; applicable constraints on vehicle operation along the road segment; expected ambient weather conditions along the road segment; vehicle accessories that will be used; and vehicle driver profile information. Weather conditions enroute, such as local wind speed and direction, can be measured and used to enhance accuracy of predicted fuel consumption.

Abstract: Apparatus for capturing and authenticating a visual image of a selected view, using a digital image forming means, such as a digital camera, together with a position determining system that provides position information, including location, angular orientation and/or time of observation at the time a digital image is formed by the digital camera. Once captured, the visual or electronic image and accompanying position information cannot be deleted or altered within the digital camera and can be downloaded only by an authorized downloader. The digital image of the selected view is presented as an array of pixels with associated pixel values. The position information may be incorporated in the digital image by altering selected pixel bit values for a selected pattern of pixels in the pixel array, or as any other suitable overlay; and this selected pattern may be determined using the position information.

Abstract: An integrated radio direction finding and GPS receiver tracking system. In one embodiment, a transceiver device is attached to an object to be located. The transceiver device transmits a signal. The transmitted signal is received by a tracking unit. The tracking unit uses the received signal to determine the range and bearing of the object from the tracking unit. A position generating system is attached to the tracking unit to generate the position information of the tracking unit. The range and bearing of the object from the tracking unit and the position information of the tracking unit are transmitted from the tracking unit to a base station. The base station processes the range and bearing of the transceiver device from the tracking unit and the position information of the tracking unit to calculate the position of the object to be located.

Abstract: The mobile station designed for the mobile differential dynamic surveying and targeting is disclosed. The mobile station includes a targeting device for acquiring the coordinates and the image of the designated remote target object. The mobile station further includes a SATPS based differential position-angular determination system capable of determining the coordinates of the mobile station and the angular coordinates of the normal vector to the mobile station. The mobile station receives the differential corrections from the differential station and transmits the data and image information to the third station.

Abstract: A system for assuring the location integrity of a decryption chip used to receive and decrypt encrypted signals ES received from an encrypted signal source. The decryption chip operates in association with a licensed signal receiver and is licensed for use at a selected site or location L.sub.i and is positioned adjacent to a Satellite Positioning System (SATPS) antenna and receiver/processor that determine the present location L of this antenna. If the SATPS-determined location L is within a region R(L.sub.i ;d.sub.i), centered at the location L.sub.i and having a selected diameter d.sub.i, and if the signal ES is associated with a channel that is authorized for reception by this signal receiver, the deception chip is enabled, and the signal ES is decrypted for audible or visual display on the signal receiver. Otherwise, the decryption chip does not decrypt the incoming signal ES. The licensed site location L.sub.

Abstract: A position-related multi-media presentation system for a vehicle. A position determining system generates position information of a vehicle. The position information is transferred to a multi-media system. The multi-media system presents information related to the position of the vehicle to an occupant of the vehicle. In one embodiment, video information is displayed on a display unit located on the back of a seat of an aircraft. The video information provides views related to features over which the aircraft is flying.