Abstract: Collaborative local positioning techniques, such as could be used with smart phones, surveying equipment, or other mobile devices, are described. The techniques include independent techniques for distance measurement between devices, the relative positioning of devices, and an absolute orienting of the devices without use of fixed anchor points and through on-will participation of the devices to provide privacy. Distances between devices are determined by use of a sequence of positioning signals, such as a magnetic signal, each of which include an identifier of the transmitting device, the amplitude of the signal as transmitted, and the position of the signal within the sequence. The amplitude of the positioning signal as received can be compared to the amplitude as transmitted to obtain a distance.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for carpooling. The systems may perform the methods to receive a first intention for a first transportation service of a first subject from a first service requester at a first service intention time; identify an available service provider at the first service intention time; send the service provider a first time point to arrive at a pick-up location and a wait time to stop at the pick-up location before departing from the pick-up location; and send the first service requester a second time point to arrive at the pick-up location.