Abstract: A transmitter comprises a signaling history information transmission unit. After the transmitter generates a detection signal, the signaling history information transmission unit sends corresponding signaling history information to a regular signal transmission unit. From this regular signal transmission unit, the signaling history information and a regular signal are transmitted to a receiver. The signaling history information contains a count value which is updated at every transmission of the information. Even if the transmitter generates a detection signal during a communication failure, the receiver can identify a time when the transmitter generated the detection signal, based on a received count value.

Abstract: A child resistant closure cap for preventing the inadvertent consumption of pharmaceutical products, bleaches or other products by children or other minors. The child resistant closure cap can be easily removed by adults and elderly persons and uses intrinsic biometric (physical dimension) human attributes to differentiate between adults and children instead of relying on differences in ability. In use, the present invention senses electronically the size of the thumb, forefinger or middle finger, or hand crotch, prior to unlatching the closure cap. The sensors are provided using at least one piezoelectric transducer which performs both functions of detecting the biometric attributes of the user, and by doing so, also generates and stores electrical energy by virtue of the piezoelectric effect.

Abstract: A system and method for centralized security screening of packages including baggage. The system creates images and data concerning baggage to be reviewed, packetizes the data long with additional identification information, and conveys the data packets to a central screening location. All analysis of the baggage information is accomplished in a centralized way with risk assessments being provided to each image. Upon sensing of a package or baggage of concern, alerts may be sent to the screening location for action. Artificial intelligence tools are used to pre-screen images to assist with workload assignment. Baggage may also be associated with the identity of a passenger. The passenger identity is used to acquire passenger information that is incorporated into the baggage screening process. Screening rules that utilize passenger information are implemented to determine a screening response based on a passenger-specific basis.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a radio frequency identification tag apparatus for a tire in a radio frequency identification system (hereinafter, referred to as a ‘RFID system’).

Abstract: A label printer applicator system programs labels having integrated circuits therein and applies the labels to a package. The applicator includes a tamp assembly having a tamp pad movement assembly and a tamp pad coupled thereto. An RF assembly, including an RF antenna, an RFID engine and antenna cable, is coupled to the tamp assembly. The tamp pad moves from a receiving position, where it receives a non-programmed label, to an extended position, where it applies the label to a package. The RFID engine provides RFID information to the RF antenna, which sends RFID information signals to the label to program the label. After the RFID label is applied to the package, the RF assembly sends test signals to the RFID label to determine whether the label has been properly programmed.

Abstract: A device identifies the finishing location on a recording medium and also identifies the electronic tag location on the recording medium when a finishing instruction is included in a job. Moreover, when the finishing location matches with the electronic tag location, the device displays that the locations overlap with each other.

Abstract: Reusable instruments, such as reusable medical instruments, and related systems and methods, are disclosed. In some embodiments, the reusable instrument can be an endoscope.

Abstract: An anti-hijacking apparatus for aircraft and airports including combinations of the following elements: panic/silent alarms hidden on the aircraft, brake locks on the aircraft which can be controlled remotely, tire deflating devices which can be controlled remotely, a fuel line shut-off valve which can be controlled remotely, a fortified cockpit door, bullet proof backs to cockpit seats, a flight system remote control which protects high rise buildings from aircraft collisions, smoke generators, gas dispensers, and other methods of obscuring vision in the passenger cabin, and stun devices and tranquilizer darts.

Abstract: An improved pump, reservoir and reservoir piston are provided for controlled delivery of fluids. A motor is operably coupled to a drive member, such as a drive screw, which is adapted to advance a plunger slide in response to operation of the motor. The plunger slide is removably coupled to the piston. A method, system, and an article of manufacture for automatically detecting a force sensor failure in a medication infusion pump is provided. The electrical current to an infusion pump is measured. Based on the current measurements, the infusion pump detects when the plunger slide is seated in the reservoir, and detects a problem with the force sensor when the force sensor independently fails to register a value indicating that the plunger slide is seated in the reservoir.

Abstract: A capacitance presence sensing apparatus (10) having a fail-safe circuit (13) and modular units (100). The fail-safe circuit (13) includes delivering a low voltage (FIG. 5) to a sensor and connecting voltage through a resistor to an oscillator (18). An opener ground in the circuit changes frequency of the oscillator (18) to indicate a problem With the fail-safe circuit (13). The apparatus also contains a number of inductance coils (28) which may be selected to tune the frequency of the system. Circuitry is provided in cards which may be combined together with receiver transmitter cards (106) and to easily facilitate the use of the system for desired applications.

Abstract: A sliding mechanism includes at least one member adapted to slide along at least one body wall. The body wall and the sliding member are adapted to mate in at least one designated location when the sliding member is pushed into frictional sliding contact with the body wall from an initial location. A motion detector is operatively coupled to the sliding member. A controller is operatively coupled to the motion detector and adapted to determine whether the sliding member has moved from the initial location to the designated location based on input from the motion detector.

Abstract: A portable walk through metal detector with interchangeable sensor panels and other structural members that can be quickly assembled, or disassembled and transported. The device includes two structural base members to anchor the archway, multiple sensor panels with which the sides of the archway are constructed, and a top cross-member to join and support the walls of the archway. In addition, the top cross-member provides a vehicle platform for moving a disassembled unit with built-in wheels, a handle, and stacking structures to support the other members.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for communicating between downhole tools without the necessity of routing the communication through a surface module. Communications sent by downhole tools are examined and extracted downhole. If the communications are intended for other downhole tools, the communications are copied to a downlink and send to a specific intended tool, a group of tools, or all the tools. This is all done downhole, significantly reducing the latency between command and response.

Abstract: A double shouldered downhole tool connection comprises box and pin connections having mating threads intermediate mating primary and secondary shoulders. The connection further comprises a secondary shoulder component retained in the box connection intermediate a floating component and the primary shoulders. The secondary shoulder component and the pin connection cooperate to transfer a portion of makeup load to the box connection. The downhole tool may be selected from the group consisting of drill pipe, drill collars, production pipe, and reamers. The floating component may be selected from the group consisting of electronics modules, generators, gyroscopes, power sources, and stators. The secondary shoulder component may comprises an interface to the box connection selected from the group consisting of radial grooves, axial grooves, tapered grooves, radial protrusions, axial protrusions, tapered protrusions, shoulders, and threads.

Abstract: A swivel assembly for a downhole tool string comprises a first and second coaxial housing cooperatively arranged. The first housing comprises a first transmission element in communication with surface equipment. The second housing comprises a second transmission element in communication with the first transmission element. The second housing further comprises a third transmission element adapted for communication with a network integrated into the downhole tool string. The second housing may be rotational and adapted to transmit a signal between the downhole network and the first housing. Electronic circuitry is in communication with at least one of the transmission elements. The electronic circuitry may be externally mounted to the first or second housing. Further, the electronic circuitry may be internally mounted in the second housing. The electronic circuitry may be disposed in a recess in either first or second housing of the swivel.

Abstract: Traffic messages are received together with the respective position of the point relating to the message. Only those traffic messages that relate to a selected area together with the respective position of a point related to the traffic message are stored. The positions of the traffic messages are compared with a respective position of the motor vehicle in order to determine distances between the respective positions in the traffic messages and the position of the motor vehicle. The traffic messages are sorted in accordance with distances determined and the traffic messages starting with the smallest distance are outputted. Whether the traffic message is significant for a current direction of travel or for an opposite direction of travel is detected, and only traffic messages that are relevant to the current direction of travel are outputted.

Abstract: A signaling system includes a housing that has monolithically formed sides defining a cavity therebetween and an open rear face. A pair of U-shaped guide rails are fastened to the housing and extend vertically away therefrom along a longitudinal length of the system. A sign board is registered along the axis and includes edge portions intercalated within the guide rails. A shield is positional in front of the sign board. The system includes an electromagnetic mechanism for maintaining the shield at a lowered position when an external power source is on, a mechanism for adapting the shield to a raised position when an external power source is off, and a mechanism for automatically lowering the shield after the external power source is reactivated. The automatic lowering mechanism includes spacers and fasteners passing through the spacers to attach the automatic lowering mechanism to the housing while intercalating the adapting mechanism therebetween.

Abstract: A system for use in monitoring, measuring, computing and displaying the landing loads experienced while aircraft are executing either normal, overweight or hard landing events. Pressure sensors and motion sensors are mounted in relation to each of the landing gear struts to monitor, measure and record the impact loads and aircraft sink rates; experienced by landing gear struts, as the aircraft landing gear initially come into contact with the ground. The computer of this system measures the landing loads experienced by each landing gear strut and determines if a hard landing event has occurred. Additional features include automating the inspections required to aircraft components, after overweight or hard landing events.

Abstract: Using a mobile terminal while moving, a user has a voice conversation with a security terminal provided by a security service provider. This conversation creates a situation in which it is possible to immediately send an alarm if an emergency occurs, thus repelling assaulters or abductors lurking near the user. The mobile terminal is provided with GPS or the like, and position information of the mobile terminal is sent to the security terminal. The security service provider takes advertisements from advertisers selling goods or services, and prepares conversation scenarios that are the content of the conversations for automatic response based on those advertisements. The security terminal firstly provides the user with a voice conversation partner proxy service based on the conversation scenarios and secondly detects emergencies by detecting emergency messages from the mobile terminal or detecting the interruption of the conversation.

Abstract: A law enforcement officer involved in a traffic stop is provided with a compact disc containing data and a software program which permits the officer to obtain information regarding possible hiding places in a vehicle that has been stopped. The information involves locations as well as methods and instructions for accessing the hiding places. The information is available in a central data base that can be accessed by a computer in the officer's car and can be updated as needed by manufacturers as well as other officers.

Abstract: An operating element with a settable operating characteristic for generating numerical control values A converts position signals P corresponding to the position of a linear sensor element into control values A using an assignment characteristic curve. Different assignment characteristic curves can be selected by means of a control quantity K. An arrangement for processing video or audio signals processes input signals Sin accordance with a function Sout (A, Sin). The numerical control values A are fed by means of an operating element to the arrangement for processing video or audio signals.

Abstract: The invention provides an interpolation apparatus for improving the resolution of an optical encoder. The optical encoder outputs an encoding signal, and the encoding signal corresponds to a first resolution. The interpolation apparatus comprises a comparing circuit and a lookup table circuit. The comparator receives the encoding signal and produces a plurality of comparison signals. The lookup table circuit receives a plurality of comparison signals and produces an outputted signal, wherein the outputted signal corresponds to second resolution. The second resolution is greater than the first resolution.

Abstract: A keyboard is provided having illuminating keys. The keyboard includes a light channeling membrane and key members constructed at least partially of translucent material so that light produced from a light source is channeled upwardly to the upper surfaces of the key members. The light source may include LED or LEC systems in adjoining relationship to the light channeling membrane or light pipe. In a preferred embodiment, the light source is constructed of a substantially planar illuminescent sheet which underlies the light channeling membrane. In an alternative preferred embodiment, a light pipe is constructed to illuminate light laterally along a portion of its length to illuminate a plurality of key members.

Abstract: A keyboard is provided having illuminating keys. The keyboard includes a light channeling membrane and key members constructed at least partially of translucent material so that light produced from a light source is channeled upwardly to the upper surfaces of the key members. The light source may include LED or LEC systems in adjoining relationship to the light channeling membrane or light pipe. In a preferred embodiment, the light source is constructed of a substantially planar illuminescent sheet which underlies the light channeling membrane. In an alternative preferred embodiment, a light pipe is constructed to illuminate light laterally along a portion of its length to illuminate a plurality of key members.

Abstract: Like type bits are grouped into continuous runs and thus are modeled and processed as a group. This allows entire groups of bits to be skipped by coding passes to which the coefficients do not belong. Furthermore, by using the context of a bit by looking at the significant state of its neighbors, and storing them in a specific order, bit-wise operations and memory accesses can be reduced.

Abstract: A lossless encoder and decoder are provided for transmitting a multichannel signal on a medium such as DVD-Audio. The encoder accepts additionally a downmix specification and splits the encoded stream into two substreams, such that a two-channel decoder of meagre computational power can implement the downmix specification by decoding one substream, while a multichannel decoder can decode the original multichannel signal losslessly using both substreams. Further features provide for efficient implementation on 24-bit processors, for confirmation of lossless reproduction to the user, and for benign behaviour in the case of downmix specifications that result in overload. The principle is also extended to mixed-rate signals, where for example some input channels are sampled at 48 kHz and some are sampled at 96 kHz.

Abstract: A precoder for an optical duo-binary transmission apparatus disposing the precoder before a time division multiplexer includes a judgment unit for judging whether an odd number or even number of ‘1’s exist in data input signals of N channels inputted at an nth time of channel input. Further included in the precoder is a toggle unit for toggling an output signal of the judgment unit when the judgment is odd, and for determining an output value for one of the channels. The precoder also has an output unit for determining output values of other channels according to a respective data input signal and a predetermined channel from among the N channels.

Abstract: A code sequence is encoded using a code conversion table in which the parity of the code sequence varies until the code states become equal to each other. The code word assignment used in this code conversion table is such that the decoded code word constraint length is 3 blocks and q0?q1 for an arbitrary information sequence is satisfied even if a DC control bit is inserted at any of the first and second bits of an information word. Code states s0 and s1 when information sequences d0 and d1 resulted from insertion of provisional DC control bits 1 and 0 inserted at the top of an information sequence “1, 1, 0, 0, 0, 1, 0” are encoded starting with a state 3 according to a predetermined code conversion table are equal to each other, namely, s0=s1=6, in a third block, and two's complement q0 of a sum of code sequences c0 up to a time when the code states are equal to each other is “0,” while two's complement q1 of a sum of code sequences c1 up to that time is “1”. That is, the condition that q0?q1 is met.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for representation of sign in an encoding scheme. An embodiment of the present invention provides a variable bit length binary representation of the absolute value of integer data and then appends a single bit representing the sign of the original integer data. According to one embodiment, the present invention uses the trailing sign bit to specify the sign of the integer being coded. This scheme is much simpler to encode and decode than other schemes that use sign representations for variable-length bit sequences, especially for data that is roughly symmetric about zero, or can be efficiently mapped to this rough symmetry. In another embodiment, if the present invention is used on data sets where there is a most frequently occurring value, the locations of the most frequently recurring value are exhaustively cataloged through some other means, and the variable-length codes are modified to remove the representation of this value.

Abstract: The invention concerns a digital data compression encoder, characterized in that it comprises: an input for a first data flow (SH), and a second data flow (SL), an encoding module, matching symbols of the first data flow, and code words, wherein, for certain symbols, there exist several words, called redundant, corresponding to the same symbol, and a processing module for encoding the symbols of the first data flow based on the correspondence, by selecting among the redundant words, on the basis of at least part of the second data flow.

Abstract: In one set of embodiments, a temperature measurement system may include an analog to digital converter (ADC) to produce digital temperature readings according to a difference base-emitter voltage (?VBE) developed across a PN-junction. A clock generating circuit may be configured to provide a sampling clock used by the ADC, which in some embodiments may be a delta-sigma ADC, in performing the conversions. The clock generating circuit may be configured to change the frequency of the sampling clock a specified number of times within each one of the one or more conversion cycles to reduce an error component in the temperature measurement, where the error component is produced by an interfering signal, such as an electromagnetic interference (EMI) signal being coherent with the sampling clock, and/or a noise residing on the voltage supply and also being coherent with the sampling clock.

Abstract: An apparatus performs adaptive analog-to-digital conversion. The apparatus according to one embodiment comprises a frequency modulator unit for changing an input analog signal into a modulated analog signal with a frequency spectrum in a bandwidth of interest, a parallel delta sigma conversion unit operatively connected to the frequency modulator unit, the parallel delta sigma conversion unit converting the modulated analog signal into a digital signal, and a controller operatively connected to the frequency modulator unit and the parallel delta sigma conversion unit, the controller adjusting at least one parameter relating to a frequency characteristic of the frequency modulator unit and/or the parallel delta sigma conversion unit.

Abstract: A multi-bit continuous-time sigma-delta analog-to-digital converter (ADC) has a differential input stage which receives an analog input signal current. A multi-bit feedback current digital-to-analog converter (IDAC) generates a multi-level feedback current depending on a digital feedback signal from a flash ADC. An integrator has a differential input that integrates the difference of the generated current by the multi-bit IDAC and the input signal current on a continuous-time basis. The input stage further comprises a first biasing current source and a second biasing current source which bias the input stage in a mid-scale condition. A first summing node connects to the first differential input line, a first differential input of the integrator and the first output branch. A second summing node connects to the second differential input line, a second differential input of the integrator and the second output branch.

Abstract: A phase-measuring delta-sigma modulator calibration method and apparatus provides for adjustment of the modulator noise transfer function (NTF) of the modulator in operational environments. A signal is injected into the feedback loop of the delta-sigma modulator either before or after the quantizer and the phase of the noise transfer function is measured by phase comparing the injected signal and quantizer output, which is first filtered with a narrow-band filter to remove other quantization noise or signal components. The delta-sigma modulator has adjustable coefficients that are adjusted in conformity with the phase-measurement to achieve a more desirable noise transfer function. Quadrature detection may be employed, with filtering provided by digital filters already present in an ADC converter for output filtering, or accumulators may be included to perform the phase accumulation. The signal generation and phase measurement may be at the zero of the NTF.

Abstract: A DAC/ADC system for generating reference clocks for DAC/ADC by a look-up table method. The DAC/ADC system includes a sampling signal generator, a DAC, and an ADC. The sampling signal generator generates first and second sampling signals according to first and second reference clocks by a look-up table method, respectively. The DAC receives a digital input signal and converts it into an analog output signal according to the first sampling signal. The ADC receives an analog input signal and converts it into a digital output signal according to the second sampling signal.

Abstract: A digital-to-analog converter (DAC) error mismatch shaper. The shaper comprises a switching arrangement with a delta-sigma modulator having analog signal processing components. The analog signal processing components allow the spectral behavior of the shaper to be controlled. The switching arrangement comprises a control circuit. The control circuit is a tunable, pipelined control circuit.

Abstract: A method of determining an internal operating mode of an electronic circuit derives multiple comparison rates from a rate of a master clock input, computes one or more clock ratios of the comparison rates to a rate of a sample rate clock input, and determines whether any of the clock ratios is a valid ratio representing a supported clock configuration. The appropriate internal operating mode is then selected based on the valid ratio. In the illustrative embodiment, a clock autodetect unit uses two trip frequencies to derive at least first and second clock comparison rates. The audio converter can operate in three distinct modes (base, high and quad modes). The base mode is selected when the clock ratio is about 256, the high mode is selected when the clock ratio is about 128, and the quad mode is selected when the clock ratio is about 64. A multiplexer can be used to sequence through the computer clock ratios to ensure that a highest valid ratio is used among a plurality of valid ratios.

Abstract: The present invention provides a driving circuit of a flat display device and a flat display device, and it is applicable, for example, to a display device using organic EL (Electro Luminescence) elements. The present invention makes it possible to correct light emission characteristics variously, effectively avoid significant degradation in image quality due to noise, and further simplify an adjustment operation by generating original reference voltages by selecting a plurality of candidate voltages formed by voltage divider circuits according to original reference voltage setting data, generating reference voltages for digital-to-analog conversion from the original reference voltages, generating the reference voltages at both ends by dividing a reference voltage generating voltage by the voltage divider circuit, and generating the other original reference voltages with voltage divider circuits connected in series with each other and the reference voltages at both ends used as a reference.

Abstract: A multi-reference voltage generator includes an interface controller, a first bank of N m-bit registers and a second bank of N m-bit registers. A first multiplexer has inputs connected to outputs of the first and second bank of registers. An m-bit digital-to-analog (DAC) has an m-bit parallel input connected to an output of the first multiplexer. An analog demultiplexer has an input connected to an analog output of the m-bit DAC. Each sample-and-hold circuit in a first group of N sample-and-hold (S/H) circuits is connected to a corresponding output of the analog demultiplexer. Similarly, each S/H circuit in a second group of N S/H circuits is connected to a corresponding output of the analog demultiplexer. N further multiplexers each have a first input connected to an output of a corresponding one of the S/H circuits in the first group and a second input connected to an output of a corresponding one of the S/H circuits in the second group.

Abstract: A differential input flash analog-to-digital converter in which an array of comparators is connected to compare reference signals within a parabolic distribution of such signals generated by the application of a differential input signal across an impedance network. Preferably, the comparator array comprises at least two pluralities of comparators, the first plurality of comparators comparing pairs of reference nodes separated by a first step size, and the second plurality of comparators comparing pairs of reference nodes separated by a second step size. Even more preferably, the comparator array further comprises a third plurality of comparators comparing pairs of reference nodes separated by a third step size, but only where necessary to maximize the available comparison range of the converter. The flash converter according to the invention provides increased gain from input without accumulation of comparator input currents and without sacrificing the number of actual comparisons of reference signals.

Abstract: A pipelined analog to digital converter (ADC) that is arranged to dynamically adapt its resolution and sampling frequency based on at least one of a determined mode of communication, communication protocol and the strength of a received wireless signal. Since some communication protocols are communicated with a relatively low number of bits (low resolution), the ADC provides for disabling at least a portion of its pipelined stages that provide the higher resolution bits if this type of protocol is detected. By lowering the ADC's resolution and/or frequency for a standby mode communication, a considerable amount of power can be conserved. Similarly, relatively high resolution communication protocol can be processed by the ADC by enabling sufficient pipelined stages to provide a higher resolution (number of bits).

Abstract: According to an aspect of present invention, a quantizer is provided with reduced power consumption and area. Such a feature is attained by providing the input signal and a reference signal on input terminals of a pre-amplifier, and coupling the differential output terminals of the pre-amplifier to the gate terminal of respective transistors. The drain/source currents of the transistors are provided to a current latch, which generates the comparison result. The latches and transistors are replicated conveniently to interpolate additional reference values. The width to length (W/L) of the channels in each replicated set are set to different values to cause the reference signal to be at corresponding strength.

Abstract: A method for receiving at least one signal emitted by at least one emitter includes defining a first dwell associated with a first signal. The first dwell has a frequency range that overlaps at least a portion of a frequency range of a second signal. The method also includes detecting the second signal responsive to the first dwell if the first dwell satisfies at least one criterion for detecting the second signal. The method further includes rejecting the second signal responsive to a characteristic of the second signal if the first dwell fails to satisfy the at least one criterion.

Abstract: A system for measuring a position and orientation of an object in flight relative to a reference coordinate system is provided.

Abstract: Tracking objects by receiving a dataframe from a detection sensor device, the dataframe containing a timestamp and data corresponding to each detected object, generating new observation nodes for each detected object, propagating group track state parameters to obtain posterior observable positions and projecting them onto the received dataframe, generating gates for the posterior observable positions and projecting them onto the received dataframe, determining feasible track node and feasible observation node assignments based on the proximity of the new observation nodes to the gates, updating track node state parameters and corresponding scores, performing a multi-frame resolution algorithm to resolve group track nodes into subtrack nodes, determining a set of feasible composite assignments for composite sets of track nodes and observation nodes, updating track node state parameters and corresponding scores, and determining a selected set of joint assignments based on the feasible composite assignments and

Abstract: An adaptive radar processing system includes an antenna array for transmitting a radar signal and for receiving a return radar signal, and a signal processor programmed with an enhanced FRACTA algorithm (FRACTA.E). The basic FRACTA algorithm is enhanced to FRACTA.E with (any or all of) five enhancements, versions 1–5. Version 1 is a stopping criterion, for censoring samples, that is adaptive to a radar return data set. The inclusion of a stopping criterion improves the computational speed of FRACTA.E thereby improving its efficiency. Version 2 uses global censoring. Version 3 uses fast reiterative censoring. Version 4 uses segmenting of data vectors for AMF application. Version 5 uses Knowledge-aided covariance estimation (KACE) to reduce the required sample support that may be necessary in non-homogeneous environments, providing substantially the same level of detection performance with considerably less training data.

Abstract: An inertial (“INS”)/GPS receiver includes an INS sub-system which incorporates, into a modified Kalman filter, GPS observables and/or other observables that span previous and current times. The INS filter utilizes the observables to update position information relating to both the current and the previous times, and to propagate the current position, velocity and attitude related information. The GPS observable may be delta phase measurements, and the other observables may be, for example, wheel pick-offs (or counts of wheel revolutions) that are used to calculate along track differences, and so forth. The inclusion of the measurements in the filter together with the current and the previous position related information essentially eliminates the effect of system dynamics from the system model. A position difference can thus be formed that is directly observable by the phase difference or along track difference measured between the previous and current time epochs.

Abstract: A GPS receiver is disclosed which has an omnidirectional antenna and a directional antenna and is configured to (i) acquire a first GPS signal from the output of the directional antenna, either alone or combined with the output of the omnidirectional antenna, and (ii) acquire a second GPS signal from the output of the omnidirectional antenna alone. Also, disclosed is a GPS receiver having an omnidirectional antenna and a directional antenna which is configured to acquire a GPS signal from the output of the directional antenna alone.

Abstract: In a phase-controlled antenna array for mobile devices, in particular designed for flying device, groups of controllable passive antenna elements are arranged in concentric circles around an active central antenna element. The arrangement of additional similar planar antenna arrays among the original antenna array is especially advantageous with regard to bundling the emission characteristic.

Abstract: A circuit board for wireless communications includes communication circuitry for modulating and/or demodulating a radio frequency (RF) signal and an antenna apparatus for transmitting and receiving the RF signal, the antenna apparatus having selectable antenna elements located near one or more peripheries of the circuit board. A first antenna element produces a first directional radiation pattern; a second antenna element produces a second directional radiation pattern offset from the first radiation pattern. The antenna elements may include one or more reflectors configured to provide gain and broaden the frequency response of the antenna element. A switching network couples one or more of the selectable elements to the communication circuitry and provides impedance matching regardless of which or how many of the antenna elements are selected.