Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating and using a base station almanac for position determination is described. The base station almanac includes a number of records, where each record can describe a sector or a transmitter (e.g., a base station or a repeater) in a wireless communication network. Each record includes a protocol type field that indicates the one or more protocols supported by the record (e.g., IS-801, J-STD-36, GSM, W-CDMA, and so on). Each record also includes a unique sector identifier for the sector/transmitter for each supported protocol, where each identifier is defined based on the associated protocol. A record may also include multiple maximum antenna ranges (MARs), where each MAR is associated with a respective reference power level. One of the multiple MARs can be selected for use for position determination depending on received signal strength. The base station almanac further includes other features.

Abstract: A mobile unit's position measurement apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes an observation data selection portion that calculates a plurality of estimated error values that correspond respectively to the plurality of pieces of observation data obtained by observing the signals received by the reception portion, that generates groups each of which includes estimated error values corresponding to at least a predetermined number of satellites, and then extracts, from the estimated error value groups generated, in which a difference between a maximum value and a minimum value of the estimated error values included is less than a predetermined value, and that consequently selects pieces of observation data provided by the signals from the satellites that correspond to the estimated error values that are included in an estimated error value group whose standard deviation of the estimated error values is smallest among the estimated error value groups extracted.

Abstract: The time synchronization system according to the present invention can allow the master and slave time Tx/Rx devices to communicate information therebetween via two-way interactive wireless communication, so that it can rapidly detect an error that occurs in the system, via a monitoring device and a network management device for performing real-time integral management. Therefore, the system can reduce the user's system maintenance fee and can also maximize efficiency. In addition, the time synchronization system can allow for the easy extension of the equipment construction coverage area even in a long distance environment, by installing only repeaters, and can manage log information that may be used as evidence data for various incidents.

Abstract: The invention is a health monitoring system that determines the spine stress dose value for an individual on a high speed boat. The boat can produce impact injury from whole-body vibration embedded with multiple shocks. The system includes an RFID tag; a GPS; a display; a RFID reader; a multi-axis sensor unit that is an accelerometer which enables the determination of impact, vibration and shock, impact and vibration; and a central data acquisition apparatus. The apparatus includes processors in communication with the GPS, the sensor unit, and the RFID reader. The apparatus samples the RFID reader frequently, confirming the status of all individuals having RFID tags as being onboard or overboard. An application records a GPS location and time if an individual is overboard, and generates a course to the GPS location. The display illustrates a ride roughness graphically, in terms of injury potential at a particular speed and heading.

Abstract: A system and method for conducting a location based search for event cartridges is provided. A database of cartridges is maintained. Each cartridge includes a sequence of triggerable events and origin geolocational data for a start location for execution of the triggerable events. A server is operatively coupled to the database and interfaces to a user device having a display and user input controls. A user request from the user device is processed. The user request, including a location of the user device, is received. The cartridges are searched by comparing the location of the user device and the start location for each cartridge. Those cartridges with the start location proximate to the location of the user device are selected. The selected cartridges are provided to the user device as a menu on the display and are further selectable through the user input controls.

Abstract: A method for acquiring and maintaining Global Positioning System (GPS) synchronization is provided for use in the wireless communication system. The method includes receiving, by at least one Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver, GPS absolute time information and GPS information from at least one GPS satellite; transmitting, from the at least one GPS receiver, to a base station, reference time information generated based on the GPS absolute time information; and generating, by the base station, base station absolute time information based on the reference time information.

Abstract: A global positioning system device and an ionosphere error estimation method thereof are provided. The global positioning system device is connected to a plurality of dual-band base stations, and receives a plurality of ionosphere pierce point coordinates and a plurality of ionosphere errors from the dual-band base stations. The global positioning system device calculates a user ionosphere error by an interpolation method based on the ionosphere pierce point coordinates and the ionosphere errors of the dual-band base stations and a user ionosphere pierce point coordinate of the global positioning system device.

Abstract: When a vehicle moves into a radar prohibited area preset for the neighborhood of a facility that suffers adverse effects from radar waves, emission of radar waves is stopped, and a voice guidance such as “Radar monitoring is stopped” is sent to a speaker via a voice output unit. Moreover, during a period in which a vehicle is located in a radar prohibited area, an icon that indicates that a radar is being stopped, a mark that indicates an institution for which the radar prohibited area is set, and the scope of the radar prohibited area are displayed on a map image.

Abstract: An electronic device receives satellite signals from positioning information satellites and acquires positioning information and time information. A stored data table comprises a first block of data having a first array of time difference data and a second block of data having a second array of time difference data that is different than the first array of time difference data. A stored memory address table stores the memory address of each of the first and second blocks of data, at least one the blocks of data being stored a plurality of times in the memory address table. The data block corresponding to the acquired positioning information is identified, the memory address corresponding to that data block is read, the data block data indicated by the memory address is acquired, and the time difference data for the segment corresponding to the positioning information is acquired from the data block.

Abstract: A low-cost GPS/GNSS receiver receives a satellite signal at an RF frequency (fRF). The GPS/GNSS receiver includes a front end section for receiving the satellite signal and generating a digital complex signal having a first bandwidth, the received satellite signal being converted into a complex signal before digitizing, a signal capturing section for searching for and acquiring the satellite signal, the signal capturing section including a capture memory, a baseband processor for tracking the acquired satellite signal, and a signal splitter coupled to the front end section. The signal splitter splits the digital complex signal into two bandwidths, by generating a narrowband digital complex signal having a second bandwidth substantially smaller than the first bandwidth. The signal splitter provides the narrowband digital signal to the capture memory and the wider first bandwidth digital complex signal to the baseband processor.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for disabling radio frequency signal transmissions from a wireless communications network modem when in proximity to sites where explosive devices are being detonated. The apparatus includes an input switch to signal a command to the modem to disable the transmitter portion of the modem or to tune the transmitter to a null gateway on the wireless communications network. By disabling transmissions from the modem, accidental detonation of explosive devices is prevented. When the modem is moved a safe distance away from the explosive devices, the transmitter is re-enabled automatically.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed to help improve accuracy of location determination for a wireless communication device. An exemplary method involves: (a) at a wireless communication device operating in a radio access network, making a determination that the wireless communication device is likely to lose global positioning system (GPS) connectivity; (b) in response to the determination, powering on a GPS receiver to receive GPS location data for the wireless communication device; and (c) powering off the GPS receiver and storing the received GPS location data.

Abstract: A protocol independent interface for processing, within a mobile device, protocol aiding data received at a call processor with a Global Positioning System (“GPS”) interface, where the protocol aiding data is produced according to a Geolocation Server Station protocol is disclosed. The protocol independent interface may include a means for receiving, at the GPS interface, the protocol aiding data received at the call processor, means for converting the received protocol aiding data to interface data that is transparent to the Geolocation Server Station protocol, and means for passing the interface data to a GPS module.

Abstract: Secure communication of information is effected from a first party to a second party when the first party knows its own global location and the global location of the second party, and employs what essentially is an undiscoverable code signal that is broadcast to, and received by, both the first and the second parties. The first party securely communicates information to the second party by modifying the code signal with the information that is to be communicated and sends the modified code signal to the second party. Illustratively, the code signal is related to the Y component of a GPS signal.

Abstract: Methods for providing information useful to a user of a remote computerized apparatus. In one embodiment, the method includes receiving via a network link a digitized speech input relating to an organization or entity which a user wishes to locate; based at least in part on the input, identifying a location associated with the organization or entity; and selecting and causing provision of a graphical or visual representation of the location via the network link, the graphical or visual representation of the location also comprising a graphical or visual representation of the surroundings of the organization or entity.

Abstract: A locator system is disclosed. An e911-enabled wireless network including a switching center is configured receive a request to generate location information regarding a remote mobile station, and send said location information to a subscriber only after obtaining consent from the remote mobile station.

Abstract: A code phase signalling module arranged to provide code phase signalling to assist in signal acquisition of direct sequence spread spectrum signalling received by a receiver module from a transmitter module. The code phase signalling is arranged to be used by the receiver module to synchronise the phase of a synchronisation code provided from within the receiver module with the phase of a modulation code of the direct spread spectrum sequence signalling received by the receiver module. The synchronisation code sequence corresponds to the modulation code sequence. The code phase signaling module is arranged to provide code phase time signaling representing the offset time of the synchronisation code from a reference time. The reference time is associated with the time of transmission of a particular reference portion of the modulation code of the direct spread spectrum signaling.

Abstract: Improved methods and systems for position acquisition and/or monitoring are disclosed. The position acquisition and/or monitoring can be performed with improved intelligence so that data acquisition, transmission and/or processing is reduced. As a result, the position acquisition and/or monitoring is able to be performed in a power efficient manner.

Abstract: A wireless subscriber unit for a tracking and locating system and method is disclosed. The locating system provides positional information of remote locator devices in the form of images viewable by subscribers over a network.

Abstract: A system and method for wirelessly exchanging information concerning the location of E85 gas stations between E85 vehicles. The method includes transmitting messages from an E85 gas station that identifies the location of the E85 gas station, the time of the transmission and the price of the E85 gas, and receiving the messages by E85 vehicles that pass within a certain distance of the E85 gas station. The method also includes identifying that two E85 vehicles pass close to each other, where the vehicles periodically broadcast an E85 beacon identifying them as E85 vehicles. When two E85 vehicles are identified, the vehicles exchange information concerning a list of the E85 gas stations that they have stored from messages received from E85 gas stations and/or other E85 vehicles. The two vehicles update their lists to include those E85 gas stations that one vehicle may have that the other does not.

Abstract: A cinematic parameter computing method of a satellite navigation system, including: receiving signals at a receiving apparatus from a plurality of satellites; processing said signals to provide received data; computing a first cinematic parameter value of said receiving apparatus according to a first computational method using said received data; computing a second cinematic parameter value of said receiving apparatus according to a second computational method using said received data and computing a distance value representing a difference between said first and second cinematic parameter values. The distance value is compared with a reference value providing a comparison result data and selecting one of first and second computational methods based on said comparison result data.

Abstract: A method for a GPS mobile phone to accomplish navigation on a PC and a system thereof are disclosed. The method comprises: the GPS mobile phone acquires a current GPS signal, transforms the GPS signal into NMEA data, and then transmits the NMEA data to the PC driving module through communication with the PC driving module; the PC driving module receives the NMEA data and transmits the NMEA data to the virtual serial port driving module; the virtual serial port driving module transforms the NMEA data into serial data, generates a second virtual serial port, and transmits the serial data to the navigation module via the second virtual serial port; and the navigation module reads the serial data for displaying. In this way, the navigation function of the GPS mobile phone can be achieved on the PC, which brings about great convenience to the user.

Abstract: A GPS baseband architecture provides flexibility and power consumption and chip area usage advantages. The GPS baseband architecture includes a first stage having a preamplifier coupled to a low noise amplifier, which is coupled to a mixer. A PLL provides the mixer with a frequency to convert a signal to a higher intermediate (IF) frequency. The output of the mixer is fed to a poly-phase filter. The output of the poly-phase filter is fed to a programmable gain amplifier (PGA), whose output is fed to an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) to produce an output GPS signal. A saturation bit of the ADC is used to control the PGA through a digital amplifier gain control (AGC) circuit.

Abstract: An interface between an RF processing section and a baseband processing section supports general purpose message transmission as well as satellite positioning system signal sample transmission between the RF processing section and the baseband processing section. The interface includes a bi-directional message serial interface and a data serial interface. The complexity of the data serial interface may be minimized by using a single data bit signal line in the data serial interface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for a wireless device locator system and determining whether a device has entered or exited a two dimensional geographic zone area and alerting the device user when the device has entered or exited the zone. The method and apparatus may further minimize the probability of false zone entry and exit zone area alerts to wireless tracking device users.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for time synchronization (TS) method using GPS information in a communication system synchronizing the time of slave nodes, which do not have a GPS receiver, by using GPS information of a node having a GPS receiver. The method includes the steps of extracting 1PPS, TOD, 1PPS_en, and clocks using GPS signals by a grand master node having a GPS receiver, stabilizing the signals, generating a sync message for TS, and transmitting the sync message to a slave node; receiving the sync message by the slave node and conducting a TS operation using OFCC synchronization technology extracting 1PPS, TOD, and 1PPS_en signals using the modified TOD information by the block and delivering to a stabilization block of the slave node for stabilization; and redelivering to the TS block to update TOD information and generate a sync message for TS of a second slave node.

Abstract: Accurate position capability can be quickly provided using a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN). When associated with a WLAN, a wireless device can quickly determine its relative and/or coordinate position based on information provided by an access point in the WLAN. Before a wireless device disassociates with the access point, the WLAN can periodically provide time, location, and decoded GPS data to the wireless device. In this manner, the wireless device can significantly reduce the time to acquire the necessary GPS satellite data (i.e. on the order of seconds instead of minutes) to determine its coordinate position.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for locating position of a mobile device in an assisted satellite positioning system is described. In one example, satellite measurement data is obtained from a plurality of satellites at a mobile device. Position of the mobile device is computed using the satellite measurement data. The position is sent to a cellular device via a wireless ad hoc network. In one example, the wireless ad hoc network comprises a BLUETOOTH communication link. In one example, the mobile device is configured to receive assistance data from a position server through the wireless ad hoc network. For example, the mobile device may comprise a housing configured to plug into a cigarette lighter connector of an automobile and the cellular device may comprise a cellular telephone without location-determination capabilities (i.e., the cellular telephone does not include an integrated GPS receiver).

Abstract: Data from GPS satellites within the field of view of a ground station are retransmitted to LEO satellites, such as Iridium satellites, and cross-linked if necessary before being transmitted to a user. The user is then able to combine the fed-forward data with data received directly from GPS satellites in order to resolve errors due to interference or jamming. Iridium and data aiding thus provides a means for extending GPS performance under a variety of data-impaired conditions because it can provide certain aiding information over its data link in real time.

Abstract: A code phase signalling module arranged to provide code phase signalling to assist in signal acquisition of direct sequence spread spectrum signalling received by a receiver module from a transmitter module. The code phase signalling is arranged to be used by the receiver module to synchronise the phase of a synchronisation code provided from within the receiver module with the phase of a modulation code of the direct spread spectrum sequence signalling received by the receiver module. The synchronisation code sequence corresponds to the modulation code sequence. The code phase signalling module is arranged to provide code phase time signalling representing the offset time of the synchronisation code from a reference time. The reference time is associated with the time of transmission of a particular reference portion of the modulation code of the direct spread spectrum signaling.

Abstract: The present invention provides a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receiver apparatus, such as a GPS receiver, operable with a host computer system equipped with a real time clock configured to provide a time signal to the GNSS receiver apparatus. The time signal is used to facilitate acquisition of navigation and global timing information through observation of satellite signals. The global timing information is used to adjust the time signal and/or the real time clock to improve subsequent acquisitions of navigation and global timing information.

Abstract: A method and system for precise position determination of general Internet Protocol (IP) network-connected devices. A method enables use of remote intelligence located at strategic network points to distribute relevant assistance data to IP devices with embedded receivers. Assistance is tailored to provide physical timing, frequency and real time signal status data using general broad band communication protocols. Relevant assistance data enables several complementary forms of signal processing gain critical to acquire and measure weakened or distorted in-building Global Navigation Satellite Services (GNSS) signals and to ultimately extract corresponding pseudo-range time components. A method to assemble sets of GNSS measurements that are observed over long periods of time while using standard satellite navigation methods, and once compiled, convert using standard methods each pseudo-range into usable path distances used to calculate a precise geographic position to a known degree of accuracy.

Abstract: A patron service system and method is described herein with reference to several exemplary implementations. For example, in one described implementation, portable patron units are provided to patrons for use in a resort or other establishment. The portable patron units are mobile wireless devices that include interactive display screens. The portable patron units enables patrons to interact order items, request services, and/or browse information associated with the resort wirelessly. Portable staff units are provided to staff members for use in the resort or other establishment. The portable staff units are also mobile wireless devices that include interactive display screens. The portable staff units, enable staff members to view information about orders and/or requests entered by patrons made by the patrons wirelessly. The portable staff units can also display locations of the portable patron units to enable staff members to locate portable patron units when delivering items, servicing requests, etc.

Abstract: A communication device, such as a mobile phone, which implements a voice communication mode, a digital mirror mode, and a GPS mode, wherein the image retrieved from the camera is displayed in an inverted manner when the digital mirror mode is implemented, and the current geographic location of the communication device is indicated on the display when the GPS mode is implemented.

Abstract: Various embodiments facilitate location-aware distributed competitions. In one embodiment, a system facilitates a distributed sporting event that includes multiple players traveling over courses that are remote from one another. The system includes a manager that receives state information, such as location information, from client devices used by each of the players. The manager then transmits location information for each of the players to the client devices, which are each configured to present a graphical representation, such as a map annotated with the locations of each of the players. The manager asserts a course to each of the players, by providing specific instructions to travel along a particular path. The client devices provide the players with the appearance of competing over the same course, even though they are all actually competing over courses remote from one another.

Abstract: A method for compensating a clock bias in a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver includes deriving at least one clock drift value comprising a first clock drift value corresponding to a first time point, and calculating the clock bias according to the at least one clock drift value and at least one interval within the time period between the first time point and a specific time point after the first time point. An apparatus for compensating a clock bias in a GNSS receiver is also provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for acquiring and tracking a BOC signal in a satellite navigation receiver includes a synthesized acquisition test function or a discriminator for code delay provided by combining a BOC autocorrelation function and a BOC/PRN cross-correlation function.

Abstract: Remote control system for generating control signal for controlling a device from a distance. Processor for processing a digital signal into Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) and into cross-correlated in-phase and quadrature-phase filtered signal. Voice processor for processing a voice signal into Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexed (OFDM) or Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) signal. Receiver, demodulator and processor for receiving, demodulating and processing Radio Frequency (RF) modulated signal into demodulated processed position finder signal. RF modulated signal received from one or more satellites and from one or more ground based transmitters. Polar modulators and other modulators. Signal transmitters for transmission of remote control, TDMA, OFDM or OFDMA or spread spectrum signals. Signals, transmission, reception for cellular Global Mobile System (GSM), spread spectrum, Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) provided networks.

Abstract: An apparatus and method providing individuals and small businesses a simple and inexpensive way to collect information regarding their specific situation, identify and maximize available tax benefits, record various financial and non-financial information necessary to support the tax benefits, and systematically work toward growing the business.

Abstract: In a vehicle, a vehicle system is provided that includes a position determination module for determining the position of the vehicle using an estimation of the error of satellite signals which are received by an earth-based receiver system, and an integrity module for determining an integrity risk for the position data for a vehicle, the risk being derived using time determinations performed by a satellite navigation system. When a threshold value for the integrity risk for the position data is exceeded, the vehicle system generates a warning signal which, by means of modules that are connected to the vehicle system, is designed to prevent the use of the position data for the vehicle. The integrity risk is determined using an estimated value for the error in the received satellite signal, and the receiver system functionally interacts with a plurality of satellites to determine and transmit data to a vehicle system containing a position determination module for determining the position of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method involves digitizing an analog Global Positioning System (GPS) signal received directly from an antenna, storing the digitized analog GPS signal into data buffer storage units, and transmitting the data buffer storage units over a network. The GPS signal received directly from an antenna may be an unprocessed GPS signal. The method may include receiving and queuing the data buffer storage units, converting the digitized analog GPS signal from the data buffer storage units into an analog GPS signal, and transmitting the analog GPS signal to a GPS receiver. The data buffer storage units may be UDP packets and may be multicast over an IP network. The data buffer storage units may be ATM cells and may be transmitted over an ATM network. The analog GPS signal may be converted from electronic to photonic form, or vice versa, prior to storage in the data buffer storage units.

Abstract: A system and method to record the surroundings for a movable device. The system has at least one sensor for the visual recording of the surroundings, as well as respectively at least one sensor for recording the direction of motion and the orientation of the device, the system being developed to process information provided by the sensors.

Abstract: A radar detector for alerting an operator of a motor vehicle to an incoming police radar signal. This radar detector includes a microprocessor; a circuit coupled to the microprocessor for detecting the incoming police radar signal; and a global positioning system receiver coupled to the microprocessor. Upon detection of an incoming radar signal, the radar detector can utilize the position, velocity, and/or heading data from the global positioning system receiver to determine whether to generate an alert.