Abstract: Superstructure for a railway, wherein at least one component of the superstructure (8) has a data carrier (7) for digitally stored data readable with a reading device (11).

Abstract: A method and system to passively navigate an orbiting moving body towards an orbiting target using reflected GPS signals. A pair of antennas is employed to receive both direct signals from a plurality of GPS satellites and a second antenna to receive GPS signals reflected off an orbiting target. The direct and reflected signals are processed and compared to determine the relative distance and position of the orbiting moving body relative to the orbiting target.

Abstract: The vector coordinates of each acquired satellite are calculated, the vector coordinates being given by the coordinates of an end point of a vector of which the direction coincides with the direction (azimuth) of the corresponding acquired satellite based on the present position and the magnitude corresponds to a signal strength. An overall BOP that indicates the deflection of the acquired satellite signals is calculated by adding up the vector coordinates of each acquired satellite signal. The position of the overall BOP indicates the direction of deflection (deflection azimuth) of the acquired satellite signals, and the distance from an origin O indicates the degree of deflection (deflection strength) of the acquired satellite signals.

Abstract: A movable platform has a front end, a back end, a longitudinal axis, and at least one axle oriented generally transverse to the longitudinal axis and located between the front and back ends for supporting wheels of the platform. A position sensor is affixed on the platform at a location other than at a location defined by a plane passing through the axle and normal to the longitudinal axis. The position sensor provides position data as the platform traverses a path. A sensor arrangement is supported by the platform and configured to provide subsurface sensor data as the platform traverses the path. A processor is configured to associate the position data with the sensor data relative to a reference frame and in a manner that accounts for dynamic motion of the platform.

Abstract: Telematic method and apparatus adaptively uses fuel cell power source in vehicle with integrated power system, electrical system, telematic system, and body/powertrain system. Telematic communications systems including internet, digital video broadcast entertainment, digital audio broadcast, digital multimedia broadcast, global positioning system navigation, safety services, intelligent transportation systems, and/or universal mobile telecommunications system. Network-accessible software enables integrated modular function for automated control and provision of fuel cell resources for telematic appliance and/or other vehicle electro-mechanical devices.

Abstract: A system and method for managing the location of at least one moving object is disclosed. An object movement detection unit is configured to be provided on the moving object, and to detect the movement of the moving object. A wireless tag is configured to be provided on the moving object, and to wirelessly transmit Identification (ID) information based on information about the movement of the moving object which is detected by the object movement detection unit. A location information generation unit is configured to be provided on the transporting object, and to generate the location information of the transporting object. A moving object location information generation unit is configured to generate location information of the moving object using the ID information wirelessly transmitted from the wireless tag and the location information generated by the location information generation unit.

Abstract: A method and system for marshaling resources needed to search for a missing child, declaring a missing child incident, coordinating a search for the missing child, tracking the progress of the search, locating the missing child, and recovering the missing child.

Abstract: A GPS, GLONASS or Galileo receiver for radio positioning signals wherein at least a part of the computing of position related data based on radio signals received from a plurality of space vehicles is carried out by a graphics or sound processor. The receiver thus makes use of available computing resources, thus achieving a lower bill of material.

Abstract: One or more electronic drawings may be generated to document and/or report an event, in which various elements of the drawing(s) include geographic reference information. A symbols library, a collection of images (e.g., geo-referenced images), geo-location data, and time and location data may be stored in memory for use in connection with such drawings, and a drawing tool graphical user interface (GUI) may be provided for electronically marking-up images on which one or more drawings are based. The marked-up images may be event-specific images, and may be integrated into various types of electronic reports for accurately depicting events of interest, such as personal injury events, vehicle accidents, and/or property damage events.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer readable media for managing information associated with a building using a globally unique identifier are disclosed. According to one method, at a computing platform including at least one processor, a building identifier is assigned to a building, where the building identifier is a unique identifier within an identifier space assigned to building identifiers. Information associated with a transaction and the building is received, where the information is identified by the building identifier. The received information is automatically associated with the building using the building identifier.

Abstract: Disclosed is a technique for generating a three dimensional terrain map of a geographic area. Mobile units are equipped with satellite receivers (e.g., GPS receivers) for generating location data. A map generator uses the location data to generate a three dimensional terrain map. In one embodiment, the mobile units have primary uses other than mapping, and are traversing the geographic area to be mapped in connection with their primary function. The map generation process may be performed iteratively over time, as additional location data becomes available. During a time period when location data is unavailable for a portion of the three dimensional terrain map, the map generator may estimate the missing portion of the map using the available data. The estimated portion may later be updated with actual data as that data becomes available. The map may also contain enhancements based on enhancement data received by the map generator.

Abstract: A wireless transceiver includes: (a) a low power radio frequency (LPRF) communications component capable of powering down to conserve energy and capable of powering up in response to an electronic signal, the LPRF communications component including a transmitter and a first receiver; and (b) a second receiver that is configured to screen a radio frequency broadcast and provide, on the basis of specific data identified therein, the electronic signal to the LPRF communications component in order to power up the LPRF communications component. The second receiver is adapted to draw less current than the LPRF communications component while awaiting receipt of and listening for a radio frequency broadcast.

Abstract: A complete logistics and transportation management system, with a number of integrated software and hardware components integrated to provide a total system for scheduling transportation assets. A method for tracking an asset includes adding at least one asset to a computer system having a web-accessible graphical user interface; adding properties to the asset in the computer system via at least one of a mobile or handheld computer or the graphical user interface; and displaying a searchable asset list in the graphical user interface, along with the quantity of each asset, location of each asset, and at least one picture of each asset.

Abstract: A GNSS receiver interfaceable to a host, in which the search functions in the acquisition phase are carried out by the host's resources. The receiver provides correlation samples to the host system by a dedicated high-speed interface, preferably a DMA interface.

Abstract: A method for determining the positions of contacts through a global positioning system (GPS) is disclosed. The method includes sending position requests to the contacts, feeding back the current position information of the contacts to a GPS receiver of a user after receiving position requests, searching the contacts located within a same geographical region as the user according to the feedback information and displaying a list of the contacts to the user in the same geographical region.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide methods and systems of authenticating an integrated circuit (IC). The manufacturing location of an IC is authenticated by storing in the IC a local signature derived from a GPS signal that was received at the manufacturing location at the time of manufacture. A remote signature is derived from a GPS signal that was received at a remote site nearly simultaneously as the reception of the GPS signal at the manufacturing location. The local signature is compared to the remote signature at an authentication site to determine the authenticity of the IC.

Abstract: An electronic shoreline cleanup and assessment system includes a plurality of hardware and software elements configured to provide automation and greater efficiency for SCAT teams. In an exemplary embodiment, teams use digital cameras and GPS receivers programmed with data dictionaries in their survey efforts. Collected data can be synchronized with a laptop computer, which can then wirelessly transmit data to an environmental command center. The environmental command center can operate a central computer and central database, which permit useful operations with the gathered data.

Abstract: A position determination method includes: performing a positioning process that calculates a located position by performing positioning calculations using satellite signals; determining whether or not a convergence condition is satisfied based on current and preceding positioning results when the positioning process is performed, the convergence condition being specified as a condition for determining whether or not the positioning results of the repeated positioning processes have converged; and determining the located position calculated by the current positioning process to be an output position when the convergence condition is satisfied.

Abstract: A method for determining a position uses an access point array, a reference station, a location server and a client terminal. The reference station may include a GPS receiver to acquire and track GPS satellites. GPS data may be provided to the location server. The access point array may be configured to minimize interference and may be coupled by a network to the location server. The client terminal may include a GPS receiver. A frequency offset for the client terminal may be determined by examining a frequency offset of the reference station and relative offset frequencies of the access points. This frequency offset may advantageously increase the sensitivity of the client terminal to GPS signals. The client terminal may provide GPS data to the location server, which server may determine the position of the client terminal based on data from the client terminal and the reference station.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for computing position using a regional-terrain model is provided. The method includes obtaining from at least three satellites pseudorange measurements, computing a transitional position by using a default altitude with a large uncertainty, using this transitional position to obtain from a terrain model altitude information associated with a region, and computing an accurate three-dimensional position as a function of the pseudorange measurements and the altitude information. The region defines a boundary, and the boundary includes the transitional position.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for use in a receiver that receives global positioning data from one or more satellites above the Earth's surface. The apparatus and methods involve detecting a change in at least one parameter associated with the receiver and determining if the change in the at least one parameter is to be treated as erroneous. As a result of determining if the change in the at least one parameter is to be treated as erroneous, a further action may be performed. Determining if the change is to be treated as erroneous may include, for example, detecting changes in more than one parameter and determining if the changes are coincident. Detecting a change in at least one parameter may also enable the receiver to predict the presence and magnitude of multipath components of signals, predict changes in an environment local to the receiver, predict large errors in position estimates determined by the receiver and modify an acquisition and tracking strategy used by the receiver.

Abstract: A user uploads content such as files containing audio, video, graphical, data, points of interest, and other information from a user device such as a personal computer to a central server over the interne. Upon determining that a trigger event has occurred, communication and processing circuitry in a vehicle device automatically download the previously uploaded content over the interne and a short-range wireless network and store the content for use by a device such as an audio/visual/navigation unit. Examples of a trigger event include proximity to a short-range wireless communication network coupled to the internet, presence within a geofence, turning off a vehicle's engine, or detecting an SMS wake-up message while the vehicle device's main processor, transceivers not used for SMS, and auxiliary circuitry are in sleep mode. The short-range wireless network can be a vehicle owner's home network, or a commercial wi-fi hot spot, or subscription wireless service.

Abstract: A positioning receiver and method in which the time required for signal acquisition can be reduced and positioning time can be reduced by increasing the occasion of the signal acquisition. In an SPS receiver mounted user equipment (100), a Doppler shift amount measuring means (112a) of a frequency search range control unit (112) measures the Doppler shift amount of the signals from a plurality of base stations of a communication network. A search range control means (112b) calculates the difference between the maximum value and minimum value of the measured Doppler shift amount of the base stations and determines the search range at the time of satellite signal search by comparing the difference and a predetermined threshold. The search range control means (112b), if it is judged that the difference between the maximum value and minimum value of the Doppler shift amount is larger than the threshold, sets the search range larger and, if not, sets the search range less.

Abstract: A reception unit receives global positioning system signals transmitted by a plurality of satellites to obtain satellite information. A determination unit determines whether or not a state in which the reception unit receives the global positioning system signals is a predetermined reception state. A positional calculation unit calculates a current position based on ephemeris information and almanac information when the reception state is the predetermined reception state, the ephemeris information including at least orbital six elements and being obtained from satellite information of first and second satellites among satellite information of three satellites, and the almanac information including at least orbital six elements on a general orbit of a third satellite of the three satellites.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying agrochemicals within a geographical area includes a dispensing system configured for dispensing the agrochemicals and a variable rate controller operatively connected to the dispensing system and configured to control dispensement of agrochemicals from the dispensing system. The variable rate controller is programmed with an algorithm which uses a plant growth stage appropriate plug value for an initial calibration. A method for applying agrochemicals within a geographical area includes acquiring a growth stage appropriate plug value for an initial calibration, using the growth state appropriate plug value in the initial calibration, and applying agrochemicals to the geographical area according to the initial calibration.

Abstract: A reception environment is determined to be a multipath environment when the difference (positioning altitude difference) between the maximum value (maximum altitude) and the minimum value (minimum altitude) of the altitudes of candidate present positions P of respective satellite sets exceeds a given threshold value (e.g., 200 m), and is determined to be an open-sky environment when the positioning altitude difference is equal to or less than the given threshold value. When the reception environment is the open-sky environment, an evaluation point E of each satellite set is calculated using a known evaluation method based on the number of satellites, a PDOP value, and the like.

Abstract: A data collection device can include at least one of a bar code reader unit, an RFID reader unit, and a card reader unit. A data collection device can be operative to receive and process radio signals. A data collection device can be configured so that operation of the data collection device is responsive to radio signals.

Abstract: System for detecting the polluting emissions of road vehicles or the like, comprising an electronic appliance installable on at least one vehicle and suitable for collecting data relating to the use of the vehicle, and at least one remote unit suitable for determining the polluting emissions of the vehicle, during a predefined time or spatial interval and starting with the collected data. Method for detecting the polluting emissions of road vehicles or the like, comprising collecting data relating to the use of at least one vehicle, and determining the polluting emissions of the vehicle, during a predefined time or spatial interval and starting with the collected data.

Abstract: A wireless utility asset mapping device method comprises locating a utility asset, and placing a wireless utility asset mapping device over the location of the utility asset. The wireless utility asset mapping devices comprises a pole. A positioning receiver is connected to the pole. A wireless modem is connected to the pole and to the positioning receiver. At least one weatherproof housing is connected to the pole and encloses the positioning receiver and the wireless modem. A coordinate of the wireless utility asset mapping device is determined. The coordinated is wirelessly transmitted to a remote asset tracking computer.

Abstract: In an example embodiment, a method is provided. The method may comprise receiving an item identifier from a global positioning system (GPS) apparatus. Data associated with the item identifier is accessed and transmitted to a initiate a purchase of the item. In some embodiments, a voice portal may be used to facilitate the purchase.

Abstract: Systems and methods are presented for adjusting a cooking program that is to be executed in a cooking chamber of a cooking appliance. At least one of a plurality of parameters relating to a product to be cooked can be adjusted by means of at least one first display and control device. A parameter may identify a type of product to be cooked, a preparation of the product to be cooked, and a degree of cooking. An electronic menu and a mobile telephone for carrying out such systems and methods are also described.

Abstract: A road toll system comprises a vehicle-mounted unit having a satellite navigation receiver. A first data processing means determines a route taken 5 based on satellite navigation data provided from the receiver, and the satellite navigation data is associated with a variable identity. A road toll level is derived. A second data processing means receives the road toll level provided by the first data processing means, and the satellite navigation obtains the determined road toll level from the second data processing means using the 10 variable identity. This provides a thin client scenario (the receiver does not implement the map calculations), but with data security corresponding to a thick client solution. Thus, the map matching and trip cost computation steps are delegated by the on-board unit to an external unit, but this delegation is performed anonymously, so that no data sent for external processing 15 compromises the privacy of the data.

Abstract: A home health point-of-care and administration system and method that has at least one mobile device that is adapted to establish bi-directional communication with a server system is provided. Tracking and data communication software are associated with the mobile device in various embodiments. One or more input components of the mobile device allow for input of information from a user (such as a visiting home healthcare staff member) and the mobile device is adapted for receipt of instructional and other information from the server system to build a dynamic visit record. The record provides detailed information related to off-site visits such as tasks performed by the visiting staff member using the mobile device. Start and finish times of the visit may also be recorded. A global positioning system (GPS) application operating in conjunction with the communication device and server system may be employed to monitor the actions of the visiting staff member.

Abstract: A control system for monitoring violations to circulation rules includes a detector and recording device of the position of a vehicle, installed on the same vehicle, and electronic equipment that compares data detected and recorded by the device with data contained in a centralized data base, which contains information relative to traffic rules, allowing in this manner the imposition of fines.

Abstract: An electronic digital direct-mail collateral. In an embodiment, the device comprises a card stock mailer similar to a CD case, center hinged and printed with branded advertising information and graphic. The device may further comprise video, audio and cell phone operations.

Abstract: An apparatus for analysing a sample and assessing its global position, the apparatus comprising a portable sample analysing device and a global positioning device.

Abstract: A system and method of monitoring a plurality of electrical assets comprise an electricity distribution infrastructure, including a plurality of electrical asset sensors coupled to the electrical assets for monitoring an operating condition of the electrical assets as well as any fault conditions. The sensors may include a current transformer for obtaining a current waveform, a GPS receiver for applying a synchronized time-stamp to the waveform data, and a mesh network radio for transmitting the time-stamped waveform data. Data from the plurality of sensors may be encrypted and transmitted over a mesh network to one or more gateways that are in communication with a central command processor. In response to an abnormal operating condition of any electrical asset, the central command processor may determine a probable fault location, a probable fault type, and a fault response.

Abstract: System and method for detecting and storing at least speed as an information relevant for resignation for a tachograph system. to provide a tamperproof tachograph system offering a high degree of security. An arithmetic unit detects signals for determining the speed from at least two independent sensors and compares them with each other and stores a sensor-related error message if the signals deviate significantly from each other. The signals of at least three independent sensors are compared with each other in the arithmetic unit and are checked for their plausibility by excluding any signals that significantly deviate from a plurality of signals and determining the speed of the vehicle to be stored only using one or more of those signals that deviate from each other only within defined limits.

Abstract: A system for locating an animate object beyond a designated area is disclosed comprising a wireless bidirectional communication system, a first transceiver, a locating device, a controller, a satellite navigator system receiver, a second transceiver, and a data entry device associated with a base station, wherein the controller is automatically activated, in response to a received control signal to locate an animate object and transmit location information to a first transceiver when the animate object exceeds a designated area.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing satellite positioning system (SPS) signals which are weak in level. In one embodiment, a SPS receiver receives at least two signal samples representing, at least in part, common information, wherein the two signal samples are associated with one or more satellite messages. By combining the two signal samples, navigation information (e.g., time, position, velocity, etc.) may be determined based on the combination of the two signal samples. According to another embodiment, the two signal samples are differentially demodulated and summed together to form the combination.

Abstract: A positioning device is disclosed including a receiving device to receive signals from a plurality of transmitters, the transmitters being part of an absolute positioning system. In at least one embodiment, the position device is further arranged to determine transmitter positions of each transmitter and to compute from which transmitters direct receipt of signals is possible based on a previously determined position, the respective transmitter positions and multi path information. The positioning device is further arranged to determine a position. A method, computer program, and data carrier are further disclosed.