Abstract: A method for location determination in a wireless communications system solves a minimization problem using estimated time-of-arrivals (TOAs) of reference signals [108, 110, 112] received by a receiving node [100] from transmitting nodes [102, 104, 106] and predetermined locations of the transmitting nodes, to produce an estimate of unknown receiving node location and/or an estimate of an unknown time of transmission (t) of the reference signals. The minimization problem is defined in terms of a theoretical system model of time-of-arrivals (TOAs), linearized globally as a function of the unknown receiving node location, the unknown time of transmission (t) of the reference signals, and an additional intermediate variable (u) that defines a non-linear quadratic constraint over position coordinates of the unknown receiving node location and the time of transmission (t) of the reference signals, wherein the minimization problem optimizes the additional intermediate variable (u).

Abstract: A surveying system includes a first subsystem having a GNSS base station and an optical base station. The optical base station includes an optical sensor, a laser module, and one or more motors configured to reposition the optical sensor. The GNSS base station and the optical base station are configured to be coupleable in a first predefined configuration. The system further includes a second subsystem comprising a GNSS rover communicatively coupled to the GNSS base station and an optical rover comprising a visual pattern. The GNSS rover and the optical rover are configured to be coupleable in a second predefined configuration.

Abstract: An apparatus provides independent precise positioning for a reference station including a GNSS antenna and a GNSS receiver. The GNSS receiver generates GNSS data based on a plurality of GNSS signals received at the GNSS antenna, including GNSS signals having augmentation information. The apparatus includes a positioning processor, a signal processor, and a signal transmitter. The positioning processor calculates a current position of the reference station based on GNSS observation data and GNSS augmentation data obtained from the augmentation information included in the received GNSS signals, without using position information of another reference station, whereby the reference station is independently installed at a desirable location without surveying or measuring the desirable location. The signal processor generates error correction information including the current position of the reference station in a predetermined data format such as RTCM or CMR, based on the GNSS augmentation data.

Abstract: A notification apparatus comprises a receiving part that receives a designation of a reference position; a specifying part that specifies a current wheel nut at the same position as a reference wheel nut, which is one of a plurality of wheel nuts included in a reference image that is a captured image acquired by the acquiring part in the past, from the captured image acquired by the acquiring part, with respect to the reference position; and a detecting part that detects looseness of the current wheel nut by detecting that the current wheel nut specified by the specifying part has rotated with respect to the reference wheel nut included in the reference image.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to buried utility locating devices, system, and methods having a plurality of spatially separated GNSS antennas. Baselines or other spatial relationships may be formed between pairs of position estimates associated with the GNSS antennas to determine information about the position, heading, and tilt/pose of the utility locating device.

Abstract: A system and method examine positional data signals onboard a vehicle to identify one or more variations in positioning data of the positional data signals. The system and method identify inaccurate positioning data in the positional data signals based on the one or more variations in the positioning data that are identified.

Abstract: A system having a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receiver having a GNSS receiver battery receptacle for housing a battery therein, and a handheld receptacle which has an insertion portion which is shaped as an outer portion of the battery and which is adapted for insertion into the battery receptacle of the GNSS receiver instead of the battery, wherein the handheld receptacle has a handheld receptacle battery receptacle to receive the battery therein. The battery can be swapped from the GNSS receiver and the handheld receptacle. A socket can be provided on the handheld receptacle for mounting a computing device thereon in communication with the GNSS receiver. A pole-mount adapter can be used for connecting the GNSS receiver onto a pole below the GNSS battery receptacle and can be mounted and dismounted even when the handheld receptacle is inserted in the GNSS receiver.

Abstract: An augmented reality system includes a geospatial location system adapted to identify a current location of a vehicle, a plurality of vehicle condition sensors adapted to identify the vehicle's positional attitude, direction of motion, and speed within an environment at the current location, a helmet position sensor system adapted to determine a location of a helmet within the vehicle and a viewing direction of a pilot wearing the helmet the helmet comprising a see-through computer display through which the pilot is enabled to see an environment outside of the vehicle with computer content overlaying the environment to create an augmented reality view of the environment for the pilot, a data storage module adapted to store the data from the geospatial location system, plurality of vehicle condition sensors and the helmet position sensor with a time of acquisition of each respective type of data and a processor adapted to present geospatially located augmented reality content to the helmet based, at least in p

Abstract: The invention relates to a survey system comprising an antenna, a sensor, and a control unit. The antenna is configured for receiving one or more positioning signal, such as for example global navigation satellite system (GNSS) signals. The sensor is configured for determining whether the antenna is in a static state, and/or producing information based on which a determination as to whether the antenna is in a static state can be made. The control unit is configured for, if the antenna is determined to be in a static state, obtaining a positioning measurement based on the positioning signal(s). The invention also relates to a method for operating such a system, and to computer programs and computer program products for carrying out such a method.

Abstract: An information processing system includes a first device, a second device, and a notification unit. The first device includes a position sensor and a communication unit. The second device includes a position sensor and a communication unit. The notification unit transmits, in a case where a relative distance between the first device and the second device calculated based on positional information detected by the position sensors exceeds a limit value, an alert to at least one of the first device and the second device.

Abstract: At least one vehicle and at least one key element, each associated with a corresponding vehicle, are configured to exchange data with one another via a system that determines the vehicle position and the position of the key element. The system places the vehicle in a driving operating mode when the vehicle position and the key element position are essentially the same, in particular when the key element is located inside the vehicle. At least one vehicle function that can be activated when the vehicle is stationary is automatically switched on depending on a current key element position. This may occur when a key element position is changing relative to the vehicle position, but the vehicle and the associated key element are remote from one another, such as separated by at least ten meters.

Abstract: This positional error prediction device (1) is provided with: a satellite position acquisition unit (154) which acquires a receivable position of a satellite on a target date at a target time and a target point at which a positional error prediction is performed; a relative relationship value acquisition unit (151) which acquires a value of the relative relationship between the position of the satellite and an observation start position of the satellite at the target point; and an error prediction unit (155) which predicts, on the basis of the relative relationship value and a positional error prediction model generated in advance, a positional error on the target date at the target time and the target point.

Abstract: A base station of a 5G/6G network can include its location coordinates in the SSB system information message which is broadcast on a standard frequency periodically. A mobile user device can receive the SSB and thereby determine the base station location. Thereafter, the user device can measure its own location, speed, and direction of travel, and thereby calculate a Doppler frequency correction before transmitting a message to the base station, thus causing the base station to receive the message at the expected standard frequency. In addition, the user device can calculate, based on the location of the base station relative to the direction of travel of the mobile user device, a particular frequency at which downlink messages from the base station will be received. In addition, the user device can pre-emptively adjust its transmission frequency when changing speed or direction, thereby avoiding wasteful frequency-correction messages from the base station.

Abstract: A method for searching for a target object, which is moved along a path, by a measuring device which has a first reference system, a control device, and an operating controller which has a GNSS receiver having a second reference system and which is connectable to the measuring device via a communication connection.

Abstract: A work vehicle includes a rollover protection structure (ROPS) around a driver's seat and a receiver supported at an upper portion of the ROPS to receive positional information from a satellite. A harness for the receiver is routed along an outer peripheral surface of the ROPS. A cover is provided to cover the harness.

Abstract: The disclosed subject matter relates to an Intelligent Transportation System station (ITS-S) for being carried by a Vulnerable Road User (VRU), comprising: a motion sensor for determining VRU motion data indicative of a VRU position, a VRU speed, and a VRU heading; a transmitter for transmitting a VRU message including the determined VRU motion data; a receiver for receiving, concerning a vehicle, vehicle motion data indicative of a vehicle position, a vehicle speed, and a vehicle heading; and a controller for controlling the transmitter; wherein the controller is configured to compare the determined VRU motion data with the received vehicle motion data and, when the result of the comparison meets a predetermined criterion, to suppress the transmitting of said VRU message.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses and computer programs are disclosed for estimating, or at least for generating information usable to estimate, the heading of at least one axis of interest of a rigid body. Rigid body is equipped with an antenna of a navigation satellite system (NSS) receiver, and with sensor equipment comprising sensors such as a gyroscope, an angle sensor, and accelerometers, depending on the form of the invention. Rigid body is subject to a known motion comprising causing a point's horizontal position to change, the point being referred to as “point B”, while keeping another point's position, the point being referred to as “point A”, fixed relative to the Earth. Considering the motion constraint, an estimation of the heading is generated using sensor equipment data and NSS receiver data. The estimation of the heading may for example be used to estimate the position of any point of rigid body.

Abstract: An image-capturing device includes an image-capturing optical system; an image sensor; and processing circuitry configured to: control the image-capturing optical system to capture one or more preliminary images of an object to be tracked; analyze the one or more preliminary images; calculate tracking-control information using results of the analysis; and adjust at least one of the image-capturing optical system and the image sensor with movement of the object, in accordance with the tracking-control information to capture an image of the object that is being tracked.

Abstract: Provided is a communication management system for a surveying instrument. The system includes: a surveying instrument including a survey unit configured to survey a target, a control unit configured to control the survey unit, and a communication unit connected to a communication network; a management server capable of communicating with the surveying instrument; and a remote terminal capable of communicating with the management server, wherein the remote terminal makes maintenance settings for the surveying instrument and cancels the maintenance settings, and stores the maintenance settings and cancellation of the settings in the management server, the management server gives a notification to at least one of a user and an administrator that the surveying instrument is in a state requiring predetermined maintenance work according to the maintenance settings, and when the maintenance settings are canceled, stops the notification.

Abstract: GPS (Global Positioning System) correction data distribution device includes: first communicator that communicates with terminal device; second communicator that communicates with server; HDD (hard drive) that stores a database, the database having at least one coordinate and GPS correction data in association with each other; and manager that manages the database. Manager obtains GPS correction data from server with respect to the coordinate in the database, and updates the database while associating the coordinate with the GPS correction data. Manager refers to the database upon receipt of the GPS correction data distribution request from terminal device, extracts the GPS correction data of the coordinate corresponding to a position of the terminal device, and distributes the extracted GPS correction data to terminal device.

Abstract: An augmented personnel locator system (APLS) may include a plurality of identifier nodes and a plurality of intermediate nodes. The plurality of intermediate nodes may be configured in a mesh topology. Each intermediate node may be configured to receive position and status information from at least one identifier node of the plurality of identifier nodes and may be further configured to retransmit the position and status information to a receiver node, either directly or indirectly (e.g., via at least one other intermediate node). The APLS may further include a wireless gateway onboard a vehicle and communicatively coupled to the receiver node. The APLS may further include a vehicle display system configured to receive the position and status information from the receiver node via the wireless gateway and further configured to generate map symbology based on the position and status information for a vehicle display.

Abstract: In some implementations, a system for providing and managing associations between mobile computing device and physical shopping carts used in retail stores includes a physical shopping cart configured to transport physical goods around a store. The physical shopping cart includes a product detection system that is programmed to detect products that are placed in the physical shopping cart, a wireless transceiver to wirelessly communicate with other devices, and a cart identifier that uniquely identifies the physical shopping cart. The system further includes a mobile computing device that is programmed (i) to obtain the cart identifier for the shopping cart, (ii) to establish an association with the physical shopping cart using the cart identifier, and (iii) once the association between the physical shopping cart and the mobile computing device has been established, to output a user interface that provides a real-time summary of the products in the physical shopping cart.

Abstract: A system and method that triggers actions or sets of actions within a software application executed on a mobile device based at least in part on location identifiers.

Abstract: Interacting between users of mobile devices is provided by initiating a desired interaction at a first user device using a gesture sensed by the first user device, determining a gesture area, submitting a desired interaction request for interaction with associated users within the gesture area, and sending a notification to user devices indicating the desired interaction of the first user with one or more users of a local subset, wherein the notification identifies the first user with an identifier independent of identifiers used by the first user outside of interactions with a remote server.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining the relative positions to each other of at least two mobile terminal devices, such as mobile phones, tablet computers, PDAs, notebooks, subnotebooks, or similar mobile terminal devices, wherein a position query of one mobile terminal device is transmitted to the other mobile terminal device, the relative positions to each other of the two mobile terminal devices are determined on the basis of the current geographic positions of the two mobile terminal devices after the queried mobile terminal device confirms the position query, and a relative distance and a geographic direction to the queried mobile terminal device are displayed at least at the querying mobile terminal device as a position indicator.

Abstract: A method of presenting data on a mobile device is provided, comprising reading a compass and an accelerometer for sensing orientation and movement of the mobile device, initiating a local geographic search or query by pointing the mobile device in a desired direction, determining a boundary for search results, the boundary based on a current location of the mobile device, providing the boundary to a server, storing (a) search rules for a given location, (b) localized storage of POI data, and (c) logic for switching the search from a macro database to a micro database, and initiating a geographic query for points of interest (POIs) that have an associated geographic position within the boundary.

Abstract: A technique for more reliably capturing a lost unmanned aerial vehicle in tracking the unmanned aerial vehicle by a surveying device is provided. A UAV search area setting part is configured to perform arithmetic operation for searching for an unmanned aerial vehicle having mounted therein a location identifying device using a GNSS. The UAV search area setting part includes a measured location obtaining part that obtains information of a location of the unmanned aerial vehicle, which is measured by a surveying device, a scheduled flight location obtaining part that obtains information of a scheduled flight location of the unmanned aerial vehicle from a flight plan of the unmanned aerial vehicle, and a search area setting part that sets an area for searching for the unmanned aerial vehicle by referring to a difference between the measured location and the scheduled flight location at a specific time.

Abstract: A receiver or method uses an offset vector to provide seamless switching between a real-time kinematic (RTK) mode and a precise positioning mode (e.g., precise point positioning, PPP) mode. An offset module or data processor is arranged to determine an offset between precise position and the RTK position estimate. Upon loss of the RTK signal, switching to a precise position mode based a last available RTK position (e.g., if the precise position mode is converged on a position solution with resolved ambiguities of the carrier phase), wherein the next precise position estimate is compensated by the offset or reference frame bias to avoid a jump or discontinuity in the next precise position estimate.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses and computer programs are disclosed for estimating, or at least for generating information usable to estimate, the heading of at least one axis of interest of a rigid body. Rigid body is equipped with an antenna of a navigation satellite system (NSS) receiver, and with sensor equipment comprising sensors such as a gyroscope, an angle sensor, and accelerometers, depending on the form of the invention. Rigid body is subject to a known motion comprising causing a point's horizontal position to change, the point being referred to as “point B”, while keeping another point's position, the point being referred to as “point A”, fixed relative to the Earth. Considering the motion constraint, an estimation of the heading is generated using sensor equipment data and NSS receiver data. The estimation of the heading may for example be used to estimate the position of any point of rigid body.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for Orienteering using a wireless communication between transceivers. A smart device is operative to generate a vector based upon the wireless communications. A query may be made based upon the vector. A response to the query may include a direction of travel, a virtual image based upon location and location and direction, and annotative and pictorial information.

Abstract: An in-vehicle system includes: a position information reception unit configured to receive position information from a satellite positioning system; a first control unit; a communication line connected to the first control unit; and a second control unit that is connected to the first control unit through the communication line and has a first conversion process unit configured to convert a datum of the position information. The first control unit is configured to transmit the position information received by the position information reception unit to the second control unit through the communication line, and the second control unit is configured to convert a datum of the position information received from the first control unit by the first conversion process unit.

Abstract: A DGNSS-based guidance system, wherein a rover receiver first utilizes data from a master base station transceiver, a DGNSS reference network, or some other differential source to compute a differentially corrected location to establish a reference DGNSS relationship. Using this location and data observed only at the rover, the rover computes an internal set of differential corrections, which set is stored in computer memory, updated as necessary, and applied in future times to correct observations taken by the rover. As the rover enters into areas of other base station receiver reference networks, the rover transceiver will send positional information it receives from the master base station to the new, secondary base station. The secondary base station then calibrates its own reference information using information sent from the original master base station.

Abstract: Data to define a travel rewards promotion is received over a network. The travel rewards promotion comprises traveler eligibility criteria and travel rewards criteria. At least one traveler is selected where the travel itinerary of the respective traveler matches traveler eligibility criteria for the promotion. The traveler is notified that he or she is eligible for the travel rewards promotion, the notification comprising a representation of the travel rewards criteria. A travel rewards promotion total is then compiled for the traveler and the traveler is notified of his or her respective promotion rewards total. In one embodiment, the traveler's current context is determined and matched to promotion alert criteria. The traveler is then alerted, over the network, that a travel rewards promotion is available to the respective traveler in the respective traveler's current context, the alert comprising a representation of the travel rewards criteria.

Abstract: A system and method for creating content such as artificial reality (AR) messages at an event, particularly among members on a social network, thereby enhancing and expanding the event experience. Typically, a participant shares an event with spectators, such as friends or a subset of friends in the participant's social network. The AR message may include geo-referenced artificial reality words, products or symbols and appear in a perspective view of the event to the participant or spectators. In addition to creating an active gallery for an event, messages, audio and video can be exchanged among participants and spectators, and virtual goods, money, bets, applause, other feedback, and donations exchanged.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed a network routing and data repackaging system. The system pairs a multilayered obstructed brokered network routing and data repackaging system, sometimes referred to as a MOB HUB, with a cyber kneeboard. Both the MOB HUB and cyber kneeboard communicate with a mobile computer removably-attached to the cyber kneeboard.

Abstract: Two different wireless protocols can be used for ranging between a mobile device and an access control system (e.g., a vehicle). The first wireless protocol (e.g., Bluetooth®) can be used to perform authentication of the vehicle and exchange ranging capabilities between a mobile device (e.g., a phone or watch) and the vehicle. The second wireless protocol (e.g., ultra-wideband, UWB) can use a pulse width that is less than a pulse width used by the first wireless protocol (e.g., 1 ns v. 1 ?s). The narrower pulse width can provide greater accuracy for distance (ranging) measurements.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a sensor network, Machine Type Communication (MTC), Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communication, and technology for Internet of Things (IoT). The present disclosure may be applied to intelligent services based on the above technologies, such as smart home, smart building, smart city, smart car, connected car, health care, digital education, smart retail, security and safety services. Embodiments of the present invention provide a device and a method for estimating a position between wireless apparatuses using a signal transmitted and received between wireless apparatuses in a wireless communication system. A device of a first wireless apparatus for estimating a position comprises: a transceiver for transmitting and receiving a signal to and from a second wireless apparatus; and a position estimator for estimating a position of the second wireless apparatus using a signal transmitted and received through the transceiver.

Abstract: A distance substantially between a camera and an object is measured preferably with a rangefinder. Positional coordinates including an altitude of the camera are determined. A pose including pitch and azimuth of the camera directed at the object is determined from sensors. Positional coordinates of the object are determined using at least the positional coordinates of the camera, the pose of the camera and the distance substantially between the camera and the object which are used to determine a location volume. A database is searched for objects located at least partially inside the location volume. The camera is part of a computing device with a screen. Search results are listed on the screen and an outline of a hidden object in the location volume is drawn on the screen.

Abstract: The invention provides a UAV measuring apparatus, which comprises a flying vehicle, a laser scanner mounted on the flying vehicle and for performing two-dimensional scanning with a reference optical axis extending in an approximately vertically downward direction as the center, an image pickup unit having an image pickup optical axis parallel to the reference optical axis and a control arithmetic component, wherein the control arithmetic component is configured to synchronize the two-dimensional scanning performed by the laser scanner with an image pickup performed by the image pickup unit, and to correspond a scanning locus obtained by the two-dimensional scanning with an acquired image.

Abstract: A method for location-based assistance includes maintaining in a personal digital assistant (PDA) (22, 24, 26) a data structure that is indicative of a state of a user (32, 34, 36) of the PDA. Responsively to the state, a map (30) is generated in the PDA indicating targets (42, 44, 46, 48) within an area of relevance surround a present location of the user. Based on the map, the PDA provides a suggestion to the user of an action to be taken by the user with respect to one or more of the targets.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the invention a localization method for localizing a host device (100) in a control system, in particular a building control system, is provided, the localization method comprising determining geographical location information of the host device (100) by means of a localization device (102) and associating the geographical location information with a unique identifier of the host device (100). According to another aspect of the invention a computer program product is provided that comprises program instructions which, when being executed by one or more processing units, cause said processing units to carry out or control the steps of the inventive localization method. According to another aspect of the invention, a localization device (102), in particular a portable localization device is provided for use in the inventive localization method.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments relate to a terminal having improved security and a method of releasing a locked state of a terminal. There is provided a terminal, including an input unit configured to receive dragging; a storage unit configured to store a password pattern; a control unit configured to compare the received dragging with the password pattern and release a locked state of the terminal according to the comparison result; and an output unit configured to display at least a part of a user interface including at least two markers arranged in a grid, wherein the user interface includes a first marker and a second marker, and the password pattern includes movement from the first marker to the second marker and movement from the second marker to the first marker.

Abstract: Methods and systems for determining latency across a bus, such as a PCIe bus, coupling a field programmable gate array (FPGA) and a processor having different time incrementation rates. Both the FPGA and the processor count clock ticks independently, and using a calibration offset and the two incrementation rates, the processor converts the FPGA clock ticks into processor clock ticks in order to determine latency across the bus.

Abstract: A camera control device includes: an entering prediction value calculator configured to calculate an entering prediction value representing a possibility of entering of the user terminal in a monitoring range of the camera; an entering prediction time calculator configured to calculate entering prediction time that is prediction time necessary for the entering of the user terminal in the monitoring range of the camera; a preparation time calculator configured to calculate preparation time necessary for running the application on the camera; and a determination unit configured to determine whether preparation for running of an application on the camera is started.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and system for using predetermined preferences/characteristics to ascertain personal compatibility between network or chat room participants based upon profile information. When the system determines that these preferences are favorable for interpersonal compatibility, the system will automatically notify or page the participants so as to facilitate their introduction. Further functionality, aside from the compatibility based upon profile information, includes e-mail and other electronic notification of personal compatibility as well as geographic compatibility.

Abstract: A radio frequency component receives and digitizes a first plurality of L1 Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signals and a second plurality of L2C GNSS signals from a plurality of GNSS satellites. A software defined GNSS receiver operating on a processor of a cellular telephone separate from the radio frequency component derives carrier phase measurements from the first plurality of L1 GNSS signals and the second plurality of L2C GNSS signals during an epoch. A wireless message from a communication device located at a base location is received conveying pseudorange and carrier measurements derived from the first plurality of L1 GNSS signals from said plurality of GNSS satellites during the epoch. The cellular telephone determines a distance from the base location to said first location.

Abstract: A method and system for managing profiles is provided. The method includes maintaining Profile Information of one or more service recipients in a Profile Registrar XDMS. The method also includes identifying an Active Profile of a user from a Profile Registrar document in response to an input indicative of communication request for an address of record of the user. Further, the method includes obtaining user preferences associated with the Active Profile and applying the user preferences to the communication request or the service provisioning to the user. The system includes an extensible markup language data management server, a communication interface in electronic communication with a network to send and receive signals, and a processor.

Abstract: A system for determining a new orientation and/or position of an object comprises a sky polarimeter configured to record image data of the sky, a signal processing unit, and logic configured to receive and store in memory the image data received from the sky polarimeter. The logic calculates the Stokes parameters (S0, S1, S2,), DoLP, and AoP from the image data, detects obscurants and filters the obscurants (such as clouds and trees) from the image data to produce a filtered image. The logic is further configured to find the Sun and zenith in the filtered image, and to determine the roll, pitch, yaw, latitude and longitude of the object using the filtered image.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method, an apparatus, and a terminal for position guidance based on radio signal quality. The method includes, when it is determined that signal quality in a first position does not meet a preset condition, acquiring a target position in which signal quality meets the preset condition, where the first position is a position in which a first terminal is currently located; and displaying an indication icon on a status bar of a user interface of the first terminal, where the indication icon is used to instruct a user to move to the target position, and the user interface includes the status bar and a user operation area.

Abstract: Disclosed is a Crime on Campus Neutralization System comprising a communication network of 2-way radios connecting a USER to a USER-REPEATER, subsequently to a LINK-REPEATER, enabling a USER to ultimately initiate a LOCK-DOWN procedure on a CAMPUS. Further disclosed, here within, are methods that enable the system to work effectively. This system is very cost effective, consisting of components that can be bought off the shelf. The system is unique in that it does not use the internet, a cell-phone device, a tablet, a computer, or any other device that, by its design, could be “hacked” or “compromised” by outside parties. The system is not complex, unlike other systems which rely on extensive software programs, but instead relies on a 6 decade proven technology.