Abstract: A receiver is arranged to receive a plurality of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signals from up to four different satellite navigation systems including a GLONASS system, a BeiDou system, a GPS system, and a Galileo system. Received GNSS signals are mixed with a first local frequency signal to generate a plurality of mixed signals. The mixed signals are processed in up to three parallel branches. In a first branch, a first portion of the mixed signals are transformed by passing the first portion through a band-pass filter having a bandwidth between about 0 MHz and 46 MHz and by amplifying the filtered signals with an AGC circuit. In a second branch, a second portion of the mixed signals are transformed by rejecting image signals of the second portion with an image rejection filter and mixing image rejection filter output signals with a second local frequency signal to derive first remixed signals.

Abstract: A method for providing a current location of a vehicle includes detecting and determining whether a smart key approaches the vehicle. Identification information of the smart key is received from the detected smart key. Information related to the current location is transmitted to an external device upon recognizing the inherent identification information to provide guidance to the current location of the vehicle through the external device.

Abstract: A mobile electronic device includes a detector unit configured to detect a position and an orientation of the mobile electronic device and a control unit. The control unit monitors the orientation of the mobile electronic device for a predetermined period when the control unit detects a change of the orientation of the mobile electronic device from a former orientation. The control unit determines that a corner is detected when the mobile electronic device does not return to the former orientation within the predetermined period, and determines that the corner is not detected when the mobile electronic device returns to the former orientation within the predetermined period.

Abstract: A system for exchanging GPS or other position data between wireless devices for purposes of group activities, child location monitoring, work group coordination, dispatching of employees etc. Cell phones and other wireless devices with GPS receivers have loaded therein a Buddy Watch application and a TalkControl application. The Buddy Watch application communicates with the GPS receiver and other wireless devices operated by buddies registered in the users phone as part of buddy groups or individually. GPS position data and historical GPS position data can be exchanged between cell phones of buddies and instant buddies such as tow truck drivers via a buddy watch server. Emergency monitoring services can be set up with notifications to programmable individuals in case an individual does not respond. Positions and tracks can be displayed. TalkControl simplifies and automates the process of joining talk groups for walkie talkie services such as that provided by Nextel.

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: Disclosed herein are methods and systems for identifying an activity of a user based on a chronological order of detected movements of a computing device. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the method may include detecting movements of a computing device. The method also includes determining a chronological order of the detected movements. Further, the method includes identifying an activity of a user of the computing device based on the detected movements and chronological order. The method also includes determining a geographic location associated with at least one of the movements. Further, the method includes presenting identification of the activity and the geographic location.

Abstract: In a receive system, a plurality of correlators correlate a received signal with a plurality of delayed versions of a reference signal to generate a plurality of correlator outputs. A timing error detector estimates an optimal timing based on a set of correlator outputs, and determines a timing error based on (i) the estimated optimal correlation point and (ii) an existing timing, such that the timing error is hard or soft limited between two positive thresholds and two negative thresholds.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an apparatus and method for a method for determining proximity of a device (e.g., a client device). In one example, a key management request is acquired from the device. A measurement request is then transmitted to the device. Afterwards, a measurement reply is received from the device. In response, a determination is made as to whether a measurement parameter associated with the transmitting and the receiving exceeds a predetermined threshold. If the predetermined threshold is not exceeded (i.e., the device is proximate to an associated local network), then a reply to the original key management request is transmitted to the device. Notably, the reply to the key management request is required for the device to establish a secure session with a server from which digital content can be acquired.

Abstract: Structures and protocols are presented for configuring an unmanned aerial device to perform a task, alone or in combination with other entities, or for using data resulting from such a configuration or performance.

Abstract: Navigation instructions using low-bandwidth signaling are supported in an alternative user interface that may be utilized as either a full replacement or as an enhancement to conventional visual/audio navigation interfaces. In one illustrative example, the alternative interface makes use of the more constrained, but generally broadly available low-bandwidth signaling capability of mobile devices to encode navigation instructions in the form of varying patterns of tactile vibrations that may be imparted from the device to a user as haptic feedback. The user can sense the vibrations and readily translate them into the navigation instructions without needing any kind of special decoding equipment or using any special techniques. The vibrations may be encoded using easy to remember patterns so that a full and rich navigation feature set may be accessed with minimal training on the user's part.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for locating a first mobile terminal within a radio network. Said method comprises the following steps: a first locating process is carried out to determine an initial position of the first terminal; the first locating process is deactivated; a second locating process is carried out to at least approximately determine the current position of the first terminal relative to the initial position; and the first locating process is activated and carried out again to determine a new initial position of the first terminal when the current position reaches a minimum distance from the initial position. The invention also relates to a method for determining cliques of mobile terminals in a radio network encompassing a plurality of mobile terminals.

Abstract: The present invention provides a positioning method for long-thin fleet, which moves along a direction and has a motion track and a leading member. The leading member is in forefront of the motion track. The positioning method comprises the following steps: a positioning step and a transmitting step. The positioning step gets a positioning data through a GPS in a preset time. The transmitting step transmits a periodic signal to the members of the fleet through a wireless network system. The leading member proceeds the positioning and transmitting steps. The motion track is connected according to the positioning data.

Abstract: A navigation system for use with moving vehicles includes target points proximate to a rendezvous site located on a first moving vehicle. One or more transmitters associated with the target points broadcast time-tagged target point positioning information. A navigation unit on a second moving vehicle utilizes a camera with known properties to capture images that include the target points. The navigation unit processes the image that corresponds in time to the positioning information, to determine the relative position and orientation of the rendezvous site at the second vehicle. The navigation unit utilizes the relative position and orientation and an absolute position and orientation of the rendezvous site calculated from the target position information and calculates an absolute position and orientation corresponding to the second vehicle.

Abstract: A civil engineering machine has a machine control unit configured to determine data which defines the position and/or orientation of a reference point on the civil engineering machine in relation to a reference system independent of the position and orientation of the civil engineering machine. A geometrical shape to be produced on the ground is preset in either a machine control unit or a field rover control unit. The field rover is used to determine a position of at least one identifiable point of the preset geometrical shape in the independent reference system. Curve data defining a desired curve in the independent reference system, corresponding to the preset shape, is determined at least partially on the basis of the position of the at least one identifiable point of the preset geometrical shape in the independent reference system.

Abstract: A system for maneuvering an aircraft for operations in connection with a sea-going vessel, the vessel having a designated area for landings and sling-load operations. Each of the aircraft has a navigation unit (INU) comprising a GPS receiver and an inertial navigation unit. The INU's are updated by data from the GPS receivers and the data from the shipboard unit's GPS receiver and INU are transmitted to the aircraft. The aircraft performs RTK calculations to determine a vector to the shipboard GPS antennas and modifies the vector with data from the INU's.

Abstract: A geodetic measuring system having at least one reference component which defines a reference point, wherein an absolute position of the reference point is known, and at least one new-point determination component which derives a relative new-point position. It is also possible to derive mutual relative reference information between the reference component and the new-point determination component, in particular for the purpose of referencing with respect to the reference-point position. The measuring system also has an automotive, unmanned, controllable air vehicle, wherein the air vehicle has the reference component which provides the at least one reference point as a mobile reference point. The air vehicle is also designed in such a manner that the reference component can be spatially freely displaced by the air vehicle, in particular can be positioned in a substantially fixed position.

Abstract: Multi-IMU INS for vehicle control allows GNSS-derived position and velocity to be measured at an antenna and applied to the estimation of position, velocity and attitude at a separate control point even when the spatial relationship between antenna and control point is not constant.

Abstract: An automatic navigation method and automatic navigation system are provided. The automatic navigation method includes the following steps. A guiding path is provided. A current facing direction which a user faces is obtained by an electronic compass. A turning direction is obtained according to the current facing direction and the guiding path. The turning direction is notified by an electric shock signal. A nearest trace point of the guiding path is obtained by sensing a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag. The turning direction is updated according to the nearest trace point and the current facing direction.

Abstract: A method of detecting a location of an opposing vehicle using Global Positioning System (GPS) information in which pieces of GPS raw data and pieces of GPS post-processing data of a driver's vehicle and of an opposing vehicle are received. It is determined using the received GPS post-processing data whether the opposing vehicle is a vehicle that has entered a predetermined range. If it is determined that the opposing vehicle is a vehicle that has entered the predetermined range, it is determined whether common data is present in the pieces of GPS raw data of the driver's vehicle and of the opposing vehicle by comparing the pieces of GPS raw data with each other. A degree of proximity to the opposing vehicle is using the common data in the pieces of GPS raw data of the driver's vehicle and the opposing vehicle.

Abstract: A handheld GNSS device includes a housing, handgrips integral to the housing for enabling a user to hold the device, and a display screen integral with the housing. The device has a GNSS antenna and a communication antenna, both integral with the housing. The GNSS antenna receives position data from GNSS satellites. The communication antenna receives positioning assistance data from a base station. The GNSS antenna has a first antenna pattern, and the communication antenna has a second antenna pattern. The first and second antenna patterns are substantially separated. Coupled to the GNSS antenna, within the housing, is at least one receiver. Further, the device includes, within the housing, orientation circuitry for generating orientation data, imaging circuitry for obtaining image data, and positioning circuitry for determining a position for the point of interest based on the position data, the positioning assistance data, the orientation data, and the image data.

Abstract: A system and method is provided of determining geographic positions. In one aspect, a user points the device at first and second positions on the surface of a geographic object. Based on the position of the device, the orientation of the device, and information identifying the geographic position of the surface of the object, a processor determines and displays the distance between the first and second positions.

Abstract: A multi-antenna GNSS system and method provide earth-referenced GNSS heading and position solutions. The system and method compensate for partial blocking of the antennas by using a known attitude or orientation of the structure, which can be determined by an orientation device or with GNSS measurements. Multiple receiver units can optionally be provided and can share a common clock signal for processing multiple GNSS signals in unison. The system can optionally be installed on fixed or slow-moving structures, such as dams and marine vessels, and on mobile structures such as terrestrial vehicles and aircraft.

Abstract: A wireless communication system is disclosed. The wireless communication system transmits a location measure signal for determining a location of a user equipment to the user equipment by allocating the location measure signal to at least one of symbols to which a synchronization signal is transmitted conventionally. In this case, a location related parameter of the user equipment can be measured with higher accuracy.

Abstract: A tracking and mapping system for outdoor use includes a first GPS locator located either at a base station or on a hunting accessory such as an arrow. The system also includes a second GPS locator for identifying a user's location, and an electronic display unit for communicating with a global positioning satellite and displaying a map showing icons representing locations of the first and second GPS locators. The second OPS locator may be embedded in the electronic display unit, which may be a mobile wireless handheld device, a tablet or other portable computer having wireless connectivity. The electronic display unit maps the present location of each of the GPS locators in relation to a direction such as north, south, east or west. Optionally, separate GPS locators may be placed at a base station and in an arrow. A method of using the tracking and mapping system is also described.

Abstract: A first position of a satellite is calculated at a first time in dependence on received orbit data corresponding to an orbit path of the satellite. Anan orbit path of the satellite is modeled from the first position at the first time to a second time to determine a second position of the satellite at the second time. A third position of the satellite is then calculated at the second time in dependence on the received orbit data. The second position and third position are compared to determine a validity of the orbit data.

Abstract: A portable terminal having an audio pickup means that acquires sound, an absolute position detection unit that detects the absolute position of the portable terminal, a relative position detection unit that detects the relative position of the portable terminal, and a speech recognition and synthesis unit that recognizes the audio acquired by the audio pickup means as speech, is achieved with a simple configuration. A portable terminal (1) that exchanges data with a server (2) has disposed to the portable terminal an audio pickup means that acquires sound, an absolute position detection unit (1-1) that detects the absolute position of the portable terminal, a relative position detection unit (1-2) that detects the relative position of the portable terminal, and a speech recognition and synthesis unit (1-3) that recognizes the audio acquired by the audio pickup means as speech.

Abstract: User-generated content that is associated with a geographic location is uploaded to existing networked services or directly to a digital map updating service. Distinct digital map updating services can be assigned to defined geographic areas, such that they are only notified of, or poll for, new user-generated content within their defined geographic areas. Utilizing the geographic location associated with such user-generated content, the digital map updating service identifies one or more digital map “tiles”, which are updated to include new user-generated content and capable applications on client devices can be notified directly of such new user-generated content if they are accessing the relevant tiles. Additionally, data mining can be performed and deductions of events from data mining can be indicated in the digital map in the same manner.

Abstract: A vehicle relative position estimation apparatus includes: a motional state acquiring unit that acquires vehicle control information for controlling the motional state of a vehicle or the motional state of the vehicle detected by an in-vehicle apparatus of the vehicle, and vehicle control information for controlling the motional state of another vehicle or the motional state of another vehicle detected by an in-vehicle apparatus of another vehicle; a relative position acquiring unit that acquires the relative position detected by the in-vehicle apparatus provided in the vehicle or another vehicle; an estimation unit that receives the vehicle control information or the motional state of the vehicle, and the vehicle control information or the motional state of another vehicle acquired by the motional state acquiring unit and estimates the relative position with a Kalman filter using the relative position acquired by the relative position acquiring unit as the amount of observation.

Abstract: A navigation device configured to connect to any type of communication device, such as a two-way radio or a cellular phone. The navigation device includes a LCD display and a user input device. The navigation device displays on the LCD the relative distance and direction of other navigation devices relative to the navigation device, as well as the speed, distance traveled, current location, altitude, temperature of the other navigation devices. Also, the user interface allows the user to scroll through different menu options and display options of the LCD. The navigation device is additionally configured to send text messages to other navigation devices. The navigation device transmits three NMEA sentences allowing text messages, waypoint names and locations, speed, course, direction and altitude to be sent between navigation devices.

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 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: A system and method for populating a map database for a vehicle navigation system with the location and type of wireless access points that can be used to update or service wireless systems on the vehicle. The map database can be initially populated with the known wireless access points at the time of manufacture of the vehicle, and then the vehicle communications system can detect new wireless access points as the vehicle travels, which can be stored on the map database. By storing the location and type of the access points in the map database, the vehicle will know the direction of the access point relative to the vehicle, and can compensate for the Doppler shift as a result of the relative movement of the vehicle to the access point.

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: An electromagnetic radiation source locating system including an electromagnetic radiation sensor including an antenna configured to detect a radiant energy transmission. A position detector is in communication with the controller and is configured to detect the position of the antenna relative to a reference coordinate system, while an orientation sensor is in communication with the controller and is configured to detect the orientation of the antenna and provide an orientation signal to the controller. A range sensor is configured to detect the distance to an aligned object in the path of a directional vector and provide a distance signal indicative thereof to the controller. An aerial vehicle may be in communication with the controller and configured to drop a marker for guiding navigators to the source of the radiant energy transmission.

Abstract: A golf ball tracking system that includes a golf hall having a first transmitting and receiving unit configured to wirelessly receive and transmit signals to and from the golf ball, and a signal amplifying unit configured to receive the signals from the first transmitting and receiving unit and to amplify the signals The golf ball tracking system further includes a remote controlling unit having a second transmitting and receiving unit configured to wirelessly receive and transmit signals to and from the first transmitting and receiving unit, and a lighting element configured to produce a plurality of light signals based on the signals received from the golf ball such that the light signals indicate proximity of the golf ball to the remote controlling unit.

Abstract: A media broker includes a communication interface communicatively coupling the media broker to one or more media storage devices and one or more renderers and a controller associated with the communication interface adapted to transmit a request for location information to one or more renderers, receive location information from each of the one or more renderers and determine, based upon the received location information, one or more viewing areas each comprising at least one of the one or more renderers. And then applying the media restrictions assigned to the renderers in those viewing areas, while still allowing media storage devices detected in any viewing area to record media of any rating.

Abstract: For enhancing the quality of a relative positioning, a filter is adjusted depending on information on a movement of a satellite signal receiver. A position of the satellite signal receiver is determined relative to a reference station using the filter, wherein measurements on satellite signals received by the satellite signal receiver and measurements on satellite signals provided for the reference station are used as input to the filter. The measurements for the reference station may be received in messages which are assembled and provided for transmission and which may include in addition an indication of a current movement of the reference station.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to locate a wireless device are described. A disclosed example method includes transmitting a request location message from a first wireless station to a second wireless station to determine a geographic location of a third wireless station, receiving a response location message at the first wireless station from the second wireless station identifying the geographic location of the third wireless station, wherein the second wireless station stores the geographic location of the third wireless station, determining a path from the first wireless station to a range of the third wireless station based on the received geographic location of the third wireless station, moving along a portion of the path with the first wireless station to the range of the third wireless station, and transmitting an association message from the first wireless station to the third wireless station to communicably couple the first wireless station to the third wireless station.

Abstract: A smart antenna system may exploit space diversity by employing an array of antennas whose radiation pattern can be aligned in a direction of arrival (DoA) of a specific signal to be decoded. Smart antennas can be installed on a base station side and/or on a user terminal side. Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide methods for computationally efficient and accurate searching of the DoA of a specific transmitted signal. The proposed methods utilize Assisted Global Positioning System (A-GPS) coordinates to determine the DoA.

Abstract: A multi-antenna GNSS system and method provide earth-referenced GNSS heading and position solutions. The system and method compensate for partial blocking of the antennas by using a known attitude or orientation of the structure, which can be determined by an orientation device or with GNSS measurements. Multiple receiver units can optionally be provided and can share a common clock signal for processing multiple GNSS signals in unison. The system can optionally be installed on fixed or slow-moving structures, such as dams and marine vessels, and on mobile structures such as terrestrial vehicles and aircraft.

Abstract: An electronic locator system comprised of at least a beacon, a display assembly and a key. The beacon receives a GPS signal, calculates its position and wirelessly re-broadcasts the encrypted position. The display assembly is only able to receive and decrypt the encrypted position information when in close proximity to the key. The location of the beacon is thereby only available to the person who has both the display assembly and the key. Because both the key and the display assembly must be in close proximity to each other the likelihood of an unauthorized person being able to receive location of the beacon is reduced. Optionally, the display assembly may have alert parameters to notify the user of the display assembly when the beacon has crossed a predetermined boundary.

Abstract: A wearable personal tracking device that can communicate over a cellular network. The device includes a wrist mounted part, having a wristband and a clasp which holds the wristband on to the wrist of a user. The band is remotely lockable, and also creates an alarm when opened while in a specified mode. The housing holds a position detecting part which detects the position of a user who is wearing said wrist mounted part, and a cellular transceiving part which communicates information including said information via the cellular network, e.g., via G3 cellular internet connectivity. The remote monitoring node can receive the latch alarm, and can also create a remote locking command, based on conditions.

Abstract: A handheld GNSS device for determining position data for a point of interest is provided. The device includes a housing, handgrips integral to the housing for enabling a user to hold the device, and a display screen integral with the housing for displaying image data and orientation data to assist a user in positioning the device. The device further includes a GNSS antenna and at least one communication antenna, both integral with the housing. The GNSS antenna receives position data from a plurality of satellites. One or more communication antennas receive positioning assistance data related to the position data from a base station. The GNSS antenna has a first antenna pattern, and the at least one communication antenna has a second antenna pattern. The GNSS antenna and the communication antenna(s) are configured such that the first and second antenna patterns are substantially separated. Coupled to the GNSS antenna, within the housing, is at least one receiver.

Abstract: A method of providing location-based insurance rate quotes and a system for implementing that method. The method comprises determining a property address proximate a mobile electronic device based on global positioning system signals received by the mobile electronic device, prompting a user of the mobile electronic device to input a name, requesting a determination of insurable property affiliated with the property address and the name, requesting an insurance rate quote for the insurable property, and receiving and displaying the insurance rate quote on the mobile electronic device.

Abstract: A rapidly deployable HF surface wave radar phased array antenna system is provided, including a plurality of separate antenna elements that are relatively movable to desired spaced apart positions, each antenna element including a respective receiver for receiving HF radio signals, wherein, in order to determine and control properties of the radar system, each element includes a GPS receiver for determining the location of each element and for timing and frequency synchronization.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a recording medium that includes both i) coordinates that are interoperable with a computerized satellite-based geographical positioning system and usable by that system to determine multiple geographical positions corresponding to a parcel of real estate and ii) other descriptive information corresponding to the parcel, such as photographs, written narrative descriptions, a property name or parcel number, or terms of a proposed transaction involving the parcel. Particular embodiments of the recording medium and uses therefor, such as in facilitating real estate transactions and communicating property descriptions are also disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to systems, methods, and computer program products for providing targeted product offers to a consumer's mobile device based on the consumer's current location, location history, transaction history, and purchase thresholds. Embodiments of the invention are also directed to systems, methods, and computer program products for obtaining feedback from the consumer in relation to an offer and providing a modified offer based on the feedback. In one embodiment, the feedback is a determination that a consumer is not interested in a merchant offer based on the consumer's substantially real-time location information and transaction information.

Abstract: An antenna assembly for receiving the GPS signals in a global positioning system (GPS) receiver module automatically orients the antenna to better receive the GPS signals. The antenna is oriented by a positioner (e.g., a counterweight) that automatically rotates a frame on which the antenna is mounted. The GPS receiver module may also include multiple antennas oriented in different directions to maintain good reception of the GPS signals in any position. The multiple antennas are oriented in a manner so that the poor reception range an antenna is covered by other antennas. Signals from multiple antennas may be combined or chosen for processing by a GPS processor. Also, multiple GPS receiver modules may be deployed in close proximity so that wireless communication between the GPS receiver modules may be established.

Abstract: A system and method for site calibration of a controller is provided. In one embodiment, a method may include determining coordinates of a point in a first coordinate system based on at least one measurement by a surveying device, determining coordinates of the point in a second coordinate system based on data provided by a global positioning device, and calculating a transformation of the first coordinate system relative to the second coordinate system based on the coordinates determined for the point. The method may further include calibrating the controller based, at least in part, on the transformation.

Abstract: A mobile device may determine its initial absolute location; may track using a plurality of sensors, its movements relative to the initial absolute location; and may generate location related data for a location based on that tracking. Tracking movement of the mobile device may comprise generating data corresponding to three-dimensional (3D) linear and/or rotational changes in position and/or location of the mobile device. The initial absolute location may be determined directly by the mobile device, based on GNSS signals and/or assisted GNSS (A-GNSS) data received from one or more location servers; and/or it may be estimated based on a location of a communication device that is communicatively coupled to the mobile device. The generated location related data may propagated by the mobile device to other mobile and/or communication devices, and/or to the location servers, where a reference database for supporting location related services (LBS) may be updated accordingly.