Providing Aiding Data (ipc) Patents (Class 342/357.42)
  • Patent number: 8638258
    Abstract: A GNSS enabled mobile device receives GNSS assistance data in a determined format from a central processing station communicatively coupled to a wide area reference network (WARN). The WARN comprises a first plurality of GNSS tracking stations from which usable signals are received by the central processing station, and a second plurality of GNSS tracking stations from which unusable or no signals are received by the central processing station. The central processing station generates the GNSS assistance data using a complete set of GNSS reference feeds of the WARN. The complete set of GNSS reference feeds comprises actual GNSS reference feeds from the first plurality of GNSS tracking stations and virtual GNSS reference feeds derived for the second plurality of GNSS tracking stations from processed actual GNSS reference feeds. The generated GNSS assistance data is reformatted into a determined format and is communicated to the GNSS enabled mobile device, accordingly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Charles Abraham, David Albert Lundgren
  • Patent number: 8634860
    Abstract: Methods, program products, and systems for location determination using cached location area codes are described. A mobile device can store a set of location area codes (LACs) of a cellular communications network on the mobile device. Each LAC can represent a location area of the cellular communications network that encompasses at least a predetermined number of cells. Each LAC can be further associated with an estimated geographic area. The estimated geographic area can be defined as a circle centered at a location and having a radius representing an uncertainty of the location. The mobile device can determine a current LAC of the mobile device based on a wirelessly received signal. The mobile device can determine a current location of the mobile device by performing a lookup in the stored set of LACs using the current LAC.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald K. Huang, Robert Mayor
  • Patent number: 8624778
    Abstract: A set of parameters for a plurality of satellites belonging to at least two different satellite systems is assembled. Further, a definition of a data structure is provided, the data structure including at least one section for parameters for a plurality of satellites belonging to at least two different satellite systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventors: Jari Tapani Syrjarinne, Lauri Aarne Johannes Wirola
  • Publication number: 20130342396
    Abstract: An optimum measurement subset with a specified number n of elements is generated from a set of N>n weighted input global navigation satellite system (GNSS) measurements. A group of trial measurement subsets is generated by removing a different individual weighted input GNSS measurement from the set. A value of accuracy criterion for a target parameter is calculated for each trial measurement subset, and the trial measurement subset with the minimum value of accuracy criterion is selected. A new group of trial measurement subsets is generated by removing a different individual weighted GNSS measurement from the previously selected trial measurement subset. A value of accuracy criterion is calculated for each new trial measurement subset, and a new trial measurement subset with the new minimum value of accuracy criterion is selected. The process is repeated until the selected trial measurement subset has the specified number n of elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Inventors: Raymond M. O'Connor, Ivan Giovanni Di Federico, Sergey Averin, Daniel Milyutin
  • Publication number: 20130328717
    Abstract: A device management system is comprised of a server-side proxy component and at least one back-end computer. The server-side proxy component is configured to receive ephermis and almanac data from a source and information from at least one client describing the geographic location of the client. The server-side proxy component is configured to send the ephermis and almanac data and the information from the client to a back-end computer to the back-end computer. Responsive to receiving this data and information, the computer compiles it into GPS data relevant to the location of the client.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: Honeywell International Inc. d/b/a Honeywell Scanning and Mobility
    Inventor: James Timothy Sauerwein, JR.
  • Publication number: 20130328718
    Abstract: A system and method of determining a pointing vector using two GPS antennas and a single GPS receiver is disclosed. Two stationary GPS antennas, with a separation preferably less than half of a wavelength (˜100 mm) may use a single receiver to determine the pointing vector of the system. Incorporation of a three axis angular rate measurement allows pointing determination during system rotation. Incorporation of three axis gyroscope system allows pointing determination while in motion. The system provides the ability to sense multipath and jamming. Also the system can potentially eliminate the impact and certainly alert the user that the measurement may not be reliable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventor: Robert D. Frey, JR.
  • Publication number: 20130293414
    Abstract: A global positioning system (GPS) and Doppler augmentation (GDAUG) end receiver (GDER) can include a GDAUG module. The GDAUG module can generate a GDER position using a time of flight (TOF) of a transponded GPS signal and a Doppler shift in a GDAUG satellite (GSAT) signal. The transponded GPS signal sent from a GSAT to the GDER can include a frequency shifted copy of a GPS signal from a GPS satellite to the GSAT. The GSAT signal can include a signal generated by the GSAT to the GDER.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2012
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventors: Ian S. Robinson, Mark Skidmore
  • Patent number: 8564479
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided to allow for the use of existing satellite identification parameters generically, so as to allow for Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS) identification. In addition, an optional or conditional parameter is linked to the satellite identification parameter for a frequency identification, where frequency identification is indicative of a Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA) frequency value. Such a frequency identification parameter is optional as it is needed only for current GLONASS and/or near-future GLONASS (e.g., GLONASS-M) satellites. Hence, utilization of the frequency identification parameter maybe unnecessary and therefore, not included/not linked when considering next generation GLONASS satellites, e.g., GLONASS-K satellites. Additionally, signals supported by particular global positioning system (GPS) satellites can be indicated with the use of generic satellite identification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventors: Jari Syrjärinne, Ismo Halivaara, Lauri Wirola
  • Patent number: 8554135
    Abstract: A method and system for controlling power dissipation in a base station of a navigation satellite system (NSS) is disclosed. One method utilizes a sensor to monitor one or more components of the base station. Then, based on information from the sensor, a transmission bit rate is increased from a pre-defined bit rate to an increased transmission bit rate for an NSS message transmitted from the base station without reducing transmission power level of the base station. The method also periodically provides a bit rate update signal at the pre-defined bit rate, the bit rate update signal informing a rover utilizing the base station of the increased transmission bit rate for the NSS message transmitted from the base station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventor: Charles Branch
  • Publication number: 20130201056
    Abstract: A method and system for assisting mobile stations to locate a satellite use an efficient messaging format. A server computes a correction between coarse orbit data of a satellite and precise orbit data of the satellite. A coordinate system is chosen such that variation of the correction is substantially smooth over time. The server further approximates the correction with mathematical functions to reduce the number of bits necessary for transmission to a mobile station. The mobile station, upon receiving the coefficients, evaluates the mathematical functions using the coefficients and a time of applicability (e.g., the current time), converts the evaluated result to a standard coordinate system, and applies the conversion result to the coarse orbit data to obtain the precise orbit data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: QUALCOMM INCORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael James Wengler, Leonid Sheynblat, Mark Leo Moeglein, Zoltan Biacs, Arnold Jason Gum
  • Patent number: 8502732
    Abstract: The subject matter disclosed herein relates to a system and method for acquiring signal received from space vehicles (SVs) in a satellite navigation system. In one example, although claimed subject matter is not so limited, information processed in acquiring a signal from a first SV may be used in acquiring a signal from a second SV.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventor: Rayman Wai Pon
  • Patent number: 8493267
    Abstract: A method and system for assisting mobile stations to locate a satellite use an efficient messaging format. A server computes a correction between coarse orbit data of a satellite and precise orbit data of the satellite. A coordinate system is chosen such that variation of the correction is substantially smooth over time. The server further approximates the correction with mathematical functions to reduce the number of bits necessary for transmission to a mobile station. The mobile station, upon receiving the coefficients, evaluates the mathematical functions using the coefficients and a time of applicability (e.g., the current time), converts the evaluated result to a standard coordinate system, and applies the conversion result to the coarse orbit data to obtain the precise orbit data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Michael James Wengler, Leonid Sheynbiat, Mark Leo Moeglein, Zolton Blac, Arnold Jason Gum
  • Patent number: 8466835
    Abstract: A non-GPS satellite-based system enables correction of a local clock in a user device to facilitate GPS-based location determination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Elwell, Jr., Robert D. Tingley
  • Patent number: 8456357
    Abstract: A communication device is provided which includes a positioning information receiving portion that receives positioning information, by wireless signal, from another communication device, the positioning information including first satellite orbit information that indicates respective orbits of a specific number of satellites and position information that indicates a position of the other communication device, an initialization processing portion that performs initialization processing that specifies, based on the positioning information received by the positioning information receiving portion, from among the specific number of satellites, a plurality of satellites transmitting satellite signals that can be received by the communication device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Katsuyuki Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20130135147
    Abstract: A method and system for precise position determination of general Internet Protocol (IP) network-connected devices. A method enables use of remote intelligence located at strategic network points to distribute relevant assistance data to IP devices with embedded receivers. Assistance is tailored to provide physical timing, frequency and real time signal status data using general broadband communication protocols. Relevant assistance data enables several complementary forms of signal processing gain critical to acquire and measure weakened or distorted in-building Global Navigation Satellite Services (GNSS) signals and to ultimately extract corresponding pseudo-range time components. A method to assemble sets of GNSS measurements that are observed over long periods of time while using standard satellite navigation methods, and once compiled, convert using standard methods each pseudo-range into usable path distances used to calculate a precise geographic position to a known degree of accuracy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2013
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: IPOSI, INC.
    Inventor: IPOSI, INC.
  • Patent number: 8436769
    Abstract: An apparatus for performing Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) control includes: a GNSS receiver arranged to obtain/calculate at least one position of the apparatus; and an assistance data provider implemented within the apparatus, wherein the assistance data provider is arranged to provide the GNSS receiver with assistance data for use of obtaining/calculating the at least one position, and the assistance data provider selectively selects a specific assistance mode from a plurality of assistance modes for the GNSS receiver according to at least one predefined rule, with the assistance data corresponding to the specific assistance mode. Associated methods and storage media are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Mediatek Inc.
    Inventors: Kung-Shuan Huang, Ching-Hua Chen
  • Patent number: 8433334
    Abstract: Methods, program products, and systems for managing a location database are described. A server computer can receive location information from location-aware mobile devices (e.g., GPS-enabled devices) located within a communication range of access points of a wireless communications network. The server computer can calculate average geographic locations using the received locations for each access point. Based on the average geographic locations, the server computer can assign the access points to cells of a geographic grid. The server computer can filter the access points in each cell based on popularity, stability, longevity, and freshness of the access point and the received data. When a second mobile device connects to an access point in a cell, the server computer can transmit locations of the access points in the cell and in neighboring cells to the second mobile device such that a location of the second mobile device can be estimated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald K. Huang, Markus Fischer, Seejo Pylappan
  • Publication number: 20130099965
    Abstract: The invention relates to a positioning of an assembly 1. An assembly 1 comprises a GNSS receiver 3 and a wireless communication module 2 and may exchange GNSS information with other assemblies 1 using cellular or non-cellular links. Relative positions between assemblies 1 are determined based on GNSS measurements at the assemblies 1. An API 70 supports a communication between a GNSS receiver 3 and a wireless communication module 2. A positioning is made controllable by a user interface 122. A positioning server 4, 6 may forward information from one assembly 1 to the other or take care of the position computations for assemblies 1. An absolute positioning is enabled by means of a GNSS receiver 7 arranged at a known location and coupled to such a server 4. A network of positioning servers enables an information exchange between positioning servers 4, 5, 6.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: Nokia Corporation
    Inventor: Nokia Corporation
  • Publication number: 20130099966
    Abstract: A communication device within a GNSS group propagates GNSS assistance data to one or more other communication devices in the GNSS group. The GNSS assistance data includes ephemeris received from one or more GNSS satellites and/or predicted ephemeris. As a source device, the communication device generates, and/or acquires from other resources such as a remote location server, the predicted ephemeris. As a destination device, the communication device receives existing GNSS assistance data from a source device and/or other communication devices in the GNSS group. A GNSS position for the communication device and corresponding time information are used to refresh the received GNSS assistance data. In instances where the communication device further acts as a relay device, the refreshed GNSS assistance data is relayed to other communication devices over wired and/or wireless direct device-to-device connections utilizing appropriate communication technologies such as WiFi, Bluetooth and/or Bluetooth low energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventor: Broadcom Corporation
  • Publication number: 20130088384
    Abstract: In one or more embodiments described herein, there is provided an apparatus including a memory having computer code stored thereon, and a processor. The code is configured to cause the apparatus to: receive partial GNSS data from one or more GNSS satellites relating to the geographical location of a first portable electronic device, wherein the received partial GNSS data is insufficient for determining the geographical location of the first portable electronic device; communicate with one or more further portable electronic devices in proximity to the first portable electronic device to access partial GNSS data relating to the geographical location of the respective further portable electronic devices; and use the accessed partial GNSS data of the further portable electronic devices to supplement the received partial GNSS data of the first portable electronic device to thereby determine the geographical location of the first device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Applicant: Nokia Corporation
    Inventors: Jari Tapani Syrjarinne, Altti Samuli Jokinen
  • Patent number: 8386589
    Abstract: A system automates the provision of embedded software to an embedded system. The system may include a portable device having a portable device application that provides the embedded software to the embedded system, a communication link coupling the portable device to the embedded system, and an embedded software manager that accesses one or more embedded software components through the communication link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: QNX Software Systems Limited
    Inventors: Derrick Keefe, Dan Cardamore
  • Publication number: 20130033397
    Abstract: A method, non-transitory computer readable medium, and apparatus that determines a GPS location includes obtaining assisted GPS data of locations of a plurality of GPS satellites, current time, and initial location data of the receiver computing device. A GPS signal from one or more of the plurality of GPS satellites within a frequency range and time range is acquired based on the obtained assisted GPS data, current time, and initial location data of the receiver computing device. The one or more acquired GPS signals are integrated over a frame period of two or more seconds. A GPS location for the receiver computing device is determined based on the one or more integrated GPS signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2012
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Applicant: Spectracom Corporation
    Inventors: John Fischer, Gilles Boime, Denis Reilly, Michael Sander, David Sohn
  • Publication number: 20130033398
    Abstract: Method, arrangement and system for improving a combined use of a plurality of different satellite navigation systems, in which each of the plurality of different satellite navigation systems includes a constellation of at least one satellite. The method includes broadcasting from each satellite of the constellation of a first satellite navigation system the clock models for all satellites of the constellation of a second satellite navigation system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Applicant: ASTRIUM GMBH
    Inventor: Hans L. TRAUTENBERG
  • Patent number: 8358243
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for use by devices within a wireless communication network to request and/or provide sensitivity assistance information signals associated with one or more Satellite Positioning Systems (SPSs).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Ie-Hong Lin, Douglas Neal Rowitch, Sven Fischer
  • Patent number: 8358245
    Abstract: Aspects of a method and system for extending the usability period of long term orbit (LTO) are provided. A GPS enabled handset may receive LTO data from an AGPS server via a wireless communication network such as 3GPP or WiMAX. The GPS enabled handset may be enabled to receive broadcast GPS signals. The GPS enabled handset may extract navigation information from the received broadcast GPS signals to be used to adjust the received LTO data. The usability period of the received LTO data may be extended, accordingly. A clock model and a satellite health model associated with the extracted navigation information may be used to update or replace the clock model and/or the satellite health model of the received LTO data, respectively. A navigation solution for the GPS enabled handset may be determined more accurately based on the adjusted LTO data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventor: Frank van Diggelen
  • Publication number: 20130009813
    Abstract: A GNSS enabled mobile device receives GNSS assistance data in a determined format from a central processing station communicatively coupled to a wide area reference network (WARN). The WARN comprises a first plurality of GNSS tracking stations from which usable signals are received by the central processing station, and a second plurality of GNSS tracking stations from which unusable or no signals are received by the central processing station. The central processing station generates the GNSS assistance data using a complete set of GNSS reference feeds of the WARN. The complete set of GNSS reference feeds comprises actual GNSS reference feeds from the first plurality of GNSS tracking stations and virtual GNSS reference feeds derived for the second plurality of GNSS tracking stations from processed actual GNSS reference feeds. The generated GNSS assistance data is reformatted into a determined format and is communicated to the GNSS enabled mobile device, accordingly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Charles Abraham, David Albert Lundgren
  • Patent number: 8350755
    Abstract: A communication device within a GNSS group propagates GNSS assistance data to one or more other communication devices in the GNSS group utilizing direct device-to-device connections. The GNSS assistance data comprises ephemeris received from one or more GNSS satellites and/or predicted ephemeris. As a source device, the communication device generates, and/or acquires from other resources such as a remote location server, the predicted ephemeris. As a destination device, the communication device receives existing GNSS assistance data from a source device and/or other communication devices in the GNSS group. A GNSS position for the communication device and corresponding time information are used to refresh the received GNSS assistance data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Charles Abraham, Mark Buer, David Garrett, Jeyhan Karaoguz, David Albert Lundgren, David Murray
  • Patent number: 8319684
    Abstract: A method and system for assisting mobile stations to locate a satellite use an efficient messaging format. A server computes a correction between coarse orbit data of a satellite and precise orbit data of the satellite. A coordinate system is chosen such that variation of the correction is substantially smooth over time. The server further approximates the correction with mathematical functions to reduce the number of bits necessary for transmission to a mobile station. The mobile station, upon receiving the coefficients, evaluates the mathematical functions using the coefficients and a time of applicability (e.g., the current time), converts the evaluated result to a standard coordinate system, and applies the conversion result to the coarse orbit data to obtain the precise orbit data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Michael James Wengler, Leonid Sheynblat, Mark Leo Moeglein, Zoltan F. Biacs, Arnold Jason Gum
  • Publication number: 20120262335
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for pairing measurements and position estimate as an information pair from multiple mobile devices and reporting these information pairs to a server without over burdening the mobile device and without requiring the mobile devices to establish a new link. Also, disclosed is an apparatus and method for collecting these information pairs and compiling network maps based on the information pairs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Alejandro R. Holcman, Manish Tripathi, Mukesh K. Mittal
  • Publication number: 20120256790
    Abstract: A system and method for reducing peak loads on a network, includes: a server in communication with a plurality of GPS receivers, the receivers sending requests for an ephemeris to the server when a time of ephemeris (TOE) for a previous ephemeris expires; and the ephemeris received by the receivers being adjusted by the addition of a value to the TOE of the ephemeris, the value being randomly adjusted to a 16 second interval between 16 seconds and 30 minutes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2010
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Applicant: RX NETWORKS INC.
    Inventors: Eric Derbez, Ashkan Izadpanah
  • Publication number: 20120229335
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for locating position of a remote receiver is described. In one example, long term satellite tracking data is obtained at a remote receiver. Satellite positioning system (SPS) satellites are detected. Pseudoranges are determined from the remote receiver to the detected SPS satellites. Position of the remote receiver is computed using the pseudoranges and the long term satellite tracking data. SPS satellites may be detected using at least one of acquisition assistance data computed using a previously computed position and a blind search. Use of long term satellite tracking data obviates the need for the remote receiver to decode ephemeris from the satellites. In addition, position of the remote receiver is computed without obtaining an initial position estimate from a server or network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2012
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicants: Global Locate, Inc., Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Frank Van Diggelen, Sergei Podshivalov, Charles Abraham
  • Publication number: 20120229334
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for providing fine timing assistance to global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) via wireless local area network (WLAN). In one embodiment, a method for synchronizing a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receiver includes receiving, by a wireless device, via a wireless local area network (WLAN), fine time assistance information transmitted by an assisting device connected to the WLAN. A time value of a GNSS clock of the wireless device is adjusted based on the fine time assistance information. Based on the adjusted time value, GNSS codes of a GNSS positioning signal are acquired by the wireless device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Deric Wayne WATERS, Ariton E. XHAFA, Ramanuja VEDANTHAM
  • Publication number: 20120206295
    Abstract: A mobile computing device comprising processing components, memory components, and at least one wireless transmitter/receiver. The at least one wireless transmitter/receiver comprises a gps communication device and a network communication device. When at least a portion of gps location information is unable to be received by the gps communication device, the network communication device is configured to receive the gps location information from an additional mobile computing device across an ad-hoc network created between the two mobile computing devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicant: QUALCOMM INNOVATION CENTER, INC.
    Inventor: Xintian Li
  • Patent number: 8223071
    Abstract: A handheld electronic apparatus includes a positioning module, a sensing module, a constellation database, and a processing module. The positioning module generates location information associated with the handheld electronic apparatus according to a satellite signal received by the handheld electronic apparatus. The sensing module detects a vertical tilted angle and a horizontal observing direction associated with a positioned state of the handheld electronic apparatus. The processing module retrieves corresponding real-time constellation information from constellation data stored in the constellation database according to timing information, the location information, the vertical tilted angle, and the horizontal observing direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: MStar Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventors: Meng-Shu Lee, Wen Hung Chung, Fu-Yuan Cheng
  • Publication number: 20120169534
    Abstract: Requests for location fix for a mobile device, received from one or more Location Based Service (LBS) applications are queued in a queue in the mobile device. Based on information in a first queued request, the mobile device runs a location engine in a first fix mode to obtain a location fix for the mobile device, for a response to the first request. While the location engine is running to obtain the fix for the response to the first request, the mobile device analyzes information in a second queued request, to determine a second fix mode for response to the second request. Based on a comparison of the first and second fix modes, the mobile device may change the information in the second request to correspond to the first fix mode, before output of the second request from the queue to the location engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2011
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: Cellco Partnership d/b/a Verizon Wireless
    Inventors: Iftekhar RAHMAN, Kala NARAYANAN
  • Patent number: 8212720
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a method of detecting movement to aid GNSS receivers. By detecting when the user is stationary, the Doppler frequency estimation can be corrected or the SNR can be boosted more both of which lead to improved performance. The embodiments allow a GNSS receiver to process signals in when the signal level would otherwise be too low—for example indoors. The embodiments can improve performance when one or more satellites are temporarily blocked but one or more satellites are still being tracked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Deric W. Waters, June Chul Roh, Sandeep Rao
  • Patent number: 8212719
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for background decoding of a broadcast satellite-navigation message to maintain integrity of long-term-orbit information used in a Global-Navigation-Satellite System or other positioning system is described. The method may include processing the long-term-orbit information associated with at least one satellite to obtain a first position of a receiver; obtaining at least one portion of broadcast ephemeris transmitted from the at least one satellite; and processing, as a substitute for at least one portion of the long-term-orbit information, the at least one portion of broadcast ephemeris to obtain a second position of the receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Global Locate, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank Van Diggelen, Matthew Riben
  • Publication number: 20120162007
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for processing a set of GNSS signal data derived from code observations and carrier-phase observations at multiple receivers of GNSS signals of multiple satellites over multiple epochs, the GNSS signals having at least two carrier frequencies and a navigation message containing orbit information, comprising: obtaining precise orbit information for each satellite, determining at least one set of ambiguities per receiver, each ambiguity corresponding to one of a receiver-satellite link and a satellite-receiver-satellite link, and using at least the precise orbit information, the ambiguities and the GNSS signal data to estimate a phase-leveled clock per satellite.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2010
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: TRIMBLE NAVIGATION LIMITED
    Inventors: Rodrigo Leandro, Markus Glocker, Stephan Seeger
  • Publication number: 20120146850
    Abstract: This document describes various techniques for implementing low-energy GPS on a mobile device. A GPS module is activated, a sub-millisecond pseudo-range estimate is received from the GPS module, the GPS module is deactivated, the sub-millisecond pseudo-range estimate and a time stamp are transmitted to a remote entity, and location information based on the sub-millisecond pseudo-range estimate and time stamp is received from the remote entity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Inventors: Jie Liu, Nissanka Arachchige Bodhi Priyantha, Heitor Soares Ramos Filho
  • Publication number: 20120127031
    Abstract: A method of predicting a location of a satellite is provided wherein the GPS device, based on previously received information about the position of a satellite, such as an ephemeris, generates a correction acceleration of the satellite that can be used to predict the position of the satellite outside of the time frame in which the previously received information was valid. The calculations can be performed entirely on the GPS device, and do not require assistance from a server. However, if assistance from a server is available to the GPS device, the assistance information can be used to increase the accuracy of the predicted position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2012
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: RX Networks Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Derbez, Guylain Roy-Machabee, Dave Cayer
  • Patent number: 8184045
    Abstract: The invention provides a method of processing signals from a satellite positioning system in which a user inputs an approximate indication of current position, and this is used when processing satellite samples to reduce the processing required or increase the reliability. This approach avoids the need for an automated approximate location system (for example using cellular telephony). This represents a change in the way GPS (or other satellite systems) is used. Instead of relying on a GPS system to provide a location in entirely automated manner, the approach is for the user to give an approximate location (which will generally be known), and for the GPS system then to correct this and provide an accurate location. This approach can enable the GPS system to function in areas where it would normally be unreliable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: NXP B.V.
    Inventors: Christopher B. Marshall, Saul Dooley
  • Patent number: 8174438
    Abstract: A positioning apparatus and the associated positioning method are provided. The positioning apparatus includes a wireless communication unit, a storage unit, a positioning module and a control unit. The wireless communication unit generates a detection signal. The storage unit coupled to the wireless communication module stores assistance positioning data. The positioning module coupled to the storage unit generates coordinate information according to a satellite signal and the assistance positioning data. The control unit coupled to the wireless communication module, the storage unit and the positioning module determines whether the assistance positioning data is valid. When the assistance positioning data is invalid, the control unit controls the wireless communication module to generate the detection signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: MStar Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventor: Yung-Chi Fan
  • Patent number: 8170796
    Abstract: An apparatus comprising a position system configured to determine a global positioning (GPS) change vector, and an inertial navigation system (INS) change vector. The position system is configured to determine a relative position between a first platform and a second platform based on the GPS change vector and the INS change vector, and the position system is configured to correct a GPS position calculation error based on the GPS change vector and the INS change vector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Guidance and Electronics Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Gang Kevin Liu, Robert John Buchler
  • Patent number: 8169365
    Abstract: A communication system includes a reference station and a mobile station. The reference station is operable to: receive GPS signals; generate GPS assisting data from the received GPS signals; receive SBAS signals; obtain SBAS data from the received SBAS signals; combine the GPS assisting data and the SBAS data to produce combined GPS data; and transmit the combined GPS data via a terrestrial wireless communication. The mobile station is operable to: receive the GPS signals; receive the combined GPS data via the terrestrial wireless communication; and generate positioning data from the mobile received GPS signals and the combined GPS data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventor: Kambiz Shoarinejad
  • Patent number: 8170082
    Abstract: Embodiments related to cross-talk mitigation are described and depicted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventor: Andreas Schmid
  • Publication number: 20120075141
    Abstract: A GNSS enabled handset receives signals from different resources comprising GNSS satellites and/or from a wireless network. The GNSS enabled handset acquires location information comprising various positioning resource data comprising GPS data and/or WiFi data from the received signals. The GNSS enabled handset calculates a plurality of possible position fixes based on the acquired location information using various positioning approaches. A current position fix associated with the GNSS enabled handset is determined based on the plurality of calculated possible position fixes via running a location-based service (LBS) client on the GNSS enabled handset. The LBS client determines the plurality of possible position fixes using various positioning approaches in a particular or determined order. Confidence levels for each of the calculated plurality of possible positions are determined and used to refine the current position fix.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2011
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Inventors: Andrei Kosolobov, David Albert Lundgren, Steven Malkos
  • Publication number: 20120075140
    Abstract: A GNSS enabled mobile device receives GNSS assistance data in a determined format from a central processing station communicatively coupled to a wide area reference network (WARN). The WARN comprises a first plurality of GNSS tracking stations from which usable signals are received by the central processing station, and a second plurality of GNSS tracking stations from which unusable or no signals are received by the central processing station. The central processing station generates the GNSS assistance data using a complete set of GNSS reference feeds of the WARN. The complete set of GNSS reference feeds comprises actual GNSS reference feeds from the first plurality of GNSS tracking stations and virtual GNSS reference feeds derived for the second plurality of GNSS tracking stations from processed actual GNSS reference feeds. The generated GNSS assistance data is reformatted into a determined format and is communicated to the GNSS enabled mobile device, accordingly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2011
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Inventors: Charles Abraham, David Albert Lundgren
  • Patent number: 8145234
    Abstract: A geographic cell identification (cell ID) database is updated on the fly as, for example, roaming user equipment (UE) reports its location during Assisted Global Positioning System (A-GPS) operations. The cell ID database relates network locations to corresponding geographic locations. The cell ID database is used to retrieve a corresponding geographic location in response to the network location at which the UE reports being located. If it is found that the cell ID database does not contain the network location reported by the UE, the geographic location of the UE can be estimated using information in the reported network location, such as Mobile Network Code, Mobile Country Code, Local Area Code and Cell ID. The geographic location can then be used to obtain A-GPS assistance data for the UE. Once assistance information has been provided to the UE and the UE has determined its geographic location, the cell ID database can be updated with the determined geographic location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLC
    Inventors: Leslie Paul Leonard, John Mark Dammrose
  • Patent number: 8134500
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for locating position of a remote receiver is described. In one example, long term satellite tracking data is obtained at a remote receiver. Satellite positioning system (SPS) satellites are detected. Pseudoranges are determined from the remote receiver to the detected SPS satellites. Position of the remote receiver is computed using the pseudoranges and the long term satellite tracking data. SPS satellites may be detected using at least one of acquisition assistance data computed using a previously computed position and a blind search. Use of long term satellite tracking data obviates the need for the remote receiver to decode ephemeris from the satellites. In addition, position of the remote receiver is computed without obtaining an initial position estimate from a server or network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Global Locate, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank van Diggelen, Sergei Podshivalov, Charles Abraham
  • Patent number: 8134497
    Abstract: A method and system for delivery of location-dependent time-specific corrections. In one embodiment, a first extended-lifetime correction for a first region is generated. A distribution timetable is used to determine a first time interval for transmitting the first extended-lifetime correction to the first region. The first extended-lifetime correction is then transmitted via a wireless communication network to said first region in accordance with said distribution timetable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventors: James M. Janky, Ulrich Vollath, Nicholas C. Talbot