Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods for tracking movement in a marine environment. At least one tracking device that is adapted to be deployed on a surface of the water, wherein the tracking device is capable of moving along the same trajectory of a desired object. Data from the tracking devices are received by at least one satellite, transmitted to a database, and used to determine the forecasted trajectory of the desired object. All data collected from deployed tracking devices may be integrated into a spatial data repository for analysis and reporting using GIS and associated information technologies, thereby allowing for more accurate decision-making and asset deployment during a fluid spill or similar marine contamination event. The present invention also allows for the collection and modeling of accurate localized sea current data, which may assist with marine and coastal engineering works such as shoreline protection and port dredging.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems, methods, and machines for tracking a fluid spill. The method includes obtaining real-time location data for a number of tracking devices from a positioning satellite data repository, integrating the location data of each of the tracking devices into a comprehensive spatial data repository, determining a deployment location for each of the tracking devices, identifying, responsive to the deployment locations, a fluid-spill subset of the tracking devices that were deployed in the fluid spill, determining a fluid spill location based on the geographic locations of the fluid-spill subset, and generating a geographic map depicting the fluid spill location. A new sensor-driven paradigm is used that combines practical data gathering methods with advanced enterprise information technologies.

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

Abstract: 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: An portable tracking device integrating a mobile phone module (e.g. based on GSM or 3G networks), a GPS module, a radio Beacon and ultrasonic beacon. The tracking device is normally in a hibernated state when the entire device consumes little energy and require no periodically changing or recharging batteries to power the device. It consumes power from the primary battery only when a tracking process is actually taken place. With this portable tracking device on the person who is unable to affirmatively report his or her whereabout, the remote center and/or a search team can communicate the GPS module, radio beacon and ultrasonic beacon of the tracking device via the mobile phone module based on existing wireless communication technologies, such SMS, GPRS, ect, on GSM or 3 G networks, which also serves as a means of initial rough estimation of the tracking device's location.

Abstract: A method employed for threat analysis based on the passive-radar principle, using the transmitter in navigation satellites, a plurality of receiving stations, which are operated distributed over wide regions, and at least one evaluation center. The receiving stations act as wake-up sensors, transmit their received signals to at least one evaluation center for comparison with expected signals from each navigation satellite and sensing of a threat. Depending on the result, radar systems are operated on a stationary or mobile basis, can then be used with their higher-quality antenna systems on a three-dimensional basis to obtain more precise details relating to a conspicuous entity and the threat which may possibly originate from it in a possible target region or to a mobile or stationary threatened object, and then to make it possible to decide on any currently required protective or defensive measures.

Abstract: The present receive antenna interface for an RF (radio frequency) transceiver includes a transmitting and receiving antenna. The receive antenna interface also includes a relay and an electrically-isolated transmit-ground connector that are configured such that the receiving antenna is not capable of being used by the transceiver unless the transmit-ground connector is connected to a ground-on-transmit connector provided by the transceiver. As a result, damage from the accidental transmission of RF signals into the receiving circuitry of the transceiver is prevented.

Abstract: A method for the geolocation of a device transmitting a signal containing at least one message to a plurality of relay satellites in a medium earth orbit, visible from said device, receiving said message and transmitting it to processing means, comprises at least the following steps: determination of the times of reception of the message by the relay satellites; determination of the pseudo-distances between the device and the relay satellites; searching for and acquiring a minimum number N of satellite radio navigation signals; determination of the time lags between the transmission of the radio navigation signals and their reception by the said device; broadcasting by the device of these time lags in the message; and, determination of the position of the device from at least the pseudo-distances, from the time lags and from the positioning coordinates of the relay satellites and of the radio navigation satellites.

Abstract: A personal locator beacon (PLB) that is used to transmit a radio frequency emergency distress signal. The PLB contains a GPS receiver to determine the exact global positioning coordinates of the beacon. The transmitted distress signal contains a security message that is represented through at least one bit. This bit is embedded into the standard bit string that is transmitted and can warn of impending danger at the beacon location, such as a hostage situation. The beacon is triggered through different varieties of user interfaces that utilize assorted combinations of actuators and numeric keypads. Another bit can also be embedded into the standard bit stream to represent whether or not the beacon is used by the military.

Abstract: A device and system for use in emergency management operations before and after a disaster. The device incorporates a GPS and a radio with very simplified, pre-programmed instructions which are uploaded automatically in the device's memory via wireless technology prior to the unit's first use at a disaster site. Maps of areas to be searched are uploaded into the device and the areas covered during the search are retained in the devices' memory. A unique feature enables the searcher to quickly indicate a specific need or service at a particular location during the search, which information automatically is geocoded and time/date stamped once the user saves the information inputted. Via wireless technology areas that have been searched during an operational period are downloaded to a base unit and areas to be searched the following operational period are uploaded to the portable units at the beginning of the day.

Abstract: An emergency notification system for a mobile device. The system includes a mobile device application that is adapted to be stored in memory on the mobile device. The application, upon activation during an emergency, determines the GPS coordinates of the mobile device, records digital images over a period of time, sends a preset message from the mobile device to at least one recipient, preferably a emergency responder, and sends the GPS coordinates and the digital images. The coordinates and images may be sent to a remote server for storage and which can be accessed by the emergency provider. The coordinates and images are periodically updated and sent while the program is activated. The application can be hidden during operation.

Abstract: A detection system and method having at least one detection unit, and a control center unit. The detection unit includes at least one sensor configured to generate sensor data correlated to sensed conditions, a locator for actively determining location data corresponding to the location of the detection unit, and a communicator configured to communicate the sensor data and location data. The control center includes a receiver for receiving the sensor data and the location data, together with a control processor which is configured to determine a threat level correlated to the sensor data.

Abstract: Operating techniques and methodologies for a body area network of medical devices are provided. One technique relates to an intelligent channel hopping scheme that detects loss of wireless synchronization on an initial wireless channel, thereafter obtains a measure of quality for the initial wireless channel, and then selects a new wireless channel when the obtained measure of quality fails to satisfy a threshold criteria. Another operating technique dynamically adapts an ordered list of available wireless channels in accordance with a quality measure of the available wireless channels. Thus, when quality degradation associated with a first wireless channel is detected, the ordered list can be updated to indicate a lower preference for the first wireless channel and to indicate a higher preference for a second wireless channel that does not suffer from quality degradation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for supporting an Assisted Global Positioning System (AGPS) during emergency service in a communication system are provided. The system includes a client, an integration location server, and a dual mode Mobile Station (MS). The client requests MS location information for emergency service. The integration location server receives MS access information and sends a location information request. The dual mode MS receives the location request, activates a second communication modem, and performs an AGPS operation with the integration location server.

Abstract: Provided are an apparatus for searching a distress signal and a controlling method thereof. The apparatus for searching a distress signal includes: a beacon receiver receiving the distress signal transmitted from a distress beacon apparatus of a COSPAS-SARSAT system; a decoder decoding the distress signal to acquire distress information; and a display unit displaying the acquired distress information. The apparatus for searching a distress signal is used by a search and rescue team.

Abstract: A warning system is provided, which is particularly useful as a person overboard warning system. The system comprises a trigger part, worn by a crew member, which emits a signal on immersion in water. This is received by a receiver part on the vessel and automatically causes a transmitter part, also on the vessel, to send a further warning signal to one or more other locations remote from the vessel. These remote locations may be other vessels or land based sites, for instance operated by the coastguard or other rescue agencies. The automatic nature of the onward transmission of the signal received by the vessel makes the system particularly suited to single handed sailors.

Abstract: An automatically provisioned passenger safety and locator device is described. In one aspect, the locator device includes a microcontroller with a processor coupled to the memory comprising computer-program instructions executable by the processor that, responsive to activation, detects a seat number for the seat of a plurality of seats coupled to a transportation vehicle. The seat is in proximity to and in association with the tracking apparatus. Additionally, the computer program instructions generate and communicate a signal to a search and rescue center. The signal includes the seat number and location coordinates of the tracking apparatus. The seat number is utilized by the search rescue team to facilitate respective operations by determining personal information associated with any passenger assigned to the seat.

Abstract: A method of two-way data and voice communication with a user utilizing a portable device having a cellular transceiver module, GPS module, an emergency call button, and a base station comprising the steps of storing a first user profile and at least a second user profile. The user profile includes a user identification, a contact person and a first location data, storing a second user profile having at least a second contact person and a second location data, powering the GPS module. The user profile collecting GPS location data from the GPS module and storing location into a memory location, causing at least one of the portable device and said base station to communicate with a response center and transmitting the GPS location data to the response center. The response center selecting a response as a function of the GPS location data, first location data, and second location data.

Abstract: The invention provides an emergency communication device capable of transmitting an emergency alert signal using more than one wireless communication system. When a commercial wireless carrier network is available, the device transmits the emergency alert signal to a central monitoring service via the wireless carrier network. When no wireless carrier network is available, the device transmits the emergency alert signal to an emergency search and rescue (SAR) satellite system. The device includes a first transmitter for transmitting the emergency alert signal to the SAR satellite system, a receiver for receiving location determination signals from Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites, and a second transmitter for transmitting the emergency alert signal by way of the wireless carrier network.

Abstract: A wireless location tracking device (WLTD) includes a global position system (GPS) for receiving signals and generating data for determining a geographic location of the wireless location tracking device (WLTD). The WLTD further includes a transceiver for receiving an incoming call from a caller requesting a location of the wireless location tracking device. A processor includes a map database for receiving and applying data from the GPS to determine a geographic location of the WLTD in reference to the map database. The processor further controls the transceiver to automatically call back the caller for transmitting a short message to indicate the geographic location of the WLTD.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a system and a method to locate moving objects, such as people, pets and vehicles, over a wide area, by attaching small wireless devices, such as Bluetooth transceivers, to said objects and determining the location of said devices. The location of said wireless devices is determined by achieving ad-hoc short range wireless connectivity between said devices and communication devices such as Bluetooth enabled mobile phones that pass by, where said latter communication devices can be located by other means, such as GPS or network-based techniques.