Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for reducing communications between servers and a mobile device and providing enhanced security and privacy to wireless beacon services. This can involve a broadcast device transmitting a beacon transmission using a short range wireless radio, such a Bluetooth or WiFi, and including a MAC address, a first unique identifier, and a beacon service identifier. The mobile device then selects one or more unique identifiers from received beacon transmissions, by filtering (that is, selecting) those beacon transmissions which include the beacon service identifier. The wireless device then takes further action, if the first unique identifier is present among the selected one or more unique identifiers, using stored information from the server. The stored information may be delivered to the wireless device in response to the wireless device sending the first unique identifier to a server, or the stored information may have been previously downloaded.

Abstract: An ultra-wideband (“UWB”) communication system comprising a transmitter having two transmit antennas and a receiver having a single receive antenna. Respective selected portions of the UWB signal are transmitted by the transmitter via each of transmit antennas is received at the receive antenna. By comparing the phases of the received signal portions, the phase difference of departure can be determined. From this phase difference and the known distance, d, between the transmit antennas, the Cartesian (x,y) location of the transmitter relative to the receiver can be directly determined.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an antenna assembly. The antenna assembly comprises a rear cover with a closed metal frame and a circuit board arranged in the rear cover. A plurality of antenna units are arranged, each of which comprises an antenna slot and a first metal portion and a second metal portion which separates the metal frame through the antenna slot, a plurality of phase converters are arranged on the circuit board. Compared with the related art, the antenna assembly provided by the invention has the beneficial effect of good aesthetics, fast heat diffusion, good radiation performance and good antenna gain and space coverage.

Abstract: An electronic device may be provided with wireless circuitry that includes antenna structures used to determine the position and orientation of the electronic device relative to external wireless equipment. The electronic device may include a housing having a planar conductive layer, a first slot antenna that includes a first bent slot element in the planar conductive layer, and a second slot antenna that includes a second bent slot element in the planar conductive layer. The first and second bent slot elements may be configured to receive radio-frequency signals at the same frequency. The first and second bent slot elements may have the same shape. The electronic device may include control circuitry configured to measure a phase difference between the radio-frequency signals received by the first and second slot antennas. The control circuitry may identify an angle of arrival of the received radio-frequency signals based on the measured phase difference.

Abstract: Gauging consumer interest of in-person visitors is described. In one or more embodiments, a promotional apparatus having a display screen and a wireless beacon is deployed at a venue. The promotional apparatus presents a video having multiple video segments. During the presentation, the beacon and a mobile device of a venue visitor communicate wirelessly to determine a proximity of the visitor to the display screen. Multiple distances are determined at multiple times. A path of movement can be determined from the distances over time. If the visitor alters a direction of travel to veer toward the screen or stops walking close to the screen, a system infers that the video has engaged the visitor's attention. By linking particular video segments to times at which the mobile device is proximate to the display screen, the system can further infer consumer interest in specific product features being shown at those times.

Abstract: A route guidance service apparatus includes: a checking unit configured to check a particular floor in a destination building based on a destination keyword; a calculation unit configured to calculate an output level of the particular floor based on building information related to the destination building so as to distinguish the particular floor from other floors; and a control unit configured to perform a control operation such that floor information related to the particular floor is separately arranged at a position adjacent to the destination building when the particular layer is selected.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for device location are described. In one example embodiment, an apparatus and method for determining a location of a mobile device is presented using a single narrowband radio system. In one implementation, Bluetooth is utilized. Using the single base operating with the narrowband radio, the location of the mobile device is found by applying both angle determination and distance determination. Using phased array antennas, the angle between receiver and base is determined. The distance is determined using a time-of-flight method based on phase comparison and phase lock loop techniques which can be applied in narrowband radio transceivers.

Abstract: Methods and systems for determining an angle of arrival (AoA) of a RF emitter signal utilizing phase comparisons between pairs of antennas from among two closely spaced antenna elements and a third antenna element fixedly positioned more distant, and a combination of TDOA and PI techniques, to resolve PI ambiguities. Overlapping AoA ambiguity patterns with different angular spacings may be resolved by TDOA techniques. A span of TDOA AoA possibilities is obtained, centered at a solution to a TDOA angle calculation and bounded by a known TDOA measurement error range.

Abstract: Certain aspects of the present disclosure provide methods and apparatus for autonomous receive (RX) detection. One example method for wireless communications generally includes powering down a portion of a receive path in a first module; detecting, in a second module comprising another portion of the receive path, that a radio frequency (RF) signal has been received by the second module while the portion of the receive path in the first module is powered down; and sending a control signal to power up the portion of the receive path in the first module, based on the detection.

Abstract: A method for identifying a location of a mobile device is disclosed. The method includes during each of a plurality of instances of time: measuring one or more signal properties of one or more other devices across a time interval; obtaining an identifier from each of the one or more other devices; creating a data point to include the one or more signal properties; and storing the data point in a database. The method further includes analyzing the plurality data points in the database to determine clusters of data points; detecting an event at an input device of the mobile device; measuring one or more new signal properties of one or more of the plurality of other devices at one or more new times; creating a new data point from the one or more new signal properties; and identifying a first cluster corresponding to the new data point.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting a transition in positioning state of a mobile device relative to an indoor facility. The method, executed in a processor of the mobile device, comprises monitoring, based at least in part on global positioning system (GPS) data, for a positioning state of the mobile device as one of an indoor and an outside location relative to an indoor facility, determining a set of probabilistic weightings for respective ones of ambient data and the GPS data, the ambient data including one or more of received signal strength data, signal connectivity data, magnetic data, ambient lighting data and barometric data, and detecting a transition in positioning state of the mobile device from one of the indoor and the outside locations to another of the indoor and the outside locations when a weighted sum value based at least in part on the set of probabilistic weightings is one of above and below a predetermined state transition value.

Abstract: A device and associated methods for escaping from a venue when a threat is detected is described. Venues can be buildings or outside areas and contain the area where the threat constitutes a hazard to a protected person. Threats include fire, terrorists, gunmen, explosion, collapse, loss of critical resources and crowd panic. The device incorporates a machine learning system implemented with a neural network or other pattern matching system and is trained in steps. Pre-training is based on general requirements such as edge-detection and audio analysis. Principles and data for venue layouts and human behavior can be included. The produced model is further trained from data gathered from sensors and servers after entry into the venue. Operation of the model produces warnings of threats and a plan of escape with steps of the plan communicated to the protected person by audio, visual or tactile sensory channels.

Abstract: An avalanche self-rescue device uses an MEMS accelerometer and possibly a gyroscope in order to determine its orientation relative to the gravitational horizon. Whenever the device is oriented vertically with respect to the gravitational horizon (pointing gravitationally upwardly), a speaker emits a tone to so indicate and possibly a light illuminates in conjunction with the sound output. A different tone and possibly a different light output may be dispensed whenever the accelerometer is not oriented vertically with respect to the gravitational horizon. The device can be a standalone device, incorporated in an item of clothing, safety equipment, etc., or integrated into another electronic device such as a rescue beacon or a cellular phone.

Abstract: A mobile device includes a chemical sensor to detect chemicals in the environment in which the mobile device is present. The detected chemicals are analyzed and used to generate a chemical characteristic of the environment. The chemical characteristic of the environment is used to determine location related data for the mobile device. For example, an implemented within or remote chemical characteristic database that stores chemical characteristics associated with location related data may be searched based on the chemical characteristic of the environment to determine the location of the mobile device. The location related data may be a location of the mobile device or assistance data that may be used to assist in generating a more accurate position fix, e.g., using a satellite positioning system. The location related data may simply whether the mobile device is inside or outside or the floor of a multi-floor building.

Abstract: A lighting device includes a microwave sensor for adjusting its sensing range based on a range gate selected from multiple range gates. An active antenna module transmits first FMCW signal toward a target based on the selected range gate and for receiving second FMCW signal reflected from the target. The microwave sensor demodulates the first FMCW signal and the second FMCW signal to generate beat frequency signal. Then another demodulator demodulates the beat frequency signal to generate Doppler signal. The microwave sensor calculates a range between the microwave sensor and the target based on the beat frequency signal, calculates velocity of the target according to frequency of the Doppler signal, and determine whether to generate triggering signal according to the calculated velocity and the calculated range, when the object located within the range gate. The power module enables a lamp based on the triggering signal.

Abstract: Method and system for monitoring location of a mobile device relative to a region of interest includes defining a geographic region of interest, receiving a request to obtain notification when the mobile device leaves from, is present in or enters into the region of interest, determining when the mobile device leaves, is present in or enters into the region of interest, and automatically generating a notification signal upon departure of the mobile device from, presence of the mobile device in or entry of the mobile device into the region of interest without manual intervention by a user of the mobile device. It is therefore possible to monitor the departure of a mobile device, and thus presumably the user thereof, from one or more defined regions, the presence of the person in one or more defined regions, and also the entry of the person into one or more defined regions.

Abstract: Inferring location of a mobile computing device in an indoor environment and crowdsourcing radio frequency data are described herein. A location of the mobile computing device in the indoor environment is inferred based upon known physical constraints of the indoor environment and data from an inertial sensor of the mobile computing device, wherein an initial location in the indoor environment of the mobile computing device is unknown, a heading offset of the mobile computing device is arbitrary, and wherein a placement of the mobile computing device on a user is arbitrary.

Abstract: The subject disclosure is directed towards a technology by which data sensed at a device may be used to determine the likely location of the device, independent of whether GPS data is also available. In one aspect, information representing the sensed device data is sent to a remote service, where it is compared with similar information for known locations to find a matching location. In another aspect, the information is locally processed against locally cached information to find a matching location.

Abstract: Various embodiments herein provide system, method, and software solutions to facilitate not only timely, compliant monitoring of individuals housed within facilities, such as detention facilities, but also solutions that discover visible and latent behavior and mental conditions, among other potential issues that may be easily overlooked. Some embodiments focus on data collection and other embodiments focus on applying analytics to collected data to discover conditions and states of individuals, groups, a facility or portion thereof, staff, and procedures. Yet further embodiments include both data collection and analytic discovery. Some embodiments may also include messaging and other data processing and communication mechanisms implemented to facilitate compliance, safety, and monitoring accuracy.

Abstract: A synchronization device and a synchronization method for use in a receiver are provided. The receiver receives a signal from a transmitter. The synchronization device generates a plurality of first pseudo noise codes in sequence according to a first code phase sequence and generates a plurality of second pseudo noise codes in sequence according to a second code phase sequence which is the reverse of the first code phase sequence, simultaneously. Every time a first pseudo noise code and a second pseudo noise code are generated, the synchronization device makes a correlation calculation for the first pseudo noise code, the second pseudo noise code and the signal. The synchronization device further determines a code phase according to the correlation calculations, and synchronizes with the signal according to the code phase. The synchronization method is applied to the synchronization device to implement the operations.

Abstract: A signal-transmitting arrow operable to transmit an encoded RF signal, an arrow locating and game tracking receiver system for use with the signal-transmitting arrow, and a transmitter-nock unit for installation on an arrow to construct a signal-transmitting arrow. The arrow includes an arrow shaft, an arrow head disposed at an arrow shaft forward end, and a nock disposed at an arrow shaft rearward end. A transmitter unit includes a transmitter housing that is removably mounted in interior chamber at the rearward end of the arrow shaft, and is rigidly connected to the nock to provide the transmitter-nock unit. The transmitter unit has an RF transmitter with a rigid antenna that extends rearwardly into the nock. The receiver system includes omnidirectional and directional antennas and RF receivers, a processor for generating direction indicating signal, and a user interface that indicates arrow location.

Abstract: An apparatus, system or method for use of encrypted or confidential location or position, time, and unique identifier information (LPTI Information) comprising mobile device encoded unique identifiers (UIs), to register the presence of one or more persons in a retail or service store or outlet, vehicle, financial, educational, governmental, transportation, shipping, cargo, residential, vacation, travel, power generation or distribution, water or food supply or storage, or data storage location or position, for use in identifying potential suspects, conspirators, participants or witnesses for criminal, regulated, tort, or prohibited activity for use by law enforcement or a court, and which information is kept encrypted until authorized access is granted to law enforcement or a court by issuance or a warrant or other appropriate legal authorization.

Abstract: Method, apparatus, and computer program product example embodiments provide short-range communication based location finding. According to an example embodiment of the invention, a method comprises receiving, by a first transceiver of an apparatus mounted on a moveable platform, from a remote device, one or more wireless packets including information packets containing angle of arrival information from the remote device, wherein the moveable platform is in motion relative to the remote device; determining in the apparatus, at least a first angle of arrival from the received angle of arrival information; and generating distance estimation data in the apparatus relative to the remote device, based on the determined first angle of arrival.

Abstract: A tracking and locating system includes a user unit, a central unit, and a range finder. The user unit includes a beacon that transmits an information signal. The central unit receives the information signal from the beacon, interprets content of the information signal, and reports the content. The range finder receives the information signal from the beacon, interprets a header of the information signal to determine a range, and reports the range.

Abstract: The invented system includes a beacon affixed to the object subject to loss and a tracker held by the owner of the lost object, the tracker repeatedly, electronically ‘interrogating’ the beacon with a radio frequency (RF) signal, the beacon repeatedly responding to the interrogation, and the tracker effectively triangulating to determine the lost object's nominal location by a measure of distance and direction. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the tracker includes one or more antenna each coupled with a power amplifier to determine in real time the distance and direction of the beacon from the tracker. In this embodiment, the tracker indicates both distance and direction of the object-affixed beacon to the tracker-holding owner via a simple color-coded light array. In one embodiment of the invention, the invented antenna of which there is one (or more) includes a helically wound conductor of elliptical cross section disposed around the hollow interior surface of a hollow mandrel.

Abstract: A method of calculating the position or state of motion of one or more terminals is proposed in which each has a receiver capable of making measurements of signals received from one or more transmission sources for use in calculating the unknown position or state of motion of the or each terminal. At least one transmission source has a known directional transmission pattern, and the bearing from one of the receivers of the or each of the transmission source having a known directional transmission pattern is estimated. Weights are assigned to the measurements made by the one receiver, the weights being calculated from the bearing or bearings and the known directional transmission pattern of the transmission sources.

Abstract: A wireless communication device uses a time-invariant delay-Doppler channel response estimate for received signal demodulation. The device provides coherent signal demodulation by accounting for frequency and time selectivity in a land-based mobile communication environment, which arise mainly because of delay and Doppler shifts, respectively. In one embodiment, the wireless communication device includes a channel estimator that estimates channel response in a wireless communication network by estimating a delay-Doppler response of a wireless communication channel to obtain a delay-Doppler channel response estimate and converting the delay-Doppler channel response estimate to a time-varying channel response estimate, e.g., a time-varying frequency or impulse response. The delay-Doppler response may be estimated in a continuous or discrete domain.

Abstract: A method that determines a physical location of an unknown position device (UPD) in a communication network including a plurality of known position devices (KDPs), in which a message transmitted by the UPD is received by plural KDPs. The method includes measuring a signal quality of each received message received by the plural KDPs from the UPD, and computing the likely physical location of the UPD based on the physical location of the plural KPDs receiving the message from the UPD and the respective signal quality measured at each KPD.

Abstract: A handheld electronic device, such as a GPS-enabled wireless communications device with an embedded camera, a GPS-enabled camera-phone or a GPS-enabled digital camera, determines whether ephemeris data needs to be obtained for geotagging digital photos taken with the device. By monitoring user activity with respect to the camera, such as activation of the camera, the device can begin pre-acquisition of a GPS position fix by obtaining needed ephemeris data before the photograph is actually taken. This GPS pre-acquisition improves the likelihood that a position fix (GPS lock) is achieved by the time the photo is taken (to enable immediate geotagging). Alternatively, the photo can be geotagged retroactively by appending the current location to the metadata tag associated with the digital photo. An optional acquisition status indicator can be displayed on a user interface of the device to indicate that a position fix is being obtained.

Abstract: The invented system includes a beacon affixed to the object subject to loss and a tracker held by the owner of the lost object, the tracker repeatedly, electronically ‘interrogating’ the beacon with a radio frequency (RF) signal, the beacon repeatedly responding to the interrogation, and the tracker effectively triangulating to determine the lost object's nominal location by a measure of distance and direction. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the tracker includes one or more antenna each coupled with a power amplifier to determine in real time the distance and direction of the beacon from the tracker. In this embodiment, the tracker indicates both distance and direction of the object-affixed beacon to the tracker-holding owner via a simple color-coded light array. In one embodiment of the invention, the invented antenna of which there is one (or more) includes a helically wound conductor of elliptical cross section disposed around the hollow interior surface of a hollow mandrel.

Abstract: The echolocater device described herein incorporates the features of integrated sampling radar technology to create a unique device that provides, for example, the visually impaired with an excellent new tool to help navigate the world. Much like a bat using its bio-sonar, the visually impaired will be able to hear subtle differences in audio-replicated radar echoes. In one preferred embodiment of the invention, two integrated-sampling type radar receivers are spaced some convenient distance apart. A single transmitter centered between two receivers transmits pulses of an RF carrier. Audio “IF” output from each receiver is processed and sent to a small speaker worn near each ear. With practice the user of this invention will be able to discern the range, location and motion of individual objects, and may also be able to distinguish particular echo characteristics of differing objects.

Abstract: A personal navigation device includes a GPS receiver for receiving GPS signals from a plurality of GPS satellites; a processing system coupled with the GPS receiver for determining a location of the personal navigation device as a function of the GPS signals; a display coupled with the processing system for displaying information related to the location of the personal navigation device; a housing on which the display is mounted and in which the GPS receiver and processing system are housed; and an antenna coupled with the GPS receiver for assisting in reception of the GPS signals. The antenna is fixedly positioned along a plane that is generally parallel with a plane passing through the housing.

Abstract: A portable GPS/radio unit communicates over a wireless radio network with at least one other unit which is transmitting radio signals over the network indicative of that unit's location. The GPS/radio unit comprises a GPS receiver for receiving satellite signals from a plurality of satellites, a radio receiver for receiving the radio signals transmitted by the other unit, a processor for calculating the unit's location as a function of the received satellite signals and for identifying the location of the other unit based on the received radio signals, and a display for indicating the location of the other unit. The display may indicate the respective locations of multiple units and may also display unique identifiers for each of the units. A system and method for indicating the location of one portable GPS/radio unit on the display of another portable GPS/radio unit involves at least two such units communicating with one another over a wireless radio network.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for tracking the geographic location. In one aspect, a method includes receiving timed magnetic field information descriptive of a magnetic field to which a magnetometer was subject, the magnetic field information having been collected while the magnetometer was associated with an animal, receiving timed longitude information descriptive of a longitude position of the animal, the longitude information having been collected while the magnetometer was associated with the animal, and matching the longitude information that is relevant to a first time to the magnetic field information that is relevant to the first time to determine a geographic location of the animal at the first time.

Abstract: Devices and methods are described for determining position information without broadcast ephemeris data for extended time periods. A server or client device receives or collects historical state data of satellites of a satellite-based positioning system and generates predictions of future satellite trajectories for future time periods. When a server generates the predictions, the predictions are subsequently transferred to a client device. The client device selects predictions appropriate to time of interest. The time can be any time during a period of at least seven calendar days. The client device reconstructs satellite states using information on the predictions and uses the reconstructed satellite states to acquire satellite signals as appropriate to the current location and time of the client device. The client device determines and/or tracks its position using information of the satellite states and timing information of the satellite signals.

Abstract: A portable GPS/radio unit communicates over a wireless radio network with at least one other unit which is transmitting radio signals over the network indicative of that unit's location. The GPS/radio unit comprises a GPS receiver for receiving satellite signals from a plurality of satellites, a radio receiver for receiving the radio signals transmitted by the other unit, a processor for calculating the unit's location as a function of the received satellite signals and for identifying the location of the other unit based on the received radio signals, and a display for indicating the location of the other unit. The display may indicate the respective locations of multiple units and may also display unique identifiers for each of the units. A system and method for indicating the location of one portable GPS/radio unit on the display of another portable GPS/radio unit involves at least two such units communicating with one another over a wireless radio network.

Abstract: A portable device, such as a handheld device (10), laptop device or other suitable portable device, employs an antenna beam selection structure that is coupled to a plurality of built-in antennas (12 and 14) of the portable device that have different beam angles with respect to each other. The plurality of built-in antennas are coupled to a satellite network positioning signal processing circuit (18) so that device positioning signals from a satellite network can be received and processed by the device. The plurality of built in antennas may be stationary or movable with respect to each other. A control circuit (20) is operative to control switching between each of the plurality of built in antennas based on detected signal strength, signal quality measurements, the number of positioning satellites detected by a satellite network positioning signal processing circuit or other suitable criteria.

Abstract: A portable GPS/radio unit communicates over a wireless radio network with at least one other unit which is transmitting radio signals over the network indicative of that unit's location. The GPS/radio unit comprises a GPS receiver for receiving satellite signals from a plurality of satellites, a radio receiver for receiving the radio signals transmitted by the other unit, a processor for calculating the unit's location as a function of the received satellite signals and for identifying the location of the other unit based on the received radio signals, and a display for indicating the location of the other unit. The display may indicate the respective locations of multiple units and may also display unique identifiers for each of the units. A system and method for indicating the location of one portable GPS/radio unit on the display of another portable GPS/radio unit involves at least two such units communicating with one another over a wireless radio network.

Abstract: A vehicle locating system includes a first transmitter within the vehicle, the first transmitter is configured to transmit a location signal; and a key fob including: a receiver, a direction indicator, and wherein the direction indicator is configured to point towards the first transmitter in response to receipt of the location signal by the receiver.

Abstract: A vehicle locating device including a transmitter securable within a vehicle. The transmitter generates a receivable signal. A receiver is provided that is in communication with the transmitter. The receiver is comprised of a housing. The housing has a top surface and a forward edge. The receiver includes an eye disposed within the forward edge of the housing. The eye detects the receivable signal of the transmitter upon being directed towards the signal. The receiver includes an illuminatable display disposed within the top surface of the housing. The illuminatable display is in communication with the eye.

Abstract: A method of locating an article or person employs at least one transponding station (TS1) having its own radio identity carded by a person or article in the radio coverage area of a radio system. The system employs a plurality of clusters of spatially separate radio units (M1 to M7) having transceivers and received signal strength determining modules, each of the radio units having an individual identity. Each cluster is associated with a network interrogating station (NIU(1), NIU(2)) employing transceivers for communicating with at least the radio units in its cluster. A central station (10) has a transceiver for communicating with a plurality of the interrogating stations and storage for storing a database encompassing the locations of the radio units (M1 to M7).

Abstract: A tracking system uses a miniaturized geographic position determination and communications module, preferably in the form of a thin capsule, enabling the enclosure to be hidden in very small spaces, including personal concealment. Electronic circuitry and a thin, rechargeable battery are contained within the enclosure, the circuitry including a global positioning satellite receiver, a communications transceiver, and a controller. The controller causes the global positioning satellite receiver to receive and decode a signal relating to the geographic position of the module; cause the communications transmitter to communicate the geographic position information to a remote location; and disable the global positioning satellite receiver and communications transceiver when not in use so as to conserve power.

Abstract: A method of calculating the position or state of motion of one or more terminals is proposed in which each has a receiver capable of making measurements of signals received from one or more transmission sources for use in calculating the unknown position or state of motion of the or each terminal. At least one transmission source has a known directional transmission pattern, and the bearing from one of the receivers of the or each of the transmission source having a known directional transmission pattern is estimated. Weights are assigned to the measurements made by the one receiver, the weights being calculated from the bearing or bearings and the known directional transmission pattern of the transmission sources.

Abstract: A method of using radio frequency communications is taught for location of an automobile for the convenience of the owner. In addition, a method of using magnetic dead reckoning is taught. Methods and apparatus using cellular phones are taught.

Abstract: A solar powered GPS device for receiving GPS signals transmitted from GPS satellites in order to determine a time of day. The solar powered GPS device includes a housing that has an interior. A GPS assembly is mounted in the housing for receiving GPS signals from GPS satellites. A clock display is mounted on the housing for displaying a time of day. The clock display comprises a generally semitransparent material for allowing a light to pass through the clock display.

Abstract: A portable GPS/radio unit communicates over a wireless radio network with at least one other unit which is transmitting radio signals over the network indicative of that unit's location. The GPS/radio unit comprises a GPS receiver for receiving satellite signals from a plurality of satellites, a radio receiver for receiving the radio signals transmitted by the other unit, a processor for calculating the unit's location as a function of the received satellite signals and for identifying the location of the other unit based on the received radio signals, and a display for indicating the location of the other unit. The display may indicate the respective locations of multiple units and may also display unique identifiers for each of the units. A system and method for indicating the location of one portable GPS/radio unit on the display of another portable GPS/radio unit involves at least two such units communicating with one another over a wireless radio network.

Abstract: A position identification system, that employs satellite navigational or similar positioning technology is provided. In one embodiment, the position identification system includes a receiver for receiving position signals from a positioning system; an orientation device that is configured to rotate about at least one axis; a pointing element coupled to the orientation device to provide indication of a direction to a desired position; and a processor that is coupled to the receiver to receive the position signals. The processor computes a current position of the position identification system based upon the position signals. The processor directs the orientation device, based upon the current position and the desired position, with the pointing device tracking the direction to the desired position as the current position changes. Using the positioning system, a pointing device is used to identify the direction to the desired location to the user of the positioning system.

Abstract: The location systems are made up of a monitoring and control center, repeaters and tags. System communications are preferably at frequencies in the 900 MHz band. The center and computers utilize both commercial and custom software developed for use in and by the system. The center, repeaters and tags can also include a sensor(s) and a panic “switch” and/or other informational input mechanism(s). The coordinates of the repeaters and control station transmitters are stored in tag memory. The location of the tag(s) in time and space is by use of the stored coordinates in memory and by calculations based on time phase measurements of transmissions from the control center an/or the repeaters.

Abstract: A switch modulated low duty cycle low energy mass limited radio frequency beacon system for locating spent, un-exploded or experimental munitions projectiles in a large open-air test range or within a dirt backstop. The disclosed locator beacon is mounted on a rear portion of a projectile before launch and includes a protective (and antenna length-shortening) resin dielectric material housing in which locator beacon circuit components are contained and immunized against high G forces by a combination of component supporting, energy deflecting and energy absorbing protective arrangements.

Abstract: The present invention provides a computer implemented method and apparatus for providing a directional arrow to intermediate locations to aid a user of a vehicle navigation system. According to one aspect of the present invention, a vehicle navigation system is provided and includes a processor configured to determiner the vehicle location from location data generated by a plurality of sensors. Where the location data does not correspond to map data in a map database, a directional indicator is generated on the display to indicate a first location corresponding to the map data. In one embodiment, the first location corresponds to a road segment in the map database nearest the vehicle location. In another embodiment, the processor is configured to identify an intermediate location on the route and generate a directional indicator on the display which indicates the direction to the intermediate location.