Abstract: An interruption-free hand-held positioning method and system, carried by a person, includes an inertial measurement unit, a north finder, a velocity producer, a positioning assistant, a navigation processor, a wireless communication device, and a display device and map database. Output signals of the inertial measurement unit, the velocity producer, the positioning assistant, and the north finder are processed to obtain highly accurate position measurements of the person. The user's position information can be exchanged with other users through the wireless communication device, and the location and surrounding information can be displayed on the display device by accessing a map database with the person position information.

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: The invention specifies a method for navigating a vehicle, in which a change in the vehicle's direction is ascertained by integration of a signal indicating a speed of change in direction. To this end, the result of the integration is corrected by the following steps: a) The absolute direction of the vehicle at a first instant is determined using external auxiliary means; b) The absolute direction of the vehicle at a second instant is determined using external auxiliary means; c) The difference between the absolute directions is ascertained; and d) The result of the integration is normalized to this difference. The method enables the determination of directions more accurately.

Abstract: A wearable device is configured for navigating in an indoor environment. The device includes passive sensors for measuring environmental physical conditions at known locations in the indoor environment and at an unknown locations in the indoor environment. A wearable computer is coupled to passive sensors. The computer is configured to construct a first statistical model of the environment according to the measured physical conditions at the known locations and a second statistical model of the environment according to the measured physical conditions at the unknown locations. Processing means of the computer determines a probability that the unknown locations correspond to the known locations by comparing the second statistical model to the first statistical model.

Abstract: A concerned individual (12) seeking to locate a missing person (14) does so by dialing a special number associated with a locating service offered through a Public Switched Telecommunications Network (16). After dialing the special number, the concerned individual (12) enters a sequence of digits that correspond to a numeric identifier, such as social security number or telephone number, or the missing person (14). Upon receipt of the digit sequence, the PSTN (16) whether the missing person is a subscriber of the locating service, and if so, the PSTN causes one or more cell sites (28-28) of a wireless service communications system to broadcast a first coded frequency signal for receipt by a passive transponder (32) carried by the missing person. The passive transponder decodes the first coded frequency signal to yield electrical power to energize a transmitter (38) within the transponder to transit a second coded frequency signal for tracking by direction-sensitive receivers (33) to locate the missing person.

Abstract: A portable compass comprises a body (18) and a compass needle (22) mounted on the body for indicating North/South. A bearing signal representing a required bearing is received, for example from a GPS receiver, and a display (30) responsive to the bearing signal receiving means indicates a required position of the compass needle relative to the body. A fixed indicator (26) on the body points to the required bearing when the body is oriented so that the compass needle is in the required position relative to the body.

Abstract: A GPS signal receiving section measures a Doppler frequency of a carrier wave to output a three-dimensional velocity vector to a CPU 100. The CPU 100 calculates a cumulative distance from a signal receiving interval and velocity data to compare between the cumulative distance stored in a RAM 104 and the distance point data previously stored in the RAM 104. Where the cumulative distance exceeds the distance point data, a lap time is calculated and displayed on a display section 106 based on the time count data sent from the time count circuit 105. Further, the CPU 100 calculates and displays on the display section 106 a time to arrive at the predetermined moving distance from the velocity data, the cumulative distance and the predetermined moving distance stored in the RAM 104.

Abstract: A electronic navigation device utilizing a desired orientation to adjust an electronic map displayed on the device. Acquiring global positioning system data, a processor calculates the current position of the navigation device. Scanning into cartographic memory located in memory, the processor locates a predefined thoroughfare containing or most adjacent the calculated position. Utilizing points located nearest the calculated position, the processor establishes the heading of the thoroughfare at that location. The processor adjusts the orientation of the map display to reflect the calculated heading of the adjacent thoroughfare. The processor continues to update the current position and the heading of the map display on a real time basis.

Abstract: A timepiece (7) including hands (4, 5), direction determining means (10, 11, 14, 12) including data input means (14) arranged for inputting the geographical coordinates of a “target” location in data processing means (12). This timepiece is characterized in that said direction determining means are formed of an antenna (10) and a GPS type receiver (11) for determining the geographical coordinates of the location in which said timepiece (7) is situated, and in that the 6 o'clock-12 o'clock axis of said timepiece (7) is used as a reference axis, and in that at least said first hand (4, 5) is arranged so as to be able to indicate the direction of the “target” location with respect to said reference axis. Such a structure is improved in that it does not need to refer to magnetic north to determine the direction of the “target” location.

Abstract: A direct sequence spread spectrum receiver samples an incoming signal and stores the sample in memory. Prior to sampling and storage, the incoming signal is translated to an IF signal. Also prior to storage, the IF signal is corrected for a frequency offset signal. The frequency offset may be caused by many sources, Doppler shift or local oscillator error, for example. Once the signal is corrected for the frequency offset, the signal sample is stored in memory. The signal sample is read from memory as necessary to process the signal. Such a receiver is useful in global positioning satellite (GPS) signal processing where the incoming signal contains several satellite transmissions encoded with CDMA encoding.

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: 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 handheld survey device includes a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver for receiving position information, a pointer to point to the location to be measured, a measuring device to measure the distance between the handheld device and the location to be measured and a level and heading device to determine the level and heading of the handheld device. The GPS receiver may be a real time kinematic (RTK) GPS receiver and may be augmented by the use of a dead reckoning (DR) positioning unit. A processor located within the handheld device computes the position of the location using the position information provided by the GPS receiver and/or the DR system, the distance measured between the handheld device and the location, and the level and heading information. The position computed meets the stringent accuracy requirements dictated by survey applications without the use of a range pole.

Abstract: A handheld survey device includes a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver for receiving position information, a pointer to point to the location to be measured, a measuring device to measure the distance between the handheld device and the location to be measured and a level and heading device to determine the level and heading of the handheld device. A processor located within the handheld device computes the position of the location using the position information, the distance measured between the handheld device and the location, and the level and heading information. The position computed meets the stringent accuracy requirements dictated by survey applications without the use of a range pole.

Abstract: A body worn transmitter and its associated portable monitoring receiver receiving global position signals, is provided with tamper detection to support twenty-four hour violation reporting from a subject under community supervision moves about the community. The body worn transmitter incorporates active radio frequency sensors to determine if the body worn transmitter has either been removed from the subject's body or the attachment strap has experienced tampering for the purpose of removal from the subject's body. A signal from the body worn transmitter is encrypted in order to prevent recording and retransmission of the body worn transmitter signal to an associated portable monitoring receiver for the purposes of masking body worn transmitter tampering or to make the body worn transmitter falsely appear in a different location. The body worn transmitter can be immersed in electrolyte solutions without generating a false tamper signal.

Abstract: A handheld survey device includes a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver for receiving position information, a pointer to point to the location to be measured, a measuring device to measure the distance between the handheld device and the location to be measured and a level and heading device to determine the level and heading of the handheld device. A processor located within the handheld device computes the position of the location using the position information, the distance measured between the handheld device and the location, and the level and heading information. The position computed meets the stringent accuracy requirements dictated by survey applications without the use of a range pole.

Abstract: A GPS unit and a cellular telephone unit each have add-on modules for providing additional functionality. A battery powered hand-held GPS unit has a battery power module with a built-in cellular telephone. The controls on the GPS unit are used to control cellular telephone operations. The GPS controlled cellular telephone transmits position location information obtained by the GPS unit. Alternatively, a battery powered hand-held cellular telephone unit has a battery power module with a built-in GPS device. The controls on the cellular telephone portion are used to control GPS device operations. The cellular telephone portion is able to transmit position location information obtained by the GPS device. The GPS and a cellular telephone device can function with either a standard battery module, or with a battery module having a cellular telephone or a GPS device built into the battery module.

Abstract: A system (10) and method delivers simplex signals (26, 28) to a communication unit (24) located within an area (20) (e.g., a building) where an obstruction exists between the signal transmitter (12, 18) and the communication unit (24). The system (10) uses an infrastructure retransmission apparatus (14, 16, 22) to receive (204, 304, 402, 404) the signals (26, 28) and retransmit (208, 310, 410) them within the area (20). Geolocation signals (26) from navigation satellites (12) can be retransmitted (208, 310) using the infrastructure retransmission apparatus (14, 16, 22), thus enabling a communication unit (24) located within an obstructed area (20) to calculate its position.

Abstract: A system of GPS devices which receive civilian GPS signals and provide an intuitive graphical interface for displaying the relative position of GPS devices in relation to each other, the relative position being accurate to several meters and defined as the distance to, direction of and height variance between GPS devices. A first GPS device with the person or object to be located transmits its GPS determined location to a second GPS device. This second GPS device includes a means for receiving the GPS determined position of the first GPS device, and also includes means for calculating the relative position of the first GPS device relative to the second GPS device based on a comparison of the received telemetry of the first GPS device and its own GPS determined position. The relative position of the first device is then graphically displayed on an interface of the second GPS device in a manner which eliminates the need for a map in order to travel to the location of the first GPS device.

Abstract: A hand-held navigation radio transceiver for voice communications is provided with dual CDI capability by which to display degrees off the radial in response to VOR signals and deviation from the localizer beam track in response to localizer signals. The display is a graphical representation corresponding to traditional deflecting-needle CDI meters.

Abstract: A rescue aiding apparatus carried by a lost person includes a radio receiver for receiving a radio signal, a radio transmitter for transmitting a radio signal, and a power supply for supplying working power. When the radio receiver receives a radio search signal transmitted from a search party, the power supply supplies operating power to the radio transmitter. The apparatus thereby becomes fully operable, and the radio transmitter transmits a radio signal as a response signal for enabling a search for the lost person needing protection. Even when the lost person is unable to make a rescue request, the search party can, on their own will, place the rescue aiding apparatus carried by the lost person in a fully operable state to notify the search party of a current position of the lost person.

Abstract: A positional information storage and retrieval system includes a positional detection unit transmitting positional information of at least one subject moving within an operational environment of the system, a plurality of receiver/transmitter units and a processor unit. Coordinate information of the receiver/transmitter units is received by the positional information unit and used to determine the positional information according to triangulation or other techniques embodied within the positional detection unit. The positional information is transmitted to the receiver/transmitter units which, in turn, transmit the positional information to the processor unit. A method for designing such a system includes selecting operational frequencies of the receiver/transmitter units and positioning the receiver/transmitter units throughout the operational environment such that distortion and attenuation of the positional information are minimized.

Abstract: Survival radio interrogator (1) transmits upon request a message including an identification of survival radio (3). Upon receiving and processing this message, survival radio (3) determines its position from the Global Positioning System and transmits a message back to the search aircraft (2) with the survival radio interrogator (1). The processor (10) of the survival radio interrogator 1 determines a range and bearing of the survival radio (3) and processes data from the survival radio 3 which data includes identification, position and messaging information for display on the LCD display 14. All message transmissions are conducted via the aircraft's (2) radio/intercom system (30).

Abstract: An interactive individual location and monitoring system includes a central monitoring system for maintaining health, location, and other data with respect to an individual. A watch unit carried by the individual receives medical and other information selected by and inputted directly from the individual. The watch unit broadcasts the medical and other information locally by radio in a region near the individual. A belt worn pod unit is worn by the individual, including a transponder for receiving the information from the watch unit. The pod unit transmits the information to the central monitoring system. The pod unit tracks the location of the individual and transmits the location to the central monitoring system. The pod unit includes a triaxial accelerometer for gathering acceleration data for transmission of the data to the central monitoring station for analysis at a later time.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for campers, hikers, and hunters enjoying the out-of-doors and nature in the wilderness is disclosed. In the preferred embodiment of the invention the transmitter is adapted to be plugged into the cigarette lighter in a vehicle and is fitted with an antenna which can be magnetically adhered to the roof of the vehicle. The transmitter emits a distinctive warble tone. The receiver is configured with a telescoping antenna and an audio level meter to more accurately determine the direction of maximum signal strength. The apparatus is inexpensive, as well as being simple and convenient to use.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are described for direction finding the source of emf emissions including a monotone signal by detecting the phase changes of the monotone signal during movement relative to the source. A software embodiment measures the amount of phase change.

Abstract: A GPS receiver displays information concerning a distance to a destination and a direction with respect to the destination and the like. The information is provided according to a preset operating condition on the basis of data which include position data of the destination which is set in advance and position data of the current position which is obtained from radio waves emitted from GPS satellites orbiting the earth. The GPS receiver includes a memory which stores data of operating conditions corresponding to first, second, third and fourth operation modes. The parameters of the operating conditions of the four operation modes are different from each other in at least a part thereof.

Abstract: In a radio signal detecting system, an antenna is rotatably mounted on a wrist watch type case, and this antenna is manually rotated to receive a radio signal reflected from a target to be distance-measured every time the antenna is rotated by a preselected rotation angle. The reflected radio signal is digitally converted into field strength data, or distance data. These field strength data, or distance data are sequentially stored into a memory circuit in correspondence with the rotation angle of the antenna. Since the data stored into the memory circuit at every rotation angle for the antenna are displayed on a liquid crystal display unit, the radio signal detecting system can be made compact and operated under low power consumption.

Abstract: A ground unit capable of being carried on the back of a member of the armed orces is used in conjunction with a marker beacon. The ground unit detects and identifies the signals from the marker beacon and is also capable of indicating the direction in which the marker beacon is located. For identification purposes, a received signal at the ground unit from the beacon is checked with a known identification code signal inserted in the ground unit by the user. Upon detection of the signal the user can determine the direction to the marker beacon by scanning with a hand-held antenna system. Visual and audio information is provided to the user.

Abstract: A system and method for locating a portable locator device in a communications network. The portable locator unit (PLU) (4) is activated either by an external signal (62) generated in response to remote activation source, such as a subscriber (6, 8) or PLU detector (106, 108), or by an internal activation signal triggered e.g. by the wearer. Once activated, the PLU (4) transmits a location signal (66). This location signal (66) is received by one or more network service nodes (20, 22, 24) which forward the information along with identifying service node information to a network location processor (26, 28). After having determined the location of the PLU (4) from the received information, the network location processor (26, 28) forwards this information to a designated source, such as the requesting subscriber or other authorized user (6, 8).

Abstract: A locator device for monitoring the location of subjects, usable in conjunction with a database system connected to a wireless network, wherein the database system causes a polling signal to be sent periodically to each of the subject's locator devices in the area. The locator device includes a wireless transceiver to receive the polling message and, in response, query a location determination device for the current location of the device. This location is then sent back through the wireless network to the database. The database determines from a record on that particular subject where that subject is supposed to be at that time. If the subject being monitored is not within the area where he or she is supposed to be, then the database may automatically contact law enforcement officials.

Abstract: A system for locating microwave radiation sources such as radar, jamming equipment and the like, employs a cannon launched shell including a frequency scanning receiver for the microwave emissions. Received information is processed on the shell and can derive signals that are used to modulate a telemetry transmitter. A ground base telemetry receiver associated with the launching cannon, includes means for processing the signals to derive the location of the microwave sources relative to the shell, and for processing information relating to the shell launch to determine its instantaneous position and attitude. The location of the sources relative to the launch site is then calculated and is used to aim the cannon and destroy the emission site.

Abstract: An operation control system includes a GPS receiver unit and a radio telephone unit. The GPS receiver unit includes a GPS antenna and a GPS signal receiver circuit connected thereto. The radio telephone unit includes a telephone antenna and a transmitter circuit connected thereto. The transmitter circuit transmits a call channel signal through the telephone antenna during the radio telephone unit being in an ON-CALL MODE and a control channel signal during an OFF-CALL MODE. The system is designed to set the transmitter circuit operative and the GPS signal receiver circuit inoperative during the ON-CALL MODE. On the other hand, the system allows alternate operations of the transmitter circuit and the GPS signal receiver circuit during the OFF-CALL MODE.

Abstract: A child position monitoring device monitors the position of a child by detecting the signal strength of a radio frequency carrier from a transmitter attached to the child. If the signal of the radio frequency carrier is to weak, the child is to far away from the adult who has the child position monitoring device. When this happens, the adult is informed that the child has wandered to far away through the use on an audio tone or through the use of vibrations coming from the device. Once the adult is notified that the child is too far away, the device also has a locating display for indicating the relative direction of the child with respect to the adult. The display uses eight LEDs arranged around an emblem used to represent the position of the adult. The LED which lights up indicates the relative direction of the child.

Abstract: A GPS receiver (10) with processor (14, 16), memory (18), input (20) and indicator (22), uses conventional code pseudorange and carrier phase to provide a compass function. The receiver antenna (12) is desirably held stationary while the directional vectors toward the satellites and for the desired heading (21) are computed, the rate of change of carrier phase determined and future carrier phase predicted. The antenna (12) is then moved in a closed path (11) while the differences between predicted and actual carrier phase are measured and converted to positional perturbations which are resolved along the desired heading (21) and normal thereto. As the antenna (12) moves around the closed path (11), the resolved perturbations have maxima, minima or change sign and the processor (14, 16) uses this to trigger the indicator (22, 222) so that the desired heading is apparent to the user.

Abstract: A plurality of data carriers are prepared and possessed by, for example, persons who enter a building. The data carrier spread spectrum modulates a carrier signal of a predetermined frequency by an assigned Gold series corresponding to an ID code and transmits the modulated signal. Leaky cables each having a predetermined length are two-dimensionally distributed and arranged in the building. A frequency converter is connected to one end of each of the leaky cables and frequency converts the spread spectrum signal from the data carrier which has propagated the leaky cable into a frequency unique to the cable and sends the converted frequency signal to a central receiving unit through a transmission cable. The receiving unit individually demodulates the signal series from the reception signals and sequentially executes correlation calculations between the signal series and the Gold series assigned to the data carriers.

Abstract: An electronic direction finder (10) includes a navigation receiver (28) and a compass (32) to generate a bearing signal that indicates that direction of a desired destination. The bearing signal is received by a display driver (34) which causes an electronic display (14) to generate a visible image of a rotatable pointer that points in the direction of the user's desired destination. Preferably, the display also shows an electronic compass card indicating the direction of north.

Abstract: An electronic direction finder (10), having a housing (11) with a major axis (18), has a GPS receiver (28) and directional (31) and omnidirectional (30) antennas and provides an electrical signal (angle A) indicative of the direction of the housing axis (18) with respect to a predetermined compass heading (North). The electrical signal (angle A) is provided by using determined positions of the GPS receiver (28) and one GPS satellite to calculate a compass bearing from the receiver (28) to the one satellite and using the directional antenna (31) to determine the orientation of the housing axis (18) with respect to the satellite. This eliminates using electrical output terrestrial magnetism sensing devices to sense direction finder/receiver orientation with respect to compass direction, and therefore avoids the inaccuracies and costs associated with such magnetism sensing devices.

Abstract: A public switched telecommunications network including a beacon transmitter associated with a station in such network and transmitting periodic beacon signals containing information regarding the location of said beacon and station. A portable receiver is provided for receiving such information and reproducing such location information to permit the carrier of said receiver to locate said station. The location information may be visually or audibly reproduced. The station may be a public pay station and/or a cellular station. The receiver may be associated with a portable cellular transceiver for establishing communications with a cellular transceiver disposed adjacent the beacon.

Abstract: A method and system for providing mobile access to message delivery into the existing public telecommunications network. A portable handset and transceiver have storage capacity and a processor for digitizing and time compressing messages inputted by the operator into the handset. Upon command of the handset operator the stored message is transmitted to a fixed site transceiver having storage capacity. The two transceivers are locked into communication by suitable handshake protocols. The fixed site transceiver is linked to the public switched telecommunications network and delivers the message stored in the fixed site storage to voice messaging service storage in the public telecommunications network. The message thus stored is either delivered as by call completion service or retrieved by the addressee as in voice mail service. In both cases the signal from the VMS storage is processed to perform digital to analog conversion along with time decompression or expansion.

Abstract: A single null miniature direction finder which may be worn on the arm of the user and is fully automatic in operation. Signals from a single loop antenna and a sense antenna are summed; however, the amplitude of the sense signal is adjusted at first and second phase angles and the phase of the sense antenna is automatically switched from the first phase angle to the second phase angle prior to summing to produce either a single null or a no null pattern. These patterns are compared to each other as the user extends his arm horizontally and rotates his body. When the null occurs an indicator gives the relative direction to the transmitter.