Abstract: A weather update system, method, and device for providing and receiving weather data. The mobile computing device includes a processor and a location data receiver capable of establishing a geospatial location of the mobile computing device based on received data signals. The mobile computing device is configured to receive updated weather data in response to a threshold condition having been, met, such as a threshold distance having been traveled by the mobile computing device or a threshold time having elapsed. The mobile computing device is also configured to receive weather alerts. The system includes a weather data server network configured to receive current and forecasted weather data for a plurality of locations and times, stored in a high-resolution grid structure and including current locations of a user devices or favorite locations for users.

Abstract: Accurate position capability can be quickly provided using a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN). When associated with a WLAN, a wireless device can quickly determine its relative and/or coordinate position based on information provided by an access point in the WLAN. Before a wireless device disassociates with the access point, the WLAN can periodically provide time, location, and decoded GPS data to the wireless device. In this manner, the wireless device can significantly reduce the time to acquire the necessary GPS satellite data (i.e. on the order of seconds instead of minutes) to determine its coordinate position.

Abstract: In a multi-radar system, configured comprising a plurality of radar units which generate and output signals the frequency of which increases and decreases periodically, each radar unit generates and outputs signals synchronized with a prescribed sync signal, such that the upper limit and lower limit of the periodically increasing and decreasing frequency is different for the signals of each radar unit, and moreover the timing of the upper limit and lower limit of the signals substantially coincide. By this means, the frequency intervals between signals can be reduced, and more channels can be set, without causing radio wave interference.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus related to peer to peer communication networks are described. An active connection list is maintained by a wireless communications device supporting peer to peer communications. In various embodiments, the active connection identifier list being maintained is in addition to a list of discovered peers in the local vicinity. Paging signaling, e.g., peer to peer paging signaling, is used to establish active connections. Air link peer to peer traffic resources include traffic control resources and traffic data resources. A wireless communications device seeking to transmit on a traffic data resource transmits a traffic request signal on a traffic control resource. An active connection identifier is, in some embodiments, associated with a particular subset of traffic control resources. Thus, a wireless communications device monitors the portion or portions of the traffic control resource corresponding to its active connections for traffic request signals, but need not monitor other portions.

Abstract: The method for estimating parameters of a navigation signal received by a receiver which receives navigation signals through a plurality of paths wherein the parameters include data modulated on the navigation signal and complex amplitudes i.e. amplitude and phase shift, and time delays of the individual paths, comprises receiving a navigation signal and sampling the received navigation signal. Moreover, the parameters are sequentially estimated in terms of a posterior probability density function. For facilitating the sequential estimation, the received vector is transformed into a compressed vector without loss of information by using a correlator bank having a plurality of correlator reference signals.

Abstract: Multilateration techniques are used to provide accurate aircraft tracking data for aircraft on the ground and in the vicinity of an airport. From this data, aircraft noise and operations management may be enhanced. Aircraft noise may be calculated virtually using track data in real-time and provided to a user to determine noise violations. Tracking data may be used to control noise monitoring stations to gate out ambient noise. Aircraft emissions, both on the ground and in the air may be determined using tracking data. This and other data may be displayed in real time or generated in reports, and/or may be displayed on a website for viewing by airport operators and/or members of the public. The system may be readily installed in a compact package using a plurality of receivers and sensor packages located at shared wireless communication towers near an airport, and a central processing station located in or near the airport.

Abstract: A method for positioning a mobile device includes following steps. Based on a prior location point of the mobile device, many sample particles are generated according to a prior probability distribution associated with the prior location point. A current moving track or a current behavior mode of the mobile device is obtained, and the sample particles are moved according to at least one of the current moving track and the current behavior mode. A current supposed status is obtained based on a radio frequency signal received by the mobile device. A current probability distribution of the sample particles corresponding to the radio frequency signal or the current supposed status is generated to obtain corresponding weights of the moved sample particles. A current location point of the mobile device is obtained according to the weights and distribution of the sample particles.

Abstract: Apparatus to determine the position of a user terminal, the apparatus having corresponding methods and computer-readable media, comprise: a receiver to receive at the user terminal an American Television Standards Committee Mobile/Handheld (ATSC-M/H) broadcast signal from a ATSC-M/H transmitter; and a pseudorange module to determine a pseudorange between the receiver and the ATSC-M/H transmitter based on the ATSC-M/H) broadcast signal; wherein the position module determines the position of the user terminal based on the pseudorange and a location of the ATSC-M/H transmitter.

Abstract: A wireless network device comprises a first RF transceiver module and a control module. The first RF transceiver module transmits a first data frame to a second RF transceiver module and receives a first acknowledgement (ACK) frame from the second RF transceiver module after a first delay period. The first RF transceiver module transmits a second data frame to the second RF transceiver module and receives the second ACK frame from the second RF transceiver module after a second delay period. The control module communicates with the first RF transceiver module and determines a total delay period based on the first and the second delay times. The control module determines an actual delay period between the first and the second RF transceiver modules based on the total delay period.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate to methods and systems for providing improved position-location (e.g., time-of-arrival) measurement and enhanced position location in wireless communication systems. In an embodiment, an access point may replace information (e.g., data) transmission by a “known” transmission (or “reference transmission”) at a predetermined time known to access terminals in the corresponding sectors. The access terminals may use the received reference transmission to perform a position-location measurement, and report back the measured information. The access point may also send a reference transmission on demand, e.g., in response to a request from an access terminal in need for a location-based service.

Abstract: An antenna (2-20) for use in a mobile device (1-1) includes elements for receiving (2-5, 3-1, 4-1, 5-1, 6-5) a signal from a satellite positioning system; a first layer of dielectric material (2-4a, 2-4b, 3-2, 3-3, 5-2, 4-3, 5-2, 5-3, 6-4, 6-15) and a second layer of dielectric material (2-4a, 2-4b, 3-2, 3-3, 5-2, 4-3, 5-2, 5-3, 6-4, 6-15), wherein the elements for receiving (2-5, 3-1, 4-1, 5-1, 6-5, 7-6) the signal is at least partly between the first dielectric layer (2-4a, 2-4b, 3-2, 3-3, 5-2, 4-3, 5-2, 5-3, 6-4, 6-15) and the second dielectric layer (2-4a, 2-4b, 3-2, 3-3, 5-2, 4-3, 5-2, 5-3, 6-4, 6-15).

Abstract: The system comprises a positioning-unit device (PUD) that receives, from other PUDs and other signal sources, one or more positioning signals, which each have carrier, code and data componcuts. In response to the received positioning signals and using their known locations, the PUD generates a unique positioning signal, which similarly has carrier, code and data components, all of which are respectively chronologically synchronized to the counterpart components of the received positioning signals. Once synchronized, other PUDs entering the network use the unique positioning signal as a reference, providing a time-coherent network of positioning signals that propagate a reference timebase over a geographical area.

Abstract: Assessing the accuracy of location estimation systems. A mobile computing device provides location information including a device location (e.g., via GPS) and one or more wireless network beacons accessible by the computing device at the device location. The wireless network beacons accessible by the computing device are compared to stored post information including a plurality of beacon lists. An estimated device location is determined based on the comparison. The estimated device location is compared to the known device location. A difference between the estimated device location and the received device location is determined based on the comparison. An analysis of the determined difference is performed to generate accuracy maps and other insight into the relationship between accuracy and geographic area for the location estimation systems.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for detecting, identifying, and/or geolocating RF communications devices, such as FRS radios, high-power cordless phones, cellular phones, and other wireless communications receiver devices. The techniques exploit a vulnerability present in such devices, and can be used to detect (e.g., up to 300 meters) and geolocate (e.g., within ±3 meters) those devices. The vulnerability is that receiver circuitry of the target devices emanate RF mixing products when flooded with RF energy or suitable stimulus signal. Such a response to a stimulus signal is unexpected or otherwise unintentional, as receiver circuitry is generally not designed to transmit information. The RF frequency, phase, and amplitude of these sideband RF responses can be used to detect and location the devices. The techniques work in the presence of interference, and can be used on devices that are powered on or off.

Abstract: A mobile station determines a usage pattern based on information stored from previous position fixes. The usage pattern is used to predict a time for a next position fix request. The mobile station performs a position fix in the background prior to the predicted time for the next position fix request. The background position fix provides the precise location and time of the mobile station to place the mobile station in a “hot” state. The prediction of the time for the next position fix request may be affected by the remaining battery power and/or the last known location of the mobile station. Additionally, the difference between the predicted time and the actual time of the next position fix request may be used to adjust subsequent predictions of the time for the next position fix request.

Abstract: A wireless access device in a wireless network, whether a known or unknown entity, can be located using a geolocation system. A signal strength is determined by a wireless intrusion detection system (WIDS) node in a wireless network for each wireless access device that it detects. Based on the signal strength, an approximate distance from the node is determined, which, in one embodiment corresponds to a radius of a circle around the node. To account for error, an approximation band of the circle is calculated that will allow a user to determine the approximate location of the device within the wireless network.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for locating an indoor object includes: a) receiving an RF coordinate signal and a detecting signal; b) providing information of a located region with reference to the RF coordinate and the detecting signal; c) obtaining a motion sensor coordinate according to the information of the located region; d) providing weights for the RF coordinate and the motion sensor coordinate; e) applying the weights to the RF coordinate and the motion sensor coordinate; and f) combining the weighted RF coordinate and the weighted motion sensor coordinate to generate a fused coordinate corresponding to the position of the indoor object. A system for locating an indoor object is also disclosed.

Abstract: An identification unit including a memory unit operable to store an identification that distinguishes the identification unit from other identically constructed identification units, an ultrasonic receiver, a radiation transmitter, a radiation receiver and a control unit operable to carry out an ultrasound propagation time measurement depending on a synchronization signal received by the radiation receiver and operable to transmit a result with the aid of the radiation transmitter. At least one of a luminous unit and an optical signaling unit is driven via the radiation unit.

Abstract: A method for determining a position of a mobile station in a wireless communication system includes generating a state equation set according to a current state of the mobile station, for predicting a position and a velocity of the mobile station after a predetermined period, and corresponding the state equation set to a graphic interface for calculating the position and the velocity after the predetermined period.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes receiving calibration data, computing one or more attributes of a pathloss model based on the calibration data, computing estimated locations using the received signal strength values of the calibration data points, associating location errors with the one or more calibration data points, and computing a location quality within a region based on the associated location errors.

Abstract: The present invention is broadly directed to systems and methods for gathering information about wireless transceiver devices in a defined boundary region. To this end, the disclosure is more particularly directed to gathering movement information (e.g., via detection and location) about two-way end-user wireless terminals within three-dimensional boundaries of defined local space (“DLS”) to allow for selective control of the terminals and other subsystems, as desired. Additionally, the data collected can be used to improve accuracy and precision regarding the prediction of behavior characteristics and tendencies of populations based on a sampling of observed terminals.

Abstract: To cater for the positioning of an aircraft in a boundary zone between two adjacent multilateration systems, the controller (14) in one system receives Time Difference of Arrival data provided by the controller (15) in the second system. The controller (15) derives the TDoA data from time of arrival data provided by its receiver stations (9-13). By furnishing TDoA data the timings of the two systems do not need to be synchronised. The controller (14) uses the TDoA data and also time of arrival data from its local receiver stations (4-8) to perform a multilateration to determine the location of the aircraft (16).

Abstract: Beacon generators transmit wireless beacon signals for use in tracking an object. Among other things, a wireless beacon signal from a particular beacon generator contains information identifying a power supply voltage associated with that beacon generator. A tracking device associated with the object receives one or more of the beacon signals. The tracking device measures the signal strength of a received beacon signal, and the tracking device identifies the power supply voltage associated with the beacon generator that transmitted the received beacon signal. The tracking device or an external component, such as a control unit, can use the identified signal strength and the identified power supply voltage to determine the location of the object. As a particular example, signal strengths and power supply voltages associated with at least three beacon signals can be used to identify the location of the object.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an initial estimated location of a mobile electronic device is determined using a location determination method (LDM). An accuracy for the LDM is determined. An initial set of landmarks is determined based upon the initial estimated location and the determined accuracy. For each landmark in the initial set of landmarks, a likelihood is calculated that the mobile electronic device is located about that landmark. A landmark from the initial set of landmarks is selected based on the likelihoods. The location of the mobile electronic device is set to a known location of the selected landmark.

Abstract: A method and system for automatically determining the position of transceivers of navigation signals using a utilization system for the navigation signals are provided. First, coarse calibration of the coordinates of the transceivers is performed. Next, a trajectory of the utilization system is estimated. Finally, fine calibration of the coordinates of the transceivers and the trajectory of the utilization system is performed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for calculating a current position of a portable terminal not supporting a function of obtaining position information, such as a Global Positioning System (GPS) function, by receiving position information from neighbor terminals of the portable terminal are disclosed. The apparatus includes a controller for calculating the current position of the portable terminal from received position information from neighbor terminals and processing the received position to determine the current position.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer readable media for managing information associated with a building using a globally unique identifier are disclosed. According to one method, at a computing platform including at least one processor, a building identifier is assigned to a building, where the building identifier is a unique identifier within an identifier space assigned to building identifiers. Information associated with a transaction and the building is received, where the information is identified by the building identifier. The received information is automatically associated with the building using the building identifier.

Abstract: A positioning device includes: a device body; a direction change detecting section that detects whether a traveling direction of the device body has been changed based on a detection of an azimuth with respect to reference axes preset in the device body; and an absolute position acquiring section that acquires an absolute position of the device body at a timing based on a change of the moving direction of the device body as detected by the direction change detecting section.

Abstract: A method of and a system for synchronising a plurality of spaced apart nodes of a network to a reference time of a control centre, the method comprising receiving measurement data from each of the plurality of nodes; ranking the plurality of nodes with respect to one another according to the measurement data; selecting one or more master nodes from the plurality of nodes according to the ranking; assigning each of the plurality of nodes to a corresponding master node; determining a first time offset between the local time measured at each node and the local time measured at its corresponding master node and determining a second time offset between each of the master nodes and the reference time such that the time offset between the local time measured at each node and the reference time can be determined.

Abstract: Disclosed is radio monitoring apparatus which includes a radio station distinction unit, a direction measurement unit, a transmission source location estimation unit and a transmission source location classification unit. The radio station distinction unit outputs radio station distinction information for uniquely discriminating a radio station that is a transmission source of a transmitted signal from a received signal. The direction measurement unit measures an arrival direction of the transmitted signal. The transmission source location estimation unit estimates a location of the transmission source from results of the direction measurement and outputs an estimated location as transmission source location information. The transmission source location classification unit relates the radio station distinction information and the transmission source location information and outputs them.

Abstract: A system and method are provided in which an element of a structure may be reliably identified. For example, a system may include a part selection element configured to interact with at least one positional marker having a predefined location. The part selection element is also configured to select at least a portion of a structure, with the structure being positioned at a predetermined location and orientation. The part selection element may also be configured to identify a depth within the structure. The system also includes a computing device configured to identify an element of the structure based upon the position and orientation of the part selection element and the portion of the structure selected by the part selection element. In instances in which a depth is identified, the computing device may also be configured to identify the element of the structure at the depth identified within the structure.

Abstract: A hybrid wireless location system and method is disclosed for locating mobile stations (MSs). Multiple wireless location techniques (FOMs) are provided for MS location. One or more FOMs can be activated in various combinations (serially or parallelly) for outputting one or more MS location estimates with signal protocols, e.g., CDMA, TDMA, or GSM. Resulting location estimates may be for, e.g.: 911 emergency calls, tracking, navigation, people and animal location, andJor applications for confinement to andlor exclusion from geographical areas. System components may be distributed on a network (e.g., the Internet). FOMs may be based on one or more of: TOA, TDOA, AOA, signal pattern recognitionlfingerprinting, statistical analysis, base station coverage, GPS signals received at the MS, andlor input from mobile stations.

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.

Abstract: The present disclosure is configured to perform a method of recording the movement of a user during a sporting event session. The method may include detecting the user's movement during a first portion of the sporting event session, and recording the user's movement via a recording device upon the user's first location being confirmed via a location determination device. Examples of sporting event sessions may include, BMX biking, race tracks, motocross, skate boarding, skiing, snowboarding, etc.

Abstract: An area estimation system includes: a radio signal transmitting unit configured to transmit a radio signal to certain radio signal receiving terminal; a radio signal capturing unit configured to capture the radio signal transmitted from the radio signal transmitting unit, to obtain an RSSI for indicating a strength of the captured radio signal; an RSSI receiver unit configured to receive the RSSI, a radio signal transmitting unit ID for uniquely identifying the radio signal transmitting unit, and a radio signal capturing unit ID for uniquely identifying the radio signal capturing unit; an RSSI storage unit configured to store the RSSI, the radio signal transmitting unit ID and the radio signal capturing unit ID in association with one another; and a presence area estimating unit configured to estimate the presence area of the radio signal transmitting unit, by using the RSSI which is obtained by the radio signal capturing unit and stored in the RSSI storage unit.

Abstract: A position detecting system includes an RFID terminal configured to transmit an identification information signal by radio; a plurality of receiving devices configured to receive the identification information signal; and a position detecting server configured to receive a reception notification of the identification information signal from each of the receiving device and configured to estimate a position of the RFID terminal. The RFID terminal includes a part configured to perform radio transmission of a plurality of identification information signals having different radio strengths. The position detecting server includes a part configured to integrate the reception notifications of the identification information signals having different radio strengths and configured to estimate the position of the RFID terminal.

Abstract: The present invention leverages changes in the sensed strength of radio signals at different locations to determine a device's location. In one instance of the present invention, inference procedures are used to process ambient commercial radio signals, to estimate a location or a probability distribution over the locations of a device. In another instance of the present invention, a system utilizes learning and inference methods that are applied to rank vector of signal strength vectors. Moving to such rank orderings leads to systems that bypass consideration of absolute signal strengths in location calculations. The present invention facilitates approximations for locating a device by providing a system that does not require a substantial number of available ambient signal strengths while still providing useful location inferences in determining locations.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for increasing the accuracy of a measurement of a radio-based locating system comprising a mobile station and at least one fixed station, wherein the movement of a mobile station from an initial position is detected by way of measuring data of an absolute sensor system and a relative sensor system, a virtual antenna is embodied in the form of synthetic aperture by way of measuring data and the mobile station is focused on the fixed station and/or vice versa by using the synthetic aperture.

Abstract: A method for reducing synchronization offset errors in a TDOA location finding wireless system, comprising: receiving transmissions from at least one sync unit at multiple location transceivers, wherein the multiple location transceivers are synchronized from the sync unit; determining actual times-of-arrival of the received transmissions in response to receiving transmissions; performing a wireless distance measurement between the transceivers and the at least one sync unit, the wireless distance measurement performed by the transceivers in response to the received transmissions from the at least one sync unit; computing an actual propagation time between the sync unit to the transceivers; computing differences between the actual propagation time and theoretical propagation time determined in conformity with the predetermined locations; estimating synchronization offset error of the transceivers in conformity with the computed differences; and correcting the synchronization offset error.

Abstract: A positioning system is provided which is capable of calculating the position of a target object even though it does not detect some synchronous signal necessary for position calculation. A communication signal receiver which provides information used in the position calculation is also provided.

Abstract: A device for determining the bearing of a vehicle using Inertial Reference Unit (IRU) and Traffic Alert Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) data. The device includes a means to communicate with the vehicle such as a transmitter, receiver, and antenna. The device also includes a processor configured to receive the IRU and TCAS data from the vehicle via the communication means and then generate a bearing value using the received data.

Abstract: A mobile communications device uses a method for determining position that involves a positioning filter, such as a Kalman filter, which is initialized with measurements from reference stations such as satellite vehicles and/or base stations which may be acquired during different epochs. Accordingly, the positioning filter may be used for position estimation without the need to first acquire at least three different signals during the same measurement epoch.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and arrangement for achieving transformations of received positioning information according to a first reporting format to positioning information according to a second format such as to allow a seamless transformation and handling of the positioning confidence values, i.e. the probability that the terminal is actually located in the region determined by the applied positioning method. The method derives an approximation of the shape-defining parameters for the second reporting format such as to minimize a criterion function including the predefined target confidence value and determining the deviation of the confidence value for the approximated shape from the target confidence value.

Abstract: A sensor element material web for selectively cutting an operable sensor from the web includes a sensor film. A first electrode film is disposed on a first side and includes metallic electrodes in a first repeating pattern. A second electrode film is disposed on a second side and includes a plurality of second metallic electrodes in a second repeating pattern. A dielectric film is disposed on the first or the second electrode films. The first and the second repeating patterns permit the sensor to be cut.

Abstract: A mobile station database of cellular identifications and associated position information is stored in mobile station memory. The mobile station uses the position information in the database to assist in determining a current position for the mobile based on an identifier, such as cell ID, base station BSIC, PSC, or carrier frequency. A satellite vehicle signal is searched in an uncertainty region that is a function of position information associated with the current identifier. The uncertainty region can be limited by assumed platform dynamics via predefined velocity and acceleration information. Time maintenance for the mobile station can also be achieved through known approximate position from the position database and measurement of a single satellite vehicle propagation delay. The mobile station can compare a position determination obtained through satellite vehicle signals with position database information to determine the validity of that position.

Abstract: A method of determining speed and heading of a rover/rover having one degree of freedom comprising the following steps: (A) determining a rover position coordinates using at least one source of a radio position measurements; (B) storing a set of statistically different rover points in a memory block, and (C) using a subset of rover points including a plurality of stored rover points and a current rover point to determine a speed and a heading of the rover. It is assumed that each rover point comprises a time Epoch and a rover position determined at time Epoch, and that each pair of statistically different rover points comprises two rover positions separated by a statistically significant distance.

Abstract: Multilateration techniques are used to provide accurate aircraft tracking data for aircraft on the ground and in the vicinity of an airport. From this data, aircraft noise and operations management may be enhanced. Aircraft noise may be calculated virtually using track data in real-time and provided to a user to determine noise violations. Tracking data may be used to control noise monitoring stations to gate out ambient noise. Aircraft emissions, both on the ground and in the air may be determined using tracking data. This and other data may be displayed in real time or generated in reports, and/or may be displayed on a website for viewing by airport operators and/or members of the public. The system may be readily installed in a compact package using a plurality of receivers and sensor packages located at shared wireless communication towers near an airport, and a central processing station located in or near the airport.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an RTD that is released from a single primary platform to collect signals from a target emitter and relay data back to a single primary platform, enabling the precise geo-location of the target emitter to be determined in a minimal amount of time. The RTD is released from a single platform and quickly creates a long signal collection baseline between the released RTD and the single platform. Various techniques for determining geo-location may be used with the present disclosure, such as angle of arrival (AOA), time difference of arrival (TDOA), and frequency difference of arrival (FDOA) methods.

Abstract: A system and method for performing distributed sequential node localization in active sensor deployment is presented. An equilateral orthogonal reference frame is defined. The reference frame includes s+1 anchor nodes that is placed in s-dimensional physical space. New nodes are sequentially placed in a natural sequential ordering within the s-dimensional physical space to form a sequentially well-connected network. For each of the new nodes, location estimates are obtained for the new node from at least s+1 of the anchor nodes previously placed in the s-dimensional physical space. A location is determined for the new node based on the location estimates. The new node are placed in the s-dimensional physical space as a new anchor node proximate to at least one of the s+1 previously-placed anchor nodes upon satisfactory location determination.

Abstract: A target detection apparatus that includes a transmission/reception device for generating a transmission signal for detection of a target, and extracting distance information about the target from a received signal; a number of sensors each of which transmits the transmission signal to respective different angle ranges, receives a signal reflected by the target, and transfers the received signal to the transmission/reception device; and a switch device for switching in a time division manner a connection between the transmission/reception device and one of the sensors to a connection between the transmission/reception device and another one of the sensors, where the switch device selects a first of the sensors for transmitting the transmission signal in a time slot and a second of the sensors for receiving the signal reflected by the target in the time slot.