Abstract: In a mobile object location providing device, time required for distribution of distribution data per kind of the communicating unit is stored, a current location and a movement history of a mobile object is calculated, distribution time that is time required for distributing the distribution for a communicating unit is estimated based on the distribution condition information, and a future location of a mobile object after lapse of the distribution time is estimated based on use of the movement history, and a requests is made for distributing area information of an area surrounding the future location.

Abstract: A rescue and safety device for swimming-pools and amusement parks, consisting of a wristband containing a cardiac-arrest detector, a panic button, a location device and, optionally, a water detector, triggered by immersion syncope, cardiac arrest or an accident; a rescue device, especially if an inflatable grid has been installed on the bottom of the pool, that can uplift any person in difficulties from the bottom of the pool.

Abstract: A network, network device and method is disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes transmitting communication signals from a first network node to a second network node, where the first and second network nodes comprise a network and each include a receiver portion and a transponder portion. The method further comprises receiving, by the first and second network nodes, position signals from a plurality of navigation beacons, and generating transmitter codes for the transponder portions using local code generators of the receiver portions.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for locating an asset in a facility. An example of an asset is a vehicle and an example of a facility is a parking facility. When the user enters the facility with the asset, the user receives a base and code from a base/code booth. The code may be stored on a removable card. The user secures the asset by entering the code. While the user is away from the facility, the present invention monitors the base for movement detected by the motion sensor. When the user returns to the facility, a locator panel displays the location of the asset. The present invention determines the location of the asset by triangulation using the locators. The user then returns to the asset, deactivates the motion sensor, returns the base and code to a base/code booth, pays for the storage services, and exits the facility.

Abstract: A receiver for positioning using DTV signals is provided. The receiver comprises the step of calculating a transmission time of at least one pilot signal among a plurality of pilot signals disposed within a digital television (DTV) signal or information originating from a transmitter and transmitted to a mobile receiver.

Abstract: A method for determining a position of a portable electronic device is useful for conserving power, processor and bandwidth resources. The method includes detecting at a portable electronic device a first signal received from a local terminal (step 605). In response to the first signal, a second signal is transmitted from the device, indicating a proximity of the portable electronic device to the local terminal (step 610). Positioning method priority information, which is based on a location of the local terminal and is received from the local terminal in response to the second signal, is then processed at the device (step 615). A positioning method priority list based on the positioning method priority information is then processed (step 620). Finally, the position of the portable electronic device is determined using a positioning method identified in the positioning method priority list (step 625).

Abstract: A method of estimating a location of a WLAN-enabled user-device in a WLAN-based positioning system is provided. The WLAN-enabled device receives signals transmitted by WLAN-enabled access points in range of the WLAN-enabled user-device so that observed WLAN-enabled access points identify themselves. The method includes accessing a master database that associates WLAN-enabled access points with corresponding audited locations as determined by an audit of a relatively large geographic area and obtaining location information for any identified WLAN-enabled access point. The method includes accessing a supplemental database to obtain inferred location information corresponding to any identified WLAN-enabled access point. The supplemental database has a relatively small set of WLAN-enabled access points and corresponding inferred locations. The inferred locations are inferred based on input by a user of the WLAN-based positioning system.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to the installation and positioning of the receivers of a wireless tracking system. In such a system, a wireless beaconing device transmits a signal that can be detected by a plurality of wireless receivers positioned at various known locations. Each wireless receiver records information derived from the signal from which it can make an estimate of the distance or relative position of the beaconing device. A controller correlates the information received from the multiple receivers and uses it to estimate the location of the individual. In such systems, the accuracy of the estimated position of the beaconing device depends on the accuracy to which the positions of the receivers are known. A technique is disclosed in which an installer carries a tracking device that can track the person's position and/or movements. The installer starts at a base location and resets the tracking device to cause the tracking device to record this position as the base position.

Abstract: A position location system includes a first position location sub-system, a second position location sub-system, and processing circuitry. The first position location sub-system determines first position location information regarding a first object using a first position location technique. The second position location sub-system determines second position location information regarding a second object, the second position location sub-system using a second position location technique that differs from the first position location technique. The processing circuitry processes the first position location information to determine a position of the first object within a coordinate system and processes the second position location information to determine a position of the second object within the coordinate system.

Abstract: A precise positioning method and system is disclosed for allowing an array of ground transmitters to self-survey their relative location at centimeter-level accuracy by transmitting, amongst the ground transmitters in the array, bi-directional ranging signals associated with a wideband code modulation with a chipping rate faster than 30 MHz.

Abstract: An apparatus having corresponding methods comprises a signal generator to generate an radio-frequency (RF) signal comprising a ranging signal comprising a component of a television signal; a wireless transmitter to wirelessly transmit the RF signal; and a self-check unit comprising a receiver to receive the RF signal, and to recover the ranging signal from the RF signal, a pseudorange circuit to determine a pseudorange based on the ranging signal, and a self-test circuit to generate a self-test output based on the pseudorange.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) tracking system to track and manage assets. Each asset to be tracked is tagged with an RFID tag, and tracked using RFID readers located throughout a facility. Based on the tracking information, the system allows users to manage assets and generate reports regarding the various tagged assets.

Abstract: A method of speed forecasting a train over a track including determining location of the train on the track, the speed of the train and brake and throttle setting of the train. Speeds and suggested throttle and brake settings for spaced points along the track are calculated based on the determinations. The calculated speeds and throttle and brake setting are displayed for the spaced points along the track.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for the processing of false alarms in position determination. At least one embodiment of the present invention estimates and uses measurement false alarm probabilities in the position determination process. In one embodiment, the estimated measurement false alarm probabilities are combined to determine the reliability of the determined position solution or the reliability of the set of measurements as a collection. In one embodiment, the estimated measurement false alarm probabilities are used in the isolation and elimination of faulty measurements. For example, the traditional geometry based metric for identifying a faulty measurement is further weighted according to the measurement false alarm probabilities in order to determine the faulty measurement.

Abstract: Methods, radios, components thereof, and other devices for localizing a geographic position of a radio receiver are provided. A current radio signature is obtained. The current radio signature comprises a plurality of measured signal qualities that collectively represent a frequency spectrum. Each measured signal quality in the plurality of measured signal qualities corresponds to a portion of the frequency spectrum. The current radio signature is compared with a plurality of reference radio signatures. Each reference radio signature in the plurality of reference radio signatures is associated with a global position. When the comparing identifies a unique match between the current radio signature and a reference radio signature in the plurality of reference radio signatures, the radio receiver is deemed to be localized to the global position associated with the reference radio signature.

Abstract: A method and system for searching an information retrieval system for items of interest that are in proximity to geographical locations provided by the user. The information retrieval system can perform a search for specified types of businesses or items of interest that surround or are in close proximity to the user's present geographical location, or a geographical location that the user has pre-configured in a database. The system receives geographical location information concerning the user's position from the wireless network carrier, which tracks the location of the user's mobile communications device. When the user desires to store a geographical location and geographical name for a future search, the information is entered into the pre-configured database. When conducting an information search at a later time, the user can narrow a search request to a geographical area in the vicinity of the stored geographical location.

Abstract: A method and system for determining relative position information among at least a subset of a plurality of devices and objects is disclosed. The relative position information is based on at least one of sensor data and respective information attributes corresponding to the plurality of devices and objects.

Abstract: A system and methods for providing location based services to a mobile station in a cellular wireless system. The system includes components that interact with position determining equipment to locate the mobile station within a region that is defined by a service provider. Once the system determines what service is being requested by the mobile station, the system associates the position of the mobile station with a provider-defined region that encompasses the location of the mobile station. A feature of the invention is the manner in which the system associates the provider-defined regions by first determining how the service provider's regions are categorized. The system contacts the service provider for the region over the Internet, and requests information that is appropriate to the position of the mobile station. With this method and system, a mobile station may request information on services that are available in his vicinity.

Abstract: A microwave position sensing system includes a plurality of target components that each move between multiple positions. A microwave generator produces a microwave frequency signal. A divider receives the microwave frequency signal and splits the microwave frequency signal into a plurality of position sensing signals. The position sensing signals are respectively sent to the plurality of target components to determine a position of each of the target components. Each position sensing signal may also be calibrated. In one example, first and second frequencies are transmitted through a common wave guide. The first frequency is reflected prior to reaching the target component to produce a calibration signal. The second signal, which is used to detect the position of the target component, is calibrated using the first frequency.

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: Security of ADS-B transmissions is improved in a first embodiment to detect position spoofing. The annunciated position source may then be compared with the derived source and a determination is made regarding the difference between the results. Any position difference greater than an amount significantly greater than the combination of the error sources is then a cause for concern and can be used to generate an alert. In a second embodiment, alerting may be based on identification spoofing. From these sources a correlated ID is available which will have an associated confidence based on the number of sources and the level of agreement on the information. Aircraft dynamics may be correlated with the announced ID for consistency. A priori information on the aircraft and location, such as schedule information, and normal operations, may be used to assist in the confidence of aircraft identity. In a third embodiment, alerting may be based on spoofing of identity and position.

Abstract: A first estimated location of a target terminal to be estimated in its location is obtained based on information derived from radio signals for location estimation and also locations of anchor terminals. Then, on the basis of the first estimated location thus obtained, estimated distances are calculated while expected values are calculated based on information required for location estimation to compare the estimated distances with the expected-values. Depending on the comparison result, one or more anchor terminals are selected as nonuse terminals. On the basis of information required for location estimation derived from radio signals sent by the anchor terminals other than the selected nonuse terminals and also on the locations of the anchor terminals except the nonuse terminals, a second estimated location of the target terminal is obtained.

Abstract: A signal processing technique for RF active, passive, or aided localization approaches that utilizes multipath signals as additional measurements with a filter or estimator, e.g., a nonlinear filter. The filter uses indirect and direct path measurements or any other available signals to build parametric models of observable indirect paths. If one or more direct path measurements are subsequently lost (e.g., due to obstruction), the filter maintains an estimate of the position of the person or object of interest using indirect path measurements.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of the present invention, a tracking method includes detecting a mobile unit within a space, tracking the detected mobile unit, making a position determination of the mobile unit to be tracked to obtain positional data, and making a movement prediction of the mobile unit, based on a high frequency component of positional data.

Abstract: A tentative location of a transmitter in an indoor environment is determined by triangulation, using at least two direction finders. The tentative location is made more accurate by performing at least one added action selected from the following: checking the likelihood that the tentative location is an accurate location by comparing measured transmitter signal strengths with calculated signal strengths, using a known indoor environment structure, using a record of the transmitter movement through the indoor environment for determining whether the transmitter is located in an obscured area of the indoor environment or performing an alignment procedure on the antennas to improve the triangulation.

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: The present invention discloses systems for tracking objects. A system in accordance with the present invention comprises a positioning mechanism, a camera, coupled to the positioning mechanism, a controller, coupled to the positioning mechanism, and a position sensor, coupled to the controller, wherein the position sensor sends data related to a geolocation of the position sensor to the controller, and the controller moves the positioning mechanism based on the data related to the geolocation of the position sensor.

Abstract: A Direction Finding Method and System Using Probabilistic Mapping is disclosed. Also disclosed is a preferred system that employs a technique for taking in data sets (lines of bearing) from DF receivers and characterizing those signals with their respective probabilities of error. Then using a unique method, the preferred system can display the triangulated position on a map with an overlay of probability fields indicating the emitter location with varying levels of confidence. Even further, the preferred system is able to redraw the probability fields on the map display in real-time as new data is collected and updated. In this way, a far more efficient EL System has been achieved in which the emitter's position can be determined more quickly. It should be noted that with this invention, triangulation can be done with just a single (mobile) DF Set in the EL System. Today's systems for triangulation must use at least three DF Sets.

Abstract: A system and method for networking a plurality of nodes is disclosed. A network of data devices having data representations of connectivity, network node position, and/or position topologies is also disclosed, wherein the network may be self-configuring and the network nodes spatially addressable. In another embodiment, a unique form of signal acquisition assistance intrinsic in the signal structure may also be used. A data positioning device capable of operating as a node in a network of the present invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: Method, system and process for touch screen generated signals used in multiple communication systems and networks with reception and processing of Radio Frequency (RF) signal for generating processed location finder signal. Processing of input signal into time division multiple access (TDMA) processed filtered signal used in a cellular system and into orthogonal frequency division processed orthogonal frequency division multiplexed (OFDM) or orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) signal used in a wireless local area network (WLAN) or a wide area network (WAN), wherein cellular system and WLAN, WAN are distinct systems and networks. Processing input signals into cross-correlated in-phase and quadrature-phase processed filtered signals for quadrature modulation and into signals for non-quadrature modulation and transmission. Communication system and network wherein touch screen processed signal provides direct access to launch browsers from the screen by touching the screen.

Abstract: A system and a method for providing a mobility event triggered service of a target set and the target set are provided. When a mobility triggered service is started, a target set stores a unique identifier related to an area where the target set itself is currently located, and compares a unique identifier stored at present while identifiers are continuously stored during an agreed time interval in the mobility triggered service with the unique identifier related to the area where the target set itself is currently located. If there is the difference between two unique identifiers, the target set stores the unique identifier related to the area where the target set itself is currently located, and with determination of its movement, determines that an event of the mobility triggered service happens. Then, the target set reports the occurrence of the event to an H-SLP, and the H-SLP begins to calculate position values of the target set according to a set condition of a current mobility triggered service.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing an improved geolocation of a plurality of transmitters are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method for providing a geolocation of a plurality of transmitters includes determining a relative location of each transmitter in the plurality of transmitters with respect to at least one other transmitter in the plurality of transmitters; determining an initial geolocation of the plurality of transmitters; computing a calibration factor by comparing the initial geolocation of the plurality of transmitters to the relative locations of the plurality of transmitters; and determining a calibrated geolocation of the plurality transmitters by adjusting at least one final geolocation of the plurality of transmitters by the calibration factor.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for estimating a location of a plurality of wireless terminals. Signal strength measurements are obtained for at least one packet transmitted by each of the wireless terminals; and a Bayesian algorithm is applied to the signal strength measurements to estimate the location of each wireless terminal. In an infrastructure-based deployment, signal strength measurements are obtained from one or more signal monitors. In a client-based model, signal strength measurements are obtained from a client associated with a respective wireless terminal.

Abstract: A data detection circuit within a global positioning system (GPS) satellite receiver operates to detect and decode data sent in a spread spectrum signal. The data detection circuit receives input from a radio receiver, the information containing data from a plurality of satellites. The data is supplied to a circular memory device, which determines which data corresponds to which satellite. The memory device sends the received signal to a matched filter, which decodes the signal received from each satellite. This signal is analyzed to determine whether a phase inversion due to data modulation on the received signal is present. The phase inversion can occur at boundaries, known as data epochs, in the received signal, and corresponds to data in the received signal. This data contains information relating to the position of each satellite and is collected by the data detection circuit for use by the GPS receiver.

Abstract: A positioning apparatus is disclosed, which comprises: a position detection module, including an inertial sensor, a magnetometer, and a global positioning device, being used for detection a movement of an object and thus generating a positioning signal accordingly; wherein the positioning signal is transmitted to a control unit and then to a signal processing device where it is being processed and converted into an angular/displacement signal to be transmitted to a monitoring device by way of a signal transmission device for enabling the monitoring device to track the movement of the object. In a preferred embodiment, both of the monitoring device and the signal transmission device are respectively being configured with a displaying unit for displaying the movement of the object. In addition, the positioning apparatus further comprises an identity module, for providing a unique identification code to the object to be used for identifying the same.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for locating a terminal in a broadband wireless communication system are provided. The apparatus for locating the terminal includes a candidate region determiner, a virtual location determiner, and a final location determiner. The candidate region determiner determines a candidate region of the terminal by using tag signal arrival time information of the terminal provided from a plurality of readers. The virtual location determiner determines a virtual location of the terminal in the candidate region in consideration of a propagation delay of the tag signal. The final location determiner predicts a tag signal arrival time from the virtual location and determines the virtual location as the final location if a difference between the predicted tag signal arrival time and a measured tag signal arrival time is less than or equal to a threshold value. The apparatus and method provide a less expensive and less complex locating system.

Abstract: A method for tracking objects in a way that, conserves power resources. The method can establish a designed range defining a safe area based upon the broadcast signal of an anchor beacon. When the tracking device is within the designed range, the tracking device can be placed in a mode of low power consumption. Should the tracking device move outside of the designated range, then the tracking device can be placed in mode for active tracking. The level of power consumption can he achieved by only enabling a WAN transceiver in the active tracking mode.

Abstract: The electronic tag authentication device of the present invention authenticates the contents of an electronic tag attached to goods. The electronic tag authentication device comprises an antenna directivity change unit for changing the directivity of an antenna for transmitting/receiving electrical waves in order to authenticate the contents of the electronic tag.

Abstract: Location tracking devices and methods are provided to determine the position of a mobile asset. The method provides a processing system to calculate the location of the mobile asset, based on the information provided by a position determining device. The method for tracking the location of an asset utilizes a wireless device in an asset management system, and includes receiving at least one short range RF communication signal by a mobile wireless device from the asset management system; calculating position of the asset, by the mobile wireless device, based on the received at least one short range RF communication signal; and storing the position of the asset in the mobile wireless device.

Abstract: The method of positioning a radionavigation signal receiver comprises: a prediction step to predict reception characteristics of signals emitted by radionavigation signal sources for a plurality of land positions and time values, as a function of the positions of said sources, electromagnetic waves propagation models and topographic knowledge about the environment of each said position; a receiving step in which said receiver receives radionavigation signals; a measuring step in which reception characteristics of signals received by said receiver are measured, and a processing step to process the real measured characteristics and predicted characteristics to provide information related to positioning of said receiver.

Abstract: A system and a method for tracking a location of a private wireless network subscriber can precisely track and find out a location of a subscriber even within a service zone of a base station and can realize this precise tracking in a simple fashion. In a private wireless network having a plurality of repeaters dispersedly installed in sector zones of a private Base Transceiver Station (pBTS), the subscriber location tracking system of the present invention includes a private Base Station Controller (pBSC) connected to the pBTS and a Local Area Network (LAN) and having a Visitor Location Register (VLR), a server connected to the LAN, and at least one client connected to the LAN. The pBSC stores location information in the VLR when a mobile station executes location registration, and confirms a location and state of a mobile station by dummy paging and updates its location information stored in the VLR when the relevant mobile station keeps up an idle state during a certain period.

Abstract: A system and method for networking a plurality of nodes is disclosed. A network of data devices having data representations of connectivity, network node position, and/or position topologies is also disclosed, wherein the network may be self-configuring and the network nodes spatially addressable. In another embodiment, a unique form of signal acquisition assistance intrinsic in the signal structure may also be used. A data positioning device capable of operating as a node in a network of the present invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and a method for position determination by impulse radio where first position information is determined for a first impulse radio using a positioning system, second position information is determined for the first impulse radio using at least one second impulse radio, and a position is determined based upon the first position information relative to the second position information. The positioning system can be a Global Positioning System. The determined position can be communicated to an emergency system.

Abstract: To determine the position of a mobile device located within a coverage area of a base station, the time of arrival (TOA) of the CDMA signal received by the mobile device from the base station is reduced in proportion to the received power of the CDMA signal. The mobile device uses the reduced TOA of the CDMA signals together with the received GPS signals to detect its position. Alternatively, the mobile device transmits the TOA and power measurements of the received CDMA signals to a position determination entity (PDE). The PDE biases the TOA to estimate the position of the mobile device and transmits assistance data to the mobile device, thereby enabling the mobile device to receive GPS signals. The received GPS signals alone, or in combination with the biased TOA are then used to recompute the position of the mobile device.

Abstract: A self locating device that uses GSM signals associated with GSM digital telephone base stations to determine its current location. The device uses GSM common channel signals to determine observed time differences between a local base station and at least two additional base stations. It also uses the common channel signals to identify these base stations and to match the identifications to geographical locations. It further uses a geolocation algorithm to determine the location of the device relative to the base stations, and uses the geographic location data to determine the current geographic location of the device.

Abstract: Location systems and methods are implemented using a variety of arrangements and methods. Using one such system location information is provided in response to a utility-line arrangement propagating signals that represent a wireless radio-frequency (RF) communication originating from one or more remote transmitters. The system includes a receiver circuit communicatively coupled and responsive to the utility-line arrangement. The system also includes a signal-processing logic circuit, communicatively coupled and responsive to the utility-line arrangement. The signal processing logic circuit is arranged to derive location information from characteristics of the signals that are indicative of a location of the receiver circuit relative to the remote transmitters.

Abstract: A method and system detects a target in a cooperative passive radar system. In each of multiple passive sensors, signals are detected that emanate from a target. Information is extracted from the signals and broadcast to other passive sensors. The sensors update parameters according to the information to improve a likelihood of receiving the signals and to increase a probability of detecting the target. The information is also transmitted to a central processor. The central processor determines a position of the target.

Abstract: A method and system for determining the location of a mobile transmitting device that uses three dimensional location coordinates to triangulate the location using a time difference of arrival method, with diminishing errors, error correction and which takes advantage of global positioning systems without the requirement of highly accurate clocks in the mobile transmitting device and the base stations.

Abstract: A system and method for locating a wireless device includes estimating respective distances between a wireless device and each of a plurality of access points, based upon respective signal strengths of a plurality of signals received by the wireless device from the plurality of access points. The location of the wireless device is estimated based upon the estimated respective distances and position information of the access points.

Abstract: A system for tracking an object in space for position, comprises a transponder device connectable to the object. The transponder device has one or several transponder aerial(s) and a transponder circuit connected to the transponder aerial for receiving an RF signal through the transponder aerial. The transponder device adds a known delay to the RF signal thereby producing an RF response for transmitting through the transponder aerial. A transmitter is connected to a first aerial for transmitting the RF signal through a first aerial. A receiver is connected to the first, a second and third aerials for receiving the RF response of the transponder device therethrough. A position calculator is associated to the transmitter and the receiver for calculating a position of the object as a function of the known delay and the time period between the emission of the RF signal and the reception of the RF response from the first, second and third aerials. A method is also provided.