Abstract: Techniques to more accurately measure the arrival times of transmissions received at a remote terminal from a number of base stations. In one aspect, unassigned finger processors are used to process and measure the arrival times of transmissions from base stations not in the active set. In another aspect, if no finger processors are available for assignment, the arrival times can be measured in the time period between updates of a reference oscillator used for the measurements. In accordance with a method for determining a position of a remote terminal, a first set of one or more base stations in active communication with the remote terminal is identified and each base station in the first set is assigned at least one finger processor. A second set of one or more base stations not in active communication with the remote terminal is also identified and an available finger processor is assigned to each of at least one base station in the second set.

Abstract: A system for selectively reporting the position of a person, animal, vehicle, or other mobile object utilizes a low power remote tracking device with a one-way tone-only paging receiver, wireless telephone transceiver, and location-sensing device such as a GPS unit. The paging receiver responds to remotely initiated activation signals to selectively power-up the location-sensing device and transceiver. The location-sensing device determines position, whereupon the transceiver places a call to report the tracking device's position. Position reports may be transmitted upon request, or repeatedly upon a predetermined schedule.

Abstract: In a method of co-operative radio direction-finding in transmission in a system of radio direction-finding for a radiocommunications system comprising one or more transmission sources or transmitters, the transmitted signal comprises a reference sequence formed by a sequence of symbols {Sk}, the receiver comprising at least one array of several sensors coupled to a radio direction-finder. The method comprises the following steps: a) determining the reference signal or signals di(t) associated with a transmitter m from the reference symbols {Sk} and from the modulation defined by the format of the signals; b) defining the instant of arrival tk of one or more reference signals; c) from the signal x(t) received at the sensors, the instants of arrival tk and the reference signal or signals di(t) derived from the step a), determining the value or values of incidence of the signals for a given transmitter. The method can be applied to GSM or UMTS signals.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to a digital broadcast system and receivers therein which are configured to allow the use of a reverse channel for transmitting responses to broadcast messages. The digital broadcast system is configured to receive requests for information from a mobile platform device (e.g., a GPS receiver) and broadcast information request messages. The receivers are configured to receive a broadcast information request message and communicate with a telematics-enabled device in a mobile platform such as a cellular telephone to initiate a transmission of a response message therefrom.

Abstract: A multiple pass location processing method, for use in a wireless location system (WLS), comprises identifying a received transmission as requiring multiple pass location processing whereby the WLS produces a first, lower quality location estimate and then subsequently produces a second, higher quality location estimate. The WLS then produces the first location estimate and provides it to a first location application, and then produces the second location estimate. The second location estimate may be a more accurate estimate than the first location estimate and/or of a higher confidence than the first location estimate. This method is suitable, but not limited, for use in connection with locating a wireless transmitter involved in an emergency services call and routing the call to a call center.

Abstract: A system and method for estimating the position of an object within a volume. The system uses the time difference of arrival of signals at a plurality of receivers to establish the position of an object, using only the substantially multipath free portion of the received signal for analysis purposes. A prior model of the object and/or volume is used to assist the location determination process.

Abstract: A position calculation method that calculates the correct position of a terminal even when errors are not distributed symmetrically for positive and negative values, by calculating the position of a terminal using the delay time of received signals. The method calculates a first range that is a difference between a range from the terminal to each of antenna and a range from the terminal to a base antenna, the range being calculated from a wireless signal delay time; calculates a second range that is a difference between a range from an assumed terminal position for calculation to each antenna and a range from the assumed terminal position for calculation to the base antenna; calculates a likelihood of the position of the terminal, repeats these procedures to obtain a point where the likelihood is maximized, and determines an obtained most likely solution as the position of the terminal.

Abstract: A route search location determining section (12d) of a mobile body (10) decides whether to conduct a route search at the mobile body (10) or to request the route search to an information center (30) based on various conditions such as priorities and how old the map data version is. In this manner, effective search can be conducted using two distinct route searching devices. Also, a current position calculating section (12a) can execute map matching by adding route data obtained from the information center (30) as a map matching candidate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a protective maintenance service system capable of raising an alarm for the replacement of a part when the degradation of an inspection required part reaches the prescribed criteria of replacement. Of the respective inspection required parts stored in the vehicle inspection parts database for the respective vehicles stored in the vehicle database provided by a business unit in advance, the time of part replacement is determined on the basis of the data detected by a part condition sensor for a part having a part condition sensor, and on the basis of the time, which is obtained from the service life compensated with an actual service environment, for a part without a part condition sensor.

Abstract: An antenna selection method is used in a wireless location system that determines the geographic location of a mobile wireless transmitter. The wireless location system includes signal collection systems connected to multiple antennas at a plurality of cell sites and a location processor for processing digital data provided by the signal collection systems. The antenna selection method comprises evaluating segments of data collected from a plurality of antennas at a signal collection system, selecting a subset of the segments of data, and using only the selected segments of data in location processing.

Abstract: A location system is disclosed for commercial wireless telecommunication infrastructures. The system is an end-to-end solution having one or more location systems for outputting requested locations of commercially available hand sets or mobile stations (MS) based on, e.g., AMS, NAMPS, CDMA or TDMA communication standards, for processing both local mobile station location requests and more global mobile station location requests via, e.g., Internet communication between a distributed network of location systems. The system uses a plurality of mobile station locating technologies including those based on: (1) two-way TOA and TDOA; (2) home base stations and (3) distributed antenna provisioning. Further, the system can be modularly configured for use in location signaling environments ranging from urban, dense urban, suburban, rural, mountain to low traffic or isolated roadways.

Abstract: A location system is disclosed for commercial wireless telecommunication infrastructures. The system is an end-to-end solution having one or more location centers for outputting requested locations of commercially available handsets or mobile stations (MS) based on, e.g., CDMA, AMPS, NAMPS or TDMA communication standards, for processing both local MS location requests and more global MS location requests via, e.g., Internet communication between a distributed network of location centers. The system uses a plurality of MS locating technologies including those based on: (1) two-way TOA and TDOA; (2) pattern recognition; (3) distributed antenna provisioning; and (4) supplemental information from various types of very low cost non-infrastructure base stations for communicating via a typical commercial wireless base station infrastructure or a public telephone switching network.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system for tracking a fleeing vehicle comprising a frangible tracking projectile and a launcher to propel and attach the tracking projectile to the fleeing vehicle. The launcher is a handheld or vehicle mounted pneumatic gun that uses high pressure gas to fire the projectile at the fleeing vehicle. The tracking projectile comprises an outer plastic casing that holds a GPS receiver, a radio transponder and a power source in an adhesive mixture. When the tracking projectile strikes its target, the plastic casing shatters allowing the adhesive substance to attach the GPS receiver, radio transponder and power source to the fleeing vehicle.

Abstract: A method of providing an estimate of the location of first and second devices (MS1, MS2) comprising the steps of obtaining at least one range measurement from the first device (MS1) to a known reference point (BS1, GPS SVs); obtaining at least one range measurement from the second device (MS2) to a known reference point (BS1, GPS SVs), the second device (MS2) being located near to the first device (MS1); and calculating an estimate of the location of the devices (MS1, MS2) using range measurements obtained in respect of both the first and second devices (MS1, MS2).

Abstract: A navigation system for tracking the position of an object includes a GPS receiver responsive to GPS signals for periodically providing navigation state measurement updates to a navigation processor. The system also includes a dead-reckoning sensor responsive to movement of the object for providing movement measurements to the navigation processor. The navigation processor determines object navigation states using the navigation state measurement updates and propagates the object navigation states between measurement updates using the movement measurements.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for determining a mobile station's precise three-dimensional location in a simple way, that includes a beam-forming antenna's receiving of a signal from the mobile station; measuring the distance between a wireless base station and the mobile station from the received signal; determining the mobile station's azimuth angle by horizontal scanning of the beam-forming antenna and the mobile station's elevation angle by vertical scanning of the beam-forming antenna; and updating the mobile station's distance, azimuth angle, and elevation angle at regular time intervals, thereby acquiring the mobile station's three-dimensional location simply and with precision.

Abstract: A method and system for pacing a vehicle along a path of travel is described. The method includes determining a geographical location of the vehicle, displaying a vehicle position icon representative of the geographical location, determining an optimal position for the vehicle, displaying a pace icon representative of the optimal position for the vehicle, and operating the vehicle to maintain a vehicle position icon displayed on the operator pace display substantially coincident with the pace icon displayed on the operator pace display.

Abstract: A method of providing a vehicle monitoring system for ensuring accurate vehicle mileage readings. A comparison is made between velocity measurements from several sources to detect unauthorized modifications made to a vehicle in an effort to ensure accurate vehicle odometer readings. The vehicle velocity measured on-board is compared with vehicle velocity data signals received from a remote satellite system in light of an allowable tolerance. The system will detect changes in the vehicle such as tire size or tampering with the vehicles on-board measurement devices. The system may communicate out of tolerance conditions to the vehicle operator and the fleet manager.

Abstract: Methods for operating a laser scanning system. The laser scanning system can be used in construction projects to generate a field survey. An architect or engineer can use the field survey to create construction drawings. In addition, relevant points from the construction drawings can be identified at the construction site with the scanning system. Further, earth moving equipment can be controlled using the same information. The laser scanning system can also be used to determine if two parts can be mated together by scanning and comparing the parts that are to be mated. The laser scanning system can further be used to determine if an object can be moved through an opening in a structure by comparing scan points of the structure with scan points from the object. The laser scanning system can additionally be used to identifying objects within the site, to build databases that have relevant information about the objects, and to guide reproducing machines.

Abstract: A device for determining the location or the position of an object moving along a known course includes equipment associated with the object. The equipment includes at least one central computer, at least one receiver/decoder of signals originating from one or more satellites, a radio interface and a database having a mapping of the course of the object. The device includes further central equipment including a central computer, one or more radio interfaces, a bus system, a database including the mapping of the course, an application for managing modifications of the mapping and at least one console, and moving-object/central-equipment and man/moving-object interface elements.

Abstract: In order to reduce power consumption of battery-powered devices to which location data is to be dissemination by short range communication, the devices are arranged to wake-up to listen for location data at known times as judged against a reference time standard. This time standard is also available to the transmitters of location data which accordingly transmit their location data at the known times.

Abstract: A system for locating a vehicle among a large number of vehicles. A lock box unit is mounted on a vehicle and includes a key box for storing a vehicle key and a locator unit. The locator unit receives a polling signal from a central base station which includes an address for the particular locator unit to be located. The locator unit decodes the polling signal to determine whether the signal is includes its unique address. If the polling signal is meant for the locator unit then the locator unit transmits a spread spectrum to at least three receiving antennas. The location of the locator unit and therefore the vehicle is determined based upon time arrival data generated by the receiving antennas. The lock box unit may also include an identification device which records who accesses the key box to retrieve the vehicle key. This information is stored in a memory device.

Abstract: Surveillance platforms detect dangers and transmit information signals describing the dangers to a control center, which determines the degree of danger and its geographic extent. The center generates a message that identifies the degree of danger and GPS coordinates of the impacted geographic area for a region. A vulnerability index determined using neural networks and fuzzy logic enables a prioritized message. The center broadcasts the message to remotely located warning devices, which compare the received danger coordinates with their own GPS coordinates and determine the extent to which they are in danger. Warning signals can issue automatically, appropriate to the degree of danger. Emergency manned vehicles may also directly receive the broadcast message and act appropriately relative to the degree of danger.

Abstract: A stolen-vehicle monitoring system monitors a present position of a stolen-vehicle via radio communication between a monitor station and a vehicle-mounted device. When the vehicle-mounted device detects a vehicle theft, it automatically interrupts on-going communication between a car phone of the stolen-vehicle and an external phone if the car phone is being used for other than the monitor station and for low priority processing, and then dials to the monitor station to transmit present position information of the stolen-vehicle. When the monitor station calls the vehicle-mounted device, it interrupts on-going communication of the car phone and switches the communication to the monitor station to transmit the present position information to the monitor station.

Abstract: A method and system allows two or more different coordinates for a geographic location to be expressed as a single string of characters. The single string of characters may include numerical digits or numbers, alphabetic characters or letters, punctuation or other typographical marks, other symbols, or a combination of two or more of these. A geographic location may refer to a physical place, the location of an object, or some other location.

Abstract: A location system is disclosed for commercial wireless telecommunication infrastructures. The system is an end-to-end solution having one or more location centers for outputting requested locations of commercially available handsets or mobile stations (MS) based on, e.g., CDMA, AMPS, NAMPS or TDMA communication standards, for processing both local MS location requests and more global MS location requests via, e.g., Internet communication between a distributed network of location centers. The system uses a plurality of MS locating technologies including those based on: (1) two-way TOA and TDOA; (2) pattern recognition; (3) distributed antenna provisioning; and (4) supplemental information from various types of very low cost non-infrastructure base stations for communicating via a typical commercial wireless base station infrastructure or a public telephone switching network.

Abstract: A multiple pass location processing method, for use in a wireless location system (WLS), comprises identifying a received transmission as requiring multiple pass location processing whereby the WLS produces a first, lower quality location estimate and then subsequently produces a second, higher quality location estimate. The WLS then produces the first location estimate and provides it to a first location application, and then produces the second location estimate. The second location estimate may be a more accurate estimate than the first location estimate and/or of a higher confidence than the first location estimate. This method is suitable, but not limited, for use in connection with locating a wireless transmitter involved in an emergency services call and routing the call to a call center.

Abstract: There are proposed a method for determining timing differences between a plurality of radio transmitters (BTS) and a radio network incorporating the method. Timing information of signals received by measuring means from said plurality of radio transmitters (BTS) is determined. The timing differences between said plurality of radio transmitters (BTS) are determined on the basis of said timing information determined by said measuring means and the respective distance differences between said plurality of radio transmitters (BTS) and said measuring means. This method can be advantageously applied to locating mobile stations in a mobile radio network.

Abstract: A wireless tracking system consists of a wireless target including a wireless communication system for transmitting a data packet over a communication path, and a locating station for determining a position of the target. The data packet transmitted from the target includes an identification code uniquely associated with the target. The locating station includes a configurable directional antenna, a communication interval processing system, a direction processing system, and a position processing system. The communication interval processing system is in communication with the directional antenna and determines the transmission interval of the transmitted data packet over the communication path. The direction processing system determines the transmission angle of the communication path, and is in communication with the directional antenna for controlling the configuration of the directional antenna so as to facilitate the determination of the transmission angle.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the real-time location of a multiplicity of Mobile Units by correlating a commanded radio signal from the specific Mobile Units received by multiple fixed antennae. The Mobile Units are equipped with a transceiver that is activated by an encoded broadcast and responds with a burst transmission on a separate frequency that is received by several well-surveyed antennae at slightly different times due to the variable distance of the Mobile Units to the Fixed Receiver antennae. The location of a Mobile Unit is determined by resolving the burst transmission time delay differences from at least four fixed antennae to eliminate the common system unknowns.

Abstract: A method of locating a mobile telephone includes steps of receiving, transmitting, increasing and determining. In the receiving step, a first base station receives a call from a mobile telephone, the call including a dialed number and a TDMA signal. In the transmitting step, the base station transmits a control message to the mobile telephone when the dialed number meets a predetermined criterion, such as being 911. The control message instructs the mobile telephone to transmit the TDMA signal at a maximum power. In the increasing step, the mobile telephone increases the TDMA signal to maximum power in response to the control message. Then in the determining step, location information for the mobile telephone is determined based on at least one characteristic of the TDMA signal received at at least one of the first base station and other base stations.

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

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for determining a mobile station's precise three-dimensional location in a simple way, that includes a beam-forming antenna's receiving of a signal from the mobile station; measuring the distance between a wireless base station and the mobile station from the received signal; determining the mobile station's azimuth angle by horizontal scanning of the beam-forming antenna and the mobile station's elevation angle by vertical scanning of the beam-forming antenna; and updating the mobile station's distance, azimuth angle, and elevation angle at regular time intervals, thereby acquiring the mobile station's three-dimensional location simply and with precision.

Abstract: A method and system for vehicle hazard warning and safety integrated with an onboard navigational system for providing a current geographical location of the vehicle to a base station, receiving an event signal from the vehicle at the base station, while the vehicle is proximate to the current geographic location associating the geographic location with the event signal to determine that the vehicle is distressed, and transmitting hazard information from the base station to the vehicle in response to such association. The association may be based upon directional information which is provided by the vehicle. A control signal is transmitted to the vehicle and the hazard lights of the vehicle are automatically activated in response to receipt of that control signal. Navigational assistance can also be presented to the vehicle.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention an apparatus is provided. The apparatus comprises a positioning mechanism to determine a position of said apparatus; a baseband module comprising a plurality of network interfaces each supporting a network communications protocol; a determining mechanism to determine which communications network are operative at said position; a selection mechanism to select one of said operative communications network; and a connection mechanism to seamlessly connect said apparatus to said selected communications network using one of said network interfaces.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, the invention discloses a method comprising determining a position of a mobile device; and controlling access to said mobile device based on said position. According to another embodiment of the invention there is provided a mobile device comprising a positioning mechanism to determine a position a mobile device; and a controlling mechanism to control access to said mobile device based on said position.

Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a navigation system suitable for use in civilian airspace includes a first precise positioning service (PPS) global positioning system (GPS) receiver in a first line replaceable unit (LRU). A second standard positioning service (SPS) global positioning system (GPS) receiver in either the same line replaceable unit (LRU) or in a second line replaceable unit (LRU) is also included. The second standard positioning service (SPS) global positioning system (GPS) receiver is suitable for at least one of certification, upgrade and replacement independent of the first precise positioning service (PPS) global positioning system (GPS) receiver.

Abstract: A collision recovery method for use in a Wireless Location System includes receiving a transmission from a wireless transmitter at multiple signal collection systems and multiple antenna ports of each of the multiple signal collection systems. At each of the multiple signal collection systems, the transmission received at each antenna port is converted into a digital format, and digital data representative of the received transmission is stored. The transmission is then demodulated, and TDOA analysis is performed on the digital data from pairs of signal collection systems. The location of the wireless transmitter is determined using the TDOA data. The method further involves verifying that the RF data from each antenna port is from the wireless transmitter to be located, e.g., by demodulating a segment of the transmission received at each antenna port and verifying that at least a combination of the following fields is correct: MIN, MSID, TMSI, IMSI, and ESN.

Abstract: A computer program product, apparatus, and method for determining the position of a user terminal. It includes receiving, at the user terminal, a broadcast analog television signal having a periodic component; and correlating the broadcast analog television signal with a predetermined reference signal based on the periodic component, thereby producing a pseudorange; and wherein the location of the user terminal is determined based on the pseudorange and a location of the transmitter of the broadcast analog television signal.

Abstract: A position calculation method that calculates the correct position of a terminal even when errors are not distributed symmetrically for positive and negative values, by calculating the position of a terminal using the delay time of received signals. The method calculates a first range that is a difference between a range from the terminal to each of antenna and a range from the terminal to a base antenna, the range being calculated from a wireless signal delay time; calculates a second range that is a difference between a range from an assumed terminal position for calculation to each antenna and a range from the assumed terminal position for calculation to the base antenna; calculates a likelihood of the position of the terminal, repeats these procedures to obtain a point where the likelihood is maximized, and determines an obtained most likely solution as the position of the terminal.

Abstract: The invention is a multipath meter that analyses estimates of parameters associated with a direct signal component and one or more multipath signal components of a signal received by an antenna. The meter analyses the parameter estimates in order to facilitate the select of a location for an antenna, monitor signal quality at an existing antenna site, and/or to determine if satellite failure or some other type of signal failure has occurred. The multipath meter makes available to a user or for analysis information related to the contributions of the direct signal and the multipath signals to the received signal. The information includes estimates of various parameters such as delay, relative amplitude and phase of the direct and multipath signals. The meter calculates a ratio of the amplitudes of the direct and the multipath signals, to determine the severity of the multipath signals and, thus, the signal quality.

Abstract: An apparatus (10, 240, 300) includes a signpost (11, 241-256, 322, 612, 623, 626-628, 652, 661, 682, 686, 703) which transmits relatively low frequency signpost signals that are fundamentally magnetic in character, a beacon tag (12, 271-275, 301-316, 395-397, 616-618, 641-643, 653, 656-657, 662-664, 679, 708, 711) which receives the signpost signals and transmits radio frequency signals containing a signpost code (42, 93) from a received signpost signal, and a reader (13, 261, 319, 521-530) which receives the radio frequency signals. One of the signpost and tag is stationarily supported, and the other is mounted on a moveable item. Based on the signals received by the reader, the location of the item can determined with a high degree of accuracy.

Abstract: A GPS receiver includes a satellite receiver/processor having an input that receives input signals from at least one GPS satellite. The output of the receiver/processor provides satellite-related navigation information. A neural network receives the satellite-related information to obtain an output signal representative of receiver-related navigation information. The neural network includes a first node layer connected to a second node layer through a first connection layer and a third node layer connected to the second node layer through a second connection layer. Each of the node layers comprises a plurality of neurons.

Abstract: A novel and improved method and apparatus for locating a vehicle is disclosed. In one aspect, the disclosed method and apparatus may include a terminal configured to receive vehicle location information from a vehicle over a communication link, compare the vehicle location information with the location of the terminal, and display information to a user enabling the user to locate the vehicle.

Abstract: To determine the location of a signal receiver, sampled data received from a receiver is divided into data segments of increasing length. Current ranges for a delay value and for a modulation frequency value are calculated relative to each satellite signal source that is overhead the signal receiver. Using the data segments of increasing length, the current ranges, estimates for the delay value and for the modulation frequency value are then iteratively calculated and updated. For each signal source, I and Q correlation integrals and their magnitude values are calculated using the modulation frequency value estimate and each of a range of delay values centered around the delay value estimate. The resulting magnitude-curve is interpolated using the calculated magnitude values. The location of the receiver is calculated using the shape of the magnitude-curve to represent the I and Q correlation integrals for each signal source.

Abstract: A system uses GPS receivers and other sensors to acquire data about one or more objects at an event. The data acquired by the GPS receivers and the sensors is used to determine various statistics about the objects and/or enhance a video presentation of the objects. In one embodiment, the acquired data is used to determine three dimensional positions of the objects, determine the positions of images of the objects in a video and enhance the video accordingly. One exemplar use of the present invention is with a system for tracking automobiles at a race. The system determines statistics about the automobiles and enhances a video presentation of the race.

Abstract: A method and devices for a mobile person's information retrieval where, when the person is moving, on coming closer to a point of destination, defined by him as being interesting, than a specified threshold separation, he will be informed of such a point of interest and, on request, additional data will be presented on it, such as driving instructions or a map. The person is also offered a button with which he can make a call to the phone number of the point of interest presented each time. The person can add by himself new points of interest and select from available points of interest individual or several points of interest on the basis of their class, such as, e.g. restaurants or service stations.

Abstract: A location tagged data provision and display system. A personal communication device (PCD) with electromagnetic communication capability has a GPS receiver and a display. The PCD requests maps and location tagged data from data providers and other for display on the PCD. The data providers respond to requests by using searching and sorting schemes to interrogate data bases and then automatically transmitting data responsive to the requests to the requesting PCD.

Abstract: A method is provided for providing a work machine with information about a processing machine. Information about a processing machine is determined. The determined information is sent to the work machine. The work machine then communicates the determined information to a controller of the work machine.

Abstract: The present invention defines a method and system for identifying and locating a lost person or lost personal property. The invention makes use of a subscription service wherein individuals desiring the locating service may pre-register the individual or property. At registration, the subscribing individual provides personal information relevant to the individual or property to be tracked which is stored in a data base. The subscribing individual is provided a photo identification card, unique to the individual, which includes a toll-free telephone number and unique Personal Identification Number (PIN) imprinted thereon. If the individual or property to be tracked becomes lost or misplaced, the lost individual or members of his family, or the subscribing individual who has lost his property, may call the toll-free number to report the individual or property as lost or misplaced.