64 results about "Assisted GPS" patented technology

A system for wirelessly locating mobile station / units (MS) and using resulting location determinations for providing a product or service is disclosed. The system is useful for routing an MS user to a plurality of desired locations, alerting an MS user to a nearby desired product or service based on satisfaction of user criteria, and providing enhanced security and 911 response. In one embodiment, the system responds to MS location requests via, e.g., Internet communication between a distributed network of location processing sites. A plurality of locating technologies including those based on: (1) TDOA; (2) pattern recognition; (3) timing advance; (5) GPS and network assisted GPS, (6) angle of arrival, (7) super resolution enhancements, and (8) supplemental information from low cost base stations can be activated, in various combinations, by system embodiments. MS location difficulties resulting from poor location accuracy / reliability and / or poor coverage are alleviated via such technologies in combination with automatically adapting and calibrating system performance according to environmental and geographical changes so that the system becomes progressively more comprehensive and accurate. 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. Accordingly, the system is useful for 911 emergency calls, tracking, routing, people and animal location including applications for confinement to and exclusion from certain areas.

In a wireless network including a base station, an application server, a position determining entity and a mobile phone, a method for using the mobile phone as a vehicle navigation device. The mobile phone detects a user activated request for driving directions and establishes voice and data communications links with the application server through the base station. The user vocally transmits the request and a destination location to the application server. Using wireless assisted GPS, the mobile phone determines its position and transmits its position to the position determining entity. The mobile phone receives the requested driving directions from the application server through the data communications link and provides audible driving directions to the user. In operation, the application server receives the request for position-related information, retrieves the position of the mobile phone from the position determining entity and processes the request for information in accordance with the position of the wireless device.

A system for wirelessly locating mobile station / units (MS) and using resulting location determinations for providing a product or service is disclosed. The system is useful for routing an MS user to a plurality of desired locations, alerting an MS user to a nearby desired product or service based on satisfaction of user criteria, and providing enhanced security and 911 response. In one embodiment, the system responds to MS location requests via, e.g., Internet communication between a distributed network of location processing sites. A plurality of locating technologies including those based on: (1) TDOA; (2) pattern recognition; (3) timing advance; (5) GPS and network assisted GPS, (6) angle of arrival, (7) super resolution enhancements, and (8) supplemental information from low cost base stations can be activated, in various combinations, by system embodiments. MS location difficulties resulting from poor location accuracy / reliability and / or poor coverage are alleviated via such technologies in combination with automatically adapting and calibrating system performance according to environmental and geographical changes so that the system becomes progressively more comprehensive and accurate. 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. Accordingly, the system is useful for 911 emergency calls, tracking, routing, people and animal location including applications for confinement to and exclusion from certain areas.

An example method includes connecting to a call center by a user equipment (UE) device via a voice call and receiving a request for a current location. The device is determined to be in an outdoor environment if the signal strength of satellite signals used by a global positioning system (GPS) is greater than a threshold. The device is determined to be in an indoor environment if a beacon signal strength is greater than a further threshold. If the device is in an outdoor environment, the current location is determined using a standalone or assisted GPS method. If the device is in an indoor environment, the current location is the known location of the beacon or an assisted GPS method. If neither the signal strength of the satellite signals nor the signal strength of the beacon exceeds its respective threshold, the current location is determined as a last stored location.

A method and system for enhancing the accuracy and robustness of locations determined for a mobile wireless transceiver in a cellular telephone communications system integrates location-related information both from an assisted GPS device embedded in the mobile unit and from infrastructure-based facilities that extract signal characteristic data at networked base stations. Available supporting collateral information may be additionally evaluated in the location determinations to provide location estimates of enhanced robustness and accuracy.

A system for wirelessly locating mobile station / units (MS) and using resulting location determinations for providing a product or service is disclosed. The system is useful for routing an MS user to a plurality of desired locations, alerting an MS user to a nearby desired product or service based on satisfaction of user criteria, and providing enhanced security and 911 response. In one embodiment, the system responds to MS location requests via, e.g., Internet communication between a distributed network of location processing sites. A plurality of locating technologies including those based on: (1) TDOA; (2) pattern recognition; (3) timing advance; (5) GPS and network assisted GPS, (6) angle of arrival, (7) super resolution enhancements, and (8) supplemental information from low cost base stations can be activated, in various combinations, by system embodiments. MS location difficulties resulting from poor location accuracy / reliability and / or poor coverage are alleviated via such technologies in combination with automatically adapting and calibrating system performance according to environmental and geographical changes so that the system becomes progressively more comprehensive and accurate. 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. Accordingly, the system is useful for 911 emergency calls, tracking, routing, people and animal location including applications for confinement to and exclusion from certain areas.

A method and apparatus which determines that a vehicle operator is in physical possession of a given mobile telecommunications device and that the vehicle is moving at a speed greater than a given threshold speed (which may be zero), and thereby restricts the use of the mobile communications device. Illustratively, the device may be restricted from placing and receiving calls, and sending and receiving text messages. It may be determined that the vehicle operator is in physical possession of the device based on near field communication (NFC) technology whereby a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) transceiver is attached to or embedded in the steering wheel or driver's seat of the vehicle. The vehicle's speed may be determined using a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver or an Assisted GPS (A-GPS) technique, or from speed data determined by the vehicle itself and communicated to the mobile communications device thereby.

A method and system for enhancing the accuracy and robustness of locations determined for a mobile wireless transceiver in a cellular telephone communications system integrating location-related information both from an assisted GPS device embedded in the mobile unit and from infrastructure-based facilities that extract signal characteristic data at networked base stations. Available supporting collateral information may be additionally evaluated in the location determinations to provide location estimates of enhanced robustness and accuracy.

A system for wirelessly locating mobile station / units (MS) and using resulting location determinations for providing a product or service is disclosed. The system is useful for routing an MS user to a plurality of desired locations, alerting an MS user to a nearby desired product or service based on satisfaction of user criteria, and providing enhanced security and 911 response. In one embodiment, the system responds to MS location requests via, e.g., Internet communication between a distributed network of location processing sites. A plurality of locating technologies including those based on: (1) TDOA; (2) pattern recognition; (3) timing advance; (5) GPS and network assisted GPS, (6) angle of arrival, (7) super resolution enhancements, and (8) supplemental information from low cost base stations can be activated, in various combinations, by system embodiments. MS location difficulties resulting from poor location accuracy / reliability and / or poor coverage are alleviated via such technologies in combination with automatically adapting and calibrating system performance according to environmental and geographical changes so that the system becomes progressively more comprehensive and accurate. 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. Accordingly, the system is useful for 911 emergency calls, tracking, routing, people and animal location including applications for confinement to and exclusion from certain areas.

A method and apparatus for controlling use of mobile communication device while operating a vehicle, wherein the mobile communication device (MS) uses one or more ways to determine its speed while moving in order to alter the default behavior of the device based on a stored safety policy. Using existing technologies such as Global Positioning System (GPS), Assisted GPS (AGPS), Location-Based Services (LBS), Global System for Mobile (GSM), Code Division for Multiple Access (CDMA), or an accelerometer, a MS determines the current or last known state of motion to modify the behavior of the MS based on its speed and a stored safety policy. The human interface of the MS is altered to inform the user of the modification, features and functions can be disabled and enabled, the user is prompted to change their behavior, and automatic functions take place. The logging functions of the MS can be enhanced to record the motion state of the MS while using any feature of the MS.

A system for wirelessly locating mobile station / units (MS) and using resulting location determinations for providing a product or service is disclosed. The system is useful for routing an MS user to a plurality of desired locations, alerting an MS user to a nearby desired product or service based on satisfaction of user criteria, and providing enhanced security and 911 response. In one embodiment, the system responds to MS location requests via, e.g., Internet communication between a distributed network of location processing sites. A plurality of locating technologies including those based on: (1) TDOA; (2) pattern recognition; (3) timing advance; (5) GPS and network assisted GPS, (6) angle of arrival, (7) super resolution enhancements, and (8) supplemental information from low cost base stations can be activated, in various combinations, by system embodiments. MS location difficulties resulting from poor location accuracy / reliability and / or poor coverage are alleviated via such technologies in combination with automatically adapting and calibrating system performance according to environmental and geographical changes so that the system becomes progressively more comprehensive and accurate. 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. Accordingly, the system is useful for 911 emergency calls, tracking, routing, people and animal location including applications for confinement to and exclusion from certain areas.

A distributed orbit and propagation method for use in a predicted GPS or GNSS system, which includes a predicted GPS server (PGPS Server), a source of high accuracy orbit predictions (Orbit Server), a global reference network (GRN Server) providing real-time GPS or GNSS assistance data to the PGPS Server, a predicted GPS client (PGPS Client) running on a device equipped with a GPS or AGPS chipset. In response to requests from the PGPS Client, the PGPS Server produces and disseminates an initial seed dataset consisting of current satellite orbit state vectors and orbit propagation model coefficients. This seed dataset enables the PGPS Client to locally predict and propagate satellite orbits to a desired future time. This predictive assistance in turn helps accelerate Time To First Fix (TTFF), optimize position solution calculations and improve the sensitivity of the GPS chip present on, or coupled with, the device. In contrast with other conventional predicted GPS systems that forward large volumes of predicted orbits, synthetic ephemeris or synthetic almanac data, this method optimally reduces data transfer requirements to the client, and enables the client to locally synthesize its own predicted assistance data as needed. This method also supports seamless notification of real-time satellite integrity events and seamless integration of predicted assistance data with industry standard real-time assistance data.

A distributed orbit and propagation method for use in a predicted GPS or GNSS system, which includes a predicted GPS server (PGPS Server), a source of high accuracy orbit predictions (Orbit Server), a global reference network (GRN Server) providing real-time GPS or GNSS assistance data to the PGPS Server, a predicted GPS client (PGPS Client) running on a device equipped with a GPS or AGPS chipset. In response to requests from the PGPS Client, the PGPS Server produces and disseminates an initial seed dataset consisting of current satellite orbit state vectors and orbit propagation model coefficients. This seed dataset enables the PGPS Client to locally predict and propagate satellite orbits to a desired future time. This predictive assistance in turn helps accelerate Time To First Fix (TTFF), optimize position solution calculations and improve the sensitivity of the GPS chip present on, or coupled with, the device. In contrast with other conventional predicted GPS systems that forward large volumes of predicted orbits, synthetic ephemeris or synthetic almanac data, this method optimally reduces data transfer requirements to the client, and enables the client to locally synthesize its own predicted assistance data as needed. This method also supports seamless notification of real-time satellite integrity events and seamless integration of predicted assistance data with industry standard real-time assistance data.

An apparatus and method for locating mobile terminals is disclosed. A base station transmits a radio signal to mobile terminals located in a specific area, and generates- auxiliary location information for locating mobile terminals from a radio signal received from the terminals. A radio network controller receives the auxiliary location information of the terminals from the base station, and calculates locations of the terminals using the auxiliary location information. A cell broadcaster broadcasts information including assisted GPS information and an auxiliary location information request signal to the terminals located in the area. A core network manages information of mobile terminals connected to a network, and provides an interface with a location service client. This allows location of all of the terminals located in the specific area, irrespective of whether the provision of their location information is permitted, which facilitates rescue when a disaster or calamity occurs in the specific area.

A system and method for implementing location-based content restrictions in a mobile video broadcast is provided. The invention utilizes DVB-H KSMs to transmit the restrictions and thereby enables the restrictions to be enforced by the mobile terminal receiving a broadcast video signal. This need for enforcement is determined as a function of the received KSMs and the physical location of the receiving terminal (as sensed using one or more accepted navigation technologies (e.g., Global Positioning System (“GPS”) technology, Assisted GPS (“AGPS”) technology, etc.).

A handheld personal unit that can estimate a user's position in 3-dimensional space by determining a horizontal position and an altitude. GPS or assisted GPS can be used to determine the horizontal position, while barometric pressure assisted altimetry can be used to determine altitude accurately enough to localize the user to a particular floor of a particular building, and many times to a particular room. An artificial intelligence system can access one or more databases to provide data to the user that is related to the user's position in 3-dimensional space. This data can come from a database either stored in the handheld device or stored at a separate remote location. If a remote location is used to provide data and current barometric pressure (and possibly GPS assist), this station can access other remote stations, as needed, to supply the information. The handheld unit and / or the remote station can optionally access the internet to seek information related to the user's location in 3-dimensional space.

The invention describes a tracking, security and status monitoring system (TSS) and modular tracking and security device (MTSD). The tracking and security system includes at least one MTSD adapted for containment within a shipment within a vehicle and for operative communication with a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) (such as the global positioning system (GPS)), cellular networks and a monitoring system. In various embodiments, the MTSD is modular allowing for different sensor systems to be configured to the system, is operative to optimize power consumption and network data usage in the absence of a security event or inquiry from the monitoring system and / or allows the MTSD to recognize when it is within an airborne aircraft to comply with aviation regulations with respect to the operation of RF devices within aircraft. In addition, the system, by using both GNSS and cellular technology (ie. assisted GPS) is effective in being able to determine the real time position of a shipment from a greater number of positions and from deeper within shipment containers or vehicles.

Mentally challenged persons such as autistic children and Alzheimer's patients can become lost and they are hard to find because they have difficulty communicating or they are confused and disoriented. The present invention provides an apparatus, system and methods for locating lost persons (or animals or packages) whether they are indoors or outdoors. The apparatus comprises a cellular telephone unit which can be activated by a RF signal and which a child or patient can wear. The wearable unit can be activated by a caregiver's smart phone having a locating application installed therein. The locating application enables the caregiver to locate the lost person using radio direction finder triangulation when the lost person is within a few hundred feet of the caregiver. When the lost person is further away, the locating application employs cell phone tower triangulation or the wearable unit GPS / Assisted GPS application to determine an approximate location of the lost person. As the caregiver moves close enough to the approximate location, the radio direction finder triangulation is used to calculate a more exact location to find the lost person.

Mentally challenged persons such as autistic children and Alzheimer's patients can become lost and they are hard to find because they have difficulty communicating or they are confused and disoriented. The present invention provides an apparatus, system and methods for locating lost persons (or animals or packages) whether they are indoors or outdoors. The apparatus comprises a cellular telephone unit which can be activated by a RF signal and which a child or patient can wear. The wearable unit can be activated by a caregiver's smart phone having a locating application installed therein. The locating application enables the caregiver to locate the lost person using radio direction finder triangulation when the lost person is within a few hundred feet of the caregiver. When the lost person is further away, the locating application employs cell phone tower triangulation or the wearable unit GPS / Assisted GPS application to determine an approximate location of the lost person. As the caregiver moves close enough to the approximate location, the radio direction finder triangulation is used to calculate a more exact location to find the lost person.

A telephone location system where a consumer can ask a service bureau to find the location of a particular mobile telephone possibly for a fee. The service bureau contacts the correct mobile service provider who locates the mobile telephone if possible using assisted GPS or any other location method and returns the location to the service bureau possibly for an access charge. The service bureau can return the telephone location to the consumer in a relational form or in terms of absolute coordinates (such as longitude and latitude). A total or partial privacy feature allows the mobile telephone to turn-off location to all but emergency services or people possessing an identification such as a PIN.

The invention provides a miniature positioning, navigation and timing system comprising a chip atomic clock, a micro inertial measurement unit and a global positioning system (GPS) software receiver. The chip atomic clock is used to provide a clock signal for the micro inertial measurement unit and the GPS software receiver, assist the GPS software receiver in navigation positioning operation, and perform correction according to a correction signal sent by the GPS software receiver. The micro inertial measurement unit is used to measure motion information of a measured target according to the clock signal, wherein the motion information includes acceleration and angular speed. The GPS software receiver is used to receive a positioning signal sent by a GPS and perform navigation positioning operation according to the positioning signal and the motion information of the measured target in order to obtain positioning, navigation and timing information. The system of the invention has the advantages of high robustness PNT service, high precision, and strong anti-interference performance.

Locating satellites (e.g., GPS) are culled into a preferred group having a longest dwell time based on a time passing through an ellipsoid arc path through a cone of space, and communicated to mobile devices within a particular region (e.g., serviced by a particular base station). The culled locating satellites may select those visible, or more preferably those locating satellites currently within a cone of space above the relevant base station are selected for communication by a mobile device within the service area of the base station. The inverted cone of space may be defined for each antenna structure for any given base station, and each has 360 degrees of coverage, or less than 360 degrees of coverage, with relevant locating satellites. Thus, cell sites may be specifically used as reference points for culling the ephemeris information used to expedite Assisted GPS location determinations.

A method and apparatus for locating a mobile communications device such as a cell phone includes apparatus for communicating with base stations and apparatus for communicating with satellites. Signals received from satellites and the base stations are combined to provide the necessary information to calculate the location of the mobile communications device.

Locating satellites (e.g., GPS) are culled into a preferred group having a longest dwell time based on a time passing through an ellipsoid arc path through a cone of space, and communicated to mobile devices within a particular region (e.g., serviced by a particular base station). The culled locating satellites may select those visible, or more preferably those locating satellites currently within a cone of space above the relevant base station are selected for communication by a mobile device within the service area of the base station. The inverted cone of space may be defined for each antenna structure for any given base station, and each has 360 degrees of coverage, or less than 360 degrees of coverage, with relevant locating satellites. Thus, cell sites may be specifically used as reference points for culling the ephemeris information used to expedite Assisted GPS location determinations.

Alleviating ambiguous pseudorange reconstruction in connection with satellite-based positioning of mobile terminals with assistance data such as Assisted GPS (AGPS). An initial pseudorange selection cycle includes: determining a first admissible pseudorange associated with a first satellite; determining all pseudoranges associated with at least two additional satellites which combined with the first pseudorange form admissible relative pseudoranges; forming a set of pseudorange vectors representing all possible combinations of the determined pseudoranges associated with the first and at least two additional satellites; and forming a set of selected pseudorange vectors by selecting at least one vector from the set of pseudorange vectors.

An example method includes connecting to a call center by a user equipment (UE) device via a voice call and receiving a request for a current location. The device is determined to be in an outdoor environment if the signal strength of satellite signals used by a global positioning system (GPS) is greater than a threshold. The device is determined to be in an indoor environment if a beacon signal strength is greater than a further threshold. If the device is in an outdoor environment, the current location is determined using a standalone or assisted GPS method. If the device is in an indoor environment, the current location is the known location of the beacon or an assisted GPS method. If neither the signal strength of the satellite signals nor the signal strength of the beacon exceeds its respective threshold, the current location is determined as a last stored location.

When a user of a mobile communication terminal makes a request for a position-measuring of a current location, at step S101, a position-measuring method determining section checks a position-measuring method specified. When the method specified is a “cell ID position-measuring”, and it is performed, when the method specified is a “base station radio waves position-measuring”; a base station radio waves position-measuring is performed, when the method specified is a “GPS position-measuring” or a “not specified”, at step S102, a judgment of whether an area in which the mobile communication terminal exist is an area suitable for data communication is made. When the judgment is negative, an autonomous GPS position-measuring is performed. When the judgment is affirmative, an assisted GPS position-measuring is performed. In this case, when the assisted GPS position-measuring has failed, in process to deal with failure of assisted GPS position-measuring at step S108, in a case of predetermined conditions, further the autonomous GPS position-measuring or a supplementary cell ID position-measuring is performed.

The present invention provides a mobile device that is able to implement A-GPS and other network services across multiple disparate communications networks In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a mobile communications device implements a plurality of mobile network profiles—each profile being associated with a different mobile network and its respective carrier, i.e., operator or service provider. Each profile comprises multiple data parameters that are used to authenticate a valid mobile device to the respective communications network carrier and for opening a data channel such as a transmission control protocol and internet protocol (TCP / IP) data connection. These data parameters are used to facilitate communications with a remote server on the network such as a server for performing A-GPS. As soon as the mobile device detects that no signals can be received by the current active mobile network operator, it will assess other stored mobile profiles and determine if it can receive signals from one of the other available mobile networks signals being received, and if so it will load and activate a new mobile profile to authenticate the device for use with the visiting mobile network.

A system and method for determining a location of a mobile device is described that attempts to determine the location of the mobile device using a variety of location determination technologies according to a hierarchy of location determination technologies, where the most accurate technologies are attempted before less accurate technologies until a location determination is made for the mobile device. The hierarchy of location determination technologies includes each of: autonomous GPS, assisted GPS, primary carrier network location based services, tri-lateration, secondary carrier network location based services, and serving base station location.

A wireless communication device uses operational parameters stored in a capabilities list to control operation of the device. The device may also provide auxiliary services, such as reception of broadcast television signals and location detection using network assisted GPS. When auxiliary services are selected, the cellular operation may cause interference with the auxiliary services. The wireless communication device includes a reduced set of capabilities to control operation of the wireless communication device when an auxiliary service is requested. The particular set of reduced capabilities may depend on the specific type of auxiliary service that has been requested. Upon termination of the auxiliary services, the full capabilities list may be restored and the operation of the wireless communication device is thereafter controlled by the full set of operational capabilities.