1697 results about "Location systems" patented technology

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; (5) GPS signals, (6) angle of arrival, (7) super resolution enhancements, and (8) 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. Accordingly, the traditional MS location difficulties, such as multipath, poor location accuracy and poor coverage are alleviated via such technologies in combination with strategies for: (a) automatically adapting and calibrating system performance according to environmental and geographical changes; (b) automatically capturing location signal data for continual enhancement of a self-maintaining historical data base retaining predictive location signal data; (c) evaluating MS locations according to both heuristics and constraints related to, e.g., terrain, MS velocity and MS path extrapolation from tracking and (d) adjusting likely MS locations adaptively and statistically 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 wireless communication network for programming and monitoring a plurality of network-managed devices, including electronic-ink based display devices, comprising a network management computer system, a network gateway device, one or more wireless network routers, a plurality of network-managed devices, and a network coordinator. The wireless communication network of the present invention bridges the gap between wireless display networks, wireless sensor networks, and the worlds of passive, active and partially-active RFID and real-time locating systems. The wireless communication network of the present invention allows conventional communication network protocols to operate in more flexible ways in dynamic, diverse, and heterogeneous application environments, in fields including retail, healthcare, transport, logistics, manufacturing, education, etc. At the same time, the wireless communication network of the present invention is preferably based on the IEEE 802.15.4 network layer standard, which offers low-cost wireless network communication between a large number of wireless network end-devices.

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. Accordingly, the traditional MS location difficulties, such as multipath, poor location accuracy and poor coverage are alleviated via such technologies in combination with strategies for: (a) automatically adapting and calibrating system performance according to environmental and geographical changes; (b) automatically capturing location signal data for continual enhancement of a self-maintaining historical data base retaining predictive location signal data; (c) evaluating MS locations according to both heuristics and constraints related to, e.g., terrain, MS velocity and MS path extrapolation from tracking and (d) adjusting likely MS locations adaptively and statistically 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 location system is disclosed for wireless telecommunication infrastructures. The system is an end-to-end solution having one or more location systems for outputting requested locations of hand sets or mobile stations (MS) based on, e.g., AMPS, 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. The system is useful for 911 emergency calls, tracking, routing, people and animal location including applications for confinement to and exclusion from certain areas.

Method and systems are employed by a wireless location system (WLS) for locating a wireless device operating in a geographic area served by a wireless communications system. An exemplary method includes monitoring a set of signaling links of the wireless communications system, and detecting at least one predefined signaling transaction occurring on at least one of the predefined signaling links. Then, in response to the detection of the at least one predefined network transaction, at least one predefined location service is triggered.

A location based communications system uses a physical location system (PLS) or relative position system to determine a communication unit's location in two or three dimensions, and is configured for radiotelephonic calls through intermediary communications satellite systems, cellular systems or other mobile systems and land line systems, based on the location G# of the called telephone or on a caller-defined estimated area or space termed a G zone number GZ# surrounding the desired callee. The system is particularly advantageous for mobile communications, and may be interfaced with conventional stationary telephones, cellular phones and other communications devices. Multiple telephone units may be simultaneously contacted with messages in user-defined languages. Emergency features enable the location based communication system to locate and notify the nearest and / or best equipped party for assistance in the event of an emergency, issue warnings to all phones in a specific area of any size, calculate vehicle velocities and control traffic.

A method and system is described where a plurality of position reference devices use short-range wireless communication protocols to transmit positioning assistance data to nearby mobile devices, and the mobile devices use the assistance data to model errors and re-calibrate their positioning systems. The short-range communication methods include NFC, RFID, Bluetooth®, short-range 802.11, Wi-Fi Direct, and high frequency focused beams such as 60 GHz. The position reference devices are passive or active NFC tags, passive or active RFID tags, other devices that include such tags as their components, Bluetooth®-enabled devices, 60 GHz-enabled devices, and 802.11 access points that can lower their transmit power. The reference devices are located at various indoor and outdoor locations such as smart posters, kiosks, ATM machines, malls, store checkout counters, store security gates, wireless access points, cellular base-stations, tollbooths, traffic lights, and street lamp posts.

A method for accurately determining the geographic location of a PC or other networked device on the Internet. Client software furnished by a service provider performs trace-route or other network analysis commands to known servers (e.g., eBay, Yahoo, Amazon) or even servers at random locations. The client collects an array of IP address and other network information as a result of the trace-routes, and the trace-route IP information is then transmitted to the service provider that is trying to identify the geographic location of the client. Using the array of IP addresses thus generated, the Internet server software can analyze location information of each Internet hop within each trace-route. For example, the server might look at the first five hops from the client to the server. If four of the five routers have addresses within the geographic area of interest, the server can conclude that the client is probably within the geographic area.

Systems for automatically selecting a user's profile based on location include a device adapted to being tracked by location and a database that includes a user's preferences for routing calls. The user's calls are routed to the user based on the user's call routing preferences and the location of the device. Other systems and methods are also provided.

This invention provides a system and method that enable wired and wireless computing device users to create, access and share geographical positioning data and related information preferably in real time. It allows for the creation, storage, access, transmission and management of geographical positioning data determined by GPS (or any other known method) coupled with other data such as text, images, audio and video which provides information, products and services relating to the said geographical positioning data. In a preferred embodiment, the system comprises a wireless positioning system and a wireless two-way data communication between a portable device and a network server. Said system and method allow users to integrate the use of location bookmarks in various applications.

A wireless location system is provided. The system includes network tags that emit a signal containing tag data, network readers that continuously receive data from the tags, a communication motes to receive the tag data from the readers and to calculate a network signal strength of the signal between the reader and the mote, and a server. The server receives the tag data and network signal strength data from the communication mote, performs calculations on the data, and determines the location of the reader that received the tag data based in part on the received network signal strength data.

Systems and methods are provided for matching a first user in a first geographic location with a second user in a second geographic location, and enabling the first user to find the second user in the second geographic location. The first geographic location can be the same as the second geographic location. The first user and second user can be matched based on user-specific matching criteria, including a first user profile of the first user and a second user profile of the second user. The first user can communicate with the second user.

A remote ordering device for placing orders though cell phones or other data entry and wireless transmission devices and a data receiving station to receive the data, process the orders and keep track of accounts, inventory and retain other data as required. The receiving station can be in communication with other receiving stations to forward orders or data. The receiving station can provide instructions to a person or machine to fill orders at any desired location. The instructions may be printed out or displayed on a screen. A GPS, WAP or other location finding systems, may be used to identify the user's location. Bioelectronics, Caller I.D, pin numbers or other identification means can be used to verify the user for debiting accounts or credit cards. Users can remotely order tickets, meals, services, or control machines remotely and either arrange for pick up at a desired location or for delivery.

A navigation information system includes a communications system having a fixed part and at least one mobile part, the fixed part including data storage and a processor identifying the location of a mobile unit, generating guidance information appropriate to that location and transmitting it to the mobile unit. By locating most of the complexity with the service provider, in particular the navigation computer and geographical database, the system can be readily updated and the capital cost of the in-vehicle system, which in its simplest form may be a standard cellular telephone, can be minimized. The user makes a request for guidance information, and the system, having determined the user's present location, then transmits instructions to the user. The user's present location can be determined by a Satellite Positioning System or the like.

A signal collection system (SCS) is used in a wireless location system that determines the geographical locations of mobile wireless transmitters. The SCS includes a first receiver module, a first digital signal processing (DSP) module, a control and communications module, a timing signal generator including an enhanced GPS receiver, and a bus coupling the DSP module to the communications and control module. The receiver module receives RF signals from the mobile transmitters via a plurality of antennas and digitizes said RF signals, and provides digitized RF data to the first DSP module.

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.

An image generator system (5) with a warehouse database (3) that is integrated to an image generator system human interface (FIG. 6) (virtual reality) and integrated to a warehouse management system's (WMS) stock location system (FIG. 1). This software and hardware combination performs warehousing functions in a simple, visual, real time, non real time and three-dimensional environment. This computer combination is intended for organizations to more efficiently manage the warehousing process-especially by locating key positions. World famine can be reduced with the capabilities of visualizing locations within any warehouse. All industries that use warehouses can ultimately use this virtual reality warehouse management system complement to augment their distribution process. The combination of two previous technologies: that of Virtual Reality (real time 3D graphics) and the field of warehousing and warehouse management systems.

An objection location system for locating and communicating with personnel or objects within a facility. Remote badges are coupled to respective objects or personnel to be located. The badges include transmission means for transmitting identification information associated with their respective objects or personnel. Operational parameters are stored in the badges and are monitored for controlling the operation of the badges. The badge may be in the form of a wristband.

Real time location system functionality is provided in conjunction with bar codes and other coded information devices to provide location information in transaction processing systems. A system and method of the present invention may be used to track the location of objects which are coupled to coded information devices.

The invention provides a real-time package tracking system for use by a package delivery service. The system includes a vehicle operable to deliver a package to a destination of a customer within a region, a positional location system (e.g. GPS) carried by the vehicle, the positional location system being operable to determine geographic positional coordinates for sequential locations of the vehicle along the route thereof toward said destination. The system also includes a wireless transmitter means (such as a cell phone link) carried by said vehicle, for transferring the aforesaid geographic positional coordinates to a central computer. The computer is operable to providing periodic updated calculations to periodically estimate corresponding estimated arrival time (ETA) data for the specific package to said destination and to supply the aforesaid estimated arrival time data to said customer. According to preferred embodiment, the customer can view a map with the ETA information and can make selections on line (e.g. new ETA, or complete cancellation of delivery). These choices are then used to recalculate the drivers route, and can be displayed for both the dispatcher and the driver as well.

Systems and methods for recording and reporting data collected from a remote location are disclosed. A work order, defining infrastructure to be inspected at a remote site and including an inspection plan for collecting inspection information, is generated on a first computer system and transferred to a portable computing system. Inspection data is collected pursuant to the inspection plan on the portable computing system. A global positioning system (GPS) receiver associated with the portable computing system provides location information related to inspected infrastructure during the inspection. After collection, inspection data is transferred from the portable computing system to the first and / or to a second computing system for storage and the generation of related reports. The location information obtained during the inspection can be used to determine dimensional measurements of the infrastructure and to generate visual depictions of infrastructure components and defects.

In an overlay Wireless Location System, an Abis interface is monitored to obtain information used to locate GSM phones. Signaling links of the Abis interface are passively monitored to obtain certain information, such as control and traffic channel assignment, called number, and mobile identification, which is not available from the GSM air interface of the reverse channel. This approach also applies to IDEN and can include CDMA systems where the GSM architecture has been used and the system includes a separated BTS to BSC interface.

A monitoring and location system for mobile objects is shown for monitoring the presence or absence of items of personal value packed by a traveler within a suitcase or other item of luggage which away from home on a trip. Each item of personal value is provided with an electronic signally device or chip, such as a separate RFID tag, which has a unique electronic indicia stored thereon for transmission by a radio frequency signal upon request from an RFID interrogation unit. The interrogation unit is mounted on the interior of the item of luggage and monitors the presence of each RFID tag as the item of personal value is placed within the item of luggage.

Methods and apparatus are provided to locate a terminal within a workspace. Radio frequency identification (RFID) tags are provided in known locations, preferably in, on or adjacent the light fixtures or other workspace infrastructure. The terminal comprises an RFID tag interrogation transceiver, processor and memory. The transceiver interrogates the tags which respond with information correlatable with their unique locations. The terminal determines its locations relative to the known locations of responding tags by, for example, varying its transmit power and / or receiver sensitivity and / or by trilateration using, for example, phase or time difference of arrival measurements on the tag response signals. Once it has determined its own location it may transmit or otherwise announce its location as desired by the user. In a preferred embodiment, the natural electromagnetic radiation and / or RADAR cross section backscatter from fluorescent type fixtures, modulated with their position information, acts as the RFID infrastructure beacon.

A wireless networked device incorporating a display, a video camera and a geo-location system receives geo-located data messages from a server system. Messages can be viewed by panning the device, revealing the message's real world location as icons and text overlaid on top of the camera input on the display. The user can reply to the message from her location, add data to an existing message at its original location, send new messages to other users of the system or place a message at a location for other users. World Wide Web geo-located data can be explored using the system's user interface as a browser. The server system uses the physical location of the receiving device to limit messages and data sent to each device according to range and filtering criteria, and can determine line of sight between the device and each actual message to simulate occlusion effects.

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 of cell phone positioning in real time is provided with specialized location device installations on multiplicity of base stations BSs in CDMA and TDMA cellular communication networks. The purpose of the positioning system is to enable tracking and locating large quantities of anonymous mobile cell phones MS in any number of network cells to be used for real time traffic-forecasting systems, emergency services E911, and other client-initiated position requests. Location data thus obtained can be continuously updated from vehicular-based cellular phones, collected, processed and used as a basis for input to intelligent transportation systems, such as real time urban traffic guidance for vehicular congestion and intelligent traffic control systems. The system is capable of covering large urban geographical areas and number of independent cell structures serving thousands of mobile cell phone clients. It is an independent plug-in solution with specialized synchronized location device installations in each cell BS. Centrally located specialized location software based on Time of Arrival (TOA) and Time Difference of Arrival (TDOA) methods for high speed location processing in central Location Database Server (LDS). The inventive system consists of number of component functions: Operator-initiated functions, location device functions and software enabled positioning functions.

A system and method for providing proximity notification to subscribers of a distributed system. The system includes mobile units having location receivers and stored information regarding target subscribers wherein upon a mobile unit reaching a given proximity criteria, the target subscriber is notified.

A system and method is disclosed for tracking in real time the location of a person, animal, or other object in a community having a cable infrastructure. The system may include at least one identification tag, at least one stationary reader adapted to track the identification tag, and a controlling device adapted to receive information from the stationary reader and transmit information on the cable infrastructure. The method may include defining a plurality of zones within the community; locating a person, animal, or other object in the plurality of zones; determining a location of the person, animal, or other object; and providing the location of the person, animal, or other object on the cable infrastructure of the community.