Trimble Navigation Limited

Other

James C Green

Richard David Williams

Christopher George Muller

Embodiments provided herein recite methods and systems for corroborating position system code from Navigation Satellite System (NSS) signals. In one embodiment, a NSS high yield module attempts to determine a high yield location solution based on a first set of PRN codes. In addition, a NSS high accuracy module attempts to determine a high accuracy location solution based on signal processing of the same first set of PRN codes. A location solution corroborator module receives input from both the NSS high yield module and the NSS high accuracy module and generates a corroborated location solution. In one embodiment, a position provider outputs the corroborated location solution.

Position determination based on corroborated signal processing of PRN codes

An integrated position and direction system is disclosed that includes a digital compass, a communication module, and a satellite positioning system having a receiver adapted to receive satellite position determining signals. Signals that are received from satellites are used to determine position of the integrated position and direction system. A method for updating data is disclosed in which the integrated position and direction system communicates with a remote site and sends a determined position to the remote site. A response is generated and is transmitted to the integrated position and direction system that includes data relating to features located near the determined position. The received data is used to generate a display that indicates the position and the orientation of the features relative to the integrated position and direction system.

Integrated position and direction system with radio communication for updating data

An integrated position and direction system is disclosed that includes a digital compass and a satellite positioning system (SATPOS) having a receiver adapted to receive satellite position determining signals. Direction is determined using the digital compass and heading is determined using the SATPOS. The integrated position and direction system is operable to display, on a display device, map information that is oriented according to a current orientation regardless of whether the system is stationary or moving. The map display is oriented according to either heading determined using the satellite positioning system or direction determined using the digital compass. The integrated position and direction system updates the map display to orient the map display with a current position. Moreover, the integrated position and direction system updates the map display to orient the map display with a current orientation (e.g., heading or direction).

Integrated position and direction system with map display oriented according to heading or direction

An integrated position and direction system and method thereof for determining drift. The integrated position and direction system comprises a satellite positioning system and a digital compass. The satellite positioning system is used for determining position and heading, and the digital compass is used for determining direction. An amount of drift can be determined using the heading and the direction. Knowing the amount of drift, a course compensating for the drift can be determined. Thus, a craft that has drifted from its planned course can be directed to a course that will allow it to reach its intended destination.

Method for determining drift with a digital compass

A method and system for generating and maintaining a database comprising a location-sensitive timetable. At multiple locations, a device (e.g., an integrated position and direction system) listens for broadcast signals from broadcasting devices (e.g., Global Positioning System satellites). For each location, the device records the time and date and the number of satellites from which a signal is received. The device can also record the identities of satellites that can and cannot be picked up. The information recorded by the device can be used to automatically generate a timetable showing the dates and times of day for each location that are and are not satisfactory for doing data maintenance, based on the number of satellites available for viewing. The recorded information can also be used to automatically predict future dates and times for each location that will or will not be satisfactory for data maintenance. Each visit to a location accumulates additional information regarding when satellites will and will not be available for viewing. In this manner, a timetable is automatically generated and updated. The timetable can be automatically factored into mission planning for data maintenance by creating a schedule for visiting each location when satellite viewing will be satisfactory.

Automatic charting of obstructions for mission planning

An integrated position and direction system is disclosed that includes a digital compass, wherein the digital compass includes at least three sensors, and a satellite positioning system (SATPOS) having a receiver adapted to receive satellite position determining signals. Direction is determined using the digital compass and heading is determined using the SATPOS. At a first location, the integrated position and direction system is oriented to the offset feature and is operated to determine a first set of measurements relative to the offset feature using the digital compass and the satellite positioning system. At a second location, the integrated position and direction system is oriented to the offset feature and is operated to determine a second set of measurements relative to the offset feature using the digital compass and the satellite positioning system. The integrated position and direction system calculates the position of the offset feature using the first and second sets of measurements.

Integrated position and direction system for determining position of offset feature

A signal conversion device that provides RTCM correction data to a position determination device. The signal conversion device receives RTCM signals that are converted into a frequency adapted to be received by a position determination device so as to produce a converted correction signal. In one embodiment, the signal conversion device also converts the received RTCM correction data into a format that is adapted to be received by the position determination device. In one embodiment, the received RTCM signal is converted into is the Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) format. Alternatively, the signal is converted into a different format such as a particular manufacturer's own format. The converted correction signal is coupled to a position determination device via a wireless link. The position determination device uses the RTCM correction data contained in the converted correction signal for accurately determining position.

Signal conversion device for coupling RTCM correction data to a position determination device

A method and apparatus for coupling data from an external data device to a position determination device. An Auxiliary Data Transmission Unit (ADTU) that includes a radio transmitter couples to the external data device. The ADTU receives serial data from the external data device and encodes the received serial data into a format suitable for receipt by the position determination device. The encoded data is then modulated to produce a radio signal that is transmitted to the position determination device in a scheme that permits multiple devices to communicate with the position determination device without interference.

Apparatus and method for coupling data to a position determination device

A full wheel cover mounting and centering system including a full wheel cover for completely covering the central body portion of a standard wheel and for abutting the rim portion of the standard wheel; and a plurality of attachment members for fixedly attaching the full wheel cover to the standard wheel and for insuring that the full wheel cover is precisely centered relative to the central body portion of the standard wheel and that the balance of the standard wheel is not adversely affected by the full wheel cover without requiring the standard wheel to be modified in any manner. The full wheel cover includes rigid, non-yielding positioning structure adjacent the outer circumference thereof for abutting the rim portion of the standard wheel to insure that the full wheel cover is centered and aligned relative to the rim portion without requiring the standard wheel to be modified in any manner.

Growing community of inventors

Los Altos, CA, United States of America

James C Green