Koninklijke Philips Corporation N.V.

Nxp B.v.

U-blox Ag

Geotate B.v.

Koninklijke Phillips Electronics N.v.

Ipg Electronics 503 Limited

Saul Robin Dooley

Andrew Thomas Yule

Christopher Brian Marshall

Martin S Wilcox

Robert J Davies

Bryan D Young

Paul Arthur Gough

Stephen Townsend

Johan Peeters

Iwo-Martin Mergler

Amites Sarkar

Stuart Butterfield

Paul Gough

Jamie Matthew Higgins

John Bowern

Anne C Caswell

Paul A Gough

A method of processing signals from a satellite positioning system, comprises receiving () recorded blocks of data samples of satellite broadcast, each block including one or more timestamps generated within a receiver at which the samples were recorded, and processing () the recorded blocks of data samples using a first set of processing parameters to identify satellite transmissions contained within the blocks. Based on the results of the processing (), one of the blocks is selected (). The selected block is processed () using a second set of processing parameters to derive at least position and satellite broadcast timing information. The timestamp of the selected block and the timing information obtained from the processing () of the selected block is used to assist in the processing () of the other blocks. The method associates timestamps with satellite data to improve the offline processing of the positioning data (for example by providing accurate relative timing information between data samples), and this can reduce the processing power and/or time to process the data.

Processing of satellite positioning system signals

A method of receiving satellite signals for estimating the location of capture of a photograph by a camera. The method comprises receiving a signal relating to the timing of capture of the photograph; waiting for an interval of non-zero duration; and, after the interval, receiving the satellite signals.

Satellite positioning for cameras

The invention provides a method of processing signals from a satellite positioning system in which a user inputs an approximate indication of current position, and this is used when processing satellite samples to reduce the processing required or increase the reliability. This approach avoids the need for an automated approximate location system (for example using cellular telephony). This represents a change in the way GPS (or other satellite systems) is used. Instead of relying on a GPS system to provide a location in entirely automated manner, the approach is for the user to give an approximate location (which will generally be known), and for the GPS system then to correct this and provide an accurate location. This approach can enable the GPS system to function in areas where it would normally be unreliable.

A GPS RF front-end is disclosed comprising an antenna for receiving GPS signals, an analog to digital converter for sampling received GPS signals and interface circuitry for outputting the GPS signal samples. The GPS RF front-end is configured to vary the sample resolution of GPS signal samples outputted. Also disclosed is a corresponding method of providing a position fix, storage medium and apparatus for the same.

GPS RF front end and related method of providing a position fix, storage medium and apparatus for the same

A GPS receiver () is disclosed comprising a GPS antenna and a GPS RF front-end including an analogue to digital converter for sampling received GPS signals; and a processor for outputting, including to an external device, the GPS signal samples together with ancillary information either directly or indirectly describing characteristics of the GPS signal samples and/or the GPS signals contained therein. Also disclosed is a corresponding method of providing a position fix and a computer program, computer-readable storage medium and apparatus for the same.

GPS receiver and related method and apparatus

The present invention provides for a method of receiving a signal spread over a frequency range, and in particular a direct sequence spread spectrum signals including the step of employing a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) in the Doppler search. In particular, the invention relates to the receipt of spread spectrum signals such as those transmitted as part of a GPS system.

Method and apparatus for signal receipt and acquisition

A method of determining a GPS position fix. The method includes: (i) sampling received GPS signals and storing those samples; (ii) conducting preliminary processing of those GPS signal samples to determine the likelihood of being able to obtain a position fix during later, final processing of those GPS signal samples; and (iii) after step (ii), conducting final processing of those GPS signal samples to obtain a position fix.

Method of determining a GPS position fix and a GPS receiver for the same

A method of determining a location of an event of interest by processing signals from a satellite positioning system. The method comprises receiving recorded blocks of data samples of a satellite broadcast including blocks recorded at the approximate location of the event of interest, each block including one or more timestamps generated within a first portable device at which the samples were recorded; receiving a time of occurrence of the event recorded independently of the samples; comparing the timestamps and the time of occurrence to identify at least one block corresponding to the event; and processing the data samples of the identified at least one block to derive position information approximating the location of the event.

Event location determination

A communications system comprises at least one beacon device capable of wireless message transmission and at least one portable device capable of receiving such a message transmission. The beacon is arranged to broadcast a series of inquiry messages each in the form of a plurality of predetermined data fields arranged according to a first communications protocol, such as Bluetooth. For the delivery of additional data via broadcast, and in particular data including location information, the beacon adds to each inquiry message prior to transmission an additional data field carrying broadcast data, with the portable device receiving the transmitted inquiry messages including the location data and reading the broadcast data from the additional data field.

Data delivery through beacons

A method of generating a map display for a graphical user interface (GUI) comprising the steps of displaying a map, highlighting a first area on the map surrounding a first position fix wherein the size of the area corresponds to the accuracy of the first position fix and highlighting a second area on the map surrounding a second position fix wherein the size of the second area corresponds to the accuracy of the second position fix. Either (a) when the first and second areas overlap, either (i) the one corresponding to the most recent or accurate position fix is displayed on top of the other or (ii) the highlighting of the overlapping area is different from that of those parts of the first and second areas which do not overlap, or (b) the manner in which at least one of the position fixes is obtained is indicated by the color of the highlight. The area highlighted on the map surrounding the position fix may be a shape other than a circle.

Method of generating a map display for a graphical user interface

A method of acquiring a received spread spectrum signal, especially a GPS signal, is disclosed together with a spread spectrum signal receiver and a cellular telephone incorporating such a receiver. The method comprises the steps of: providing a replica signal containing a pseudorandom noise code, corresponding to that of the spread spectrum signal; providing a subject signal containing two fragments of the spread spectrum signal initially received during respective time periods between which a further time period elapses; and coherently correlating the replica signal with the subject signal over the two fragments.

Method of acquiring a received spread spectrum signal

In accordance with the present invention, a method of processing a sampled signal stream containing at least one spread spectrum signal is provided together with a receiver, computer, computer-readable storage medium and computer program for the same. The method comprises the steps of processing samples at a first bit level and, either in parallel or subsequently, processing samples at a second bit level, different from the first bit level.

Method of processing a sampled spread spectrum signal stream

A method of despreading GPS spread spectrum signals containing pseudorandom noise (PRN) code sequences and received by a GPS receiver () is disclosed together with a GPS receiver () and a mobile communications device (MS) (especially a mobile cellular telephone) for the same. The method comprises the steps of providing Doppler information relating to an estimate of the variation in Doppler shift as observed on the target signal by the GPS receiver and which is attributable to the motion of the GPS satellite; and correlating the target signal with a reference signal containing corresponding PRN code sequences, wherein, in the course of a single dwell, the correlation is modified as a function of the Doppler information.

Method of despreading GPS signals

Methods of providing an estimate of the location of a first device are discloses comprising the steps of determining the location of a separately housed, second device located near to the first device; providing the location of the second device to the first device; and using the location of the second device as an estimate of the location of the first device. Either the second device is arranged to perform a function based on its location other than providing its location as an estimate of the location of the first device, or the location of the second device is provided to the first device using a wireless communications link.

Method of estimating the location of a device

A positioning system, apparatus and method include a transmitter (), a receiver () and a plurality of reflectors (). A signal is transmitted from transmitter to receiver both directly and via the reflectors (). A location server () calculates the unknown position of the transmitter or receiver by identifying signal components () with reflectors ().

Growing community of inventors

Reigate, United Kingdom

Saul Robin Dooley