Agjunction LLC

Hemisphere Gps LLC

Hemisphere Gnss, Inc.

Novatel Inc.

Csi Wireless Inc.

Walter J Feller

Michael L Whitehead

John A McClure

Keith R Jones

Mark R Webber

André C Roberge

Steven R Miller

Xiaoping Wen

Patrick C Fenton

Bradley Paul Badke

Andrè C Roberge

Gregory J Durnan

Andrew J Jakab

Cary Davis

Graham Purves

Andy Jakab

Ryan Wen Xiaoping

Chang Chen

Micheal L Whitehead

John A Mcclure

A complex and intricate GNSS antenna that is created using inexpensive manufacturing techniques is disclosed. The antenna combines a loop antenna and a cross dipole antenna together, in a single plane, to create an optimal GNSS gain pattern. The antenna structure is symmetric and right-hand circular polarized to force correct polarization over a wide range of frequency and beamwidth. The feed structure is part of the antenna radiating element.

Wideband GNSS antenna system

A global navigation satellite sensor system (GNSS) and gyroscope control system for vehicle steering control comprising a GNSS receiver and antennas at a fixed spacing to determine a vehicle position, velocity and at least one of a heading angle, a pitch angle and a roll angle based on carrier phase position differences. The system also includes a control system configured to receive the vehicle position, heading, and at least one of roll and pitch, and configured to generate a steering command to a vehicle steering system. The system includes gyroscopes for determining system attitude change with respect to multiple axes for integrating with GNSS-derived positioning information to determine vehicle position, velocity, rate-of-turn, attitude and other operating characteristics. Relative orientations and attitudes between motive and working components can be determined using optical sensors and cameras. The system can also be used to guide multiple vehicles in relation to each other.

GNSS and optical guidance and machine control

A Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) electronic circuit is described that uses an antenna and a fractal ground plane conductor or a fractal counterpoise. Some embodiments of the electronic circuit include a first ground plane conductor portion on a first electronic substrate, and a second ground plane conductor portion on a second electronic substrate. The second ground plane conductor portion is shaped to include at least one fractal pattern. The fractal pattern of the second ground plane conductor portion makes the ground plane seem electrically larger than it is. The fractal ground plane conductor portion minimizes the reception of GNSS satellite signals below the antenna, and improves the reception of signals from low elevation GNSS satellites above the horizon.

Fractal ground plane antenna and method of use

An antenna-receiver communication system comprises an antenna conductor, antenna, and intelligent antenna controller. The intelligent antenna controller and antenna are connected via a conductor for providing power to the antenna from the intelligent antenna controller, and a received signal from the antenna to the intelligent antenna controller. The intelligent antenna controller is configured to provide voltage to the antenna for its operation, and to systematically alter the provided voltage level to communicate information to the antenna. The antenna is configured to communicate messages to the intelligent antenna controller by systematically altering the current consumed by the antenna. Both the intelligent antenna controller and antenna are configured to decode received messages and act on them. A method for communication between an intelligent antenna controller and antenna utilizing patterns of voltage and current fluctuation over the conductor providing power from the intelligent antenna controller to the antenna is also provided.

System and method for antenna-receiver communication

An RF/digital signal-separating receiver is provided for GNSS and other RF signals. The receiver includes a first master antenna and a second slave antenna, which are positioned in spaced relation for directional, radio compass applications. First and second downconverters and first and second ADCs are located under the first and second antennas in analog signal areas, which configuration minimizes cross-coupling RF signals from the antennas and reduces noise. The first and second ADSs are connected to respective first and second correlators in a digital signal location, which is centrally located relative to the antennas. The correlators are connected to a microprocessor for computing distances for the received signals, from which the receiver's orientation or attitude is determined. A method of manufacturing receivers with this configuration is also disclosed.

RF/digital signal-separating GNSS receiver and manufacturing method

GNSS signals are centered around two bands, L1 and L2, and antennas must cover both these bands for good RTK performance. GPS is at a lower frequency in both bands than the Russian GLONASS system. What is described herein is a method of constructing a low profile dual frequency wideband antenna with excellent polarization and signal reception for both GPS and GLONASS. This technique minimizes the impact of tolerances of the dielectrics, thicknesses and tuning by optimal construction.

Low profile, wideband GNSS dual frequency antenna structure

A global navigation satellite system (GNSS) and gyroscope control system for vehicle steering control comprising a GNSS receiver and antennas at a fixed spacing to determine a vehicle position, velocity and at least one of a heading angle, a pitch angle and a roll angle based on carrier phase position differences. The system also includes a control system configured to receive the vehicle position, heading, and at least one of roll and pitch, and configured to generate a steering command to a vehicle steering system. A vehicle control method includes the steps of computing a position and a heading for the vehicle using GNSS positioning and a rate gyro for determining vehicle attitude, which is used for generating a steering command. Relative orientations and attitudes between tractors and implements can be determined using optical sensors and cameras. Laser detectors and rangefinders can also be used.

An RF (e.g., GNSS) interference mitigation system and method uses a switchable bank of filters for selectively blocking signals in predetermined bandwidths based on detecting strong, interfering signals with an interference detection circuit including a sniffer antenna. A low-strength RF (e.g., GNSS) system can be combined with a spectrally-close high-strength, telecommunications receiver system for cooperative control. Alternatively, an RF receiver can detect tones, changes in DC bias or level changes to activate a filter selection switch.

RF (including GNSS) signal interference mitigation system and method

A GNSS smart antenna system includes an antenna, a processor and a receiver combination unit adapted for economical construction and enhanced performance when performing differential guidance operations. The antenna unit includes a dual frequency antenna, a dual frequency receiver unit, dual processors, and a radio bay for receiving a radio device. Rover and base smart antenna units are interchangeable in the system.

GNSS smart antenna and receiver system with weatherproof enclosure

A multi-antenna GNSS system and method provide earth-referenced GNSS heading and position solutions. The system and method compensate for partial blocking of the antennas by using a known attitude or orientation of the structure, which can be determined by an orientation device or with GNSS measurements. Multiple receiver units can optionally be provided and can share a common clock signal for processing multiple GNSS signals in unison. The system can optionally be installed on fixed or slow-moving structures, such as dams and marine vessels, and on mobile structures such as terrestrial vehicles and aircraft.

Multi-antenna GNSS positioning method and system

A global navigation satellite sensor system (GNSS) and gyroscope control system for vehicle steering control comprising a GNSS receiver and antennas at a fixed spacing to determine a vehicle position, velocity and at least one of a heading angle, a pitch angle and a roll angle based on carrier phase position differences. The roll angle facilitates correction of the lateral motion induced position errors resultant from motion of the antennae as the vehicle moves based on an offset to ground and the roll angle. Alternative aspects include multiple-antenna GNSS guidance methods for high-dynamic roll compensation, real-time kinematic (RTK) using single-frequency (L1) receivers, fixed and moving baselines between antennas, multi-position GNSS tail guidance ('breadcrumb following') for crosstrack error correction, guiding multiple vehicles and pieces of equipment relative to each other, and snow grooming equipment and method applications.

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Airdrie, Canada

Walter J Feller