US6133874A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and apparatus for acquiring satellite positioning system signals
Assignee: SnapTrack Inc
•
Filing: 1998-08-11
•
Granted: 2000-10-17
•
Expires: 2018-08-11
Abstract
Abstract A method and an apparatus which acquire satellite positioning system (SPS) signals in an SPS receiver. Information on time of day, approximate receiver location, and satellite positions are used to reduce the time to search and acquire signals from one or more SPS satellites. In an example of a method of the invention, a first pseudorange to a first SPS satellite is determined, and an approximate location of the SPS receiver is determined. An estimated pseudorange for a second pseudorange to a second SPS satellite is determined from the approximate location and a satellite position of the second SPS satellite. The SPS receiver then searches for SPS signals from the second SPS satellite in a range determined by the estimated pseudorange. Typically, this method reduces the search time to initially acquire SPS signals from the second SPS satellite, and the estimated pseudorange is not based on a previously determined pseudorange for said second SPS satellite. In a particular example of the invention, the approximate location is determined from a cell based information source which correlates an identification of each of various wireless cell sites with an approximate location for objects within a cell of a wireless cell based communication system, such as a cellular (or cell based) telephone system. In other examples of the invention, relatively precise time of day information may be used with information indicating satellite positions and information indicating the approximate location to determine an estimated pseudorange for a first SPS satellite to be acquired.
Inventors
- 👤 Norman F. Krasner
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 19:06
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01S; G01S19/00; G01S19/01; G01S19/13; G01S19/24; G01S19/25; G01S19/252; G01S19/03; G01S1/00; G01S19/05; G01S19/06; G01S19/07; G01S19/071; G01S19/23; G01S19/235; G01S19/28; G01S19/30; H; H03; H03J; H03J7/00; H03J7/02; H03J7/04; H03J7/047; H04; H04B; H04B1/00; H04B1/0003; H04B1/0007; H04B1/06; H04B1/16; H04B1/26; H04B1/28; G01S19/09; G01S19/38; G01S19/39; G01S19/42; G01S19/45; G01S19/46; G01S2205/00; G01S2205/001; G01S2205/008; G01S5/00; G01S5/0009; G01S5/0018; G01S5/0027; H04B1/38; H04B1/3805
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 126
Claim 1
Independent Claim
87 words
A method for reducing search time to acquire satellite positioning system (SPS) signals in a satellite positioning system (SPS) receiver, said method comprising: determining a first pseudorange to a first SPS satellite; determining an approximate location of said SPS receiver; determining an estimated pseudorange for a second pseudorange to a second SPS satellite, said estimated pseudorange being determined from said approximate location and said first pseudorange; searching for time of arrival of SPS signals from said second SPS satellite in a range determined by said estimated pseudorange.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
87 words
A method for reducing search time to acquire satellite positioning system (SPS) signals in a satellite positioning system (SPS) receiver, said method comprising: determining a first pseudorange to a first SPS satellite; determining an approximate location of said SPS receiver; determining an estimated pseudorange for a second pseudorange to a second SPS satellite, said estimated pseudorange being determined from said approximate location and said first pseudorange; searching for time of arrival of SPS signals from said second SPS satellite in a range determined by said estimated pseudorange.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
34 words
A method as in claim 1 further comprising: determining a time information; determining a satellite position of said second satellite, wherein said estimated pseudorange is determined from said approximate location and said satellite position.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
98 words
A method as in claim 2 wherein said search time is to initially acquire said SPS signals and wherein said estimated pseudorange is not based on a previously determined pseudorange for said second SPS satellite and wherein said searching is over time intervals determined by said estimated pseudorange and wherein said time information is an approximate time of day which is accurate to within ±10 minutes, and wherein said estimated pseudorange is one of an estimated time of arrival of SPS signals from said SPS satellite or an estimated distance to said SPS satellite from said SPS receiver.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
31 words
A method as in claim 2 wherein said range is based on an error associated with at least one of said approximate location and said time information and said satellite position.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
24 words
A method as in claim 2 wherein said range is determined relative to said first pseudorange and a reference time of said SPS receiver.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
18 words
A method as in claim 2 wherein said approximate location is obtained from a cell based information source.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method as in claim 6 wherein said approximate location is received at said SPS receiver from said cell based information source.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
36 words
A method as in claim 6 wherein said cell based information source is coupled to a location server and wherein said approximate location represents a location of a cell object in a cell based communication system.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
50 words
A method as in claim 2 further comprising: receiving a precision carrier frequency signal from a source providing said precision carrier frequency signal; automatically locking to said precision carrier frequency signal and providing a reference signal; using said reference signal to provide a local oscillator signal to acquire SPS signals.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
46 words
A method as in claim 8 wherein said location server determines said approximate location from said cell based information source by determining an identification of a wireless cell site which is in wireless communication with a wireless communication system which is coupled to said SPS receiver.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
14 words
A method as in claim 10 wherein said location server determines said estimated pseudorange.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
46 words
A method as in claim 2 further comprising: determining another estimated pseudorange for a third pseudorange to a third SPS satellite; determining another satellite position of said third SPS satellite, wherein said another estimated pseudorange is determined from said approximate location and said another satellite position.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
26 words
A method as in claim 12 further comprising searching for SPS signals from said third SPS satellite in a range determined by said another estimated pseudorange.
Claim 15
Independent Claim
81 words
A method for initially acquiring satellite positioning system (SPS) signals in a SPS receiver, said method comprising: determining a first pseudorange to a first SPS satellite; determining an approximate location of said SPS receiver; determining an estimated pseudorange for a second pseudorange to a second SPS satellite, said estimated pseudorange being determined from said approximate location and said first pseudorange; searching for time of arrival of SPS signals from said second SPS satellite in a range determined by said estimated pseudorange.
Claim 16
Independent Claim
81 words
A method for initially acquiring satellite positioning system (SPS) signals in a SPS receiver, said method comprising: determining a first pseudorange to a first SPS satellite; determining an approximate location of said SPS receiver; determining an estimated pseudorange for a second pseudorange to a second SPS satellite, said estimated pseudorange being determined from said approximate location and said first pseudorange; searching for time of arrival of SPS signals from said second SPS satellite in a range determined by said estimated pseudorange.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
34 words
A method as in claim 14 further comprising: determining a time information; determining a satellite position of said second satellite, wherein said estimated pseudorange is determined from said approximate location and said satellite position.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
35 words
A method as in claim 15 wherein said search time is to initially acquire said SPS signals and wherein said estimated pseudorange is not based on a previously determined pseudorange for said second SPS satellite.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
24 words
A method as in claim 15 wherein said range is determined relative to said first pseudorange and a reference time of said SPS receiver.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
18 words
A method as in claim 15 wherein said approximate location is obtained from a cell based information source.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method as in claim 18 wherein said approximate location is received at said SPS receiver from said cell based information source.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
36 words
A method as in claim 18 wherein said cell based information source is coupled to a location server and wherein said approximate location represents a location of a cell object in a cell based communication system.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
50 words
A method as in claim 20 further comprising: receiving a precision carrier frequency signal from a source providing said precision carrier frequency signal; automatically locking to said precision carrier frequency signal and providing a reference signal; using said reference signal to provide a local oscillator signal to acquire SPS signals.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
46 words
A method as in claim 20 wherein said location server determines said approximate location from said cell based information source by determining an identification of a wireless cell site which is in wireless communication with a wireless communication system which is coupled to said SPS receiver.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
80 words
A satellite positioning system (SPS) receiver comprising: an SPS antenna which is configured to receive SPS signals; a processor coupled to said SPS antenna, said processor determining a first pseudorange to a first SPS satellite and searching for time of arrival of SPS signals from a second SPS satellite in a range determined by an estimated pseudorange to said second SPS satellite, said estimated pseudorange being determined from an approximate location of said SPS receiver and from said first pseudorange.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
80 words
A satellite positioning system (SPS) receiver comprising: an SPS antenna which is configured to receive SPS signals; a processor coupled to said SPS antenna, said processor determining a first pseudorange to a first SPS satellite and searching for time of arrival of SPS signals from a second SPS satellite in a range determined by an estimated pseudorange to said second SPS satellite, said estimated pseudorange being determined from an approximate location of said SPS receiver and from said first pseudorange.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
29 words
An SPS receiver as in claim 23 further comprising a communication system which is coupled to said processor, wherein said communication system provides said approximate location to said processor.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
38 words
An SPS receiver as in claim 23 further comprising a cell based communication system which is coupled to said processor, wherein said cell based communication system receives said estimated pseudorange and provides said estimated pseudorange to said processor.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
25 words
An SPS receiver as in claim 25 wherein estimated pseudorange is determined from said approximate location and a satellite position of said second SPS satellite.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
24 words
An SPS receiver as in claim 25 wherein said estimated pseudorange is not based on a previously determined pseudorange for said second SPS satellite.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
25 words
An SPS receiver as in claim 25 wherein said range is determined relative to said first pseudorange and a reference time of said SPS receiver.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
46 words
An SPS receiver as in claim 28 wherein said processor searches for SPS signals from a third SPS satellite in a range determined by another estimated pseudorange to a third SPS satellite, said another estimated pseudorange being determined from said approximate location of said SPS receiver.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
102 words
A digital processing system comprising: a communication interface; a storage device; a processor coupled to said storage device and to said communication interface, said processor determining an approximate location of a mobile satellite positioning system (SPS) receiver which is capable of communication with said digital processing system through said communication interface and wherein said processor determines an estimated pseudorange for a first pseudorange to a first SPS satellite, said estimated pseudorange being determined from said approximate location and a satellite position of said first SPS satellite and wherein said estimated pseudorange is transmitted through said communication interface to said mobile SPS receiver.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
102 words
A digital processing system comprising: a communication interface; a storage device; a processor coupled to said storage device and to said communication interface, said processor determining an approximate location of a mobile satellite positioning system (SPS) receiver which is capable of communication with said digital processing system through said communication interface and wherein said processor determines an estimated pseudorange for a first pseudorange to a first SPS satellite, said estimated pseudorange being determined from said approximate location and a satellite position of said first SPS satellite and wherein said estimated pseudorange is transmitted through said communication interface to said mobile SPS receiver.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
27 words
A digital processing system as in claim 30 wherein said approximate location is obtained from a cell based information source which is stored in said storage device.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
30 words
A digital processing system as in claim 31 wherein said cell based information source provides approximate location information for objects in a cell of a wireless cell based communication system.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
26 words
A digital processing system as in claim 31 wherein said approximate location represents a location of a cell object in a wireless cell based communication system.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
24 words
A digital processing system as in claim 33 wherein said cell object is a wireless cell site in said wireless cell based communication system.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
47 words
A digital processing system as in claim 33 wherein said approximate location is determined from said cell based information source by determining an identification of a wireless cell site which is in wireless communication with a wireless communication system which is coupled to said mobile SPS receiver.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
79 words
A computer readable medium containing executable computer program instructions which, when executed by a data processing system, cause said data processing system to perform a method comprising: determining an approximate location of a mobile satellite positioning system (SPS) receiver; determining an estimated pseudorange for a first pseudorange to a first SPS satellite, said estimated pseudorange being determined from said approximate location and a satellite position of said first SPS satellite; transmitting said estimated pseudorange to said mobile SPS receiver.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
79 words
A computer readable medium containing executable computer program instructions which, when executed by a data processing system, cause said data processing system to perform a method comprising: determining an approximate location of a mobile satellite positioning system (SPS) receiver; determining an estimated pseudorange for a first pseudorange to a first SPS satellite, said estimated pseudorange being determined from said approximate location and a satellite position of said first SPS satellite; transmitting said estimated pseudorange to said mobile SPS receiver.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
85 words
A computer readable medium as in claim 36 wherein said method further comprises: determining another estimated pseudorange for a second pseudorange to a second SPS satellite, said another estimated pseudorange being determined from said approximate location and another satellite position of said second SPS satellite, and wherein said approximate location is determined from said cell based information source by determining an identification of a wireless cell site which is in wireless communication with a wireless communication system which is coupled to said mobile SPS receiver.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
59 words
A method as in claim 2 wherein said time information is an approximate time of day at said SPS receiver which has an accuracy of better than 10 minutes and wherein said satellite position is determined from an external source which transmits a set of ephemeris data corresponding to a set of SPS satellites viewable by said SPS receiver.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
24 words
A method as in claim 2 wherein said SPS receiver determines said time information from a communication signal in a cell based communication system.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
18 words
A method as in claim 2 wherein said SPS receiver uses a matched filter to acquire SPS signals.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
52 words
A method as in claim 2 wherein said satellite position comprises at least one of (a) a set of ephemeris data corresponding to a set of SPS satellites viewable by said SPS receiver; or (b) a set of Almanac data corresponding to said set of SPS satellites viewable by said SPS receiver.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method as in claim 41 wherein said set of ephemeris data is obtained from a reference network of SPS receivers.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method as in claim 41 wherein said set of Almanac data is obtained from a reference network of SPS receivers.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
31 words
A method as in claim 41 wherein said set of ephemeris data is obtained from an SPS reference receiver at a cell site which is in communication with said SPS receiver.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
31 words
A method as in claim 41 wherein said set of Almanac data is obtained from an SPS reference receiver at a cell site which is in communication with said SPS receiver.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
24 words
A method as in claim 41 wherein said set of Almanac data is obtained by said SPS receiver from SPS signals from SPS satellites.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method as in claim 39 wherein said cell based communication system is a CDMA (code division multiple access) system.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
41 words
A method as in claim 39 wherein said step of determining said time of day is performed by reading a time of day message present with a cellular communication signal received by said SPS receiver over a cell based communications link.
Claim 54
Independent Claim
104 words
A method for reducing search time to acquire satellite positioning system (SPS) signals in a satellite positioning system (SPS) receiver, said method comprising: determining a time of day at said SPS receiver to an accuracy of better than a framing period of said SPS signals; determining an approximate location of said SPS receiver; determining an estimated pseudorange for at least one SPS satellite, said estimated pseudorange being determined from said approximate location and from a satellite position data and from said time of day; searching for time of arrival of SPS signals from said SPS satellite in a range determined by said estimated pseudorange.
Claim 55
Independent Claim
104 words
A method for reducing search time to acquire satellite positioning system (SPS) signals in a satellite positioning system (SPS) receiver, said method comprising: determining a time of day at said SPS receiver to an accuracy of better than a framing period of said SPS signals; determining an approximate location of said SPS receiver; determining an estimated pseudorange for at least one SPS satellite, said estimated pseudorange being determined from said approximate location and from a satellite position data and from said time of day; searching for time of arrival of SPS signals from said SPS satellite in a range determined by said estimated pseudorange.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
17 words
A method as in claim 49 wherein said satellite position data is received from an external source.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
58 words
A method as in claim 50 wherein said search time is to initially acquire said SPS signals and wherein said estimated pseudorange is not based on a previously determined pseudorange for said SPS satellite and wherein said satellite position data comprises a set of Almanac data corresponding to a set of SPS satellites viewable by said SPS receiver.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
33 words
A method as in claim 50 wherein said range is based on an error associated with at least one of said approximate location and said time of day and said satellite position data.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
29 words
A method as in claim 50 wherein said satellite position data comprises a set of ephemeris data corresponding to a set of SPS satellites viewable by said SPS receiver.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
38 words
A method as in claim 50 wherein said approximate location is obtained from a cell based information source and wherein said external source is at least one of (a) SPS satellites or (b) a cell based communication system.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method as in claim 54 wherein said approximate location is received at said SPS receiver from said cell based information source.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
36 words
A method as in claim 54 wherein said cell based information source is coupled to a location server and wherein said approximate location represents a location of a cell object in a cell based communication system.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
50 words
A method as in claim 56 further comprising: receiving a precision carrier frequency signal from a source providing said precision carrier frequency signal; automatically locking to said precision carrier frequency signal and providing a reference signal; using said reference signal to provide a local oscillator signal to acquire SPS signals.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
46 words
A method as in claim 56 wherein said location server determines said approximate location from said cell based information source by determining an identification of a wireless cell site which is in wireless communication with a wireless communication system which is coupled to said SPS receiver.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
14 words
A method as in claim 58 wherein said location server determines said estimated pseudorange.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
44 words
A method as in claim 50 further comprising: determining another estimated pseudorange for another pseudorange to another SPS satellite; determining another satellite position of said another SPS satellite, wherein said another estimated pseudorange is determined from said approximate location and said another satellite position.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
30 words
A method as in claim 60 further comprising searching for time of arrival of SPS signals from said another SPS satellite in a range determined by said another estimated pseudorange.
Claim 68
Independent Claim
98 words
A method for initially acquiring satellite positioning system (SPS) signals in a SPS receiver, said method comprising: determining a time of day at said SPS receiver to an accuracy of better than a framing period of said SPS signals; determining an approximate location of said SPS receiver; determining an estimated pseudorange for at least one SPS satellite, said estimated pseudorange being determined from said approximate location and from a satellite position data and from said time of day; searching for time of arrival of SPS signals from said SPS satellite in a range determined by said estimated pseudorange.
Claim 69
Independent Claim
98 words
A method for initially acquiring satellite positioning system (SPS) signals in a SPS receiver, said method comprising: determining a time of day at said SPS receiver to an accuracy of better than a framing period of said SPS signals; determining an approximate location of said SPS receiver; determining an estimated pseudorange for at least one SPS satellite, said estimated pseudorange being determined from said approximate location and from a satellite position data and from said time of day; searching for time of arrival of SPS signals from said SPS satellite in a range determined by said estimated pseudorange.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
17 words
A method as in claim 62 wherein said satellite position data is received from an external source.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
58 words
A method as in claim 63 wherein said search time is to initially acquire said SPS signals and wherein said estimated pseudorange is not based on a previously determined pseudorange for said SPS satellite and wherein said satellite position data comprises a set of Almanac data corresponding to a set of SPS satellites viewable by said SPS receiver.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
29 words
A method as in claim 63 wherein said satellite position data comprises a set of ephemeris data corresponding to a set of SPS satellites viewable by said SPS receiver.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
18 words
A method as in claim 63 wherein said approximate location is obtained from a cell based information source.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method as in claim 66 wherein said approximate location is received at said SPS receiver from said cell based information source.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
36 words
A method as in claim 66 wherein said cell based information source is coupled to a location server and wherein said approximate location represents a location of a cell object in a cell based communication system.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
50 words
A method as in claim 68 further comprising: receiving a precision carrier frequency signal from a source providing said precision carrier frequency signal; automatically locking to said precision carrier frequency signal and providing a reference signal; using said reference signal to provide a local oscillator signal to acquire SPS signals.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
46 words
A method as in claim 68 wherein said location server determines said approximate location from said cell based information source by determining an identification of a wireless cell site which is in wireless communication with a wireless communication system which is coupled to said SPS receiver.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
99 words
A satellite positioning system (SPS) receiver comprising: an SPS antenna which is configured to receive SPS signals; a processor coupled to said SPS antenna, said processor determining a time of day at said SPS receiver to an accuracy of better than a framing period of said SPS signals and searching for a time of arrival of SPS signals from an SPS satellite in a range determined by an estimated pseudorange to said SPS satellite, said estimated pseudorange being determined from an approximate location of said SPS receiver and from a satellite position data and from said time of day.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
99 words
A satellite positioning system (SPS) receiver comprising: an SPS antenna which is configured to receive SPS signals; a processor coupled to said SPS antenna, said processor determining a time of day at said SPS receiver to an accuracy of better than a framing period of said SPS signals and searching for a time of arrival of SPS signals from an SPS satellite in a range determined by an estimated pseudorange to said SPS satellite, said estimated pseudorange being determined from an approximate location of said SPS receiver and from a satellite position data and from said time of day.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
29 words
An SPS receiver as in claim 71 further comprising a communication system which is coupled to said processor, wherein said communication system provides said approximate location to said processor.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
38 words
An SPS receiver as in claim 71 further comprising a cell based communication system which is coupled to said processor, wherein said cell based communication system receives said estimated pseudorange and provides said estimated pseudorange to said processor.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
24 words
An SPS receiver as in claim 73 wherein estimated pseudorange is determined from said approximate location and a satellite position of said SPS satellite.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
23 words
An SPS receiver as in claim 73 wherein said estimated pseudorange is not based on a previously determined pseudorange for said SPS satellite.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
50 words
An SPS receiver as in claim 72 wherein said satellite position data is received from an external source being one of (a) an SPS satellite or (b) a cell based communication system, and wherein said time of day is determined from a communication signal in a cell based communication system.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
50 words
An SPS receiver as in claim 76 wherein said processor searches for a time of arrival of SPS signals from another SPS satellite in a range determined by another estimated pseudorange to said another SPS satellite, said another estimated pseudorange being determined from said approximate location of said SPS receiver.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
18 words
A method as in claim 49 wherein said SPS receiver uses a matched filter to acquire SPS signals.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
25 words
A method as in claim 49 wherein said SPS receiver determines said time of day from a communication signal in a cell based communication system.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method as in claim 79 wherein said cell based communication system comprises a CDMA (code division multiple access) system.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
24 words
A method as in claim 79 wherein said communication signal is one of a time of day message or a series of timed pulses.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
56 words
A method as in claim 51 wherein said set of Almanac data is obtained from at least one of (a) a reference network of SPS receivers; (b) an SPS reference receiver at a cell site which is in communication with said SPS receiver; or (c) from SPS signals from SPS satellites received by said SPS receiver.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
56 words
A method as in claim 53 wherein said set of ephemeris data is obtained from at least one of (a) a reference network of SPS receivers; (b) an SPS reference receiver at a cell site which is in communication with said SPS receiver or (c) from SPS signals from SPS satellites received by said SPS receiver.
Claim 92
Independent Claim
107 words
A method for reducing search time to acquire satellite positioning system (SPS) signals in a satellite positioning system (SPS) receiver, said method comprising: determining a time of day at said SPS receiver; obtaining a set of mathematical descriptions of estimated ranges versus time, said estimated ranges being from said SPS receiver to said SPS satellites viewable by said SPS receiver; determining an estimated pseudorange for at least one SPS satellite, said estimated pseudorange being determined from said time of day and from said set of mathematical descriptions; searching for time of arrival of SPS signals from said SPS satellite in a range determined by said estimated pseudorange.
Claim 93
Independent Claim
107 words
A method for reducing search time to acquire satellite positioning system (SPS) signals in a satellite positioning system (SPS) receiver, said method comprising: determining a time of day at said SPS receiver; obtaining a set of mathematical descriptions of estimated ranges versus time, said estimated ranges being from said SPS receiver to said SPS satellites viewable by said SPS receiver; determining an estimated pseudorange for at least one SPS satellite, said estimated pseudorange being determined from said time of day and from said set of mathematical descriptions; searching for time of arrival of SPS signals from said SPS satellite in a range determined by said estimated pseudorange.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
18 words
A method as in claim 84 wherein said set of mathematical descriptions is received from an external source.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
62 words
A method as in claim 85 wherein said search time is to initially acquire said SPS signals and wherein said estimated pseudorange is one of an estimated time of arrival of SPS signals from said SPS satellite or an estimated distance to said SPS satellite from said SPS receiver, and wherein said searching is over time intervals determined by said estimated pseudorange.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
30 words
A method as in claim 85 wherein said range is based on an error associated with at least one of said time of day and said set of mathematical descriptions.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
37 words
A method as in claim 85 further comprising determining a first pseudorange to a first SPS satellite and wherein said estimated pseudorange is determined also from said first pseudorange, and wherein said time of day is approximate.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
27 words
A method as in claim 85 wherein said set of mathematical descriptions uses an approximate location of said SPS receiver obtained from a cell based information source.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method as in claim 89 wherein said approximate location is received at said SPS receiver from said cell based information source.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
36 words
A method as in claim 89 wherein said cell based information source is coupled to a location server and wherein said approximate location represents a location of a cell object in a cell based communication system.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method as in claim 91 wherein said cell object is a wireless cell site in said cell based communication system.
Claim 102
Dependent Claim
46 words
A method as in claim 91 wherein said location server determines said approximate location from said cell based information source by determining an identification of a wireless cell site which is in wireless communication with a wireless communication system which is coupled to said SPS receiver.
Claim 103
Dependent Claim
30 words
A method as in claim 93 wherein said location server determines said set of mathematical descriptions and causes said set of mathematical descriptions to be transmitted to said SPS receiver.
Claim 104
Dependent Claim
50 words
A method as in claim 85 further comprising: receiving a precision carrier frequency signal from a source providing said precision carrier frequency signal; automatically locking to said precision carrier frequency signal and providing a reference signal; using said reference signal to provide a local oscillator signal to acquire SPS signals.
Claim 105
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method as in claim 85 wherein said time of day is accurate to within a framing period of said SPS signals.
Claim 106
Dependent Claim
99 words
A satellite positioning system (SPS) receiver comprising: an SPS antenna which is configured to receive SPS signals; a processor coupled to said SPS antenna, said processor determining a time of day at said SPS receiver and searching for time of arrival of SPS signals from an SPS satellite in a range determined by an estimated pseudorange to said SPS satellite, said estimated pseudorange being determined from said time of day and from a set of mathematical descriptions of estimated ranges versus time, said estimated ranges being from said SPS receiver to said SPS satellites viewable by said SPS receiver.
Claim 107
Dependent Claim
99 words
A satellite positioning system (SPS) receiver comprising: an SPS antenna which is configured to receive SPS signals; a processor coupled to said SPS antenna, said processor determining a time of day at said SPS receiver and searching for time of arrival of SPS signals from an SPS satellite in a range determined by an estimated pseudorange to said SPS satellite, said estimated pseudorange being determined from said time of day and from a set of mathematical descriptions of estimated ranges versus time, said estimated ranges being from said SPS receiver to said SPS satellites viewable by said SPS receiver.
Claim 108
Dependent Claim
38 words
An SPS receiver as in claim 97 further comprising a communication system which is coupled to said processor, wherein said communication system receives said set of mathematical descriptions and provides said set of mathematical descriptions to said processor.
Claim 109
Dependent Claim
43 words
An SPS receiver as in claim 97 further comprising a cell based communication system which is coupled to said processor, wherein said cell based communication system receives a message specifying said time of day and provides said time of day to said processor.
Claim 110
Dependent Claim
42 words
An SPS receiver as in claim 97 wherein said processor determines a first pseudorange to a first SPS satellite when said time of day is approximate to within 10 minutes and wherein said estimated pseudorange is also determined from said first pseudorange.
Claim 111
Dependent Claim
51 words
An SPS receiver as in claim 97 wherein said estimated pseudorange is one of an estimated time of arrival of SPS signals from said SPS satellite or an estimated distance to said SPS satellite from said SPS receiver, and wherein said searching is over time intervals determined by said estimated pseudorange.
Claim 112
Dependent Claim
18 words
An SPS receiver as in claim 97 wherein said processor comprises a matched filter which performs said searching.
Claim 113
Dependent Claim
112 words
A digital processing system comprising: a communication interface; a storage device; a processor coupled to said storage device and to said communication interface, said processor determining an approximate location of a mobile satellite positioning system (SPS) receiver which is capable of communication with said digital processing system through said communication interface and wherein said processor determines a set of mathematical descriptions of estimated ranges versus time, said estimated ranges being from said SPS receiver to said SPS satellites viewable by said SPS receiver, said set of mathematical expressions being determined from said approximate location and wherein said set of mathematical expressions is transmitted through said communication interface to said mobile SPS receiver.
Claim 114
Dependent Claim
112 words
A digital processing system comprising: a communication interface; a storage device; a processor coupled to said storage device and to said communication interface, said processor determining an approximate location of a mobile satellite positioning system (SPS) receiver which is capable of communication with said digital processing system through said communication interface and wherein said processor determines a set of mathematical descriptions of estimated ranges versus time, said estimated ranges being from said SPS receiver to said SPS satellites viewable by said SPS receiver, said set of mathematical expressions being determined from said approximate location and wherein said set of mathematical expressions is transmitted through said communication interface to said mobile SPS receiver.
Claim 115
Dependent Claim
27 words
A digital processing system as in claim 103 wherein said approximate location is obtained from a cell based information source which is stored in said storage device.
Claim 116
Dependent Claim
30 words
A digital processing system as in claim 104 wherein said cell based information source provides approximate location information for objects in a cell of a wireless cell based communication system.
Claim 117
Dependent Claim
26 words
A digital processing system as in claim 104 wherein said approximate location represents a location of a cell object in a wireless cell based communication system.
Claim 118
Dependent Claim
24 words
A digital processing system as in claim 106 wherein said cell object is a wireless cell site in said wireless cell based communication system.
Claim 119
Dependent Claim
47 words
A digital processing system as in claim 106 wherein said approximate location is determined from said cell based information source by determining an identification of a wireless cell site which is in wireless communication with a wireless communication system which is coupled to said mobile SPS receiver.
Claim 120
Dependent Claim
88 words
A computer readable medium containing executable computer program instructions which, when executed by a data processing system, cause said data processing system to perform a method comprising: determining an approximate location of a mobile satellite positioning system (SPS) receiver; determining a set of mathematical descriptions of estimated ranges versus time, said estimated ranges being from said SPS receiver to SPS satellites viewable by said SPS receiver, said set of mathematical descriptions being determined from said approximate location; transmitting said set of mathematical descriptions to said mobile SPS receiver.
Claim 121
Dependent Claim
88 words
A computer readable medium containing executable computer program instructions which, when executed by a data processing system, cause said data processing system to perform a method comprising: determining an approximate location of a mobile satellite positioning system (SPS) receiver; determining a set of mathematical descriptions of estimated ranges versus time, said estimated ranges being from said SPS receiver to SPS satellites viewable by said SPS receiver, said set of mathematical descriptions being determined from said approximate location; transmitting said set of mathematical descriptions to said mobile SPS receiver.
Claim 122
Dependent Claim
31 words
A method as in claim 84 wherein said set of mathematical descriptions comprises an estimated range to an SPS satellite and a rate of change of said estimated range over time.
Claim 123
Dependent Claim
18 words
A method as in claim 84 wherein said set of mathematical descriptions comprises a polynomial function of time.
Claim 124
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method as in claim 84 wherein said SPS receiver uses a matched filter to search for said SPS signals.
Claim 125
Dependent Claim
25 words
A method as in claim 84 wherein said SPS receiver determines said time of day from a communication signal in a cell based communication system.
Claim 126
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method as in claim 113 wherein said cell based communication system comprises a CDMA (code division multiple access) system.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2003-10-17 | 2004-04-17 | 2004-10-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2007-10-17 | 2008-04-17 | 2008-10-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2011-10-17 | 2012-04-17 | 2012-10-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |