Abstract

Calibrating an unstable sensor of a mobile device. Systems and methods for calibrating a sensor of a mobile device determine a first estimated position of the mobile device without using any measurement from the sensor of the mobile device, generate a second estimated position of the mobile device using a measurement from the sensor, estimate a sensor error of the sensor using the first estimated position and the second estimated position, and use the sensor error to determine a calibration value for adjusting one or more measurements from the sensor.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01C 17/38 - Testing, calibrating, or compensating of compasses
• G01C 5/06 - Measuring height; Measuring distances transverse to line of sight; Levelling between separated points; Surveyors' levels by using barometric means
• G01C 21/10 - Navigation; Navigational instruments not provided for in groups by using measurement of speed or acceleration
• G01C 21/16 - Navigation; Navigational instruments not provided for in groups by using measurement of speed or acceleration executed aboard the object being navigated; Dead reckoning by integrating acceleration or speed, i.e. inertial navigation
• G01C 25/00 - Manufacturing, calibrating, cleaning, or repairing instruments or devices referred to in the other groups of this subclass
• G01S 19/14 - Receivers specially adapted for specific applications

Abstract

Calibrating weather stations using maximum allowed altitude errors. Particular embodiments described herein include machines that determine a maximum allowed pressure calibration error for a weather station, determine a temperature variation associated with an environment in which the weather station resides, determine a maximum allowed altitude error for the weather station using the maximum allowed pressure calibration error and the temperature variation, and use the maximum allowed altitude error to determine if a first maximum possible altitude error associated with a first approach for estimating an altitude of the weather station exceeds the maximum allowed altitude error. If the first maximum possible altitude error associated with the first approach does not exceed the maximum allowed altitude error, the first approach is used to estimate an altitude of the weather station for use in calibrating a pressure sensor of the weather station.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01W 1/18 - Testing or calibrating meteorological apparatus
• G01C 5/06 - Measuring height; Measuring distances transverse to line of sight; Levelling between separated points; Surveyors' levels by using barometric means

Abstract

Multiple calibration results for calibrating a barometric pressure sensor based on data received from a device containing the sensor are determined and stored in a table. The table is updated based on rules regarding a relationship between each calibration result and a current calibration value. The calibration results are weighted and combined to determine a combined calibration result. The calibration value for calibrating the sensor is selected from the calibration results, the combined calibration results, or the current calibration value based on a selection criteria.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01L 27/00 - Testing or calibrating of apparatus for measuring fluid pressure
• G01C 5/06 - Measuring height; Measuring distances transverse to line of sight; Levelling between separated points; Surveyors' levels by using barometric means

Abstract

Calibrating weather stations using maximum allowed altitude errors. Particular embodiments described herein include machines that determine a maximum allowed pressure calibration error for a weather station, determine a temperature variation associated with an environment in which the weather station resides, determine a maximum allowed altitude error for the weather station using the maximum allowed pressure calibration error and the temperature variation, and use the maximum allowed altitude error to determine if a first maximum possible altitude error associated with a first approach for estimating an altitude of the weather station exceeds the maximum allowed altitude error. If the first maximum possible altitude error associated with the first approach does not exceed the maximum allowed altitude error, the first approach is used to estimate an altitude of the weather station for use in calibrating a pressure sensor of the weather station.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01W 1/18 - Testing or calibrating meteorological apparatus
• G01C 5/06 - Measuring height; Measuring distances transverse to line of sight; Levelling between separated points; Surveyors' levels by using barometric means

Abstract

A method involves selecting a set of altitude envelope distribution constraints for a building and generating a set of altitude envelope distributions for the building in accordance with the constraints. Each altitude envelope distribution includes one or more first altitude envelopes. An aggregate altitude envelope distribution is generated for the building using the set of altitude envelope distributions and in accordance with the constraints. The aggregate altitude envelope distribution includes one or more second altitude envelopes. A reference altitude of the building is determined, and an absolute aggregate altitude envelope distribution is determined using the reference altitude and the aggregate altitude envelope distribution. The aggregate altitude envelope distribution includes one or more third altitude envelopes, each corresponding to a respective estimated floor number of the building.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01C 5/06 - Measuring height; Measuring distances transverse to line of sight; Levelling between separated points; Surveyors' levels by using barometric means
• G01C 21/20 - Instruments for performing navigational calculations

Abstract

A method involves selecting a set of altitude envelope distribution constraints for a building and generating a set of altitude envelope distributions for the building in accordance with the constraints. Each altitude envelope distribution includes one or more first altitude envelopes. An aggregate altitude envelope distribution is generated for the building using the set of altitude envelope distributions and in accordance with the constraints. The aggregate altitude envelope distribution includes one or more second altitude envelopes. A reference altitude of the building is determined, and an absolute aggregate altitude envelope distribution is determined using the reference altitude and the aggregate altitude envelope distribution. The aggregate altitude envelope distribution includes one or more third altitude envelopes, each corresponding to a respective estimated floor number of the building.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01C 21/20 - Instruments for performing navigational calculations
• G01C 21/00 - Navigation; Navigational instruments not provided for in groups

Abstract

Calibrating a pressure sensor of a mobile device includes determining a first plurality of calibration values for a first plurality of visits to a first revisit zone to which a mobile device repeatedly returns; determining a first relative calibration adjustment value based on the first plurality of calibration values; determining an adjusted absolute calibration value based on i) an absolute calibration value used to calibrate pressure measurements made by a pressure sensor of the mobile device, and ii) the first relative calibration adjustment value; and calibrating pressure measurements made by the pressure sensor of the mobile device using the adjusted absolute calibration value.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01C 17/38 - Testing, calibrating, or compensating of compasses
• G01C 25/00 - Manufacturing, calibrating, cleaning, or repairing instruments or devices referred to in the other groups of this subclass
• G01C 5/06 - Measuring height; Measuring distances transverse to line of sight; Levelling between separated points; Surveyors' levels by using barometric means
• G01S 5/02 - Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more direction or position-line determinations; Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more distance determinations using radio waves
• G01C 21/16 - Navigation; Navigational instruments not provided for in groups by using measurement of speed or acceleration executed aboard the object being navigated; Dead reckoning by integrating acceleration or speed, i.e. inertial navigation
• G01S 19/14 - Receivers specially adapted for specific applications
• G01C 21/10 - Navigation; Navigational instruments not provided for in groups by using measurement of speed or acceleration

Abstract

A method involves determining weighted metric values for each metric of a plurality of metrics by applying a weight for each metric to a determined value of each metric. The method further involves using the weighted metric values to determine if a pressure sensor of a mobile device should be calibrated using information associated with the first location, and if a determination is made that the pressure sensor of the mobile device should be calibrated using information associated with the first location, then using the information associated with the first location to calibrate the pressure sensor of the mobile device.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01L 27/00 - Testing or calibrating of apparatus for measuring fluid pressure
• G01L 19/00 - MEASURING FORCE, STRESS, TORQUE, WORK, MECHANICAL POWER, MECHANICAL EFFICIENCY, OR FLUID PRESSURE - Details of, or accessories for, apparatus for measuring steady or quasi-steady pressure of a fluent medium insofar as such details or accessories are not special to particular types of pressure gauges

Abstract

Determining one or more heights of one or more mobile devices above surfaces. Particular embodiments described herein include machines that retrieve first data (e.g., measurement value(s) determined by sensor(s) of a mobile device or estimated position(s) of the mobile device), determine a location context based on the first data, identify second data (e.g., measurement value(s) determined by sensor(s) of the mobile device or status indicator value(s) of feature(s) of the mobile device) to retrieve for use in determining an estimated height above a surface at which the mobile device is located based on the determined location context, retrieve the second data, and determine an estimated height above a surface at which the mobile device is located based on the retrieved second data.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04M 1/72454 - User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones with means for adapting the functionality of the device according to specific conditions according to context-related or environment-related conditions
• H04W 4/029 - Location-based management or tracking services
• H04W 4/16 - Communication-related supplementary services, e.g. call-transfer or call-hold

Abstract

Systems and methods are described for determining position of a receiver. The positioning system comprises a transmitter network including transmitters that broadcast positioning signals. The positioning system comprises a remote receiver that acquires and tracks the positioning signals and/or satellite signals. The satellite signals are signals of a satellite-based positioning system. A first mode of the remote receiver uses terminal-based positioning in which the remote receiver computes a position using the positioning signals and/or the satellite signals. The positioning system comprises a server coupled to the remote receiver. A second operating mode of the remote receiver comprises network-based positioning in which the server computes a position of the remote receiver from the positioning signals and/or satellite signals, where the remote receiver receives and transfers to the server the positioning signals and/or satellite signals.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04B 1/7087 - Carrier synchronisation aspects
• G01S 19/11 - Cooperating elements; Interaction or communication between different cooperating elements or between cooperating elements and receivers providing dedicated supplementary positioning signals wherein the cooperating elements are pseudolites or satellite radio beacon positioning system signal repeaters
• H04W 72/30 - Resource management for broadcast services
• H04W 72/51 - Allocation or scheduling criteria for wireless resources based on terminal or device properties
• G01S 19/46 - Determining position by combining measurements of signals from the satellite radio beacon positioning system with a supplementary measurement the supplementary measurement being of a radio-wave signal type
• G01S 5/10 - Position of receiver fixed by co-ordinating a plurality of position lines defined by path-difference measurements
• G01S 1/08 - Systems for determining direction or position line
• G01S 19/24 - Acquisition or tracking of signals transmitted by the system
• G01S 19/42 - Determining position
• H04B 7/26 - Radio transmission systems, i.e. using radiation field for communication between two or more posts at least one of which is mobile
• H04W 72/0446 - Resources in time domain, e.g. slots or frames
• H04B 1/709 - Correlator structure

Abstract

Device-based barometric pressure sensor calibration involves determining a specific location of the mobile device; determining a general location of the mobile device that encompasses and obfuscates the specific location; transmitting the general location to a server; receiving general calibration data for the general location; determining specific calibration data based on the general calibration data and the specific location; determining a calibration value based on the specific calibration data, the calibration value being for calibrating the barometric pressure sensor.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01C 25/00 - Manufacturing, calibrating, cleaning, or repairing instruments or devices referred to in the other groups of this subclass
• G01C 5/06 - Measuring height; Measuring distances transverse to line of sight; Levelling between separated points; Surveyors' levels by using barometric means

Abstract

Determining calibration values for atmospheric sensors that provide measured pressures used for estimating altitudes of mobile devices. Particular systems and methods determine if any uncalibrated reference-level pressure estimates associated with an unstable pressure sensor should not be used when calibrating the unstable pressure sensor, and calibrate the unstable pressure sensor using all of the uncalibrated reference-level pressure estimates except any uncalibrated reference-level pressure estimate that should not be used when calibrating the unstable pressure sensor.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01C 5/06 - Measuring height; Measuring distances transverse to line of sight; Levelling between separated points; Surveyors' levels by using barometric means
• H04W 4/029 - Location-based management or tracking services
• G01L 27/00 - Testing or calibrating of apparatus for measuring fluid pressure

Goods & Services

(1) Downloadable software for vertical location of individuals, for use in combination with data communications and other device data; downloadable software which uses data communications and horizontal location data to determine the X, Y, and Z axis geographic locations of individuals and devices; downloadable software for determining the Z-axis location of a wireless 9-1-1 caller. (1) Providing temporary use of non-downloadable computer software to determine vertical location of individuals using a combination of data communications and other device data; providing temporary use of non-downloadable software which uses data communications and horizontal location data to determine the X, Y, and Z axis geographic locations of individuals and devices; providing temporary use of non-downloadable software for determining the vertical location of a wireless 9-1-1 caller. (2) Services for determining the vertical location of an individual and patterns of vertical location data across multiple devices, namely, assisting first responders with locating wireless callers in emergency situations; security services, namely, identifying the location of individuals and devices for personal security and safety reasons; security and safety services, namely, providing location services to others to determine the locations of persons.

Goods & Services

(1) Downloadable software for vertical location of individuals, for use in combination with data communications and other device data; downloadable software which uses data communications and horizontal location data to determine the X, Y, and Z axis geographic locations of individuals and devices; downloadable software for determining the Z-axis location of a wireless 9-1-1 caller. (1) Providing temporary use of non-downloadable computer software to determine vertical location of individuals using a combination of data communications and other device data; providing temporary use of non-downloadable software which uses data communications and horizontal location data to determine the X, Y, and Z axis geographic locations of individuals and devices; providing temporary use of non-downloadable software for determining the vertical location of a wireless 9-1-1 caller. (2) Services for determining the vertical location of an individual and patterns of vertical location data across multiple devices, namely, assisting first responders with locating wireless callers in emergency situations; security services, namely, identifying the location of individuals and devices for personal security and safety reasons; security and safety services, namely, providing location services to others to determine the locations of persons.

Goods & Services

(1) Metropolitan beacon system comprising of radio beacons and receivers; Wireless location systems consisting of downloadable software and computer hardware for signal transmission, reception and processing, namely, a wide-area network of terrestrially-placed transmitters broadcasting a proprietary signal consisting of timing information, selected local environmental information and other information that can be received and processed by computer software and hardware in a consumer electronics or other device such that the device can determine its latitude, longitude and altitude; electronic signal receivers and related computer hardware and downloadable software capable of receiving, processing and analyzing said signal for use in consumer electronics and other devices, and of combining said signal with signals or other information from other sources, including but not limited to remote or onboard databases and other networks for purpose of enhancing the latitude, longitude or altitude or other positioning information; three-dimensional location, navigation and timing device; Downloadable software for vertical location of individuals, for use in combination with data communications and other device data; downloadable software which uses data communications and horizontal location data to determine the X, Y, and Z axis geographic locations of individuals and devices; downloadable software for determining the Z-axis location of a wireless 9-1-1 caller; Wireless location systems consisting of software and hardware for signal transmission, reception and processing, namely, a wide-area network of terrestrially-placed transmitters broadcasting a proprietary signal consisting of timing information, selected local environmental information and other information that can be received and processed by computer software and hardware in a consumer electronics or other device such that the device can determine its latitude, longitude and altitude; electronic signal receivers and related computer hardware and software capable of receiving, processing and analyzing said signal for use in consumer electronics and other devices, and of combining said signal with signals or other information from other sources, including but not limited to remote or onboard databases and other networks for purpose of enhancing the latitude, longitude or altitude or other positioning information. (2) Metropolitan beacon system comprising of non-luminous non-metal beacons. (1) Wireless telecommunications services, namely, wireless location signal transmission services; providing access to telecommunication networks for the purpose of receiving information relating to the location of consumer electronics and other devices; transmission of data and information relating to the location of consumer electronics and other devices, including but not limited to employees or pedestrians with such devices on their person; Transmission and delivery of high-precision time data relative to Universal Time Coordinated (UTC) phase signals and related time and synchronization data via radio broadcast. (2) Providing temporary use of non-downloadable computer software to determine vertical location of individuals using a combination of data communications and other device data; providing temporary use of non-downloadable software which uses data communications and horizontal location data to determine the X, Y, and Z axis geographic locations of individuals and devices; providing temporary use of non-downloadable software for determining the vertical location of a wireless 9-1-1 caller; software as a service (SAAS) services featuring software for security and GPS applications for determining location of individuals and devices; Providing temporary use of non-downloadable computer software for security and GPS applications for determining location of individuals and devices; Software as a service (SAAS) services featuring software for controlling and managing GPS tracking, mapping, and location services, and electronic devices; Providing on-line non-downloadable software using GPS location information for determining location of individuals and devices; Providing a secure electronic online system featuring technology which allows users to synchronize local systems with high-precision time relative to Universal Time Coordinated (UTC) phase signals and related time and synchronization data; Providing temporary use of non-downloadable computer software for providing location, tracking, and timing information to both sides of commercial and financial transactions; Software as a service (SAAS) services featuring software for providing location, tracking, and timing information to both sides of commercial and financial transactions; Development of software and computer hardware for use in a transmitter location system; providing an online network environment that features technology via a wireless location systems that enable users to locate individuals, consumer electronics and other devices; Electronic storage of data relating to the location of individuals, consumer electronics and other devices; Providing a secure electronic online system featuring technology which allows users to synchronize local systems with high-precision time relative to Universal Time Coordinated (UTC) phase signals and related time and synchronization data. (3) Security and safety services, namely, services for determining the vertical location of an individual or device and patterns of vertical location data across multiple devices, namely, assisting first responders with locating wireless callers in emergency situations; security services, namely, tracking and identifying the location of individuals and devices for personal security and safety reasons; security and safety services, namely, providing tracking and location services to others to determine the locations of persons and devices; security services, namely, information relating to the location of individuals, consumer electronics and other devices.

Abstract

Embodiments describe determining position by selecting a set of digital pseudorandom sequences. The magnitudes of the cross-correlation between any two sequences of the chosen set are below a specified threshold. A subset of digital pseudorandom sequences are selected from the set such that the magnitudes of the autocorrelation function of each member of the subset, within a specified region adjacent to the peak of the autocorrelation function, are equal to or less than a prescribed value. Each transmitter transmits a positioning signal, and at least a portion of the positioning signal is modulated with at least one member of the subset. At least two transmitters of the plurality of transmitters modulate respective positioning signals with different members of the subset of digital pseudorandom sequences.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01S 19/45 - Determining position by combining measurements of signals from the satellite radio beacon positioning system with a supplementary measurement
• H04W 64/00 - Locating users or terminals for network management purposes, e.g. mobility management
• G01S 19/11 - Cooperating elements; Interaction or communication between different cooperating elements or between cooperating elements and receivers providing dedicated supplementary positioning signals wherein the cooperating elements are pseudolites or satellite radio beacon positioning system signal repeaters

Abstract

Determining contexts of mobile devices. Particular embodiments described herein include machines that determine two estimated positions of a mobile device that respectively correspond to first and second locations at first and second times, acquire sets of terrain or structural information for first and second areas that respectively include the first and second estimated positions, use the acquired sets of information and the estimated positions to determine if the mobile device was near or within a structure at the first and second times, determine one or more values that are indicative of vertical movement by the mobile device during a period of time between the first time and the second time, compare the one or more values to one or more threshold conditions, and determine a context of the mobile device based on the comparison.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06F 3/01 - Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
• H04M 1/72457 - User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones with means for adapting the functionality of the device according to specific conditions according to geographic location
• H04M 1/72403 - User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones with means for local support of applications that increase the functionality
• H04M 1/72454 - User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones with means for adapting the functionality of the device according to specific conditions according to context-related or environment-related conditions
• G01P 15/02 - Measuring acceleration; Measuring deceleration; Measuring shock, i.e. sudden change of acceleration by making use of inertia forces
• G06F 3/041 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means
• H04N 21/45 - Management operations performed by the client for facilitating the reception of or the interaction with the content or administrating data related to the end-user or to the client device itself, e.g. learning user preferences for recommending movies 
• H04W 4/021 - Services related to particular areas, e.g. point of interest [POI] services, venue services or geofences

Goods & Services

Metropolitan beacon system comprising of radio beacons and receivers; Wireless location systems consisting of downloadable software and computer hardware for signal transmission, reception and processing, namely, a wide-area network of terrestrially-placed transmitters broadcasting a proprietary signal consisting of timing information, selected local environmental information and other information that can be received and processed by computer software and hardware in a consumer electronics or other device such that the device can determine its latitude, longitude and altitude; electronic signal receivers and related computer hardware and downloadable software capable of receiving, processing and analyzing said signal for use in consumer electronics and other devices, and of combining said signal with signals or other information from other sources, including but not limited to remote or onboard databases and other networks for purpose of enhancing the latitude, longitude or altitude or other positioning information; three-dimensional location, navigation and timing device; Downloadable software for vertical location of individuals, for use in combination with data communications and other device data; downloadable software which uses data communications and horizontal location data to determine the X, Y, and Z axis geographic locations of individuals and devices; downloadable software for determining the Z-axis location of a wireless 9-1-1 caller; Wireless location systems consisting of software and hardware for signal transmission, reception and processing, namely, a wide-area network of terrestrially-placed transmitters broadcasting a proprietary signal consisting of timing information, selected local environmental information and other information that can be received and processed by computer software and hardware in a consumer electronics or other device such that the device can determine its latitude, longitude and altitude; electronic signal receivers and related computer hardware and software capable of receiving, processing and analyzing said signal for use in consumer electronics and other devices, and of combining said signal with signals or other information from other sources, including but not limited to remote or onboard databases and other networks for purpose of enhancing the latitude, longitude or altitude or other positioning information Metropolitan beacon system comprising of non-luminous non-metal beacons Wireless telecommunications services, namely, wireless location signal transmission services; providing access to telecommunication networks for the purpose of receiving information relating to the location of consumer electronics and other devices; transmission of data and information relating to the location of consumer electronics and other devices, including but not limited to employees or pedestrians with such devices on their person; Transmission and delivery of high-precision time data relative to Universal Time Coordinated (UTC) phase signals and related time and synchronization data via radio broadcast Providing temporary use of non-downloadable computer software to determine vertical location of individuals using a combination of data communications and other device data; providing temporary use of non-downloadable software which uses data communications and horizontal location data to determine the X, Y, and Z axis geographic locations of individuals and devices; providing temporary use of non-downloadable software for determining the vertical location of a wireless 9-1-1 caller; software as a service (SAAS) services featuring software for security and GPS applications for determining location of individuals and devices; Providing temporary use of non-downloadable computer software for security and GPS applications for determining location of individuals and devices; Software as a service (SAAS) services featuring software for controlling and managing GPS tracking, mapping, and location services, and electronic devices; Providing on-line non-downloadable software using GPS location information for determining location of individuals and devices; Providing a secure electronic online system featuring technology which allows users to synchronize local systems with high-precision time relative to Universal Time Coordinated (UTC) phase signals and related time and synchronization data; Providing temporary use of non-downloadable computer software for providing location, tracking, and timing information to both sides of commercial and financial transactions; Software as a service (SAAS) services featuring software for providing location, tracking, and timing information to both sides of commercial and financial transactions; Development of software and computer hardware for use in a transmitter location system; providing an online network environment that features technology via a wireless location systems that enable users to locate individuals, consumer electronics and other devices; Electronic storage of data relating to the location of individuals, consumer electronics and other devices; Providing a secure electronic online system featuring technology which allows users to synchronize local systems with high-precision time relative to Universal Time Coordinated (UTC) phase signals and related time and synchronization data Security and safety services, namely, services for determining the vertical location of an individual or device and patterns of vertical location data across multiple devices, namely, assisting first responders with locating wireless callers in emergency situations; security services, namely, tracking and identifying the location of individuals and devices for personal security and safety reasons; security and safety services, namely, providing tracking and location services to others to determine the locations of persons and devices; security services, namely, information relating to the location of individuals, consumer electronics and other devices

Abstract

A method (300) includes a server (102) receiving (302) a plurality of data packets (118) from a mobile device (104). Each data packet comprises a user pressure measurement corresponding to an estimated user position at a time indicated by an associated timestamp. The server (102) identifies (304) a plurality of reference pressure measurements associated with the estimated user positions and the associated timestamps. The server (102) determines (306) one or more of a user pressure stability metric, a combined stability metric, and a combined accuracy metric. The server (102) determines (308) a likelihood value by comparing one or more of the metrics to a respective threshold. The server (102) determines (310) that one or more of the estimated user positions are unlikely accurate when the likelihood value exceeds a likelihood threshold and determines (312) that one or more of the estimated user positions are likely accurate when the likelihood value does not exceed the likelihood threshold.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01C 5/06 - Measuring height; Measuring distances transverse to line of sight; Levelling between separated points; Surveyors' levels by using barometric means
• G01C 21/20 - Instruments for performing navigational calculations
• H04W 4/02 - Services making use of location information

Abstract

Determining when a barometric-based approach for estimating an unknown altitude of a mobile device should not be used. Different approaches determine if estimating an unknown altitude of a mobile device using a measured atmospheric condition will result in an estimated altitude having acceptable or unacceptable error. If use of the measured atmospheric condition would result in acceptable error, the measured atmospheric condition is used to estimate the unknown altitude. If use of the measured atmospheric condition would result in unacceptable error, the measured atmospheric condition is not used to estimate the unknown altitude. The resultant altitude estimate is then used to locate the mobile device.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01C 5/06 - Measuring height; Measuring distances transverse to line of sight; Levelling between separated points; Surveyors' levels by using barometric means
• G01N 33/00 - Investigating or analysing materials by specific methods not covered by groups

Abstract

A method involves identifying multiple calibration values and corresponding calibration confidence values of an initial calibration dataset in which one or more calibration values were derived using an atmospheric pressure measurement from a barometric air pressure sensor of a mobile device. A calibration metric is determined for each calibration value. One or more of the calibration values are filtered out from the initial calibration dataset based on the calibration metric to generate a filtered calibration dataset. A filtered calibration value is determined using the filtered calibration dataset. The barometric air pressure sensor of the mobile device is calibrated using the filtered calibration value.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01L 27/00 - Testing or calibrating of apparatus for measuring fluid pressure
• G01C 5/06 - Measuring height; Measuring distances transverse to line of sight; Levelling between separated points; Surveyors' levels by using barometric means
• G01C 25/00 - Manufacturing, calibrating, cleaning, or repairing instruments or devices referred to in the other groups of this subclass

Abstract

An alert indicates that a situation conducive to calibrating a barometric pressure sensor (112) of the user device (102) might have occurred. In response, calibration data is collected for calibrating the barometric pressure sensor (112). The calibration data is used to perform a calibration process and generate a calibration value for the barometric pressure sensor (112).

IPC Classes  ?

• G01C 25/00 - Manufacturing, calibrating, cleaning, or repairing instruments or devices referred to in the other groups of this subclass
• G01C 5/06 - Measuring height; Measuring distances transverse to line of sight; Levelling between separated points; Surveyors' levels by using barometric means

Abstract

A method involves identifying multiple calibration values and corresponding calibration confidence values of an initial calibration dataset in which one or more calibration values were derived using an atmospheric pressure measurement from a barometric air pressure sensor of a mobile device. A calibration metric is determined for each calibration value. One or more of the calibration values are filtered out from the initial calibration dataset based on the calibration metric to generate a filtered calibration dataset. A filtered calibration value is determined using the filtered calibration dataset. The barometric air pressure sensor of the mobile device is calibrated using the filtered calibration value.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01C 25/00 - Manufacturing, calibrating, cleaning, or repairing instruments or devices referred to in the other groups of this subclass
• G01C 5/06 - Measuring height; Measuring distances transverse to line of sight; Levelling between separated points; Surveyors' levels by using barometric means

Abstract

An alert indicates that a situation conducive to calibrating a barometric pressure sensor of the user device might have occurred. In response, calibration data is collected for calibrating the barometric pressure sensor. The calibration data is used to perform a calibration process and generate a calibration value for the barometric pressure sensor.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01L 27/00 - Testing or calibrating of apparatus for measuring fluid pressure
• G01S 5/02 - Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more direction or position-line determinations; Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more distance determinations using radio waves

Abstract

Field calibration of a pressure device involves collecting simultaneous pressure data or pressure and temperature data at two devices for multiple time points. Pressure differences between pairs of simultaneous data points of the collected pressure data are calculated. A model is fitted to the pressure differences and the temperatures and/or pressures, and model parameters are used to correct measurements from the second device. Alternatively, a pressure gradient is estimated for a region that encompasses the two devices for each time point. A distance is determined between the two devices. A pressure gradient difference is determined between the two devices for each time point. A pressure difference offset is obtained for one of the pairs of simultaneous data points for each time point. An average pressure difference offset is determined between the two devices and is used to correct measurements from one of the devices.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01W 1/18 - Testing or calibrating meteorological apparatus
• G01L 27/00 - Testing or calibrating of apparatus for measuring fluid pressure

Abstract

Multiple calibration results for calibrating a barometric pressure sensor based on data received from a device containing the sensor are determined and stored in a table. The table is updated based on rules regarding a relationship between each calibration result and a current calibration value. The calibration results are weighted and combined to determine a combined calibration result. The calibration value for calibrating the sensor is selected from the calibration results, the combined calibration results, or the current calibration value based on a selection criteria.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01L 27/00 - Testing or calibrating of apparatus for measuring fluid pressure
• G01C 5/06 - Measuring height; Measuring distances transverse to line of sight; Levelling between separated points; Surveyors' levels by using barometric means

Abstract

Determining, broadcasting and using reference pressure data in a network of transmitters. Particular embodiments described herein include machines that select atmospheric data from weather stations within a transmitter network, use the selected atmospheric data to determine a reference atmospheric value, and transmit the reference atmospheric value from a transmitter to a mobile device for use in estimating an altitude of the mobile device. The atmospheric data may include any of reference pressures form the weather stations, measured temperatures from the weather stations, or reference temperatures from the weather stations. The reference atmospheric value may include a reference pressure value of a reference altitude, or a reference temperature value.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01W 1/10 - Devices for predicting weather conditions
• H04W 4/029 - Location-based management or tracking services
• G01S 5/00 - Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more direction or position-line determinations; Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more distance determinations
• G01S 5/02 - Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more direction or position-line determinations; Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more distance determinations using radio waves
• G01W 1/06 - Instruments for indicating weather conditions by measuring two or more variables, e.g. humidity, pressure, temperature, cloud cover or wind speed giving a combined indication of weather conditions
• H04H 60/71 - Systems specially adapted for using specific information, e.g. geographical or meteorological information using meteorological information
• H04W 4/02 - Services making use of location information

Abstract

A method involves determining an estimated position of a mobile device within a region. Atmospheric data measurement stations are identified within the region. A geographical anomaly is identified within the region that physically intervenes between the mobile device and a first atmospheric data measurement station. Based on a positional relationship between the mobile device, the geographical anomaly, and the first atmospheric data measurement station, it is determined that atmospheric pressure measurements collected at the first atmospheric data measurement station should be conditionally used for determining a reference pressure estimate. The reference pressure estimate is determined using a plurality of atmospheric pressure measurements collected at the atmospheric data measurement stations and conditionally using the atmospheric pressure measurements collected at the first atmospheric data measurement station. An estimated altitude of the mobile device is determined using a measurement of atmospheric pressure at the mobile device and the reference pressure estimate.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01C 5/06 - Measuring height; Measuring distances transverse to line of sight; Levelling between separated points; Surveyors' levels by using barometric means
• G01W 1/18 - Testing or calibrating meteorological apparatus

Abstract

A method involves determining an estimated position of a mobile device within a region. Atmospheric data measurement stations are identified within the region. A geographical anomaly is identified within the region that physically intervenes between the mobile device and a first atmospheric data measurement station. Based on a positional relationship between the mobile device, the geographical anomaly, and the first atmospheric data measurement station, it is determined that atmospheric pressure measurements collected at the first atmospheric data measurement station should be conditionally used for determining a reference pressure estimate. The reference pressure estimate is determined using a plurality of atmospheric pressure measurements collected at the atmospheric data measurement stations and conditionally using the atmospheric pressure measurements collected at the first atmospheric data measurement station. An estimated altitude of the mobile device is determined using a measurement of atmospheric pressure at the mobile device and the reference pressure estimate.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01W 1/18 - Testing or calibrating meteorological apparatus
• G06F 7/501 - Half or full adders, i.e. basic adder cells for one denomination

Abstract

Field calibration of a pressure device involves collecting simultaneous pressure data or pressure and temperature data at two devices for multiple time points. Pressure differences between pairs of simultaneous data points of the collected pressure data are calculated. A model is fitted to the pressure differences and the temperatures and/or pressures, and model parameters are used to correct measurements from the second device. Alternatively, a pressure gradient is estimated for a region that encompasses the two devices for each time point. A distance is determined between the two devices. A pressure gradient difference is determined between the two devices for each time point. A pressure difference offset is obtained for one of the pairs of simultaneous data points for each time point. An average pressure difference offset is determined between the two devices and is used to correct measurements from one of the devices.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01W 1/18 - Testing or calibrating meteorological apparatus
• G01W 1/02 - Instruments for indicating weather conditions by measuring two or more variables, e.g. humidity, pressure, temperature, cloud cover or wind speed

Abstract

Field calibration of a pressure device involves collecting simultaneous pressure data or pressure and temperature data at two devices for multiple time points. Pressure differences between pairs of simultaneous data points of the collected pressure data are calculated. A model is fitted to the pressure differences and the temperatures and/or pressures, and model parameters are used to correct measurements from the second device. Alternatively, a pressure gradient is estimated for a region that encompasses the two devices for each time point. A distance is determined between the two devices. A pressure gradient difference is determined between the two devices for each time point. A pressure difference offset is obtained for one of the pairs of simultaneous data points for each time point. An average pressure difference offset is determined between the two devices and is used to correct measurements from one of the devices.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01W 1/18 - Testing or calibrating meteorological apparatus

Abstract

A method to identify a problematic 2D position of a mobile device can include: determining a reported 2D position of the mobile device; determining a piece of information about the mobile device; and comparing the reported 2D position and the piece of information about the mobile device. Upon determining that the reported 2D position and the piece of information about the mobile device are consistent with each other, the reported 2D position of the mobile device is used as an estimate of the actual 2D position of the mobile device, or upon determining that the reported 2D position and the piece of information about the mobile device are not consistent with each other, the reported 2D position is determined to be problematic, and the reported 2D position of the mobile device is removed from a list of reported 2D positions of the mobile device.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01S 5/02 - Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more direction or position-line determinations; Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more distance determinations using radio waves
• G01S 5/00 - Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more direction or position-line determinations; Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more distance determinations
• G01S 19/39 - Determining a navigation solution using signals transmitted by a satellite radio beacon positioning system the satellite radio beacon positioning system transmitting time-stamped messages, e.g. GPS [Global Positioning System], GLONASS [Global Orbiting Navigation Satellite System] or GALILEO

Abstract

A method to identify a problematic 2D position of a mobile device can include: determining a reported 2D position of the mobile device; determining a piece of information about the mobile device; and comparing the reported 2D position and the piece of information about the mobile device. Upon determining that the reported 2D position and the piece of information about the mobile device are consistent with each other, the reported 2D position of the mobile device is used as an estimate of the actual 2D position of the mobile device, or upon determining that the reported 2D position and the piece of information about the mobile device are not consistent with each other, the reported 2D position is determined to be problematic, and the reported 2D position of the mobile device is removed from a list of reported 2D positions of the mobile device.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04W 4/029 - Location-based management or tracking services
• H04W 4/02 - Services making use of location information
• G01C 5/06 - Measuring height; Measuring distances transverse to line of sight; Levelling between separated points; Surveyors' levels by using barometric means

Abstract

Determining when an estimated altitude of a mobile device can be used for calibration or location determination. Particular systems and methods determine an area in which the mobile device is expected to reside, determine an altitude value of each section of a plurality of sections in the area, determine if the altitude values meet a threshold condition, and determine that the estimated altitude of the mobile device can be used for determining the position of the mobile device or for calibrating a pressure sensor of the mobile device when the altitude values meet the threshold condition.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01C 5/00 - Measuring height; Measuring distances transverse to line of sight; Levelling between separated points; Surveyors' levels
• G06F 17/18 - Complex mathematical operations for evaluating statistical data
• G01L 27/00 - Testing or calibrating of apparatus for measuring fluid pressure
• H04W 4/029 - Location-based management or tracking services
• G01S 5/00 - Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more direction or position-line determinations; Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more distance determinations

Abstract

Pressure-based estimation of a mobile device altitude or calibration of a pressure sensor involves machines that determine if a reference-level pressure value based on one or more measurements of pressure from a network of weather stations should or should not be used to calibrate a pressure sensor of a mobile device or to estimate an altitude of the mobile device. If the reference-level pressure value should be used, the reference-level pressure value is used to calibrate a pressure sensor of a mobile device or to estimate an altitude of the mobile device. If the reference-level pressure value should not be used, a trend in pressure is determined, an estimated reference-level pressure value based on the trend is determined, and the estimated reference-level pressure value is used to calibrate a pressure sensor of a mobile device or to estimate an altitude of the mobile device.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01C 5/06 - Measuring height; Measuring distances transverse to line of sight; Levelling between separated points; Surveyors' levels by using barometric means
• G01L 27/00 - Testing or calibrating of apparatus for measuring fluid pressure

Abstract

A calculated current lapse rate is determined for a geographical area that includes a location of a mobile device. The calculated current lapse rate provides an estimated air temperature variation with respect to altitude variation for the location of the mobile device. An altitude of the mobile device is estimated. An uncertainty of the altitude of the mobile device is estimated based on a reference pressure and a reference temperature for a reference plane that is within the geographical area, a device pressure for the mobile device, and the calculated current lapse rate.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01C 5/06 - Measuring height; Measuring distances transverse to line of sight; Levelling between separated points; Surveyors' levels by using barometric means

Abstract

Device-based barometric pressure sensor calibration involves determining a specific location of the mobile device; determining a general location of the mobile device that encompasses and obfuscates the specific location; transmitting the general location to a server; receiving general calibration data for the general location; determining specific calibration data based on the general calibration data and the specific location; determining a calibration value based on the specific calibration data, the calibration value being for calibrating the barometric pressure sensor.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01C 5/06 - Measuring height; Measuring distances transverse to line of sight; Levelling between separated points; Surveyors' levels by using barometric means
• H04W 12/02 - Protecting privacy or anonymity, e.g. protecting personally identifiable information [PII]

Abstract

Device-based barometric pressure sensor calibration involves determining a specific location of the mobile device; determining a general location of the mobile device that encompasses and obfuscates the specific location; transmitting the general location to a server; receiving general calibration data for the general location; determining specific calibration data based on the general calibration data and the specific location; determining a calibration value based on the specific calibration data, the calibration value being for calibrating the barometric pressure sensor.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01C 5/06 - Measuring height; Measuring distances transverse to line of sight; Levelling between separated points; Surveyors' levels by using barometric means
• G01C 25/00 - Manufacturing, calibrating, cleaning, or repairing instruments or devices referred to in the other groups of this subclass
• G01L 27/00 - Testing or calibrating of apparatus for measuring fluid pressure
• H04W 12/02 - Protecting privacy or anonymity, e.g. protecting personally identifiable information [PII]

Abstract

A calculated current lapse rate is determined for a geographical area that includes a location of a mobile device. The calculated current lapse rate provides an estimated air temperature variation with respect to altitude variation for the location of the mobile device. An altitude of the mobile device is estimated. An uncertainty of the altitude of the mobile device is estimated based on a reference pressure and a reference temperature for a reference plane that is within the geographical area, a device pressure for the mobile device, and the calculated current lapse rate.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01C 5/06 - Measuring height; Measuring distances transverse to line of sight; Levelling between separated points; Surveyors' levels by using barometric means
• G01C 25/00 - Manufacturing, calibrating, cleaning, or repairing instruments or devices referred to in the other groups of this subclass

Abstract

A wholistic activity context is used to determine whether to calibrate a barometric pressure sensor of a mobile device. A pair of activity transitions are determined from three activities of the mobile device. A time relationship and a position relationship between the activity transitions is determined. An opportunity to calibrate the barometric pressure sensor occurs between the activity transitions. A calibration of the barometric pressure sensor is performed in response to determining that the time relationship and the position relationship indicate that the wholistic activity context surrounding the opportunity to calibrate the barometric pressure sensor is conducive to calibration.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01C 25/00 - Manufacturing, calibrating, cleaning, or repairing instruments or devices referred to in the other groups of this subclass
• G01C 5/06 - Measuring height; Measuring distances transverse to line of sight; Levelling between separated points; Surveyors' levels by using barometric means

Abstract

A wholistic activity context is used to determine whether to calibrate a barometric pressure sensor of a mobile device. A pair of activity transitions are determined from three activities of the mobile device. A time relationship and a position relationship between the activity transitions is determined. An opportunity to calibrate the barometric pressure sensor occurs between the activity transitions. A calibration of the barometric pressure sensor is performed in response to determining that the time relationship and the position relationship indicate that the wholistic activity context surrounding the opportunity to calibrate the barometric pressure sensor is conducive to calibration.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01C 5/06 - Measuring height; Measuring distances transverse to line of sight; Levelling between separated points; Surveyors' levels by using barometric means
• G01C 25/00 - Manufacturing, calibrating, cleaning, or repairing instruments or devices referred to in the other groups of this subclass
• G01L 27/00 - Testing or calibrating of apparatus for measuring fluid pressure

Abstract

Extending the spatial coverage of a reference pressure network. Particular embodiments described herein include machines that initially determine that an estimated position of a mobile device resides outside a coverage area of a network of reference pressure sensors. Reference-level pressures corresponding to reference pressure sensors of the network are determined using measurements of pressure from the network of reference pressure sensors. A pressure pattern for a region that includes the estimated position and an area not included in the coverage area of the network is determined using reference-level pressures that were not determined using measurements of pressure from the network of reference pressure sensors. The reference-level pressures corresponding to reference pressure sensors of the network and the pressure pattern are used to determine a reference-level pressure value for use in calibrating a pressure sensor of the mobile device or for use in estimating an altitude of the mobile device.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01C 5/06 - Measuring height; Measuring distances transverse to line of sight; Levelling between separated points; Surveyors' levels by using barometric means
• G01C 21/20 - Instruments for performing navigational calculations

Abstract

Estimating a difference in height between floors in a building for use in estimating a height or an altitude of one of the floors. A height difference is estimated between a first floor and a second floor based on outdoor temperatures of first and second time periods, an indoor temperature of the first or second time period, and first and second estimated differences in height between the first and second floors that is based on measurements of pressure from mobile devices when the mobile devices were on the first and second floors during the first and second time periods.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01C 5/06 - Measuring height; Measuring distances transverse to line of sight; Levelling between separated points; Surveyors' levels by using barometric means
• H04W 64/00 - Locating users or terminals for network management purposes, e.g. mobility management
• G01C 21/20 - Instruments for performing navigational calculations

Abstract

A method involves determining, at a mobile device or a service, an uncertainty in height above a reference altitude, an estimated 2D position of the mobile device, and an uncertainty in terrain height above the reference altitude using the estimated 2D position. An uncertainty in height above terrain, of the mobile device, is determined at the mobile device or a server using the uncertainty in height above the reference altitude and the uncertainty in terrain height above the reference altitude.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04W 4/02 - Services making use of location information
• G01S 19/51 - Relative positioning
• G01C 5/00 - Measuring height; Measuring distances transverse to line of sight; Levelling between separated points; Surveyors' levels

Abstract

Multiple calibration results for calibrating a barometric pressure sensor based on data received from a device containing the sensor are determined and stored in a table. The table is updated based on rules regarding a relationship between each calibration result and a current calibration value. The calibration results are weighted and combined to determine a combined calibration result. The calibration value for calibrating the sensor is selected from the calibration results, the combined calibration results, or the current calibration value based on a selection criteria.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01L 27/00 - Testing or calibrating of apparatus for measuring fluid pressure
• G01C 5/06 - Measuring height; Measuring distances transverse to line of sight; Levelling between separated points; Surveyors' levels by using barometric means

Abstract

Extending the spatial coverage of a reference pressure network. Particular embodiments described herein include machines that initially determine that an estimated position of a mobile device resides outside a coverage area of a network of reference pressure sensors. Reference-level pressures corresponding to reference pressure sensors of the network are determined using measurements of pressure from the network of reference pressure sensors. A pressure pattern for a region that includes the estimated position and an area not included in the coverage area of the network is determined using reference-level pressures that were not determined using measurements of pressure from the network of reference pressure sensors. The reference-level pressures corresponding to reference pressure sensors of the network and the pressure pattern are used to determine a reference-level pressure value for use in calibrating a pressure sensor of the mobile device or for use in estimating an altitude of the mobile device.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01C 5/06 - Measuring height; Measuring distances transverse to line of sight; Levelling between separated points; Surveyors' levels by using barometric means
• G01C 21/20 - Instruments for performing navigational calculations

Abstract

Calibrating a pressure sensor of a mobile device incudes determining an absolute calibration value used to calibrate pressure measurements by a pressure sensor of a mobile device; determining a first revisit zone as a first location to which the mobile device repeatedly returns; determining first and second calibrations for first and second visits to the first revisit zone; determining a first relative calibration adjustment value based on a difference between the first and second calibrations; determining an adjusted absolute calibration value based on a sum of the absolute calibration value and the first relative calibration adjustment value; and estimating an altitude of the mobile device based on a pressure measurement by the pressure sensor and the adjusted absolute calibration value.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01C 17/38 - Testing, calibrating, or compensating of compasses
• G01C 25/00 - Manufacturing, calibrating, cleaning, or repairing instruments or devices referred to in the other groups of this subclass
• G01C 5/06 - Measuring height; Measuring distances transverse to line of sight; Levelling between separated points; Surveyors' levels by using barometric means
• G01S 5/02 - Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more direction or position-line determinations; Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more distance determinations using radio waves
• G01C 21/16 - Navigation; Navigational instruments not provided for in groups by using measurement of speed or acceleration executed aboard the object being navigated; Dead reckoning by integrating acceleration or speed, i.e. inertial navigation
• G01S 19/14 - Receivers specially adapted for specific applications
• G01C 21/10 - Navigation; Navigational instruments not provided for in groups by using measurement of speed or acceleration
• G01S 19/40 - Correcting position, velocity or attitude

Abstract

Methods and machines involve detecting when a mobile device is in a first area and a second area at different times, collecting pressure data from the mobile device and reference sensor(s) to estimate altitudes of the mobile device within the first area and the second area, collecting terrain altitudes associated with the first area and the second area, and using a difference between the estimated altitudes and a difference between the terrain altitudes to determine a height of a floor. The estimated floor height may be used to calibrate a pressure sensor of a mobile device.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01C 5/06 - Measuring height; Measuring distances transverse to line of sight; Levelling between separated points; Surveyors' levels by using barometric means
• G01C 25/00 - Manufacturing, calibrating, cleaning, or repairing instruments or devices referred to in the other groups of this subclass
• H04W 4/33 - Services specially adapted for particular environments, situations or purposes for indoor environments, e.g. buildings
• H04W 4/021 - Services related to particular areas, e.g. point of interest [POI] services, venue services or geofences

Abstract

Determining contexts of mobile devices. Particular embodiments described herein include machines that determine two estimated positions of a mobile device that respectively correspond to first and second locations at first and second times, acquire sets of terrain or structural information for first and second areas that respectively include the first and second estimated positions, use the acquired sets of information and the estimated positions to determine if the mobile device was near or within a structure at the first and second times, determine one or more values that are indicative of vertical movement by the mobile device during a period of time between the first time and the second time, compare the one or more values to one or more threshold conditions, and determine a context of the mobile device based on the comparison.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06F 3/01 - Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
• H04M 1/72457 - User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones with means for adapting the functionality of the device according to specific conditions according to geographic location
• H04M 1/72403 - User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones with means for local support of applications that increase the functionality
• H04M 1/72454 - User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones with means for adapting the functionality of the device according to specific conditions according to context-related or environment-related conditions
• G01P 15/02 - Measuring acceleration; Measuring deceleration; Measuring shock, i.e. sudden change of acceleration by making use of inertia forces
• G06F 3/041 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means
• H04N 21/45 - Management operations performed by the client for facilitating the reception of or the interaction with the content or administrating data related to the end-user or to the client device itself, e.g. learning user preferences for recommending movies 
• H04W 4/021 - Services related to particular areas, e.g. point of interest [POI] services, venue services or geofences

Abstract

Calibrating weather stations using maximum allowed altitude errors. Particular embodiments described herein include machines that determine a maximum allowed pressure calibration error for a weather station in a network of weather stations, determine a temperature variation associated with an environment in which the weather station resides, determine a maximum allowed altitude error for the weather station using the maximum allowed pressure calibration error and the temperature variation, and use the maximum allowed altitude error to determine if a first maximum possible altitude error associated with a first approach for estimating an altitude of the weather station exceeds the maximum allowed altitude error. If the first maximum possible altitude error associated with the first approach does not exceed the maximum allowed altitude error, the first approach is used to estimate an altitude of the weather station for use in calibrating a pressure sensor of the weather station.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01W 1/18 - Testing or calibrating meteorological apparatus
• G01C 5/06 - Measuring height; Measuring distances transverse to line of sight; Levelling between separated points; Surveyors' levels by using barometric means

Abstract

Calibrating an unstable sensor of a mobile device. Systems and methods for calibrating a sensor of a mobile device determine a first estimated position of the mobile device without using any measurement from the sensor of the mobile device, generate a second estimated position of the mobile device using a measurement from the sensor, estimate a sensor error of the sensor using the first estimated position and the second estimated position, and use the sensor error to determine a calibration value for adjusting one or more measurements from the sensor.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01C 17/38 - Testing, calibrating, or compensating of compasses
• G01C 25/00 - Manufacturing, calibrating, cleaning, or repairing instruments or devices referred to in the other groups of this subclass
• G01C 5/06 - Measuring height; Measuring distances transverse to line of sight; Levelling between separated points; Surveyors' levels by using barometric means
• G01C 21/16 - Navigation; Navigational instruments not provided for in groups by using measurement of speed or acceleration executed aboard the object being navigated; Dead reckoning by integrating acceleration or speed, i.e. inertial navigation
• G01S 19/14 - Receivers specially adapted for specific applications
• G01C 21/10 - Navigation; Navigational instruments not provided for in groups by using measurement of speed or acceleration
• G01S 5/02 - Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more direction or position-line determinations; Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more distance determinations using radio waves
• G01S 19/40 - Correcting position, velocity or attitude
• G01S 5/00 - Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more direction or position-line determinations; Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more distance determinations

Abstract

Determining one or more heights of one or more mobile devices above surfaces. Particular embodiments described herein include machines that retrieve first data (e.g., measurement value(s) determined by sensor(s) of a mobile device or estimated position(s) of the mobile device), determine a location context based on the first data, identify second data (e.g., measurement value(s) determined by sensor(s) of the mobile device or status indicator value(s) of feature(s) of the mobile device) to retrieve for use in determining an estimated height above a surface at which the mobile device is located based on the determined location context, retrieve the second data, and determine an estimated height above a surface at which the mobile device is located based on the retrieved second data.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04M 1/725 - Cordless telephones
• H04W 4/029 - Location-based management or tracking services
• H04W 4/16 - Communication-related supplementary services, e.g. call-transfer or call-hold
• H04M 1/72454 - User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones with means for adapting the functionality of the device according to specific conditions according to context-related or environment-related conditions

Abstract

Determining which reference-level pressures, from among a plurality of available reference-level pressures, are used when estimating an altitude of a mobile device. Different systems and methods determine isobars based on reference-level pressures of weather stations, and then use the isobars in different ways to identify particular reference-level pressures for use in estimated an altitude of a mobile device. One approach determines the smallest distance between an initial estimated position of a mobile device and a neighboring isobar, and then uses that distance to identify reference-level pressures. Another approach identifies reference-level pressures between an isobar on which an initial estimated position of a mobile device is location and a neighboring isobar. Yet another approach compares the number of identified reference-level pressures and/or locations of the identified reference-level pressures against threshold conditions before determining which reference-level pressures to use.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01C 5/06 - Measuring height; Measuring distances transverse to line of sight; Levelling between separated points; Surveyors' levels by using barometric means
• G01W 1/16 - Measuring atmospheric potential differences, e.g. due to electrical charges in clouds
• G01L 7/00 - Measuring the steady or quasi-steady pressure of a fluid or a fluent solid material by mechanical or fluid pressure-sensitive elements

Abstract

Systems and methods are described for determining position of a receiver. The positioning system comprises a transmitter network including transmitters that broadcast positioning signals. The positioning system comprises a remote receiver that acquires and tracks the positioning signals and/or satellite signals. The satellite signals are signals of a satellite-based positioning system. A first mode of the remote receiver uses terminal-based positioning in which the remote receiver computes a position using the positioning signals and/or the satellite signals. The positioning system comprises a server coupled to the remote receiver. A second operating mode of the remote receiver comprises network-based positioning in which the server computes a position of the remote receiver from the positioning signals and/or satellite signals, where the remote receiver receives and transfers to the server the positioning signals and/or satellite signals.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01S 1/08 - Systems for determining direction or position line
• G01S 5/10 - Position of receiver fixed by co-ordinating a plurality of position lines defined by path-difference measurements
• H04B 1/7087 - Carrier synchronisation aspects
• G01S 19/11 - Cooperating elements; Interaction or communication between different cooperating elements or between cooperating elements and receivers providing dedicated supplementary positioning signals wherein the cooperating elements are pseudolites or satellite radio beacon positioning system signal repeaters
• H04W 72/30 - Resource management for broadcast services
• H04W 72/51 - Allocation or scheduling criteria for wireless resources based on terminal or device properties
• G01S 19/46 - Determining position by combining measurements of signals from the satellite radio beacon positioning system with a supplementary measurement the supplementary measurement being of a radio-wave signal type
• G01S 19/24 - Acquisition or tracking of signals transmitted by the system
• G01S 19/42 - Determining position
• H04B 7/26 - Radio transmission systems, i.e. using radiation field for communication between two or more posts at least one of which is mobile
• H04W 72/0446 - Resources in time domain, e.g. slots or frames
• H04B 1/709 - Correlator structure
• H04W 56/00 - Synchronisation arrangements

Abstract

Multiple calibration results for calibrating a barometric pressure sensor based on data received from a device containing the sensor are determined and stored in a table. The table is updated based on rules regarding a relationship between each calibration result and a current calibration value. The calibration results are weighted and combined to determine a combined calibration result. The calibration value for calibrating the sensor is selected from the calibration results, the combined calibration results, or the current calibration value based on a selection criteria.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01C 5/06 - Measuring height; Measuring distances transverse to line of sight; Levelling between separated points; Surveyors' levels by using barometric means
• H04W 4/02 - Services making use of location information
• G01C 25/00 - Manufacturing, calibrating, cleaning, or repairing instruments or devices referred to in the other groups of this subclass
• G01L 27/00 - Testing or calibrating of apparatus for measuring fluid pressure

Abstract

A method involves determining, at a mobile device or a service, an uncertainty in height above a reference altitude, an estimated 2D position of the mobile device, and an uncertainty in terrain height above the reference altitude using the estimated 2D position. An uncertainty in height above terrain, of the mobile device, is determined at the mobile device or a server using the uncertainty in height above the reference altitude and the uncertainty in terrain height above the reference altitude.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04W 4/02 - Services making use of location information
• G01S 19/51 - Relative positioning
• G01C 5/00 - Measuring height; Measuring distances transverse to line of sight; Levelling between separated points; Surveyors' levels

Abstract

Multiple calibration results for calibrating a barometric pressure sensor based on data received from a device containing the sensor are determined and stored in a table. The table is updated based on rules regarding a relationship between each calibration result and a current calibration value. The calibration results are weighted and combined to determine a combined calibration result. The calibration value for calibrating the sensor is selected from the calibration results, the combined calibration results, or the current calibration value based on a selection criteria.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01L 27/00 - Testing or calibrating of apparatus for measuring fluid pressure
• G01C 5/06 - Measuring height; Measuring distances transverse to line of sight; Levelling between separated points; Surveyors' levels by using barometric means

Abstract

A method involves determining, at a mobile device or a service, an uncertainty in height above a reference altitude, an estimated 2D position of the mobile device, and an uncertainty in terrain height above the reference altitude using the estimated 2D position. An uncertainty in height above terrain, of the mobile device, is determined at the mobile device or a server using the uncertainty in height above the reference altitude and the uncertainty in terrain height above the reference altitude.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01S 5/02 - Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more direction or position-line determinations; Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more distance determinations using radio waves
• G01C 5/06 - Measuring height; Measuring distances transverse to line of sight; Levelling between separated points; Surveyors' levels by using barometric means

Abstract

Multiple calibration results for calibrating a barometric pressure sensor based on data received from a device containing the sensor are determined and stored in a table. The table is updated based on rules regarding a relationship between each calibration result and a current calibration value. The calibration results are weighted and combined to determine a combined calibration result. The calibration value for calibrating the sensor is selected from the calibration results, the combined calibration results, or the current calibration value based on a selection criteria.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01C 5/06 - Measuring height; Measuring distances transverse to line of sight; Levelling between separated points; Surveyors' levels by using barometric means
• G01C 25/00 - Manufacturing, calibrating, cleaning, or repairing instruments or devices referred to in the other groups of this subclass
• G01L 27/00 - Testing or calibrating of apparatus for measuring fluid pressure
• H04W 4/02 - Services making use of location information

Abstract

Determining when to calibrate a pressure sensor of a mobile device. Particular systems and methods determine values of a plurality of metrics, determine weights for the metric values, determine weighted metric values by applying the weights to the metric values, use the weighted metric values to determine if a pressure sensor of the mobile device should be calibrated using information associated with the first location, and calibrate the pressure sensor of the mobile device using the information associated with the first location if a determination is made that the pressure sensor of the mobile device should be calibrated using information associated with the first location.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01L 27/00 - Testing or calibrating of apparatus for measuring fluid pressure
• G01L 19/00 - MEASURING FORCE, STRESS, TORQUE, WORK, MECHANICAL POWER, MECHANICAL EFFICIENCY, OR FLUID PRESSURE - Details of, or accessories for, apparatus for measuring steady or quasi-steady pressure of a fluent medium insofar as such details or accessories are not special to particular types of pressure gauges
• G01C 21/20 - Instruments for performing navigational calculations

Abstract

Using a pressure sensor of a mobile device to improve the accuracy of determined contexts. Particular embodiments described herein include machines that determine a context of a mobile device, and determine if the determined context is accurate using multiple measurements of pressure from a pressure sensor of the mobile device.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04W 4/38 - Services specially adapted for particular environments, situations or purposes for collecting sensor information
• H04W 4/02 - Services making use of location information
• H04W 4/029 - Location-based management or tracking services
• H04W 64/00 - Locating users or terminals for network management purposes, e.g. mobility management

Abstract

Embodiments describe determining position by selecting a set of digital pseudorandom sequences. The magnitudes of the cross-correlation between any two sequences of the chosen set are below a specified threshold. A subset of digital pseudorandom sequences are selected from the set such that the magnitudes of the autocorrelation function of each member of the subset, within a specified region adjacent to the peak of the autocorrelation function, are equal to or less than a prescribed value. Each transmitter transmits a positioning signal, and at least a portion of the positioning signal is modulated with at least one member of the subset. At least two transmitters of the plurality of transmitters modulate respective positioning signals with different members of the subset of digital pseudorandom sequences.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01S 19/45 - Determining position by combining measurements of signals from the satellite radio beacon positioning system with a supplementary measurement
• G01S 19/11 - Cooperating elements; Interaction or communication between different cooperating elements or between cooperating elements and receivers providing dedicated supplementary positioning signals wherein the cooperating elements are pseudolites or satellite radio beacon positioning system signal repeaters
• H04W 64/00 - Locating users or terminals for network management purposes, e.g. mobility management
• H04B 1/709 - Correlator structure

Abstract

Methods and machines involve detecting when a mobile device is in a first area and a second area at different times, collecting pressure data from the mobile device and reference sensor(s) to estimate altitudes of the mobile device within the first area and the second area, collecting terrain altitudes associated with the first area and the second area, and using a difference between the estimated altitudes and a difference between the terrain altitudes to determine a height of a floor. The estimated floor height may be used to calibrate a pressure sensor of a mobile device.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01C 5/06 - Measuring height; Measuring distances transverse to line of sight; Levelling between separated points; Surveyors' levels by using barometric means
• G01C 25/00 - Manufacturing, calibrating, cleaning, or repairing instruments or devices referred to in the other groups of this subclass

Abstract

Determining calibration values for atmospheric sensors that provide measured pressures used for estimating altitudes of mobile devices. Particular systems and methods determine if any uncalibrated reference-level pressure estimates associated with an unstable pressure sensor should not be used when calibrating the unstable pressure sensor, and calibrate the unstable pressure sensor using all of the uncalibrated reference-level pressure estimates except any uncalibrated reference-level pressure estimate that should not be used when calibrating the unstable pressure sensor.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01C 5/00 - Measuring height; Measuring distances transverse to line of sight; Levelling between separated points; Surveyors' levels
• G01C 5/06 - Measuring height; Measuring distances transverse to line of sight; Levelling between separated points; Surveyors' levels by using barometric means
• H04W 4/029 - Location-based management or tracking services
• G01L 27/00 - Testing or calibrating of apparatus for measuring fluid pressure

Abstract

Methods and machines involve detecting when a mobile device is in a first area and a second area at different times, collecting pressure data from the mobile device and reference sensor(s) to estimate altitudes of the mobile device within the first area and the second area, collecting terrain altitudes associated with the first area and the second area, and using a difference between the estimated altitudes and a difference between the terrain altitudes to determine a height of a floor. The estimated floor height may be used to calibrate a pressure sensor of a mobile device.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01C 5/06 - Measuring height; Measuring distances transverse to line of sight; Levelling between separated points; Surveyors' levels by using barometric means
• G01C 25/00 - Manufacturing, calibrating, cleaning, or repairing instruments or devices referred to in the other groups of this subclass
• H04W 4/33 - Services specially adapted for particular environments, situations or purposes for indoor environments, e.g. buildings
• H04W 4/021 - Services related to particular areas, e.g. point of interest [POI] services, venue services or geofences

Goods & Services

Metropolitan beacon system; Wireless location systems consisting of software and hardware for signal transmission, reception and processing, namely, a wide-area network of terrestrially-placed transmitters broadcasting a proprietary signal consisting of timing information, selected local environmental information and other information that can be received and processed by computer software and hardware in a consumer electronics or other device such that the device can determine its latitude, longitude and altitude; electronic signal receivers and related computer hardware and software capable of receiving, processing and analyzing said signal for use in consumer electronics and other devices, and of combining said signal with signals or other information from other sources, including but not limited to remote or onboard databases and other networks for purpose of enhancing the latitude, longitude or altitude or other positioning information; three-dimensional location, navigation and timing device. Wireless telecommunications services, namely, wireless location signal transmission services; providing access to telecommunication networks for the purpose of receiving information relating to the location of consumer electronics and other devices; transmission of data and information relating to the location of consumer electronics and other devices, including but not limited to employees or pedestrians with such devices on their person. Providing temporary use of non-downloadable computer software to determine vertical location of individuals using a combination of data communications and other device data; providing temporary use of non-downloadable software which uses data communications and horizontal location data to determine the X, Y, and Z axis geographic locations of individuals and devices; providing temporary use of non-downloadable software for determining the vertical location of a wireless 9-1-1 caller; software as a service (SAAS) services featuring software for security and GPS applications; Providing temporary use of non-downloadable computer software for security and GPS applications; Software as a service (SAAS) services featuring software for controlling and managing GPS tracking, mapping, and location services, and electronic devices; Providing on-line non-downloadable software using GPS location information; Providing a secure electronic online system featuring technology which allows users to synchronize local systems with high-precision time relative to Universal Time Coordinated (UTC) phase signals and related time and synchronization data; Providing temporary use of non-downloadable computer software for providing location, tracking, and timing information to both sides of commercial and financial transactions; Software as a service (SAAS) services featuring software for providing location, tracking, and timing information to both sides of commercial and financial transactions; Development of software and computer hardware for use in a transmitter location system; providing an online network environment that features wireless location systems that enable users to locate individuals, consumer electronics and other devices; Electronic storage of data and information relating to the location of individuals, consumer electronics and other devices. Services for determining the vertical location of an individual or device and patterns of vertical location data across multiple devices, namely, assisting first responders with locating wireless callers in emergency situations; security services, namely, tracking and identifying the location of individuals and devices for personal security and safety reasons; security and safety services, namely, providing tracking and location services to others to determine the locations of persons and devices.

Goods & Services

Downloadable software for vertical location of individuals, for use in combination with data communications and other device data; downloadable software which uses data communications and horizontal location data to determine the X, Y, and Z axis geographic locations of individuals and devices; downloadable software for determining the Z-axis location of a wireless 9-1-1 caller. Providing temporary use of non-downloadable computer software to determine vertical location of individuals using a combination of data communications and other device data; providing temporary use of non-downloadable software which uses data communications and horizontal location data to determine the X, Y, and Z axis geographic locations of individuals and devices; providing temporary use of non-downloadable software for determining the vertical location of a wireless 9-1-1 caller. Services for determining the vertical location of an individual and patterns of vertical location data across multiple devices, namely, assisting first responders with locating wireless callers in emergency situations; security services, namely, identifying the location of individuals and devices for personal security and safety reasons; security and safety services, namely, providing location services to others to determine the locations of persons.

Abstract

Determining contexts of mobile devices. Particular embodiments described herein include machines that determine two estimated positions of a mobile device that respectively correspond to first and second locations at first and second times, acquire sets of terrain or structural information for first and second areas that respectively include the first and second estimated positions, use the acquired sets of information and the estimated positions to determine if the mobile device was within a structure at the first and second times, determine one or more values that are indicative of vertical movement by the mobile device during a period of time between the first time and the second time, compare the one or more values to one or more threshold conditions, and determine a context of the mobile device based on the comparison.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01C 21/20 - Instruments for performing navigational calculations
• G01C 21/28 - Navigation; Navigational instruments not provided for in groups specially adapted for navigation in a road network with correlation of data from several navigational instruments
• G05D 1/04 - Control of altitude or depth
• H04W 4/02 - Services making use of location information
• G01C 5/06 - Measuring height; Measuring distances transverse to line of sight; Levelling between separated points; Surveyors' levels by using barometric means
• G01C 25/00 - Manufacturing, calibrating, cleaning, or repairing instruments or devices referred to in the other groups of this subclass

Abstract

Determining contexts of mobile devices. Particular embodiments described herein include machines that determine two estimated positions of a mobile device that respectively correspond to first and second locations at first and second times, acquire sets of terrain or structural information for first and second areas that respectively include the first and second estimated positions, use the acquired sets of information and the estimated positions to determine if the mobile device was within a structure at the first and second times, determine one or more values that are indicative of vertical movement by the mobile device during a period of time between the first time and the second time, compare the one or more values to one or more threshold conditions, and determine a context of the mobile device based on the comparison.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06F 3/01 - Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
• H04M 1/72457 - User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones with means for adapting the functionality of the device according to specific conditions according to geographic location
• H04M 1/72403 - User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones with means for local support of applications that increase the functionality
• H04M 1/72454 - User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones with means for adapting the functionality of the device according to specific conditions according to context-related or environment-related conditions
• G01P 15/02 - Measuring acceleration; Measuring deceleration; Measuring shock, i.e. sudden change of acceleration by making use of inertia forces
• G06F 3/041 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means
• H04N 21/45 - Management operations performed by the client for facilitating the reception of or the interaction with the content or administrating data related to the end-user or to the client device itself, e.g. learning user preferences for recommending movies 
• H04W 4/021 - Services related to particular areas, e.g. point of interest [POI] services, venue services or geofences

Abstract

Determining, broadcasting and using reference pressure data in a network of transmitters. Particular embodiments described herein include machines that select atmospheric data from weather stations within a transmitter network, use the selected atmospheric data to determine a reference atmospheric value, and transmit the reference atmospheric value from a transmitter to a mobile device for use in estimating an altitude of the mobile device. The atmospheric data may include any of reference pressures form the weather stations, measured temperatures from the weather stations, or reference temperatures from the weather stations. The reference atmospheric value may include a reference pressure value of a reference altitude, or a reference temperature value.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01C 5/06 - Measuring height; Measuring distances transverse to line of sight; Levelling between separated points; Surveyors' levels by using barometric means
• G01C 21/20 - Instruments for performing navigational calculations

Abstract

Determining, broadcasting and using reference pressure data in a network of transmitters. Particular embodiments described herein include machines that select atmospheric data from weather stations within a transmitter network, use the selected atmospheric data to determine a reference atmospheric value, and transmit the reference atmospheric value from a transmitter to a mobile device for use in estimating an altitude of the mobile device. The atmospheric data may include any of reference pressures form the weather stations, measured temperatures from the weather stations, or reference temperatures from the weather stations. The reference atmospheric value may include a reference pressure value of a reference altitude, or a reference temperature value.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01W 1/06 - Instruments for indicating weather conditions by measuring two or more variables, e.g. humidity, pressure, temperature, cloud cover or wind speed giving a combined indication of weather conditions
• G01W 1/10 - Devices for predicting weather conditions
• H04W 4/029 - Location-based management or tracking services
• G01S 5/00 - Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more direction or position-line determinations; Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more distance determinations
• G01S 5/02 - Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more direction or position-line determinations; Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more distance determinations using radio waves
• H04H 60/71 - Systems specially adapted for using specific information, e.g. geographical or meteorological information using meteorological information
• H04W 4/02 - Services making use of location information

Abstract

Using a pressure sensor of a mobile device to improve the reliability of determined contexts. Particular embodiments described herein include machines that determine a context of a mobile device, and determine if the determined context is accurate using one or more measurements of pressure from a pressure sensor of the mobile device.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01C 21/20 - Instruments for performing navigational calculations
• G01L 27/00 - Testing or calibrating of apparatus for measuring fluid pressure

Abstract

Using a pressure sensor of a mobile device to improve the reliability of determined contexts. Particular embodiments described herein include machines that determine a context of a mobile device, and determine if the determined context is accurate using one or more measurements of pressure from a pressure sensor of the mobile device.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04W 4/38 - Services specially adapted for particular environments, situations or purposes for collecting sensor information
• H04W 4/029 - Location-based management or tracking services
• H04W 4/02 - Services making use of location information
• H04W 64/00 - Locating users or terminals for network management purposes, e.g. mobility management

Abstract

Determining one or more heights of one or more mobile devices above surfaces. Particular embodiments described herein include machines that retrieve first data (e.g., measurement value(s) determined by sensor(s) of a mobile device or estimated position(s) of the mobile device), determine a location context based on the first data, identify second data (e.g., measurement value(s) determined by sensor(s) of the mobile device or status indicator value(s) of feature(s) of the mobile device) to retrieve for use in determining an estimated height above a surface at which the mobile device is located based on the determined location context, retrieve the second data, and determine an estimated height above a surface at which the mobile device is located based on the retrieved second data.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04M 1/725 - Cordless telephones
• H04M 1/72454 - User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones with means for adapting the functionality of the device according to specific conditions according to context-related or environment-related conditions
• H04W 4/029 - Location-based management or tracking services
• H04W 4/16 - Communication-related supplementary services, e.g. call-transfer or call-hold

Goods & Services

Metropolitan beacon system comprising of radio beacons and receivers; Wireless location systems consisting of downloadable software and computer hardware for signal transmission, reception and processing, namely, a wide-area network of terrestrially-placed transmitters broadcasting a proprietary signal consisting of timing information, selected local environmental information and other information that can be received and processed by computer software and hardware in a consumer electronics or other device such that the device can determine its latitude, longitude and altitude; electronic signal receivers and related computer hardware and downloadable software capable of receiving, processing and analyzing said signal for use in consumer electronics and other devices, and of combining said signal with signals or other information from other sources, including but not limited to remote or onboard databases and other networks for purpose of enhancing the latitude, longitude or altitude or other positioning information; three-dimensional location, navigation and timing device Metropolitan beacon system comprising of non-luminous non-metal beacons Wireless telecommunications services, namely, wireless location signal transmission services; providing access to telecommunication networks for the purpose of receiving information relating to the location of consumer electronics and other devices; transmission of data and information relating to the location of consumer electronics and other devices, including but not limited to employees or pedestrians with such devices on their person Providing temporary use of non-downloadable computer software to determine vertical location of individuals using a combination of data communications and other device data; providing temporary use of non-downloadable software which uses data communications and horizontal location data to determine the X, Y, and Z axis geographic locations of individuals and devices; providing temporary use of non-downloadable software for determining the vertical location of a wireless 9-1-1 caller; software as a service (SAAS) services featuring software for security and GPS applications for determining location of individuals and devices; Providing temporary use of non-downloadable computer software for security and GPS applications for determining location of individuals and devices; Software as a service (SAAS) services featuring software for controlling and managing GPS tracking, mapping, and location services, and electronic devices; Providing on-line non-downloadable software using GPS location information for determining location of individuals and devices; Providing a secure electronic online system featuring technology which allows users to synchronize local systems with high-precision time relative to Universal Time Coordinated (UTC) phase signals and related time and synchronization data; Providing temporary use of non-downloadable computer software for providing location, tracking, and timing information to both sides of commercial and financial transactions; Software as a service (SAAS) services featuring software for providing location, tracking, and timing information to both sides of commercial and financial transactions; Development of software and computer hardware for use in a transmitter location system; providing an online network environment that features technology via a wireless location systems that enable users to locate individuals, consumer electronics and other devices; Electronic storage of data relating to the location of individuals, consumer electronics and other devices Security and safety services, namely, services for determining the vertical location of an individual or device and patterns of vertical location data across multiple devices, namely, assisting first responders with locating wireless callers in emergency situations; security services, namely, tracking and identifying the location of individuals and devices for personal security and safety reasons; security and safety services, namely, providing tracking and location services to others to determine the locations of persons and devices; security services, namely, information relating to the location of individuals, consumer electronics and other devices

Goods & Services

Metropolitan beacon system comprising of radio beacons and receivers; Wireless location systems consisting of downloadable software and computer hardware for signal transmission, reception and processing, namely, a wide-area network of terrestrially-placed transmitters broadcasting a proprietary signal consisting of timing information, selected local environmental information and other information that can be received and processed by computer software and hardware in a consumer electronics or other device such that the device can determine its latitude, longitude and altitude; electronic signal receivers and related computer hardware and downloadable software capable of receiving, processing and analyzing said signal for use in consumer electronics and other devices, and of combining said signal with signals or other information from other sources, including but not limited to remote or onboard databases and other networks for purpose of enhancing the latitude, longitude or altitude or other positioning information; three-dimensional location, navigation and timing device Metropolitan beacon system comprising of non-luminous non-metal beacons Wireless telecommunications services, namely, wireless location signal transmission services; providing access to telecommunication networks for the purpose of receiving information relating to the location of consumer electronics and other devices; transmission of data and information relating to the location of consumer electronics and other devices, including but not limited to employees or pedestrians with such devices on their person Providing temporary use of non-downloadable computer software to determine vertical location of individuals using a combination of data communications and other device data; providing temporary use of non-downloadable software which uses data communications and horizontal location data to determine the X, Y, and Z axis geographic locations of individuals and devices; providing temporary use of non-downloadable software for determining the vertical location of a wireless 9-1-1 caller; software as a service (SAAS) services featuring software for security and GPS applications for determining location of individuals and devices; Providing temporary use of non-downloadable computer software for security and GPS applications for determining location of individuals and devices; Software as a service (SAAS) services featuring software for controlling and managing GPS tracking, mapping, and location services, and electronic devices; Providing on-line non-downloadable software using GPS location information for determining location of individuals and devices; Providing a secure electronic online system featuring technology which allows users to synchronize local systems with high-precision time relative to Universal Time Coordinated (UTC) phase signals and related time and synchronization data; Providing temporary use of non-downloadable computer software for providing location, tracking, and timing information to both sides of commercial and financial transactions; Software as a service (SAAS) services featuring software for providing location, tracking, and timing information to both sides of commercial and financial transactions; Development of software and computer hardware for use in a transmitter location system; providing an online network environment that features technology via a wireless location systems that enable users to locate individuals, consumer electronics and other devices; Electronic storage of data relating to the location of individuals, consumer electronics and other devices Security and safety services, namely, services for determining the vertical location of an individual or device and patterns of vertical location data across multiple devices, namely, assisting first responders with locating wireless callers in emergency situations; security services, namely, tracking and identifying the location of individuals and devices for personal security and safety reasons; security and safety services, namely, providing tracking and location services to others to determine the locations of persons and devices; security services, namely, information relating to the location of individuals, consumer electronics and other devices

Goods & Services

Downloadable software for vertical location of individuals, for use in combination with data communications and other device data; downloadable software which uses data communications and horizontal location data to determine the X, Y, and Z axis geographic locations of individuals and devices; downloadable software for determining the Z-axis location of a wireless 9-1-1 caller Providing temporary use of non-downloadable computer software to determine vertical location of individuals using a combination of data communications and other device data; providing temporary use of non-downloadable software which uses data communications and horizontal location data to determine the X, Y, and Z axis geographic locations of individuals and devices; providing temporary use of non-downloadable software for determining the vertical location of a wireless 9-1-1 caller Services for determining the vertical location of an individual and patterns of vertical location data across multiple devices, namely, assisting first responders with locating wireless callers in emergency situations; security services, namely, identifying the location of individuals and devices for personal security and safety reasons; security and safety services, namely, providing location services to others to determine the locations of persons

Goods & Services

Downloadable software for vertical location of individuals, for use in combination with data communications and other device data; downloadable software which uses data communications and horizontal location data to determine the X, Y, and Z axis geographic locations of individuals and devices; downloadable software for determining the Z-axis location of a wireless 9-1-1 caller Providing temporary use of non-downloadable computer software to determine vertical location of individuals using a combination of data communications and other device data; providing temporary use of non-downloadable software which uses data communications and horizontal location data to determine the X, Y, and Z axis geographic locations of individuals and devices; providing temporary use of non-downloadable software for determining the vertical location of a wireless 9-1-1 caller Security and safety services for determining the vertical location of an individual and patterns of vertical location data across multiple devices, namely, assisting first responders with locating wireless callers in emergency situations; security services, namely, identifying the location of individuals and devices for personal security and safety reasons; security and safety services, namely, providing location services to others to determine the locations of persons

Abstract

Determining if a receiver is inside or outside a building or area. Particular systems and methods for determining if a receiver is inside or outside a building determine an estimate of a position of a receiver, and use the estimate of the position of the receiver and other data to determine if the position of the receiver is inside a first building. The other data may include locations of geo-fences inside buildings, heights of buildings, or other types of data.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04W 64/00 - Locating users or terminals for network management purposes, e.g. mobility management
• H04B 7/0413 - MIMO systems
• H04B 7/0452 - Multi-user MIMO systems
• H04B 7/06 - Diversity systems; Multi-antenna systems, i.e. transmission or reception using multiple antennas using two or more spaced independent antennas at the transmitting station
• H04W 52/02 - Power saving arrangements
• H04W 4/029 - Location-based management or tracking services
• G01S 5/02 - Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more direction or position-line determinations; Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more distance determinations using radio waves
• H04W 4/021 - Services related to particular areas, e.g. point of interest [POI] services, venue services or geofences

Abstract

Determining one or more heights of one or more mobile devices above surfaces. Particular embodiments described herein include machines that retrieve first data (e.g., measurement value(s) determined by sensor(s) of a mobile device or estimated position(s) of the mobile device), determine a location context based on the first data, identify second data (e.g., measurement value(s) determined by sensor(s) of the mobile device or status indicator value(s) of feature(s) of the mobile device) to retrieve for use in determining an estimated height above a surface at which the mobile device is located based on the determined location context, retrieve the second data, and determine an estimated height above a surface at which the mobile device is located based on the retrieved second data.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04M 1/725 - Cordless telephones
• H04W 4/029 - Location-based management or tracking services
• H04W 4/16 - Communication-related supplementary services, e.g. call-transfer or call-hold

Abstract

Determining one or more heights of one or more mobile devices above surfaces. Particular embodiments described herein include machines that retrieve first data (e.g., measurement value(s) determined by sensor(s) of a mobile device or estimated position(s) of the mobile device), determine a location context based on the first data, identify second data (e.g., measurement value(s) determined by sensor(s) of the mobile device or status indicator value(s) of feature(s) of the mobile device) to retrieve for use in determining an estimated height above a surface at which the mobile device is located based on the determined location context, retrieve the second data, and determine an estimated height above a surface at which the mobile device is located based on the retrieved second data

IPC Classes  ?

• G01C 5/00 - Measuring height; Measuring distances transverse to line of sight; Levelling between separated points; Surveyors' levels
• G01C 21/20 - Instruments for performing navigational calculations

Abstract

Systems and methods are described for determining position of a receiver. The positioning system comprises a transmitter network including transmitters that broadcast positioning signals. The positioning system comprises a remote receiver that acquires and tracks the positioning signals and/or satellite signals. The satellite signals are signals of a satellite-based positioning system. A first mode of the remote receiver uses terminal-based positioning in which the remote receiver computes a position using the positioning signals and/or the satellite signals. The positioning system comprises a server coupled to the remote receiver. A second operating mode of the remote receiver comprises network-based positioning in which the server computes a position of the remote receiver from the positioning signals and/or satellite signals, where the remote receiver receives and transfers to the server the positioning signals and/or satellite signals.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04B 1/7087 - Carrier synchronisation aspects
• G01S 19/11 - Cooperating elements; Interaction or communication between different cooperating elements or between cooperating elements and receivers providing dedicated supplementary positioning signals wherein the cooperating elements are pseudolites or satellite radio beacon positioning system signal repeaters
• G01S 19/46 - Determining position by combining measurements of signals from the satellite radio beacon positioning system with a supplementary measurement the supplementary measurement being of a radio-wave signal type
• G01S 5/10 - Position of receiver fixed by co-ordinating a plurality of position lines defined by path-difference measurements
• G01S 1/08 - Systems for determining direction or position line
• G01S 19/24 - Acquisition or tracking of signals transmitted by the system
• G01S 19/42 - Determining position
• H04B 7/26 - Radio transmission systems, i.e. using radiation field for communication between two or more posts at least one of which is mobile
• H04W 72/00 - Local resource management
• H04W 72/04 - Wireless resource allocation
• H04B 1/709 - Correlator structure
• H04W 56/00 - Synchronisation arrangements

Abstract

Pressure-based estimation of a mobile device altitude or calibration of a pressure sensor involves machines that determine if a reference-level pressure value based on one or more measurements of pressure from a network of weather stations should or should not be used to calibrate a pressure sensor of a mobile device or to estimate an altitude of the mobile device. If reference-level pressure value should be used, the reference-level pressure value is used to calibrate a pressure sensor of a mobile device or to estimate an altitude of the mobile device. If the reference-level pressure value should not be used, a trend in pressure is determined, an estimated reference-level pressure value based on the trend is determined, and the estimated reference-level pressure value is used to calibrate a pressure sensor of a mobile device or to estimate an altitude of the mobile device.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01C 5/06 - Measuring height; Measuring distances transverse to line of sight; Levelling between separated points; Surveyors' levels by using barometric means
• G01L 27/00 - Testing or calibrating of apparatus for measuring fluid pressure

Abstract

Embodiments describe determining position by selecting a set of digital pseudorandom sequences. The magnitudes of the cross-correlation between any two sequences of the chosen set are below a specified threshold. A subset of digital pseudorandom sequences are selected from the set such that the magnitudes of the autocorrelation function of each member of the subset, within a specified region adjacent to the peak of the autocorrelation function, are equal to or less than a prescribed value. Each transmitter transmits a positioning signal, and at least a portion of the positioning signal is modulated with at least one member of the subset. At least two transmitters of the plurality of transmitters modulate respective positioning signals with different members of the subset of digital pseudorandom sequences.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01S 19/11 - Cooperating elements; Interaction or communication between different cooperating elements or between cooperating elements and receivers providing dedicated supplementary positioning signals wherein the cooperating elements are pseudolites or satellite radio beacon positioning system signal repeaters
• G01S 19/45 - Determining position by combining measurements of signals from the satellite radio beacon positioning system with a supplementary measurement
• H04W 64/00 - Locating users or terminals for network management purposes, e.g. mobility management
• G01S 19/48 - Determining position by combining or switching between position solutions derived from the satellite radio beacon positioning system and position solutions derived from a further system
• H04B 1/709 - Correlator structure

Abstract

Calibrating an unstable sensor of a mobile device. Systems and methods for calibrating a sensor of a mobile device determine a first estimated position of the mobile device without using any measurement from the sensor of the mobile device, generate a second estimated position of the mobile device using a measurement from the sensor, estimate a sensor error of the sensor using the first estimated position and the second estimated position, and use the sensor error to determine a calibration value for adjusting one or more measurements from the sensor.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01C 17/38 - Testing, calibrating, or compensating of compasses
• G01C 25/00 - Manufacturing, calibrating, cleaning, or repairing instruments or devices referred to in the other groups of this subclass
• G01C 5/06 - Measuring height; Measuring distances transverse to line of sight; Levelling between separated points; Surveyors' levels by using barometric means
• G01S 5/02 - Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more direction or position-line determinations; Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more distance determinations using radio waves
• G01C 21/16 - Navigation; Navigational instruments not provided for in groups by using measurement of speed or acceleration executed aboard the object being navigated; Dead reckoning by integrating acceleration or speed, i.e. inertial navigation
• G01S 19/14 - Receivers specially adapted for specific applications
• G01C 21/10 - Navigation; Navigational instruments not provided for in groups by using measurement of speed or acceleration
• G01S 19/40 - Correcting position, velocity or attitude

Abstract

Extending the spatial coverage of a reference pressure network. Particular embodiments described herein include machines that initially determine that an estimated position of a mobile device resides outside a coverage area of a network of reference pressure sensors. Reference-level pressures corresponding to reference pressure sensors of the network are determined using measurements of pressure from the network of reference pressure sensors. A pressure pattern for a region that includes the estimated position and an area not included in the coverage area of the network is determined using reference-level pressures that were not determined using measurements of pressure from the network of reference pressure sensors. The reference-level pressures corresponding to reference pressure sensors of the network and the pressure pattern are used to determine a reference-level pressure value for use in calibrating a pressure sensor of the mobile device or for use in estimating an altitude of the mobile device.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01C 5/06 - Measuring height; Measuring distances transverse to line of sight; Levelling between separated points; Surveyors' levels by using barometric means
• G01C 21/20 - Instruments for performing navigational calculations

Abstract

Estimating a difference in height between two floors in a building for use in estimating a height or an altitude of one of the two floors. Particular embodiments estimate a height difference between a first floor and a second floor based on a first outdoor temperature of a first time period, a second outdoor temperature of a second time period, a third temperature that is based on an indoor temperature of the first time period or the second time period, a first estimated difference in height between the first and second floors that is based on measurements of pressure from mobile devices when those mobile devices were on the first and second floors during the first time period, and a second estimated difference in height between the first and second floors that is based on measurements of pressure from mobile devices when those mobile devices were on the first and second floors during the second time period.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01C 5/06 - Measuring height; Measuring distances transverse to line of sight; Levelling between separated points; Surveyors' levels by using barometric means

Abstract

Estimating a difference in height between two floors in a building for use in estimating a height or an altitude of one of the two floors. Particular embodiments estimate a height difference between a first floor and a second floor based on a first outdoor temperature of a first time period, a second outdoor temperature of a second time period, a third temperature that is based on an indoor temperature of the first time period or the second time period, a first estimated difference in height between the first and second floors that is based on measurements of pressure from mobile devices when those mobile devices were on the first and second floors during the first time period, and a second estimated difference in height between the first and second floors that is based on measurements of pressure from mobile devices when those mobile devices were on the first and second floors during the second time period.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01C 5/06 - Measuring height; Measuring distances transverse to line of sight; Levelling between separated points; Surveyors' levels by using barometric means
• G01C 21/20 - Instruments for performing navigational calculations
• H04W 64/00 - Locating users or terminals for network management purposes, e.g. mobility management

Abstract

Determining an indoor or outdoor location of a mobile device. Particular embodiments described herein determine a geographic area of potential locations in which a mobile device resides, identify any buildings that occupy part of the geographic area, and determine if the mobile device does not reside inside any building, the mobile device resides inside a particular building from the identified buildings, or that one or more of the identified buildings are candidate buildings in which the mobile device may reside based on the geographic area and building footprints of the identified buildings.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04W 64/00 - Locating users or terminals for network management purposes, e.g. mobility management
• G01W 1/02 - Instruments for indicating weather conditions by measuring two or more variables, e.g. humidity, pressure, temperature, cloud cover or wind speed
• H04W 4/33 - Services specially adapted for particular environments, situations or purposes for indoor environments, e.g. buildings
• G01S 5/02 - Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more direction or position-line determinations; Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more distance determinations using radio waves

Abstract

Determining which reference-level pressures, from among a plurality of available reference-level pressures, are used when estimating an altitude of a mobile device. Different systems and methods determine isobars based on reference-level pressures of weather stations, and then use the isobars in different ways to identify particular reference-level pressures for use in estimated an altitude of a mobile device. One approach determines the smallest distance between an initial estimated position of a mobile device and a neighboring isobar, and then uses that distance to identify reference-level pressures. Another approach identifies reference-level pressures between an isobar on which an initial estimated position of a mobile device is location and a neighboring isobar. Yet another approach compares the number of identified reference-level pressures and/or locations of the identified reference-level pressures against threshold conditions before determining which reference-level pressures to use.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01C 5/06 - Measuring height; Measuring distances transverse to line of sight; Levelling between separated points; Surveyors' levels by using barometric means
• G01W 1/16 - Measuring atmospheric potential differences, e.g. due to electrical charges in clouds
• G01L 7/00 - Measuring the steady or quasi-steady pressure of a fluid or a fluent solid material by mechanical or fluid pressure-sensitive elements

Abstract

Determining calibration values for atmospheric sensors that provide measured pressures used for estimating altitudes of mobile devices. Particular systems and methods determine if any uncalibrated reference-level pressure estimates associated with an unstable pressure sensor should not be used when calibrating the unstable pressure sensor, and calibrate the unstable pressure sensor using all of the uncalibrated reference-level pressure estimates except any uncalibrated reference-level pressure estimate that should not be used when calibrating the unstable pressure sensor.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01C 5/00 - Measuring height; Measuring distances transverse to line of sight; Levelling between separated points; Surveyors' levels
• G01C 5/06 - Measuring height; Measuring distances transverse to line of sight; Levelling between separated points; Surveyors' levels by using barometric means
• H04W 4/029 - Location-based management or tracking services
• G01L 27/00 - Testing or calibrating of apparatus for measuring fluid pressure

Abstract

Determining where to place atmospheric sensors that provide measurements of pressure used to estimate an altitude of a mobile device in an environment. Generally, systems and methods determine where atmospheric sensors can be placed relative to each other in order to achieve a required level of accuracy when an altitude of a mobile device is estimated using pressure measurements from the atmospheric sensors in the network. Particular systems and methods determine a maximum distance for separating adjacent atmospheric sensors, or otherwise determine where to place atmospheric sensors relative to each other based on expected pressure distribution of an environment.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01C 5/06 - Measuring height; Measuring distances transverse to line of sight; Levelling between separated points; Surveyors' levels by using barometric means
• G01C 5/00 - Measuring height; Measuring distances transverse to line of sight; Levelling between separated points; Surveyors' levels
• G01C 21/20 - Instruments for performing navigational calculations

Abstract

Determining when to calibrate a pressure sensor of a mobile device. Particular systems and methods determine values of a plurality of metrics based on how data collected at a first location of a mobile device relates to threshold conditions, determine weights for the metric values, determine weighted metric values by applying the weights to the metric values, use the weighted metric values to determine if a pressure sensor of the mobile device should be calibrated using information associated with the first location, and calibrate the pressure sensor of the mobile device using the information associated with the first location if a determination is made that the pressure sensor of the mobile device should be calibrated using information associated with the first location.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01L 27/00 - Testing or calibrating of apparatus for measuring fluid pressure
• G01L 19/00 - MEASURING FORCE, STRESS, TORQUE, WORK, MECHANICAL POWER, MECHANICAL EFFICIENCY, OR FLUID PRESSURE - Details of, or accessories for, apparatus for measuring steady or quasi-steady pressure of a fluent medium insofar as such details or accessories are not special to particular types of pressure gauges
• G01C 21/20 - Instruments for performing navigational calculations

Abstract

Determining when an estimated altitude of a mobile device can be used for calibration or location determination. Particular systems and methods determine an area in which the mobile device is expected to reside, determine an altitude value of each section of a plurality of sections in the area, determine if the altitude values meet a threshold condition, and determine that the estimated altitude of the mobile device can be used for determining the position of the mobile device or for calibrating a pressure sensor of the mobile device when the altitude values meet the threshold condition.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01C 5/00 - Measuring height; Measuring distances transverse to line of sight; Levelling between separated points; Surveyors' levels
• G06F 17/18 - Complex mathematical operations for evaluating statistical data
• G01L 27/00 - Testing or calibrating of apparatus for measuring fluid pressure
• H04W 4/029 - Location-based management or tracking services
• G01S 5/00 - Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more direction or position-line determinations; Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more distance determinations

Abstract

Sensor calibration and location determination. Aspects of this disclosure relate to determining when an estimated altitude of a mobile device can be used for calibration or location determination, determining when to calibrate a pressure sensor of a mobile device, and determining whether a mobile device is inside an environment experiencing adverse pressure variation conditions.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01C 5/06 - Measuring height; Measuring distances transverse to line of sight; Levelling between separated points; Surveyors' levels by using barometric means
• G01C 25/00 - Manufacturing, calibrating, cleaning, or repairing instruments or devices referred to in the other groups of this subclass

Abstract

Determining whether a mobile device is inside an environment experiencing adverse pressure variation conditions. Particular systems and methods for determining whether a mobile device is inside an environment experiencing adverse pressure variation conditions detect a change in pressure measured by a mobile device that is caused by an HVAC effect of a building or a vehicle, determine a likelihood that the mobile device is inside a building based on an estimated position of the mobile device relative to the building, and determine that the mobile device is inside the building or inside a vehicle based on the likelihood that the mobile device is inside the building.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04W 24/00 - Supervisory, monitoring or testing arrangements
• H04W 4/029 - Location-based management or tracking services
• G01L 19/00 - MEASURING FORCE, STRESS, TORQUE, WORK, MECHANICAL POWER, MECHANICAL EFFICIENCY, OR FLUID PRESSURE - Details of, or accessories for, apparatus for measuring steady or quasi-steady pressure of a fluent medium insofar as such details or accessories are not special to particular types of pressure gauges
• G01L 27/00 - Testing or calibrating of apparatus for measuring fluid pressure
• H04W 4/33 - Services specially adapted for particular environments, situations or purposes for indoor environments, e.g. buildings
• G01C 21/20 - Instruments for performing navigational calculations
• H04W 4/021 - Services related to particular areas, e.g. point of interest [POI] services, venue services or geofences

Abstract

Using atmospheric data from one or more reference nodes to estimate an altitude of a receiver. Assistance data associated with a set of reference nodes within a region is identified, and the assistance data is used to identify atmospheric reference data associated with a subset of selected reference nodes. An estimate of the receiver's altitude is generated using the atmospheric reference data from the subset of reference nodes.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01S 5/02 - Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more direction or position-line determinations; Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more distance determinations using radio waves
• G01C 5/06 - Measuring height; Measuring distances transverse to line of sight; Levelling between separated points; Surveyors' levels by using barometric means
• G01S 19/45 - Determining position by combining measurements of signals from the satellite radio beacon positioning system with a supplementary measurement