In one implementation, a method includes receiving versions of a message from a first satellite-based receiver and a second satellite-based receiver that both received a radio frequency (RF) transmission of the message, the message comprising a self-reported position of a transmitter of the message. The method also includes determining a time difference between a first arrival time of the RF transmission of the message at the first satellite-based receiver and a second arrival time of the RF transmission of the message at the second satellite-based receiver. The method further includes determining a measure of the likelihood that the self-reported position of the transmitter is valid based on the time difference between the first and second arrival times. The method still further includes transmitting an indication of the measure of the likelihood that the self-reported position is valid.

An electronic device disposed on a door frame includes a back plate attached to the door frame, a housing coupled to the back plate, a first antenna that transmits or receives a signal having a first wavelength with an external electronic device, a second antenna that is disposed closer to the back plate than the first antenna and that transmits or receives a signal having the first wavelength with the external electronic device, an electric-wave blocking member that is disposed between the back plate and the second antenna and that blocks a signal reflected by the door frame, and at least one processor operatively connected with the first antenna and the second antenna. The first antenna and the second antenna are disposed inside the housing, and an antenna pattern of the second antenna is different from an antenna pattern of the first antenna.

Methods and apparatus for determining a location and an orientation of a smart device via wireless communication. The location and direction of the smart device may be used to generate a data query and/or submit information into a data storage, referencing a time, place and direction of the smart device.

Methods and apparatus for improving the provision of healthcare via automated determination of a location of persons and equipment relative to each other and to conditions quantified via automated sensors. The present invention provides apparatus and methods for wireless designation of a position of health care providers and equipment relative to each other based upon wireless communications amongst multiple wireless transceivers combined with ongoing monitoring of conditions present in a healthcare facility. A user interface may provide a pictorial view of positions of all or some the healthcare providers and equipment and condition quantifying sensors.

A method of environmental sensing through pilot signals in a spread spectrum wireless communication system is provided with a plurality of wireless terminals. The plurality of wireless terminals includes a plurality of multi-input multi-output (MIMO) radars and at least one base station. The plurality of terminals broadcasts a beacon pilot signals containing a terminal-specific information and encoded with a corresponding identifier. Using the corresponding identifier, an arbitrary radar from the plurality of MIMO radars separates the beacon pilot signal from an ambient signal. More specifically, the arbitrary radar compares the ambient signal to the corresponding identifier of each wireless terminal to identify at least one origin terminal. Subsequently, the arbitrary radar extracts the terminal-specific information from the beacon pilot signal of the origin terminal. The terminal-specific information is used to exchange data between the plurality of wireless terminals for autonomous driving.

A method of environmental sensing through pilot signals in a spread spectrum wireless communication system is provided with a plurality of wireless terminals. The plurality of wireless terminals includes a plurality of multi-input multi-output (MIMO) radars and at least one base station. The plurality of terminals broadcasts a beacon pilot signals containing a terminal-specific information and encoded with a corresponding identifier. Using the corresponding identifier, an arbitrary radar from the plurality of MIMO radars separates the beacon pilot signal from an ambient signal. More specifically, the arbitrary radar compares the ambient signal to the corresponding identifier of each wireless terminal to identify at least one origin terminal. Subsequently, the arbitrary radar extracts the terminal-specific information from the beacon pilot signal of the origin terminal. The terminal-specific information is used to exchange data between the plurality of wireless terminals for autonomous driving.

Methods and apparatus for wireless communication area augmentation. A plurality of Nodes or Tags assist in aligning real-world with virtual-world content. Using augmented reality, an Agent may detect one or more Tags by the reflection or other reception of wireless energy in a Radio Target Area. This may be correlated with information in a database about an object proximate to the Tag. In this way, messages, history, and other information about the object may be easily conveyable to the Agent.

Innovative new systems and method of operating the systems, wherein the system comprises an airborne platform comprising an unmanned balloon comprising a gas enclosure; a geographic locator or tracking system configured to determine geographical coordinates of the unmanned balloon; a payload comprising a transceiver, wherein the transceiver is capable of communicating with communication devices that are separate from the unmanned balloon; first and second flight-termination devices each configured to cause termination of a flight of the unmanned balloon; and at least two power sources each configured to provide power to at least one of the first and second flight-termination devices.

Innovative new systems and method of operating the systems, wherein the system comprises an airborne platform comprising an unmanned balloon comprising a gas enclosure; a geographic locator or tracking system configured to determine geographical coordinates of the unmanned balloon; a payload comprising a transceiver, wherein the transceiver is capable of communicating with communication devices that are separate from the unmanned balloon; first and second flight-termination devices each configured to cause termination of a flight of the unmanned balloon; and at least two power sources each configured to provide power to at least one of the first and second flight-termination devices.

A system and method for measuring the position of one or more object in an area of interest. The system has a primary beacon located at a first fixed position in or near the area of interest which generates a time referenced primary signal, two or more secondary beacons located at different fixed positions in or near the area of interest which generate time referenced secondary signals and one or more portable tag, the portable tag being attachable to the object. The portable tag has a portable tag circuit for calculating the distance of the portable tag to the primary and secondary beacons by a time of flight calculation which uses, the known position of the primary and secondary beacons, time referenced signals and delay information associated with the time referenced signals, such that the portable tag calculates its own position.