Patent · US Expired

Method and apparatus for calibrating location finding equipment within a communication system

US6014102A · kind A · utility

137Cited by
8References
13Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateApr 17, 1998
Grant dateJan 11, 2000
Priority date
Expiry dateApr 17, 2018

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG01S19/14
  • WIPO fieldMeasurement
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

Error vectors are added to any position estimate determined by Location finding equipment (LFE) in order to give a corrected position estimate. Error vectors are determined utilizing calibration terminals (114), which are roaming vehicles that move throughout the communication system's (100) coverage area. Each calibration terminal (114) comprises a remote unit (113) coupled with an independent position determining system (167) such as a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver. Error vectors are determined by periodically polling calibration terminals (114). In response, each terminal (114) sends back a reply message containing their actual, independently determined location, along with periodically broadcasting a known sequence at increased power utilized by the LFE in determining a position estimate of the calibration terminal (114). The difference between the actual, and LFE determined position estimates are utilized in calculation of error vectors.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.