JP2001188082A - Integral position determination system provided with radio relay device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain a GPS network capable of easily moving location to location, having resistivity and relliability with cheap and simple production and structure. SOLUTION: An integrated position determination network for determining the exact location of a position determination system and having a position determination system and a radio relay system is shown. The position determination system assembles a radio, a power source, a GPS receiver and all necessary electronic apparatus in a single housing 12. Similarly, all constituting elements in the radio relay device is integrated in the single housing 12. Many of the constituting elements of the position determination system and the radio relay system are compatible. Thus, the position determination system and the radio relay system using common constitution elements can be obtained. By using common constitution elements, production cost and maintenance cost are lowered. Also by the compatibility of the constitution elements, the design of the GPS network and the performance of real time dynamic work is able to have large flexibility.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] This patented invention relates to the field of position determination systems. More specifically, the claimed invention relates to an improved position determination device and wireless relay device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A typical Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) network has a receiver for receiving ephemeris data from satellites. Generally, such data is obtained from a GPS satellite that is part of a Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite network or a Global Navigation Assist Satellite System (GLONAS).
S) received from an artificial satellite. The celestial body position table data is arithmetically processed via an electronic package provided in the GPS unit. The GPS unit receives the differential correction data via another wireless device, typically connected by a cable to the GPS unit. The differential correction data is generally obtained from a wireless device connected to a GPS unit located at a fixed site set at a known location, or obtained from another source, and is carried via radio. You. By processing the differential correction data together with the data received by a particular GPS receiver, the position of the GPS unit is determined with high accuracy. This same method can be used to perform real-time dynamic (RTK) surveying to accurately determine the relative position of the GPS system with an accuracy of approximately centimeters.

[0003] Prior art GPS devices used in PGPS and RTK applications generally require a large number of independent individual component units connected via cables. For example, a GPS receiver and a computing device will constitute one device, and a terrestrial radio device will constitute a second unit connected to the GPS computing device via a cable. Generally, an input / output (I / O) having an indicator for data monitoring and a keypad for data input.
O) A unit is also required. The I / O unit is connected to a GPS receiver / arithmetic unit and a terrestrial radio device via a cable. Some systems also require the installation of a separate battery via a cable. As a large number of independent units would be used in these prior art systems, the systems would be large and difficult to move and walk.

For example, one type of prior art system, commonly referred to as "handheld," includes a GPS antenna, a GPS computing device, a display computing device, and a display as a single unit. I have. The DGPS radio antenna and receiver are provided in a separate unit or in a unit connected to a GPS computing device. Another type of prior art system has a GPS antenna on the antenna unit and a display on another separate display unit. The GPS operation device and the display operation device are provided in the GPS antenna unit, the display unit, or another unit. The DGPS wireless antenna and receiver are provided in another unit or a unit connected to the GPS arithmetic unit. By such a method, G
The user can separate the GPS antenna and the display unit so that the position and time information of the PS is observed and processed in a protected environment.

[0005]

The use of many units to accommodate the various components required in prior art DGPS systems, and the need for cables and connectors to connect the units, Causes reliability and durability issues. This is particularly true for DGPS systems that are mobile, shake or shake in use or movement. In addition, these systems are expensive to manufacture and assemble. In addition, connections are often large, expensive, and susceptible to breakage and failure. Furthermore, it is difficult to move various boxes and cables around. Generally, the GPS unit receivers are separated by long distance or immovable structures, so a wireless relay unit is used to obtain signals from one GPS unit to another GPS unit. . Prior art relay systems for relaying GPS signals typically include many independent, such as transceivers, connected via a cable to another transceiver operating at one frequency and operating at a second frequency. Components. These relay systems typically receive the signal via an antenna that is cabled to a processor, which then transmits the signal to a wireless device that rebroadcasts the signal via an antenna that is cabled to the wireless device. It is connected. These relay systems are difficult to move around. Further, these relay systems are generally expensive and difficult to maintain and operate due to the fact that each component of the wireless relay system is unique. Furthermore, most currently available systems are not sufficiently durable and reliable for applications such as RTK surveying and use in harsh environments such as construction sites.

What is needed is a GPS network that can be easily moved from place to place, is durable and reliable, is inexpensive to manufacture and assemble, and simple. More specifically, it has GPS units, radios, and radio repeaters that operate with high reliability in difficult environments such as those encountered in repeated use and use in harsh environments such as construction sites. GPS networks are needed. In addition, GPS consisting of components that are easy to operate, use and maintain
Networks are also needed.

[0007]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention fulfills the above needs by a position determination system that includes a position determination device that is easily moved and easily manufactured and assembled at low cost. The goal of this is a positioning antenna, GPS
This has been achieved by employing a single integrated structure to accommodate the receiver, power conditioning system, position determination processor, DGPS radio antenna, and DGPS radio circuit board. The position determining device is easily converted to a wireless relay device by changing components disposed in the housing. The resulting location network has a combination of integrated location and wireless repeaters that operate under high reliability in harsh environments and are easy to operate, use and maintain.

[0008] A positioning network having all of the elements required for DGPS positioning and RTK is disclosed. The network includes a locating device that holds all of the components required for locating and RTK using DGPS technology in a single housing. The position determination system can be operated using any of several different sources of telemetry signals, such as GLONASS, but the positioning system is now described for clarity.
This will be described with reference to the use of PS satellites. GPS satellites deal with information about the ephemeris of each GPS satellite, parameters that identify a particular GPS satellite, and corrections for ionospheric signal propagation delays. A useful discussion of GPS and its technology for obtaining position information from satellite signals can be found in 1992 from Van Nostrand Reinhold by TomLogsdon, incorporated here by reference. Published “Nabster Global Positioning System” 17 ~
It can be found on page 90. References to the Global Positioning System or GPS refer to the Global Positioning System, the GLONASS system, and other compatible artificial systems that provide information that can determine the position and / or time of observation of the observer. With reference to satellite based systems. More information on GPS positioning can be found in Nicholas, entitled "Centimeter-Accurate Global Positioning System Receiver for Real-Time In-Flight Dynamic Measurement and Control," which is incorporated herein by reference. US Patent No. 5,51 by Nicholas Talbot et al.
No. 9,620.

[0009] The key word "DG" used here is
"PS" and "DGPS radio" signals, as used herein, may be transmitted by other GPS units and / or systems, by the Coast Guard DGPS network, by radio beacon signals, by FM sub-carrier signals, by analog 2 GP by digital radio carrier, by digital radio signal, by cellular telephone signal, by digital cellular telephone signal
Includes GPS differential correction information sent by private or quasi-private network signals that use terrestrial and / or satellite equipment to transmit DGPS signals that correct S position and / or time information. It contains electromagnetic signals. The first embodiment has a GPS antenna, a GPS / DGPS operation device, a wireless device, and a wireless antenna. The power supply battery is housed in a cylindrical pole mounted on the bottom of the housing to form a completely portable, self-contained GPS system. The display panel has an on / off switch and a lighted indicator. Another display unit is connected to the GPS unit for displaying location information. Communication between the display unit and the GPS unit may be by cable, communication link, or infrared method. The other display unit has its own power supply. However, in one embodiment, the display unit is GP
Power is supplied by the S unit via the power supply unit of the GPS unit.

A second embodiment is disclosed wherein a tripod mount is mounted on the housing instead of the pole. The tripod has a positioning mechanism used to accurately position the GPS with respect to the landmark. The positioning mechanism can be a prism-type optical finder, a laser-type optical finder, a tripod with a fixed height, or a laser-type finder mounted on a tripod with a fourth leg. The tripod mounts the battery pack on or in the tripod mount. This second embodiment is used to accurately align the GPS system on a predetermined reference point, such as the location of the United States Geological Survey (USGS). This allows for easy and accurate positioning of the GPS system. The housing and all components within the housing are the same as those disclosed in the first embodiment. Thus, the parts are interchangeable. with this,
It greatly aids in manufacturing, easy assembly and maintenance, and in many applications allows for flexibility in using the components of the position determination network.

The third embodiment discloses a radio relay unit using many of the same components as in the previous two embodiments. The wireless relay unit includes a wireless antenna,
It has a wireless device operation circuit and a power supply unit. Transceiver with DGPS at the same frequency or at a different frequency
Is incorporated in the wireless relay unit for transmitting and receiving the correction information. The DGPS correction information originates from the second GPS unit or from another source. This correction data is then received directly by the GPS unit. Instead, the correction data will be received by the wireless relay unit which then rebroadcasts the correction information. The GPS unit then receives the rebroadcast modification information at the wireless device housed within the GPS unit. Instead, many relay units would be used to send correction information over longer distances. Since the wireless relay unit uses many of the same components used in the GPS unit, the components can be interchanged between the previous two embodiments and the third embodiment. used. In addition, batteries, poles and tripods are used interchangeably based on the requirements of a particular project.

Also disclosed is a position determination network that includes the first, second, and third embodiments of the present invention. In this network, a first GPS system consisting of a GPS unit mounted on a tripod is used as a backbone station,
It is placed on a known location using a viewfinder placed on a tripod. A wireless relay system including a wireless relay unit arranged on a tripod is arranged within a wireless range from the first GPS system. The second wireless relay system is installed near the site where the location is to be determined. Additional wireless repeaters are used to extend the range more widely. A GPS system with a GPS unit mounted on a tripod is used to accurately position one or more desired geographical locations.

A GPS antenna, a GPS radio circuit,
GPS and DGPS arithmetic circuits, power conditioning system, radio, and radio antenna are integrated in a single housing, making them easy to move and use, easy to assemble and disassemble GPS system is obtained. Furthermore, a more durable and reliable GPS is achieved due to the shielding and protection of the various components obtained by integrating the various components in a single housing. Since many of the components are common to both GPS systems and wireless relay systems, the positioning network allows the required components to be manufactured inexpensively. GP
The S system and the wireless relay system are easily assembled and repaired by using a common assembly mechanism and by using common components. In addition, due to the design of the system and because of the use of a single housing, GPS systems and radio relay systems are more reliable than the many cabled units found in prior art systems. , More durable.

[0014]

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will no doubt become apparent to those skilled in the art from a reading of the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment, as illustrated in the various drawings. Would. Reference will now be made in detail to a preferred embodiment of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the present invention will be described in connection with preferred embodiments, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to these embodiments. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications and equivalents, which are included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, in the following detailed description of the present invention, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention.
It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, and circuits have not been described in detail as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 1 shows a GP mounted on a pole 102.
1 shows a GPS system having an S unit 101. The GPS unit 101 has a low-noise amplifier housing 4 (not shown) and a housing 12 that fits with the radome 1 and surrounds various internal components of the GPS unit 101. The bumper ring 18 and the bumper 19 drop the GPS unit 101,
Absorb the impact of moving. Paul 102
Together with the GPS unit 101, it forms a single integrated GPS system that is easily moved from place to place. All the electronic devices for determining the location using the DGPS correction information include the GPS unit 101 and the pole 10.
2 are arranged inside. The display panel 200 includes an indicator 202 to be turned on, an indicator 203 to be turned on, an indicator 204 to be turned on, and an on / off switch 201. Illuminated indicators 202 to 204 are, for example, “power on”
And status such as "wireless operation" and "receiving correction data". The display panel 200 may include any of several other functions, and may include an indication of signal strength, accuracy, communication quality, and the like. Further, the display panel 2
00 can display satellite lock. Display 901
Is connected to the GPS unit 101 to display the location and the correction data.

FIG. 2 shows the GPS antenna 3 for receiving the celestial position table from the artificial satellites 110, 111 and 112 as indicated by arrows 113 to 115. Antenna 3 receives the ephemeris at two separate frequencies to obtain two sets of signals or "channels". One set of signals is transmitted to low noise amplifier 5 as indicated by arrow 117 and the other set of signals is transmitted to low noise amplifier 6 as indicated by arrow 118. The electrical signal is amplified by the low noise amplifier 5 and the resulting signal is
9 is transmitted to the GPS radio frequency circuit board 22. Similarly, the low noise amplifier 6 amplifies the incoming signals and sends them to the GPS radio frequency circuit board 22, as indicated by arrow 120. G
The PS radio frequency circuit board 22 houses a radio transmitting / receiving circuit for transmitting a signal to the digital circuit board 23 as indicated by an arrow 121. Digital circuit board 23
Will use the GP to determine the exact location of the GPS system.
It has logic for calculating the celestial position table of S and the correction information. The radio antenna 10 is connected to the DG transmitted to the radio circuit board 25 as indicated by the arrow 126.
The radio broadcast including the PS error correction information is received from the radio relay device 700 as indicated by an arrow 128.
However, error correction information may be received from any of several other sources. The wireless circuit board 25 has an electronic circuit for transmitting and receiving wireless signals. Wireless circuit board 2
5 processes the signal and sends the signal to the digital circuit board 23 as indicated by arrow 131. Using error correction data associated with the ephemeris received from satellites 110-112, digital circuit board 23 is used.
Calculates the position with greatly enhanced accuracy. In one embodiment, the error correction data has a calculated apparent range. In an RTK system, the error correction data has carrier phase data and an apparent range.
The position is then displayed on the display unit 900.

With continued reference to FIG. 2, when PGS unit 101 is used to determine error correction, digital circuit board 23 uses known location information to determine correction information. Known location information is entered using display unit 900. The correction information is then sent to the radio circuit board 25 as indicated by arrow 132 (the power and I / O connector attached to the circuit board 24 sends the signal directly through a fixed route). The radio circuit board 25 then broadcasts the correction information via the radio antenna 10 as indicated by the arrow 127. Wireless signals are transmitted and received at a frequency of 2.44 GHz. However, any of several other frequencies may be used. With continued reference to FIG. 2, the power and I / O circuit board 24 has electronic circuitry with power management and transfer functions to regulate power to other components. The power and I / O circuit board 24 is connected to the battery 41 as shown by arrow 145 and provides power and power management functions to the electronic components of the GPS unit 101. The power and I / O circuit boards are directly connected to the radio circuit board 25 and the digital circuit board 23 as indicated by arrows 124. The on / off switch on the display panel 200 is operated by activating the on / off switch so that the GPS unit can be turned on or off, as shown by an arrow 129.
O is connected to the circuit board. An input unit and an output unit for the external device are provided by a box 140 and arrows 141 and 142.
Are connected via the I / O ports 13 to 15 as shown in FIG. The display unit 900 has an arrow 14
I / O ports 13-1 as indicated at 3, 144
5 is connected to the GPS unit 101.

FIG. 3 shows a GPS antenna 3 mounted on the ground plane 2. The ground plane 2 extends over the low noise amplifier housing 4 and is closed by the radome 1. The low noise amplifier housing 4 is fitted in the housing 12. The upper magnesium housing 8 is attached to the low noise amplifier housing 4 by a flexible bumper 7. The insulating ring 282
The space between the bumper ring 18 and the low noise amplifier housing 4 is filled, and the shock from the bumper ring 18 is absorbed. The bumper 19 is formed on the bumper ring 18 and is made of a soft plastic material to absorb shock and vibration. GPS antenna 13
Is the semi-rigid coaxial cable 1 connected to the connector 250
6 is connected to the low noise amplifier 5. The connector 250 is connected to a receptacle 216 attached to the low noise amplifier 5. Similarly, the semi-rigid coaxial cable 17 is connected from the GPS antenna 3 to the connector 251.
Extends to. The connector 251 is fitted with a receptacle 217 attached to the low noise amplifier 6. The low noise amplifier 5 and the low noise amplifier 6 are small circuit boards attached to the low noise amplifier housing 4 and individually amplifying a part of the GPS signal. The low noise amplifier housing 4 is made of plastic, and the bottom of the low noise amplifier housing 4 is coated with copper to create an electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI) enclosure to reduce noise. EMI and RFI radiation from and to the amplifiers 5, 6 is shielded. The connector 214 is attached to the bottom of the low noise amplifier 5 and connects the cable 212 to the blocking wall connector 210. The blocking wall connector 210 engages a connector receptacle on the GPS radio frequency circuit board 22 to electrically connect the low noise amplifier 5 to the GPS radio frequency circuit board 22. The connector 215 is attached to a connector receptacle attached to the bottom of the low noise amplifier 6 and connects the cable 213 to the blocking wall connector 211. The blocking wall connector 211 is engaged with a connector receptacle on the GPS radio frequency circuit board 22 so as to electrically connect the low noise amplifier 5 to the GPS radio frequency circuit board 22.

Still referring to FIG.
Have a parallel feed network for feeding patch antennas 44-51 (46-51 not shown). The flexible bumper 11 includes a digital circuit board 23.
Power and I / O circuit board 24 and wireless circuit board 25
, And a lower magnesium housing 9 fitted to the upper magnesium housing 8 so as to surround the GPS radio frequency circuit board 22 and the ring 21. The lower magnesium housing 8 and the upper magnesium housing 9 are made of magnesium that shields RFI and EMI radiation. In order to reduce the weight, the lower magnesium housing 9 and the upper magnesium housing 8 do not completely cover the top and bottom of the enclosure they form. A metal cloth 272 is attached to the lower magnesium housing 9 using an adhesive,
Also, a metal cloth 271 is attached to the upper magnesium housing 8 using an adhesive strip. Metal cloth 270 is attached to both lower magnesium housing 9 and upper magnesium housing 10 to form the sides of the enclosure. The metal cloth 271, the metal cloth 272, and the metal cloth 270 are made of a metal cloth such as nickel-plated polyester. Power and I
The connector 26 that fits into the connector receptacle disposed on the I / O circuit board 24 connects the circuit boards 22 to 25 via the cable 40 to the I / O port 18 (not shown) and the I / O port 14. And I / O port 15
(Not shown), the display panel 200, and the power supply coupling 55. The antenna 10 has a connector receptacle that is directly connected to a connector 280 that mates with a connector receptacle arranged on the radio circuit board 25 so as to connect the radio circuit board 25 to the antenna 10. The power supply coupling 55 is a GP
It is electrically connected to the battery 41 to supply power to the S unit 101. Preparation of connection of additional components and units, I / O to allow additional components such as display and input units and AC power supply to be connected to the GPS system
This is done by ports 13-15.

FIG. 4 shows the housing 12 having an opening in which the connector receptacle is located to form the I / O ports 13-15. The antenna 10 has array-shaped patch antennas 44 to 51 that are fed in parallel in all directions. Lower magnesium housing 9, upper magnesium housing 8, and magnetic cloth 27
The lower magnesium housing 9 fits inside the bumper 11 and the upper magnesium housing 8 fits inside the bumper 7 so as to shield the electronic device inside the enclosure formed by 0 to 272 from shock and vibration. It is understood that there is. Bumper ring 18 connected to bumper 19
Reduces the impact on the GPS unit 101. The bumper 19 and the bumper ring 18 are particularly effective when the GPS unit 101 is dropped because the bumper 19 tends to be the first component of the GPS unit 101 that hits the ground. For example, vibrations resulting from such contact are first absorbed by the bumper 19, and excessive impact is directed through the bumper ring 18 and the insulating ring 282
Is absorbed by Insulation ring 282 is made from an elastic foam of closed cells such as pollon.

Still referring to FIG. 4, since the lower magnesium housing 9, the upper magnesium housing 8, and the magnetic cloths 270-272 are made of a material that reduces RFI and EMI radiation, the enclosure they form is: Acts as a shield for RFI and EMI. By using the connectors 210 and 211 of the blocking wall, the cables connect the low noise amplifiers 5 and 6 to the GPS radio frequency circuit board 2.
It is not necessary to provide an opening in the upper magnesium housing 8 for connecting to the second magnesium housing 2, thereby enhancing the shielding effect. Upper magnesium housing 8
A bolt 19 penetrates the upper magnesium housing 8 and the lower magnesium housing 9 and is screwed with the nut 225 so that the nut is fixed to the lower magnesium housing 9. FIG. 5 shows the electric power and I / O disposed between the upper magnesium housing 8 and the lower magnesium housing 9.
The O circuit board 24, the digital circuit board 23, the radio circuit board 25, and the GPS radio frequency circuit board 22 are shown. Connector 2 electrically connected to cable 40
6 is directly connected to a connector receptacle mounted on the power and I / O circuit board 24. The connector 283 is fitted with a corresponding connector receptacle for electrically connecting the GPS radio frequency circuit board 22 to the digital circuit board 23. The connector 284 is fitted with a corresponding connector receptacle for electrically connecting the power and I / O circuit board 24 to the digital circuit board 23. The connector 285 is connected to the wireless circuit board 25.
Are mated with corresponding connector receptacles so as to be electrically connected to the power and I / O circuit board 24. Bolts 219 are engaged with openings 291 in upper magnesium housing 8 to secure circuit boards 22-25 in upper magnesium housing 8 and lower magnesium housing 9, and pass through openings in spacing pieces 60 to secure screws in bottom magnesium housing. Through the opening. Nut 225 is screw 2
Engage each of the nineteen. The ring 21 to which the polyester sheet 20 is attached is a
G to limit EMI interference from the / O circuit board 24
PS radio frequency circuit board 22 is replaced with other circuit boards 23 to 25
A GPS radio frequency circuit board 22 is supported on the top of the polyester sheet 20 so as to be separated therefrom. A spacing piece 60, which may be a stainless steel PEM spacing piece, supports and separates the circuit boards 22-25.

FIG. 6 shows a second embodiment having a tripod table 502. The GPS unit 101 is a GPS unit 1 shown in the first embodiment and shown in FIGS.
Same as 01. The tripod mount 502 is interchangeable with the pole 102 shown in the first embodiment, and is attached to the housing 12 similarly to the pole 102 of the first embodiment. The tripod stand 502 includes a leg 505, a leg 506, and a leg 5.
07 has a top portion 504 to which it is attached. The viewfinder 510 allows the GPS unit 101 to be accurately positioned on a target on the ground.
The finder 510 may be a prismatic optical finder, a laser optical finder, a fixed height tripod, a laser finder with a fourth leg, or some other known finder commonly used in structures and surveying equipment. It can be any of the positioning devices. The battery 41 is arranged in the tripod mount 502. Although the battery 41 is shown positioned within the top portion 504 of the tripod mount 502, the battery 41 can be positioned on the legs 505-507 or any of them, in fact, as a viewfinder 510. It is desirable to place the battery 41 on the legs 505-507 depending on the type of positioning device used. The viewfinder 510 can be used by the USG so that the GPS unit can function as a reference so that the location of other GPS devices can be accurately determined using DGPS technology.
Used to accurately place the tripod 502 on the S marker. The display unit 90
0 is monitored on the display 901. Display unit 900
Is a separate unit, so it can be connected or disconnected as needed.

FIG. 7 shows a third embodiment of the radio relay apparatus.
An example is shown. The wireless relay system 700 is shown in FIG.
6 incorporates many of the components disclosed in the first and second embodiments. The wireless relay system 700 has a wireless relay unit 701 mounted on a tripod base 760. The wireless relay unit 701 is
It has a housing top 704 with a circular opening into which the removable transceiver unit 702 fits. The removable transceiver antenna 703 is attached to the removable transceiver unit 702.
The removable transceiver unit 702 is easily removed from the housing top 704. When the removable transceiver unit 702 is removed from the housing top 704, the wireless relay unit 701 will be 2.44
Operates at gigahertz frequencies. This allows the removable transceiver unit 70 to operate at the desired frequency.
Simply inserting 2 allows the wireless relay unit 701 to operate at any of several desired frequencies. Housing 12 and I / O ports 13-15
Are the housings 12 and I shown in the first and second embodiments.
Same as / O ports 13-15. Although the wireless relay unit 701 is shown mounted on a tripod base 760, the wireless relay unit 701 may be mounted on a pole such as the pole 102 shown in the first embodiment, or may be mounted on the second embodiment. Is mounted on a tripod mount such as the tripod mount 502 shown in FIG. Alternatively, the wireless relay unit 701 is set on top of a structure or set on the ground, and the power supply is attached to one of the I / O ports 13-15.

FIG. 8 shows a wireless relay system 700 having a wireless antenna 10 for receiving a wireless broadcast from a broadcast source broadcasting at that frequency and transmitting at the same frequency. Wireless antenna 10 receives signals from a GPS unit, such as GPS unit 780, located on a ground mark at a known location. Signals received by wireless antenna 10, such as those from GPS unit 780 indicated by arrow 793, are transmitted to wireless circuit board 25 as indicated by arrow 781. The radio circuit board 25 demodulates the signal and transmits the signal to the power and I / O digital circuit board 800 as indicated by arrow 799. When the removable transceiver unit 702 is plugged into the wireless relay system 700, a signal is transmitted to the removable transceiver unit 702, as indicated by arrow 782. The removable transceiver unit 702 includes:
Broadcast the signal at a higher frequency via a removable transceiver unit antenna 703 as indicated by arrow 783. This high frequency signal is received by another wireless relay system, such as wireless relay system 790, as indicated by arrow 788. If the removable transceiver unit 702 is not plugged into the wireless relay system 700,
Operates as a relay device at a frequency transmitted and received by the wireless circuit board 25 and the antenna 10. The display panel 200
As indicated by arrows 785 and 786, the power and I /
O connected to the digital circuit board 800
It has an off switch. The display panel 200 has several illuminated indicators that indicate the status and operation of the relay system 700. Power is supplied to the wireless relay system 70 by a power source 801 as indicated by arrow 787.
0 is given. Power and I / O digital circuit board 8
00 also indicates arrows 794, 795 and box 797.
As shown by, they are also connected to I / O ports 13 to 15 to which other display units and input devices are attached.

With continued reference to FIG. 8, the wireless relay system 700 operates by receiving a signal at a frequency at which the removable transceiver unit 702 operates. Thus, the signal can originate from another wireless relay system, such as wireless relay system 790, as indicated by arrow 784. These signals are received by the antenna 703 of the removable transceiver unit,
Sent to the removable transceiver unit 702 as indicated by arrow 789. The removable transceiver unit 702 transmits signals as indicated by arrow 791 to the transmit power and I / O digital circuit board 80.
0, the circuit board 800 sends a signal to the wireless circuit board 25 as shown by arrow 798, and the wireless circuit board 25 sends the signal to the wireless antenna as shown by arrow 796. Broadcast via 10 The resulting radio broadcast is G G as indicated by arrow 792.
Received by PS unit 780.

FIG. 9 shows a removable transceiver unit 702 that fits into a receptacle opening 711 in the housing top 704. A flexible bumper 7 is mounted above the upper magnesium housing 8 and a flexible bumper 11 is mounted below the lower magnesium housing 9 so as to securely hold the upper magnesium housing 8 and the lower magnesium housing 9 in the housing 12. It is installed in. The flexible bumper 7 and the flexible bumper 11 absorb shock and vibration so as to protect electronic devices disposed inside the upper magnesium housing 8 and the lower magnesium housing 9. The flexible bumper 7 and the flexible bumper 11, the lower magnesium housing 9 and the upper magnesium housing 8 are the same as the flexible bumper 7 and the flexible bumper 11 shown in the first and second embodiments.
And the same as the lower magnesium housing 9 and the upper magnesium housing 8. Further, the housing 12
Also, the housing 12 shown in the first two embodiments
Is the same as Further, the metal cloth 271 and 272 and the metal cloth 270 are the same as the metal cloth 270 and the metal cloth 271 and 272 shown in the first two embodiments. The power supply 41 is the same as the power supply 41 shown in the first two embodiments, and the display panel 200 is the same as the display panel 200 shown in the first two embodiments. Further, the I / O ports 13 to 15 correspond to the I / O ports 13 to 15 shown in the first two embodiments of the present invention.
They enable an input unit and an output unit to be connected between the wireless relay system 700 and another device. The wireless relay unit 701 is
1 and is supported by a tripod base 760 connected to the wireless relay unit 701 through the base unit 1. The power supply 41 is fitted in the tripod base 760.

FIG. 10 shows an opening 7 in the housing top 704.
11 shows a removable wireless transceiver unit 702 fitted into 11. The removable wireless transceiver unit 702 has a connector 740 that mates with a connector receptacle 730. The connector receptacle 730 connects power and I
/ O connected to the digital circuit board 800. The power and I / O digital circuit board 800 is connected to the I / O port 1
3 to 15 connector receptacles (I / O port 1
The connector receptacles 3 and 15 are not shown), and are connected to the display / control panel 200 and to the power supply coupling 55. The power and I / O digital circuit board 800 is connected to the wireless circuit board 25 via a connector 810. The radio circuit board 25 is connected via a receptacle 80 attached to the antenna 10 to
Parallel feeding network and antennas 44-51 (46-5
1 is not shown). The power supply coupling 55 is the same as the power supply coupling 55 shown in the first and second embodiments, so that the power supply is connected from the battery 41 to the power and I / O digital circuit board 800. I have. The battery 41 is housed inside a tripod stand 760. The tripod mount 760 is the same as the tripod mount 502 shown in the second embodiment of the present invention except that it does not have the viewfinder 510.
Is the same as The cable 40 is connected to the power coupling 55
, The display board 200 and the I / O ports 13 to 15 are connected to the power and I / O digital circuit board 800. Wireless transceiver 702 operates at 900 megahertz. However, any of several different frequencies can be used. The different frequencies are easily obtained using removable transceiver units operating at a variety of different frequencies and optionally inserting removable transceiver units operating at the desired frequency as directed. . Thus, repeaters operating at different frequencies could easily be obtained by replacing transceiver 800 with a transceiver operating at the desired frequency. The signals transmitted and received by antenna 10 are broadcast at 2.44 GHz, but any of several other frequencies can be used.

There are many different combinations of the various components shown in the present invention. FIG. 11 shows one example of these combinations. The GPS system 1050 having the GPS unit 101 is arranged on a known place 1010 such as a USGS survey site. The tripod mount 502 is G
It has an optical positioning finder used to accurately position the PS system 1050 on a known location 1010. The correction information is broadcast from the GPS system 1050, and 2.4 as indicated by the arrow 1051.
It is received by the wireless relay device 1040 at a frequency of 4 GHz. Wireless relay device 1040 relays the signal to wireless relay device 1030 at 900 MHz, as indicated by arrow 1041. The signal received by repeater 1030 is then transmitted to GPS system 1020 at 2.44 GHz, as indicated by arrow 1031. The GPS system 1020 is a GPS unit 1
01 and a pole 102. Using the correction information and telemetry data obtained from the satellite, the position of the GPS system 1020 is accurately determined. The display unit 900 used to monitor the position of the GPS system 1020 to accurately locate the desired position
It is connected to the GPS unit 101 of the PS system 1020. Wireless relay device 1020 and wireless relay device 103
0 operates at 2.44 GHz, so a single wireless repeater, or both wireless repeater 1030 and wireless repeater 1040, may be used depending on the requirements of a particular location and the 2.44 GHz frequency may be used. Operated by

Although the GPS system of the present invention has been described with reference to dual frequency operation, the present invention works well with a single frequency operation system. Further, while the present invention has been described with reference to the use of transceivers, transmitters, receivers and transceivers may be used depending on local requirements. For example, the GPS unit 1050 in FIG. 11 can only receive. In such an embodiment, smaller and easier to design,
Further, a simplified wireless arithmetic circuit is used. For example,
A simple dipole aerial antenna is used instead of the antenna 10 having a complicated structure. Instead, another independent wireless antenna is used to transmit and receive as needed for a particular location. Wireless devices can transmit and receive on any of several frequencies. In one embodiment, the Federal Communications Commission's ninth
The radio operates according to the provisions of part and part two and at the frequencies allowed under them.

In one embodiment, one or more I / O ports 1
3 to 15 are the external wireless devices 1201 to 1204 in FIG.
And the like. The operating characteristics of the external wireless devices 1201-1204 are selected to meet the needs of a particular operating situation. For example, in different parts of the United States and different parts of the world, communications occur at different power levels and at different frequencies. Thus, it can be wirelessly transmitted, received, transmitted and received at a desired frequency and at a desired power level, and selected and used as required by a particular situation. When dual frequency operation is required, many external wireless devices are connected to the I / O ports of the GPS unit operating at different frequencies as required by location. For example, one wireless device is used for signal reception and a second wireless device is used for transmission.

The external wireless device is also connected to the I / O
Connected to O port. External wireless device 1202 in FIG.
Are shown connected to a wireless relay system 1030, and the external wireless device 1203 is shown connected to a wireless relay system 1040. The external wireless device may be used in conjunction with a removable transceiver unit, such as the removable transceiver unit 702 of FIG. 7, or may be used without a removable transceiver unit. Further, the external wireless device may be used in conjunction with a wireless transmitting and receiving unit, such as a system having the antenna 10 and the wireless circuit board 25, or may be used without an internal wireless transmitter, receiver, or transmitting and receiving system. In one embodiment, the external wireless devices 1201-1204 correspond to the I / Os of FIG.
It is a wireless data transmitter that transmits data digitally and serially through I / O ports such as O ports 13 to 15 (further referred to as a wireless modem). In one embodiment,
External radios 1201-1204 are Model Nos. Manufactured by Pacific Crest Company of Santa Clara, California. It is a two-system wireless device such as REM96W.

Alternatively, any of several different antenna types and configurations can be used. In one embodiment, FIG.
A slot antenna, such as three slotted antennas 1300, is used to transmit in a toroidal pattern. Slot antenna 1300 is also used to receive wireless signals. Alternatively, another antenna is used to receive the radio signal and slot antenna 1
300 is also used only for transmitting radio signals. In one embodiment, slot antenna 1300 is 450
Operates at megahertz frequencies. Slot antenna 13
The use of 00 allows operation at higher frequencies and provides an omnidirectional broadcast pattern. In one embodiment, a slot antenna is used instead of some or all antennas 10 of the embodiments shown in FIGS. Slot 13 around antenna strip 1310
A slot antenna 1300 extending from 01 to 1303 is shown. In one embodiment, the antenna strip 1310
Is copper, and the slot 1302 is
Antenna cable 1 that feeds and connects to slot 1302
Driven directly by 305. Antenna slot 13
02 and 1303 are antenna strips 131 made of copper.
Are swirled as they flow through.

The radiation pattern of the antenna has been described herein with reference to a toroid. Other characteristics of the radiation pattern include the fact that the antenna radiates over a 360-degree azimuthal axis and that the radiation intensity is relatively constant over all 360-degree azimuths. are doing.
The amplitude of the resulting signal is constant over a 360 degree azimuth that extends horizontally from the antenna. The resulting signal extends along the vertical axis from the central horizontal axis, which represents 0 degrees vertically from the antenna, up to a vertical angle of 45-50 degrees and down to a vertical angle of 45-50 degrees. For each of these angles, the signal is constant over an azimuth of 360 degrees. 50 degrees to 90
At a degree angle, the resulting signal attenuates to zero at a 90 degree angle both above and below the central horizontal axis. The resulting radiation pattern is nearly constant in the horizontal plane for any azimuthal angle. Referring to the cylindrical slot antenna formed around the central axis, the resulting antenna may have a relatively constant azimuthal pattern in a plane orthogonal to the central axis. Will be explained.

Referring again to FIG. 13, in one embodiment of the present invention, an antenna strip 1310 having a height of 3.25 inches and a length of 22 inches is used as an antenna and has a slot 1301. Has a height of 0.7 inches and a length of 7.75 inches, the slot 1302 has a height of 0.7 inches and a length of 11 inches, and the tie 1304 has a height of 0.7 inches. It is 4 inches high and 1.5 inches long and is powered 0.8 inches from its closed end such that slots 1301 and 1302 are separated by a distance of 6.25 inches. In this embodiment, antenna 1300 radiates at a frequency of 450 megahertz. Slot antenna 130
0 is also designed to operate at different frequencies if desired. In one embodiment, the slot antenna 1300
Operates at a frequency of 900 megahertz.

[0035]

The multiple boxes and components of the prior art system are both replaced by a durable, easily assembled and repaired integrated system, making it easier and cheaper to manufacture and assemble. A position determination network between the position determination unit and the wireless relay device can be obtained. Furthermore, the position determination unit and the wireless relay device are more durable and more reliable than prior art systems. The foregoing description of specific embodiments of the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description, and is intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously, many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above description. While the embodiments have been chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application,
Thereby, various modifications may be made by others skilled in the art as appropriate to the particular use contemplated for maximizing utilization of the invention and embodiments. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the Claims appended hereto and their equivalents.

[Brief description of the drawings]

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an integrated GPS and wireless relay system according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram of an integrated GPS and wireless relay system according to the present invention.

3 is a cut-away side sectional view of the integrated GPS and wireless relay system of FIG. 1 according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a development view of an integrated GPS and wireless relay system according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view illustrating a magnesium housing according to the present invention and components disposed in the magnesium housing.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a GPS unit mounted on a tripod according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a wireless unit mounted on a tripod according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram of a wireless relay unit mounted on a tripod according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a development view of a wireless relay unit mounted on a tripod according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a sectional side view of the wireless relay unit of FIG. 7 according to the present invention;

FIG. 11 shows a first embodiment, a second embodiment, and a third embodiment according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a network incorporating an embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of a network having an external wireless device according to the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a slot antenna according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Radome 3 GPS antenna 4 Low noise amplifier housing 5, 6 Low noise amplifier 7 Flexible bumper 8 Upper magnesium housing 9 Lower magnesium housing 10 Wireless antenna 12 Housing 13-15 I / O port 18 Bumper ring 19 Bumper 22 GPS radio frequency circuit Board 23 Digital circuit board 24 Power and I / O circuit board 25 Radio circuit board 40 Cable 44-51 Patch antenna 101 GPS unit 110-112 Satellite 200 Display panel 215 Connector 216, 217 Connector receptacle 502 Tripod 510 Finder 700 Radio Relay device 704 Housing top 780 GPS unit 800 Digital circuit board for power and I / O 900 Another display unit 901 Display 10 0 GPS system 1201 to 1204 external wireless device 1300 slot antenna

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Robert Jay Hill, Inventor 94555, California, USA Fremont Rock Avenue 34798 (72) Inventor George Closard, United States 95050, California, United States Santa Clara Monroe Street 175 (72) Inventor, Eric Sea Kranz United States California 94110 San Francisco Hill Street 86 F-term (reference) 5J062 AA08 CC07 EE04

Claims (27)

[Claims] 1. a housing; a receiver disposed within the housing to receive signals from a satellite; a wireless device disposed with an antenna to receive data from a third party location system; A system, comprising: a position signal processing circuit disposed within the housing to analyze the determined signal; and a wireless signal processing circuit. 2. The receiver has an antenna, and the position signal processing circuit determines the position of the housing,
The wireless signal arithmetic processing circuit demodulates wireless signals received from another position determination system so as to determine the position of the housing more accurately, and sends them to the position signal arithmetic processing circuit. The system of claim 1, wherein the system is an integrated position determination system. 3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the wireless device transmits the correction data to be transmitted to a third party position determination system. 4. The receiver has an antenna disposed in the housing to receive signals from a satellite; a position signal processing circuit disposed in the housing to analyze a position determination signal. Solves the carrier phase algorithm to determine the position and to determine the correction data for real-time dynamic position determination; The system of claim 1, wherein the correction data is broadcast to another location determination system. 5. The housing has a radome, and the position signal processing circuit and the radome are removed and replaced with a housing top ready for mounting a wireless device. Claim 1
Or the system of 2. 6. The position signal arithmetic processing circuit and the wireless signal arithmetic processing circuit further include: a first circuit board that performs a power transfer and management function and an input / output function; and a wireless reception and transmission function. 6. The system of claim 5, further comprising: a second circuit board that performs the following: and a third circuit board that analyzes signals received from the satellite. 7. The system of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of connector receptacles disposed within said housing for connecting other devices and components to said integrated positioning system. system. 8. The plurality of connector receptacles for receiving a wireless signal and connecting the received wireless signal to the position signal arithmetic processing circuit, the external wireless device comprising an external wireless device. 7. The system of claim 6, wherein the system is connected to one of the following. 9. A position determination system, and a wireless relay system that forms a network that is an integrated position determination network by two systems, wherein the components of the position determination system are the components of the wireless relay system. A network characterized by being compatible with. 10. The first circuit board and the second circuit board.
7. The system of claim 6, further comprising a circuit board and an inner housing disposed within said housing to shield said third circuit board from electrical and magnetic interference. 11. A receiver having an antenna disposed within said housing to receive signals from a satellite;
The wireless device is further for transmitting data to a third party position determination system; position signal processing circuitry located within the housing determines the position and corrects for real-time dynamic position determination. The position determination signal is analyzed to solve a carrier phase algorithm to determine data; the radio signal processing circuit transmits the corrected data for real-time dynamic position determination to another position determination system. The system of claim 1 adapted to broadcast. 12. The system according to claim 1, wherein said housing further comprises an optical positioning finder connected to said system so as to be accurately positioned on a specific location.
Or the system of 2. 13. The system of claim 12, further comprising a low noise amplifier connected to said receiver. 14. A housing; a receiver disposed within the housing to receive signals from a satellite;
An antenna disposed within the housing; and at least one of processing signals from the satellite to determine a position of the housing and transmitting data to a third party position determination system, and receiving a wireless signal. One circuit board; and an internal housing disposed within the housing to shield the circuit board from magnetic and electrical interference, wherein the system is an integrated position determination system. And the system. 15. The low-noise amplifier housing connected to the housing on which at least one low-noise amplifier is mounted; and a radome connected to the low-noise amplifier housing. system. 16. The low noise amplifier may be removed from the housing and replaced with a housing cover so that the second wireless device is installed in the housing to receive and relay a wireless signal. The system of claim 14, comprising a housing cover ready to mount the second wireless device on the housing cover. 17. A second wireless device coupled to the housing cover for receiving and broadcasting wireless signals so that the circuit board is removed and replaced with the wireless relay circuit board. 17. The system according to claim 16, comprising a wireless relay circuit board. 18. The system according to claim 1, wherein the antenna comprises a patch antenna. 19. A first housing ready for mounting an optical positioning finder for accurately positioning said housing on a known reference point; a first position determination mounted within said first housing. System receiver;
A first wireless antenna mounted in the first housing; and a first circuit disposed in the first housing and connected to a receiver of the first position determination system and connected to the first wireless antenna. A second housing; a receiver of a second position determination system mounted in the second housing; a second wireless antenna mounted in the second housing; and disposed in the second housing. ,
A second circuit board connected to the receiver of the second position determination system and connected to the second wireless antenna; a third housing; a third circuit disposed in the third housing.
A circuit board; a third wireless device disposed in the third housing and connected to the third circuit board; and a third wireless device surrounding the third circuit board in the third housing.
A housing top mounted on the housing; a removable wireless device disposed within the housing top and connected to the third circuit board such that wireless signals are received and relayed by the removable wireless device. Wherein the network is an integrated location determination system network. 20. The network according to claim 19, wherein said first housing is the same as said second housing, and said first housing is the same as said third housing. 21. A fourth housing, a fourth circuit board disposed in the fourth housing, and a fourth circuit board mounted on the fourth housing so as to surround the fourth circuit board in the fourth housing. A fourth wireless device disposed in the fourth housing and connected to the fourth circuit board; and a wireless signal disposed in the second housing top and wherein the wireless signal is removed from the first removable housing. And a second removable wireless device connected to the fourth circuit board so as to be received and relayed between the wireless device and the second removable wireless device. 20. The network of claim 20. 22. The receiver has an antenna; the wireless device is for transmitting data rather than receiving data; and disposed within the housing to analyze a position determination signal. The position signal arithmetic circuit is adapted to solve a carrier phase algorithm to determine correction data for position determination and for real-time dynamic position determination; The system of claim 1, wherein the correction data for position determination is broadcast to another position determination system. 23. The system of claim 22, wherein the wireless device is configured to receive correction data from another position determination system to more accurately determine a position. 24. The wireless device according to claim 1, further comprising a slot-processed wireless antenna.
23. The system according to 4 or 22. 25. The slot processed antenna,
26. The system of claim 24, operating at a frequency of 450 megahertz. 26. The slot processed antenna,
26. The system of claim 24, wherein the 900 MHz frequency broadcasts. 27. A receptacle for connecting an external device to said integrated location and wireless relay system;
In order for a wireless signal to be connected between the external wireless device and the position signal processing circuit or circuit board, a connection mechanism adapted to be connected to the receptacle such that the external wireless device is connected to the receptacle. 23. The system according to claim 4, wherein the system comprises an external wireless device.