CPS offers E-GPS high accuracy mobile location technology
Apr 22, 2006 gps navigation
CPS (Cambridge Positioning Systems Ltd) announced the launch of an MS-based version of its E-GPS high accuracy mobile location technology for GSM/W-CDMA networks – designed to deliver faster location fixes, lower cost implementations and reduced power and processing requirements.
E-GPS (Enhanced GPS) combines satellite-based location technology with CPS’s Matrix technology, which measures network-based signalling to deliver all environment coverage. Effectively, once an end user initiates a location request, they receive a sub-100m Matrix location instantly– then CPS’s [+/- 2 microsecond] fine time aiding allows for acquisition of GPS satellites within seconds.
The benefit of fine time aiding is that the device now knows where to look for a GPS signal. This enables a more aggressive search and is equivalent to 6 dB more sensitivity than can be achieved with any amount of GPS hardware correlator in the terminal. So powerful is this assistance that it also enables software-only GPS solutions to operate reliably in all environments.
This new version meets growing demand for seamless indoor/outdoor high accuracy performance – particularly to support personal navigation and tracking applications. With all of the positioning and timing applications, including calculation of fine time aiding, being performed inside the handset, power and processing requirements normally associated with GPS performance indoors or in urban areas is radically reduced – by up to a factor of 10 – for both initial acquisition of GPS signals and subsequent tracking.
GPS for blinds can give directions in Braille
Apr 22, 2006 gps navigation, misc news
When you think of a global positioning system, or GPS, you probably think of a handy tool for your car.
It may help you find your way to your destination.
Now, it’s becoming a tool for people who are blind.
For 10 years, Keegan, a German shepherd has been Brian Charlson’s eyes, but now, he has another assistant, in his right ear.
A global positioning system is attached to a laptop that gives people who are blind, precise directions and places of interest, verbally, or in Braille.
“As I walk around, I want to know where I am, and it will tell me the street address of wherever I’m standing,” said Charlson. “Now, I’m more convinced than ever that this is the type of device that adds to what I’m already using.”
Charlson who is a computer expert at the Carrol Center for the blind, just outside Boston, says technology has changed his life, especially while on frequent out of town business trips, away from his wife.
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