GPS signal receiving and rebroadcasting device

#The present invention relates generally to global positioning system (GPS) signal receiving devices, and more specifically to such devices operable to rebroadcast received GPS signals.

#Mobile electrical devices such as cellular telephones, notebook computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and the like may include global position system (GPS) equipment operable to receive and process GPS information, wherein such GPS equipment generally includes at least a GPS antenna and GPS decoding circuitry. However, in order to receive GPS signals from earth orbiting GPS satellites, the GPS antenna must have a clear view of the sky. This is not always possible with mobile devices, such as when such mobile devices are located within an enclosed environment such as a motor vehicle, home, business, airport, etc.

#What is therefore needed is a GPS receiving and rebroadcasting device having a GPS antenna that may be positioned within a clear view of the sky, and which is operable to rebroadcast the received GPS signals within the enclosed environment. The present invention provides such a GPS receiving and rebroadcasting device.

#FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic illustration of one preferred embodiment of a GPS signal receiving and rebroadcasting device, in accordance with the present invention.

#FIG. 2A is a diagrammatic illustration of one preferred embodiment of the voltage source-connecting end of the device of FIG. 1, configured for connection to a vehicle lighter socket, in accordance with the present invention.

#FIG. 2B is a diagrammatic illustration of an alternate embodiment of the voltage source-connecting end of the device of FIG. 1, configured for connection to a conventional AC voltage panel through an AC-DC converter, in accordance with the present invention.

#For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to a number of preferred embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended.

#Referring now to FIG. 1, one preferred embodiment of a GPS signal receiving and rebroadcasting device 10, in accordance with the present invention, is shown. Device 10 includes an electrical cable 12 having a first end 14 configured for connection to a voltage source 16 and a second opposite end electrically connected to a GPS antenna 18 of known construction. The first end 14 of the electrical cable 12 may be configured for connection to any known DC voltage source, and some example configurations of connector end 14 and voltage source combinations are illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2C.

#Referring to FIG. 2A, a first example voltage source arrangement 16′ is illustrated, wherein the first end 14 of cable 12 is connected to a terminal structure 14′ configured for electrical connection to a conventional cigarette lighter socket 32.