GPS receiver powered by interface signals
AssigneeTrimble Navigation Limited
InventorsGlenn C. Steiner, Lloyd H. Banta
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A Global Positioning System (GPS) receiving apparatus that is powered by a control or data interface signal from a computing apparatus. The GPS receiving apparatus includes a GPS receiver for receiving GPS satellite signals and providing GPS-derived location information and a converter for converting the interface signal to operating power signal for operating the GPS receiver. Optionally, the GPS receiver includes a power controller for controlling a duty cycle of the operating power in the GPS receiver in order to not exceed the power available from the interface signal. The interface signal is transmitted according to an interface standard such as RS232, RS422, or PC parallel.
Claims26
A Global Positioning System (GPS) receiving apparatus including:
- a converter for receiving a logic interface signal having logic levels of 1 and 0 for at least one of (i) data and (ii) control information and converting energy in said interface signal into operating power;
- and
- a GPS receiver connected to the converter for using said operating power for receiving GPS satellite signals and providing GPS-derived location information.
A Global Positioning System (GPS) receiving system including:
- a converter for receiving a logic interface signal having logic levels of 1 and 0 for at least one of (i) data and (ii) control information and converting energy in said interface signal into operating power;
- a GPS receiver for using said operating power for receiving GPS satellite signals and providing GPS-derived location information;
- and
- a computing apparatus for providing said interface signal.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.