Patent ID: 7477185
Filing Date: 2009-01-13
Classification: G01C,G01S

Abstract:
1. A method of tracking at least one mobile unit utilizing a radio and light based 3-D positioning system; said radio and light based 3-D positioning system comprising a stationary self-positioning radio (pseudolite) transceiver, a stationary laser transmitter positioned in a location with known coordinates, at least one mobile integrated radio (pseudolite) transceiver/laser detector (R/P_T&L_D), a wireless link, and a display block; said method comprising: (A) determining position coordinates of said stationary self-positioning radio (pseudolite) transceiver based on a first plurality of external radio signals by using said stationary self-positioning radio (pseudolite) transceiver; (B) broadcasting at least one internal radio signal by using said self-positioning radio (pseudolite) transceiver by using said wireless link; wherein said at least one internal radio signal includes position coordinates of said self-positioning radio (pseudolite) transceiver; (C) generating at least one laser beam by using said stationary laser transmitter; (D) broadcasting said at least one laser beam generated by said stationary laser transmitter; (E) receiving a second plurality of external radio signals, receiving at least one said internal radio signal via said wireless link, and detecting said at least one laser beam by using said integrated radio (pseudolite) transceiver/laser detector (R/P_T&L_D); (F) determining 3-D position coordinates of said at least one mobile unit comprising said integrated radio (pseudolite) transceiver/laser detector (R/P_T&L_D) based on a set of data selected from the group consisting of: said second plurality of received external radio signals; said at least one received internal radio signal; and said at least one detected laser beam; and (G) broadcasting said 3-D position coordinates of said at least one mobile unit by using said integrated radio (pseudolite) transceiver/laser detector (R/P_T&L_D) via said wireless link.