A sensor device for a vehicle that traveling on a predetermined route, particularly a rail vehicle, includes a plurality of sensors configured to detect movement of the sensor device and/or physical variables of an environment of the sensor device, and to issue corresponding measurement values. The sensors include magnetic sensors for detecting orientation and/or pressure sensors and/or real time clocks. A data storage unit is configured to store reference measurement values for the sensors, relating to predetermined positions on the predetermined route. A computing unit is configured to compare the measurement values issued by the sensors with the stored reference measurement values and, when the measurement values issued by the sensors coincide with the reference measurement values, to issue, as a current position of the sensor device, a position corresponding to the respective reference measurement values. A corresponding vehicle and a corresponding method are also provided.

A sensor device for a vehicle that traveling on a predetermined route, particularly a rail vehicle, includes a plurality of sensors configured to detect movement of the sensor device and/or physical variables of an environment of the sensor device, and to issue corresponding measurement values. The sensors include magnetic sensors for detecting orientation and/or pressure sensors and/or real time clocks. A data storage unit is configured to store reference measurement values for the sensors, relating to predetermined positions on the predetermined route. A computing unit is configured to compare the measurement values issued by the sensors with the stored reference measurement values and, when the measurement values issued by the sensors coincide with the reference measurement values, to issue, as a current position of the sensor device, a position corresponding to the respective reference measurement values. A corresponding vehicle and a corresponding method are also provided.

Terrestrial-based positioning beacon networks may include first and second terrestrial-based positioning beacons that are configured to simultaneously transmit signals to a terrestrial receiver. The first terrestrial-based positioning beacon may be configured to modify its transmissions to the terrestrial receiver in response to an identification of potential interference with the transmissions from the first terrestrial-based positioning beacon or the second terrestrial-based positioning beacon to the terrestrial receiver. Related methods, beacons, and receivers are also described.

Improving automated package delivery to mobile delivery receptacles to allow accurate and reliable package deliveries comprises a delivery receptacle for an automated package delivery via an unmanned aerial delivery device. The delivery receptacle is notified of a pending delivery and travels to a receiving location. The delivery receptacle emits infrared (IR) beacons from one or more IR beacon transmitters. An aerial delivery device detects the IR beacon and uses the beacons to navigate to the delivery receptacle. The delivery receptacle receives IR beacon responses from the aerial delivery device and continually or periodically directs the IR beacons in the direction of the aerial delivery device. The aerial delivery device deposits the package in the delivery receptacle. After receiving the package, the delivery receptacle transports the package to a secure location, such as into a garage.

A method for enabling last mile positioning of a target mobile communication device that is configured to communicate via a mobile communication network includes communicating with the target mobile communication device via the mobile communication network to cause the target mobile communication device to transmit a signal. At least one parameter of the transmitted signal is sent to one or a plurality of direction finder devices to enable the one or a plurality of direction finder devices to receive and distinguish the transmitted signal. Geographic information related to the last mile positioning of the target mobile communication device is received from the direction finder devices.

A Bluetooth beacon for a luminaire assembly includes a module and an antenna associated with the module. The Bluetooth beacon is monted such that the antenna is communicatively visible from a light emitting side of the luminaire assembly. The Bluetooth beacon is configured to provide a signal extending a predetermined distance from the luminaire assembly such that a Bluetooth receiver on a user device can receive a signal from the Bluetooth beacon.

A Bluetooth beacon for a luminaire assembly includes a module and an antenna associated with the module. The Bluetooth beacon is monted such that the antenna is communicatively visible from a light emitting side of the luminaire assembly. The Bluetooth beacon is configured to provide a signal extending a predetermined distance from the luminaire assembly such that a Bluetooth receiver on a user device can receive a signal from the Bluetooth beacon.

A Bluetooth beacon for a luminaire assembly includes a module and an antenna associated with the module. The Bluetooth beacon is monted such that the antenna is communicatively visible from a light emitting side of the luminaire assembly. The Bluetooth beacon is configured to provide a signal extending a predetermined distance from the luminaire assembly such that a Bluetooth receiver on a user device can receive a signal from the Bluetooth beacon.

A method is provided for monitoring a landing approach of an aircraft. The method includes receiving instrument landing system (ILS) signals; determining a glideslope deviation from the ILS signals; disabling, when the glideslope deviation is less than a first predetermined threshold, at least one glideslope alert function; evaluating a current glideslope condition by comparing a designated glideslope angle to a glideslope check value; and re-enabling the at least one glideslope alert function when the glideslope check value differs from the designated glideslope angle by more than a second predetermined threshold.

A method is provided for monitoring a landing approach of an aircraft. The method includes receiving instrument landing system (ILS) signals; determining a glideslope deviation from the ILS signals; disabling, when the glideslope deviation is less than a first predetermined threshold, at least one glideslope alert function; evaluating a current glideslope condition by comparing a designated glideslope angle to a glideslope check value; and re-enabling the at least one glideslope alert function when the glideslope check value differs from the designated glideslope angle by more than a second predetermined threshold.