Importance

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Abstract

A cellular communications system is provided having both surface and satellite nodes which are fully integrated for providing service over large areas. Position means are included for determining the position of a selected user unit within the cells by providing a timing signal to the selected user unit from at least one node, providing a timing response signal from the selected user unit in response to each timing signal, receiving the timing response signal by at least one node, measuring the response time of the user unit to the timing signal based on receipt of the timing response signal, and determining the position of the user unit based on the round trip time of transmission of the timing signal and receipt of the timing response signal. Preferably, the invention provides position determination in a cellular communications system using code division multiple access (CDMA) employing forward error correction coding (FECC) and spread spectrum waveforms.

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First Claim