초록 ▼

A broadband transmitter element, located at a remote object, transmits a broadband signal at a prescribed transmission time. A broadband receiver element, located at a base platform spaced from the remote object, receives electromagnetic radiation during a reception search window. The broadband rece

A broadband transmitter element, located at a remote object, transmits a broadband signal at a prescribed transmission time. A broadband receiver element, located at a base platform spaced from the remote object, receives electromagnetic radiation during a reception search window. The broadband receiver element stores information characterizing the broadband signal. A synchronizer synchronizes the broadband transmitter element with the broadband receiver element for timing the transmission and reception. A processing device derives an estimated time of flight for the broadband signal to travel from the remote object to the base platform, and a correlation detector, located at the base platform, identifies the remote object and the arrival time of the broadband signal by correlating the stored information with signals received during the reception search window.

대표청구항 ▼

[ We claim:] [1.] Apparatus for communicating broadband signals from a remote object to a base platform, the remote object being spaced from the base platform, the apparatus comprising:a first transmitter device, located at the remote object, said first transmitter device includinga first waveform s

[ We claim:] [1.] Apparatus for communicating broadband signals from a remote object to a base platform, the remote object being spaced from the base platform, the apparatus comprising:a first transmitter device, located at the remote object, said first transmitter device includinga first waveform storage device that stores information characterizing a first broadband signal, such characterization including a prescribed signal transmission time,a first broadband transmitter element configured to radiate the first broadband signal in accordance with said stored information,a first synchronizable clock that maintains a first time reference, anda first time-setting device for setting said first synchronizable clock;a first receiver device located at the base platform at a first location, the first receiver device includinga second waveform storage device that stores information characterizing a second broadband signal, including the prescribed signal transmission time,a first broadband receiver element configured to receive and process electromagnetic radiation, and produce a first output signal,a second synchronizable clock that maintains a second time reference,a second time-setting device for setting the second synchronizable clock, anda first digital signal processing correlator configured to correlate the first output signal with the second broadband signal characterized by the information stored within the second waveform storage device, the first digital signal processing correlator outputs a first correlation output; anda first processing device that computes, based upon the first correlation output, a first apparent arrival time of the radiated first broadband signal received by the first broadband receiver element relative to the second time reference.