Apparatus and methods for detecting and locating signals
First Claim
1. A method for for detecting and locating a signal using a discrete three dimensional receiving element having multiple sensors surrounding the receiving element, the method comprising the steps of:
- detecting the signal with those sensors generally facing the signal;
determining a boundary line around the surface of the receiving element, the boundary line generally separating sensors detecting the signal from sensors not detecting the signal;
determining a plane through the receiving element based upon the boundary line; and
determining the direction of the signal based upon the plane.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A discrete three-dimensional receiving element has multiple sensors scattered over its surface to detect and locate a signal. The sensors facing the signal detect the signal, and a boundary line is drawn between the sensor which detect the signal and those which don'"'"'t. The strength of signal may also be detected. A plane is drawn through the receiver element, and the direction of the signal is determined as generally perpendicular to the plane, in the direction of the sensors which are receiving the signal. Distance to the source may also be determined based on signal strength. The location of the signal source may be transmitted to a remote location, or the receiver may direct an electromagnetic beam toward the source to detect further information about the source.
29 Citations
21 Claims
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1. A method for for detecting and locating a signal using a discrete three dimensional receiving element having multiple sensors surrounding the receiving element, the method comprising the steps of:
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detecting the signal with those sensors generally facing the signal;
determining a boundary line around the surface of the receiving element, the boundary line generally separating sensors detecting the signal from sensors not detecting the signal;
determining a plane through the receiving element based upon the boundary line; and
determining the direction of the signal based upon the plane. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. Apparatus for detecting and locating a signal comprising:
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a discrete three dimensional receiving element, the receiving element being an insulator with respect to the signal;
multiple sensors surrounding the receiving element, wherein the sensors generally facing the the signal detect the signal; and
a processor including— means for determining a boundary line around the surface of the receiving element, the boundary line generally separating sensors detecting the signal from sensors not detecting the signal, means for determining a plane through the receiving element based upon the boundary line, and means for determining the direction of the signal based upon the plane. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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Specification