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System for determining direction or attitude using GPS satellite signals

  • US 5,021,792 A
  • Filed: 01/12/1990
  • Issued: 06/04/1991
  • Est. Priority Date: 01/12/1990
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A method for determining attitude using GPS satellites and an antenna array including a plurality of antennas in which the positions of the antennas within the array may be selectively reconfigured, comprising the steps of:

  • arranging said antennas in a collinear pattern in which said antennas are spaced apart by known distances;

    receiving and phase sampling signals from a plurality of GPS satellites with each of said antennas;

    exchanging the positions of a pair of said antennas within said array while maintaining continuous phase tracking;

    receiving and phase sampling signals from said plurality of GPS satellites with each of said antennas;

    rearranging said antennas in a non-collinear pattern in which said antennas are spaced apart by known distances while maintaining continuous phase tracking;

    receiving and phase sampling signals from said plurality of GPS satellites with each of said antennas; and

    calculating the attitude of said antenna array based on the phase of said GPS signals received and sampled in the previous steps.

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