Proximity measuring apparatus
US6614387B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 21, 2001 |
| Grant date | Sep 2, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 21, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01S13/325
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A proximity measuring apparatus (70) comprises an interrogator (80) for generating an interrogation signal encoded with a reference signature code comprising concatenated codes and emitting it as interrogating radiation. It also incorporates a transponder (90) for receiving the interrogating radiation, demodulating it to extract its signature code and then remodulating it after a delay period to provide a signal for reemission as return radiation therefrom. The interrogator (80) receives return radiation at its antenna (260) and demodulates it to extract its signature code and then correlates the code with the reference code to determine mutual correlation thereof. The interrogator (80) incorporates a computer (290) for controlling a scan direction of the antenna (260) and for measuring time delay between emission of the interrogating radiation therefrom and receipt of corresponding return radiation. The computer (290) computes distance and relative bearing of a transponder (90) providing the return radiation from the scan direction and the time delay. The apparatus (70) may be used for improving road vehicle safety.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.