Active imaging using satellite communication system
US7633427B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 4, 2006 |
| Grant date | Dec 15, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 15, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01S13/87
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An active imaging system uses communication satellites to identify the location and physical attributes of a target. A transmitter emits a time-synchronized signal directed to a target. The transmitter radiates L-band RF signals. The transmitter can be positioned on an airborne or ground platform. A constellation of communication satellites receives and time stamps the time-synchronized signal reflected from the target to form an active image of the target. The constellation of communication satellites have multiple roles other than active imaging, such as providing voice and data communications. The time-synchronized signal reflected from the target can be received by multiple satellites within the constellation of communication satellites or by multiple antenna disposed on one satellite within the constellation of communication satellites.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.