Tom Houtman

Title: Tom Houtman: Innovator in Satellite Communication Technology

Introduction

Tom Houtman is a notable inventor based in Ottawa, Canada. He has made significant contributions to the field of satellite communication, holding a total of 3 patents. His work focuses on enhancing communication systems through innovative technologies.

Latest Patents

One of Houtman's latest patents is a satellite-based messaging system. This system allows messages to be exchanged between a ground station and mobile terminals over a wide geographic area covered by multiple satellite beams. Each beam contains one or more carrier frequencies. The system includes a message processing center that provisions a frame comprising multiple subframes to carry data over a forward link to the mobile terminals. It also enables hopping between beams in the forward link and assigns each subframe within a frame to a specific satellite beam. Additionally, it provisions a transport medium in the form of virtual carriers, each defined by unique carrier frequency/beam hop combinations.

Another significant patent is a navigation signal differential acquisition method and systems therefor. This method involves acquiring signals from satellites in a Global Positioning System (GPS). It includes receiving navigation signals from GPS satellites, down-converting these signals to form a first signal, and digitizing samples of this first signal. The method further involves nonlinear processing of the digitized samples to form a second signal, coherent averaging, and performing circular correlation processing to determine a timing offset at which correlated output energy is maximized.

Career Highlights

Throughout his career, Tom Houtman has worked with several prominent companies, including Transcore Link Logistics Corporation and Skywave Mobile Communications Inc. His experience in these organizations has contributed to his expertise in satellite communication technologies.

Collaborations

Tom has collaborated with notable professionals in his field, including Brian Armbruster and Ron Territo. These collaborations have likely enriched his work and led to further advancements in his inventions.

Conclusion

Tom Houtman is a distinguished inventor whose work in satellite communication technology has led to multiple patents and significant advancements in the field. His innovative approaches continue to influence the industry and pave the way for future developments.