The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jun. 27, 1978
Filed:
Mar. 29, 1976
Reginald J Cyr, Goleta, CA (US);
Other;
Abstract
An arrangement for determining the relative three dimensional positional relationship, including the horizontal separation, location, and orientation between a plurality of underwater transponders. A plurality of underwater transponders are positioned adjacent the bottom of the body of water and the number of the plurality of transponders for an unambiguous determination comprises at least three. In one embodiment, each of the transponders is provided with structure to receive a first interrogation frequency signal and generate a unique output signal in response thereto. Additionally, a first of the transponders also is provided with structure to generate the first interrogation frequency signal in response to a second interrogation frequency signal. A second of the plurality of transponders is provided with structure to generate the first interrogation frequency signal in response to a third interrogation frequency signal. A base station which, for example, may be a ship located at first location on the surface of the water within signal range of each of the transponders has structure for generating each of the first, second and third interrogation frequency signals in a predetermined sequence. The time period from transmission of each interrogation signal to receipt of the unique output signals from each of the plurality of transponders is measured. The depth below the surface of the water of at least two of the plurality of transponders is measured and from the measured values, the true three dimensional positional relationship between the transponders is uniquely determined. By moving the ship to a second location and repeating the signal transmissions and time measurements, the orientation of the array with respect, for example, to the earth's magnetic field may be determined. The time period for the measurements is comparatively short - on the order of one minute or so. If desired, the first and second transponders which may be termed calibration transponders, may be removed from the array after the absolute value of the three dimensional positional relationship between the transponders and/or the orientation has been determined. The absolute geodetic position may be determined by utilization of an external reference system.