OPTICAL GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM

摘要

In accordance with the present invention, at least three geosynchronous satellites are employed in combination, at respective known positions above a terrestrial water surface to locate an underwater terminal (vehicle). Each satellite includes a light source, and each has a controller for activating its respective light source to simultaneously transmit a light pulse, to a predetermined cell area on the terrestrial water surface, at a precisely scheduled time, t0, for receipt by the underwater terminal. A computer at the terminal then evaluates the respective light pulse arrival times, t1, 2 & 3, to determine the location of the underwater terminal.

主权项

1. A passive system for locating an underwater vehicle which comprises:
a plurality of satellites; a universal clock; a plurality of light sources, wherein each light source is mounted on a respective satellite; a controller mounted on each satellite, wherein the controller is synchronized with the universal clock for activating the light source on the same satellite to generate a light pulse and to direct the generated light pulse to a predetermined cell area on a terrestrial surface; a receiver located proximate the predetermined terrestrial surface cell area for receiving an N number of light pulses, wherein the light pulses are transmitted from respective satellites, wherein each light pulse has a respective arrival time tn at the receiver, and wherein n is an integer between one and N; and a computer connected with the receiver for evaluating the respective pulse arrival times tn to determine a terrestrial location of the receiver.