Abstract

A locating system employs a single-point device employing unique scanning patterns for generating peak signal data which can be used to calculate the position of a signal source within a scanned region. One preferred embodiment utilizes a satellite in high earth geosynchronous orbit and a simultaneous yaw and roll pattern to scan a substantial portion of the earth's surface. The point source being located may be virtually any form of transmitter of radiant energy such as infrared, electromagnetic, light or acoustical energy. The scanning device may also be positioned in a low earth orbit satellite, an aircraft, a missile or a helicopter. The single-point device re-radiates the signal source transmission to a computer command center which correlates single-point device scanning position data with received transmissions to accurately compute the location of the signal source. Beacons placed at precisely known locations may be used to interpret scan data. The computer triangulates peak signals of multiple roll orbits generated during each yaw orbit of the single-point device to determine the precise location of the source. The computer may also search a data base to identify the signal source and provide related information previously stored in the data base. The invention is particularly advantageous for locating stolen vehicles and for finding kidnapped persons. The system may also be used for determining altitude of a signal source that may, for example, be located on an aircraft in flight.