Abstract: A beacon system wherein a beacon station is placed at a landmark such as a state line adjacent a major highway to broadcast information-containing alternating directional signals. In addition, each vehicle may be equipped with a radio receiver, a receiving decoder and a data analysis processor for receiving data signals from the beacon station. The beacon station includes an information encoder for generating first and second alternating but distinct location signals, first and second directional antennas disposed to radiate in opposite directions along the path of travel, the directional antennas having a significant back attenuation, a radio frequency transmitter for broadcasting the two location signals, preferably as data packets, to vehicle-mounted receivers along the path of travel, and an r.f. switcher for switching signal output of the transmitter between the two antennas in synchronization with the two location signals.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
June 5, 1992
Date of Patent:
October 5, 1993
Assignee:
Lockheed Information Services Company
Inventors:
Harvey W. Major, James C. Beffa, Frank D. Butscher, Bruce A. Beauchamp