Multi-path signal enhancing apparatus

Abstract

A plurality of processing channels each receive one of a number of direct d secondary signal energy rays. Each channel includes an A/D converter and computer the logic of which is controlled by a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) algorithm to produce a plurality of data outputs each containing the amplitude and phase information of selected frequencies present in the channel input. To enhance signal detection and minimize signal strength fluctuations, each of the selected frequency outputs of each channel FFT is compared with each identical frequency output of other channel FFT's. Phase compensation means such as a shift register adjusts the phase relationship between all identical FFT outputs to permit their amplitudes to be constructively added. The individual subtotals so produced are totalled to provide an output representing the combined strength of the multi-path signal energy. In particular, medium interfaces such as an air-sea or air-ground interface, produce wide variations in the incoming direction of the signal energy to be detected.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.