Patent ID: 7579984

Claim:
A method of determining a relative range parameter that is descriptive of a relative range (RR) that changes as a function of time, the relative range parameter representing for a first corresponding time point, one or more of changing range aspects between a first physical object and a second physical object moving relative to each other, said method comprising: (a) receiving a signal at said first object from said second object; (b) obtaining over-time samplings, including past samplings in a neighborhood leading up to the first corresponding time point, of at least one relative phase signal representing a changing phase condition between said received signal and a locking-on replica signal produced by said first object; (c) applying a curve fitting algorithm to said obtained over-time samplings of the at least one relative phase signal, where the curve fitting algorithm produces a fitted and parameterized curve extending at least to the first corresponding time point and extending through the neighborhood of said past samplings; and (d) predictively determining the relative range parameter for the first corresponding time point from use of said curve fitting algorithm; (e) repeating steps (a) to (d) for a next corresponding time point; where said locking-on replica signal used in conjunction with the first corresponding time point is produced in response to a carrying out of predictive step (d) for a previous corresponding time point preceding the first corresponding time point.