Doppler Effect Patents (Class 340/554)
  • Patent number: 7760089
    Abstract: A microwave direction of travel detector and method of detecting the direction of an intruder in a protected region. The microwave direction of travel detector transmits and receives, by a microwave transceiver a microwave signal directed toward a protected area. The microwave return signal is modulated by a moving target to produce a Doppler signal. The received Doppler signal is amplified by a chain of amplifiers having two or more amplifiers coupled to the microwave transceiver. A controller monitors the output of each chain of the amplifiers. The microwave sensor is configured for parallel sampling an amplified Doppler signal output from each amplifiers having a low signal output and each successive chain of the amplifiers a successively higher signal output. The controller determines if there is a direction of travel motion from the intruder and sends an alarm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Xiaodong Wu, Leslie K. Green, James N. Helland
  • Patent number: 7760088
    Abstract: According to an embodiment, an intrusion detection sensor includes a microwave sensor (120) that transmits microwaves toward a detection area, receives the microwaves reflected by an object present in the detection area, and outputs a reflected wave reception intensity signal according to the received intensity; a direction variable antenna device (110); a scanning measurement means (131) that provides an instruction to scan the transmission/reception direction to the direction variable antenna device (110) to determine a relationship with the output of the reflected wave reception intensity signal; a detection target object presence determination means (132) that determines whether or not a detection target object is present based on the determined relationship; and an alarm signal output control means (133) that outputs an alarm signal when it is determined that a detection target object is present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Optex Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masatoshi Tsuji
  • Patent number: 7746220
    Abstract: A moving object detection apparatus comprises a transmitter, a receiver, a detection portion, a binary conversion portion and a judgment portion. The transmitter emits energy waves with a first frequency to a detection area. When receiving incoming energy waves from the detection area, the receiver generates an electric signal corresponding to the incoming energy waves. The detection portion obtains a detection signal from a reference signal with the first frequency and the electric signal. The binary conversion portion compares the detection signal with a conversion threshold signal to obtain a binary signal. The judgment portion judges whether or not a moving object approaching or leaving the receiver exists in the detection area based on the binary signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Panasonic Electric Works Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshimasa Takagi, Fumihiro Kasano, Hidehiko Fujikawa
  • Patent number: 7737849
    Abstract: A switch detection device using RFID tags is disclosed. The switch detection device includes a RFID tag, a conducting circuit loop and a switch connected to the conducting circuit loop to form a control circuit. The switch is controlled to turn on or off, leading to the closing or opening of the control circuit. The RFID tag detects the state of the conducting circuit loop and transmits a signal representing the opened/closed state to a RFID reader. The switch detection device is incorporated to a turning operation mechanism which includes a lever lock assembly, a deadbolt lock assembly, a window sash lock assembly, an odometer wheel, a hinge provided with a first hinge member and a second hinge member interconnected by a central axle, a door closer, a water faucet, a rotatable switch, or a rotatable lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Chung Hua University
    Inventors: Chi-Kuang Hwang, Chih-Hu Wang, Ching-Cheng Tien, In-Hang Chung, Bore-Kuen Lee, Tung-Chou Chen, Chia-Wen Wu, Chien-Jung Chiu, Ming-Ching Yen, Jwu-E Chen
  • Patent number: 7705730
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a method and system for use of ranging MW to decrease MW intrusion detector false alarms. A Doppler microwave system may be provided that is capable of detecting an object range and adjusting the sensitivity of an alarm stage of a MW detector to account for object size and range. Multiple range limited MW stages may be configured for different ranges to determine the general range of the moving object. Based on signal levels present on these MW stages, an approximate object range may be determined. The sensitivity of the MW alarm stage is then adjusted based on a MW alarm state sensitivity vs. object range function that is optimized to alarm on humans and ignore small animals and insects. The method and system may be used in detection systems incorporating a MW sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Gregory Royer
  • Publication number: 20100073165
    Abstract: The present invention is an alarm system that includes a dual technology motion sensor. The dual technology sensor includes a PIR sensor with a PIR detection pattern and a Doppler microwave frequency motion detector with a detection pattern wider than that of the PIR sensor. The microwave detector's processing circuitry distinguishes motion beyond the PIR detection pattern, and limits the microwave detector's field of view to match the PIR detector's detection pattern. The microwave detector has a transmitting antenna, two receiving antennas, and processing circuitry for processing received signals. The microwave detector's processing circuitry uses phase information from the two receiving antennas to distinguish motion beyond the PIR detection pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2008
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: XiaoDong Wu, Leslie Kendall Green
  • Patent number: 7679509
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention is directed to a method and system for use of ranging MW to reduce dual (MW/PIR) intrusion detector false alarms. A Doppler microwave system may be provided that is capable of detecting an object range and adjusting the sensitivity of the PIR detector to account for object size and range. Multiple range limited MW stages may be configured for different ranges to determine the general range of the moving object. Based on signal levels present on these MW stages, an approximate object range is determined. The sensitivity of the PIR is then adjusted based on a PIR sensitivity vs. object range function that is optimized to alarm on humans and ignore small animals and insects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Gregory Royer
  • Publication number: 20100013636
    Abstract: A method for detecting an intruder in a protected space that uses a microwave frequency sensor to determine an accurate distance measurement to the intruder. The accurate distance measurement reduces the false alarms typically associated with microwave frequency sensors due to motion outside the protected space and vibration within the protected space. The motion detector transmits three microwave frequency signals of different frequencies in order to eliminate an ambiguity problem when determining the accurate distance measurement. The accuracy of the intruder distance measurement may be determined with greater resolution by reiteratively transmitting and evaluating microwave frequency signals of different frequencies. The motion detector of the present invention may include a PIR sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2008
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Applicant: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: XiaoDong Wu
  • Patent number: 7633426
    Abstract: In a CW radar system for detecting motion behind a wall (12) involving modulation of the radar transmission, means (34) are provided to interrupt the CW wave when motion is detected and to use the same radar transmitter (30) to transmit a serial digital message to a remote monitoring receiver (34). The encoding can include a receiver wakeup message to turn on the receive only when motion has been detected. In one embodiment, a microprocessor (28) is used to detect when motion exists behind a wall and to provide a tailorable message to modulate the radar's transmitter in the period when the CW signal from the radar is turned off after the motion detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventor: Eldon M. Sutphin
  • Patent number: 7609163
    Abstract: A system and method for a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader for use in an RFID detection system. The reader has an RF source for generating RF signals. An antenna is coupled to the RF source. The antenna transmits interrogation RF signals to one or more RFID markers within an interrogation zone and receives communication signals from one or more items within the interrogation zone. The communication signals include Doppler signals indicating movement of an item within the interrogation zone. A receiver receives the communication signals and motion detection circuitry detects the Doppler signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Sensormatic Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Gary Mark Shafer
  • Publication number: 20090224913
    Abstract: A microwave direction of travel detector and method of detecting the direction of an intruder in a protected region. The microwave direction of travel detector transmits and receives, by a microwave transceiver a microwave signal directed toward a protected area. The microwave return signal is modulated by a moving target to produce a Doppler signal. The microcontroller monitors the output of the amplifier chain and stores the signal and compares it with previously stored signals. If the amplitude is increasing or decreasing over a preset time period, this would indicate that the target it approaching or receding respectively and an alarm would be generated by the microcontroller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2007
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Xiaodong Wu, Leslie K. Green, James N. Helland
  • Publication number: 20090121870
    Abstract: A method of automatically calibrating a motion detector and a motion detector adapted for calibration using the method. The method comprises setting the motion detector to a calibration mode, waiting a preset period of time for the installer to walk to the furthest distance, receiving a Doppler signal generated by motion at the furthest distance from the microwave motion detector within the protected area, measuring an amplitude of the Doppler signal and storing a motion detection threshold for the microwave motion detector. The motion detection threshold is a proportional to the measured amplitude.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2007
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Leslie K. Green, Xiaodong Wu, James N. Helland
  • Publication number: 20090079564
    Abstract: A microwave direction of travel detector and method of detecting the direction of an intruder in a protected region. The microwave direction of travel detector transmits and receives, by a microwave transceiver a microwave signal directed toward a protected area. The microwave return signal is modulated by a moving target to produce a Doppler signal. The received Doppler signal is amplified by a chain of amplifiers having two or more amplifiers coupled to the microwave transceiver. A controller monitors the output of each chain of the amplifiers. The microwave sensor is configured for parallel sampling an amplified Doppler signal output from each amplifiers having a low signal output and each successive chain of the amplifiers a successively higher signal output. The controller determines if there is a direction of travel motion from the intruder and sends an alarm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2007
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Xiaodong Wu, Leslie K. Green, James N. Helland
  • Publication number: 20090051529
    Abstract: One embodiment is provided with a microwave sensor (1) that sends a plurality of microwaves of different frequencies toward a detection area, then outputs a reflected wave detection signal (S1) indicating whether or not there is a detection target object in the detection area based on respective reflected waves, and outputs information (Vd) of a distance to the detection target object, a distance determination means (102) for determining whether or not the distance to the detection target object is a predetermined distance or greater based on the distance information (Vd), and an alarm signal output control means (104) for performing control such that an alarm signal (Dout1) is outputted only when the distance to the detection target object is the predetermined distance or greater and when the reflected wave detection signal (S1) is indicating a presence of a detection target object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2006
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Inventor: Masatoshi Tsuji
  • Patent number: 7492306
    Abstract: An boundary monitoring apparatus comprising an object detection device arranged to transmit a signal into a detection region and to detect an object in said detection region upon receipt of a reflected signal from said object; means for defining a boundary in said detection region; means for determining a path of said object in the detection region; means for performing an evaluation of the determined path of the object with respect to the boundary; and means for causing an alarm event depending on the evaluation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: TDK Corporation
    Inventors: Denver Humphrey, Bryan Clarke
  • Patent number: 7480208
    Abstract: An occupancy sensor is provided with a housing having an interior cavity. A switch is mounted in the interior cavity of the housing and configured for placement in the open and closed positions. A fascia cover plate may be positioned on the housing to enclose the interior cavity. The fascia cover plate has a fascia rib on an interior surface thereof. The fascia rib is arranged to interfere with the switch in the disabled state to prevent positioning of the fascia cover plate on the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: R. Kurt Bender, Jonathan D. Williams, Thomas J. Hartnagel, Vadim Konradi
  • Patent number: 7479878
    Abstract: The present invention provides an inexpensive security sensor cable, a method for manufacturing of same and an overall security system for using that sensor cable. The sensor cable consists of a central conductor, an air separator, a polyethylene dielectric tube, an outer conductor and an outer protective jacket. The central conductor is loosely centered in the coaxial cable and thus freely movable relative to the dielectric tube. The sensor cable has application either in a passive sensing system or in an active ranging sensing system to determine the location of an intrusion along the cable. For the passive sensing function, when the center conductor moves, it contacts a suitable dielectric material from the triboelectric series, such as polyethylene, which can be processed to produce a charge transfer by triboelectric effect that is measurable as a terminal voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Senstar-Stellar Corporation
    Inventors: Melvin C. Maki, Robert Keith Harman
  • Patent number: 7399127
    Abstract: A monitoring apparatus including a loudspeaker, a photographic camera that photographs image information on a photographic subject, a proximity sensor, and a monitoring control unit is disposed at a first remote location. An autonomous operation controller including an autonomous operation control unit is disposed at a second remote location remote from the first remote location. Under remote control of this autonomous remote controller, the monitoring apparatus performs photographing of the image information on the photographic subject and acquires the image information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Incorporated Administrative Agency National Agricultural and Bio-Oriented Research Organization
    Inventors: Masayuki Hirafuji, Tokihiro Fukatsu
  • Patent number: 7382310
    Abstract: Methods are disclosed for independently setting the range resolution, Doppler resolution, and pulse compression processing gain of a Doppler radar system. Higher Doppler resolution is achieved by segmenting and spreading apart a pseudo-random code (PRC) to increase the processing dwell time on a target. Simultaneous high and low range resolution is obtained by interleaving a second segmented low resolution PRC into the time gaps between a first segmented high resolution PRC.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Inventor: Gregory Hubert Piesinger
  • Patent number: 7375630
    Abstract: A method and device for detecting an intruder in a region with increased performance and decreased false alarms. The security device has a microwave sensor and a PIR sensor operatively coupled to a processor. To increase the performance of the security device the device determines distance information of an object in the region with the microwave sensor, processes the distance information to adapt a frequency response of the PIR sensor to provide a frequency adapted PIR signal, and determines if the object is an intruder by using the frequency adapted PIR signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas S Babich, Christopher D Martin
  • Publication number: 20080018461
    Abstract: An active acoustic intrusion detection system includes a pair of dipole emitters (180 degrees out of phase with each other) which emit an audible frequency f (preferably 1 KHz) and a pair of detectors preferably mounted ÂĽ wavelength (3 inches) apart in the (non-echoic) nulls of the emitters. The detectors (microphones) spatially sample a stationary wave which is generated by the emitters (speakers). The output of each microphone is fed to an ADC and the digital output of the two ADCs is used to generate a four dimensional vector. At startup, a reference vector is determined and stored. During operation, vectors are sampled, filtered, smoothed and averaged periodically. When an average vector deviates from the reference vector by a set amount, an alarm is generated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2006
    Publication date: January 24, 2008
    Inventor: Welles Reymond
  • Patent number: 7315241
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an enhanced perception lighting (EPL) system for providing enhanced perception of a user's physical environment. The EPL system comprises a sensor module for detecting and sampling a physical aspect from at least one point in a physical environment and for generating an observation signal based on the physical aspect; a processor module coupled with the sensor module for receiving the observation signal, processing the observation signal, and generating an output signal based on the observation signal; and a projection display module located proximate the sensor module and communicatively connected with the processor module for projecting a display onto the at least one point in the physical environment based upon the output signal. The system allows a user to gather information from the physical environment and project that information onto the physical environment to provide the user with an enhanced perception of the physical environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignee: HRL Laboratories, LLC
    Inventors: Mike Daily, Ron Azuma, Chris Furmanaki
  • Patent number: 7307537
    Abstract: The invention relates to an identification chip for insertion in an object located in a liquid. The identification chip comprises an acoustic resonator (100), which exhibits a number of distinct resonant frequencies, where the combination of resonant frequencies is unique to the identification chip. This enables the identification chip to be identified by exposing it to an acoustic polling signal, measuring an acoustic response signal and analysing the frequency of the response signal. The resonator (100) comprises a cavity-forming part (110, 120) and a membrane (130). The acoustic resonant frequencies are determined by at least one cavity (140), which is enclosed by the cavity-forming part (110, 120) and the membrane (140). The identification chip can be implanted in a fish, with the object of identifying the fish when it is located in water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Vivid AS
    Inventors: John Brungot, Lars Hoff, Sverre Holm, Arne Rønnekleiv, Dag Thorstein Wang, Ralph William Bernstein
  • Patent number: 7298255
    Abstract: A sensory system for determining the orientation of an object, wherein the sensory system includes a plurality of non-uniformly spaced waveguide sensors or array(s) of waveguide sensors. The non-uniformly spaced waveguide sensors are responsive to received radio frequency signals wherein the received power of the signals is dependent upon the orientation of the waveguide(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Carlos M. Pereira, Hai-Long Nguyen
  • Patent number: 7277012
    Abstract: A motion sensing system device and method which utilize dispersed ultrasonic radiation is disclosed. The system preferably comprises a low profile sensor unit configured to couple to a ceiling position. The sensor unit comprises an ultrasonic transmitter and an ultrasonic receiver and a pair of acoustic reflectors positioned in a transmitting path of the ultrasonic transmitter and a receiving path of the ultrasonic receiver for generating and detecting the ultrasonic radiation in a broadcast field. The acoustic reflectors preferably comprise cones, conical cross-sections and/or combinations thereof which are integral with the ultrasonic transmitter and the ultrasonic receiver and/or are coupled to a housing structure for positioning the acoustic reflectors in the transmitting and/or receiving paths. The sensor unit also preferably comprises a circuit for driving the transmitter and for detecting motion by detecting changes in the receiver signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: The Watt Stopper, Inc.
    Inventors: Kendall Ryan Johnston, Roar Viala
  • Patent number: 7199749
    Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting a respiration signal in a target area are disclosed. Briefly described, in architecture, one embodiment of the system, among others, can be implemented as follows. The system includes a scanning antenna configured to transmit a microwave signal across a horizontal axis in the target area. Also, the system includes a control system that tracks the position of the scanning antenna along the horizontal axis. A signal processing system then detects a respiration signal of a living subject in the target area from reflected microwave signals from the target area and the positional data. Other systems and methods are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Georgia Tech Research Corporation
    Inventors: Eugene F. Greneker, III, Oscar David Asbell, Jonathan L. Geisheimer
  • Patent number: 7196636
    Abstract: A highway/railroad crossing detection and warning system which uses sets of Doppler radar transmitters and receivers to detect the approach of a train coming from either direction toward a highway crossing. The Doppler radar sets are located an extended distance from the crossing with each set detecting movement toward and away from its location. Presence detectors are located at the crossing and sense moving or stationary trains. All detector devices transmit signals to warning equipment to provide aural and visual indications to approaching motorists or work crews.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Inventor: Kevin M. Graham
  • Patent number: 7173537
    Abstract: The device according to the invention has a sensor (5) for generating and detecting an electromagnetic field situated in the vicinity of a moving part (1) that should not be touched. The device according to the invention also has an evaluation unit (8) that is connected to the sensor (5) in order to evaluate sensor signals that can be generated by the sensor (5), wherein the evaluation unit (8) can generate an evaluation signal. Finally, a control unit (9) connected to the evaluation unit (8) is provided, which is designed and can be operated so as to control the movement of the part (1) as a function of the evaluation signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Klaus Voigtlaender
  • Patent number: 7167008
    Abstract: A microwave sensor transmits a plurality of microwaves of different frequencies toward a detection area and carries out an object detection operation based on reflected waves of the microwaves from an object present in the detection area. The microwave sensor includes a distance identification section for obtaining a relative distance to the object in the detection area, a movement-distance identification section for obtaining a movement distance per unit of time of the object in the detection area, and an object determination section that receives output from the distance identification section and the movement-distance identification section and carries out an operation for determining object detection by setting the movement distance value per unit of time, which is a threshold for determining object detection, smaller for longer relative distances to the object in the detection area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Optex Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masatoshi Tsuji
  • Patent number: 7129839
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a monitoring device (1) with a transmitter unit (2) and a receiver unit (3) for monitoring an area. Slotted cables serve as antennas. According to the invention, a first slotted cable is arranged as a transmitting an antenna (4) for transmitting a pulsed high-frequency signal and a second slotted cable is arranged as a receiving antenna (9) for receiving the reflected signal. The slotted cables are arranged in association with each other and essentially parallel to each other, and the transmitter unit (2) is connected to the first slotted cable at one end of the antenna arrangement and the receiver unit (3) is connected to the second slotted cable at the other end of the antenna arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: SAAB AB
    Inventors: Roine Andersson, Olof Eriksson
  • Patent number: 7126476
    Abstract: A dual sensor intruder alarm (DSIA) for detecting an intruder in a security zone monitored by the DSIA comprising: a PIR sensor; an additional sensor, and a controller that determines an operating difference between the ambient temperature and a normative surface temperature of an intruder in the security zone; wherein if the operating difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold difference, the controller determines whether an intruder is present in the security zone using signals from both the PIR sensor and the additional sensor and if the operating difference is less than the predetermined threshold difference, the controller uses signals from the additional sensor but not from the PIR sensor to determine presence of an intruder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: Risco Ltd.
    Inventors: Moshe Alkelai, David Kartoun
  • Patent number: 7123145
    Abstract: An anti-theft system (1) for a motor vehicle detects movement in the motor vehicle, while at the same time avoiding false alarms. A movement detector (2) comprises a transmitter circuit (3) which transmits a microwave signal in bursts of around six nanoseconds duration and a receiver circuit (4) which receives the transmitted signals and reflected signals. The transmitted and reflected signals are mixed, and envelope detected in an envelope detector (22). The signals from the envelope detector (22) are passed through three filters, namely, a low pass filter (25) which passes low frequency signals in the range of 1 Hz to 40 Hz, a high pass filter (26) which passes high frequency signals of greater than 100 Hz and a band pass filter 15 (27) which passes intermediate frequency signals in the range of 40 Hz to 80 Hz. The signals from the filters (25,26,27) are analysed in a microprocessor (28).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Hi-Key Limited
    Inventors: Peter Joseph Reilly, Derek Anthony Savage, Vincent Duffy
  • Patent number: 7034694
    Abstract: The invention provides a body motion detector that allows a user to check whether he/she makes motion with appropriate motion intensity for every motion thereby to obtain an excellent exercise effect while exercising such as walking and running. While a user makes motion, a CPU determines whether the user makes appropriate motion by the amplitude, the period, and the detection frequency of an acceleration signal inputted from an acceleration sensor unit, and when it is determined that the user makes appropriate motion, operates an alarm generator thereby to notify the user that he/she makes motion with appropriate motion intensity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Kenji Yamaguchi, Norimitsu Baba
  • Patent number: 6922145
    Abstract: Overlapping range rings from a pair of non-scanning radar or sonar transducers creates a grid structure within a surveillance area defined by their overlapping beam widths. Using PN coded transmission signals and doppler signal processing, intruder targets are detected, located, and tracked as they move throughout the grid structure. Intruders are identified by comparing their movement pattern to those of known intruders. Three dimensional surveillance areas can be monitored using three or more transducer sites.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Inventor: Gregory Hubert Piesinger
  • Patent number: 6909369
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a monitoring device (1) with a transmitter unit (2) and a receiver unit (3) for monitoring an area. Slotted cables serve as antennas. According to the invention, a first slotted cable is arranged as a transmitting a antenna (4) for transmitting a pulsed high-frequency signal and a second slotted cable is arranged as a receiving antenna (9) for receiving the reflected signal. The slotted cables are arranged in association with each other and essentially parallel to each other, and the transmitter unit (2) is connected to the first slotted cable at one end of the antenna arrangement and the receiver unit (3) is connected to the second slotted cable at the other end of the antenna arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: Saab AB
    Inventors: Roine Andersson, Olof Eriksson
  • Patent number: 6842113
    Abstract: MW sensor 1 in one or more embodiments of the present invention is equipped with distance identifying means 41 capable of calculating relative distance(s) from the distance identifying means to object(s) at least partially within protected area(s) based on reflected wave(s); moved distance identifying means 42 capable of calculating moved distance(s) per unit time of object(s) at least partially within protected area(s); and object determination means 43 capable of receiving output(s) from distance identifying means 41 and moved distance identifying means 42, and capable of carrying out object detection determination operations(s) such that moved-distance-per-unit-time value(s), at least one of which serves as trigger value for object detection determination, is or are set lower as relative distance(s) to object(s) at least partially within protected area(s) grow smaller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Optex Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masatoshi Tsuji
  • Publication number: 20040189510
    Abstract: The intrusion detection system comprises a pair of narrow-beam microwave detectors exploiting Doppler effect and independently operating. A processing unit analyses the signals received by both detectors versus time and Doppler frequencies and amplitude. Analysis of such data allows detecting an actual intrusion. The processing unit also analyses the steady presence of the radio-frequency signal at each detector, to ascertain possible failures or tampering of the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2004
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventors: Giovanni Negro, Rinaldo Condello
  • Patent number: 6759950
    Abstract: A cap is fit to a sensor case having a sensor-mounting hollow portion integrally formed therewith into which an ultrasonic sensor is fit. A plate spring is fit onto an outside of the sensor case to engage the plate spring with the cap. This plate spring integrally holds together both the sensor case and the cap. Having been constructed as above, the invention provides an easy integral assembly of a sensor case and a cap by means of a single plate spring and exhibits the ability for mounting and fixing the detector to a bumper or the like of a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yukio Nishimoto, Akiharu Fukuda
  • Patent number: 6759954
    Abstract: A multiple dimension vector-based occupancy sensor. One or more sensors (for example, ultrasonic and/or infrared sensors) are used to produce one or more occupancy estimator vectors. The individual dimensions of the one or more occupancy estimator vectors are combined using a fusion based detection algorithm to produce a combined estimator signal. The combined estimator is then used to switch electrical loads when the combined estimator signal is above a predetermined threshold. The result is an occupancy sensor that has a very high probability of occupancy detection and a low probability of false tripping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Douglas D. Myron, John J. Fowler, Dennis M. O'brien
  • Patent number: 6753780
    Abstract: A motion sensing system and method for detecting an occupant in a vehicle with enhanced sensitivity to detect small movement, such as movement caused by heartbeat and breathing of an occupant. The system includes a radar motion sensor located in a compartment of the vehicle. The radar sensor transmits and receives signals within the compartment and generates sensed signals. The system has a controller for converting the sensed signals to a frequency domain. The controller further processes the frequency domain of sensed signals and determines the presence of movement of an occupant due to one of heartbeat and breathing of the occupant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Songnian Li
  • Patent number: 6734802
    Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus and method for reducing power consumption in physiological condition monitors that use a memory data storage device that operates in a high power mode when data is being written to the memory data storage device and operates in a low power mode when inactive. The apparatus comprises: 1) a controller for receiving incoming data to be written to the memory data storage device; and 2) a first low power buffer coupled to the controller. The controller stores the incoming data in the first low power buffer until a predetermined amount of incoming data has been accumulated in the first low power buffer and transfers the accumulated predetermined amount of incoming data to the memory data storage device in a single data transfer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: iLife Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael E. Halleck, Michael D. Halleck, Michael L. Lehrman, Alan R. Owens
  • Publication number: 20040032362
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a monitoring device (1) with a transmitter unit (2) and a receiver unit (3) for monitoring an area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventors: Roine Andersson, Olof Eriksson
  • Publication number: 20040027270
    Abstract: A system and method for highly selective intrusion detection using a sparse array of time modulated ultra wideband (TM-UWB) radars. Two or more TM-UWB radars are arranged in a sparse array around the perimeter of a building. Each TM-UWB radar transmits ultra wideband pulses that illuminate the building and the surrounding area. Signal return data is processed to determine, among other things, whether an alarm condition has been triggered. High resolution radar images are formed that give an accurate picture of the inside of the building and the surrounding area. This image is used to detect motion in a highly selective manner and to track moving objects within the building and the surrounding area. Motion can be distinguished based on criteria appropriate to the environment in which the intrusion detection system operates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventors: Larry W. Fullerton, James L. Richards
  • Publication number: 20030222809
    Abstract: The invention provides a millimeter wave radar monitoring system, which can reduce the installation cost and can improve reliability with less probability of false alarms. A millimeter wave radar unit includes a millimeter wave radar having a transmitting antenna for radiating a radio wave and a receiving antenna for receiving a wave reflected by a target having received the radio wave radiated from the transmitting antenna, and includes a signal processing unit for the received radio wave. A target tracking and monitoring circuit section in a monitoring unit collates position information of the target detected by the millimeter wave radar unit with monitoring area layout information held in a monitoring area layout signal section, thereby tracking a motion of the target. The target is displayed on a display along with the monitoring area layout information. When it is determined that the target is a suspicious invader, a warning device issues an alarm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2003
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Inventors: Terumi Nakazawa, Kenichi Mizuishi, Sanshirou Oabara, Chieko Onuma, Yoshiki Kobayashi, Jie Bai
  • Publication number: 20030201894
    Abstract: A motion sensing system and method for detecting an occupant in a vehicle with enhanced sensitivity to detect small movement, such as movement caused by heartbeat and breathing of an occupant. The system includes a radar motion sensor located in a compartment of the vehicle. The radar sensor transmits and receives signals within the compartment and generates sensed signals. The system has a controller for converting the sensed signals to a frequency domain. The controller further processes the frequency domain of sensed signals and determines the presence of movement of an occupant due to one of heartbeat and breathing of the occupant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2002
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Inventor: Songnian Li
  • Patent number: 6633254
    Abstract: A self-modulating, remote, moving target detector for intrusion alarms, vehicle detection, and remote speed and distance measurement that includes a remote continuous wave radar transceiver that is used to detect moving targets. The same frequency used for the radar transmission is modulated in a continuous manner in order to transmit radar data concerning a moving target to a remote location away from the radar transceiver. The transceiver oscillator is self-modulated by the reflected signal received from a moving target in the transceiver and retransmitted such that the primary radar signal becomes the information carrier concerning the moving target, which is received remotely, in order to activate an alarm or a display system showing the moving target. The system could be utilized with any frequency from audio to light, with RF and microwave of primary interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronics Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventor: Eldon Sutphin
  • Publication number: 20030179127
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for counting at least one person (7) that passes a passage having a floor. Said device comprises at least one distance sensor (3, 4) that emits a cone or rays (5, 6) from radar rays or ultrasonic waves, receives the reflected rays/waves and provides an evaluation device with the received signals. Said cone(s) of radiation (5, 6) cover(s) the entire width of the passage and is/are disposed at an angle with respect to the direction of movement of the person (7) passing the passage. The aim of the invention is to improve people counters known from the art where the distance sensors are often disposed above head height and to provide a counter which is simple in design and which can be disposed as inconspicuously as possible and without being noticed by the people passing the passage. To this end, the distance sensor (3, 4) is accommodated in a housing (1, 2) disposed on the floor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2003
    Publication date: September 25, 2003
    Inventor: Hans-Theo Wienand
  • Publication number: 20030164790
    Abstract: In a position detecting system used to monitor a suspicious person and to give an alarm by using a radar which transmits/receives a microwave or a millimeterwave, the shape of a detectable area of the radar and that of the area to be monitored are not always equal to each other, and thus, an alarm may be erroneously given in response to the object outside the area to be monitored. For its solution, the area to be monitored is surrounded by a plurality of reflectors, and the coordinate values of the reflectors and the detecting object are calculated based on the signals reflected from the reflectors and the detecting object and then compared. When the coordinate value of the detecting object is inside the area to be monitored, it is determined that the detecting object is an intruding person or the like and an alarm is given.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2002
    Publication date: September 4, 2003
    Inventors: Naoyuki Kurita, Hiroshi Kondoh, Mikito Tsubota
  • Patent number: 6587047
    Abstract: An intrusion detector having a transmitter, receiver, detector, signal processor, and control unit is disclosed. The transmitter is able to transmit waves into a defined space and has a variable output power. The receiver is able to receive those waves after reflection. The detector is connected to the receiver and able to detect a signal based on a change in the waves after reflection, where the detected signal is representative of any motion in the defined space. The signal processor is able to process the detected signal in order to determine if an intrusion has occurred. The control unit is able to determine any change in the detected signal, and to increase the output power of the transmitter in response to such change. A method for performing such intrusion detection is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stefan Nilsson, Göran Svedoff
  • Patent number: 6552662
    Abstract: A magnetic sensor comprises at least one first coil operatively coupled to a first portion of a vehicle seat and at least one magnetic sensing element operatively coupled to an interior portion. At least one first signal is operatively connected to the at least one first coil, wherein the at least one first signal is an oscillating signal. At least one second signal responsive to the at least one first signal is sensed from the at least one magnetic sensing element, and an occupant is discriminated an occupant on the vehicle seat responsive to the second signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Automotive Systems Laboratory, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Bomya, Alan J. Riggs