Complex Signal (in Phase And Quadrature) Patents (Class 342/194)
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Patent number: 7081850Abstract: A general purpose system and method for transmitting and coherently detecting UWB waveforms is predicated on the formation of conjugate pair of UWB waveforms. The in-phase and conjugate quadrature waveforms are orthogonal to each other and have the same power spectrum so that when squared and added they sum to the modulation envelope of the waveforms. By defining the waveform pair in this manner, a relatively simple and inexpensive transceiver can be used to transmit and receive the waveforms and yet preserve maximum range resolution and recover all possible energy in the returned waveforms. The transceiver transmits the in-phase UWB waveform and the conjugate quadrature UWB waveform with either a known time delay or orthogonal polarization relation. The time delay may be varied to suppress aliased return signals.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2004Date of Patent: July 25, 2006Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventor: James G. Small
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Patent number: 7071869Abstract: A radar system using a quadrature signal includes a quadrature push—push oscillator for generating four harmonics with a 90-degree phase difference from each other, and producing two-balanced 2nd harmonic signals from the harmonics; a first coupler block for radiating one of the 2nd harmonics through an antenna; a second coupler block for terminating the other 2nd harmonic to ground; and a power combiner for combining a transmitted signal that is leaked from the first and second coupler blocks with the received signal that is radiated through the antenna. The radar system features an improved receiving sensitivity by offsetting the leakage signals of the sending end. Also, the radar system can be made very small by using a single antenna for transmitting and receiving.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2005Date of Patent: July 4, 2006Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: In-sang Song, Song-cheol Hong, Sang-soo Ko, Jeong-geun Kim, Hong-chan Kim
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Patent number: 7068212Abstract: A series of police Doppler single mode radars and a multimode police Doppler radar, all with direction sensing capability are disclosed. A quadrature front end which mixes received RF with a local oscillator to generate two channels of Doppler signals, one channel being shifted by an integer multiple of 90 degrees in phase relative to the other by shifting either the RF or the local oscillator signal being fed to one mixer but not the other. The two Doppler signals are digitized and the samples are processed by a digital signal processor programmed to find one or more selected target speeds. Single modes disclosed are: stationary strongest target; stationary, fastest target; stationary, strongest and fastest targets; moving, strongest, opposite lane; moving, strongest, same lane; moving, fastest, opposite lane; moving, fastest and strongest, opposite lane; moving, fastest, same lane; moving fastest and strongest, same lane.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2003Date of Patent: June 27, 2006Assignee: Applied Concepts, Inc.Inventors: John L. Aker, Robert S. Gammenthaler
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Patent number: 7057550Abstract: A system and method for calibrating a vehicular traffic surveillance Doppler radar are disclosed. In one embodiment, a modulation circuit portion generates double-modulated FM signals. An antenna circuit portion transmits the double-modulated FM signals to a target and receives reflected double-modulated FM signals therefrom. A calibration circuit portion responds to the reflected double-modulated FM signals by sending a calibration signal to the modulation circuit. The calibration signal is indicative of a relationship between a first range measurement derived from phase angle measurements associated with the reflected double-modulated FM signals and a second range measurement derived from speed and time measurements associated with the reflected double-modulated FM signals.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2005Date of Patent: June 6, 2006Assignee: Applied Concepts, Inc.Inventor: John L. Aker
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Patent number: 7050000Abstract: An exemplary radar system includes a waveform generator that generates a control waveform. An in-phase and quadrature modulator receives the control waveform from the waveform generator and in turn generates a waveform output that is amplified by a power amplifier before being transmitted from an antenna.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2003Date of Patent: May 23, 2006Assignee: Northrop Grumman CorporationInventors: Garth Ernest Weals, Yair Alon, Fred William Erickson
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Patent number: 7049999Abstract: A modulation circuit for a traffic surveillance Doppler radar system is disclosed. In one embodiment, the modulation circuit is utilized in a vehicular traffic surveillance Doppler radar system that processes a reflected double-modulated FM signal to determine a target range based upon a phase angle signal differential associated with the target. The modulation circuit may include a digital-to-analog (D/A) converter/voltage regulator/oscillator arrangement or a D/A converter/varactor device/oscillator arrangement. The modulation circuit generates a double-modulated FM signal based upon a frequency versus voltage characteristic associated with the oscillator.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2005Date of Patent: May 23, 2006Assignee: Applied Concepts, Inc.Inventor: John L. Aker
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Patent number: 7046190Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining range of a radar target is provided. Signal samples based on returns of a target during tracking are processed to produce a wideband envelope range estimate for components of target motion. The components of target motion include precession and spin motion. Ambiguous phase values are measured. An unambiguous phase value indicative of range is produced from the wideband envelope range estimate and measured ambiguous phase values.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2003Date of Patent: May 16, 2006Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventor: Fritz Steudel
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Patent number: 7038612Abstract: A Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) avoids the need for an INS/GPS by focusing a SAR image having discernible features and a center. The image is formed from digitized returns, each of the digitized returns having a phase and an amplitude. The focusing steps of an algorithm processing the digitized returns include: computing a coarse range and coarse range rate of the center of the image, motion compensating the digitized returns, converting the digitized returns in polar format into an orthogonal Cartesian coordinate system, autofocusing the image data to obtain a focused image, performing a Fourier transform to obtain a focused image described by the returns, computing an estimated fine range and fine range rate from features contained within the focused image, and converging the fine range and fine range rate within the orthogonal Cartesian coordinate system for use within the azimuth and range coordinate system and motion compensating the digitized returns.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2003Date of Patent: May 2, 2006Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventors: James G. Chow, Robert A. Rosen, Kapriel V. Krikorian
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Patent number: 7023377Abstract: The invention relates to remote distance measurement by means of a transmitted noise modulated probing signal (E), whereby at least one of a distance (Y(t)) and a velocity (V(t)) in relation to a signal transceiver (200) is determined. The probing of signal (E) is generated on basis of at least one first noise signal (x1(t), x2(t)). The transmitted signal (E) is presumed to be reflected to the signal transceiver (200) via at least one signal reflecting object in the form of an information carrying signal (e). This signal thus constitutes a delayed and possibly doppler shifted version of the transmitted signal (E). Moreover, according to the invention, a second noise signal (x2(t)) is added either to the probing signal (E) before it is transmitted or to the information carrying signal (e) before information pertaining to the reflecting object is derived there from.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2002Date of Patent: April 4, 2006Assignee: Saab ABInventor: Sune Axelsson
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Patent number: 7023374Abstract: Apparatus and method for multi-band, multi-frequency signal detection and transmission, comprising a multi-band wideband antenna, a receiver based on a plurality of synthesized down-converters and a plurality of synthesized programmable multi-channel phase-locked LOs, a DDS and a synthesized complex I/Q phase-detector, a control center based on a DSP connected with an ADC, plurality of DACs and an FPGA, and a plurality of synthesized programmable multi-channel transmitters synchronized with the DDS.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2002Date of Patent: April 4, 2006Inventors: Abraham Jossef, Ron Yaacov Davidson, Raviv Levin, Itay Hect
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Patent number: 7012561Abstract: In order to refine a device and a method for registering, detecting, and/or analyzing at least one object, a registration range and/or at a detection gate being displaced at a scanning speed over a measuring range, in such a way that a target-unique velocity measurement is ensured in continuous detection operation with low latency time and resistance to fluctuations, it is provided that, the receive circuit be divided into at least two channels, which are operable separately from one another, in particular using at least one power divider unit connected downstream from the output terminal of the I/Q mixing unit, of which the first channel of the receive circuit is designed for the purpose of displacing the registration range and/or the detection gate at a constant scanning speed over the entire measuring range, and the second channel of the receive circuit is designed for the purpose of displacing the registration range and/or the detection gate at a variable, in particular reducible scanning speed over the mType: GrantFiled: October 29, 2004Date of Patent: March 14, 2006Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Tore Toennesen, Martin Reiche
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Patent number: 7006033Abstract: An embodiment comprises a unit generating a control pulse signal by delaying a basic signal in generating a transmission pulse, and a unit performing a gate operation on a received signal using the control pulse signal. Another embodiment comprises a unit generating a control pulse signal by delaying a signal generated using a first basic signal, a second signal for phase modulation having a lower frequency than the first signal, and a pseudo-random signal generated at an intermediate frequency between the frequencies of the first and second signals, and a unit performing the gate operation.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2003Date of Patent: February 28, 2006Assignee: Fujitsu LimitedInventors: Satoshi Ishii, Yoshikazu Dooi, Hiroyuki Yatsuka, Tetsuo Seki, Kazuaki Hamada
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Patent number: 7002511Abstract: A millimeter wave pulsed radar system includes a radar synthesizer having a voltage controlled oscillator/phase locked loop (VCO/PLL) circuit, direct digital synthesizer (DDS) circuit and quadrature modulator circuit that are operative to generate an intermediate frequency local oscillator signal (IF/LO signal). A radar transceiver is operative with the radar synthesizer for receiving the IF/LO signal. A transmitter section has a frequency multiplier that multiplies the IF/LO signal up to a millimeter wave (MMW) radar signal and a receiver section and includes a direct conversion mixer that receives a MMW radar signal and the IF/LO signal to produce I/Q baseband signals that are later digitized and processed.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2005Date of Patent: February 21, 2006Assignee: Xytrans, Inc.Inventors: Danny F. Ammar, David M. Bills, Gavin Clark, Matt H. Shafie
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Patent number: 6989782Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for radar systems using multiple pulses that are shorter than the expected range delay extent of the target to be imaged. In one implementation, a method for performing radar includes the steps of: transmitting a plurality of pulses, each pulse having a different center frequency and a time duration shorter than an expected range delay extent of a target, wherein a total bandwidth is defined by a bandwidth occupied by the plurality of pulses; receiving reflections of the plurality of pulses; and performing pulse compression on the received pulse reflections to generate a detection signal having a radar resolution approximately equivalent to the transmission and reception of a single pulse having the total bandwidth. In preferred form, the pulses comprise ultrawideband (UWB) pulses each occupying a sub-band of the overall system bandwidth.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2004Date of Patent: January 24, 2006Assignee: General AtomicsInventors: Michael L. Walker, David S. Furuno, Naiel K. Askar, Gerald D. Rogerson
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Patent number: 6972713Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and computer program products are provided for improving the crossrange resolution of a radar device for more accurate determinations of angular position of a target. The radar device transmits and receives scanning signals at crossrange beam positions having a beamwidth, wherein the beam positions are separated by a step. The radar device scans a target to receive target data from at least three beam positions, typically consecutive beam positions, to determine a first beam position with a first target data value that is greater than a second target data value of a second beam position preceding the first beam position and greater than a third target data value of a third beam position following the first beam position. A target data relationship between the first, second, and third beam positions is determined to provide the angular position of the target relative to the first beam position.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2004Date of Patent: December 6, 2005Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Aaron Y. Mosher, Peter Wittenberg
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Patent number: 6967617Abstract: A correlating polarimeter is provided for correlating a received waveform of a wideband electromagnetic signal with a predetermined waveform. The correlating polarimeter may include a first antenna for receiving an electromagnetic signal and a modulator interconnected with the first antenna for modulating the electromagnetic signal whereby a modulated electromagnetic signal results which contains a different polarization state for each frequency of the electromagnetic signal with the amplitude of each frequency component of the modulated electromagnetic signal being a function of the particular polarization state of each frequency component of the electromagnetic signal.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2003Date of Patent: November 22, 2005Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventors: Robert W. McMillan, Ernest J. Holder
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Patent number: 6922166Abstract: A system and a method for distance measurement utilizes a radio system. The distance is measured in coarse resolution, and in fine resolution that corresponds to distance attributes. The distance between first and second radio transceivers is determined from the coarse distance and the fine distance attributes.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2004Date of Patent: July 26, 2005Assignee: Time Domain CorporationInventors: James L. Richards, Larry W. Fullerton, David C. Meigs, Randall S. Stanley, Ivan A. Cowie
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Patent number: 6917031Abstract: A method is provided for correcting a quadrature angle error that exists in the coherent receiver hardware of a dual-polarization optical transport system. The receiver hardware that causes the quadrature angle error is a 90 degree optical hybrid mixing device. The method involves generating an estimate of the quadrature angle error and compensating for the quadrature angle error by multiplying the first and second detected baseband signals by coefficients that are a function of the estimate of the quadrature angle error. The method is robust to severe channel distortion encountered within an optical fiber transmission channel as well as temperature effects and ageing of the 90 degree optical hybrid. The method is suited for a digital signal processing implementation in the coherent receiver when a modulation scheme used on a transmitted signal is quadriphase-shift keying (QPSK).Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2004Date of Patent: July 12, 2005Assignee: Nortel Networks LimitedInventors: Han Sun, Kuang Tsan Wu
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Patent number: 6911934Abstract: A sensor front end that is able to discriminate objects based on their range from the sensor and to derive bearing information therefrom. The sensor system may include a signal source for generating source signal; an antenna system for transmitting the source signal to and receiving a reflected signal from the object; wherein the antenna system is configured for introducing a phase shift into either the source signal or the reflected signal to create a plurality of signal patterns; and an information processor programmed to receive the reflected signal and to determine bearing information for the object based on position and phase information in the plurality of signal patterns.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2003Date of Patent: June 28, 2005Assignee: M/A-Com, Inc.Inventors: Hermann Henftling, Dirk Klotzbuecher
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Patent number: 6897804Abstract: A method for calculating a center frequency and a bandwidth for a radar doppler filter is herein described. The center frequency and bandwidth are calculated to provide radar performance over varying terrain and aircraft altitude, pitch, and roll. The method includes receiving an antenna mounting angle, a slant range, and velocity vectors in body coordinates, calculating a range swath doppler velocity, a track and phase swath bandwidth, and a phase swath doppler velocity. The method continues by calculating a range swath center frequency based on the range swath doppler velocity, calculating a phase swath center frequency based on the phase swath doppler velocity, and calculating a level and verify swath bandwidth based upon the track and phase swath bandwidth.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2003Date of Patent: May 24, 2005Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: James R. Hager, Thomas W. Heidemann, Thomas R. Jicha
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Patent number: 6897803Abstract: A method for incorporating a forward ranging feature into a radar altimeter is described. The method comprises positioning an antenna of the altimeter such that a side lobe of a radar signal radiates from the antenna in a forward direction and processing a radar return from the side lobe to determine a range to a forward object.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2003Date of Patent: May 24, 2005Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: James R. Hager, Larry D. Almsted, John H. Keuper
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Patent number: 6879279Abstract: A new differential technique for forming optical images using a synthetic aperture is introduced. This differential technique utilizes a single aperture to obtain unique (N) phases that can be processed to produce a synthetic aperture image at points along a trajectory. This is accomplished by dividing the aperture into two equal “subapertures”, each having a width that is less than the actual aperture, along the direction of flight. As the platform flies along a given trajectory, a source illuminates objects and the two subapertures are configured to collect return signals. The techniques of the invention is designed to cancel common-mode errors, trajectory deviations from a straight line, and laser phase noise to provide the set of resultant (N) phases that can produce an image having a spatial resolution corresponding to a synthetic aperture.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2003Date of Patent: April 12, 2005Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventor: Eddy A. Stappaerts
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Patent number: 6873285Abstract: An along-track alignment and formatting system (ATAFS) formats synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data to align and format signals from scatterers in a scene to achieve an ideal data format in the along-track dimension in which such ideal data format leads to improved image quality of an image based on the SAR data and/or reduced computational burden for generating an image based on the SAR data. Two aspects of the ATAFS include: 1) the division of data stabilization into two distinct steps; and 2) the along-track (or slow-time) migration of signal support of scatterers as a function of their along-track location. A suite of SAR image formation algorithms use the ATAFS in conjunction with conventional signal processing stages to transform input coherent signal data into a complex image with image quality and geometric accuracy commensurate with the inherent information content of the input data.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2003Date of Patent: March 29, 2005Assignee: General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems, Inc.Inventors: Walter G. Carrara, Rondal S. Goodman, Mark A. Ricoy
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Patent number: 6870502Abstract: An asynchronous pulse detector including a data estimator which estimates the return signal based on the corrected return signal, a detector for detecting an asynchronous pulse in the return signal, and a selector for selectively outputting the estimated return signal in place of the return signal as the corrected return signal in the event the detector detects an asynchronous pulse in the return signal.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2003Date of Patent: March 22, 2005Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventor: David A. Zaugg
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Patent number: 6867732Abstract: An embedded multi-functional preprocessing input data buffer comprises a clutter lock loop circuit, a multiplier, a mode selective multiplexer, a dual-port memory, an input multiplexer, self-testing circuit, decode circuit and an output multiplexer. The clutter lock loop and multiplication circuit selectively executes a coefficient multiplication or a clutter lock loop operation for the received data according to a working mode of the radar system. After receiving the data, the mode selective multiplexer may selectively output data processed by the clutter lock loop and multiplication circuit. The dual-port memory is coupled to the mode selective multiplexer for receiving and temporarily registering the data processed. The output multiplexer selectively outputs the data temporarily stored in the dual-port memory via a number of the output channels according to the working mode of the radar system.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2004Date of Patent: March 15, 2005Assignee: Chung Shan Institute of Science and Technology, Armanents Bureau, M.N.D.Inventors: Shin-An Chen, Sheng-Hsing Yang, Yu-Lin Su
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Patent number: 6864827Abstract: A digital IF receiver (DRX) module directly compatible with advanced radar systems such as synthetic aperture radar (SAR) systems. The DRX can combine a 1 G-Sample/sec 8-bit ADC with high-speed digital signal processor, such as high gate-count FPGA technology or ASICs to realize a wideband IF receiver. DSP operations implemented in the DRX can include quadrature demodulation and multi-rate, variable-bandwidth IF filtering. Pulse-to-pulse (Doppler domain) filtering can also be implemented in the form of a presummer (accumulator) and an azimuth prefilter. An out of band noise source can be employed to provide a dither signal to the ADC, and later be removed by digital signal processing. Both the range and Doppler domain filtering operations can be implemented using a unique pane architecture which allows on-the-fly selection of the filter decimation factor, and hence, the filter bandwidth. The DRX module can include a standard VME-64 interface for control, status, and programming.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2003Date of Patent: March 8, 2005Assignee: Sandia CorporationInventors: Bertice L. Tise, Dale F. Dubbert
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Patent number: 6856279Abstract: A method for processing radar return data to determine a physical angle, in aircraft body coordinates to a target, is disclosed. The radar return data includes a phase difference between radar return data received at an ambiguous radar channel and a left radar channel, a phase difference between radar return data received at a right radar channel and an ambiguous radar channel, and a phase difference between radar return data received at a right radar channel and a left radar channel. The method includes adjusting a phase bias for the three phase differences, resolving phase ambiguities between the three phase differences to provide a signal, and filtering the signal to provide a physical angle to the target in aircraft body coordinates.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2002Date of Patent: February 15, 2005Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: James R. Hager, Lavell Jordan, Todd R. Burlet
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Publication number: 20040263378Abstract: Apparatus and method for multi-band, multi-frequency signal detection and transmission, comprising a multi-band wideband antenna, a receiver based on a plurality of synthesized down-converters and a plurality of synthesized programmable multi-channel phase-locked LOs, a DDS and a synthesized complex I/Q phase-detector, a control center based on a DSP connected with an ADC, plurality of DACs and an FPGA, and a plurality of synthesized programmable multi-channel transmitters synchronized with the DDS.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2004Publication date: December 30, 2004Inventors: Abraham Jossef, Ron Yaacov Davidson, Raviv Levin, Itay Hect
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Publication number: 20040263382Abstract: A pulse radar system has a high-frequency source, which supplies a continuous high-frequency signal and is connected on the one side to a transmission-side pulse modulator and on the other side to at least one mixer in at least one receive path. A pulse modulator is connected upstream of the mixer with regard to its connection to a receiving antenna. The mixer evaluates a radar pulse reflected by an object together with the signal of the high-frequency source. This system does not require a ZO switch and is insensitive to interference.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 6, 2004Publication date: December 30, 2004Inventor: Frank Gottwald
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Patent number: 6836240Abstract: Frequency dependent corrections are provided for Local Oscillator (LO) feed-through. An operational procedure filters LO feed-through effects without prior calibration or equalization. Waveform generation can be adjusted/corrected in a synthetic aperture radar system (SAR), where a rolling phase shift is applied to the SAR's QDWS signal where it is demodulated in a receiver, unwanted energies, such as LO feed-through energy, are separated from a desired signal in Doppler; the separated energy is filtered from the receiver leaving the desired signal; and the separated energy in the receiver is measured to determine the degree of imbalance that is represented by it. Calibration methods can also be implemented into synthesis. The degree of LO feed-through can be used to determine calibration values that can then be provided as compensation for frequency dependent errors in components, such as the QDWS and SSB mixer, affecting quadrature signal quality.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2003Date of Patent: December 28, 2004Assignee: Sandia CorporationInventors: Dale F. Dubbert, Peter A. Dudley, Armin W. Doerry, Bertice L. Tise
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Publication number: 20040257268Abstract: A series of police doppler single mode radars and a multimode police doppler radar, all with direction sensing capability are disclosed. A duadrature front end which mixes received RF with a local oscillator to generate two channels of doppler signals, one channel being shifted by an integer multiple of 90 degrees in phase relative to the other by shifting either the RF or the local oscillator signal being fed to one mixer but not the other. The two doppler signals are digitized and the samples are processed by a digital signal processor programmed to find one or more selected target speeds. Single modes disclosed are: stationary strongest target; stationary, fastest target; stationary, strongest and fastest targets; moving, strongest, opposite lane; moving, strongest, same lane; moving, fastest, opposite lane; moving, fastest and strongest, opposite lane; moving, fastest, same lane; moving fastest and strongest, same lane.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 10, 2003Publication date: December 23, 2004Applicant: APPLIED CONCEPTS, INC.Inventors: John L. Aker, Robert S. Gammenthaler
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Patent number: 6833810Abstract: Combining signals includes receiving first signals having a first frequency and second signals having a second frequency. A first weight reflecting a signal-to-noise ratio associated with a first signal is determined for each first signal, and a first signal output is generate from the first signals in accordance with the first weights. A second weight reflecting a signal-to-noise ratio associated with a second signal is determined for each second signal, and a second signal output is generate from the second signals in accordance with the second weights. The first signal output and the second signal output are combined to yield a combined signal output.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2003Date of Patent: December 21, 2004Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventors: George P. Bortnyk, David J. Lupia
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Publication number: 20040252048Abstract: A method for incorporating a forward ranging feature into a radar altimeter is described. The method comprises positioning an antenna of the altimeter such that a side lobe of a radar signal radiates from the antenna in a forward direction and processing a radar return from the side lobe to determine a range to a forward object.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2003Publication date: December 16, 2004Inventors: James R. Hager, Larry D. Almsted, John H. Keuper
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Patent number: 6828933Abstract: Frequency dependent corrections are provided for quadrature imbalance and Local Oscillator (LO) feed-through. An operational procedure filters imbalance and LO feed-through effects without prior calibration or equalization. Waveform generation can be adjusted/corrected in a synthetic aperture radar system (SAR), where a rolling phase shift is applied to the SAR's QDWS signal where it is demodulated in a receiver; unwanted energies, such as LO feed-through and/or imbalance energy, are separated from a desired signal in Doppler; the separated energy is filtered from the receiver leaving the desired signal; and the separated energy in the receiver is measured to determine the degree of imbalance that is represented by it. Calibration methods can also be implemented into synthesis.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2003Date of Patent: December 7, 2004Assignee: Sandia CorporationInventors: Armin W. Doerry, Peter A. Dudley, Dale F. Dubert, Bertice L. Tise
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Patent number: 6825800Abstract: Frequency dependent corrections are provided for quadrature imbalance. An operational procedure filters imbalance effects without prior calibration or equalization. Waveform generation can be adjusted/corrected in a synthetic aperture radar system (SAR), where a rolling phase shift is applied to the SAR's QDWS signal where it is demodulated in a receiver; unwanted energies, such as imbalance energy, are separated from a desired signal in Doppler; the separated energy is filtered from the receiver leaving the desired signal; and the separated energy in the receiver is measured to determine the degree of imbalance that is represented by it. Calibration methods can also be implemented into synthesis. The degree of quadrature imbalance can be used to determine calibration values that can then be provided as compensation for frequency dependent errors in components, such as the QDWS and SSB mixer, affecting quadrature signal quality.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2003Date of Patent: November 30, 2004Assignee: Sandia CorporationInventors: Peter A. Dudley, Armin W. Doerry, Dale F. Dubbert, Bertice L. Tise
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Publication number: 20040227661Abstract: A ranging Doppler radar system for identifying, and measuring range, velocity, direction of movement of a vehicle with minimal interference from surrounding environs and with low probability of intercept by the vehicle. The transmitted radar signal is modulated with pseudorandom code which acts as a frequency spreading agent and which allows a radar system to resolve range to targets into discrete “range cells”. Range cells can be grouped to yield a “range segment” which defines a region of roadway, such as a school zone. Traffic can be monitored in all range cells, or only in a predetermined range segment. Maps of traffic flow and vehicle parameters are generated and displayed using radar output parameters. Images representing vehicles violating posted speed limits are identified and highlighted on the traffic flow maps.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 12, 2003Publication date: November 18, 2004Inventor: Robert C. Godsy
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Patent number: 6819285Abstract: An improved method of estimating target elevation angle for dual squinted beam radar systems is disclosed. The target's elevation angle is estimated by receiving complex I/Q data from two receive radar beams and calculating the complex ratio of the complex I/Q data. The calculated complex ratio is compared to a set of previously determined reference complex ratios in complex lookup tables that have been corelated to known target elevation angles.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2004Date of Patent: November 16, 2004Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventors: Peter H. Stockman, Miroslaw T. Hepel
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Patent number: 6806826Abstract: The present invention is a radar system for detecting the presence of obstacles. The radar system includes at least one transmitting antenna and at least one receiving antenna. The transmitting antenna receives an input signal and transmits an electromagnetic wave. The electromagnetic wave reflects off an obstacle back to the receiving antenna. The receiving antenna captures the reflected electromagnetic wave and produces an output signal. The output signal is then combined with the input signal in a quadrature mixer. The resulting in-phase (I) and quadrature (Q) signals may be further processed and then transmitted to a processing system. The processing system uses a suitable algorithm, e.g., a back projection algorithm, to estimate the type and location of obstacles that reflected the electromagnetic wave. In an exemplary embodiment, the algorithm is adapted to discriminate between different sizes and locations of obstacles in order to determine if there is a hazard.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2002Date of Patent: October 19, 2004Assignee: The Ohio State UniversityInventors: Eric K. Walton, Chi-Chih Chen
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Publication number: 20040201514Abstract: A new differential technique for forming optical images using a synthetic aperture is introduced. This differential technique utilizes a single aperture to obtain unique (N) phases that can be processed to produce a synthetic aperture image at points along a trajectory. This is accomplished by dividing the aperture into two equal “subapertures”, each having a width that is less than the actual aperture, along the direction of flight. As the platform flies along a given trajectory, a source illuminates objects and the two subapertures are configured to collect return signals. The techniques of the invention is designed to cancel common-mode errors, trajectory deviations from a straight line, and laser phase noise to provide the set of resultant (N) phases that can produce an image having a spatial resolution corresponding to a synthetic aperture.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 27, 2003Publication date: October 14, 2004Applicant: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventor: Eddy A. Stappaerts
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Patent number: 6801155Abstract: A method of recognizing a radar target comprises producing a sequence of Doppler spectra of radar returns form a scene and producing therefrom a sequence of Doppler feature vectors for a target in the scene. Hidden Markov modelling (HMM) is then used to identify the sequence of Doppler feature vectors as indicating a member of a particular class of targets. HMM is used to identify the sequence of Doppler feature vectors by assigning to each feature vector an occurrence probability by selecting a probability distribution or state from a set thereof associated with a class of targets, multiplying the occurrence probabilities together to obtain an overall probability, repeating for other probability distributions in the set to determine a combination of probability distributions giving highest overall probability for that class of target, then repeating for at least one other class of targets and selecting the target class as being that which yields the highest overall occurrence probability.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2003Date of Patent: October 5, 2004Assignee: QinetiQ LimitedInventors: Mohammed Jahangir, Keith M Ponting
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Patent number: 6798374Abstract: Disclosed is a Doppler shifted radar apparatus for correct target identification with respect to surveillance of moving vehicles. More particularly, an improved radar detection system using two or more continuously transmitted frequencies is used. The multiple frequencies are directed toward target vehicles whereby the phase difference of the two or more reflected Doppler signals is calculated and subsequently used to accurately determine a target range, thereby displaying the closest vehicle and closest vehicle speed. Vehicle speed is determined with use of the standard Doppler frequency shift. The next closest and/or next faster vehicle speed can also be easily determined.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2002Date of Patent: September 28, 2004Assignee: Decatur Electronics Inc.Inventor: Kimble Jon Smith
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Publication number: 20040178951Abstract: This invention relates to a spectral generator and a spectral generation method for receiving pre-processed range-doppler-sensor data and generating at least one noise-reduced high-resolution spectrum therefrom. The spectral generator comprises a window generator that generates a window which defines a plurality of range-doppler cells. The spectral generator further comprises a covariance matrix calculator that is in communication with the window generator to receive the range-doppler-sensor data within the window and calculate a covariance matrix estimate for a range-doppler cell of interest in the window. The spectral generator also includes a spectral calculator that is in communication with the covariance matrix calculator to calculate a high-resolution spectral vector based on a location matrix and a noise subspace matrix estimate.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2003Publication date: September 16, 2004Inventors: Tony Ponsford, Reza Dizaji
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Publication number: 20040160353Abstract: Methods and apparatus compress data, comprising an In-phase (I) component and a Quadrature (Q) component. Statistical characteristics of the data are utilized to convert the data into a form that requires fewer bits in accordance with the statistical characteristics. The data may be further compressed by transforming the data and by modifying the transformed data in accordance with a quantization conversion table that is associated with the processed data. Additionally, redundancy may be removed from the processed data with an encoder. Subsequent processing of the compressed data may decompress the compressed data in order to approximate the original data by reversing the process for compressing the data with corresponding inverse operations. Interleaved I and Q components can be processed rather than separating the components before processing the data. The processed data type may be determined by providing metadata to retrieve the appropriate quantization table from a knowledge database.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 11, 2004Publication date: August 19, 2004Applicant: Science Applications International CorporationInventors: Francis R. Cirillo, Paul L. Poehler
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Patent number: 6778127Abstract: A drillstring radar comprises a measurements-while-drilling instrument for mounting just behind the drill bit and downhole motor of a drill rod. The instrument includes a radar system connected to upward-looking and downward-looking horn antennas. These are used to electronically probe the interface of a coal seam with its upper and lower boundary layers. A dielectric constant sensor is included to provide corrective data for the up and down distance measurements. Such measurements and data are radio communicated to the surface for tomographic processing and user display. The instrument also includes a navigation processor and drill bit steering controls. The radio communication uses the drillstring as a transmission line and F1/F2 repeaters can be placed along very long runs to maintain good instrument-to-surface communication.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2002Date of Patent: August 17, 2004Inventors: Larry G. Stolarczyk, Gerald L. Stolarczyk
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Publication number: 20040135719Abstract: A system and a method for distance measurement utilizes a radio system. The distance is measured by determining the time it takes a pulse train to travel from a first radio transceiver to a second radio transceiver and then from the second radio transceiver back to the first radio transceiver. The actual measurement is a two step process. In the first step, the distance is measured in coarse resolution, and in the second step, the distance is measured in fine resolution. A first pulse train is transmitted using a transmit time base from the first radio transceiver. The first pulse train is received at a second radio transceiver. The second radio transceiver synchronizes its time base with the first pulse train before transmitting a second pulse train back to the first radio transceiver, which then synchronizes a receive time base with the second pulse train. The time delay between the transmit time base and the receive time base can then be determined.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 5, 2004Publication date: July 15, 2004Applicant: TIME DOMAIN CORPORATIONInventors: James L. Richards, Larry W. Fullerton, David C. Meigs, Randall S. Stanley, Ivan A. Cowie
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Patent number: 6750804Abstract: A system and method for detecting a target. The inventive method includes the steps of receiving a complex return signal of an electromagnetic pulse having a real and an imaginary component; extracting from the imaginary component information representative of the phase component of the return signal; and utilizing the phase component to detect the target. Specifically, the phase components are those found from the complex range-Doppler map. More specific embodiments further include the steps of determining a power spectral density of the phase component of the return signal; performing a cross-correlation of power spectral density of the phase component of the return signal between different antenna-subarray (quadrant channels); and averaging the cross-correlated power spectral density of the low frequency components. In an alternative embodiment, the cross-correlation is performed on the phase component of the range-Doppler map directly.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2002Date of Patent: June 15, 2004Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventors: Hai-Wai Chen, Harry A. Schmitt, George T. David, Dennis C. Braunreiter, Alphonso A. Samuel
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Patent number: 6744401Abstract: A method for testing a radar system utilizing flight test radar data is described. The method includes time synchronizing measured radar data with a GPS based time marker, storing at least a portion of the time synchronized radar data, storing the GPS data, processing the stored GPS data to correspond with a physical position of an antenna which received the radar data, providing a radar model, and comparing the processed radar model data to the stored radar data.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2002Date of Patent: June 1, 2004Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: James R. Hager, Jason I. Formo, Jens M. Henrickson
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Patent number: 6744400Abstract: A method and system for probing incident radar fields in a target test zone of a radar cross-section (RCS) test facility is provided. The present invention accomplishes probing by exploiting the angular radar response of a string or wire stretched horizontally or vertically through the test zone. One end of the string is fixed, while the other end is moved by a wall-mounted or floor-mounted actuator. The angle of the string is gradually changed with respect to the direction of arrival of incident waves generated by the test facility. The radar echo from the string is measured as a function of the string angle. The data is then processed to yield a profile of the incident wave intensity along the string. This probing can be routinely achieved for any desired frequency.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2003Date of Patent: June 1, 2004Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Pax S. P. Wei, Anthony W. Reed, Eugene F. Knott, Craig N. Ericksen
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Publication number: 20040090361Abstract: A radar device is described having means (10) for generating a carrier signal having a carrier frequency fT, means (12, 13, 15, 17) for generating pulses having a pulse repetition rate fPW, means (16) for splitting the carrier signal between a transmission branch and a reception branch, means (18, 19, 21, 27, 29) for delaying the pulses, means (24) for mixing the carrier signal in the reception branch with a reception signal and means (26) for integrating the mixed signal, whereby means (20, 23) for modulating the carrier signal in the transmission branch with the delayed pulses are provided and means for altering the delay in the pulses according to a predetermined code are provided. A method of suppressing interference with the functioning of a radar device is also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2003Publication date: May 13, 2004Inventor: Thomas Brosche
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Patent number: 6734820Abstract: An in-phase/quadrature component (IQ) mixer is configured to reject returns from a negative doppler shift swath in order to mitigate corruption of returns of a positive doppler shift swath. The mixer includes a sample delay element which produces a quadrature component from the in-phase component of an input signal. Further included are a plurality of mixer elements, a plurality of low pass filters, a plurality of decimators, and a plurality of all pass filters which act upon both the in-phase and quadrature components of the input signal. Also, a subtraction element is included which is configured to subtract the filtered and down sampled quadrature component from the filtered and down sampled in-phase component.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2002Date of Patent: May 11, 2004Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: James R. Hager, Jens M. Henrickson, Lavell Jordan, Curtis J. Petrich