Abstract: Optical ground tracking apparatus for use with buried object locators or other instruments or devices are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method for tracking movement of a buried utility locator over a surface includes generating an output light, providing the output light to the surface, receiving a portion of the output light that is reflected from the surface, and generating information associated with a user-applied movement of the locator over the surface based at least in part on the received reflected portion of the output light.

Abstract: Systems and methods for compressive sense imaging are provided. In one aspect, a system and method is provided for determining at least one kernel matrix based on the relative motion of an object during a time period corresponding to the acquisition of one or more compressive measurements of the object. An uncompressed image of the object is generated using the compressive measurements using a reconstruction basis matrix that is different from the compressive basis matrix used to acquire the compressive measurements of the object. To compensate for the relative motion of the object, the reconstruction basis matrix is determined based on the at least one kernel matrix and the compressive basis matrix.

Abstract: A detection method comprising directing radiation such that it is incident upon a target, the radiation containing a component having a first polarisation and a component having a second orthogonal polarisation, detecting radiation which is scattered from the target, and analysing the polarisation state of the detected scattered radiation to determine whether the target includes an object.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for processing three-dimensional (3D) information is described. The 3D information processing apparatus may measure first depth information of an object using a sensor apparatus such as a depth camera, may estimate a foreground depth of the object, a background depth of a background, and a degree of transparency of the object, may estimate second depth information of the object based on the estimated foreground depth, background depth, and degree of transparency, and may determine the foreground depth, the background depth, and the degree of transparency through comparison between the measured first depth information and the estimated second depth information.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for an airborne biota monitoring and control system are disclosed. Radar and laser/optical sensors are used to detect insects, with detection zones being over water in some embodiments to reduce backscatter clutter. A pest control laser or small autonomous or radio controlled aircraft under automated or human control may be used to disable a targeted flying insect. One embodiment includes use of a head-mounted display for displaying insect targeting information superimposed on a real landscape view. Technologies such as adaptive lens, holographic optical elements, polarized radar and/or laser beams, light amplifiers and light guides, thin disk, spinning disk, or vertical cavity surface emitting lasers enhance performance of the apparatus or reduce cost of the apparatus. Also disclosed are methods of discrimination of insect types using spectral information and dynamic relative variation of spectral intensities at different wavelengths reflected from an insect in flight.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detects one or more subsurface targets by receiving a reflectivity data from two or more subsurface reflectors using a ground penetrating radar. The two or more subsurface reflectors may include the one or more subsurface targets and a medium surrounding the one or more subsurface targets. An impedance data for the two or more subsurface reflectors is calculated by inverting the reflectivity data using a temporal transmission line model with a “layer-peeling” method. One or more constitutive parameters of the two or more subsurface reflectors are calculated based on the impedance data. The one or more subsurface targets are detected based on a change in the one or more constitutive parameters.

Abstract: A displacement measuring system to measure the displacement of a structural object that includes a transmitter having a signal generator and an antenna wherein the antenna is securable relative to one of a displaced object and a support. The antenna defines a transmitter axis that is parallel to the displacement axis of the object and a centerline that is perpendicular to the displacement axis. The system further includes a first receiver and a second receiver having antennas securable relative to the other of the object and the support. The receiver antennas are positioned along a receiver axis that is parallel to the displacement axis and being spaced along the receiver axis on either side of the center line. The receiver antennas are configured to detect a signal emitted by the transmitter. The system further includes a phase detector to triangulate phase change and calculate object displacement.

Abstract: In embodiments, a method of detecting a transmitting device within an obstruction rich environment is disclosed. The method may involve detecting the transmitting device with a wireless transmission detection facility; communicating signal information relating to the detected transmitting device from the wireless transmission detection facility to a central unit; determining the location of the transmitting device; displaying information of the detection and location of the transmitting device through a user interface; and providing an action facility for causing actions related to the detected transmitting device.

Abstract: The various technologies presented herein relate to identifying manmade and/or natural features in a radar image. Two radar images (e.g., single polarization SAR images) can be captured for a common scene. The first image is captured at a first instance and the second image is captured at a second instance, whereby the duration between the captures are of sufficient time such that temporal decorrelation occurs for natural surfaces in the scene, and only manmade surfaces, e.g., a road, produce correlated pixels. A LCCD image comprising the correlated and decorrelated pixels can be generated from the two radar images. A median image can be generated from a plurality of radar images, whereby any features in the median image can be identified. A superpixel operation can be performed on the LCCD image and the median image, thereby enabling a feature(s) in the LCCD image to be classified.

Abstract: A system and method of identifying concealed objects using an anthropomorphic display is disclosed. In a particular embodiment, the method includes displaying a software 3-D avatar on a visual display when an individual is detected within a scanning area, where the 3-D avatar is an anthropomorphic representation of the individual. The method also includes scanning the individual with a plurality of concealed object detection sensors viewing the scanning area and identifying at least one area on the individual in response to detecting a concealed object on the individual, where the at least one area in which the concealed object is detected on the individual is visually indicated at a corresponding location on the software 3-D avatar with a computer generated highlight. In addition, the software 3-D avatar is dimmed, modified with text, graphics, colors, textures, opacity, transparency, or any combination thereof, when no individuals are detected in the scanning area.

Abstract: A positive response notification to provide information regarding locate and/or marking operations for underground facilities may include time-stamp information to provide proof of a time at which the locate and/or marking operation was completed by a locate technician, and/or place-stamp information to provide proof of a presence of the locate technician at or near a work site. An electronic manifest image and/or a virtual white line image similarly may be included in a positive response notification. In one example, such images may be bundled together based on respective descriptor files (or descriptor metadata) that associates the corresponding images with a locate request ticket for the operation. In another example, a positive response notification may include environmental information regarding one or more environmental conditions present at or near the work site during the locate and/or marking operation.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods associated with an antenna system comprising a tension member configured to be towed by an aerial platform. In some embodiments, a first end of the tension member may be secured to the aerial platform and the second end may extend unsecured from the aerial platform at a different elevation than the first end. A plurality of antenna assemblies, each comprising at least one antenna, may be secured to and spaced along the length of the tension member. Each of the plurality of antennas may be adapted for use with a particular frequency or frequency bandwidth. For example, each of the plurality of antennas may be adapted or tuned for one or more frequencies useful for synthetic aperture radar (SAR). In some embodiments, a receiving system, a communication link, and/or an antenna location system may be utilized.

Abstract: A method for displaying an active radar image of an object on a handheld screening device is provided comprising taking a sequence of active radar images of an object, the different active radar images of the sequence being representative for different distances of the object from the handheld screening device; selecting an image of the sequence of active radar images; and displaying the selected image on a display. A corresponding handheld screening device is provided as well.

Abstract: A multi-modal ground penetrating radar includes a radar set configured to launch predistorted double-sideband (DSB) suppressed-carrier modulated continuous waves (CW) to illuminate and penetrate a ground surface. A variable frequency modulator is connected to modulate a continuous wave (CW) carrier frequency generator within the radar set to yield a double-sideband suppressed carrier output. A lateral single-file array of antennas is configured to be flown closely over the surface of the ground. A multiplexing switch is connected to the array of antennas and configured to selectively switch individual ones of the antennas to the radar set. Any early arriving signals returned from geologic clutter and surface reflections are suppressed in synchronous detection in relation to signals received by the array of antennas from less shallow depths. Interesting objects below the ground surface are detected and located by the late arriving signal reflections.

Abstract: An inspection system for a metal-reinforced concrete structure is described. The system includes a radio frequency (RF) system configured to be movable with respect to a surface of the concrete structure while transmitting radio signals into the interior of the structure, and receiving reflected radio signals. The system also includes a processor configured to process the reflected radio signals, so as to obtain a focused image of the reinforcement in at least one selected region within the concrete structure. The image corresponds to the physical condition of the reinforcement. A method for determining the condition of a reinforced concrete structure is also described, utilizing the inspection system.

Abstract: An improved solution for generating depth maps using time-of-flight measurements is described, more specifically a time-of-flight imager and a time-of-flight imaging method with an improved accuracy. A depth correction profile is applied to the measured depth maps, which takes into account propagation delays within an array of pixels of a sensor of the time-of-flight imager.

Abstract: In a method of detecting an underground object which is at least partially under a surface of ground, a first view of the object determined by transmitting a first radar signal from a first known geolocation. A second view of the object is determined by transmitting a second radar signal from a second known geolocation. The respective first and second trajectories of the first and second radar signals are oblique with respect to the surface of the ground and the respective first and second trajectories are at a first angle with respect to each other. A position of the object is estimated by maximizing a correlation between the first view and the second view by adjusting an estimated dielectric constant associated with medium between the object and the surface of the ground.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for sparse array RF imaging for surveillance applications. The present invention enables object image identification using a sparsely populated array of distributed radio nodes deployed and operated as a radar detection, tracking and identification application. Three-dimensional object images are formed, from which estimates of extent and shape can be extracted for objects that are detected in the vicinity of the deployed radar array. In addition, techniques are provided for the identification and/or classification of vehicles, humans and fauna through feature extraction from the formed three-dimensional images.

Abstract: The disclosed technology includes a device and method of use for direct printing and ink or other marking, in conjunction with GPR techniques. In a most basic embodiment of the disclosed technology, a relevant date, time, filename, and other parameters are printed or otherwise physically exhibited on the measurement surface, so that RADAR files can be later attributed to a specific data collection site. In a more advanced embodiment of the disclosed technology, actual RADAR target information is printed, or otherwise physically exhibited, on the measurement surface, such as while measuring, or substantially while measuring, the surface and substrate beneath with GPR.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method to determine whether a water leakage has occurred in ground by means of Doppler radar. The device comprises a radar emitting unit for emitting electromagnetic waves into the ground, a receiver unit for receiving signals reflected from a fluctuating water surface, a signal processing unit which band pass filters the received signal to obtain a signal that only comprises the Doppler shifted frequencies, creates a measure of the derivative of the reflected signal and, in a decision processor, compares this measure with a threshold value corresponding to the signal value of the background. If the measure of the derivative exceeds said threshold value a leakage is considered to have occurred.

Abstract: A simple system is provided to dramatically reduce the number of bird fatalities and injuries, as these are bird-kills that man should be able to do something about. Essentially, the inventive apparatus comprises one or more instantaneously inflatable mini-airbags on turbine blade leading edges which, in the “stowed position” are tightly conformally elastically wrapped around or juxtaposed to the turbine blade surface(s) and/or edges(s) thereby not affecting the blade's aerodynamic efficiency. The airbag(s) can be activated and restowed or recollapsed very rapidly, thereby not significantly negatively impacting the operational efficiency of the wind machine.

Abstract: A method of synthetic aperture radar autofocus for ground penetration radar. The method includes transmitting a signal via an antenna; receiving a reflected signal comprising a plurality of image blocks via the antenna; reading each image block from the reflected signal via a processor; locating prominent targets in each image block via the processor; estimating ground penetration phase error via the processor in each image block via phase error inputs including pulling range and quantization level by generating a 1D phase error and converting the 1D phase error into a 2D phase error of an image spectra; refocusing each image block according to estimated ground penetration phase error for that image block via the processor; and forming an image mosaic comprising each refocused image block via the processor.

Abstract: A method of determining the orientation of a robotic machine at a worksite contemplates providing a target on the machine, moving the target to a first position on said machine, determining the location of the first position in the worksite, moving the target to a second position on said machine, and determining location of the second position in the worksite. The first and second positions are known with respect to the machine. Finally, a vector between the first and second locations defines the orientation of the machine with respect to the worksite. The target may be moved to additional positions on the machine.

Abstract: A system and method of identifying changes utilizing radio frequency polarization includes receiving a reflected and/or transmitted polarized radio frequency signal at a receiver, filtering, amplifying and conditioning the received signal, converting the received signal from an analog format to a digital format, processing the digital signal to elicit a polarization mode dispersion feature of the received signal, and comparing the polarization mode dispersion features to a known calibration to detect a change in a characteristic of the target object.

Abstract: This invention relates to devices and processes for geophysical prospecting, subsurface fluid monitoring and, more particular, to the use of interferometric techniques using Control Source Electromagnetic (“CSEM”) and Magnetoturelic (“MT”) signals to create images of sub-surface structures and fluids.

Abstract: An automatic frequency control is used to keep a continuous wave (CW) transmission tuned to the resonant frequency of a resonant microwave patch antenna (RMPA). Changes in loading and the bulk dielectric constant of the mixed media in front of the RMPA will affect its resonant frequency and input impedance. A significant shift in the measured input impedance is interpreted as an object moving nearby, and the phase angle of the measured input impedance is used to estimate the direction of an object's movement.

Abstract: This invention will be an apparatus, system and use of Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) as a noninvasive and non-destructive means to detect and examine tree roots, below grade of the soil surface. This invention will provide a means and methodology for objective evaluation of tree root defects based upon standards for urban trees at all levels of the Nursery Tree Industry. The output from software algorithms will provide guidance for remediation of defects when appropriate, inventory and management data for proactive maintenance at all levels of the supply chain. This apparatus, system and methodology will be a new and useful process at all levels of the supply chain for nursery tree stock.

Abstract: A Work Area Monitor comprising a radar module mounted on a motorized vehicle. The Work Area Monitor provides early warning of slope failure in a work area by generating an alarm if movement detected in movement data derived from interferometrically processed radar images exceeds a threshold.

Abstract: A method for detecting hidden explosives or weapons, including transmitting a signal in different polarization channels towards an object, the next stage includes collecting back scattered energy in different polarization channels from the object, the next stage includes determining parameters that are dependent upon the transmitted signal polarization channels and the backscattered energy polarization channels, and providing an indication if there are hidden explosives or weapons in the object based on the parameters.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating an electrical device which during operation emits electromagnetic radiation at least temporarily, and to a method for operating a locating device for identifying objects. The method for operating an electrical device is characterized in that the presence of an external radiation source or radio communication service is detected. The invention also relates to an electrical device, especially a locating device comprising at least one UWB sensor, which device is operated according to the method of the invention.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention relate to a system (10) and a method for tracking one or more targets by a radar using a multiple hypothesis tracking (MHT) algorithm, the method including operating the radar to transmit a radar beam from a first location toward the one or more targets, operating the radar to receive a plurality of return signals at the first location from the one or more targets, and to generate a plurality of observations for a single radar dwell respectively corresponding to the plurality of return signals, and processing the plurality of observations in accordance with the MHT algorithm for at least two passes such that more than one of the plurality of observations are associated with a single track of the one or more targets.

Abstract: A system includes a self-propelled robotic vehicle carrying an UWB sensor. The UWB sensor responds to binary transitions of a mode control signal to select for its modes of operation.

Abstract: A guided wave radar transmitter for interface measurement comprises a probe defining a transmission line for sensing level of two immiscible liquids to define an interface therebetween. A pulse circuit generates pulses on the transmission line and receives a reflected signal from the transmission line. The reflected signal selectively includes a level pulse representing material level and an interface pulse representing interface level. A controller operates in an interface mode to determine the material level and the interface level responsive to receiving the level pulse and the interface pulse. The controller operates in a medium identification mode responsive to not receiving the interface pulse, comprising calculating an estimated amplitude of the level pulse for the two immiscible liquids and comparing actual amplitude of the level pulse to the estimated amplitude of the level pulse to identify the medium in the vessel.

Abstract: A millimeter wave three dimensional holographic scan imaging apparatus and a method for inspecting an object to be inspected using the same are disclosed. The apparatus includes a millimeter wave transceiver module with a millimeter wave transceiver antenna array for transmitting and receiving a millimeter wave signal. The apparatus also includes a guide rail device, to which the millimeter wave transceiver module is connected in slidable form. The millimeter wave transceiver module is moveable along the guide rail device to perform a plane scan on an object to be inspected. A data processing device generates a millimeter wave holographic image from the plane scan.

Abstract: Systems and method for near-field millimeter wave imaging are provided, in particular, near-field millimeter wave imaging systems and methods that enable sub-wavelength resolution imaging by scanning objects with sub-wavelength probe elements and capturing and measuring phase and intensity of reflected energy to generate images.

Abstract: An object detection system may be capable of sensing a buried object and providing an estimate of the object's depth. The object detection system may comprise a signal generator transmitting one or more signals. At least one of the signals may be directed toward the buried object and reflected off of the object back to the system. At least one of the signals may be transmitted along a variable length path. A correlator may then receive the signals and determine an offset between their arrival times at the correlator. The variable length path may then be adjusted over a range which includes a minimum offset indicating a distance to the object.

Abstract: Targets are detected in a scene behind a wall by first transmitting a pulse through the wall. Then, a primary impulse response is detected by a sparse regularized least squares inversion applied to received signals corresponding to the reflected pulse. A delay operator that matches the primary impulse response to similar impulse responses in the received signals is also determined. A distortion of the pulse after the pulse passes through the wall but before the pulse is reflected by the target can also be determined. The distortion is used in an iterative process to refine the detection of the target and to suppress ghosting artifacts.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for the illumination and imaging of objects with the assistance of electromagnetic radiation, for example, millimeter radiation. Such a system comprises at least one transmitting antenna, at least one receiving antenna, and at least one reflector element. An actively polarizing material layer is present on the reflector element. A processing unit determines an image of the object on the basis of the radiation received from the receiving antenna.

Abstract: A Work Area Monitor comprising a radar module mounted on a motorised vehicle. The Work Area Monitor provides early warning of slope failure in a work area by generating an alarm if movement detected in movement data derived from interferometrically processed radar images exceeds a threshold.

Abstract: A sub-carrier successive approximation (SCSA) radar having a sufficiently high accuracy to capture 3D images of concealed objects. The invention is phase-based, and directly measures round trip time by estimating the phase delay of the carrier. One of its advantages is that the carrier does not need to sweep across a wide frequency range, thereby relaxing RF front-end bandwidth and linearity requirements. SCSA radar accuracy is limited only by the extent of system noise, allowing very high accuracy to be achieved with a sufficient integration period. The SCSA radar can be readily implemented in CMOS, as well as other device technologies, and fabricated within one or more small integrated circuits.

Abstract: The invention relates to a machine tool monitoring device. It is proposed that the machine tool monitoring device comprises at least one signal unit for an ultra wide band operation.

Abstract: A movable platform has a front end, a back end, a longitudinal axis, and at least one axle oriented generally transverse to the longitudinal axis and located between the front and back ends for supporting wheels of the platform. A position sensor is affixed on the platform at a location other than at a location defined by a plane passing through the axle and normal to the longitudinal axis. The position sensor provides position data as the platform traverses a path. A sensor arrangement is supported by the platform and configured to provide subsurface sensor data as the platform traverses the path. A processor is configured to associate the position data with the sensor data relative to a reference frame and in a manner that accounts for dynamic motion of the platform.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for performing a 3D image reconstruction at a high speed and high resolution, regardless of a measurement distance. Specifically, a weight for image reconstruction is previously set, and a 3D image reconstruction algorithm is performed at a high speed, without reducing a resolution, by a parallel processing for image reconstruction, a computation of a partial region using a database based on a measurement result, and a generation of a variable pulse waveform.

Abstract: An electromagnetic body scanning system may include a measuring system for measuring data of radio waves scattered by a body in two distinct subbands; and a computer system. The computer system is arranged for constructing a first image of the body using the measured data, generating synthetic scattered data of the body in a frequency range outside the subbands, and constructing a second image of the body using both the measured data and the synthetic data. The step of constructing a first image includes matching an image to a human model.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a subterranean imaging apparatus comprises at least two receive channels configured on a land-based vehicle and a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) system. The at least two receive channels are operable to generate electrical signals according to electromagnetic radiation reflected from a subterranean target below a ground surface. The SAR system is operable to receive the electrical signals from the at least two receive channels, generate raw images from the received electrical signals, generate a weighting according to phase statistics of pixels in the raw images, and combine the raw images using the weighting to generate a refined image of the subterranean target.

Abstract: Detection of objects such as a buried explosive device while operating from a moving platform using a radio frequency emission system having two modes. An electromagnetic wave emission and detection system operates in a first mode to locate objects of interest and in a second mode to determine if an object contains explosive materials. In the first mode, the emission and detection system preferably operates as a subwavelength focusing, wideband, superlens using a near field super gain synthetic aperture continuous wave (CW) swept radar. In the second mode the system preferably enabled after detection of an object in the first mode, uses chemical detection methods such as Nuclear Quadrupole Resonance (NQR).

Abstract: A presence detector unit (PDU) of the type relying on microwave radiation provides a signal indicating movement within a defined space when such movement occurs. A source of microwave radiation within a housing projects a beam of microwave radiation directed through a side of the housing to suffuse at least a portion of the defined space. A detector within the housing senses changes in microwave radiation reflected back toward the detector. An adjustable beam occlusion structure is supported by the housing and blocks a portion of the microwave radiation emanating from the source and through the side of the housing.

Abstract: This invention relates to sense through the wall radar. A main channel of a radar system (12) is operated at a frequency capable of penetrating opaque barriers such as the wall (24) of a building (22) to sense targets (16) therein. The main channel performance may be impaired by multipath interference, i.e., radar returns resulting from targets (20) outside the building (22) illuminated by reflection from the wall (24). A guard channel of the radar, operating at a higher frequency which does not penetrate the wall (24), is used to identify targets (20) outside the building (22) and suppress the multipath interference they produce in the main channel.

Abstract: A submillimeter wavelength radar system has a receiver (20, 27, 90) for receiving and downconverting signals from content in a field of view of the system and a signal processor (30) arranged to determine information about the content from the downconverted signals, the radar system being arranged to obtain signals of the same points in the field of view from different illumination or receiving angles by having multiple illumination or receive positions, and the signal processor being arranged to use the determined information from the signals from the two or more angles to determine location or orientation of the content. By using information from different angles, it becomes possible to address or overcome the drawback of submillimeter wavelengths that most of the reflection is specular and so only surfaces of an object facing the radar system are detectable, meaning that many objects are unrecognisable.

Abstract: A soil detection and planting apparatus. The apparatus includes a vehicle and a controller coupled to the vehicle. The apparatus further includes a planting device coupled to the vehicle, the planting device configured to plant seeds or plants into a soil material. The apparatus includes a ground penetrating radar sensor coupled to the vehicle. The ground penetrating radar soil sensor is configured to scan the soil material up to a designated depth beneath a surface of the soil material, wherein the ground penetrating radar soil sensor is further configured to provide a sensor feedback signal to the controller with respect to an intrinsic characteristic of the soil material. The controller is configured to instruct placement of a seed or a plant into the soil material based on the feedback signal.