With Radio Voice Communication Patents (Class 342/57)
  • Patent number: 7538713
    Abstract: A method for transmitting bursts of data from a communications terminal to a mobile radar transceiver having inter-burst periods is disclosed. The method includes determining a propagation time between the communications terminal and mobile radar transceiver. A length of inter-burst periods of the mobile radar transceiver having an inter-burst timing can be determined. Bursts of data having a communication burst period that is less than the inter-burst period can be formed. The bursts of data from the communications terminal can be transmitted at a transmission time based on the inter-burst timing and the propagation time to enable each burst of data to be received by the mobile radar transceiver during one of the inter-burst periods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: L-3 Communications, Corp.
    Inventors: Larry S. Thomson, William K. McIntire, David H. Robbins, James J. Boesch
  • Patent number: 7535404
    Abstract: An airport safety system is disclosed, comprising surface movement radar for monitoring the movement of aircraft and land vehicles on an airport, said surface movement radar providing a signal input to a computer arranged to identify from the relative motions of aircraft and vehicles detected by the radar in accordance with a pre-programmed set of rules an aircraft at risk of collision. The computer is also programmed to cause transmission by radio of an audible alert signal when a risk is predicted, said radio transmission being at a standard aircraft communication frequency, such as the standard ground communication VHF radio channel. The alert signal can alternatively be transmitted by one of a plurality of message transmitting devices arranged at different locations adjacent to airport runways and taxiways, each message transmitting device comprising a radio transmitter connected to antenna means arranged to radiate a signal within a predetermined area at the location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Inventor: Nigel Corrigan
  • Patent number: 7535405
    Abstract: A multifunction radio for receiving radio signals from and sending transmissions to multiple radio systems comprises an antenna and a transmit/receive switch coupled to the antenna. The radio further comprises a receiver section coupled to the transmit/receive switch and configured to receive radio signals from one or more multiple radio systems. The receiver section includes a digital downconverter configured to digitally downconvert radio signals sent from one or more of the multiple radio systems and a digital signal processor coupled to the digital downconverter for processing the downconverted signals. A transmitter section is coupled to the transmit/receive switch and configured to generate a transmission signal for reception by one or more of the multiple radio systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey K. Hunter
  • Patent number: 7515091
    Abstract: A method and system for communicating using pulsed radar signal data links is disclosed. The method comprises encoding downlink data with a signature sequence as a secondary function onto a continuous wave pulse signal having a primary function at a master device. The data-encoded pulse signal from the master device is interpreted at one or more slave devices configured to receive the pulse signal within a first communications bandwidth of the primary and secondary functions. The master device synchronizes returning communication transmissions from each of the one or more slave devices for the secondary function within a prescribed return interval of the primary function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: David W. Meyers, Michael R. Franceschini, James A. Freebersyser
  • Publication number: 20090015461
    Abstract: A radar/laser emission detector is augmented with a cellular communications capability to provide the capability to share emission detection information amongst drivers to give other drivers even more advanced warning. A network of a plurality of cellular augmented radar/laser emission detector devices may be formed, each having the capability to source the location of radar or laser emission detections to others requesting access to such information, and each being warned when within a proximity of a recent radar or laser emission detection reported by at least one of the plurality of hybrid radar/laser detector devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2006
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventors: Lance Douglas Pitt, Sarah Jean Lawrence, Daniel D. DeLapp
  • Patent number: 7471236
    Abstract: A radar/laser emission detector is augmented with a cellular communications capability to provide the capability to share emission detection information amongst drivers to give other drivers even more advanced warning. A network of a plurality of cellular augmented radar/laser emission detector devices may be formed, each having the capability to source the location of radar or laser emission detections to others requesting access to such information, and each being warned when within a proximity of a recent radar or laser emission detection reported by at least one of the plurality of hybrid radar/laser detector devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: TeleCommunication Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Lance Douglas Pitt, Sarah Jean Lawrence, Daniel D. DeLapp
  • Patent number: 7453391
    Abstract: A method for asynchronously transmitting bursts of data from a communications terminal to a burst radar transceiver is disclosed. The burst radar can transmit a plurality of bursts, each separated by an inter-burst interval. An inter-burst interval length of the burst radar transceiver can be established. A burst of data at the communications terminal can be formed having a terminal burst interval length less than half the inter-burst interval of the burst radar transceiver. The burst of data can be transmitted a plurality of times from the communications terminal to the burst radar transceiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: L-3 Communications, Corp.
    Inventors: William K. McIntire, Larry S. Thomson, David H. Robbins, James J. Boesch
  • Patent number: 7443334
    Abstract: A collision alerting and avoidance system for use in an aerial vehicle is presented herein. The system comprises a one low profile antenna array disposed on the aerial vehicle. A transmitter/receiver probe is coupled to the antenna array. The transmitter/receiver probe is configured to transmit electromagnetic waves and to receive an echo signal reflected from a threat obstacle. At least one transmitter/receiver module is coupled to the transmitter/receiver probe. The transmitter/receiver module is configured to produce electromagnetic waves for transmission and to receive the echo signal. A processor coupled to the plurality of transmitter/receiver modules controls the transmission of electromagnetic waves from the antenna array and processes the echo signal to provide an output signal containing information regarding the obstacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Inventors: Frank L. Rees, William B. Cotton
  • Patent number: 7423577
    Abstract: A system and method for transmitting high data rate information from a pulsed radar is disclosed. The method includes collecting information using a mobile radar platform. The information is divided into a plurality of segments. Each segment is configured to fit within a time period less than a radar burst signal time period. Each segment is modulated onto a radar burst signal to form modulated radar burst signals. The modulated radar burst signals are transmitted from the pulsed radar system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Inventors: William K. McIntire, Larry S. Thomson, David H. Robbins, James J. Boesch
  • Patent number: 7423576
    Abstract: According to the invention, IEEE 802.15.4a packets are used for communications, ranging and passive radar (detecting changes/motions, tracking objects in the environment) functionality. Changes and motions in the environment are detected by exploiting the specific preamble structure of the IEEE 802.15.4a packets. A sequence of packets transmitted through an environment is received. Each packet includes a preamble. The preamble in each packet is despread to update a reference multipath profile and to obtain a current multipath profile for a currently received packet. The reference multipath profile is compared with the current multipath profile to detect an object in the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Research Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Zafer Sahinoglu, Sinan Gezici
  • Patent number: 7424269
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a method, apparatus and system of radar detection. The method, according to some demonstrative embodiments of the invention, may include comparing an energy level of signals received over a wireless communication channel to a threshold; during operation of a processor, if the energy level is above the threshold, determining independently of the processor one or more time values related to said signals; and if the energy level decreases to or below the threshold, interrupting the operation of the processor to determine, based on the time values, one or more parameters of a detection time period during which the energy level was above the threshold. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Solomon B. Trainin, Jorge Myszne, Oded Liron
  • Patent number: 7417581
    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: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Time Domain Corporation
    Inventors: Larry W. Fullerton, James L. Richards
  • Patent number: 7414566
    Abstract: A system is for recognizing obstructions and monitoring movements on or above an airport area (1) with sensors (2, 3, 4). A sensor (2) is a radar device having a plurality of antenna elements (12, 14), which are affixed to a curved surface (15) of an antenna carrier (2a) and are turned on, one after the other, in terms of time. Thus a first part of the antenna elements (14) is disposed on a first circular line (13) on the surface of the antenna carrier (2a), and a second part of the antenna elements (12) is disposed on a circular line (15) perpendicular to the first circular line (13). Therefore the data of the radar device (2) are evaluated in a first ROSAR process, to image the situation on the ground, and in a second ROSAR process, to image the heights of the flying objects to be observed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: EADS Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Horst Kaltschmidt, Helmut Klausing
  • Publication number: 20080136701
    Abstract: An electronic counter measures solution. Jamming signals are emitted towards a threat to improve chances of survival for at least two vehicles, which are physically separated from one another, however associated with one another in a group. Each of the at least two vehicles receives a wireless time reference signal from an external resource. The vehicles exchange messages over a wireless data link. The messages pertain to usage of at least one electronic warfare resource in each vehicle. Based on the messages and the time reference signal the usage of at least one first electronic warfare resource in a first vehicle is coordinated with the usage of at least one second electronic warfare resource in a second vehicle, such that a particular type of jamming signal is emitted alternately either from the at least one first resource or from the at least one second resource, essentially without any overlaps or gaps in time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2006
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: SAAB AB
    Inventors: Niklas Ferm, Thomas Lindvall
  • Patent number: 7358888
    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: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Time Domain
    Inventors: Larry W. Fullerton, James L. Richards
  • Patent number: 7339515
    Abstract: The invention relates to a distributed electronic counter measures solution, wherein jamming signals (JA; JB) may be emitted towards threats (X1, X2) from counter measures stations in multiple vehicles (A, B), which are physically separated from one another in order to improve the chances of survival the vehicles (A, B) as well as any other vehicles that are associated with these vehicles (A, B) in a group of vehicles. The vehicles in the group exchange messages (D) over a wireless data link (L), where the messages (D) sent from a particular station specify an availability status (Dres-status) for each electronic warfare resource in the station and a threat status (Dthr-status) registered by the station. A station in the group having a central planning function coordinates any jamming signals (JA; JB) emitted from the electronic warfare resources of the stations in the group, such that the resources are optimally used with respect to all of any registered threats (X1, X2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Saab AB
    Inventors: Niklas Ferm, Thomas Lindvall
  • Publication number: 20080018521
    Abstract: According to the invention, IEEE 802.15.4a packets are used for communications, ranging and passive radar (detecting changes/motions, tracking objects in the environment) functionality. Changes and motions in the environment are detected by exploiting the specific preamble structure of the IEEE 802.15.4a packets. A sequence of packets transmitted through an environment is received. Each packet includes a preamble. The preamble in each packet is despread to update a reference multipath profile and to obtain a current multipath profile for a currently received packet. The reference multipath profile is compared with the current multipath profile to detect an object in the environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2006
    Publication date: January 24, 2008
    Inventors: Zafer Sahinoglu, Sinan Gezici
  • Publication number: 20080007447
    Abstract: A data relay system for relaying data between an air vehicle or missile and a command centre, the data relay system comprising at least one balloon, the balloon comprising a communications link to both the command centre and the air vehicle or missile. The invention further provides a method of relaying data between an air vehicle or missile and a command centre, the method comprising the steps of providing a balloon with a radio frequency transmitter and receiver unit and a power unit, deploying the balloon at high altitude such that the balloon is within the line-of-sight of the command centre and the air vehicle or missile, and using the balloon to relay radio frequency signals between the air vehicle or missile and the command centre.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2002
    Publication date: January 10, 2008
    Inventor: Christopher G. Vincent
  • Patent number: 7307579
    Abstract: A collision alerting and avoidance system for use in an aerial vehicle is presented herein. The system comprises a one low profile antenna array disposed on the aerial vehicle. The array includes a plurality of horns; a polar horn, 45-degree horns, and equatorial horns. A transmitter/receiver probe is coupled to each horn. The transmitter/receiver probes are configured to transmit electromagnetic waves and to receive an echo signal reflected from a threat obstacle. A plurality of transmitter/receiver modules are coupled to each of the transmitter/receiver probes. The transmitter/receiver modules are configured to produce electromagnetic waves for transmission and to receive the echo signal. A processor coupled to the plurality of transmitter/receiver modules controls the transmission of electromagnetic waves from the horns and processes the echo signal to provide an output signal containing information regarding the obstacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Flight Safety Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank L. Rees, William B. Cotton
  • Patent number: 7298313
    Abstract: The invention provides a radar system capable of transmitting data communications concurrently with and on a non-interfering basis with the normal radar functions. A continuous-wave carrier frequency is generated and transmitted to perform the normal radar function such as the processing of doppler data. For data communication purposes, the carrier signal is pulse modulated at selected pulse repetition frequencies with the selected PRF transmitted as first-order sideband components of the fixed carrier frequency. PRF selection is made in accordance with input digital data. A remotely-disposed command link receiver processes the incoming carrier wave and its sideband components to reconstruct the information contained in the transmitted data rates. Sensitivity and optimum detection by the command link receiver is achieved in a special manner that includes a phase locking of the received carrier frequency to the generated carrier frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1975
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: William H. Fiden, Donald Walter Czubiak
  • Patent number: 7224308
    Abstract: A surveillance system is provided for surveillance of objects within a secure area. A surveillance sensor transmits surveillance signals to all objects within the secure area, the reflections of which are received back by the surveillance sensor to determine the locations of objects, and communicates the determined locations to a pressing facility. Objects authorized to be in the secure area are equipped with an Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) unit that includes a GPS receiver and a data communication transmitter. In response to predetermined conditions, the IFF units broadcast their position and identification to the processing facility for correlation with locations defined by the reflection signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Inventors: Walker Butler, Charles Chase
  • Patent number: 7190303
    Abstract: Systems and methods relate to an aircraft with a CAS that may be employed to enhance pilot awareness. The CAS may be employed on a formation member aircraft to provide a TA that is distinctive for an intruding formation member aircraft, as opposed to a TA provided as a result of an intruding nonmember aircraft. The CAS may also provide a plurality of status indications for aircraft engaged in airborne refueling, as well as aural indications of the present mode of operation for the CAS.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Aviation Communication & Surveillance Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Stacey R. Rowlan
  • Patent number: 7129887
    Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment, an augmented reality system for traffic control combines data from a plurality of sensors to display, in real time, information about traffic control objects, such as airplanes. The sensors collect data, such as infrared, ultraviolet, and acoustic data. The collected data is weather-independent due to the combination of different sensors. The traffic control objects and their associated data are then displayed visually to the controller regardless of external viewing conditions. The system also responds to the controller's physical gestures or voice commands to select a particular traffic control object for close-up observation or to open a communication channel with the particular traffic control object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin MS2
    Inventor: Steven W. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 7107032
    Abstract: A method of radar detection in a channel for radio local area networks operating in a regulatory band. First, a quiet time and quiet period are set, in which the ratio of the quiet time to the quiet period equals 1:4. The channel is quieted for the quiet time periodically at a rate dictated by the quiet period in order to be tested for radar. During each quiet time, a received power is measured to determine whether it exceeds a predetermined threshold. Radar presence is declared when the received power on that channel exceeds the predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Mediatek Inc.
    Inventor: Kuo-Hui Li
  • Patent number: 6977608
    Abstract: An airborne network system (ANS) on a member aircraft receives incoming geo-referenced atmospheric data regarding atmospheric conditions from other member aircraft and can re-transmit the data to other members. An air data system senses local pressure and temperature conditions. A navigation system calculates geo-referenced aircraft position. An inertial data system senses member aircraft attitude, angular rates and accelerations. A data processing system (DPS) generates the member aircraft's perspective of the atmospheric conditions, based on input data from the above-mentioned systems. Network directed DPS output atmospheric data is provided to the ANS to be transmitted to other airborne network systems positioned on other member aircraft. An airborne display system is adapted to receive crew directed DPS output atmospheric data and in response thereto display desired atmospheric forecast conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins
    Inventors: Eric N. Anderson, Patrick D. McCusker
  • Patent number: 6978116
    Abstract: A store and forward receiver for a satellite communication system employs a multi-threaded command interpreter, and an associated reduced complexity audio control language (ACL) to define commands for controlling actions at different receiver sites, each of which is programmable for its own local programming purposes. Upon receipt of a relatively simple command from the headend, the interpreter accesses and executes an associated sequence of potentially locally unique, previously stored commands, causing performance of a sequence of actions, e.g., play back of potentially locally unique, previously stored information files, interleaved with portions of a headend-source commercial audio program being rebroadcast at the receiver site. This allows different affiliate stations to produce separate potentially locally unique complex sequences of actions from a single headend-sourced command for all receivers in a network grouping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignee: International Communications Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Raymond Burr, Jr., Charles M. Nowell, Jr., George W. Waters
  • Patent number: 6954171
    Abstract: Radar Pulse detection and radar signal length detection are used to detect and provide information for identifying radar signals. Pulse detection estimates a radar pulse size when it is too short for meaningful measurement. Pulse detection identifies a radar by identification of an in-band pulse without a communication or data packet encoded therein, or a communication error is detected with the in-band pulse. Signal length detection counts the length of a received signal after the received signal exceeds a radar threshold. The count identifies the received signal length upon drop of the power. The signal is identified as a radar when the power drops before a PHY error occurs, or when the power drop occurs after a PHY error and a delay time equivalent to the shortest radar signal. A radar signal is also identified upon a timeout wait for a power drop after a PHY error.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: Atheros Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Husted, William J. McFarland, Xiaoru Zhang, John Thompson
  • Patent number: 6946989
    Abstract: In a transponder (19) for amplification of a received signal (60) into an antenna (1), to a signal (61) for retransmission, and where the retransmitted signal (61) possibly may have information superimposed, a quenched oscillator (5) is incorporated as amplifying element. The oscillator (5) is preferably of superregenerative type and exhibits negative resistance (30) for the received signal (60). Transponders according to the present invention may be introduced as system elements in a wireless or wire based network to work as intelligent or unintelligent connections in the network. The transponders can also be used in positioning systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Inventor: Geir Monsen Vavik
  • Patent number: 6891496
    Abstract: Radar Pulse detection and radar signal length detection are used to detect and provide information for identifying radar signals. Pulse detection estimates a radar pulse size when it is too short for meaningful measurement. Pulse detection identifies a radar by identification of an in-band pulse without a communication or data packet encoded therein, or a communication error is detected with the in-band pulse. Signal length detection counts the length of a received signal after the received signal exceeds a radar threshold. The count identifies the received signal length upon drop of the power. The signal is identified as a radar when the power drops before a PHY error occurs, or when the power drop occurs after a PHY error and a delay time equivalent to the shortest radar signal. A radar signal is also identified upon a timeout wait for a power drop after a PHY error.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: Atheros Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Husted, William J. McFarland, Xiaoru Zhang, John Thompson
  • Publication number: 20040263381
    Abstract: A system for visually indicating receipt of a radio communication directed to a user having an associated unique identification code. The system includes a radio transponder having an audio output, means for obtaining and storing the unique identification code; a speech recognition circuit operably connected to the radio transponder audio output and the stored identification code; and a visual indicator operably connected to an output of the speech recognition circuit, such that when the stored identification code and said audio input are substantially the same the visual indicator is driven to activation. A method is similarly disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventors: Robert P. Mitchell, Wayne C. Crouch, Martin J. Foley
  • Publication number: 20040252046
    Abstract: A field unit for warning of a danger of collision between an aircraft and an obstacle, in particular a topographical ground obstacle or an obstacle formed by a mast, building or aerial cable structure, comprises a multi-part tubular mast having devices for fixing a solar panel and a radar antenna; an elongate radar antenna in an environment-protective casing, which, with an electronics unit, forms a radar system for synthesized radar detection of an aircraft in a radar coverage area; a central processing unit for identifying on the basis of information from the radar system an aircraft which is in a zone of the radar coverage area and which on the basis of radar information such as direction, distance and/or speed computes a collision danger area; and a high-intensity light system and radio transmitter system that can be activated by the central processing unit upon detection of an aircraft in a collision danger area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2004
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Inventors: Morten Mork, Rolf Bakken
  • Publication number: 20040239553
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a combined radar and laser detector that enables a driver to drive safely and, more particularly, to a combined radar and laser detector, in which a signal receiving module for receiving various kinds of signals including traffic information and an information display module for informing a driver of the signals are separated, the signal receiving module and information display module are constructed to communicate with each other using wireless communication, and the information display module is integrated with a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver detecting GPS data related to the location and speed of a moving vehicle, so that the combined radar and laser detector can not only provide accurate traffic information to the driver, but also allow the installation thereof to be easy, the miniaturization thereof to be achieved, and power consumption to be minimized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Applicant: CHANNEL TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Dong-Ryeol Kim, Sun-Woung Jung
  • Publication number: 20040222917
    Abstract: An identification interrogator is provided for surveillance of objects within an area. The identification interrogator transmits interrogation signals to all objects within the surveillance area, the reflections of which are received back by the interrogator to determine the locations of the objects, and communicates the determined locations to a processing facility to determine their authorized locations. Upon receipt of interrogation signals, some of the objects within the surveillance area broadcast their position and identification to processing facility for correlation with the locations determined by the reflection signals. The locations of other objects are found by correlating the location determined by the reflection signal with a predetermined list of objects and their location within the surveillance area. These may be objects with no means or method to transmit position and identification information, such as rock formations or buildings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2003
    Publication date: November 11, 2004
    Inventor: Walker Butler
  • Patent number: 6816106
    Abstract: An identification interrogator is provided for surveillance of objects within an area. The identification interrogator transmits interrogation signals to all objects within the surveillance area, the reflections of which are received back by the interrogator to determine the locations of the objects, and communicates the determined locations to a processing facility to determine their authorized locations. Upon receipt of interrogation signals, some of the objects within the surveillance area broadcast their position and identification to processing facility for correlation with the locations determined by the reflection signals. The locations of other objects are found by correlating the location determined by the reflection signal with a predetermined list of objects and their location within the surveillance area. These may be objects with no means or method to transmit position and identification information, such as rock formations or buildings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Inventor: Walker Butler
  • Publication number: 20040201517
    Abstract: A radar detector (10) includes a first period detector (76, 122), a second period detector (96, 120) and a third period detector (86, 124) within a multi-period periodicity validator 38. The first period detector (76, 122) detects radar pulses exhibiting one-half of an expected pulse period (48), the second period detector (96, 120) detects radar pulses exhibiting the expected pulse period (48), and the third period detector (86, 124) detects radar pulses exhibiting twice the expected pulse period (48). A plurality of pulse-train records (40) can simultaneously track a plurality of possible pulse trains. A control element (84, 136, 138) accounts for missing pulses and corrects the expected pulse period when missing pulses have caused the expected pulse period to be inaccurate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2004
    Publication date: October 14, 2004
    Applicant: GlobespanVirata, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Davidson MacFarlane Shearer
  • Patent number: 6674391
    Abstract: A system includes a storage medium storing contextual information about a target or target area, and a simulator communicatively coupled to the storage medium and operable to receive the contextual information. The simulator is operable to generate a set of simulated information about the target using the contextual information. The system further includes a sensor operable to collect a set of actual information about the target. A comparator is operable to generate a set of delta information in response to differences between the set of simulated information and the set of actual information. The delta information is transmitted and added to a second set of simulated information to generate a set of information that is substantially similar to the set of actual information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: Robert A. Ruszkowski, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20030214430
    Abstract: Radar Pulse detection and radar signal length detection are used to detect and provide information for identifying radar signals. Pulse detection estimates a radar pulse size when it is too short for meaningful measurement. Pulse detection identifies a radar by identification of an in-band pulse without a communication or data packet encoded therein, or a communication error is detected with the in-band pulse. Signal length detection counts the length of a received signal after the received signal exceeds a radar threshold. The count identifies the received signal length upon drop of the power. The signal is identified as a radar when the power drops before a PHY error occurs, or when the power drop occurs after a PHY error and a delay time equivalent to the shortest radar signal. A radar signal is also identified upon a timeout wait for a power drop after a PHY error.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Publication date: November 20, 2003
    Inventors: Paul Husted, William J. McFarland, Xiaoru Zhang, John Thomson
  • Publication number: 20030206130
    Abstract: Radar Pulse detection and radar signal length detection are used to detect and provide information for identifying radar signals. Pulse detection estimates a radar pulse size when it is too short for meaningful measurement. Pulse detection identifies a radar by identification of an in-band pulse without a communication or data packet encoded therein, or a communication error is detected with the in-band pulse. Signal length detection counts the length of a received signal after the received signal exceeds a radar threshold. The count identifies the received signal length upon drop of the power. The signal is identified as a radar when the power drops before a PHY error occurs, or when the power drop occurs after a PHY error and a delay time equivalent to the shortest radar signal. A radar signal is also identified upon a timeout wait for a power drop after a PHY error.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2003
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Inventors: Paul Husted, William J. McFarland, Xiaoru Zhang, John Thomson
  • Patent number: 6584542
    Abstract: A Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) mobile station architecture consuming less power and random access memory (RAM) is presented herein. The mobile station includes a coprocessor which executes frame programs. The frame programs include instructions which address memory. The memory includes page addresses and byte addresses. The instructions of the frame program address the page addresses and byte addresses. A particular page address is reserved as a null page address, wherein any instruction addressing the null page address causes the memory locations of the most recently accessed memory page to be accessed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: National Semiconductor
    Inventor: David Weigand
  • Publication number: 20030102997
    Abstract: A vehicle communication system including a combined radar and wireless communication system coupling a plurality of vehicles. Preferably, the system also includes a plurality of access points which are coupled for wireless communication to the vehicles. There is also shown a method for vehicle communication including coupling a plurality of vehicles by means of a combined radar and wireless communication system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2002
    Publication date: June 5, 2003
    Applicant: Hexagon System Engineering Ltd.
    Inventors: Moshe Levin, Avraham Freedman
  • Patent number: 6546232
    Abstract: A mobile telephone with a housing (1), a transmitter, at least one receiver, a call number memory, and keys (2) located on the housing. The keys (2) include at least one emergency key (5) which is rendered prominent in size and/or color relative to the other keys and which when activated causes dialing of an emergency number stored in the call number memory. Furthermore, at least two electrodes, and preferably four electrodes (6, 7, 8, 9) which enable reception of EKG signals are connected to the housing, an EKG signal converter being provided which evaluates the EKG signals, transforms them to a form suitable for transmission, and transmits them to the transmitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Vita Phone GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Sack, Raimund Erbel
  • Publication number: 20030016160
    Abstract: A computer generated pilot instruction system for providing spatial information to a pilot corresponding to the difference between the actual landing fight path and optimal landing flight path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2001
    Publication date: January 23, 2003
    Inventors: Yuchoi Francis Lok, Steven R. Goncalo
  • Patent number: 6430479
    Abstract: A method, an apparatus and a computer program product are provided for accurately determining the vertical speed of an aircraft in a manner independent of signals provided by an air data computer, an inertial reference system and an inertial navigation system. Initially, a first vertical velocity of the aircraft is determined based upon a pressure altitude value associated with the aircraft. A second vertical velocity of the aircraft is also obtained from a GPS receiver carried by the aircraft. The first and second vertical velocities are then combined to determine the vertical speed of the aircraft. In this regard, the first and second vertical velocities are combined by complimentarily filtering the first and second vertical velocities. More particularly, the first vertical velocity is typically low pass filtered to remove high frequency noise that is attributable to the relatively low resolution of the first vertical velocity value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven C. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6366233
    Abstract: Frequency resources of a DME/TACAN band specified for the aircraft band are effectively utilized, and a GPS reinforcing data is overlapped onto distance information to be broadcast. A header is added to a DGPS reinforcing data, and the transmitting pulse level of a conventional ground DME system is modulated, and the data is broadcast to an airborne system. In the airborne system, a threshold value of “1” and “0” is generated by a level detecting device (5), and the start point of the data is detected by a header detecting device (6), and the reinforcing data is supplied to the airborne system. Consequently, the function of broadcasting a data by overlapping the data onto the distance information of the DME is achieved. Since the DME uses the L band, the radio interference with the existing ILS, VOR, aircraft radio transmission, and broadcasting station can be avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Naohito Oshida
  • Patent number: 6356228
    Abstract: There is provided an automatic airport information transmitting apparatus comprising: airport-inside-target detecting means for detecting a target inside an airport; target judging means for judging a target moved in a place within the airport, which is required to surveille an aircraft based upon target position information derived from the airport-inside-target detecting means; and transmitting means for transmitting information of the target inside the airport judged by the target judging means to an aircraft which is flying around the airport in a wireless manner. In a relatively small-scaled airport where no controller is present, the automatic airport information transmitting apparatus improves a flight security of aircraft which are flying around the airport and are landing at this airport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Atsushi Tomita
  • Publication number: 20020008658
    Abstract: A radar signal detecting apparatus is provided. The radar signal detecting apparatus includes a coupler diverging a part of signal from received signal, a local oscillator outputting local signal, a mixer converting the diverged signal multiplied the local signal into low frequency signal and a detector detecting a radar signal from the low frequency signal by using a threshold above side lobe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2001
    Publication date: January 24, 2002
    Inventor: Hideto Oura
  • Publication number: 20020003488
    Abstract: A vehicle communication system including a combined radar and wireless communication system coupling a plurality of vehicles. Preferably, the system also includes a plurality of access points which are coupled for wireless communication to the vehicles. There is also shown a method for vehicle communication including coupling a plurality of vehicles by means of a combined radar and wireless communication system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2001
    Publication date: January 10, 2002
    Applicant: Hexagon System Engineering Ltd.
    Inventors: Moshe Levin, Avraham Freedman
  • Patent number: 6324448
    Abstract: A method, an apparatus and a computer program product are provided for accurately determining the vertical speed of an aircraft in a manner independent of signals provided by an air data computer, an inertial reference system and an inertial navigation system. Initially, a first vertical velocity of the aircraft is determined based upon a pressure altitude value associated with the aircraft. A second vertical velocity of the aircraft is also obtained from a GPS receiver carried by the aircraft. The first and second vertical velocities are then combined to determine the vertical speed of the aircraft. In this regard, the first and second vertical velocities are combined by complimentarily filtering the first and second vertical velocities. More particularly, the first vertical velocity is typically low pass filtered to remove high frequency noise that is attributable to the relatively low resolution of the first vertical velocity value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc
    Inventor: Steven C. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6218979
    Abstract: A system and method for high resolution radar imaging using a sparse array of time modulated ultra wideband (TM-UWB) radars. Two or more TM-UWB radars are arranged in a sparse array. Each TM-UWB radar transmits ultra wideband pulses that illuminate a target, and at least one receives the signal returns. The signal return data is processed according to the function being performed, such as imaging or motion detection. The TM-UWB radar array operates in several modes. In a first mode, each TM-UWB radar transmits and receives back scattering returns, and at least one TM-UWB radar receives forward scattering returns. In a second mode, each TM-UWB radar transmits but only one of the radars receives signal returns, both back and forward scattering. In a third mode, each TM-UWB radar transmits and receives back scattering signal returns, but neither receives forward scattering returns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Time Domain Corporation
    Inventors: Mark A. Barnes, Larry W. Fullerton
  • Patent number: 6181272
    Abstract: A method (200, 300) and apparatus (100) provides for displaying locally the position and identity of various field operatives or agents who have radio receiver transmitters (20, 30 and 40). A local control station (10) transmits a request for identification to radios (20, 30 and 40). Each radio responds back with a message (226) giving its location. The local control station then displays the identity and location of the unit on an area map (234) and stores the information in memory (236). Control station 10 further designates some or all of the radios (20, 30 and 40) with a laser designator signal (60). The radio then responds with an IFF signal (318) if it is a friendly agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventor: Dan M. Kirk