Abstract: A method for generating a calibration curve of asphalt concrete of a known mix. Initially, a single sample of the known asphalt concrete mix is obtained. The single sample has a known percent voids. A dielectric measurement of the single sample is obtained. Using only the dielectric measurement of the single sample, the sample's known percent voids, and a dielectric of air, a theoretical ideal dielectric for the asphalt concrete mix at 0% voids is computed. A dielectric vs. percent voids calibration curve is generated based on the computed ideal dielectric.

Abstract: A ground penetrating radar device and/or other sensor such as LIDAR, pressure, or temperature sensors is mounted on a mobile device, and is adapted, during motion of the mobile device, to sense characteristics of asphalt pavement on which the mobile device is moving, prior to compaction of the asphalt pavement by rollers. A processor, functionally associated with at least one sensor, receives from the sensor signals relating to characteristics of the asphalt pavement on which the mobile device is moving, and computes, based on the received signals, at least one compaction characteristic of the asphalt pavement. The processor provides a mapping of computed desired change in compaction characteristics to regions of the asphalt pavement during the rolling process. During rolling, at least one sensor measures the change in compaction and assesses when the change in compaction matches the desired optimal compaction based on the pre-generated map.

Abstract: A method for generating a calibration curve of asphalt concrete of a known mix. Initially, a single sample of the known asphalt concrete mix is obtained. The single sample has a known percent voids. A dielectric measurement of the single sample is obtained. Using only the dielectric measurement of the single sample, the sample's known percent voids, and a dielectric of air, a theoretical ideal dielectric for the asphalt concrete mix at 0% voids is computed. A dielectric vs. percent voids calibration curve is generated based on the computed ideal dielectric.

Abstract: A device implementing antennas transmitting and receiving electromagnetic waves for measuring the bulk dielectric properties of a material under test having over a pre-defined surface area. The sample of the material under test might be cylindrical in shape. The device includes a spacer of known dielectric properties and geometries, placed between the material under test and the transmitting and receiving antennas, as well as at least one plate of a material having known electromagnetic properties placed below the material under test.

Abstract: A device implementing antennas transmitting and receiving electromagnetic waves for measuring the surface dielectric of a pre-defined surface area is disclosed herein. This area can be a small portion of a large surface, or a surface of a sample extracted from a larger volume. The sample might be cylindrical in shape. The device includes a dielectric spacer of known dielectric properties and geometries, placed between the material under test and the transmitting and receiving antennas. The dielectric value and thickness of the dielectric spacer are selected so as to control the effective area over which the dielectric is measured.

Abstract: Dielectric values of cooling asphalt are obtained despite the presence of water on the surface thereof which effects the measured dielectric. The temperature of the surface of the asphalt is measured simultaneous or contemporaneous to a measurement of the dielectric, the former by way of an infrared camera and the latter by way of a ground penetrating radar transceiver, in embodiments of the disclosed technology. The ground penetrating radar moves with a roller on the surface of the asphalt and the camera can also move with and be mounted on the housing or can be separate, such as in a drone flying at a higher altitude than the asphalt and housing. Using a reference measurement for the mix design of the asphalt without water or with varying degrees of water, the changed dielectric due to the presence of water can be corrected to reveal the dielectric of the asphalt alone.

Abstract: In an embodiment of the disclosed technology, a visual output of data from a ground-penetrating radar and magnetic field measuring device is displayed on a visual medium. The display has a first exhibition of output from the ground-penetrating radar device and a second from a magnetic field measuring device, such as a very low frequency (VLF) receiver. Using an identical axis, such as an X-axis measuring time or distance, output of each device is exhibited and overlaid over one another. In this manner, one can detect (using two different methodologies and uses) the visual exhibition of both to best determine the location of a metal or electrical target.

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 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: Embodiments of the disclosed technology use high-speed interpolated (interdigitated) sampling for the specific purpose of GPR (Ground-Penetrating RADAR). This technology solves several issues associated with high-speed sampling in GPR which included 1) dynamic range limitations, 2) regulatory compliance issues, 3) sampler core offset error, and 4) timing errors. High-speed interpolated sampling GPR is implemented using a high-speed ADC in combination with trigger logic (such as an FPGA) and a programmable delay generator. The FPGA or other trigger logic generates a series of randomly dithered trigger pulses. A variable delay generator (or “Vernier”) is synchronously controlled in order to produce the fractional timing. The timing of the pulses is randomly or pseudo-randomly dithered, and the phase of the interpolation is shuffled in order to avoid producing discrete spectral lines in the radiated RADAR signal.

Abstract: In an embodiment of the disclosed technology, a visual output of data from a ground-penetrating radar is displayed on a visual medium. The display has a first exhibition of output from a higher frequency range antenna, a second exhibition of output from a lower frequency range antenna (compared to the other antenna; see definition in the “detailed description”), and a transition area between the first and second exhibition having merged data from the lower frequency antenna and the higher frequency antenna. The depth range of the transition area may be varied based on optimal depth range of each antenna, such as manually by a viewer viewing the visual output, which may occur in real-time, that is, while operating the radar and viewing the visual output thereof. Or, the transition depth range and/or width of the transition region may be varied as part of post-processing.

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: Embodiments of the disclosed technology use high-speed interpolated (interdigitated) sampling for the specific purpose of GPR (Ground-Penetrating RADAR). This technology solves several issues associated with high-speed sampling in GPR which included 1) dynamic range limitations, 2) regulatory compliance issues, 3) sampler core offset error, and 4) timing errors. High-speed interpolated sampling GPR is implemented using a high-speed ADC in combination with trigger logic (such as an FPGA) and a programmable delay generator. The FPGA or other trigger logic generates a series of randomly dithered trigger pulses. A variable delay generator (or “Vernier”) is synchronously controlled in order to produce the fractional timing. The timing of the pulses is randomly or pseudo-randomly dithered, and the phase of the interpolation is shuffled in order to avoid producing discrete spectral lines in the radiated RADAR signal.

Abstract: In an embodiment of the disclosed technology, a visual output of data from a ground-penetrating radar is displayed on a visual medium. The display has a first exhibition of output from a higher frequency range antenna, a second exhibition of output from a lower frequency range antenna (compared to the other antenna; see definition in the “detailed description”), and a transition area between the first and second exhibition having merged data from the lower frequency antenna and the higher frequency antenna. The depth range of the transition area may be varied based on optimal depth range of each antenna, such as manually by a viewer viewing the visual output, which may occur in real-time, that is, while operating the radar and viewing the visual output thereof. Or, the transition depth range and/or width of the transition region may be varied as part of post-processing.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosed technology comprise an air-launched antenna system with interference-rejection technology that operates in analog hardware as well as by way of a digital filtering technique. Using an inline analog hardware filter combined with a digital filter, to determine transversal (and/or recursive) coefficients, in a calibration phase, a measurement system may be configured to remove interference and the effects (such as a delay or temperature variation) which result from use of an analog filter. In this manner, the resulting measurements of a composition of road surface are more accurate and useful.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosed technology comprise a ground penetrating radio device and methods of use for obtaining greater resolution. This is achieved by measuring the composition/reflection off a homogeneous material (e.g., metal plate), determining coefficients to correct the measured/reflection in order to make the measurements look like an idealized reference signal, and then using these coefficients in a digital filter to correct measurements/a reflection off a heterogeneous material, such as a road surface. In this manner, the composition of the heterogeneous material is determined with greater accuracy.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosed technology comprise a ground penetrating radio device and methods of use for obtaining greater resolution. This is achieved by measuring the composition/reflection off a homogeneous material (e.g., metal plate), determining coefficients to correct the measured/reflection in order to make the measurements look like an idealized reference signal, and then using these coefficients in a digital filter to correct measurements/a reflection off a heterogeneous material, such as a road surface. In this manner, the composition of the heterogeneous material is determined with greater accuracy.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosed technology comprise a ground penetrating radio device and methods of use for obtaining greater resolution. This is achieved by measuring the composition/reflection off a homogeneous material (e.g., metal plate), determining coefficients to correct the measured/reflection in order to make the measurements look like an idealized reference signal, and then using these coefficients in a digital filter to correct measurements/a reflection off a heterogeneous material, such as a road surface. In this manner, the composition of the heterogeneous material is determined with greater accuracy.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosed technology comprise an air-launched antenna system with interference-rejection technology that operates in analog hardware as well as by way of a digital filtering technique. Using an inline analog hardware filter combined with a digital filter, to determine transversal (and/or recursive) coefficients, in a calibration phase, a measurement system may be configured to remove interference and the effects (such as a delay or temperature variation) which result from use of an analog filter. In this manner, the resulting measurements of a composition of road surface are more accurate and useful.