Patents Assigned to Time Domain Corporation
  • Patent number: 7417582
    Abstract: A proximity fuze (proximity fuse) comprising an ultra wideband (UWB) radar transmitter, a UWB radar receiver, an antenna, a timing system, and a signal processor. One embodiment includes an antenna with an annular conical radiation pattern. In another embodiment, a trigger delay is produced that is related to target detection range. In a further embodiment, multiple range shells are utilized to further discriminate target characteristics including velocity. A method is disclosed that utilizes target range, velocity, signal amplitude, and radar signal phase to identify the target and trigger the detonation. A proximity fuze system having a long storage life is disclosed comprising a proximity fuze element powered by a turbine generator and internal gas source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Time Domain Corporation
    Inventors: Dennis L. Troutman, Herbert U. Fluhler, Larry W. Fullerton, Douglas D. Fitzpatrick, James Richards
  • 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: 7418029
    Abstract: A system and method are provided that can detect any part of a multipath impulse radio signal. More specifically, the method compares a template pulse train and the multipath impulse radio signal to obtain a comparison result. The system performs a threshold check on the comparison result. If the comparison result passes the threshold check, the system locks onto any part of the multipath impulse radio signal including a direct path part and at least one multipath reflection part. The system may also perform a quick check, a synchronization check, and/or a command check of the multipath impulse radio signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Time Domain Corporation
    Inventors: James L. Richards, Ivan A. Cowie, Larry W. Fullerton, Mark D. Roberts, Randall S. Stanley, William D. Welch
  • Publication number: 20080165046
    Abstract: A system and method for highly selective intrusion detection using a sparse array of ultra wideband (UWB) radars. Two or more UWB radars are arranged in a sparse array around an area to be protected. Each UWB radar transmits ultra wideband pulses that illuminate the area to be protected. 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 area to be protected. This image is used to detect motion in a highly selective manner and to track moving objects within the protected area. Motion can be distinguished based on criteria appropriate to the environment in which the intrusion detection system operates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Applicant: Time Domain Corporation
    Inventors: Larry W. Fullerton, James L. Richards, Mark D. Roberts, Brandon S. Dewberry
  • Patent number: 7397379
    Abstract: A System and Method for Person or Object Position Location Utilizing Impulse Radio, comprising a plurality of reference impulse radios; an object or person to be tracked having a mobile impulse radio associated therewith; an architecture with an associated positioning algorithm associated with said plurality of impulse radio reference radios and said mobile impulse radio; and display means for displaying the position of the person or object whose position is to be determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Time Domain Corporation
    Inventors: James L. Richards, Larry W. Fullerton, Donald A. Kelly, David C. Meigs, Timothy T. Payment, James S. Finn, William J. Tucker, William D. Welch, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20080158062
    Abstract: A method and system for extensible positioning that uses a primary reference node at a known first position and a secondary reference node at a second position, where a range is measured between the secondary reference node and the primary reference node. The second position is determined based upon the first position and the measured range. A second range is measured between the secondary reference node and a non-fixed node. A third position corresponding to the non-fixed node is determined based upon the second position and the second range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Applicant: Time Domain Corporation
    Inventors: Larry W. Fullerton, Mark D. Roberts, W. Michael Einhorn, Kelly Loum, Irina Dodoukh, S. Scott O'Hanian
  • Publication number: 20080151967
    Abstract: Time is transferred from an ultra wideband (UWB) transmitter to UWB receiver by transmitting a signal structure having an associated timing reference point together with a time value for the timing reference point. The UWB receiver receives the timing signal structure by synchronizing a receiver time base to the signal structure, demodulating the time value information, and using the demodulated time value information to set a receiver clock value. Propagation delay information is used to adjust the receiver clock value by advancing the receiver clock value to account for the propagation delay. In one embodiment, propagation delay is determined from a known distance between the transmitter and receiver. In another embodiment, the transmitter and receiver are part of a two-way link wherein propagation delay is measured by round trip timing measurements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Applicant: Time Domain Corporation
    Inventors: Larry W. Fullerton, Mark D. Roberts, James L. Richards
  • Publication number: 20080150724
    Abstract: An asset, object, person or animal monitoring system and associated method for monitoring assets, objects, people or animals utilizing impulse radio techniques. The asset, object, person or animal monitoring system of the present invention can vary the duty cycles of the impulse radio transmitters, by both manual and automatic means, to adapt to varied requirements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Applicant: Time Domain Corporation
    Inventor: James L. Richards
  • Publication number: 20080136709
    Abstract: A system and a method for position determination by impulse radio using a first transceiver having a first clock providing a first reference signal and a second transceiver placed spaced from the first transceiver. The system determines the position of the second transceiver. The second transceiver has a second clock that provides a second reference signal. A first sequence of pulses are transmitted from the first transceiver. The first sequence of pulses are then received at the second transceiver and the second transceiver is then synchronized with the first sequence of pulses. A second sequence of pulses are transmitted from the second transceiver. The first transceiver receives the second sequence of pulses and the first transceiver is synchronized with the second sequence of pulses. A delayed first reference signal is generated in response to the synchronization with the second sequence of pulses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: Time Domain Corporation
    Inventors: Larry W. Fullerton, James L. Richards, Ivan A. Cowie
  • Publication number: 20080111686
    Abstract: An intrusion detection system and method are provided that can utilize impulse radio technology to detect when an intruder has entered a protection zone. In addition, the intrusion detection system and method can utilize impulse radio technology to determine a location of the intruder within the protection zone and also track the movement of the intruder within the protection zone. Moreover, the intrusion detection system and method can utilize impulse radio technology to create a specially shaped protection a one before trying to detect when and where the intruder has penetrated and moved within the protection zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2006
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Applicant: TIME DOMAIN CORPORATION
    Inventors: David J. Hall, Scott M. Yano, Hans G. Schantz
  • Patent number: 7372403
    Abstract: A system and a method for position determination by impulse radio where first position information is determined for a first impulse radio using a positioning system, second position information is determined for the first impulse radio using at least one second impulse radio, and a position is determined based upon the first position information relative to the second position information. The positioning system can be a Global Positioning System. The determined position can be communicated to an emergency system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: Time Domain Corporation
    Inventors: Larry W. Fullerton, James L. Richards, Ivan A. Cowie
  • Publication number: 20080101329
    Abstract: A System and Method for Person or Object Position Location Utilizing Impulse Radio, comprising a plurality of reference impulse radios; an object or person to be tracked having a mobile impulse radio associated therewith; an architecture with an associated positioning algorithm associated with said plurality of impulse radio reference radios and said mobile impulse radio; and display means for displaying the position of the person or object whose position is to be determined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Applicant: Time Domain Corporation
    Inventors: James Richards, Larry Fullerton, Donald Kelly, David Meigs, Timothy Payment, James Finn, William Tucker, William Welch
  • Publication number: 20080100496
    Abstract: A System and Method for Person or Object Position Location Utilizing Impulse Radio, comprising a plurality of reference impulse radios; an object or person to be tracked having a mobile impulse radio associated therewith; an architecture with an associated positioning algorithm associated with said plurality of impulse radio reference radios and said mobile impulse radio; and display means for displaying the position of the person or object whose position is to be determined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Applicant: Time Domain Corporation
    Inventors: James Richards, Larry Fullerton, Donald Kelly, David Meigs, Timothy Payment, James Finn, William Tucker, William Welch
  • Publication number: 20080100498
    Abstract: A system and method for highly selective intrusion detection using a sparse array of time modulated ultra wideband (TM-UWB) radars. Two or more TM-UWB radars are arranged in a sparse array around the perimeter of a building. Each TM-UWB radar transmits ultra wideband pulses that illuminate the building and the surrounding area. Signal return data is processed to determine, among other things, whether an alarm condition has been triggered. High resolution radar images are formed that give an accurate picture of the inside of the building and the surrounding area. This image is used to detect motion in a highly selective manner and to track moving objects within the building and the surrounding area. Motion can be distinguished based on criteria appropriate to the environment in which the intrusion detection system operates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Applicant: Time Domain Corporation
    Inventors: Larry Fullerton, James Richards
  • Publication number: 20080100497
    Abstract: A system and a method for position determination by impulse radio using a first transceiver having a first clock providing a first reference signal and a second transceiver placed spaced from the first transceiver. The system determines the position of the second transceiver. The second transceiver has a second clock that provides a second reference signal. A first sequence of pulses are transmitted from the first transceiver. The first sequence of pulses are then received at the second transceiver and the second transceiver is then synchronized with the first sequence of pulses. A second sequence of pulses are transmitted from the second transceiver. The first transceiver receives the second sequence of pulses and the first transceiver is synchronized with the second sequence of pulses. A delayed first reference signal is generated in response to the synchronization with the second sequence of pulses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Applicant: Time Domain Corporation
    Inventors: Larry Fullerton, James Richards, Ivan Cowie
  • Publication number: 20080075153
    Abstract: A method for specifying pulse characteristics applies codes having pre-defined characteristics to a layout. The layout can be sequentially subdivided into at least first and second components that have the same or different sizes. The method applies a first code having first pre-defined properties to the first component and a second code having second pre-defined properties to the second component. The pre-defined properties may relate to the auto-correlation property, the cross-correlation property, and spectral properties, as examples. The codes can be used to specify subcomponents within a frame, and characteristic values (range-based, or discrete) within the subcomponents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2007
    Publication date: March 27, 2008
    Applicant: TIME DOMAIN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mark Roberts, Marcus Pendergrass, Larry Fullerton, Ivan Cowie, James Richards
  • Publication number: 20080063036
    Abstract: A system and method are provided that can detect any part of a multipath impulse radio signal. More specifically, the method compares a template pulse train and the multipath impulse radio signal to obtain a comparison result. The system performs a threshold check on the comparison result. If the comparison result passes the threshold check, the system locks onto any part of the multipath impulse radio signal including a direct path part and at least one multipath reflection part. The system may also perform a quick check, a synchronization check, and/or a command check of the multipath impulse radio signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Applicant: Time Domain Corporation
    Inventors: James Richards, Ivan Cowie, Larry Fullerton, Mark Roberts, Randall Stanley, William Welch
  • Publication number: 20080042845
    Abstract: A System and Method for Person or Object Position Location Utilizing Impulse Radio, comprising a plurality of reference impulse radios; an object or person to be tracked having a mobile impulse radio associated therewith; an architecture with an associated positioning algorithm associated with said plurality of impulse radio reference radios and said mobile impulse radio; and display means for displaying the position of the person or object whose position is to be determined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Publication date: February 21, 2008
    Applicant: Time Domain Corporation
    Inventors: James Richards, Larry Fullerton, Donald Kelly, David Meigs, Timothy Payment, James Finn, William Tucker, William Welch
  • Patent number: 7333047
    Abstract: An ultra wideband radar system for detecting objects where at least one of the radar system or the object is moving. The radar may be scanned in at least one dimension, which may include angle or range. The system includes a scan combiner that combines scan information in accordance with a trajectory characteristic of a moving object and/or of a moving platform on which the radar resides. Scans may be combined by integration or filtering. A fast calculation method is described wherein the scans are combined into subsets and subsets are shifted in accordance with the trajectory characteristics before further combination. The scan information is combined in accordance with trajectory characteristics to enhance the object signal to noise. Further features are described wherein the scan information is combined according to a family of candidate trajectories and/or object positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Time Domain Corporation
    Inventors: Larry W. Fullerton, James Richards
  • Publication number: 20080036599
    Abstract: A System and Method for Person or Object Position Location Utilizing Impulse Radio, comprising a plurality of reference impulse radios; an object or person to be tracked having a mobile impulse radio associated therewith; an architecture with an associated positioning algorithm associated with said plurality of impulse radio reference radios and said mobile impulse radio; and display means for displaying the position of the person or object whose position is to be determined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Applicant: Time Domain Corporation
    Inventors: James Richards, Larry Fullerton, David Meigs, William Welch, Donald Kelly, Timothy Payment, James Finn, William Tucker