Patents Assigned to Time Domain Corporation
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Publication number: 20020030596Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 1999Publication date: March 14, 2002Applicant: Time Domain CorporationInventors: JAMES S. FINN, JAMES L. RICHARDS, LARRY FULLERTON, TIMOTHY T. PAYMENT
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Patent number: 6354946Abstract: An interactive wireless gaming system is provided which utilizes the significant wireless improvements of impulse radio technology to enable gaming system enhancements. For instance, the interactive wireless gammg system has a plural of impulse radio wireless gaming units operating alternately as a host device and a guest device. Each impulse radio wireless gaming unit includes an impulse radio receiver for receiving impulse radio wireless messages including gaming information from a game server, a display for displaying the received gaming information, a processor for generating updated gaming information, and an impulse radio transmitter for transmitting impulse radio wireless messages including the updated gaming information to said game server. The game server then uses impulse radio technology to interact with and provide the updated gaming information to the other impulse radio wireless gaming units.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2000Date of Patent: March 12, 2002Assignee: Time Domain CorporationInventor: James S. Finn
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Patent number: 6351652Abstract: A method and apparatus for wireless communication and more particularly, a method and apparatus for wireless communication utilizing impulse radio wherein an impulse radio communication system integrates with existing cellular/PCS wireless communication systems and/or current land line communication systems.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 1999Date of Patent: February 26, 2002Assignee: Time Domain CorporationInventors: James S. Finn, Ralph Gregory Petroff, David Ernest Hilliard
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Publication number: 20020000916Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 8, 1999Publication date: January 3, 2002Applicant: Time Domain CorporationInventor: JAMES L. RICHARDS
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Patent number: 6304623Abstract: A frame reference signal is produced as a function of a clock signal. A first timing generator generates a coarse timing signal having a nominal period and a transition occurring at a precise temporal position with respect to the nominal period. The nominal period is a function of the frame reference signal. The temporal position is a function of a first input timing command and the clock signal. A second timing generator generates at least one fine timing transition as a function of a second input timing command and the clock signal. A combiner circuit uses the coarse timing signal to select one of the at least one fine timing transitions to output a precise timing signal, wherein the precise timing signal has a high temporal precision with respect to the frame reference signal.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 1998Date of Patent: October 16, 2001Assignee: Time Domain CorporationInventors: James L. Richards, Preston Jett, Larry W. Fullerton, Lawrence E. Larson, David A. Rowe
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Patent number: 6300903Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 8, 1999Date of Patent: October 9, 2001Assignee: Time Domain CorporationInventors: James L. Richards, Donald A. Kelly, James S. Finn, David C. Meigs, William D. Welch, Jr.
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Patent number: 6297773Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 5, 2000Date of Patent: October 2, 2001Assignee: Time Domain CorporationInventors: Larry W. Fullerton, James L. Richards, Ivan A. Cowie
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Patent number: 6295019Abstract: A system and a method for distance measurement utilizes a radio system. The distance is measured by determining the time it takes a pulse train to travel from a first radio transceiver to a second radio transceiver and then from the second radio transceiver back to the first radio transceiver. The actual measurement is a two step process. In the first step, the distance is measured in coarse resolution, and in the second step, the distance is measured in fine resolution. A first pulse train is transmitted using a transmit time base from the first radio transceiver. The first pulse train is received at a second radio transceiver. The second radio transceiver synchronizes its time base with the first pulse train before transmitting a second pulse train back to the first radio transceiver, which then synchronizes a receive time base with the second pulse train. The time delay between the transmit time base and the receive time base can then be determined.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2000Date of Patent: September 25, 2001Assignee: Time Domain CorporationInventors: James L. Richards, Larry W. Fullerton, David C. Meigs, Randall S. Stanley, Ivan A. Cowie
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Patent number: 6218979Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 14, 1999Date of Patent: April 17, 2001Assignee: Time Domain CorporationInventors: Mark A. Barnes, Larry W. Fullerton
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Patent number: 6177903Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 14, 1999Date of Patent: January 23, 2001Assignee: Time Domain CorporationInventors: Larry W. Fullerton, James L. Richards
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Patent number: 6133876Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 23, 1998Date of Patent: October 17, 2000Assignee: Time Domain CorporationInventors: Larry W. Fullerton, James L. Richards, Ivan A. Cowie
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Patent number: 6111536Abstract: A system and a method for distance measurement utilizes a radio system. The distance is measured by determining the time it takes a pulse train to travel from a first radio transceiver to a second radio transceiver and then from the second radio transceiver back to the first radio transceiver. The actual measurement is a two step process. In the first step, the distance is measured in coarse resolution, and in the second step, the distance is measured in fine resolution. A first pulse train is transmitted using a transmit time base from the first radio transceiver. The first pulse train is received at a second radio transceiver. The second radio transceiver synchronizes its time base with the first pulse train before transmitting a second pulse train back to the first radio transceiver, which then synchronizes a receive time base with the second pulse train. The time delay between the transmit time base and the receive time base can then be determined.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 1998Date of Patent: August 29, 2000Assignee: Time Domain CorporationInventors: James L. Richards, Larry W. Fullerton, David C. Meigs, Randall S. Stanley, Ivan A. Cowie
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Patent number: 6091374Abstract: An ultra-wideband magnetic antenna includes a planar conductor having a first and a second slot about an axis. The slots are substantially leaf-shaped having a varying width along the axis. The slots are interconnected along the axis. A cross polarized antenna system is comprised of an ultra-wideband magnetic antenna and an ultra-wideband dipole antenna. The magnetic antenna and the dipole antenna are positioned substantially close to each other and they create a cross polarized field pattern. The present invention provides isolation between a transmitter and a receiver in an ultra-wideband system. Additionally, the present invention allows isolation among radiating elements in an array antenna system.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 1997Date of Patent: July 18, 2000Assignee: Time Domain CorporationInventor: Mark Andrew Barnes
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Patent number: 6031862Abstract: An impulse radio communications system using one or more subcarriers to communicate information from an impulse radio transmitter to an impulse radio receiver. The impulse radio communication system is an ultrawide-band time domain system. The use of subcarriers provides impulse radio transmissions added channelization, smoothing and fidelity. Subcarriers of different frequencies or waveforms can be used to add channelization of impulse radio signals. Thus, an impulse radio link can communicate many independent channels simultaneously by employing different subcarriers for each channel. The impulse radio uses modulated subcarrier(s) for time positioning a periodic timing signal or a coded timing signal. Alternatively, the coded timing signal can be summed or mixed with the modulated subcarrier(s) and the resultant signal is used to time modulate the periodic timing signal. Direct digital modulation of data is another form of subcarrier modulation for impulse radio signals.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 1997Date of Patent: February 29, 2000Assignee: Time Domain CorporationInventors: Larry W. Fullerton, Ivan A. Cowie
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Patent number: 5995534Abstract: An impulse radio communications system using one or more subcarriers to communicate information from an impulse radio transmitter to an impulse radio receiver. The impulse radio communication system is an ultrawide-band time domain system. The use of subcarriers provides impulse radio transmissions added channelization, smoothing ad fidelity. Subcarriers of different frequencies or waveforms can be used to add channelization of impulse radio signals. Thus, an impulse radio link can communicate many independent channels simultaneously by employing different subcarriers for each channel. The impulse radio uses modulated subcarrier(s) for time positioning a periodic timing signal or a coded timing signal. Alternatively, the coded timing signal can be summed or mixed with the modulated subcarrier(s) and the resultant signal is used to time modulate the periodic timing signal. Direct digital modulation of data is another form of subcarrier modulation for impulse radio signals.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 1997Date of Patent: November 30, 1999Assignee: Time Domain CorporationInventors: Larry W. Fullerton, Ivan A. Cowie
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Patent number: 5969663Abstract: A time domain communications system wherein a broadband of time-spaced signals, essentially monocycle-like signals, are derived from applying stepped-in-amplitude signals to a broadband antenna, in this case, a reverse bicone antenna. When received, the thus transmitted signals are multiplied by a D.C. replica of each transmitted signal, and thereafter, they are, successively, short time and long time integrated to achieve detection.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 1997Date of Patent: October 19, 1999Assignee: Time Domain CorporationInventors: Larry W. Fullerton, Mark A. Barnes
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Patent number: 5963581Abstract: An impulse radio communications system using one or more subcarriers to communicate information from an impulse radio transmitter to an impulse radio receiver. The impulse radio communication system is an ultrawide-band time domain system. The use of subcarriers provides impulse radio transmissions added channelization, smoothing and fidelity. Subcarriers of different frequencies or waveforms can be used to add channelization of impulse radio signals. Thus, an impulse radio link can communicate many independent channels simultaneously by employing different subcarriers for each channel. The impulse radio uses modulated subcarrier(s) for time positioning a periodic timing signal or a coded timing signal. Alternatively, the coded timing signal can be summed or mixed with the modulated subcarrier(s) and the resultant signal is used to time modulate the periodic timing signal. Direct digital modulation of data is another form of subcarrier modulation for impulse radio signals.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 1997Date of Patent: October 5, 1999Assignee: Time Domain CorporationInventors: Larry W. Fullerton, Ivan A. Cowie
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Patent number: 5960031Abstract: An impulse radio communications system using one or more subcarriers to communicate information from an impulse radio transmitter to an impulse radio receiver. The impulse radio communication system is an ultrawide-band time domain system. The use of subcarriers provides impulse radio transmissions added channelization, smoothing and fidelity. Subcarriers of different frequencies or waveforms can be used to add channelization of impulse radio signals. Thus, an impulse radio link can communicate many independent channels simultaneously by employing different subcarriers for each channel. The impulse radio uses modulated subcarrier(s) for time positioning a periodic timing signal or a coded timing signal. Alternatively, the coded timing signal can be summed or mixed with the modulated subcarrier(s) and the resultant signal is used to time modulate the periodic timing signal. Direct digital modulation of data is another form of subcarrier modulation for impulse radio signals.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 1997Date of Patent: September 28, 1999Assignee: Time Domain CorporationInventors: Larry W. Fullerton, Ivan A. Cowie
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Patent number: 5952956Abstract: A time domain communications system wherein a broadband of time-spaced signals, essentially monocycle-like signals, are derived from applying stepped-in-amplitude signals to a broadband antenna, in this case, a reverse bicone antenna. When received, the thus transmitted signals are multiplied by a D.C. replica of each transmitted signal, and thereafter, they are, successively, short time and long time integrated to achieve detection.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1995Date of Patent: September 14, 1999Assignee: Time Domain CorporationInventor: Larry W. Fullerton
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Patent number: 5907427Abstract: A photonic band gap structure device and method for delaying photonic signals of a predetermined frequency and a predetermined bandwidth by a predetermined delay is provided. A Fabry-Perot delay line device has several regions of periodically alternating refractive material layers which exhibit a series of photonic band gaps and a periodicity defect region, interposed between the regions of periodically alternating refractive material layers. The Fabry-Perot delay line device imparts a predetermined delay to photonic signals that pass therethrough. The introduction of the periodicity defect region into this photonic band gap structure creates a sharp transmission resonance within the corresponding photonic band gap of the structure and causes at least an order of magnitude improvement in photonic signal delay for a band-edge delay line device of similar size. Variable photonic delays to multiple photonic signals are also generated by this Fabry-Perot delay line device.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 1997Date of Patent: May 25, 1999Assignee: Time Domain CorporationInventors: Michael Scalora, Mark J. Bloemer, Michael D. Tocci