Patents Examined by Bernarr Earl Gregory
  • Patent number: 6877691
    Abstract: A technique is provided that uses a dual mode seeker (IR and LADAR) for precise target dynamics measurement, which extends stripping to a much higher altitude than ground based radar. Initial results show that this approach works to altitudes in excess of 100 km. Stripping becomes a reliable way to discriminate lighter weight decoys from reentry vehicles at altitudes and ranges consistent with planned divert capabilities for terminal phase missile defense. It is a finding of this invention that the LADAR will improve the spatial resolution by a factor of five over typical missile defense IR seekers using a common aperture. The LADAR provides a 3D angle, angle, range (AAR) image for each laser pulse which is used to extract the precise target state vectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventors: Michael E. DeFlumere, Michael P. Bulpett, Timothy J. Boyd, Kurt J. Nordhaus
  • Patent number: 6864828
    Abstract: A system and method provide for the collection of interferometric synthetic aperture radar (IFSAR) data. In the system, a first space vehicle configured for emitting electro-magnetic energy and collecting the reflection from a region of interest (ROI), may be directed along a first orbital track. The collected image data may be stored and later provided to a ground station for image and interferometric processing. A second space vehicle may also be configured for emission and collection of electro-magnetic energy reflected from the plurality of ROI's. The second space vehicle is positioned in an aligned orbit with respect to the first space vehicle where the separation between the vehicles is known. In order to minimize decorrelation of the ROI during image processing, the lead and trail satellite are configured to substantially simultaneously emit electromagnetic pulses image data collection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Arthur C. Golubiewski, Randall Schnathorst
  • Patent number: 6822606
    Abstract: This invention relates to a spectral generator and a spectral generation method for receiving pre-processed range-doppler-sensor data and generating at least one noise-reduced high-resolution spectrum therefrom. The spectral generator comprises a window generator that generates a window which defines a plurality of range-doppler cells. The spectral generator further comprises a covariance matrix calculator that is in communication with the window generator to receive the range-doppler-sensor data within the window and calculate a covariance matrix estimate for a range-doppler cell of interest in the window. The spectral generator also includes a spectral calculator that is in communication with the covariance matrix calculator to calculate a high-resolution spectral vector based on a location matrix and a noise subspace matrix estimate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: Raytheon Canada Limited
    Inventors: Tony Ponsford, Reza Dizaji
  • Patent number: 6819282
    Abstract: A super resolution processor/receiver to discriminate superimposed secondary surveillance radar (Mode S, Mode A/C) replies and squitter that uses frequency-domain analysis to suppress interference between replies. In particular, the processor/receiver uses a spectral super-resolution method to estimate carriers of reply signals (every reply has a carrier that could be slightly different from the others). These frequency analyses, applied with particular timing referring to the signal that effectively carried the information, allow to estimate the information on SSR Mode S/Mode A/C replies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Universta' Degli Studi Di Roma “Tor Vergata”
    Inventors: Gaspare Galati, Mauro Leonardi
  • Patent number: 6816109
    Abstract: A method for automatic association of moving target indications from at least one entity traveling along a route. A moving target indicator radar is used to detect a plurality of moving target indication data. The moving target indication data proximate to the identified route is selected and presented in a distance-time graph, such that each selected moving target indication data has a unique distance along route and a unique observation-time value. The selected moving target indication data are then transformed from the distance-time coordinate to a slope-intercept coordinate, such that co-linear moving target indication data in the distance-time coordinate are transformed into a plurality of points superposed together with nearly identical slope values and nearly identical distance intercept value. The superposed points are mapped back to the distance-time coordinate, and the moving target indication data corresponding to the superposed points are thus associated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventor: Steven A. Schwartz
  • Patent number: 6812886
    Abstract: Described herein are frequency-domain back-projection processes for forming spotlight synthetic aperture radar (“SAR”) images that are not corrupted by the effects of multiple-bounce ghosting artifacts. These processes give an approximately exact reconstruction of the multiple bounce reflectivity function (MBRF) ƒ(x,y,&ggr;). Specifically, the evaluation of ƒ(x,y,&ggr;) in the &ggr;=0 plane gives an approximately exact reconstruction of the true object scattering centers which is uncorrupted by multiple-bounce contributions to the phase history data G(&xgr;, &thgr;). In addition, the non-zero dependence of ƒ(x,y,&ggr;) upon the MB coordinate &ggr; can be used to facilitate the identification of features-interest within the imaged region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Science Applications International Corporation
    Inventor: David Alan Garren
  • Patent number: 6798374
    Abstract: Disclosed is a Doppler shifted radar apparatus for correct target identification with respect to surveillance of moving vehicles. More particularly, an improved radar detection system using two or more continuously transmitted frequencies is used. The multiple frequencies are directed toward target vehicles whereby the phase difference of the two or more reflected Doppler signals is calculated and subsequently used to accurately determine a target range, thereby displaying the closest vehicle and closest vehicle speed. Vehicle speed is determined with use of the standard Doppler frequency shift. The next closest and/or next faster vehicle speed can also be easily determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: Decatur Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Kimble Jon Smith
  • Patent number: 6791489
    Abstract: An RFID system using encoded digital information utilizing pulsed linear frequency modulation (LFM). The LFM waveform is sent from an aircraft or satellite and is received by a transponder. The LFM waveform is demodulated using both, an AM and an FM receiver. The demodulated data is compared to preprogrammed criteria tables, and after validation is decoded and utilized. Algorithms in the transponder are used to determine the frequency deviation and for calculating the direction of the slope of the LFM input signal. The valid RF signal is stored in a delay element, encoded with the transponder data using phase modulation (PM), and frequency modulation (FM). The tag transmission is synchronized to the input LFM waveform. The transmit/receive chopping signal prevents unwanted oscillations and is capable of randomization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventors: David L. Richardson, Andrzej Sobski, Kenneth D. Gorham, Scott A. Stratmoen
  • Patent number: 6778131
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for aligning the elevation of an automotive radar unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Jaguar Cars Limited
    Inventors: Paul Robert Haney, Michael Julian Richardson, Edward George Hoare
  • Patent number: 6775520
    Abstract: The relative movement of a receiver and transmitter in a communications system is used to advantage by electronically synthesizing a larger apparent antenna aperture, thereby increasing signal-to-noise ratio. The approach may be used regardless of whether the transmitter is fixed and the user or vehicle is moving, or the user or vehicle is fixed and the transmitter is moving. According to the method, the apparent angle between the receiver and transmitter is determined relative to the direction of movement and used to produce time-delayed replicas of the received signaling stream which are coherently added to synthesize the increased apparent receiver antenna aperture. Since only the receiver is modified according to the invention, existing transmitters and infrastructures can be used without modification. Although some data buffering is required, only a few number of beams need to be synthesized, in contrast to more complex military SAR configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Altarum Institute
    Inventors: Nikola Subotic, Christopher Roussi, Joseph Burns
  • Patent number: 6756934
    Abstract: Targets imaged by radar systems typically have shadows associated with them. Target detection and identification is enhanced by analyzing the shadow characteristics of a suspected target. Features of the shadow cast by the suspected target enhance the identification process. Authenticating the suspected target shadow as being indeed cast by the target comprises a) Generating a radar image using radar returns, the radar image containing both the target and its suspected target shadow; b) Forming a pentagonal perimeter adjacent to the target (within the radar image), the pentagonal perimeter chosen to contain the suspected target shadow, the pentagonal perimeter separating the target from its suspected target shadow; c) Testing the suspected target shadow within said pentagonal perimeter to authenticate that the suspected target shadow is cast by the target. One aspect of the testing performed on the suspect target shadow uses a 2 by 2 dilation and majority filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Joe C. Chen, Albert Ezekiel
  • Patent number: 6141420
    Abstract: An elliptic curve encryption system represents coordinates of a point on the curve as a vector of binary digits in a normal basis representation in F.sub.2.spsb.m. A key is generated from multiple additions of one or more points in a finite field. Inverses of values are computed using a finite field multiplier and successive exponentiations. A key is represented as the coordinates of a point on the curve and key transfer may be accomplished with the transmission of only one coordinate and identifying information of the second. An encryption protocol using one of the coordinates and a further function of that coordinate is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Certicom Corp.
    Inventors: Scott A. Vanstone, Ronald C. Mullin, Gordon B. Agnew
  • Patent number: 6130946
    Abstract: The cryptographic system automatically and continuously changes the cipher equivalents representing plaintext characters so as to prevent any periodicity in the relationship. The system has a series of juxtaposed, rotatable, connection changing mechanisms to provide a large number of alternative paths for the passage of an electric current corresponding to a message character. Further, the system has parts for the irregular and permutative displacements of the members of a set of circuit changing mechanisms to thwart cryptanalysis. The juxtaposed cipher commutators are controlled by cam wheels of different diameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1936
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the National Security Agency
    Inventor: William F. Friedman
  • Patent number: 5960083
    Abstract: A method of managing certificates in a communication system having a certifying authority and a directory. Preferably, the method begins by having the certifying authority generate certificates by digitally signing a given piece of data. At a later point time, the certifying authority may produce a string that proves whether a particular certificate is currently valid without also proving the validity of at least some other certificates. The technique obviates use of certification revocation lists communicated between the certifying authority and the directory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Inventor: Silvio Micali
  • Patent number: 5909493
    Abstract: A method and system of remotely monitoring and controlling machines and business office devices such as copiers, printers, and facsimile machines. Outgoing messages, such as Internet e-mail messages containing information describing the business office device are monitored by a security center. The security center either receives an unencrypted form of the message, or alternatively receives an encrypted form of the message. If the message is encrypted, it will be necessary for the security center to first decrypt the message. The contents of the message are monitored by the security center to assure that only authorized information is transmitted from an authorized business office device, over the Internet, to a data center which monitors the status of and/or controls the business office device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1999
    Assignees: Ricoh Company, Ltd., Ricoh Corporation
    Inventor: Tetsuro Motoyama
  • Patent number: 5878136
    Abstract: A key control system comprises the generation of a first set of keys which are then used for a plurality of respective postage meters. The keys are then related to a respective meter in accordance with a map or algorithm. The keys may be changed by entering the second key via an encryption using the first key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: Hyung-Kun Paul Kim, Robert A. Cordery, Leon A. Pintsov
  • Patent number: 5854841
    Abstract: Data is compressed/encrypted for communication between application programs without addition of any modification to the application programs. In a communication system where a plurality of personal computers are connected to each other using communication lines, a personal computer is provided with a communication program and an application program, the application program uses a command offered by the communication program for transmission and reception of data with another personal computer, a hooking program for discriminating the command related to the data communication issued by the application program is provided and, after the hooking program has compressed or encrypted the data of application program depending on a type of the command, the command is transferred to the communication program.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukio Nakata, Susumu Matsui, Yasuhiro Takahashi, Takeshi Kondou, Yutaka Otsu
  • Patent number: 5850446
    Abstract: Secure transmission of data is provided between a plurality of computer systems over a public communication system, such as the Internet. Secure transmission of data is provided from a customer computer system to a merchant computer system, and for the further secure transmission of payment information regarding a payment instrument from the merchant computer system to a payment gateway computer system. The payment gateway system evaluates the payment information and returns a level of authorization of credit via a secure transmission to the merchant which is communicated to the customer by the merchant. The merchant can then determine whether to accept the payment instrument tendered or deny credit and require another payment instrument. An architecture that provides support for additional message types that are not SET compliant is provided by a preferred embodiment of the invention. A server communicating bidirectionally with a gateway is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1998
    Assignee: VeriFone, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Berger, Jay C. Weber, Vilas I. Madapurmath
  • Patent number: 5841868
    Abstract: A trusted computing system includes a computer, responsive to signals applied to its keyboard port. The system includes a keyboard for generating signals representing keystrokes. A card reader is coupled to the keyboard and to the computer keyboard port. The card reader couples one of a plurality of removable access control cards to the keyboard and to the computer keyboard port. Each of the access cards includes memory for storing personal identification information of the user to whom the card is issued. Within the card, a comparator is coupled to the memory, for, in a first operating mode, comparing the keyboard signals with the personal identification information stored in the card memory, and for, when the comparator matches the keyboard signals with the personal identification information, switching to a second operating mode, in which it couples the keyboard to the keyboard port of the computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Inventor: Walter Allen Helbig, Sr.
  • Patent number: H1968
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for generating an MR image of a structural portion of a subject, the portion lying within a hypothetical imaging volume. A specified level of hyperpolarized magnetization is provided within the imaging volume, and a series of MR pulse sequences are applied to the imaging volume to generate respective corresponding MR data signals, each pulse sequence comprising a number of magnetic field gradient pulses and an excitation pulse, and having an associated flip angle determined by the excitation pulse. The associated flip angles of successive pulse sequences are progressively increased to maintain the signal strength of the corresponding MR data signals at a substantially constant level. Acquired MR data signals are cumulatively processed to provide an image of the structural portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Matthew A. Bernstein