Abstract: Embodiments for providing dynamic azimuth scanning are generally described herein. In some embodiments, weather survey measurements are performed to estimate environmental losses as a function of azimuth angles. Gain improvements are determined based on the amount of energy increase used at different azimuth angles derived from the azimuth loss survey measurements. A gain profile is generated based on the determined gain improvements. An azimuth offset profile is derived using the gain profile to define azimuth angles where progressive scan back is used in the area of environmental losses to provide additional power and to define azimuth angles where progressive scan forward is used in regions of low loss. Dynamic electronic azimuth beam steering provides a near-constant average target detection range as a function of azimuth in the presence of non-uniform loss.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to graphic layers comprising visible images and/or patterns and related methods for incorporation of graphic layers into solar modules. In some embodiments, a photovoltaic module comprises the graphic layer (e.g., to enhance the aesthetic appearance of the photovoltaic module). In certain embodiments, the graphic layer comprises a plurality of isolated regions (e.g., substantially opaque isolated regions) and a contiguous region (e.g., a substantially transparent contiguous region). The isolated regions may comprise, in some cases, a base layer and an image layer. The plurality of isolated regions may form a recognizable image or pattern.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solar collector or a light collector by means of which light, generally sunlight, can be directed onto an energy conversion unit. In particular, it relates to a light collector (10) that has an optical unit (20) and an energy conversion unit, wherein the energy conversion unit is comprised of a number of conversion cells (12, 14, 16) that are located along a first main axis, wherein the optical unit (20) triggers a refraction of light and surrounds the energy conversion unit at least partially, and the optical unit (20) focuses parallel incident light in a focal area, wherein the focal area has its largest dimension along a second main axis and the second main axis extends along the first main axis.

Abstract: A method of implementing convergence of a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver is disclosed. A GNSS receiver which is coupled with a mobile machine is shut down. The GNSS receiver is in a converged state at shut down. The GNSS receiver is automatically powered up at a preset time. A convergence algorithm is automatically initiated prior to start of work that utilizes the GNSS receiver.

Abstract: A method of implementing convergence selection of a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver is disclosed. In accordance with one embodiment, a GNSS receiver which is coupled with a mobile machine is shut down. The GNSS receiver is in a converged state at shut down. A movement sensor is monitored to determine if net movement of a GNSS antenna coupled with the mobile machine exceeds a threshold net movement parameter while the GNSS receiver is shut down. Upon power up of the GNSS receiver, a shorter convergence algorithm is initiated in response to determining that the threshold net movement parameter has not been exceeded and a longer convergence algorithm is initiated in response to determining that the threshold net movement parameter has been exceeded.

Abstract: A method of implementing fast GNSS convergence by relative positioning is disclosed. A GNSS receiver which is coupled with a mobile machine is shut down. The GNSS receiver is in a converged state at shut down. A movement sensor is monitored to determine if net movement of a GNSS antenna coupled with the mobile machine exceeds a threshold net movement parameter while the GNSS receiver is shut down. Upon power up of the GNSS receiver, a shorter convergence algorithm is initiated in response to determining that the threshold net movement parameter has not been exceeded. The shorter convergence algorithm is also initiated upon power up of the GNSS receiver in response to determining that the threshold net movement parameter has been exceeded but information from the movement sensor has been used to update the location of the GNSS receiver since said shut down.

Abstract: Systems and associated methods for improved beamforming of the phase array antenna are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a communication system for wireless signals has a phase array antenna having a plurality of individual antennas and a plurality of electrically conductive traces. The individual traces electrically connect corresponding individual antennas with a transmitter. The lengths of individual traces Ti, Tk satisfy equation Abs ((Ti?Tk) mod (?))<?/B, where ? is a wavelength of the wireless signal and ?/B is a fraction of ?.

Abstract: An illumination device is provided. The illumination device includes a lamp body, a stage, at least one first light source, a first radiator, and a first feed conductor. The stage is disposed in the lamp body. The first light source is disposed on the stage. The first opening is formed on the first radiator, the first light source corresponds to the first opening, and the first radiator transmits a first wireless signal. The first feed conductor is connected to the first radiator.

Abstract: Provided are a radar system for a vehicle and a method for measuring an azimuth therein, which are capable of increasing target sensing and tracking reliability by blocking an error signal that is input from the ground where no vehicle exists or in the elevation angle direction. A system for blocking an error signal input from a ground or in an elevation angle direction includes: two or more main reception antennas; a single side lobe suppression antenna; and a radar configured to compare a magnitude of a main reception signal received from the main reception antenna with a magnitude of a side lobe suppression reception signal received from the side lobe suppression antenna, and measure an azimuth of a target by using the received main reception signal when the magnitude of the main reception signal is larger than the magnitude of the side lobe suppression reception signal.

Abstract: A RADAR apparatus may be used in target detection and/or avoidance. The RADAR apparatus may include a microwave front end configured to transmit and receive RF signals, an analog signal conditioning module coupled with the microwave front end module that conditions RF signals received at the microwave front end module, and a digital signal processing module coupled with the analog signal conditioning module that detects presence and range of one or more targets based on the filtered RF signals.

Abstract: This disclosure generally relates to lightweight thermionic microengines for aerial vehicles. The aerial vehicles include a propulsion system. The propulsion system includes a combustor. The propulsion system further includes a thermionic generator that receives heat from the combustor and generates electricity. The propulsion system further includes one or more propulsion motors that receive the electricity generated by the thermionic generator. The propulsion motors may provide power to one or more propellers to generate lift and thrust for a UAV.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a laminate including an alkali metal-doped layer. The laminate is processable at high temperatures of at least 550° C. and has excellent durability and barrier properties. Due to these advantages, the laminate can be used to fabricate a thin film solar cell with high flexibility and improved energy conversion efficiency. The present invention also relates to a thin film solar cell including the laminate.

Abstract: A detection device detects a target based on a reception signal obtained from a reflection signal of a transmission signal. The detection device includes a Doppler frequency component generator that acquires a Doppler frequency component that indicates the amplitude level of a reception signal, for at least one Doppler frequency, based on the reception signal, a region identifier that identifies a first region and a second region that is outside the first region, based on the value of the amplitude level and the increase rate in the amplitude level, a second-Doppler frequency component suppressor that suppresses the Doppler frequency component of an unnecessary signal, out of the Doppler frequency component corresponding to the second region, and a combiner that combines the Doppler frequency component corresponding to the first region outputted from the region identifier, and the output of the second Doppler frequency component suppressor.

Abstract: A monitoring apparatus includes an image-forming optical system aimed forward, an image sensor, an antenna, a first circuit board, a waveguide, an upper case, an information-processing circuit, a second circuit board, a connector, and a power-supply circuit. The connector is disposed at a rear side relative to the image-forming optical system. The power-supply circuit includes at least one capacitor, and a capacitor that is positioned at a highest location out of all of the at least one capacitor is disposed at a rear side relative to the image-forming optical system, which prevents the capacitor from obstructing the visual field of the image-forming optical system. Thus, the image-forming optical system is able to be located close to the power-supply circuit because the monitoring apparatus is very small in height.

Abstract: The invention provides an optoelectronic device comprising a porous material, which porous material comprises a semiconductor comprising a perovskite. The porous material may comprise a porous perovskite. Thus, the porous material may be a perovskite material which is itself porous. Additionally or alternatively, the porous material may comprise a porous dielectric scaffold material, such as alumina, and a coating disposed on a surface thereof, which coating comprises the semiconductor comprising the perovskite. Thus, in some embodiments the porosity arises from the dielectric scaffold rather than from the perovskite itself. The porous material is usually infiltrated by a charge transporting material such as a hole conductor, a liquid electrolyte, or an electron conductor. The invention further provides the use of the porous material as a semiconductor in an optoelectronic device. Further provided is the use of the porous material as a photosensitizing, semiconducting material in an optoelectronic device.

Abstract: A thermoelectric device is provided that includes a duct through which a first fluid can flow. The duct has first walls and side walls which connect the first walls. At least one first wall is in thermal contact with a thermoelectric module which has a housing with at least two opposite second walls. A plurality of thermoelectric elements is arranged between the second walls. The thermoelectric elements have opposite surfaces, each of which is in thermal contact with one of the second walls of the housing of the thermoelectric module.

Abstract: A solar cell is provided. The solar cell includes a first semiconductor layer of a first conductivity type, a second semiconductor layer of a second conductivity type disposed on the first semiconductor layer, an anti-reflection layer on the second semiconductor layer, and a negative charge layer between the anti-reflection layer and the second semiconductor layer.

Abstract: The invention provides an optoelectronic device comprising a photoactive region, which photoactive region comprises: an n-type region comprising at least one n-type layer; a p-type region comprising at least one p-type layer; and, disposed between the n-type region and the p-type region: a layer of a perovskite semiconductor without open porosity. The perovskite semiconductor is generally light-absorbing. In some embodiments, disposed between the n-type region and the p-type region is: (i) a first layer which comprises a scaffold material, which is typically porous, and a perovskite semiconductor, which is typically disposed in pores of the scaffold material; and (ii) a capping layer disposed on said first layer, which capping layer is said layer of a perovskite semiconductor without open porosity, wherein the perovskite semiconductor in the capping layer is in contact with the perovskite semiconductor in the first layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dye-sensitized solar cell including a light absorbing layer (1), a first conducting layer (2) for extracting photo-generated electrons from the light absorbing layer, a counter electrode including a second conducting layer (3), a porous insulating layer (5b) disposed between the first and second conducting layers, and a conducting medium for transferring charges between the counter electrode and the working electrode. The solar cell further comprises a third conducting layer (6b) disposed between the porous insulating layer (5b) and the second conducting layer (3) and in electrical contact with the second conducting layer, and the third conducting layer includes a porous substrate (8) made of an insulating material and conducting particles accommodated in the pores of the porous substrate and forming a conducting network (9) through the insulating material.

Abstract: A method and system for generating a high resolution two-dimensional (2D) radar image, by first transmitting a radar pulse by a transmit antenna at an area of interest and receiving echoes, corresponding to reflection the radar pulse in the area of interest, at a set of receive arrays, wherein each array includes and a set of receive antennas that are static and randomly distributed at different locations at a same side of the area of interest with a random orientation within a predetermined angular range. The the echoes are sampled for each receive array to produce distributed data for each array. Then, a compressive sensing (CS) procedure is applied to the distributed data to generate the high resolution 2D radar image.