Patents Examined by Thomas H. Tarcza
  • Patent number: 7961302
    Abstract: A physical quantity sensor has a semiconductor laser, a laser driver for providing, to the semiconductor laser, a driving electric current that is a waveform wherein the maximum portions and minimum portions of a triangle wave have been rounded; detecting means (a photodiode and a current-voltage converting amplifier) for detecting an electric signal that includes an interference waveform that is produced by the self-coupling effect between a laser beam that is emitted from the semiconductor laser and a return beam from a measurement object; and measuring means (a filter circuit, a counting device, and a calculating device) for calculating a physical quantity for the measurement object from interference waveform information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Yamatake Corporation
    Inventor: Tatsuya Ueno
  • Patent number: 7961145
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for estimating relative position in a global navigation satellite system. In one embodiment, a method for estimating a position of a first receiver relative to a second receiver in a global navigation satellite system includes obtaining a first set of measurements from the first receiver, where the first set of measurements estimates a first distance between the first receiver and a satellite in the global navigation satellite system, obtaining a second set of measurements from the second receiver, where the second set of measurements estimates a second distance between the second receiver and a satellite in the global navigation satellite system, performing time domain recursive filtering in accordance with the first set of measurements and the second set of measurements, and estimating the position of a first receiver relative to a second receiver in accordance with the time domain recursive filtering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: SRI International
    Inventors: Joseph M. Strus, James W. Sinko
  • Patent number: 7961306
    Abstract: Provided is a method of optimizing sensitivity of measurements of an optical metrology tool using two or more illumination beams directed to a structure on a workpiece comprising selecting target structures for measurement, obtaining diffraction signals off the selected structures as a function of angle of incidence for each illumination beam, determining a selected angle of incidence for each of the two or more illumination beams, setting sensitivity objectives for optical metrology measurements, developing a design for the optical metrology tool to achieve the corresponding selected angle of incidence of the two or more illumination beams, obtaining sensitivity data using the optical metrology tool, and if the sensitivity objectives are not met, adjusting the selection of target structures, the selected angle of incidence of the two or more illumination beams, the sensitivity objectives, and/or the design of the optical metrology tool, and iterating the developing of the design, obtaining sensitivity data,
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Shifang Li, Adam Norton, Manuel Madriaga
  • Patent number: 7961133
    Abstract: The disclosed system, device, and method for diverting a guided missile generally includes a ground-based sensor array generating tracking data of a guided missile tracking a target. A control node in communication with the ground-based sensor array generates targeting data from the tracking data. A phased array directed-energy unit in communication with the control node radiates the guided missile with variable beam width microwave radiation based on the targeting data received from the control node, where the microwave radiation disrupts an electronic component of the guided missile such that the guided missile discontinues tracking the target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Jeff L. Vollin, Frederick A. Ahrens, Kenneth W. Brown
  • Patent number: 7961137
    Abstract: A method for determining a path of travel of an intruder traversing an area of regard (AOR) to a predefined point, where the path of travel has a minimum probability of detection relative to other potential paths of travel of the intruder. The method may comprise: providing three dimensional terrain data concerning the AOR; providing the locations of a plurality of detection sensors implemented in the AOR, with each detection sensor having a known field of view; providing a predetermined single scan detection probability for each of the detection sensors; generating a grid of points that is laid over the AOR; and using the foregoing information to determine a particular path of travel, defined by selected arcs connecting specific ones of the grid of points, of the intruder to the predefined point that represents a minimum probability of detection of the intruder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Robert William Grube, Raju Mattikalli, Paul Zack Thunemann
  • Patent number: 7961136
    Abstract: A method and system that receives and processes ADS-B data from one or more aircraft is disclosed. The system may include one or more ground stations that receives data from one or more aircraft and converts the received aircraft ADS-B data to XML format, determines the lowest cost communication mode available, and transmits the XML data over TCP/IP to an aircraft data server. The aircraft data server receives the aircraft ADS-B data in XML format from the one or more ground stations, processes the received ADS-B data to extract aircraft data and eliminate duplicate aircraft data; determines aircraft data missing from the processed aircraft data, receives supplemental aircraft data from other sources to provide aircraft data missing from the processed aircraft data, and outputs the processed aircraft data and the received supplemental aircraft data to one or more processing devices for processing and display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Arinc Incorporated
    Inventors: Rolf R. Stefani, James Gary Cooper, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7956803
    Abstract: A system and method for detecting one or more forged satellite measurements transmitted from a wireless device. Information may be transmitted to a wireless device, the information including a request that the wireless device provide a portion of a navigation data message from one or more satellites to a location determining system. The one or more satellite measurements and the portion of the navigation data message may be received from the wireless device. The navigation data message may be determined as a function of information from a reference network. The determined navigation data message may then be compared with the received navigation data message portion to thereby determine whether any of the one or more satellite measurements transmitted by the device have been forged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Andrew, LLC
    Inventors: Martin Thomson, Neil Harper
  • Patent number: 7956808
    Abstract: A method for improving the results of radio location systems that incorporate weighted least squares optimization generalizes the weighted least squares method by using maximum a posteriori (MAP) probability metrics to incorporate characteristics of the specific positioning problem (e.g., UTDOA). Weighted least squares methods are typically used by TDOA and related location systems including TDOA/AOA and TDOA/GPS hybrid systems. The incorporated characteristics include empirical information about TDOA errors and the probability distribution of the mobile position relative to other network elements. A technique is provided for modeling the TDOA error distribution and the a priori mobile position. A method for computing a MAP decision metric is provided using the new probability distribution models. Testing with field data shows that this method yields significant improvement over existing weighted least squares methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: TruePosition, Inc.
    Inventors: Pete A. Boyer, Rashidus S. Mia, Edward J. Segall
  • Patent number: 7956988
    Abstract: A sensitivity modulated light detection and ranging (LIDAR) system and related methods. Implementations of sensitivity modulated LIDAR systems may include a pulsed laser and a light detection system coupled with the pulsed laser through a timing system. The light detection system may include a high-bandwidth detector coupled with the timing system, at least one imaging detector coupled with the timing system, and at least one sensitivity modulator coupled with the at least one imaging detector and with the timing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Alpha Technology, LLC
    Inventor: Steven E. Moran
  • Patent number: 7956794
    Abstract: A radar device is described, in particular a hand-held short-range radar for determining the location of objects enclosed in a medium, including at least one radar sensor, which generates a first, high-frequency detection signal for penetrating a medium to be tested in such a way that information about an object enclosed in the medium can be obtained by measuring and analyzing the reflected detection signal of the radar sensor. At least one additional sensor is provided for generating at least one additional, second detection signal for obtaining information about the object enclosed in the medium. The method on which this radar instrument is based is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Uwe Skultety-Betz, Bjoern Haase, Michael Mahler, Ulli Hoffmann, Reiner Krapf, Christoph Wieland
  • Patent number: 7956806
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for orienting an antenna in a communications system on a mobile platform to orient a peak of the antenna pattern in a direction associated with a signal source. A signal from a signal source is received at the antenna. A signal strength is measured from the received signal. A signal strength and a misalignment of the antenna along at least one axis are predicted according to a previous estimate of the signal strength, a previous estimate of the misalignment of the antenna, an estimated change in the signal strength, and a known change in the antenna orientation. The predicted signal strength and misalignment of the antenna are updated according to the measured signal strength to provide an estimate of a current misalignment of the antenna. The orientation of the peak of the antenna pattern is adjusted according to the estimated current misalignment of the antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Space and Mission Systems Corp.
    Inventors: Zhang Liu, Gregory A. Shreve
  • Patent number: 7956798
    Abstract: A radar apparatus having an integral ARPA function transmits at least two kinds of pulse signals, each of which has different pulselength, according to a specific transmission pattern and receives echoes of the transmitted pulse signal. The radar apparatus includes an echo data generator for generating display echo data for each range scale selected for on-screen presentation by using an echo signal obtained with each transmission pulselength, an ARPA processor for generating a single set of motion-related information on each tracked target to be superimposed on the display echo data by using echo signals obtained with the different pulselengths, a display output synthesizer for superimposing the motion-related information on each tracked target generated by the ARPA processor on the display echo data, and a display unit for displaying a superimposed picture produced by the display output synthesizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Furuno Electric Company, Ltd
    Inventors: Katsuyuki Yanagi, Koji Dai, Sae Takemoto
  • Patent number: 7952522
    Abstract: A positioning apparatus for a wireless ad-hoc network that can measure distances between network nodes that are in range and connected to each other. The positioning apparatus can calculate 3D positions of some nodes using the distance values using a relative coordinate system, first by measuring distances to neighbored nodes, receiving and sending distance reports to/from neighbors, by second initially advantageously selecting the set of base nodes to which the coordinate system relates, and by calculating positions of the base nodes and other nodes in the network initially, and by third detecting movements in the network and by calculating positions of the moved nodes. The network can compensate for movements of the base nodes, select the base nodes in an advantageous way, and cope with sleeping nodes, with unreliable communication, and with fluctuating network topologies. Neighbor communication is used only if no node is sleeping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Sony Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Fritz Hohl
  • Patent number: 7952521
    Abstract: Method of multi-parameter direction finding of several sources in an array of N sensors, comprising at least the following steps: a) choosing a parameter to be determined, or parameter of interest, b) expressing the direction vector in the form of a linear relation between the parameter of interest chosen and the secondary parameters b0(?, ?0)=U0(?) ?0(?0), c) applying a MUSIC-type direction finding step by factorizing the criterion serving for the determination of the angles of incidence so as to determine at least the incidence parameter, d) on the basis of the incidence value, determining the vector representative of the secondary parameters and expressing this vector in the form of a linear relation between a chosen parameter to be determined and the other secondary parameters, e) applying a MUSIC-type direction finding step by factorizing the criterion serving in the determination of the chosen parameter, f) repeating steps d) to e) so as to determine the majority or the whole set of secondary parameters
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Thales
    Inventors: Anne Ferreol, Pascal Larzabal
  • Patent number: 7952518
    Abstract: Systems and methods according to various embodiments provide for navigation in attenuated environments by integrating satellite signals with Internet hotspot signals. In one embodiment, a receiver unit adapted to perform geolocation comprises an antenna adapted to receive a precision time signal from a satellite and receive additional aiding information from a wireless network station, wherein the precision time signal comprises a periodic repeating code.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: David A. Whelan, Robert W. Brumley, Gregory M. Gutt, Barton G. Ferrell
  • Patent number: 7952523
    Abstract: Systems and methods are presented for passive location of transmitters in which two or more receivers time stamp received signals from target transmitters and the time stamped data for each target signal of interest is isolated to identify a peak power time of arrival for the signal at each transmitter from which differential scan observation values are derived, and for each signal of interest a line of position curve is computed based on the differential scan observation value and corresponding receiver locations, and for each signal of interest an estimated target transmitter location is determined based on an intersection of two corresponding line of position curves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Jay W Middour, Kelia Bynum, Christopher Huffine, Anthony D'Agostino, Charles Chrisman, C Lane Ellis, Randolph L. Nichols
  • Patent number: 7952516
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an integrated circuit device that includes a primary signal synthesizer configured to generate a free-running first digital frequency signal and at least one secondary signal synthesizer disposed in parallel with the primary signal synthesizer and configured to generate a free-running at least one second digital frequency signal. A switch element includes a first switch input coupled to the primary signal synthesizer and at least one second switch input coupled to the at least one secondary signal synthesizer. The switch element is configured to select a switch output that provides either the free-running first digital frequency signal or the free-running at least one second digital frequency signal based on a switch control input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: Adam T. Atherton
  • Patent number: 7952513
    Abstract: A system for classifying targets utilizes radar receptions and acoustic signatures of armament projectiles (e.g., bullets from celebratory rifle fire, mortars, cannon fire, artillery shells, or rockets, etc.) to associate ordinances with radar returns to better utilize a radar's resources to acquire and track targets of interest. In one embodiment of the invention the system for classifying targets comprises: a radar system for detecting targets based upon radar receptions; an acoustic system for detecting targets based upon acoustic receptions; and a means for classifying the acoustic receptions into target types; a means for computing range, bearing and time of incidence for the radar receptions and the acoustic receptions; a means for associating the radar receptions and the acoustic receptions according to the classification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Byron W. Tietjen, Melinda M. Au, Craig A. Pomeroy, Keith M. Lim
  • Patent number: 7952687
    Abstract: The invention relates to measuring device, particularly a distance measuring device for contactlessly measuring distance, comprising a housing (12) made of at least one first material and with at least one electronic component (56), which is arranged inside an interior (48) of the housing (12), as well as with a second material that at least partially surrounds the housing (48). The invention provides that the second material also seals at least one opening (63) of the housing interior (48). The invention also relates to a method for producing a measuring device of the aforementioned type during which the second material is provided as a sealing element that seals at least one opening of the housing interior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Uwe Skultety-Betz, Bjoern Haase, Joerg Stierle, Peter Wolf, Kai Renz
  • Patent number: 7952519
    Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting GNSS signals originating from an inauthentic source. A synthetic array using a receiver antenna which is randomly spatially translated may be used to gather alleged GNSS signals. The signals are then processed to determine the spatial correlation between them. A high spatial correlation between the signals indicates a probable inauthentic source for the GNSS signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Inventors: John Nielsen, Ali Broumandan, Gerard LaChapelle