Abstract: A target object motion estimation method using at least one subset of a complex SAR image. Coarse range cell alignment is performed on at least one subset of a complex SAR image. At least one subset is autofocused, thereby providing an estimated phase error function. The estimated phase error function yielded by autofocusing (or a manipulated version of the phase error function) may be analyzed to detect, characterize, and estimate target object motion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a blend of 15-97 weight percent electret fibers and 3-85 percent by weight dissimilar non-electret fibers using dry laid blending technique. The electret fibers incorporate 0.05 to 30 weight percent charge control agents. Optionally, at least about 3 to about 50 weight percent of said blend is bicomponent fibers having a low melting component to bond the blend into a unitary nonwoven structure. The blend is bonded to form nonwoven webs that are used in making filter fabric and particularly air filter fabric.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a blend of 15-97 weight percent electret fibers and 3-85 percent by weight dissimilar non-electret fibers using dry laid blending techniques. The electret fibers incorporate 0.05 to 30 weight percent charge control agents. Optionally, at least about 3 to about 50 weight percent of said blend is bicomponent fibers having a low melting component to bond the blend into a unitary nonwoven structure. The blend is bonded to form nonwoven webs that are used in making filter fabric and particularly air filter fabric.

Abstract: Co-processable multi-layer laminates having a high Tg layer and at least one low Tg layer with layers having properties of high strength, lo- or no-haze, and transparency after processing into various multi-layer forms are useful for packaging and container applications. The multi-layer laminate has at least one low Tg layer of a first thermoplastic polyester having at least one crystallization rate inhibitor. The total amount of crystallization rate inhibitor is effective to prevent substantial haze in the low Tg layer upon heating. In most applications, the total amount of crystallization rate inhibitor also does not substantially inhibit strain-induced crystallization of the at least one low Tg layer when the laminate is stretched during processing. The multi-layer laminates of the invention have improved properties such as reduced shrinkage and/or high barrier properties, with a very small amount of high Tg material used to impart these improved properties to the laminate.

Abstract: A device and method for performing clutter rejection through edge integran. The invention uses optical flow estimation to produce target centering information which is used to control an image source so that a detected moving target is maintained in the center of an image containing the target and accompanying clutter while continuous, real-time integration of the target edges is performed. The output image produced contains an enhanced target and the target to clutter ratio is, therefore, enhanced.

Abstract: An iterative process to determine the wavelet function and combination of ales of the function which provides data where there is a large separability compared to the separability of the data set prior to processing. Wavelets are selected for inclusion in a library in accordance with predetermined criteria and then applied to a digitized signal by convolution to perform digital filtering. The convolution of each wavelet is performed for the number of times dictated by the coefficients of the wavelet for each of the input signal samples. Separability of the wavelet implemented digital filtration is calculated as a percentage for each wavelet. The separation data is stored in memory until the iterative process is applied to all wavelets. The separability data is then examined to identify the wavelet producing the greatest separation. The data separability is estimated using a likelihood ratio after the probability densities for each of two sets of profile data are estimated.

Abstract: A process for treating a liquid crystal polymer film which includes the steps of: heating a film obtained by extrusion molding of a liquid crystal polymer, while contacting at least one surface of the film with a supporting body, to melt the polymer; cooling the melted polymer to form a solidified polymer layer; and separating the solidified polymer layer from the supporting body. The process readily provides liquid crystal polymer films having excellent resistance to intra-layer delamination and high tensile strength and elongation, as well as excellent resistance to abrasion, dimensional stability when heated, and resistance to folding.

Abstract: A method of correcting rotational motion error in SAR and ISAR imagery includes shifting the center of the image to zero doppler and thus to the center of rotation of the target being imaged, selecting a dominant scatterer at an off-center range cell to provide a phase reference, calculating the rotational motion error function from the phase of the selected scatterer, using the rotational motion error function to interpolate raw radar return image data between the original unequal angular samples to obtain equal angular samples of the target reflectivity function, and performing an image quality check and producing a value which is a relative measure of focus of the image. Also, the method includes repeating the steps starting with selecting a new dominant scatterer as a phase reference.

Abstract: A system for distinguishing between a target and clutter analyzes frequency components of returned wave energy by one or more networks each having inputs receiving successive samples of the returned energy and having outputs individually connected to the inputs through multiplier elements providing selectable factors. The multipliers corresponding to each output are connected to the output through a summing element and a selectable and generally sigmoidal activation function. The factors may be bandpass filter coefficients or discrete Fourier transform coefficients so as to generate frequency components of the energy. Predetermined frequency characteristics of the returned energy may be detected by providing the outputs of a network to a network in which the factors are selected as correlation or convolution coefficients, are selected to integrate fed back outputs, or are selected to sum several outputs within a predetermined range.

Abstract: A method for distinguishing between a target and clutter analyzes frequency components of returned wave energy to detect target energy characterized by being present in a narrow range of frequencies, by increasing in the range over time, or by remaining substantially in the range over time. The method utilizes time sequential spectra of the returned energy. The spectra may be signals from a plurality of band pass filters or may be a spectrogram. The energy in adjacent band pass signals and spectra frequencies are correlated to detect energy in a narrow range of frequencies. Differences in successive spectra are integrated to detect increasing energy in a range of frequencies. An energy peak detected in a narrow range by correlation is integrated to detect that the peak remains in the range.