Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for moderating interference with impulse radio wireless control of an appliance; the control is effected by a controller remote from the appliance transmitting impulse radio digital control signals to the appliance. The control signals have a transmission power and a data rate. The method comprises the steps of: (a) in no particular order: (1) establishing a maximum acceptable noise value for a parameter relating to interfering signals; (2) establishing a frequency range for measuring the interfering signals; (b) measuring the parameter for the interference signals within the frequency range; and (c) when the parameter exceeds the maximum acceptable noise value, effecting an alteration of transmission of the control signals.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting an impulse radio signal obtains a template pulse train and a received impulse radio signal. The system compares the template pulse train and the received impulse radio signal to obtain a comparison result. The system performs a threshold check on the comparison result. If the comparison result passes the threshold check, the system locks on the received impulse radio signal. The system may also perform a quick check, a sychronization check, and/or a command check of the impulse radio signal.

Abstract: A system and method for impulse radio power control wherein a first transceiver transmits an impulse radio signal to a second transceiver. A power control update is calculated according to a performance measurement of the signal received at the second transceiver. The transmitter power of either transceiver, depending on the particular embodiment, is adjusted according to the power control update. Various performance measurements are employed according to the current invention to calculate a power control update, including bit error rate, signal-to-noise ratio, and received signal strength, used alone or in combination. Interference is thereby reduced, which is particularly important where multiple impulse radios are operating in close proximity and their transmission interfere with one another. Reducing the transmitter power of each radio to a level that produces satisfactory reception increases the total number of radios that can operate in an area without saturation.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An impulse radio concurrently receives an impulse signal and interference. An interference sampler samples the interference before an expected time of arrival of an impulse in the impulse signal, to produce an interference nulling sample. Then, when the impulse arrives, a data sampler samples the impulse in the presence of the interference to produce a data sample including undesired interference energy. The anticipatory nulling sample is an estimate of the undesired interference energy captured in the subsequent data sample so that the nulling sample can be used to cancel the interference energy from the data sample. When the nulling sample precedes the data sample by an odd number of half cycle periods of the interference, the nulling sample is additively combined with the data sample to derive a corrected data sample, from which a portion of the interference energy is canceled.

Abstract: A mounting for a sheet that has a bead about its periphery includes frame members forming a rectangle with each frame member including mutually parallel multiple engagement surfaces defined on ribs. An elongate retainer includes an elongate flange with an interlocking surface which can selectively interlock with any one of the engagement surfaces on the frame. The frame also has a frame rail having a rail surface that faces away from a retainer rail surface on a rail of the retainer. A tool including pinch rollers squeeze the rail surfaces toward one another to place the sheet material held by the retainer in tension while the interlocking surface is engaged with the appropriate engagement surface.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A system, electronic monitor and method are provided that utilize the communication capabilities and positioning capabilities of impulse radio technology to enable people (e.g., broadcasters, fans, trainers, jockeys) to track a position of a horse as it moves around a race track and/or to enable people to monitor one or more vital signs of the moving horse. The present invention may also be used track and/or monitor other animals such as dogs and people.

Abstract: A system, electronic monitor and method are provided that utilize the communication capabilities and positioning capabilities of impulse radio technology to enable people (e.g., mechanics, fans, broadcasters, drivers) to track a position of a vehicle as it moves around a race track and/or to enable people to monitor an engine, transmission system, braking system and other vehicular parameters of the moving vehicle.

Abstract: An impulse radio system includes an impulse transmitter that transmits a pulse train comprising a number of pulses that are positioned in time for conveying an information signal. An impulse receiver receives the pulse train in accordance with specified arrival times of each pulse and measures interference samples at interference sample times that do not coincide with the pulse arrival times. The interference sample times are varied and the received pulse train signal is modified until a received signal quality criterion is satisfied. The interference sample times may be specified by a code that may also specify pulse arrival times.

Abstract: A system, electronic monitor and method are provided that utilize the capabilities of impulse radio technology to overcome the shortcomings of conventional house arrest monitoring systems. One embodiment of the present invention enables monitoring personnel (e.g., police officers, parole officers) to determine whether a person under house arrest and carrying an electronic monitor stays within their home. Another embodiment of the present invention enables monitoring personnel to determine whether a person under house arrest and carrying an electronic monitor is located within their home and/or also enables monitoring personnel to monitor the vital signs of that person.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and method are provided that utilize the communication capabilities and positioning capabilities of impulse radio technology to overcome the shortcomings in conventional prison monitoring systems. Basically, the present invention enables prison personnel to track the movements of a prisoner and/or monitor the vital signs of a prisoner using impulse radio technology that is well suited for a prison environment.

Abstract: A high rate impulse radio communication system where the modulation period is shorter than the multipath decay period and relates to the placement of pulses in a sequence of pulses such that pulses subsequent to the first pulse are placed in time at locations that are optimum based on the multipath response of the channel.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A system, electronic monitor and method are provided that utilize impulse radio technology to enable a farmer to accurately track a position of an object (e.g., farm equipment, farm animal, farm employee) as the object moves around a farm and/or to enable a farmer to monitor a variety of parameters associated with the moving farm equipment. In addition, the system, electronic monitor and method can utilize impulse radio technology to help control either remotely or automatically one or more pieces of farm equipment.

Abstract: A system, electronic monitor and method are provided that utilize impulse radio technology to alert medical personnel when a patient needs medical assistance. In addition, the present invention includes a system, electronic monitor and method that utilize the communication capabilities and positioning capabilities of impulse radio technology to enable medical personnel to monitor one or more vitals signs of a patient and/or to enable medical personnel to determine a current a position of a patient in a building such as a hospital, nursing home or their home.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.