Abstract: A method for radar imaging is disclosed herein. The method may comprise using a plurality of radar antenna arrays provided on a terrestrial vehicle to obtain phase measurements associated with one or more radar signals transmitted and received by the plurality of radar antenna arrays as the terrestrial vehicle moves through an environment. The method may further comprise processing the phase measurements to compute (i) a set of object-specific properties for one or more objects external to the terrestrial vehicle and (ii) a set of vehicle-specific properties for the terrestrial vehicle. The method may further comprise using the set of object-specific properties and the set of vehicle-specific properties to generate one or more radar images of the environment as the terrestrial vehicle moves through the environment.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system for processing radar data. The system may comprise a frequency generator configured to generate a reference frequency signal; a timing module configured to generate a shared clock signal or a plurality of timing signals; and a plurality of radar modules in communication with the frequency generator and timing module. The radar modules may be configured to: (i) receive the reference frequency signal and at least one of a shared clock signal and a timing signal, (ii) transmit a first set of radar signals based in part on the reference frequency signal and at least one of the shared clock signal and the timing signal, and (iii) receive a second set of radar signals reflected from a surrounding environment. The system may comprise a processor configured to process radar signals received by each radar module, by coherently combining radar signals using phase and timestamp information.

Abstract: A system for determining a spatial disposition or a characteristic of a target external to a terrestrial vehicle is provided. The system may comprise a radar antenna array configured to transmit and receive radar signals, and a controller operatively coupled to the radar antenna array. The controller can be configured to use spatial information of the terrestrial vehicle and a spatial configuration of the radar antenna array to generate an enhanced main lobe by attenuating one or more side lobes in an effective sensitivity pattern associated with the radar antenna array or enhancing a main lobe in the effective sensitivity pattern associated with the radar antenna array. The controller can be configured to use the enhanced main lobe to determine (i) the spatial disposition of the target relative to the terrestrial vehicle or (ii) the characteristic of the target.

Abstract: A system for determining a spatial disposition or a characteristic of a target external to a terrestrial vehicle is provided. The system may comprise a radar antenna array configured to transmit and receive radar signals, and a controller operatively coupled to the radar antenna array. The controller can be configured to use spatial information of the terrestrial vehicle and a spatial configuration of the radar antenna array to generate an enhanced main lobe by attenuating one or more side lobes in an effective sensitivity pattern associated with the radar antenna array or enhancing a main lobe in the effective sensitivity pattern associated with the radar antenna array. The controller can be configured to use the enhanced main lobe to determine (i) the spatial disposition of the target relative to the terrestrial vehicle or (ii) the characteristic of the target.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system for processing radar data. The system may comprise a frequency generator configured to generate a reference frequency signal; a timing module configured to generate a shared clock signal or a plurality of timing signals; and a plurality of radar modules in communication with the frequency generator and timing module. The radar modules may be configured to: (i) receive the reference frequency signal and at least one of a shared clock signal and a timing signal, (ii) transmit a first set of radar signals based in part on the reference frequency signal and at least one of the shared clock signal and the timing signal, and (iii) receive a second set of radar signals reflected from a surrounding environment. The system may comprise a processor configured to process radar signals received by each radar module, by coherently combining radar signals using phase and timestamp information.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system for processing radar data. The system may comprise a frequency generator configured to generate a reference frequency signal; a timing module configured to generate one or more timing signals; and a plurality of radar modules in communication with the frequency generator and timing module. The radar modules may be configured to: (i) receive the reference frequency signal and the one or more timing signals, (ii) transmit a first set of radar signals based in part on the reference frequency signal and the one or more timing signals, and (iii) receive a second set of radar signals reflected from a surrounding environment. The system may comprise a processor configured to process radar signals received by the plurality of radar modules, by coherently combining radar signals using phase and timestamp information.

Abstract: A system for determining a spatial disposition or a characteristic of a target external to a terrestrial vehicle is provided. The system may comprise a radar antenna array comprising a transmitting antenna and a receiving antenna, a vehicle position sensor configured to obtain a spatial disposition of the terrestrial vehicle, and a controller operatively coupled to the radar antenna array and the vehicle position sensor. The controller can be configured to synchronize successive radar pulses transmitted by the transmitting antenna and a plurality of signals received by the receiving antenna, with the spatial disposition of the terrestrial vehicle obtained by the vehicle position sensor substantially in real time as the terrestrial vehicle is in motion, to generate a set of synchronized measurements, and use the set of synchronized measurements to determine (i) the spatial disposition of the target relative to the terrestrial vehicle or (ii) the characteristic of the target.

Abstract: A system for determining a spatial disposition or a characteristic of a target external to a terrestrial vehicle is provided. The system may comprise a radar antenna array configured to transmit and receive radar signals, and a controller operatively coupled to the radar antenna array. The controller can be configured to use spatial information of the terrestrial vehicle and a spatial configuration of the radar antenna array to generate an enhanced main lobe by attenuating one or more side lobes in an effective sensitivity pattern associated with the radar antenna array or enhancing a main lobe in the effective sensitivity pattern associated with the radar antenna array. The controller can be configured to use the enhanced main lobe to determine (i) the spatial disposition of the target relative to the terrestrial vehicle or (ii) the characteristic of the target.

Abstract: A system for determining a spatial disposition or a characteristic of a target external to a terrestrial vehicle is provided. The system may comprise a radar antenna array configured to transmit and receive radar signals, and a controller operatively coupled to the radar antenna array. The controller can be configured to use spatial information of the terrestrial vehicle and a spatial configuration of the radar antenna array to generate an enhanced main lobe by attenuating one or more side lobes in an effective sensitivity pattern associated with the radar antenna array or enhancing a main lobe in the effective sensitivity pattern associated with the radar antenna array. The controller can be configured to use the enhanced main lobe to determine (i) the spatial disposition of the target relative to the terrestrial vehicle or (ii) the characteristic of the target.

Abstract: A system for determining a spatial disposition or a characteristic of a target external to a terrestrial vehicle is provided. The system may comprise a radar antenna array comprising a transmitting antenna and a receiving antenna, a vehicle position sensor configured to obtain a spatial disposition of the terrestrial vehicle, and a controller operatively coupled to the radar antenna array and the vehicle position sensor. The controller can be configured to synchronize successive radar pulses transmitted by the transmitting antenna and a plurality of signals received by the receiving antenna, with the spatial disposition of the terrestrial vehicle obtained by the vehicle position sensor substantially in real time as the terrestrial vehicle is in motion, to generate a set of synchronized measurements, and use the set of synchronized measurements to determine (i) the spatial disposition of the target relative to the terrestrial vehicle or (ii) the characteristic of the target.

Abstract: A power generation system is provided configured for installation within a wheel of a vehicle. The system includes a stator having a plurality of face-mounted permanent magnets; and a rotor having a plurality of windings configured to rotate, with rotation of the wheel, in proximity to the permanent magnets thereby generating a current. The stator is mounted to a brake caliper of the vehicle. Also provided is a wheel-based vehicle display system including a light emitting diode (LED) array arranged on or within a wheel of a vehicle; a power source connected thereto; and a controller connected to the LED array. The display system is configured to display at least one of: textual information, visual images or full-motion video.

Abstract: A power generation system is provided configured for installation within a wheel of a vehicle. The system includes a stator having a plurality of face-mounted permanent magnets; and a rotor having a plurality of windings configured to rotate, with rotation of the wheel, in proximity to the permanent magnets thereby generating a current. The stator is mounted to a brake caliper of the vehicle. Also provided is a wheel-based vehicle display system including a light emitting diode (LED) array arranged on or within a wheel of a vehicle; a power source connected thereto; and a controller connected to the LED array. The display system is configured to display at least one of: textual information, visual images or full-motion video.

Abstract: A power generation system is provided configured for installation within a wheel of a vehicle. The system includes a stator having a plurality of face-mounted permanent magnets; and a rotor having a plurality of windings configured to rotate, with rotation of the wheel, in proximity to the permanent magnets thereby generating a current. The stator is mounted to a brake caliper of the vehicle. Also provided is a wheel-based vehicle display system including a light emitting diode (LED) array arranged on or within a wheel of a vehicle; a power source connected thereto; and a controller connected to the LED array. The display system is configured to display at least one of: textual information, visual images or full-motion video.

Abstract: Obstructions in a path of a vehicle may be determined by recording a plurality of measurements while the vehicle is traveling through a geographic area. The plurality of measurements may involve a velocity of the vehicle, positions relative to the vehicle of a plurality of objects in the geographic area. Also, a path of a vehicle may be determined. An obstruction in the path may be detected as an object of the plurality of objects that is in the path. Also, the obstruction may be determined to be a stationary obstruction as a function of the velocity of the vehicle and multiple positions of the obstruction relative to the vehicle measured over time.

Abstract: An apparatus including a camera shutter having a shutter window therethrough; a shutter drive connected to the camera shutter; and an aperture member having an aperture therethrough. The shutter drive includes at least one magnet and at least one coil. The shutter drive is configured to move the camera shutter when the coil is activated. The shutter window is sized and shaped to be moved into registry with the aperture. The shutter window is substantially at least as large as the aperture.

Abstract: An input device, especially for a motor vehicle, has a display for the visual representation of information, a touch screen arranged above the display for the input of commands by touching an operating surface of the touch screen, and a layer having adjustable transparency arranged between the display and the touchscreen.

Abstract: A power generation system is provided configured for installation within a wheel of a vehicle. The system includes a stator having a plurality of face-mounted permanent magnets; and a rotor having a plurality of windings configured to rotate, with rotation of the wheel, in proximity to the permanent magnets thereby generating a current. The stator is mounted to a brake caliper of the vehicle. Also provided is a wheel-based vehicle display system including a light emitting diode (LED) array arranged on or within a wheel of a vehicle; a power source connected thereto; and a controller connected to the LED array. The display system is configured to display at least one of: textual information, visual images or full-motion video.

Abstract: A power generation system is provided configured for installation within a wheel of a vehicle. The system includes a stator having a plurality of face-mounted permanent magnets; and a rotor having a plurality of windings configured to rotate, with rotation of the wheel, in proximity to the permanent magnets thereby generating a current. The stator is mounted to a brake caliper of the vehicle. Also provided is a wheel-based vehicle display system including a light emitting diode (LED) array arranged on or within a wheel of a vehicle; a power source connected thereto; and a controller connected to the LED array. The display system is configured to display at least one of: textual information, visual images or full-motion video.

Abstract: Obstructions in a path of a vehicle may be determined by recording a plurality of measurements while the vehicle is traveling through a geographic area. The plurality of measurements may involve a velocity of the vehicle, positions relative to the vehicle of a plurality of objects in the geographic area. Also, a path of a vehicle may be determined. An obstruction in the path may be detected as an object of the plurality of objects that is in the path. Also, the obstruction may be determined to be a stationary obstruction as a function of the velocity of the vehicle and multiple positions of the obstruction relative to the vehicle measured over time.

Abstract: An apparatus including a camera shutter having a shutter window therethrough; a shutter drive connected to the camera shutter; and an aperture member having an aperture therethrough. The shutter drive includes at least one magnet and at least one coil. The shutter drive is configured to move the camera shutter when the coil is activated. The shutter window is sized and shaped to be moved into registry with the aperture. The shutter window is substantially at least as large as the aperture.