Patents by Inventor Pascal Cornic

Pascal Cornic has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20110193738
    Abstract: A radar being carried by an aircraft includes means for transmitting an RF wave towards a target, said wave having a double form, a first waveform being composed of at least two sinusoids of different frequencies transmitted simultaneously, the radar comprising reception circuits receiving the signals reflected by the target and analysis means performing the detection of the target on the basis of the signals received. The second waveform is of the pulse type. The transmitted waveform is dependent on the relative speed of the target with respect to the carrier and on the absolute speed of the carrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2010
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Applicant: THALES
    Inventors: Pascal Cornic, Patrick Garrec, Stéphane Kemkemian
  • Patent number: 7994964
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for determining the position notably the elevation of a target flying at very low altitude. An electromagnetic detection system extracts the measurement of the elevation on the basis of the amplitude of the interference signal produced by a signal emitted directly by the target and by a signal emitted by the target towards the ground then reflected by the ground towards the radar. Embodiments of the invention can notably be used within the framework of the guidance of drones in the final landing phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Thales
    Inventors: Pascal Cornic, Eric Barraux, Patrick Garrec
  • Publication number: 20110187586
    Abstract: A method includes: generating a frequency-modulated continuous signal, an emission sequence being formed of successive ramps centred on a carrier frequency; fixing a modulation band ?F and the duration Tr of a recurrence in such a way that at the range limit, a reception ramp appears shifted by at least one given frequency with respect to the corresponding emission ramp, on account of the propagation delay for the outward-return journey to a target kTr+?, k being an integer and ? a duration less than Tr; demodulating the signal received by the signal emitted, the resulting signal including a first sinusoid at the frequency ?Fdim=(1?(?/Tr)·?F and a second sinusoid at the frequency ?Fd=(?/Tr)·?F; sampling the resulting signal and performing a first fast Fourier transformation on this resulting signal over the duration of each emission ramp; detecting in the resulting spectrum the spectral lines appearing at the frequencies ?Fd and ?Fdim, and performing the vector sum of these two spectral lines after resetting
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Applicant: THALES
    Inventors: Pascal CORNIC, Patrick LE BIHAN, Stéphane KEMKEMIAN
  • Publication number: 20110160941
    Abstract: A multifunction airborne radar device includes a plurality of transmit antenna modules and/or receive antenna modules that are fixed relative to the aircraft, placed substantially over the surface of the aircraft so as to form transmit and receive beams, enabling targets to be detected for implementing a sense-and-avoid function. The airborne radar device may also comprise processing means for tracking the detected targets and for generating information sent to an air traffic control centre and/or to a control device on board the aircraft. The processing device may also receive data relating to the aircraft, enabling the antenna beams to be adjusted and the tracking calculations to be refined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Applicant: THALES
    Inventors: Patrick Garrec, Pascal Cornic, Stéphane Kemkemian
  • Publication number: 20110140952
    Abstract: An airborne radar device having a given angular coverage in elevation and in azimuth includes a transmit system, a receive system and processing means for carrying out target detection and location measurements. The transmit system includes: a transmit antenna made up of at least a first linear array of radiating elements focusing a transmit beam, said arrays being approximately parallel to one another; at least one waveform generator; means for amplifying the transmit signals produced by the waveform generator or generators; and means for controlling the transmit signals produced by the waveform generator or generators, said control means feeding each radiating element with a transmit signal. The radiating elements being controlled for simultaneously carrying out electronic scanning of the transmit beam in elevation and for coloured transmission in elevation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Applicant: THALES
    Inventors: Stéphane KEMKEMIAN, Pascal CORNIC, Patrick LE BIHAN, Myriam NOUVEL-FIANI
  • Publication number: 20110130898
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a system for assisting in the landing or the decking of a light aircraft, the method being implemented by a system comprising a device on the ground for locating the aircraft, the aircraft having an onboard signal sender, the method comprising at least the following steps: the locating device on the ground uses signals sent by the sender to determine the position and/or movement of the aircraft; said device transmits the previously determined aircraft position and/or movement data to the aircraft; display means show at least some of said data made accessible to the pilot of the aircraft. The invention applies in particular to the field of civil light aeronautics, notably for facilitating the landing of pleasure aeroplanes, small transport aeroplanes and helicopters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2010
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Applicant: THALES
    Inventors: Patrick Garrec, Pascal Cornic
  • Patent number: 7940205
    Abstract: Using a radar to detect a known target likely to be positioned at approximately a predetermined height close to other targets, these other targets also being positioned at approximately the predetermined height. A first phase of detecting the known target is carried out by performing an azimuth scan. When the known target has been detected at a certain distance Di at a certain azimuth angle ?az, a second detection phase is carried out at said azimuth angle ?az and at an elevation angle ?EL corresponding to that of an object situated at said distance Di at the predetermined height. The target is said to be detected if it is detected at the elevation angle ?EL at a distance D approximately equal to the distance Di.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Thales
    Inventors: Pascal Cornic, Eric Barraux, Patrick Garrec
  • Patent number: 7903023
    Abstract: The present invention relates to system for detecting obstacles (13, 55, 56, 57) on the ground (15) onboard a carrier (1). The detection system comprises at least two continuous-wave radars (2, 3, 4). The radars (2, 3, 4) are linked to a system (15) for utilizing the detection data arising from the radars (2, 3, 4). The detection system performs localization of an obstacle (13, 55, 56, 57): along a radial axis (12) between a radar (2, 3, 4) and the obstacle (13, 55, 56, 57), by calculating the distance between the radar (2, 3, 4) and the obstacle (13, 55, 56, 57); along a vertical axis (14) with respect to a radar (2, 3, 4), by calculating the elevation of the obstacle (13, 55, 56, 57) using monopulse deviation-measurement processing. The detection system performs localization of an obstacles along a horizontal axis (18) transverse with respect to a sighting axis (11) of a radar (2, 3, 4), by calculating the azimuthal position of the obstacle (13, 55, 56, 57).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Thales
    Inventors: Pascal Cornic, Patrick Le Bihan, Yves Audic, Philippe Lacomme
  • Publication number: 20100256841
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and a method for assisting in the decking of an aircraft on a platform, more particularly on a mobile platform comprising a decking surface, said aircraft comprising a signal transmitter, the system comprising means for determining flight commands to be executed by the aircraft, said means being at least fed by locating means of the aircraft and by means of predicting movements of the platform, the locating means comprising at least two passive sensors, spaced apart, fixed in proximity to the decking surface and able to receive the signals transmitted by the aircraft. The invention applies notably to the decking of rotary wing craft and autonomous aircraft on ships.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2010
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Applicant: THALES
    Inventors: Patrick Garrec, Pascal Cornic, Eric Barraux
  • Publication number: 20100097120
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electronic switching device for high-frequency signals. The invention is of particular use in the connection between a microwave frequency antenna and an electronic circuit. This circuit comprises one or two access points designed to be connected to the antenna forming a third access point. In the case of a switch between one access point and the antenna (called an SPST switch), it comprises two switching diodes, one, called a serial diode, being connected in series between the access points and the other, called a shunt diode, between one of the access points and an earth of the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2009
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Applicants: Thales, Groupe Des Ecoles Des Telecommunications/ Ecole Nationale Superieure DesTelecoms Bretagne
    Inventors: Michel Bizien, Pascal Cornic, Jean-Philippe Coupez, Julien Boucher, Jèrèmie Hemery
  • Publication number: 20100085237
    Abstract: Device and a method for locating a mobile object approaching a surface reflecting electromagnetic waves. The location device includes an emission antenna and a reception antenna. The emission antenna has one or more emission positions emitting a detection signal toward the mobile object. The reception antenna has at least one column of one or more reception positions, receiving a signal transmitted by the mobile object. An emission of the detection signal is activated on each emission position. An emission position that produces a detection by the reception antenna, of the signal of maximum energy transmitted by the mobile object, is selected to track the mobile object. One or more signals of maximum energy, received by one or more reception positions, are used to angularly locate the mobile object. The invention can be used to determine the position of an aircraft in the final landing phase for a guidance device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Applicant: THALES
    Inventors: Pascal Cornic, Eric Barraux, Patrick Garrec
  • Publication number: 20090315755
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for determining the position notably the elevation of a target flying at very low altitude. An electromagnetic detection system extracts the measurement of the elevation on the basis of the amplitude of the interference signal produced by a signal emitted directly by the target and by a signal emitted by the target towards the ground then reflected by the ground towards the radar. Embodiments of the invention can notably be used within the framework of the guidance of drones in the final landing phase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2007
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Applicant: Thales
    Inventors: Pascal Cornic, Eric Barraux, Patrick Garrec
  • Publication number: 20090284406
    Abstract: Using a radar to detect a known target likely to be positioned at approximately a predetermined height close to other targets, these other targets also being positioned at approximately the predetermined height. A first phase of detecting the known target is carried out by performing an azimuth scan. When the known target has been detected at a certain distance Di at a certain azimuth angle ?az, a second detection phase is carried out at said azimuth angle ?az and at an elevation angle ?EL corresponding to that of an object situated at said distance Di at the predetermined height. The target is said to be detected if it is detected at the elevation angle ?EL at a distance D approximately equal to the distance Di.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2009
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Applicant: Thales
    Inventors: Pascal Cornic, Eric Barraux, Patrick Garrec
  • Publication number: 20090243911
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for locating aircraft. A radar (3) performs distance and angle location of the aircraft. Location is refined by means of at least one airborne beacon (4) aboard the aircraft and of at least one beacon (5) whose position is predetermined with respect to the radar (3), the measurement of the position of the airborne beacon (4) being performed by the radar (3) by differential measurement between the position of at least one ground beacon (5) and of at least one airborne beacon (4). The invention is in particular used for the automatic guidance of drones in the approach and landing phase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2005
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Applicant: Thales
    Inventors: Pascal Cornic, Patrick Garrec, Philippe Lacomme
  • Publication number: 20090174591
    Abstract: The present invention relates to system for detecting obstacles (13, 55, 56, 57) on the ground (15) onboard a carrier (1). The detection system comprises at least two continuous-wave radars (2, 3, 4). The radars (2, 3, 4) are linked to a system (15) for utilizing the detection data arising from the radars (2, 3, 4). The detection system performs localization of an obstacle (13, 55, 56, 57): along a radial axis (12) between a radar (2, 3, 4) and the obstacle (13, 55, 56, 57), by calculating the distance between the radar (2, 3, 4) and the obstacle (13, 55, 56, 57); along a vertical axis (14) with respect to a radar (2, 3, 4), by calculating the elevation of the obstacle (13, 55, 56, 57) using monopulse deviation-measurement processing; The detection system performs localization of an obstacles along a horizontal axis (18) transverse with respect to a sighting axis (11) of a radar (2, 3, 4), by calculating the azimuthal position of the obstacle (13, 55, 56, 57).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Applicant: THALES
    Inventors: Pascal CORNIC, Patrick Le Bihan, Yves Audic, Philippe Lacomme
  • Publication number: 20090055038
    Abstract: The invention relates to an automatic aircraft landing guidance system having an electromagnetic detecting and locating device, positioned on the ground and a first multifunction transmitting/receiving radiofrequency beacon, on board each guided aircraft and transmitting in particular a continuous wave. The detecting and locating device uses the continuous wave transmitted by the beacon to perform a passive locating intended to improve the accuracy of the measurement of the angular position of the aircraft. It also comprises means for generating and periodically transmitting to the aircraft, via the beacon, information enabling said aircraft to rejoin an optimum landing path from its position. The invention applies more particularly to the guidance of autonomous and automatic aircraft such as drones in the approach and landing phase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2006
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Applicant: Thales
    Inventors: Patrick Garrec, Pascal Cornic
  • Patent number: 7161526
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an ultrawideband radar. It also relates to a modulator, in particular for switching microwaves over a very short duration. The radar includes a modulator modulating a carrier microwave, this modulator including a microwave mixer means for generating a modulation signal. The microwave enters on one input of the mixer and the modulation signal on the other input of the mixer, the output signal from the mixer being provided to the transmission means of the radar. Advantageously, the modulation signal may be pulsed and of very short duration. A local oscillator, operating as a free oscillator, provides the microwave to be modulated. The invention applies in particular in respect of aiding the parking of motor vehicles. More generally, it applies in respect of all applications which require low-cost high distance resolution radar detection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Thales
    Inventors: Pascal Cornic, Philippe Laviec, Bernard Liabeuf, Francisco Melero
  • Publication number: 20060197699
    Abstract: Active module integrated into an electronically scanned antenna, and radar comprising such an antenna, applied especially to meteorology. The present invention relates to an active module integrated into an electronically scanned antenna. The active module, suitable for radiofrequency transmission, includes at least one power amplifier. This power amplifier delivers a signal that feeds one or more radiating elements. The active module includes at least one waveform generator that delivers a phase-controllable signal to the power amplifier. Another subject of the invention is an electronically scanned antenna comprising radiating elements, each radiating element being fed via at least one active module according to the invention. Yet another subject of the invention is a radar comprising at least one antenna according to the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2006
    Publication date: September 7, 2006
    Inventor: Pascal Cornic
  • Publication number: 20040061640
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an ultrawideband radar. It also relates to a modulator, in particular for switching microwaves over a very short duration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventors: Pascal Cornic, Philippe Laviec, Bernard Liabeuf, Francisco Melero
  • Patent number: 6618449
    Abstract: A receiver of a frequency-shift-keying, continuous-wave radar comprises at least sampling means taking real samples of the signals in each reception channel and extrapolation means, the extrapolation means producing fictitious samples synchronous with the real samples, the reception signals being formed out of real samples and fictitious samples. Application especially to radars fitted into automobiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Thomson-CSF
    Inventors: Philippe Laviec, Pascal Cornic