Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting objects and weather in space are disclosed. A system for detecting an object in space and space weather includes at least one spacecraft, at least one radiation source, at least one detector, and a controller. The at least one radiation source and the at least one detector are coupled to the at least one spacecraft. The at least one radiation source is configured to transmit a signal. The at least one detector is configured to detect the signal. The signal may be reflected from an object in space. The controller is coupled to the spacecraft and is in communication with the plurality of detectors. The controller is programmed to calculate either a relative position of the object based or a plasma parameter in a region traversed by the signal based on the detected signal.

Abstract: A system for detecting loads in a wind turbine is disclosed. In one aspect, the system may generally include a shaft and first and second pillow blocks receiving portions of the shaft. The second pillow block may be spaced axially apart from the first pillow block. Additionally, the system may include at least one sensor configured to indirectly detect loads transmitted through at least one of the first pillow block and the second pillow block.

Abstract: In one embodiment, RF front-end circuit includes a tunable matching network having an input coupled to an RF interface port, a directional coupler with a first connection coupled to an RF input of a mixer, a second connection coupled to an RF signal generation port, and a third connection coupled to an output of the tunable matching network. The directional coupler is configured to direct a signal from the RF signal generation port to the tunable matching network and to direct a signal from the tunable matching network port to the RF port of the mixer. The RF front-end circuit also has a tunable matching network control unit coupled to the tunable matching network. The control unit is configured to optimize an impedance match between the RF interface port and the output of the tunable matching network.

Abstract: Relatively short turnaround times are provided in conjunction with two-way ranging to, for example, facilitate accurate ranging measurements when the relative clock drift between ranging nodes (e.g., devices) is relatively high. In some aspects, relatively short turnaround times are achieved through the use of a symmetric channel that is defined to enable concurrent transmission of ranging messages between nodes. For example, a symmetric channel may be established by configuring the nodes to receive one or more pulses associated with a received ranging message in between pulse transmissions associated with a transmitted ranging message. In this way, one node may send a ranging timestamp shortly after the other nodes sends its ranging timestamp, thereby mitigating the impact of the clock drift on the ranging measurements. In some aspects the pulses may comprise ultra-wideband pulses.

Abstract: A signal processing method performs operations of coherent processing making it possible notably to purge the useful signal of the spurious signals (in particular the reference signal and its multiple reflections), to regenerate the transmission signal and to perform a coherent integration of the signal received by computing the cross-ambiguity between the signal received and the regenerated transmission signal. It also performs operations of non-coherent processing making it possible in particular to carry out extraction and Doppler distance purification operations making it possible to form blips and to eliminate the spurious blips present among the blips formed. The method applies notably to passive radars operating on non-cooperating opportunity transmissions, such as FM transmissions intended for the public.

Abstract: The invention relates to a direct-current blocking circuit, and a hybrid circuit device, a transmitter, a receiver, a transmitter-receiver and a radar device that have the direct-current blocking circuit. A dielectric substrate (2) is provided with a conductor layer (3) disposed parallel with the dielectric substrate (2), first and second planar lines (4, 5) each containing a part of the conductor layer (3), and a waveguide (6) containing a part of the conductor layer (3). The first and second planar lines (4, 5) are located on one surface (2a) side of the dielectric substrate (2) with respect to the conductor layer (3), and the waveguide (6) is located on another surface (2b) side of the dielectric substrate (2). In a transmission direction (X) of electric signals, as to the waveguide (6), its one end overlaps with one end of the first planar line (4), and its another end overlaps with one end of the second planar line (5).

Abstract: Signal compensation systems and methods compensate an estimated range profile from a plurality of detected signal returns from a true range profile, wherein the signal returns correspond to an emitted stepped frequency pulse-train. An exemplary embodiment utilizes knowledge of the radar system design to identify locations, predict power levels, and suppress the contributions of stepped-frequency range sidelobes (ambiguous peaks) in the estimated range profile, resulting in a cleaner and more accurate radar display.

Abstract: The location of a mobile terminal may be determined in response to signals received from a plurality of RFIDs. Information from a plurality of RFIDs for determining a location of a mobile terminal is received by the mobile terminal. The mobile terminal may maintain an in-range list that comprises all the RFIDs in which the mobile terminal is currently within their coverage range. The location of the mobile terminal is calculated in response to the received information for determining a location by calculating the common coverage area of the RFIDs in the in-range list.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for determining a distance (r) to a target object (200) proposes transmitting electromagnetic waves in the form of a transmission signal (120a) by a transmitter (111a), receiving at least one part of said transmission signal (120a) reflected by a the target object (200) in the form of a reception signal (120c, 120d) by receiving device (111b) and evaluating the reception signal (120c, 120d) according a reference signal (1230b) which has a known phase difference with respect to the transmission signal (120a) and a frequency equal to the frequency thereof. The reference (120) and reception (120c, 120d) signal frequencies are reduced in a frequency divider (113) with the same predefined divider factor (x) while preserving the existing phase difference between the reference signal (120b) and the reception (120c, 120d) signal in such a way that a reduced frequency reception signal (120b?) and a reduced frequency reception signal (120d) are obtained.

Abstract: In a multibeam radar sensor apparatus having at least two transmission/reception channels, whose signal paths each include an antenna and a mixer, at least one first mixer is configured bidirectionally as a transfer mixer, and at least one second mixer is switchable from a first into a second operating state; in the first operating state, the mixer is bidirectionally configured as a transfer mixer, and in the second operating state, the mixer being configured in an at least approximately isolating manner as a receiving mixer.

Abstract: A judging and controlling part 110 comprises an operation mode judging unit 111, a pulse width selecting unit 112, and a band limiting width selecting unit 113, wherein the operation mode judging unit 111 receives a signal of a gear state from a predetermined controlling device in a vehicle, and then judges the operation mode thereof. Based on a result of the judgment at the operation mode judging unit 111, the pulse width selecting unit 112 and the band limiting width selecting unit 113 control a wide band impulse generating part 120 and a band width limiting part 150, respectively.

Abstract: Various aspects of the present invention are shown and described, each of which has stand alone utility in a navigated medical environment. A receiver position calibration system and method facilitates calibration of a reference frame prior to each navigated procedure. A concept and application of confidence weights is introduced. Confidence weights can be applied to distance calculations to mitigate the effects of interference and increase the tolerance of the navigated medical system. Multi-path interference is minimized through the transmission of a signal having a pattern of unique frequencies and filtering of the distance calculations for each frequency to identify the ‘best’ distance in the presence of multi-path interference. A position determination method and system that transmits a signal having multiple frequency components permits positions to be identified with high resolution over a large area.

Abstract: A sampled beat signal RD is split into a plurality of short-time data SD in the time direction, for each of antenna elements. Interference component frequency of an interference wave is detected from a frequency spectrum of the short-time data SD. A digital beam forming process is performed for the interference component frequency of the interference wave to extract a peak of the electrical power of an azimuth direction and estimate an absolute value of an incoming direction of interference components. Based on the absolute value of the incoming direction of the estimated interference components, a filter for suppressing the interference components is operated to suppress the interference components.

Abstract: A cooperative engagement group-position determining system employs a group of at least three cooperative units, for example a group of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV's), with each unit including a GPS system for determining a GPS-based position, an inter-distance measurement module for measuring a distance of the unit relative to at least one other unit, and a computer having a computer-readable storage medium encoded with a program algorithm for correcting the GPS-based position based on at least one relative distance between two units, providing an improved GPS-based position for the unit and for the group. The system can also include a ground controller, for example, for providing flight control for UAV's.

Abstract: A wireless distance measurement system and wireless terminal improve the accuracy of distance measurement when the UWB communication scheme is used. In wireless terminal 200, a route of signals varies between a distance measuring operation and a synchronization establishing operation, and, when the distance measuring operation is performed, a detection result is inputted to comparator 208 without passing through integrator 204. By this means, the distance measuring operation of wireless terminal 200 does not involve integration processing, so that delay time due to integration processing is not produced and, consequently, it is possible to improve the accuracy of distance measurement. Further, the distance measuring operation uses the integration result acquired integrator 204 for a comparison reference voltage used in comparator 208.

Abstract: A method for ascertaining and monitoring fill level of a medium in a container by means of a field device by a travel time measuring method, wherein transmission signals are transmitted in the direction of the medium and reflection signals are received, wherein received reflection signals are registered as echo signals in an echo function dependent on travel time or travel distance, wherein position and/or amplitude at least of a wanted echo signal in the echo function are/is ascertained by means of an echo search algorithm and a continuous echo tracking of changes of position and/or of changes of amplitude of the wanted echo signal in the echo function is performed in a defined search window, wherein position and/or amplitude at least of a wanted echo signal is maintained, in case no wanted echo signal is ascertained in the search window, wherein from position and/or amplitude at least of a wanted echo signal, fill level is ascertained, and wherein a measured value of fill level is output.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for validating a distance output of a phase ranging RFID location system, based upon the phase readings included in data sets obtained from monitoring reply signals corresponding to interrogation signals at multiple frequencies and a common interrogation signal beam direction; by comparison of measured phase and frequency data sets with theoretical phases calculated with respect to the same frequencies over a range of positions corresponding to a beam extent of the interrogation signal. The distance output validated by comparison with theoretical threshold data processed to generate an extreme values distribution from which a cumulative distribution function is extracted and against which a confidence level is applied.

Abstract: A conductive line radar comprising at least one signal surface wave launcher, which comprises a signal surface wave transceiver, which is physically attached to a power line. The signal surface wave transceiver transmits a wave signal along the power line with another signal radiating from the wave signal in a plurality of directions along the power line. The at least one signal surface wave transceiver receives reflected signals from a target within a distance of the power line. The at least one signal surface wave launcher includes at least one RF communications transceiver and can be inductively powered from the power line.

Abstract: A tornado disarming network includes a command center, tornado detection systems, and tornado busting missile launch sites in communications with the command center. Tornado busting missiles are at the tornado busting missile launch sites. Each tornado busting missile includes a radar, a guidance system and a solid rocket motor for propelling the missile toward the tornado. A thruster control system causes the tornado busting missile to travel upward within the tornado upon reaching the tornado. An explosive discharge system explodes within the tornado to generate heat for causing the air within the tornado to expand, thereby weakening the tornado.

Abstract: An object is detected by generating a m-ary primary signal having an irregular sequence of states. Each transition results in the transmission of a pulse encoded according to the type of transition. Reflected pulses are processed with a delayed, reference version of the primary signal. The presence of an object at a range corresponding to the delay is determined from the extent to which the reflected pulses coincide with transitions in the reference signal. In one aspect, transitions between states of the primary signal occur at varying time offsets with respect to nominal regular clock pulses. In another aspect, the object-detection system is operated while inhibiting the transmission of pulses, and if a significant output is obtained, the parameters of the transmitted signal are altered.

Abstract: The present invention can find the exact location anywhere in the nautical world (latitude/longitude coordinates) by correlating or matching radar returns with maps produced by a digital nautical chart called a Chart Server, because each pixel location on the Chart Server maps can be traced back to a latitude/longitude coordinate. An obstacle avoidance module called a Chart Server provides digital nautical charts to create a map of the world. To determine the current world location of a vehicle, the invention combines the Chart Server maps with a radar return, which also appears to display prominent features such as coastlines, buoys, piers and the like. These return features from the radar are correlated or matched with features found in the Chart Server maps. The radar then reports its current location inside of its local map, which when translated to the Chart Server map, correlates to a latitude/longitude registration location.

Abstract: A system and method to opportunistically capture and use measurements on a priori unknown radio signals, not intended for radio navigation or geolocation, to improve navigation/geolocation position estimation yield and accuracy.

Abstract: A maximum gap method and system provide for identifying a space sector within which a system capable of engaging an object, should search for the object. A detector system that may be a radar or other active range determination system tracks position of the moving object and based on position estimates and the uncertainties associated with the position estimates, generates a range of possible positions for each estimate then determines gaps between the uncertainties and derives the search sector based on the maximum gap.

Abstract: A method detects a target in a radar signal using space-time adaptive processing. A test statistic is T = max ? ? max ? ? ? R ? f 1 ? ( x 0 , x 1 , … ? , x K ? ? , ? , R ) ? p ? ( R ) ? ? ? R max ? ? ? R ? f 0 ? ( x 0 , x 1 , … ? , x K ? ? , R ) ? p ? ( R ) ? ? ? R , where x0 is a test signal, xk are K training signals, ? is an unknown amplitude of a target signal within the test signal, ? is a scaling factor, R is a covariance matrix of the training signals, and a function max returns a maximum values. The test statistic is compared to a threshold to determine whether the target is present, or not.

Abstract: A step frequency inverse synthetic aperture radar (ISAR) includes a transmitter configured to transmit a transmission pulse at a transmission frequency to a near earth object (NEO), the transmission frequency having a frequency range comprising a starting frequency, an ending frequency, and a step size; a receiver configured to receive a pulse response from the NEO, the pulse response corresponding to the transmission pulse; and a computer configured to determine a 3-dimensional image of the interior of the NEO from the pulse response.

Abstract: A semiconductor device is provided with a power supply circuit having a function to generate a power supply voltage from a wireless signal and an A/D converter circuit having a function to detect the strength of the wireless signal by an A/D conversion of a voltage generated from the wireless signal. This enables to provide a semiconductor device which does not require replacement of batteries, has few limitations on its physical shape and mass, and has a function to detect a physical position. By formation of the semiconductor device with use of a thin film transistor formed over a plastic substrate, a lightweight semiconductor device, which has flexibility in physical shape and a function to detect a physical location, can be provided at low cost.

Abstract: A High Performance Unattended Ground Sensor (HiPer-UGS) system and methods comprising low-power fully functional and independent radar-nodes that communicate directly with a remote radar information gathering or relay point using a long distance communications transceiver co-located in the radar-node.

Abstract: A multilateration system and method includes a plurality of receiver stations for receiving signals from an aircraft, and a controller that derives the position of the aircraft by applying a multilateration process to outputs from the receiver stations. For this purpose, the controller determines the altitude of the aircraft and selects a multilateration process that is to be used for position determination, based on the determined altitude.

Abstract: A route data base generating system avoids GPS satellite signals sources for land based vehicle azimuth and heading determinations in areas where reception of the satellite signals is unavailable or impaired and relies on vehicle part movements that are equatable to the heading and azimuth changes of the vehicle for determining such vehicle orientations. Part movements equatable to the heading changes are found in the vehicle wheel assemblies. A route data base founded on interconnecting linear route segments that are arranged in and end-to-end serial order is advocated and wherein the angular deviation between connecting segments in the order is predetermined. Various uses of the generating systems and related procedures are advocated for both on-the-road and off-road usage.

Abstract: A method and a system for sensing a boosting target missile, estimate position and velocity and boost acceleration parameters of the target missile, and control an interceptor missile to the target missile. A boost-phase missile target state estimator estimates at least acceleration, velocity, and position using an acceleration template for the target vehicle. The nominal template is incorporated into an extended Kalman filter which corrects the nominal template acceleration with the filter states to predict future thrust acceleration, velocity and position. The correction can compensate for motor burn variations and missile energy management (lofted/depressed trajectory).

Abstract: A ghost target candidate judging device judges that one target of two targets is a candidate for a ghost target where the distances of the two targets from a subject vehicle are equal to each other and where the difference between receiving levels of the two targets is not less than a predetermined value. A running-abreast target judging device judges that one target is the target running abreast of the other target based on changes in an angle difference and in a left-right positional difference between the two targets in accordance with the change in the distances of the two targets from the subject vehicle. The ghost target judging device judges, as the ghost target, a target obtained by removing the running-abreast target data from the candidates for the ghost target. The running-abreast target is prevented from being erroneously recognized as the ghost target while judging which target is the ghost target.

Abstract: For use in conjunction with a microwave antenna having a radiator array configured to scan in a horizontal direction, a method for scanning in the vertical direction. A first FMCW microwave signal having a first bandwidth is transmitted at a first microwave frequency and the echo, if any, is received by the radiator array. A second FMCW microwave signal having a second bandwidth is also transmitted at a different center frequency and the echo, if any, is received by the radiator array. The different frequencies cause an elevational shift in the received signal. The receipt of the echoes is then processed to identify the location or locations of the object or objects causing the echo and communicating such location or locations to a user.

Abstract: A radar that detects the presence or absence of interference when detecting a target based on a frequency spectrum of a beat signal of a transmission signal and a reception signal. Whether or not the number of peaks exceeding a noise threshold in the frequency spectrum exceeds a predetermined number is determined. According to the determination result, the presence or absence of interference on the beat signal is detected. If “interference exists”, the threshold for extraction of target peaks that appear on the frequency spectrum is increased. This allows detection of the presence or absence of a spike noise superposed on the beat signal to be performed more certainly, thereby enabling processing according to the presence or absence of interference.

Abstract: A device and method for three-dimensional positioning are provided. The three-dimensional positioning of a common reference point is determined by fusion of supplied measurements, taking into account a lever arm compensation between the reference point, a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receiver antenna, at least one radar antenna, and an inertial measuring unit.

Abstract: Whether or not the CW radar is utilized for through-the-wall detection, additional one or more sensors are used with the CW radar to confirm the motion detection result or to in fact turn on the CW radar once motion or the physical presence of an individual has been sensed, thereby to provide confirmation of a less-reliable sensor with the use of the more reliable CW radar. Thus, the addition of other sensors provides lower power consumption, lower false alarm rates and better discrimination and classification of moving objects.

Abstract: A wind turbine blade inspection system includes a frequency modulated continuous wave radar system configured to be movable with respect to a wind turbine blade while transmitting reference microwave signals and receiving reflected microwave signals and a processor configured for using a synthetic aperture analysis technique to obtain a focused image of at least a region of the wind turbine blade based on the reflected microwave signals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a procedure for measuring distance. It applies notably in respect of short-range radars, but not exclusively. The method uses an electromagnetic wave comprising at least one emission sequence (31, 32, 33, 34, 35) of the FSK type, at least two emission frequencies (F1, F2), emitted successively towards the said target a given number p of times inside the sequence. The gap ?F between the emission frequencies (F1, F2) is substantially equal to an integer number k of times the repetition frequency (SPRF) of the cycle of frequencies, the distance measurement being obtained on the basis of the measurement of difference of phases ?? between the signals received corresponding respectively to a first frequency (F1) and to a second frequency (F2).

Abstract: A system and method for correlating first pulsed signals with second pulsed signals includes a first receiving unit, a second receiving unit and a correlation device. The first receiving unit is disposed to receive from a first device one or more first pulsed signals. The first device may include a plurality of pulsed radio frequency source under test signal sources. The second receiving unit is disposed to receive from a second device one or more second pulsed signals. The second device may include a local oscillator pulsed signal source. The correlation device can correlate the first pulsed signals with the second pulsed signals to align a timing characteristic of the first pulsed signals to the equivalent timing characteristic of the second pulsed signals.

Abstract: A method for detecting precipitation using a radar sensor system for motor vehicles designed for locating objects in the surroundings of the vehicle, in which method a locating signal that is a measure of the received power density as a function of the distance is integrated across a specific distance range lying below a limit distance for detecting precipitation. The locating signal is subjected to a filtering procedure before being integrated, the filtering procedure suppressing the peaks caused by located objects so that the filtered signal forms a measure of the noise level as a function of the distance.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein include a sensor device that monitors external activity and that includes functionality to detect tampering of the device itself. When monitoring for tampering, a power switch is disabled. Techniques include detecting relative movement of the sensor device, reporting tampering activity, and executing tamper detection responses. Responses can include tracking geographical movement and/or subsequent tampering activity to assist in recovery of a transported device. Responses can also include adjusting power consumption such as by modifying sensing functionality of the sensor device. Techniques include use of an accelerometer that can be positioned in the sensor device to detect relative movement. Once relative movement meets a predetermined threshold indicating device tampering, the sensor device transmits a notification of such tampering, via a network, or in response to a query from an authorized peer device.

Abstract: A system and method for self and group location and tracking based on ultra wide band ranging among members of the group is presented. The system comprises an anchored station, a plurality of nodes, each node having at least knowledge of where the node is facing and heading, knowledge of all pair wise distances among all of the plurality of nodes, and ability to exchange information among the nodes and with the anchored station via relays. The system and method find a new position estimate of the group in accordance with an adaptive search process based on constraints of the ultra wide band ranging, and the search process enables extracting directional information and adaptively stabilizing orientation of the group. In one embodiment, adaptively stabilizing the orientation of the group is performed using an orientation-correcting polygon matching process.

Abstract: A distance measuring apparatus and method for calculating a distance in a conducting structure are provided. One distance measuring apparatus provides for calculating a distance between a reflection body in a conducting structure and an injection point provided on an end section of the conducting structure for electromagnetic waves is provided. The distance measuring apparatus includes a transmitting and receiving device with a conduction cross-over provided at the injection point for the coaxially-inductive coupling of the transmitting and receiving device to the conducting structure in order to inject an electromagnetic wave into the conducting structure and to decouple the electromagnetic wave reflected on the reflection body from the conducting structure. The distance measuring apparatus also includes an analysis device for calculating a distance between the injection point and the reflection body from the phase difference between the injected electromagnetic wave and the decoupled electromagnetic wave.

Abstract: The present invention provides a radar apparatus capable of changing a characteristic of filter processing while considering also a relative velocity of an object. A measurement section measures a relative position and a relative velocity of an object such as another vehicle, a pedestrian, and an object placed on a road. The radar apparatus calculates a time until the object and an own vehicle collide with each other, based on the relative position and relative velocity of the object measured by the measurement section, and changes, based on the calculated time, a filter coefficient to be used when filter processing is performed on a measured position converted from the measured relative position of the object, thereby changing a characteristic of the filter processing to be performed on the measured position, between stability and responsiveness.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for protecting against incoming projectiles comprising transmitting two radar waveforms, the first waveform comprising a pulsed continuous wave waveform, and the second waveform comprising a pulsed linear chirp waveform over a bandwidth, and based on returned radar data, causing deployment of a defense mechanism to intercept a detected incoming projectile.

Abstract: An ultra wide band (UWB) millimeter (mm) wave radar system includes a signal source having a control input, a GHz signal output and a frequency controlled output. A control loop is coupled between the GHz signal output and the control input including a frequency divider and a digitally controlled PLL that provides a locked output coupled to the control input of the signal source to provide frequency locked output signals that are discrete frequency swept or hopped. A frequency multiplier is coupled to the frequency controlled output of the signal source for outputting a plurality of mm-wave frequencies. An antenna transmits the mm-wave frequencies to a surface to be interrogated and receives reflected mm-wave signals therefrom. A mixer mixes the reflected mm-wave signals and mm-wave frequencies and processing circuitry determines at least one parameter relating to the surface from the mixing output.

Abstract: A measuring device is disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the measuring device includes a waveguide that extends into a bore, wherein the bore and the waveguide contain a medium and wherein the waveguide and the bore are displaceable relative to each other. In at least one embodiment, the measuring device further includes at least one device for coupling in and coupling out of waves into the waveguide, wherein the waves transition from the waveguide into the bore, wherein the waves travel through a measuring section inside the bore, and wherein the waves travel inside the waveguide through a constant reference section.

Abstract: A method of determining a deviation of a path of a projectile from a predetermined path. The method uses an image of a target area in which the desired path or direction is pointed out. Subsequently, the real direction or path is determined and the deviation determined.

Abstract: According to a conventional method of correlating beat frequencies in a radar device, a detecting state of a target differs at the time of up-chirping and at that of down-chirping, so that, when the number of peaks of beat frequencies does not match with each other, there occurs a situation in which the beat frequencies cannot be accurately correlated.

Abstract: Example methods, apparatuses, and articles of manufacture are disclosed herein that may be utilized to facilitate or otherwise support RF ranging-assisted local motion sensing based, at least in part, on measuring one or more characteristics of a range between communicating devices in one or more established RF links.

Abstract: In an object verification method for use in radar systems for motor vehicles, the distances and relative velocities of located objects are determined on the basis of received radar echoes. The signature of multiple reflections is searched for in the received radar echoes to verify real objects.