Combined With Determining Direction Patents (Class 342/146)
  • Patent number: 7286077
    Abstract: A system for aiding the landing of an aircraft on a runway uses an angular vertical position of the aircraft and includes at least one landing aid radio. In a stand-alone manner, the position of the aircraft in latitude and longitude is determined, and the position of the threshold of the runway in latitude and longitude is determined. A computing unit corrects, on the basis of positions of the aircraft and of the threshold of the runway, the angular vertical position of the aircraft. The corrected angular vertical position is used to aid the landing of the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: Airbus France
    Inventors: Michel Falcati, Gilles Tatham
  • Patent number: 7280072
    Abstract: A system for the relative navigation of aircraft and spacecraft is disclosed which uses a series of short duration, unmodulated radio pulses transmitted from a phased array antenna. The aircraft or spacecraft whose position is to be determined from another is called as the local station, whereas the other craft with the phased array antenna system is called as the transmitting station. The local station transmits a radio query pulse to the transmitting station. In response to the radio query pulse, the transmitting station transmits a series of unmodulated radio pulses, where each radio pulse is transmitted with a three dimensional radiation pattern that is different than the three dimensional radiation patterns of the other radio pulses transmitted by the transmitting station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Inventor: Brian Mallick
  • Patent number: 7274324
    Abstract: A path in three-dimensions for an object in flight is determined according to a radar signal reflected by the object. The radar signal is transmitted at an offset angle from horizontal sufficient to capture the object within the transmitted radar signal. The transmitted radar signal is reflected by the object to form a reflected radar signal containing an indication of a position of the object. The reflected radar signal is received and used to determine two-dimensional position information for the object by detection of the indication of the position of the object in the received radar signal. Position information is derived in three-dimensions from the position information in two-dimensions. The path information representative of the path for the object is obtained from the position information in three-dimensions based on an optimization of a curvature of said path information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada as Represented by the Minister of National Defense
    Inventors: Rhonda L. Millikin, Joseph R. Buckley
  • Patent number: 7268723
    Abstract: A system and method for determining a position of a target within an acceptable tolerance using an iterative approach. A airborne or space-based measuring device is used to measure an estimated position of the target. The information from the measuring device is used in conjunction with either live captured or stored topography, or the like, information relating to the surface of the planet proximate the target to iteratively determine the actual position of the target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: The MITRE Corporation
    Inventor: Probal K. Sanyal
  • Patent number: 7250901
    Abstract: A positioning system includes a passive, isotropic reflecting landmark at a fixed position and a device. The device transmits an electromagnetic pulse having a circular polarization and receives a return signal over a period of time. The return signal includes a reflected pulse from the reflecting landmark. The processes the return signal to isolate the reflected pulse from the return signal and to determine a range from the device to the reflecting landmark. The reflecting landmark includes a first passive reflector, a second passive reflector, and a static structure configured to statically position the second passive reflector at an angle relative to the first passive reflector. The device optionally moves in a particular direction while receiving the return signal, detects a Doppler shift in the reflected pulse portion of the return signal, and determines an angle between the particular direction and a straight line between the device and the landmark.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: NavCom Technology Inc.
    Inventor: Scott Adam Stephens
  • Patent number: 7248206
    Abstract: Unknown alignment biases of sensors of a tracking system are estimated by an iterative Kalman filter method. Current measurements are corrected for known alignment errors and previously estimated alignment biases. The filter time reference is updated to produce estimated target state derivative vectors. A Jacobian of the state dynamics equation is determined, which provides for observability into the sensor alignment bias through gravitational and coriolis forces. The target state transition matrix and the target error covariance matrix are propagated. When a new measurement becomes available, the Kalman gain matrix is determined, the state vector and covariance measurements are updated, and sensor alignment biases are estimated. The state vector, covariance measurements, and estimated sensor alignment biases are transformed to an estimated stable space frame for use in tracking the target and updating the next iteration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey B. Boka, Peter J. Mavroudakis, Naresh R. Patel
  • Publication number: 20070139257
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and a method for location determination using time differences. The method of the invention comprises the steps of: transmitting a transmission signal by using a directional transmitter rotating at an angular velocity, the transmission signal comprising a transmission identification and the transmitting time; receiving the transmission signal by using an omnidirectional transceiver, and adding a personal identification to the transmission signal to be a response signal; transmitting the response signal; receiving the response signal by using an omnidirectional receiver and recording the receiving time; and calculating the location of the omnidirectional transceiver corresponding to the directional transmitter according to the difference between the receiving time and the transmitting time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2006
    Publication date: June 21, 2007
    Inventors: Yu-Sheng Lai, Wen-Yang Wang
  • Patent number: 7230565
    Abstract: A radar can detect target azimuths located outside and adjacent to a scanning angular range of a beam by determining changes in received signal strength (a signal-strength profile) in the azimuthal direction as a function of a beam azimuth in a predetermined scanning angular range, and estimating the target azimuth causing the signal-strength profile from the signal-strength profile, which is portion of a convex located adjacent to the outermost angle in the scanning angular range. For example, the target azimuth is estimated by a ratio between the received signal strength at the outermost angle of about 10.0° and the received signal strength at about 9.5°, which is one beam inside the outermost position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Motoi Nakanishi, Toru Ishii, Tetsu Nishimura
  • Patent number: 7227493
    Abstract: An apparatus and method obtains positional information about one or more objects in a detection field. An array includes a transmitting element and a plurality of receiving elements. A truncated cross-correlation function may be applied to determine the interval between signals received by a plurality of the receiving elements, thereby to determine an angular position of an object. A warning zone may be defined and it is determined whether an object is within the warning zone. Also disclosed are techniques for stretching received signals, and techniques for obtaining positional information relating to an object using non-Doppler radar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Cambridge Consultants Limited
    Inventors: Gordon Kenneth Andrew Oswald, Alan Trevor Richardson, Michael Hugh Burchett, Eric Nicol Clouston, Danielle Emma Toutoungi
  • Patent number: 7212149
    Abstract: A synthetic aperture radar (SAR) system having a single phase center antenna is provided, the SAR system including a measurement unit and a tracker unit. The measurement unit is capable of receiving a phase history of a target point scatterer. From the phase history, then, the measurement unit is capable of estimating a ground position, velocity and acceleration of the target to thereby detect the target. The tracker unit, in turn, is capable of updating the ground position, velocity and acceleration of the target to thereby track the target based upon the ground position, velocity and acceleration. In this regard, the tracker unit is capable of updating the ground position, velocity and acceleration using a Kalman filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Theagenis J. Abatzoglou, Irwin E. Alber, Harland F. Romberg
  • Patent number: 7205932
    Abstract: An improved system is provided for aiming a shotgun-based or other countermeasure system so as to be able to countermeasure incoming rockets or projectiles. In one embodiment a shotgun aimed and controlled by the subject system projects a pattern of pellets to intercept a rocket-propelled grenade or incoming projectile. The fire control system uses a CW two-tone monopulse radar to derive range and angle of arrival within 150 milliseconds, with range and angle of arrival measurements having approximately twice the accuracy of prior CW two-tone monopulse radars. The improvement derives from using all of the information in the returned radar beams and is the result of the recognition that one can use the Sum and Difference signals to assemble a two-by-two Rank One matrix that permits using singular value decomposition techniques to generate range and angle of arrival matrices in which all available information is used and in which noise is eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventor: Paul D. Fiore
  • Patent number: 7199750
    Abstract: A real-time signal processing engine robustly detects, localizes, tracks and classifies ground targets based on radar signals from a multistatic radar system. The system differentiates between different targets based on an optimized cost function, which can include the total returned normalized pulse energy. The local transmitters/receivers can communicate with each other via the transmitted radar signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: BBN Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: John Michael Bourdelais, Ernest Scott Stickels, William Ray Wright, David Earl Norris, Michael Anthony Tiberio, Gary Dana Butler
  • Patent number: 7196654
    Abstract: A vehicle positioning and tracking radar system includes a rotating antenna with a pair of spatially separated transmit feeds for simultaneously transmitting a pair of frequency-modulated continuous-wave (FMCW) electromagnetic signals having a first polarisation and a pair of spatially separated receive feeds for receiving an electromagnetic signal having a second polarisation, wherein the first and second polarisations are different from one another, such that the transmit feed and receive feed at the rotating antenna are isolated from each other; and a coded modulated transponder receives transmit signals from the rotating antenna with the first polarization and transmits a receive signal to the rotating antenna with the second polarization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Guidance Navigation Limited
    Inventors: David John Edwards, Dominic Robert Pearce, Jan Grothusen
  • Patent number: 7190305
    Abstract: In a radar apparatus, a receiving antenna includes a plurality of antenna elements, each receiving, as a reception signal, radio waves emitted into space and reflected off a target object. An analog signal is obtained by downconverting and putting a bandwidth constraint on the reception signal, and is then converted to a digital signal. Based on the digital signal, a signal processing unit detects the bearing of the target object. The signal processing unit performs processing based on outputs of two sets of the antenna elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Fujitsu Ten Limited
    Inventor: Osamu Isaji
  • Patent number: 7190306
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for detecting the passage by a vehicle of a determined point for monitoring on a road, wherein from a remotely situated location a radar beam is transmitted continuously to the point for monitoring, reflections from the transmitted radar beam are received at the remotely situated location, and it is determined from the received reflections that the vehicle is passing the point for monitoring. The radar beam can herein be transmitted at an acute angle to the travel direction of the passing vehicle. The detection can be used to activate a red-light camera, to measure the speed of the vehicle or measure the traffic intensity, without sensors, for instance induction loops, having to be arranged in the road for this purpose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Gatsometer B.V.
    Inventor: Theodorus Maria Janssen
  • Patent number: 7176830
    Abstract: An image processing system to be mounted to a vehicle includes a radar adapted to measure distance and direction to an object based on reflected electromagnetic waves which are outputted to scan the exterior of the vehicle, an image-taking device such as a camera for obtaining an image, and an image processor for carrying out image processing on a specified image processing area in an image obtained by the image-taking device. The image processor is adapted to determine a center position of the image processing area according to a measurement point of an object detected by the radar and the size of the image processing area according to a beam profile of electromagnetic waves outputted from the radar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: OMRON Corporation
    Inventor: Koji Horibe
  • Patent number: 7173561
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a radar device for forming multi-beams in multiple channels from reflected waves of a transmitted wave by using a minimum number of antennas. The device has: antennas used for both transmission and reception A1–A4; transmission/reception switching means 5 of each antenna; a transmitter 2; and a receiver 4 for receiving the reflected waves of the transmitted wave. The ratio of the distance between adjacent antennas A1 and A2 to the distance between adjacent antennas A2 and A3 or A3 and A4 is 1:2. The transmitted signal is transmitted from each of the antennas selected sequentially and the received signal is processed by DBF in a signal processing controller 1, wherein eleven channels can be implemented by using four antennas and a space for six antennas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Fujitsu Ten Limited
    Inventor: Osamu Isaji
  • Patent number: 7151478
    Abstract: In some pseudo-orthogonal waveform embodiments, a radar system transmits pseudo-orthogonal waveforms and performs multiple correlations on a combined single receiver channel signal. In some quadratic polyphase waveform embodiments, a radar system may simultaneously transmit frequency separated versions of a single quadratic polyphase waveform on a plurality of transmit antennas, combine the return signal from each antenna into a combined time-domain signal, and perform a Fourier transformation on the combined time-domain signal to locate a target. The radar system may identify a target, such as sniper's bullet, incoming projectile, rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) or a mortar shell. In some embodiments, the system may estimate the target's trajectory to intercept the target. In some embodiments, the system may estimate the target's trajectory and may further extrapolate the target's trajectory to locate the target's source, such as the sniper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Vinh N. Adams, Wesley H. Dwelly
  • Patent number: 7151482
    Abstract: A radar device (2) includes plural transmission antennas and plural reception antennas. The reception antennas constitute a reception-side antenna portion (20) and are arranged at an interval of d. The transmission antennas constitute a transmission-side antenna portion (18) and are arranged at an interval of d?=d×(n?1). The path length at which the electric wave is reflected from a target is identical between channels A9 and B1, and seventeen kinds of channels (A1 to A8, A9 or B1, B2 to B9) which are different in path length by every fixed distance are achieved. The data of the channels (A1 to A9 and B1 to B9) using different transmission antennas are respectively collected in different measuring cycles, and an error based on the time difference between the measuring cycles is corrected on the basis of a correction value calculated from the data of the channels A9, B1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuma Natsume, Hiroshi Hazumi
  • Patent number: 7148802
    Abstract: A direction finder is disclosed that is a hand-held device used to locate a vehicle in a parking lot using a two way radio link, operating in an unlicensed freely available band of the radio spectrum. Made for outdoor use, it is independent of GPS systems, cellular telephone systems, Loran, and any other system with a large infrastructure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Inventor: Paul Abbruscato
  • Patent number: 7142150
    Abstract: A method and system for detecting an object uses a composite evidence grid based on dual frequency sensing. A source transmits a laser transmission in a first zone. A detector receives a reflection of the laser transmission from an object in the first zone to determine laser observed data associated with points on the object. A transmitter transmits a radar transmission in a second zone that overlaps with the first zone. A receiver receives a reflection of the radar transmission from an object in the second zone to determine radar observed data associated with points on the object. The laser observed data is processed to form a laser occupancy grid for the first zone and the radar observed data is processed to form a radar occupancy grid for the second zone. An evaluator evaluates the radar occupancy grid and the laser occupancy grid to produce a composite evidence grid for at least an overlapping region defined by the first zone and the second zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Robert George Thackray
  • Patent number: 7046187
    Abstract: An active protection system comprising an ultrawideband radar for threat detection, an optical tracker for precision threat position measurement, and a high powered laser for threat kill or mitigation. The uwb radar may use a sparse array antenna and may also utilize Doppler radar information. The high powered laser may be of the optically pumped solid state type and in one embodiment may share optics with the optical tracker. In one embodiment, the UWB radar is used to focus the high power laser. Alternative interceptor type kill mechanisms are disclosed. In a further embodiment, the kill mechanism may be directed to the source of the threat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Time Domain Corporation
    Inventors: Larry W. Fullerton, Mark D. Roberts, James L. Richards
  • Patent number: 7046186
    Abstract: The invention relates to an IFF apparatus for ground applications, which comprises: (a) an encoder for forming an interrogating or response sequence of pulses, and conveying the same to a UWB transmitter; (b) an UWB transmitter for getting said interrogating or response sequence of pulses, forming a corresponding interrogating or response signal of a sequence of UWB pulses, and transmitting the same via a UWB transmitting antenna; (c) a plurality of UWB receiving antennas, disposed away one from the other, for receiving either an interrogating signal or a response signal sent by another IFF apparatus; (d) a decoder for getting from at least one of said UWB receiving antennas received signals, decoding the same, comparing the decoded signal with a bank of pre-stored signals, and determining whether a received signal is an interrogating or response signal; and (e) a processing unit for, upon receipt of a signal of response to an interrogation signal sent by the present IFF apparatus, calculating the location of
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Rafael-Armament Development Authority, Ltd.
    Inventors: Avner Rosenberg, Alon Deutsch
  • Patent number: 7046190
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining range of a radar target is provided. Signal samples based on returns of a target during tracking are processed to produce a wideband envelope range estimate for components of target motion. The components of target motion include precession and spin motion. Ambiguous phase values are measured. An unambiguous phase value indicative of range is produced from the wideband envelope range estimate and measured ambiguous phase values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: Fritz Steudel
  • Patent number: 7002510
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for determining the range between two planes, ownship (10) and target (12). Model data (66) estimating the velocity and position of target (12) is compared to actual flight path data of the target (12) passively received by ownship (10). The model data (66) and actual data is compared, and an error measurement is calculated. The model data is also subject to position and velocity constraints (78 and 82) which penalize unrealistic estimates. The error measurement and penalties are used to create a perturbation model (90) which is added to the model data to generate new model data. When the model data (66) conforms closely to the actual data, a range is computed from the model data (66).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: William Clay Choate, Charles Emil Frey, James Anthony Jungmann
  • Patent number: 6972708
    Abstract: A global position system radio receiver achieved through use of an electronic warfare receiver, and particularly one of the electronic warfare receiver output frequency channels, as a front-end signal processor for the global position system receiver. Electronic warfare receiver channel selection for such usage is described and the attenuating effect of electronic warfare receiver channel center frequency and global position system signal frequency differences are considered. A favorable comparison of present invention and conventional global position system receiver-generated results in processing a global position system signal are included along with control of a sampling frequency characteristic within the electronic warfare receiver in order to align global position system signal frequency and electronic warfare receiver channel location to an electable better degree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventors: James B. Y. Tsui, David M. Lin, Stephen L. Hary
  • Patent number: 6957164
    Abstract: An apparatus, method, and system for determining the shape of a three dimensional object. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes an array of sensors and elastic connections between the sensors within the array. When placed over a three dimensional object, the array of sensors deforms to conform to the surface topology of the three dimensional object. The sensors are connected to a data processor in which the data from the sensors is taken to construct a three-dimensional representation of the actual physical three dimensional object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy Alan Dietz, Nadeem Malik
  • Patent number: 6940447
    Abstract: A radar device having means for generating a carrier-frequency signal, means for shaping pulses, means for generating modulated radar pulses from the carrier-frequency signal, means for emitting modulated signals as radar pulses, means for receiving radar pulses and means for processing the received radar pulses. The means for receiving the radar pulses have an array including a plurality of antennas, the means for processing the radar pulses have means for dividing the signal power over at least two different reception branches. Means are provided for generating different directional characteristics in the various reception branches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Klaus Voigtlaender, Guido Villino, Christian Passmann, Thomas Meier, Dirk Schmid
  • Patent number: 6924762
    Abstract: A radar is provided which transmits a radar wave whose frequency is so modulated as to rise, fall, and be kept constant cyclically. The radar uses beat signals produced by the radar wave and radar echoes received by two antennas to produce radar data on a target. When it is impossible to pair frequency peaks of the beat signals in a modulated frequency-rising and -falling ranges, the radar determines that the frequency peaks have arisen from different objects so that they overlap each other and uses frequency peaks of the beat signals in a constant modulated frequency range to acquire the radar data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuyuki Miyake, Kazuma Natsume
  • Patent number: 6919840
    Abstract: A proximity sensor for use with a guidance system of a smart bomb including a ranging radar proximity sensor configured for mounting on a smart bomb and a radome connected to the ranging radar proximity sensor. A laser radiation sensor system is attached to the proximity sensor, which is configured and arranged to detect laser radiation reflected from a target which passes through the radome and output the azimuth and elevation angles to the target to the guidance system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.
    Inventors: William A. Friedrich, Lyle H. Johnson, Mark K. Conrad
  • Patent number: 6911934
    Abstract: A sensor front end that is able to discriminate objects based on their range from the sensor and to derive bearing information therefrom. The sensor system may include a signal source for generating source signal; an antenna system for transmitting the source signal to and receiving a reflected signal from the object; wherein the antenna system is configured for introducing a phase shift into either the source signal or the reflected signal to create a plurality of signal patterns; and an information processor programmed to receive the reflected signal and to determine bearing information for the object based on position and phase information in the plurality of signal patterns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: M/A-Com, Inc.
    Inventors: Hermann Henftling, Dirk Klotzbuecher
  • Patent number: 6900754
    Abstract: A method that can locate the center of a target even when the target is a large vehicle, and that, when a plurality of beams are reflected, determines whether the reflected beams are from the same target or not, wherein, of peaks generated based on a radar signal reflected from the target, peaks whose frequencies are substantially the same and whose reception levels are not smaller than a predetermined value are selected and, when a plurality of such peaks are selected, a center angle between the angles of the leftmost and rightmost peaks is obtained, and the thus obtained center angle is taken as an angle representing the target. Further, the plurality of peaks are paired up to detect a distance, relative velocity, and displacement length for each of reflecting points on the target, and when the differences in these values are all within respectively predetermined values, the plurality of peaks are determined as being peaks representing the same target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Fujitsu Tem Limited
    Inventors: Daisaku Ono, Masayuki Kishida
  • Patent number: 6900753
    Abstract: By using the delay profile created by delay profile creating section 102 and the first threshold value 330 received from the first threshold value calculation section 105, the first threshold value timing detection section 103 selects only the earliest receive timing exceeding the first threshold value, from all the timing that the correlation value in the delay profile becomes a maximum. By using the receive timing and the second threshold value 331 received from the second threshold value calculation section 107, reference timing calculation section 106 selects the reference timing required for calculating the receive timing for the incoming wave of the minimum propagation delay time. The timing delayed by previously set timing behind said reference timing is sent from receive timing calculation section 108 as the receive timing 113 of the incoming wave of the minimum propagation delay time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsuhiko Tsunehara, Nobukazu Doi, Mikio Kuwahara, Tomoaki Ishifuji
  • Patent number: 6882303
    Abstract: An obstacle detection system includes a laser radar sensor that emits laser beams for scanning a two-dimensional detection area ahead of a vehicle and receives reflected beams in a form of reflecting dots representing the obstacle such as a preceding vehicle. To effectively detect a preceding vehicle traveling on a curved road, a reference angular direction in which the preceding vehicle is most probably located is set based on a traveling speed of the own vehicle and a calculated radius of the curved road. The reflecting dots are selected from those located closer to the reference angular direction until they reach a predetermined number, thereby forming a target model. The preceding vehicle is detected based on the target model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshie Samukawa, Toyohito Nozawa, Hiroshi Ohkata, Tsutomu Natsume
  • Patent number: 6859164
    Abstract: In a position detecting system used to monitor a suspicious person and to give an alarm by using a radar which transmits/receives a microwave or a millimeterwave, the shape of a detectable area of the radar and that of the area to be monitored are not always equal to each other, and thus, an alarm may be erroneously given in response to the object outside the area to be monitored. For its solution, the area to be monitored is surrounded by a plurality of reflectors, and the coordinate values of the reflectors and the detecting object are calculated based on the signals reflected from the reflectors and the detecting object and then compared. When the coordinate value of the detecting object is inside the area to be monitored, it is determined that the detecting object is an intruding person or the like and an alarm is given.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Naoyuki Kurita, Hiroshi Kondoh, Mikito Tsubota
  • Patent number: 6856280
    Abstract: A method for determining the directional angle of radar objects using a multibeam radar, including the steps of: (a) recording the frequency spectra of the radar echoes for a plurality of beams; (b) seeking a measuring frequency near a frequency maximum assigned to the radar object; and (c) comparing the phases and/or amplitudes of the radar echoes at the measuring frequency with reference patterns known for various directional angles, steps (b) and (c) being executed repeatedly, each time for different measuring frequencies, and the directional angles obtained for the various measuring frequencies being checked for consistency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Sonja Eder, Benoit Budiscak
  • Patent number: 6853847
    Abstract: A positioning apparatus and method for accurately determining a current position of a mobile station. The current position of the mobile station is determined utilizing radio waves arriving from a plurality of base stations installed in a communication area. For calculating a propagation range of a radio wave arriving from each base station, error correction processing is performed using a predetermined error correction coefficient previously calculated by measuring a radio wave propagation situation around each base station to estimate a propagation range of a direct wave within incoming radio waves. The current position of the mobile station is determined using the estimated propagation range and the positions of the respective base station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Pioneer Corporation
    Inventors: Takehiko Shioda, Manabu Nohara
  • Patent number: 6839017
    Abstract: A system employs null angle measurements developed in response to the detection of radiation, such as jamming, along with the positions at which the null angles are measured, to determine the location of the radiation source through reverse triangulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins
    Inventor: David J. Dillman
  • Publication number: 20040252047
    Abstract: A radar is provided which transmits a radar wave whose frequency is so modulated as to rise, fall, and be kept constant cyclically. The radar uses beat signals produced by the radar wave and radar echoes received by two antennas to produce radar data on a target. When it is impossible to pair frequency peaks of the beat signals in a modulated frequency-rising and -falling ranges, the radar determines that the frequency peaks have arisen from different objects so that they overlap each other and uses frequency peaks of the beat signals in a constant modulated frequency range to acquire the radar data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2004
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Inventors: Yasuyuki Miyake, Kazuma Natsume
  • Publication number: 20040246168
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a radar device for forming multi-beams in multiple channels from reflected waves of a transmitted wave by using a minimum number of antennas. The device has: antennas used for both transmission and reception A1-A4; transmission/reception switching means 5 of each antenna; a transmitter 2; and a receiver 4 for receiving the reflected waves of the transmitted wave. The ratio of the distance between adjacent antennas A1 and A2 to the distance between adjacent antennas A2 and A3 or A3 and A4 is 1:2. The transmitted signal is transmitted from each of the antennas selected sequentially and the received signal is processed by DBF in a signal processing controller 1, wherein eleven channels can be implemented by using four antennas and a space for six antennas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2004
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventor: Osamu Isaji
  • Patent number: 6828929
    Abstract: A method for processing pulsed-Doppler radar signals to detect a target includes transmitting radar signals from a radar system according to a predetermined frequency technique including signals having frequency diversity, receiving signals within a frequency band, including a target return signal having a frequency indicative of the velocity of the target, and transforming the target return signal using a Fourier Transform having a variable frequency scale.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Peter F. Barbella, Tamara L. Franz, Barbara E. Pauplis
  • Patent number: 6819285
    Abstract: An improved method of estimating target elevation angle for dual squinted beam radar systems is disclosed. The target's elevation angle is estimated by receiving complex I/Q data from two receive radar beams and calculating the complex ratio of the complex I/Q data. The calculated complex ratio is compared to a set of previously determined reference complex ratios in complex lookup tables that have been corelated to known target elevation angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Peter H. Stockman, Miroslaw T. Hepel
  • Patent number: 6816105
    Abstract: An algorithm for improved tracking of Air Traffic Control Radar Beacon System transponders is disclosed. The algorithm can be combined with a system that includes an interrogator which transmits an interrogation signal to an associated vehicle transponder at a first frequency, preferably 1030 MHZ in accordance with FAA regulations, and a receiver array which receives the transponder reply signal transmitted by the transponder at a second frequency, preferably 1090 MHZ in accordance with FAA regulations. An angle of arrival processor calculates an angle of the received reply signal, and a position processor calculates the vehicle position based on at least the received angle data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Inventors: Karl Winner, Benjamin Khen
  • Patent number: 6812883
    Abstract: A radar system mounted in a reference vehicle can detect a distance and orientation of a preceding vehicle to thereby compute a relative position of a width center of the preceding vehicle. A curving radius of the reference vehicle is then detected for computing a relative rotation angle between a direction from the reference vehicle and a longitudinal direction of the preceding vehicle. Relationship between a relative rotation angle and a lateral bias of the relative position of the width center is previously prepared in a map. The computed relative rotation angle is applied on the map, so that the corresponding lateral bias is obtained to correct the computed relative position of the width center of the preceding vehicle. Thus, the width center of the preceding vehicle moving in an adjacent lane can be accurately estimated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroaki Kumon, Yukimasa Tamatsu
  • Publication number: 20040207553
    Abstract: Emitter target range and heading are estimated from bearing measurements enhancing bearings-only estimator convergence to a target track, and permitting optimization of an observer position relative to the target at the end of the total bearing measurement period. One or more estimates of the target range, speed and heading made from bearing measurements before an observer maneuver are used to determine the most appropriate observer maneuver giving complete bearings-only target-motion-analysis observability. A set of parameters characterizing a set of potential emitter signal sources is generated based on measured emitter characteristics. A most probable set of emitter platforms is identified and the emitter operating mode and corresponding platform set are associated with a kinematic regime set. A specific speed or discrete set of speeds best adapted to a set of all possible platform missions, emitter speed as a continuous function of emitter range, and emitter range are all determined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2003
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Applicant: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventor: Conrad Rose
  • Patent number: 6801152
    Abstract: Emitter target range and heading are estimated from bearing measurements enhancing bearings-only estimator convergence to a target track, and permitting optimization of an observer position relative to the target at the end of the total bearing measurement period. One or more estimates of the target range, speed and heading made from bearing measurements before an observer maneuver are used to determine the most appropriate observer maneuver giving complete bearings-only target-motion-analysis observability. A set of parameters characterizing a set of potential emitter signal sources is generated based on measured emitter characteristics. A most probable set of emitter platforms is identified and the emitter operating mode and corresponding platform set are associated with a kinematic regime set. A specific speed or discrete set of speeds best adapted to a set of all possible platform missions, emitter speed as a continuous function of emitter range, and emitter range are all determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventor: Conrad Rose
  • Publication number: 20040150549
    Abstract: A radar system mounted in a reference vehicle can detect a distance and orientation of a preceding vehicle to thereby compute a relative position of a width center of the preceding vehicle. A curving radius of the reference vehicle is then detected for computing a relative rotation angle between a direction from the reference vehicle and a longitudinal direction of the preceding vehicle. Relationship between a relative rotation angle and a lateral bias of the relative position of the width center is previously prepared in a map. The computed relative rotation angle is applied on the map, so that the corresponding lateral bias is obtained to correct the computed relative position of the width center of the preceding vehicle. Thus, the width center of the preceding vehicle moving in an adjacent lane can be accurately estimated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2003
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroaki Kumon, Yukimasa Tamatsu
  • Publication number: 20040130480
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for using signals scattered by targets to determine position and velocity for each of the targets and comprises a set of transmitters and receivers of electromagnetic or acoustic signals, said transmitters and receivers dispersed to known points. Each pair of transmitter and receiver, mono-static or bi-static, is named a measuring facility. The ranges of the transmitters are chosen so that a target at an arbitrary point within the position space can be measured via scattering in the target by at least four, but preferably many more, measuring facilities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventor: Hans Hellsten
  • Publication number: 20040125013
    Abstract: A method for determining the position of at least one second transmitting and receiving device (3) in respect of a first transmitting and receiving device in a passive access control system operating in the GHz range, comprising the steps of using a radar method, wherein signals (f1, f2) are received in the first transmitting and receiving device on the left-hand side and right-hand side of a modulation frequency (fmod), determining the distance of two signals (f1, f2) closest to the left-hand side and right-hand side modulation frequency (fmod) wherein the distance is proportional to the distance between the first transmitting and receiving device and at least one second transmitting and receiving device (3), so that multipath propagations are not taken into consideration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventors: Mario Haselsteiner, Klaus Hofbeck, Thomas Klement, Birgit Rosel, Arnd Stielow
  • Publication number: 20040119633
    Abstract: Apparatus for and methods of obtaining positional information about one or more objects in a detection field are disclosed. An array including a transmitting element and a plurality of receiving elements is provided. In one aspect a truncated cross-correlation function is applied to determine the interval between signals received by a plurality of the receiving elements, thereby to determine an angular position of an object. In another aspect a warning zone is defined and it is determined whether an object is within the warning zone. Also disclosed are techniques for stretching received signals, and techniques for obtaining positional information relating to an object using non-Doppler radar. Various implementations, modifications and applications of the techniques described are disclosed. Typical applications of the techniques described are with vehicles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2003
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Applicant: Cambridge Consultants Limited
    Inventors: Gordon Kenneth Andrew Oswald, Alan Trevor Richardson, Michael Hugh Burchett, Eric Nicol Clouston, Danielle Emma Toutoungi