Determining Direction Patents (Class 342/147)
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Patent number: 8816898Abstract: A radar apparatus includes: an array antenna having antenna elements having function of a transmission antenna and a reception antenna and receiving an echo signal which is a reflection of a probe signal from a target, the probe signal being radiated from the antenna elements; a converter for converting the echo signal to a baseband signal; a signal synthesizing unit which generates a synthesized baseband signal vector on the basis of aperture synthesis of the baseband signal generated from a combination of the antenna elements giving an equal spatial phase; a correction data acquiring unit which acquires correction data on the basis of coefficients of terms of a synthesized array polynomial; a correction processing unit which corrects the synthesized baseband signal vector on the basis of the correction data; and an estimating unit which performs angle estimation on the basis of the synthesized baseband signal vector.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2011Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignee: Fujitsu LimitedInventor: Kazuo Shirakawa
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Patent number: 8816902Abstract: There is provided a radar apparatus for detecting a target. A detection signal generating unit generates detection signals of the target based on transmission and reception waves of antennas. A detection signal processing unit performs frequency analysis on the detection signals to extract signal components of the target, and performs a predetermined process on the signal components to calculate at least one of a distance to the target, a relative speed to the target, and an orientation of the target. The detection signal generating unit includes a filter unit for giving changes to the detection signals in a frequency bandwidth higher than Nyquist frequency which is a half a sampling frequency. The detection signal processing unit acquires the signal components from the detection signals to which the filter unit gives the changes to determine whether the signal components are generated by replication due to the Nyquist frequency.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2012Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignee: Fujitsu Ten LimitedInventor: Hiroshi Itoh
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Publication number: 20140225766Abstract: An angle-resolving radar sensor for motor vehicles having multiple antenna elements and multiple receive channels, at least two antenna elements connected to the same receive channel together having a directional characteristic having at least two main lobes having different primary sensitivity directions.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2012Publication date: August 14, 2014Inventors: Thomas Binzer, Christian Waldschmidt, Volker Gross, Raphael Hellinger, Goetz Kuehnle, Andre Treptow
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Patent number: 8805005Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for processing imagery, such as may be derived from a coherent imaging system e.g. a synthetic aperture radar (SAR). The system processes sequences of SAR images of a region taken in at least two different passes and generates Coherent Change Detection (CCD) base images from corresponding images of each pass. A reference image is formed from one or more of the CCD base images images, and an incoherent change detection image formed by comparison between a given CCD base image and the reference image. The technique is able to detect targets from tracks left in soft ground, or from shadow areas caused by vehicles, and so does not rely on a reflection directly from the target itself. The technique may be implemented on data recorded in real time, or may be done in post-processing on a suitable computer system.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2009Date of Patent: August 12, 2014Assignee: Qinetiq LimitedInventors: Mohammed Jahangir, Paul Graham Kealey, Christopher Paul Moate, Robert David Hill
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Publication number: 20140218228Abstract: In a target recognition apparatus, a candidate detection section detects a target candidate, provided that a target exists in a basic detection area. A candidate addition section adds, regarding each target candidate detected in a folding area, a target candidate determined provided that the target candidate detected in the folding area is a virtual image, and a corresponding real image exists in an additional detection area. A tracking section determines, regarding each detected and added target candidate, presence/absence of a history connection with the target candidate detected in a past measurement cycle. A combination determination section determines, regarding each target candidate, presence/absence of a combination with an image target, based on whether or not an image target associated with the target candidate exists. A likelihood calculation section sets and updates a likelihood of a virtual image of the image target by using a determination result of the combination determination section.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2014Publication date: August 7, 2014Applicant: DENSO CORPORATIONInventor: Kazuhiro Noda
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Patent number: 8773301Abstract: A method of determining an angle within the beam to a target using an airborne radar includes receiving first data associated with first returns associated with a first portion of an antenna. The method further includes receiving second data associated with second returns associated with a second portion of an antenna, wherein the first portion is not identical to the second portion. The method further includes determining the angle within the beam to the target using the first and second data.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2012Date of Patent: July 8, 2014Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.Inventor: Daniel L. Woodell
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Publication number: 20140168006Abstract: The invention relates to a driver assistance device (2) for a vehicle (1), which driver assistance device has a radar appliance (3, 4) for determining measured variable (?1, ?2, R1, R2) referenced to an object (10) that is external to the vehicle, wherein the radar appliance (3, 4) comprises: at least a first and a second reception antenna (14, 15), each for receiving signals (SE1, SE2); a first down-converter (17), which is coupled to the first reception antenna (14) via a first reception path (16), and a second down-converter (23), which is coupled to the second reception antenna (15) via a second reception path (21), for down-converting the received signals (SE1, SE2) into respective baseband signals (SB1, SB2); a control device (5) for determining the measured variable (?1, ?2, R1, R2) using the baseband signals (SB1, SB2); and test means (32) for producing a local check signal (SP) and for coupling the check signal (SP) into the first reception path (16) and into the second reception path (21), as a resuType: ApplicationFiled: February 8, 2012Publication date: June 19, 2014Applicant: VALEO Schalter und Sensoren GmbHInventors: Frank Sickinger, Stefan Olejniczak
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Patent number: 8730096Abstract: An electronic scanning type radar device mounted on a moving body includes: a transmission unit transmitting a transmission wave; a reception unit comprising a plurality of antennas receiving a reflection wave of the transmission wave from a target; a beat signal generation unit generating a beat signal from the transmission wave and the reflection wave; a frequency resolution processing unit frequency computing a complex number data; a target detection unit detecting an existence of the target; a correlation matrix computation unit computing a correlation matrix from each of a complex number data of a detected beat frequency; a target consolidation processing unit linking the target in a present detection cycle and a past detection cycle; a correlation matrix filtering unit generating an averaged correlation matrix by weighted averaging a correlation matrix of a target in the present detection cycle and a correlation matrix of a related target in the past detection cycle; and a direction detection unit compuType: GrantFiled: April 9, 2013Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: Honda elesys Co., Ltd.Inventors: Junji Kanamoto, Hiroyuki Akimoto
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Patent number: 8730095Abstract: An electromagnetic transmitter arrangement includes an antenna line array or subarray defining at least first and second ends, and including first, second, third, fourth, and fifth antenna elements, arranged with the first antenna element at the first end, the fifth element at the second end, the third element at the center, the second element between the first and third elements, and the fourth element between the third and fifth elements. Multiple (N) corresponding radio frequency sources are provided, each source communicating with a respective antenna element along a given radio-frequency signal path extending from the given signal source to the given antenna element, and where a first signal source generates signals at frequency f0, and each of the N?1 additional sources generate signals at frequencies of f0±(N?1)?f, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 5.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2013Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventors: Vladimir Volman, John B. Stetson
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Patent number: 8730099Abstract: An electronic scanning type radar device mounted on a moving body includes: a transmission unit transmitting a transmission wave; a reception unit comprising a plurality of antennas receiving a reflection wave of the transmission wave from a target; a beat signal generation unit generating a beat signal from the transmission wave and the reflection wave; a frequency resolution processing unit frequency computing a complex number data; a target detection unit detecting an existence of the target; a correlation matrix computation unit computing a correlation matrix from each of a complex number data of a detected beat frequency; a target consolidation processing unit linking the target in a present detection cycle and a past detection cycle; a correlation matrix filtering unit generating an averaged correlation matrix by weighted averaging a correlation matrix of a target in the present detection cycle and a correlation matrix of a related target in the past detection cycle; and a direction detection unit compuType: GrantFiled: April 9, 2013Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: Honda elesys Co., Ltd.Inventors: Junji Kanamoto, Hiroyuki Akimoto
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Patent number: 8704702Abstract: The invention relates to a method for estimating an object motion characteristic from a radar signal. The method comprises the step of receiving radar data of an object from a multiple beam radar system. Further, the method comprises the steps of associating radar data with estimated height and/or cross-range information of object parts causing the corresponding radar data and fitting an object model with radar data being associated with a selected estimated height and/or cross-range information interval. The method also comprises the step of determining an object motion characteristic from the fitted object model.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2010Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: Nederlandse Organisatie voor toegepast-natuurwetenschappelijk Onderzoek TNOInventor: Philip van Dorp
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Patent number: 8704704Abstract: Presented is a method for determining speeds (vr14, vr16) and distances (r14, r16) of objects (14, 16) relative to a radar system (12) of a motor vehicle (10), wherein a coverage area (EB) of the radar system (12) is divided into at least two part-areas (TB1, TB2, TB3), the coverage area (EB) is examined for reflecting objects (14, 16) in successive measuring cycles (MZ1, MZ2; MZi, MZi+1), wherein radar signals received in a measuring cycle (MZ1, MZ2; MZi, MZi+1) are processed separated in accordance with part-areas (TB1, TB2, TB3) and processed signals are assembled to form a total result differentiated in accordance with spatial directions. The method is characterized in that from signals received in a first measuring cycle (MZ1; MZi), hypotheses for the distance (r14, r16) and speed (vr14, vr16) of reflecting objects (14, 16) are formed and the hypotheses are validated in dependence on signals received in at least one further measuring cycle (MZ2; MZi+2).Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2007Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: VALEO Schalter und Sensoren GmbHInventors: Urs Luebbert, Udo Haberland
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Patent number: 8700255Abstract: Systems, devices, and techniques for remotely tracking vehicle and driver behavior. Embodiments may include an on-board vehicle monitoring device, comprising an interface device and a gateway device. The interface device may include receiving information from a diagnostic system of a vehicle. The gateway device may collect a set of vehicle operating data corresponding to a driver or vehicle behavior. The set of vehicle operating data may comprise at least some of the information from the diagnostic system of the vehicle. A host computer may have instructions for compiling driver behavior data, based at least in part on analysis of received vehicle operating data. The instructions may also include instructions for providing a user interface; and instructions for causing the user interface to display, for a user, information corresponding to the compiled driver behavior data.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2009Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: Trimble Navigation LimitedInventor: Thomas C. Joseph
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Patent number: 8686894Abstract: A radar imaging apparatus includes: (i) a delay code generation unit which repeats, for M scan periods, scan processing of generating, using a transmission code, N delay codes in a scan period for scanning N range gates having mutually different distances from the radar imaging apparatus; (ii) a signal storage unit which stores, in association with a range gate and a scan period, a baseband signal; (iii) a memory control unit which repeatedly writes, in the signal storage unit, for the M scan periods, N demodulated signals corresponding to a single scan period, and reads out a group of M demodulated signals corresponding to mutually different scan periods; (iv) a Doppler frequency discrimination unit which performs frequency analysis on demodulated signals having the same range gate; and (v) a direction of arrival calculation unit which estimates a direction of a target.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2012Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Takeshi Fukuda, Kenichi Inoue, Toru Sato, Takuya Sakamoto, Kenshi Saho
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Publication number: 20140085128Abstract: A first radar transmitter and a second radar transmitter transmit a first modulation signal and a second modulation signal which are generated by repeating a predetermined time of code sequences, each of which has a predetermined code length, using a first code width and a second code width, respectively. An A/D converter converts the modulation signal into a discrete signal in a sampling cycle shorter than a difference between the first code width and the second code width. A positioning section separates a plurality of reception signals using a first correlation value based on outputs from the A/D converter and a first delay section corresponding to the first code width and a second correlation value based on outputs from the A/D converter and a second delay section corresponding to the second code width.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 25, 2012Publication date: March 27, 2014Applicant: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Takaaki Kishigami, Yoichi Nakagawa, Hirohito Mukai
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Patent number: 8674875Abstract: The invention provides a security scanner that produces a radar profile of a clothed person or another object such as a bag carried by a person at a distance and does not require close proximity of the person or object to the scanner itself. The scanner includes a millimeter wave antenna system optimised for short-range active imaging and arranged to provide rapid high-resolution images of an object or person of interest and processing means for resolving the images so as to detect the presence of predetermined objects. The processing means preferably includes means for comparing contrasts in reflectivity in the scanned images with predetermined expected values from skin and light clothing. The processing means may also include means for detecting predetermined behavioral or physical traits such as the effect on gait on carried weighty objects or stiff structures strapped to the person from the images of a scanned object or person. The scanner may be incorporated within a turnstile access arrangement.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2007Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignee: MBDA UK LimitedInventors: Christopher Ralph Carter, Charles Anthony Rowatt
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Patent number: 8659430Abstract: A radio frequency signal acquistion and source location system, including a first signal acquisition and source location module comprising an RF transceiver coupled to an antenna, the antenna provided with a electronic steering circuit. The antenna operative to launch an interrogation signal, the interrogation signal steerable by an electronic steering circuit. A processor operatively coupled to the RF transceiver and the electronic steering circuit, the processor provided with a data storage for storing a signal data record for each of at least one response signal(s) received by the RF transceiver(s). The signal data record including a signal identification, a received signal strength indicator and an RF signal direction along which respective signal(s) are received by the antenna, the RF signal direction derived from the electronic steering circuit. A postion logic operative upon the data record(s) derives a three dimensional signal origin location of each response signal.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: February 25, 2014Assignee: RF Controls, LLCInventors: Graham P. Bloy, Matthew E. Pierce, Russell Hofer
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Patent number: 8654003Abstract: System and method making it possible to operate in an interrogator mode and/or in a passive listening mode wherein it comprises in combination at least the following elements: an antenna (6) having a given aperture sector, a control means (31) making it possible to toggle the system into a first interrogator operating mode using a first given angle sector or into a second passive listening operating mode using a second angle sector of greater value than the first, means (23) making it possible to add together the signals received on the sum pathway and on the difference pathway of the antenna in the case of the passive listening operating mode.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2008Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignee: ThalesInventors: Stéphane Soula, Claude Provost
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Publication number: 20140015708Abstract: An apparatus and associated method for improved angular resolution capability of a remote sensing echo system based on utilizing both a first and a secondary echo of a single transmission signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2012Publication date: January 16, 2014Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventor: IGAL BILIK
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Patent number: 8624781Abstract: A system suitable for displaying a target. A first unit is arranged to generate a first information unit including the target's position relative to a first position. The first information unit is arranged to transfer the first information unit to a second unit existing at a second position which is separate from the first position. The second unit is arranged to generate a second information unit including the target's position relative to the second position, depending on the first information unit. The second unit is arranged to indicate the target's position to allow localization of the target.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2006Date of Patent: January 7, 2014Assignee: Bae Systems Bofors ABInventors: Jan Christensen, Peter Freij, Jyri Viuhko, Johan Gunnarsson
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Patent number: 8606491Abstract: Methods and systems suitable for negotiating air traffic trajectory modification requests received from multiple aircraft that each has trajectory parameters. The methods include transmitting from at least a first aircraft a first trajectory modification request to alter the altitude, speed and/or lateral route thereof. A first conflict assessment is then performed to determine if the first trajectory modification request poses a conflict with the altitudes, speeds and lateral routes of other aircraft. If a conflict is not identified, the first trajectory modification request is granted and the first aircraft is notified of the first trajectory modification request being granted. Alternatively, if a conflict is identified, the first trajectory modification request is not granted and the first aircraft is notified thereof.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2011Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Rajesh Venkat Subbu, Feng Xue, Mauricio Castillo-Effen, Joel Kenneth Klooster, Joachim Karl Hochwarth, Sergio Torres, Weiwei Chen
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Patent number: 8581777Abstract: In an electronic scanning radar apparatus, a receiving unit includes a plurality of antennas receiving a reflected wave arriving from a target having reflected a transmitted wave as a received wave. A beat signal generating unit generates beat signals from the transmitted wave and the received wave. A frequency resolving unit resolves the beat signals in beat frequencies having a predetermined frequency bandwidth and calculates complex data based on the resolved beat signals for each beat frequency. An azimuth calculating unit estimates an order of a normal equation used to calculate a DOA of the received wave on the basis of eigenvalues of a primary order matrix having complex data calculated from the beat signals as elements, creates a secondary order normal equation based on the estimated order, and calculates the DOA of the received wave based on the created secondary order normal equation.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2011Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Assignee: Honda elesys Co., Ltd.Inventors: Junji Kanamoto, Itaru Izumi, Hiroyuki Akimoto
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Patent number: 8558731Abstract: A method of determining an angle within the beam to a target using an airborne radar includes receiving first data associated with first returns associated with a first portion of an antenna. The method further includes receiving second data associated with second returns associated with a second portion of an antenna, wherein the first portion is not identical to the second portion. The method further includes determining the angle within the beam to the target using the first and second data.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2008Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.Inventor: Daniel L. Woodell
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Patent number: 8558734Abstract: A ground based avian radar receive antenna is implemented using a vertically oriented offset parabolic cylindrical antenna. The desired azimuth beamwidth is determined by the width of the parabolic cylinder reflector surface and the desired elevation beamwidth by the height of the parabolic cylinder reflector surface. A vertical array of antenna elements is mounted along the vertical focal line to provide electronic scanning in elevation. Low sidelobe levels are obtained using tapered antenna element illumination. Low cost modular construction with high reflector accuracy is obtained by attaching a thin metal reflector to thin ribs machined or stamped in the shape of the parabolic cylinder reflector surface. The antenna is enclosed in a radome and mechanically rotated 360 degrees in azimuth.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2010Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Inventor: Gregory Hubert Piesinger
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Patent number: 8554478Abstract: Methods and apparatus for navigating with the use of correlation within a select area are provided. One method includes, storing data required to reconstruct ranges and associated angles to objects along with statistical accuracy information while initially traversing throughout the select area. Measuring then current ranges and associated angles to the objects during a subsequent traversal throughout the select area. Correlating the then current ranges and associated angles to the objects to reconstructed ranges and associated angles to the objects from the stored data. Determining at least one of then current location and heading estimates within the select area based at least in part on the correlation and using the least one of the then current location and heading estimates for navigation.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2007Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventor: Randolph G. Hartman
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Patent number: 8552907Abstract: In accordance with one of embodiments of the present invention, a frequency resolution processing unit calculates complex number data based on a beat signal caused by a receiving wave coming from a target and a transmission wave. A target detection unit detects a peak value from the intensities of beat frequencies, and then detects an existence of the target. The target link unit makes association between a target detected in the present detecting cycle and the target detected in the past detecting cycle. A direction estimating unit generates a generative complex number data based on the complex number data so as to correspond to a data generation unit. The direction estimating unit calculates, for each antenna, an incoming direction of the receiving wave based on each of normal equations formed by use of the complex number data of the beat frequency which an existence of the target is detected and the generative complex number data.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2011Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Assignee: Honda elesys Co., Ltd.Inventor: Junji Kanamoto
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Patent number: 8547206Abstract: A noncontact IC medium direction detecting apparatus (1), method, and computer readable medium are provided.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2008Date of Patent: October 1, 2013Assignee: Omron CorporationInventor: Hidekatsu Nogami
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Patent number: 8542145Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for locating non-cooperating objects by means of a random or pseudo-random noisy type waveform generator, an amplifier, of said waveforms and an antenna which radiates them towards the object, which object generates an electromagnetic echo which is detected by a passive subsystem of antennas and receivers. The time delay and Doppler shift values are determined in the latter subsystem and in turn forwarded from encoding and modulating blocks to a central processor which estimates the position and the speed of the object. The passive subsystem receives, through a transmission channel or storage element, the reference signal which represents the transmitted noisy type waveform and uses it for calculating the bi-dimensional cross correlation (ambiguity function), which permits to estimate the time delay and the Doppler shift.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2009Date of Patent: September 24, 2013Assignee: Universita' Degli Studi di Roma Tor VergataInventor: Gaspare Galati
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Patent number: 8525725Abstract: The present disclosure describes a method and system for detecting and determining the position of a target or intruder using a plurality of sensors positioned throughout a secured perimeter and a single antenna. The system of the present disclosure detects and determines the position of a target by first analyzing the return signal strength values of each of the sensors. Next, Zvalues for each of the sensors are calculated. Based on the Zvalues, certain sensors are selected to compute a signal strength center-of-mass location, which is then used to determine the position of the target.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2011Date of Patent: September 3, 2013Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventors: Vibeke Libby, Troy E. Wenski, Allen R. Lorenz
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Patent number: 8514383Abstract: Arbitrarily deploying scanning polarized RF reference sources and using them to establish a full position and angular orientation reference coordinate system or a full angular orientation reference coordinate system that objects property equipped with polarized RF sensors could use to determine their angular position and/or orientation relative to the reference coordinate system.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2010Date of Patent: August 20, 2013Assignee: Omnitek Partners LLCInventor: Jahangir S. Rastegar
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Publication number: 20130182829Abstract: Alignment systems and associated methods of using such systems to help aim an x-ray source at an x-ray detector are described in this application. The alignment systems can contain an electromagnetic radiation transmitter (or receiver) that is associated with the x-ray detector and an electromagnetic radiation receiver (or transmitter) that is associated with the x-ray source. Electromagnetic radiation produced by the electromagnetic radiation transmitter can be detected by the receiver and used to align the x-ray source and the x-ray detector in the x-ray device. In some configurations, the electromagnetic radiation transmitter contains a radio-frequency (RF) antenna (or antenna array) that is attached in a fixed position relative to the x-ray detector and the electromagnetic radiation receiver also contains an RF antenna (or antenna array) that is in a fixed position relative to the x-ray detector. Other embodiments are described.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 17, 2013Publication date: July 18, 2013Applicant: Aribex, Inc.Inventors: Khoi Nguyen, John McMullen
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Patent number: 8487810Abstract: An integrated radar system includes a processing module and a radar device. The radar device includes an antenna module, a configurable shaping module, and a configurable transceiver module. The processing module generates an outbound signal and a control signal to configure the integrated radar system. The configured transceiver module converts the outbound signal into an outbound wireless signal. The configured shaping module shapes the outbound wireless signal into a shaped signal. The antenna module transmits the shaped signal and then receives an inbound radar signal. The configured shaping module shapes the inbound radar signal into an inbound wireless signal. The configured transceiver module converts the inbound wireless signal into an inbound symbol stream. The processing module determines location information regarding an object based on the inbound symbol stream.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2010Date of Patent: July 16, 2013Assignee: Broadcom CorporationInventors: Alfred Grau Besoli, Nicolaos G. Alexopoulos, Jesus Alfonso Castaneda
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Patent number: 8482387Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for judging a movement direction of an RFID tag in a case where read information acquired from a first region and read information acquired in a second region which overlap the first region indicate that the RFID tag has moved out of a part of the first region which part does not overlap the second region. The described embodiments include a movement direction judging section, a detection frequency information acquisition section, a movement judging section, an output judging section, and an output section.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2009Date of Patent: July 9, 2013Assignee: Omron CorporationInventor: Naomasa Iwahashi
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Patent number: 8482455Abstract: The present invention relates to a radar device with high angular accuracy. The solution provided by the invention simultaneously combines an interferometer that is accurate but, for example, ambiguous when receiving; and a space coloring mode when transmitting. The coloring of the space consists notably in transmitting on N transmitting antennas N orthogonal signals. These signals are then separated by filtering on reception using the orthogonality properties of the transmission signals. It is, for example, possible, with two contiguous antennas in transmission associated with two orthogonal codes to produce a single-pulse type system when transmitting. The invention applies notably to the obstacle sensing and avoidance function, also called “Sense & Avoid”.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2010Date of Patent: July 9, 2013Assignee: ThalesInventors: Stéphane Kemkemian, Pascal Cornic, Patrick Le Bihan
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Publication number: 20130169471Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the range, radial velocity, and bearing angles of scattering objects reflecting RF signals or for determining the range, radial velocity, and bearing angles of sources RF signals. An array of antenna elements is utilized, the array of antenna elements each having an associated two state modulator wherein transmitted and/or received energy is phase encoded according to a sequence of multibit codes, the multibit codes each having two states with approximately a 50% probability for each of the two states occurring in each given multibit code in said sequence of multibit codes, thereby allowing the determination of range, radial velocity, and bearing angles through digital computation after the scattered signals have been received.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 7, 2012Publication date: July 4, 2013Applicant: HRL LABORATORIES, LLCInventor: Jonathan J. Lynch
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Patent number: 8477063Abstract: A obstacle detection system comprises a transmission antenna operable to radiate a radio frequency (RF) signal and a transmitter operable to control transmission of the RF signal from the antenna. The obstacle detection system also comprises a receiver antenna operable to receive a reflection of the RF signal; and processing circuitry operable to analyze a plurality of characteristics of a radar cross section (RCS) of the received reflection to identify an obstacle and one or more physical attributes of the obstacle.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2008Date of Patent: July 2, 2013Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: David W. Meyers, Long Bui, Yi-Chi Shih, Alan G. Cornett
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Patent number: 8466829Abstract: A radar system comprises an electromagnetic transmitter and an array of antenna elements connected in Multiple-Input Multiple-Output manner for routing signals reflected from the target to a plurality of receive beam rotation processors. The receive beam rotation processing for each antenna element includes application of rotation frequency offsets to the received signals and summation in summing and differencing adders to generate I and Q components of the rotating beams. The I and Q components for each element are summed to generate received signals including angle-or-arrival (AOA) information. The AOA information is further processed by correlating with reference replica AOA signals and by averaging to determine the actual AOA. The transmitter may have multiple contrarotating beams generated by application of frequency offsets. The transmit and receive beam rotations may be synchronized.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2010Date of Patent: June 18, 2013Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventors: Vladimir Volman, John B. Stetson
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Patent number: 8466830Abstract: An electronic scanning radar apparatus includes a transmission unit configured to transmit a transmission wave, and a receiving unit including a plurality of antennas receiving a receiving wave coming from a target. The receiving wave is formed from a reflection wave of the transmission wave reflected at the target. A beat signal generation unit is configured to generate beat signals in response to the transmission wave and the receiving wave. A frequency resolution processing unit is configured to obtain complex number data calculated from beat frequencies having signal levels obtained by performing a frequency resolution for the beat signals based on a predetermined frequency width. A peak detector is configured to detect an existence of the target by detecting peak signal levels of the beat frequencies, and a direction detecting unit is configured to calculate an incoming direction of the receiving wave based on a normal equation having an order.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2011Date of Patent: June 18, 2013Assignee: Honda Elesys Co., Ltd.Inventor: Junji Kanamoto
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Patent number: 8446312Abstract: An electronic scanning type radar device mounted on a moving body includes: a transmission unit transmitting a transmission wave; a reception unit comprising a plurality of antennas receiving a reflection wave of the transmission wave from a target; a beat signal generation unit generating a beat signal from the transmission wave and the reflection wave; a frequency resolution processing unit frequency computing a complex number data; a target detection unit detecting an existence of the target; a correlation matrix computation unit computing a correlation matrix from each of a complex number data of a detected beat frequency; a target consolidation processing unit linking the target in a present detection cycle and a past detection cycle; a correlation matrix filtering unit generating an averaged correlation matrix by weighted averaging a correlation matrix of a target in the present detection cycle and a correlation matrix of a related target in the past detection cycle; and a direction detection unit compuType: GrantFiled: December 25, 2008Date of Patent: May 21, 2013Assignee: Honda Elesys Co., Ltd.Inventors: Junji Kanamoto, Hiroyuki Akimoto
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Patent number: 8446577Abstract: A method for determining an angular orientation of a sensor relative to a source. The method including: amplitude modulating at least two synchronized polarized Radio Frequency (RF) carrier signals with a predetermined relationship between their amplitude modulation of their electric field components and their polarization states to provide a scanning polarized RF reference source with a desired scanning range, pattern and frequency; detecting the scanning polarized RF reference source at the sensor; and using peak detection or pattern matching analysis on a signal detected at the sensor to determine the angular orientation of the sensor relative to scanning polarized RF reference source.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2009Date of Patent: May 21, 2013Assignee: Omnitek Partners, LLCInventor: Jahangir S. Rastegar
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Patent number: 8442739Abstract: A vehicle driving assist system is provided that calculates a risk potential indicative of a degree of convergence between the host vehicle and the preceding obstacle. A first driving assistance control system controls at least one of an actuation reaction force exerted by a driver-operated driving operation device and a braking/driving force exerted against the host vehicle based on the risk potential calculated. A second driving assistance control system controls the braking/driving force of the host vehicle such that a headway distance is maintained between the host vehicle and the obstacle. A transition detecting section detects a transition of operating states of the first and second driving assistance control systems. The control adjusting section adjusts the control executed by the first and second driving assistance control systems when a transition of operating state is detected.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2007Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Nobuyuki Kuge, Takayuki Kondoh, Akira Onozuka, Tomohiro Yamamura, Yoshiharu Kamisuki
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Patent number: 8441395Abstract: An electronic scanning radar apparatus includes a transmission unit configured to transmit a transmission wave, a receiving unit including a plurality of antennas receiving an incoming wave coming from a target, a beat signal generation unit configure to generate beat signals in response to the transmission wave and the incoming wave, a frequency resolution processing unit obtaining complex number data calculated from beat frequencies having signal levels obtained by performing a frequency resolution for the beat signals based on a predetermined frequency width, a peak detector detecting an existence of a present target by detecting peak signal levels of the beat frequencies, a target link unit associating between the present target detected in a present detecting cycle and a past target detected in past detecting cycles; and a direction detecting unit calculating a direction of the incoming wave based on the weighted averaging process.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2010Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: Honda Elesys Co., Ltd.Inventor: Junji Kanamoto
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Patent number: 8436762Abstract: In an embodiment, a coordinate determiner is operable to identify at least first and second surfaces that each approximately intersect an object, and to determine at least two approximate coordinates of the object from the first and second surfaces, where at least one of the surfaces is nonplanar. For example, if the coordinate determiner is disposed on a fighter jet having at least two short-baseline-interferometers (SBIs), then two surfaces may be the surfaces of two cones having two of the SBIs as respective vertices, the object may be a close-in target, and the coordinate determiner may determine the azimuth and elevation of the target from the cone surfaces. Furthermore, the coordinate determiner or another computation unit onboard the jet may determine the slant range of the target from the elevation and the altitude of the jet.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2010Date of Patent: May 7, 2013Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.Inventor: Ronald M. Yannone
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Patent number: 8432309Abstract: A radar system (44) for a vehicle (42) includes a transmit unit (56) and a receive unit (58). The transmit unit (56) includes a single beam antenna (72) for output of a radar signal (74) into a target zone (46). The receive unit (58) includes a single beam antenna (76) for receiving a direct receive signal (78) and an indirect receive signal (80). The receive signals (78, 80) are reflections of the radar signal (74) from an object (34, 36) in the target zone (46). The indirect receive signal (80) is reflected off the object (34, 36) toward a reflective panel (54) of the vehicle (42), and the indirect receive signal (80) is reflected off the reflective panel (54) for receipt at the receive antenna (76). The receive signals (78, 80) are summed to produce a detection signal (81) indicating presence of the object (34, 36) in the target zone (46).Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2010Date of Patent: April 30, 2013Assignee: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.Inventors: James D. MacDonald, Lawrence A. Rubin
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Patent number: 8421631Abstract: A radio frequency signal acquisition and source location system, including a first signal acquisition and source location module comprising an RF transceiver coupled to an antenna, the antenna provided with a electronic steering circuit. The antenna operative to launch an interrogation signal, the interrogation signal steerable by an electronic steering circuit. A processor operatively coupled to the RF transceiver and the electronic steering circuit, the processor provided with a data storage for storing a signal data record for each of at least one response signal(s) received by the RF transceiver(s). The signal data record including a signal identification, a received signal strength indicator and an RF signal direction along which respective signal(s) are received by the antenna, the RF signal direction derived from the electronic steering circuit. A position logic operative upon the data record(s) deriving a three dimensional signal origin location of each response signal.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2008Date of Patent: April 16, 2013Assignee: RF Controls, LLCInventors: Graham P. Bloy, Matthew E. Pierce, Russell Hofer
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Patent number: 8416123Abstract: A non-scanning radar for detecting and tracking multiple moving objects. The transmit antenna continuously illuminates the entire surveillance volume, which can even be omni-directional (hemispherical). Multiple receive antennas are employed, each covering part of the surveillance volume. Receivers are used in combination to measure angles of incidence via interferometry on objects that are resolved in range and Doppler. Very long processing times are used to compensate for the reduced antenna gain compared to any radar that scans. By continuously illuminating the surveillance volume, there is no hard limit to the number of objects that can be simultaneously tracked. The primary application for this technology is detection and tracking of such objects as bullets, artillery projectiles, mortar shells, and rockets, and determining the location of the weapon that fired them. Numerous other applications are also described.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2011Date of Patent: April 9, 2013Assignee: MARK Resources, Inc.Inventors: Richard L. Mitchell, August W. Rihaczek
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Patent number: 8416120Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of sensor network localization through reconstruction of a radiation pattern with a characteristic value of an antenna depending on orientation thereof. The method can minimize errors using an antenna characteristic value and a signal strength depending on the orientation. In addition, the method can minimize errors using an artificial neural network to characterize a distorted radiation pattern of an antenna and using it for the localization of a triangulation method. Furthermore, the method can increases the localization rate even in a passive localization method by characterizing an asymmetric antenna radiation pattern and constructing the antenna characteristic through an artificial neural network.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2009Date of Patent: April 9, 2013Assignee: Sungkyunkwan University Foundation for Corporate CollaborationInventors: Jong Tae Kim, Chae Seok Lim
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Patent number: 8410974Abstract: This disclosure provides an image processing device, which includes an actual trail image memory for storing an actual trail data group indicating absolute changes in position of a target object detected by echo signals obtained corresponding to detection signals transmitted while changing an azimuth direction of the transmission, and a moving target object determination processing module for determining whether the target object detected with the detection signals is a moving target object based on the actual trail data group.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2010Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: Furuno Electric Company, LimitedInventor: Tatsuya Kojima
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Patent number: 8400350Abstract: An electronic scanning radar device that detects an azimuth angle of a target based on a phase difference between a first pair of received waves received by a first pair of antennas separated by a prescribed distance, and combines the first pair of received waves and generates a first composite wave. The composite wave has a steep antenna pattern, for which the amount of level change is large for the amount of change in azimuth angle, and an azimuth angle judgment unit performs true/false judgment in which a detected azimuth angle is judged to be true when the level of the above first composite wave is equal to or above a reference value, and the azimuth angle is judged to be false when the level is below the reference value.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2008Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: Fujitsu Ten LimitedInventor: Yoshihide Uesato
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Patent number: 8390509Abstract: A reflected wave that a transmitted wave is reflected by targets including a stationary target and a moving target is received as receiving signals of at least two reception antennas. A phase difference between beat signals at respective peak frequencies, generated from a transmitting signal and the receiving signals, is calculated. Directions of the targets are calculated in such a manner that the calculated phase difference of the targets is stored in a storage area in advance, it is predicted whether peak frequencies of the plurality of targets overlap each other, a predicted phase difference of the stationary target at the time when the peak frequencies overlap each other is calculated on the basis of the stored phase difference, and a predicted phase difference of the moving target is calculated on the basis of the calculated phase difference and the predicted phase difference of the stationary target.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2011Date of Patent: March 5, 2013Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hisateru Asanuma, Masahiro Sakaguchi, Tomoya Kawasaki, Motomi Iyoda