Display Patents (Class 342/176)
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Patent number: 6911936Abstract: A display system is disclosed for displaying air traffic symbology from a plurality of different types of air traffic surveillance systems on a single monitor. A display device includes a processor for generating display symbology from TCAS, SKE and ADS-B information, and a monitor for displaying the generated symbology in a uniform format.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2003Date of Patent: June 28, 2005Assignee: Aviation Communication & Surveillance Systems, LLCInventors: Greg T. Stayton, Kathryn W. Ybarra, James R. Troxel
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Patent number: 6911933Abstract: The present invention includes an application of a dynamic logic algorithm to detect slow moving targets. Show moving targets are going to be moving in the range from 0-5 mph. This could encompass troop movements and vehicles or convoys under rough terrain.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2004Date of Patent: June 28, 2005Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air ForceInventors: Christopher W. Mutz, Leonid I. Perlovsky, Robert J. Linnehan
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Patent number: 6903677Abstract: An image sensor section and a millimeter-wave sensor section separately detect objects. A sensor matching section determines whether the objects detected by the image sensor section and the millimeter-wave sensor section are one and the same object. If the objects are one and the same object, the sensor matching section estimates a position of the obstacle after a certain period. A collision prediction section determined whether there is going to be a collision between the vehicle and the object 50 from the position estimated by the sensor matching section.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2004Date of Patent: June 7, 2005Assignee: Fujitsu LimitedInventors: Tomonobu Takashima, Masatoshi Tohno, Tadao Omi, Taku Katagiri, Daisuke Ueno
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Patent number: 6897802Abstract: A plurality of image chips (202) (over 100), each of the chips containing the same, known target of interest, such as, for example an M109 tank are presented to the system for training. Each image chip of the known target is slightly different than the next, showing the known target at different aspect angles and rotation with respect to the moving platform acquiring the image chip. The system extract multiple features of the known target from the plurality of image chips (202) presented for storage and analysis, or training. These features distinguish a known target of interest from the nearest similar target to the M109 tank, for example a Caterpillar D7 bulldozer. These features are stored for use during unknown target identification. When an unknown target chip is presented, the recognition algorithm relies on the features stored during training to attempt to identify the target.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2003Date of Patent: May 24, 2005Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventors: Cynthia Daniell, Narayan Srinivasa
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Patent number: 6879280Abstract: An aircraft weather radar system is disclosed. The system comprises a radar antenna, aircraft sensors, and a database. The system also comprises a processing device receiving information from the radar antenna and from the aircraft sensors and able to retrieve information from the database. Further, the system comprises a cockpit display coupled to the processing device. The processing device is programmed to estimate storm system characteristics based on the received information from the aircraft sensors and the database and to display the storm system characteristics on a vertical weather profile display using a graphical representation.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2004Date of Patent: April 12, 2005Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.Inventors: Ian J. Bull, Steve Paramore, Daniel L. Woodell
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Patent number: 6867727Abstract: A system-of-systems avionics architecture that is compatible with futuristic multi-function multi-platform sensor applications. The method and device of the invention is based on localized “adaptive” waveform and spectrum allocation for ultra-wideband radio frequency and microwave signals. The invention includes a plurality of system platforms with each platform comprising a common radio frequency front end for receiving ultra-wideband signals, a common radio frequency back end for transmitting ultra-wideband signals and a plurality of sensors for exchanging data between platforms.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2004Date of Patent: March 15, 2005Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air ForceInventor: Atindra Mitra
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Patent number: 6861971Abstract: A transceiver or transponder particularly for synthetic aperture radar, or SAR, systems, operating in a frequency band having a central frequency, the transponder comprising a receiver (1) and a transmitter (2) both thermally stable and made by microstrip technology, the receiver (1) and the transmitter (2) being adapted to receive and to transmit, respectively, an electromagnetic wave provided with at least one linear polarisation, the receiver (1) being connected to the transmitter (2) by amplifier means comprising an amplifier unit (5) for each linear polarisation of the wave received by the receiver (1), each amplifier unit (5) including at least two amplifier stages (7, 9, 11) cascade arranged along a single microstrip and interconnected to one another and to an input and to an output of the corresponding amplifier unit (5) by means of coupling or matching stages (6, 8, 10, 12), the output signal of each amplifier unit (5) having substantially the same frequency as the input signal thereto, the amplifierType: GrantFiled: June 7, 2002Date of Patent: March 1, 2005Assignee: Tes Teleinformatica E Sistemi s.r.l.Inventors: Pasquale Russo, Alessandro Rosa, Annamria D'Ippolito
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Patent number: 6861970Abstract: A detection device is described configured for receiving radar and laser signals. The detection device is a self contained stand alone assembly having a watch like configuration and positionable on an arm of a vehicular driver such as a motorcyclist. The detection device is a warning receiver configured to receive signals, identify the signals as being in frequency bands for vehicular speed measuring systems used in law enforcement, and providing a warning to the vehicular driver. In addition, the detection device is configured for calculating the angle and distance from the detection device to the source of the speed measuring system.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2002Date of Patent: March 1, 2005Inventor: Michael Patrick Garland
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Patent number: 6853330Abstract: A radar system derives a correction for an actual boresight (311) of a radar monopulse antenna mounted on a moving platform from ? data and ? data generated with respect to an a priori known, calibrated boresight (309). The monopulse antenna (602) is coupled to a ground position measuring system (616) while acquiring data. The radar receiver acquires a ? and ? synthetic aperture map of the same radar scattering location with respect to the calibrated boresight. ? SAR data and the ? SAR data are motion compensated using the position and velocity supplied by the ground positioning system. A computer forms a ratio of the aligned ? pixels to the aligned ? pixels for each of a plurality of aligned ? pixels located near the calibrated boresight. The correction for the location of the actual boresight of the monopulse antenna is computed by an analysis of the ratio of aligned ? pixels and corresponding aligned ? pixels over the radar scattering location.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2004Date of Patent: February 8, 2005Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventors: Kapriel V. Krikorian, Robert A. Rosen
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Patent number: 6850183Abstract: A slope monitoring system having a radar and a video camera recording images sequences of the slope. A data processing unit performs coordinate registration to align the radar images and the video images. Interferometry is used to detect movement in the slope by generating interference maps between the images. These are suitably phase maps showing the phase change between a radar image and a reference image. An alarm occurs if a significant movement is detected.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2001Date of Patent: February 1, 2005Assignee: Groundprobe Pty LimitedInventors: Bryan Reeves, David Noon, Glen Stickley, Dennis Longstaff
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Patent number: 6836239Abstract: A method for displaying horizontally aligned characters on a radial display is disclosed. Each range bin for each scan line is associated with a rectangular grid location to determine the character located in the grid location and the background color and foreground color for the grid location. A font matrix corresponding to the appropriate character is then used to determine if the range bin corresponds to one of the pixels that make up the character or if the range bin corresponds to a background pixel. This determines if the range bin is assigned the foreground color or background color. The method is done for each range bin value and for each scan line. The range bin and scan line information is sent to a display.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2003Date of Patent: December 28, 2004Assignee: Aviation Communication & Surveillance Systems, LLCInventor: Steven Gregory Scott
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Publication number: 20040227660Abstract: A method for displaying horizontally aligned characters on a radial display is disclosed. Each range bin for each scan line is associated with a rectangular grid location to determine the character located in the grid location and the background color and foreground color for the grid location. A font matrix corresponding to the appropriate character is then used to determine if the range bin corresponds to one of the pixels that make up the character or if the range bin corresponds to a background pixel. This determines if the range bin is assigned the foreground color or background color. The method is done for each range bin value and for each scan line. The range bin and scan line information is sent to a display.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2003Publication date: November 18, 2004Applicant: Aviation Communication & Surveillance Systems, LLCInventor: Steven Gregory Scott
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Publication number: 20040222921Abstract: A system for processing radar data from two or more areas of interest is provided, such as for simultaneously processing vehicle speeds in the opposite lane in front of the patrol vehicle and in the opposite lane behind the patrol vehicle. The system includes an antenna signal processor that receives radar data from one or more radar antennae and generates speed data for a first vehicle travelling in a first direction relative to a radar observation point and a second vehicle travelling in a second direction relative to the radar observation point. A display generator system receives the speed data and user-entered display control data, and generates user-readable display data based on the speed data and the user-entered display control data.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2004Publication date: November 11, 2004Inventors: John L. Aker, Alan B. Mead, Robert S. Gammenthaler, Robert V. Vanman
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Patent number: 6812886Abstract: Described herein are frequency-domain back-projection processes for forming spotlight synthetic aperture radar (“SAR”) images that are not corrupted by the effects of multiple-bounce ghosting artifacts. These processes give an approximately exact reconstruction of the multiple bounce reflectivity function (MBRF) ƒ(x,y,&ggr;). Specifically, the evaluation of ƒ(x,y,&ggr;) in the &ggr;=0 plane gives an approximately exact reconstruction of the true object scattering centers which is uncorrupted by multiple-bounce contributions to the phase history data G(&xgr;, &thgr;). In addition, the non-zero dependence of ƒ(x,y,&ggr;) upon the MB coordinate &ggr; can be used to facilitate the identification of features-interest within the imaged region.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2003Date of Patent: November 2, 2004Assignee: Science Applications International CorporationInventor: David Alan Garren
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Publication number: 20040174295Abstract: A display system is disclosed for displaying air traffic symbology from a plurality of different types of air traffic surveillance systems on a single monitor. A display device includes a processor for generating display symbology from TCAS, SKE and ADS-B information, and a monitor for displaying the generated symbology in a uniform format.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 26, 2003Publication date: September 9, 2004Applicant: Aviation Communication & Surveillance Systems, LLCInventors: Greg T. Stayton, Kathryn W. Ybarra, James R. Troxel
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Patent number: 6789016Abstract: An airborne collision avoidance system includes a receiver stage constructed and arranged to detect (a) at a first radio frequency, first interrogation signals, and first collision resolution advisory (RA) signals transmitted from other nearby aircraft, and (b) at a second radio frequency, first acquisition signals including position information with respect to the nearby aircraft, and first reply signals from the nearby aircraft. A transmitter stage is constructed to produce (a) at the first radio frequency, second interrogation signals and second collision RA signals, and (b) at the second radio frequency, second acquisition signals including position information with respect to the given aircraft, and second reply signals from the given aircraft in response to the first interrogation signals. Tracking and collision avoidance information derived by a system processor from the detected first acquisition and first RA signals is shown on a cockpit display.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2002Date of Patent: September 7, 2004Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.Inventors: Carl Raymond Bayh, Paul F. Drobnicki, Scott Esbin, Michael Murphy, Randolph Purdy, David Wolff
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Patent number: 6778128Abstract: A method of locating an underground utility line. A first step involves securing transponders along a length of an underground utility line at regular spaced intervals. A second step involves interrogating the transponders to receive transponder signals. A third step involves ascertaining the position of the transponder signals and extrapolating positioning of the underground utility line from the transponder signals.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2003Date of Patent: August 17, 2004Assignee: Guardian Angel Protection Inc.Inventors: Layne Daniel Tucker, Peter William Lylick
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Patent number: 6771207Abstract: Radar coverage maps having blockage, coverage and clutter features available for ease of interpretation are provided using terrain data to establish such features in data sets. The data sets provide a basis for the modified display. Multiple tilts of the radar scan may be represented. Multiple radar zones may be overlapped to provide a mosaic of a region showing areas of no coverage despite overlap.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2003Date of Patent: August 3, 2004Assignee: Unisys CorporationInventor: Joseph C. Lang
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Patent number: 6738011Abstract: A method and system for suppression of ground returns in a vertical profile radar display. The method includes receiving radar returns each comprising a plurality of range bins collated to a vertical profile radar display. The received range bins are analyzed to locate ground returns. A plurality of range bins are selected based upon the located ground returns. The radar returns are modified based upon the selected range bins.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2003Date of Patent: May 18, 2004Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventor: Joseph B. Evans
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Patent number: 6734824Abstract: A method for determining a location of an emitter in a monitored area includes the step of providing an array representative of the monitored area, the array including a plurality of elements. Next, at least one first curve and at least one second curve is provided in the array. The first and second curves are representative of possible locations of the emitter in the monitored area. Then, possible emitter locations are identified at intersections of the first and second curves. The intersections are identified by determining locations in the array where an element having an assigned attribute corresponding to a first curve has a predetermined number of adjacent elements having an assigned attribute corresponding to a second curve.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2002Date of Patent: May 11, 2004Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventor: Carl R. Herman
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Patent number: 6720906Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product for allowing a pilot to view weather hazards at a selected altitude or within a range of altitudes. The weather display system includes a memory, a processor, and a display device. The memory stores radar return data in a three-dimensional buffer. The processor is coupled to the memory and retrieves radar return data stored in the three-dimensional buffer that corresponds to an altitude. The processor generates an image of the retrieved radar return data. The display device displays the generated image.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2002Date of Patent: April 13, 2004Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Roland Y. Szeto, Bill G. Cornell
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Patent number: 6714157Abstract: A pulse radar system capable of mapping multiple targets essentially simultaneously using a single radar antenna. By alternately transmitting radar pulses toward multiple targets positioned at different angles relative to the antenna and alternately receiving return signals from the multiple targets as the radar antenna is switched between multiple beam positions, a time-interleaved radar operation is achieved which enables multiples targets to be mapped, and thus tracked, at the same time. A different radio frequency is preferably employed for each target so as to avoid interference and ambiguous returns. Using the teachings of the present invention, between two and twenty radar maps, and possibly more, can be generated simultaneously in approximately the same amount of time required to map a single target using conventional systems of the prior art.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2002Date of Patent: March 30, 2004Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventor: Peter S. Wittenberg
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Patent number: 6707415Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product for storing weather radar return data into a three-dimensional buffer. The system includes a radar system that transmits a radar signal and generates a radar measurement as a result of radar return of the transmitted radar signal. A three-dimensional buffer includes a plurality of storage locations. A processor is coupled to the radar system and the buffer. The processor generates or updates a reflectivity value in storage locations in the three-dimensional buffer based on the generated radar measurement, a previously stored reflectivity value for the storage location, and at least one of an uncertainty value for the storage location. The generated reflectivity value is stored in the three-dimensional buffer according to the storage location.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2002Date of Patent: March 16, 2004Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventor: Paul E. Christianson
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Patent number: 6700526Abstract: An apparatus for identifying a buried object using ground penetrating radar (GPR) in a system containing at least one GPR sensor, comprises a data processor for detecting spatial correlations in data received from a GPR sensor in the apparatus and an image processor capable of building a data structure corresponding to an image of the buried object from data processed by the data processor. A method for identifying a buried object using GPR in a system containing a GPR sensor comprising detecting spatial correlations in data received from the GPR sensor in the system and building a data structure corresponding to an image of the buried object from the received data.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Witten Technologies Inc.Inventor: Alan Witten
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Patent number: 6697015Abstract: A radar apparatus can supervise a target easily and can enlarge a display showing a target. The target is one of a group of multiple targets and the positions of the multiple targets are detected from radar data. The relative position of a target of interest to a radar location is determined and the display reset to enable the target of interest to be within a display window.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2002Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Furuno Electric Company, Ltd.Inventor: Yoshiyuki Kiya
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Patent number: 6690317Abstract: The present invention comprises a system, method, and computer program product for suppressing terrain returns in weather radar images. A weather radar display system includes a memory, a terrain database, a display, and a display processor coupled to the memory, terrain database, and the display. The display processor includes a first component configured to extract radar return data stored in the memory based on aircraft position, a second component configured to extract data stored in the terrain database based on aircraft position, and a third component configured to selectively accept or discards or otherwise segregates data for display based upon the data extracted from memory and the data extracted from the terrain database.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2002Date of Patent: February 10, 2004Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Roland Y. Szeto, Bill G. Cornell
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Patent number: 6683562Abstract: A display system is disclosed for displaying air traffic symbology from a plurality of different types of air traffic surveillance systems on a single monitor. A display device includes a processor for generating display symbology from TCAS, SKE and ADS-B information, and a monitor for displaying the generated symbology in a uniform format.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2002Date of Patent: January 27, 2004Assignee: Aviation Communications & Surveillance Systems, LLCInventors: Greg T. Stayton, Kathryn W. Ybarra, James R. Troxel
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Patent number: 6670908Abstract: A computer based method of processing meteorological data to automatically characterize significant meteorological events is disclosed. Meteorological data is received and processed to generate a plurality of distinct threat products for a given geographic area. The threat products are combined over the given geographic area to create a composite threat product, which is automatically compared to predetermined threshold values to identify one or more areas of threat. A system for processing meteorological data to automatically characterize significant meteorological events is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2001Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Assignee: Baron Services, Inc.Inventors: Gregory S. Wilson, Michael P. Dickerson
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Patent number: 6667710Abstract: The present invention comprises a system, method, and computer program product for generating various weather radar images. A weather radar display system includes a database, a display, and a display processor coupled to the database and the display. The display processor includes a first component configured to store radar return data in a three-dimensional buffer in the database based on aircraft position information, a second component configured to extract at least a portion of the data stored in the three-dimensional buffer based on aircraft position information, and a third component configured to generate an image of the extracted return data for presentation on the display.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2002Date of Patent: December 23, 2003Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Bill G. Cornell, Roland Y. Szeto
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Patent number: 6650275Abstract: A method of providing weather radar images to a user includes obtaining radar image data corresponding to a weather radar image to be displayed. The radar image data is image processed to identify a feature of the weather radar image which is potentially indicative of a hazardous weather condition. The weather radar image is displayed to the user along with a notification of the existence of the feature which is potentially indicative of the hazardous weather condition. Notification can take the form of textual information regarding the feature, including feature type and proximity information. Notification can also take the form of visually highlighting the feature, for example by forming a visual border around the feature. Other forms of notification can also be used.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2001Date of Patent: November 18, 2003Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.Inventors: Wallace E. Kelly, Timothy W. Rand, Serdar Uckun, Corinne C. Ruokangas
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Patent number: 6650274Abstract: An imaging system and method. The invention provides an intra-pulse repetition interval (PRI) agile beam technique for enhanced resolution that can be used at aspect angles near the velocity vector of a host vehicle. It is particularly useful at small scan angles where beam sharpening array times become large. At these scan angles, the bandwidth of the clutter is narrower than at higher scan angles and allows large PRIs without degradation from Doppler ambiguities. In accordance with the present teachings, sequential illumination is performed within a PRI to multiple beam locations using an agile beam. The interleaving of beams reduces map formation times compared to conventional techniques using sequential arrays. The inventive system is adapted for use with an electronically scanned (e.g., synthetic aperture array radar) antenna.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2002Date of Patent: November 18, 2003Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventors: Kapriel V. Krikorian, Robert A. Rosen
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Patent number: 6646593Abstract: Described herein are frequency-domain back-projection processes for forming spotlight synthetic aperture radar (“SAR”) images that are not corrupted by the effects of multiple-bounce ghosting artifacts. These processes give an approximately exact reconstruction of the multiple bounce reflectivity function (MBRF) ƒ(x,y,&ggr;). Specifically, the evaluation of ƒ(x,y,&ggr;) in the &ggr;=0 plane gives an approximately exact reconstruction of the true object scattering centers which is uncorrupted by multiple-bounce contributions to the phase history data G(&xgr;,&thgr;). In addition, the non-zero dependence of ƒ(x,y,&ggr;) upon the MB coordinate &ggr; can be used to facilitate the identification of features-interest within the imaged region.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2002Date of Patent: November 11, 2003Assignee: Science Applications International CorporationInventor: David Alan Garren
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Patent number: 6626396Abstract: A method for guiding an intercepting missile to a body-to-body contact with an airborne target in the atmosphere. The method includes the steps of guiding the intercepting missile to within an appropriate distance from the airborne target, illuminating the airborne target, using an illuminator carried by the intercepting missile, acquiring an image of the illuminated airborne target and, steering the missile in accordance with an aimpoint on the image.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2001Date of Patent: September 30, 2003Assignee: Rafael-Armament Development Authority Ltd.Inventor: Arnon Secker
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Patent number: 6621448Abstract: A system and method for imaging objects obscured by a covering layer of snow. The system preferably utilizes a continuous-wave radar generating short-wavelength radio-frequency (RF) signal beam-scanned over angular displacements following a scanning pattern toward a target area. Reflections of the:RF signal from objects buried beneath the snow are registered by an array of RF detectors whose signal magnitudes are summed arid correlated with scan direction to generate a signal providing spatial object information, Which by way of example, is visually displayed. The radio-frequency beam may be scanned over the scene electronically or by either mechanically or electromechanically modulating antenna direction or the orientation of a beam deflector. The system is capable of generating multiple image frames per second, high-resolution imaging, registration of objects to a depth exceeding two meters, and can be implemented at low cost without complex signal processing hardware.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2002Date of Patent: September 16, 2003Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Ty A. Lasky, Tabib Shahrdad, Bahram Ravani
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Patent number: 6621451Abstract: A radar display system (10) according to the present invention generates textured radar display data by utilizing a direct memory access receiver (12) to receive radially scanned radar data, to convert the radially scanned radar data into range bin data sets, and to store the range bin data sets. A graphics renderer (18) stores the set of range bin data sets in a texture memory (20) as a plurality of rectangular textures, and bit maps the rectangular textures to a series of display triangles in a frame buffer (22). The graphics renderer (18) colors the display triangles in accordance with the rectangular textures by performing a bi-linear interpolation of the color and warps the display triangles in accordance with the size of a display (24).Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2002Date of Patent: September 16, 2003Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Paul A. Fisher, William R. Hancock, Susan L. McCullough
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Patent number: 6597305Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product for alerting a flight crew of weather radar return data collected, yet not presently being displayed. The system includes a memory, a processor, and an output device. The memory stores radar return information in a three-dimensional buffer. The processor determines if any radar return information stored in a three-dimensional buffer is within a threshold distance from an aircraft's present position and generates an image based on target data stored in the three-dimensional buffer and selected display parameters. The processor also generates a target alert if any target data is determined to be within a threshold distance from the aircraft's present position and is not included in the generated image. The output device presents the generated target alert.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2002Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Roland Y. Szeto, Bill G. Cornell
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Patent number: 6573855Abstract: In a three-dimensional exploring method for finding location of a buried object by transmitting a wave signal (4) by means of e.g.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2001Date of Patent: June 3, 2003Assignee: Osaka Gas Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hideki Hayakawa, Akira Kawanaka, Yasuhiro Takesue
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Publication number: 20030067407Abstract: A police radar and/or laser detector senses radiant electromagnetic signals (e.g. radar, laser) characteristic of a police traffic surveillance device and responds thereto with a displayed and/or audible alert. During periods when no alert is necessary, the detector senses and displays, in numeric or bar graph form, vehicle parameters, such as sound pressure level and acceleration. In addition, calculations based on acceleration provide 0-60 m.p.h. time and quarter mile time. Thereby, the detector enhances information available to the driver without the inconvenience, expense, and clutter of multiple displays.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2001Publication date: April 10, 2003Applicant: Escort Inc.Inventors: John Kuhn, Jeffrey J. Clawson
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Patent number: 6529157Abstract: An improved radar signature evaluation apparatus for measuring and evaluating the radar signature for an aircraft, missiles, and other vehicle. The radar signature apparatus includes an instrumentation system for generating radar cross section data for the vehicle being evaluated and a computer for processing the radar cross section data and a printer for printing various plots derived from the radar cross section data.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2002Date of Patent: March 4, 2003Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: Dean L. Mensa, Andre C. Bati, Kenneth Vaccaro, Long D. To, Robert E. Dezellem, David P. Wirtz
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Patent number: 6522289Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a pulse trail for at least one target whose actual position is represented in a continuous manner in a radar image of a radar device. In order to improve said method, wherein the pulse trails are represented on the radar screen in a highly visible manner for a viewer without any overcrowding of the radar screen when a plurality of targets that should be displayed simultaneously are present, the actual target position can be seen by means of a plurality of pixels that cover a continuous surface of the radar image and prior target positions are represented by a thinning out of said pixels that increases according to the chronological status of the respective target positions in the area.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2001Date of Patent: February 18, 2003Assignee: STN Atlas Marine Electronics GmbHInventors: Wilfried Frerichs, Peter Stockigt
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Patent number: 6512477Abstract: While successively varying its orientation at specific intervals, a detecting apparatus transmits pulsed radio waves from an antenna (1), and data corresponding to input levels derived from one sweep are written in a primary memory (4). output values obtained in preceding signal processing operation are written in a secondary memory (9). A signal comparator circuit (7) determines current output values based on the input levels of the primary memory (4) and the preceding output values of the secondary memory (9) by reference to a table (8) and writes the current output values thus obtained in the secondary memory (9). The detecting apparatus causes display brilliance or color between a blip exhibiting large fluctuation in received signal strength and a blip exhibiting small fluctuation in received signal strength.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2001Date of Patent: January 28, 2003Assignee: Furuno Electric Company, LimitedInventor: Tomohiko Suzuki
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Publication number: 20030016155Abstract: The present invention comprises a system, method, and computer program product for suppressing terrain returns in weather radar images. A weather radar display system includes a memory, a terrain database, a display, and a display processor coupled to the memory, terrain database, and the display. The display processor includes a first component configured to extract radar return data stored in the memory based on aircraft position, a second component configured to extract data stored in the terrain database based on aircraft position, and a third component configured to selectively accept or discards or otherwise segregates data for display based upon the data extracted from memory and the data extracted from the terrain database.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 19, 2002Publication date: January 23, 2003Applicant: Honeywell International, Inc.Inventors: Roland Y. Szeto, Bill G. Cornell
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Publication number: 20030006928Abstract: A system for allowing pilots to quickly determine weather hazard-free flight paths and weather hazards that exist along the aircraft flight plan. The system includes a memory, a processor, and a display device. The memory stores weather radar return information in a three-dimensional buffer. The processor is coupled to the memory. The processor receives a display distance value signal, retrieves weather radar return information stored in a plane of voxels in the three-dimensional buffer based on the selected display distance value and aircraft position information, and generates an image based on the retrieved weather radar return information. The display device is coupled to the processor for displaying the generated image.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 19, 2002Publication date: January 9, 2003Applicant: Honeywell International, Inc.Inventors: Roland Y. Szeto, Bill G. Cornell
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Patent number: 6489920Abstract: From a body located at a distance above the surface of the earth, an image is recorded of a region that is located underneath the body on or above the surface of the earth and that has a diameter of at least one kilometer. The recorded image is fully geocoded and comprises a grid dimension small enough that vehicle densities located in the region can be recognized. The recorded image is evaluated with respect to these vehicle densities and the spatial allocation thereof to the associated roadways. The method is used for acquisition of the state of street traffic over a large area.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2001Date of Patent: December 3, 2002Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Armin Anders, Matthias Stein
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Publication number: 20020145556Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a radar apparatus can supervise a target easily which should be observed by an enlarging display without any complicated operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 5, 2002Publication date: October 10, 2002Inventor: Yoshiyuki Kiya
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Patent number: 6462696Abstract: The invention provides a man-portable, non-ground-contacting, ultra-wide band impulse radar system (1), the system having separate transmit and receive antennae located in a common non-metallic housing (2) mounted at one end of a lightweight boom (3), them being a data-processing computer and battery housing (4) mounted at the other end of the boom (3) end acting as a counterweight to the antennae system (2), and the there being a data display and control unit (6) mounted generally centrally of the boom (3), the boom (3) being attachable to an ergonomic hamess by which the whole may be carried by an Operator so that the data display and control unit (6) is in clear view of the Operator, and having one or more handle by which the whole may be grasped and swung from side to side while being so carried.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2000Date of Patent: October 8, 2002Inventor: Michael Gorman
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Patent number: 6462697Abstract: A system and method for classifying and tracking aircraft and ground vehicles on the grounds of an airport is provided. The system generates a signal as a vehicle passes over a sensor under the taxiways or runways and analyzes the signal to determine a signature for the vehicle and the estimated speed of the vehicle. The determined signature and estimated speed may be used to track the movement of the vehicle around the grounds of the airport.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 1999Date of Patent: October 8, 2002Assignee: Orincon Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Dale M. Klamer, Donald K. Owen
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Publication number: 20020126040Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a method and apparatus for indicating aircraft height relative to an obstruction in a terrain awareness warning system. The method includes receiving data indicative of geographic features of an obstruction, lateral distance of the geographic feature from an aircraft, height and flight path of the aircraft, calculating a projected height of the aircraft at the location of the obstruction using the data, generating a result signal, and displaying a colored indication on a display screen based on the result signal. The apparatus includes inputs for signals from instruments measuring height, flight path, and location of an aircraft, as well as an input for an instrument providing information about geographic features of terrain surrounding the aircraft. The apparatus includes a means for employing the signals to calculate an effective height of the aircraft relative to the terrain, and a screen display for graphically displaying the results of the calculation.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2001Publication date: September 12, 2002Inventor: Gerald J. Block
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Patent number: 6448922Abstract: A method of integrating ground-based radar information into an existing on-board aircraft radar system, where a radar indicator displays on-board radar images as a function of data words received from a receiver/transmitter of the on-board aircraft radar system, includes receiving ground-based radar data indicative of a ground-based radar image. A data word from an output stream of the receiver/transmitter of the on-board aircraft radar system is captured, with the captured data word being encoded in a first data word format. A position and heading of the aircraft is determined, and the ground-based radar data is sampled to obtain sampled ground-based radar data corresponding to the position and heading of the aircraft and to a radial scan angle for the captured data word. The sampled ground-based radar data and the captured data word are combined into a composite data word, with the composite data word being encoded in the first data word format.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2000Date of Patent: September 10, 2002Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.Inventor: Wallace E. Kelly
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Patent number: 6441775Abstract: While received data is stored into a video memory through coordinate conversion, the level of image data is gradually reduced simultaneously with this, by which the image of a target is discriminately displayed readily from among a clutter even without performing adjustment which would conventionally be involved. The radar apparatus is composed of a video memory 6 for successively converting received data from polar to rectangular coordinates along with sweep rotation and storing the data, a FIRST detector for detecting a FIRST so that data write by the coordinate conversion is effected only at a time of FIRST detection, and a subtraction data generator 9 for subtracting a constant value from pixel data of a area designated by a subtraction area designator 14 on the video memory 6 during a period other than FIRSTs.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2001Date of Patent: August 27, 2002Assignee: Furuno Electric Co. Ltd.Inventors: Takumi Fujikawa, Hiroyuki Kobayashi, Motoji Kondo