Image Production Patents (Class 342/179)
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Publication number: 20100085244Abstract: A radar device includes an antenna for acquiring data, an image memory including pixel data groups each arranged in a rectangular coordinate system, for converting the acquired data in a polar coordinate system into pixel data in the rectangular coordinate system and storing the pixel data, a data write module for writing the pixel data in the memory such that, when image data is stored in a display mode, pixel blocks each including M×N pixel data are arranged on the same line in the memory, a scanning direction setting module for setting a raster-scan direction, and a data reading module for reading out the image data by reading out the pixel data arranged on the same line in the image memory according to the raster-scan direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 2, 2009Publication date: April 8, 2010Inventor: Tatsuya KOJIMA
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Patent number: 7692576Abstract: A method is provided that facilitates generating a radar image to be displayed by a radar system. The method includes receiving range data and azimuth data carried by a radar signal transmitted from a radar antenna in communication with the radar system, wherein the range data and the azimuth data represent the radar image as a plurality of azimuth segments that collectively form the radar image in a polar coordinate system. The range data and the azimuth data are translated into abscissa data and ordinate data that represent the radar image in a Cartesian coordinate system, and noise is filtered from the radar image, followed by generation of the radar image including the target to be displayed by a display screen to an operator.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2008Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Curtiss-Wright Controls, Inc.Inventors: Michael Gareth Mainds, Andrew Gascoyne-Cecil
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Patent number: 7688248Abstract: A 3D rendered image of a radar-scanned terrain surface is provided from a radar return signal from the surface, wherein the return signal includes data indicative of azimuth, elevation, and range of a radar-illuminated area of the surface. The data are processed for transformation into X, Y, and Z coordinates. The X and Y coordinates corresponding to each illuminated area are triangulated so as to create a mesh of triangles representing the terrain surface, each of the triangles in the mesh being defined by a vertex triplet. 3D imaging information (grey scale shading and/or coloring information) is added to each triangle in the mesh, based on the amplitude of the radar return signal from the coordinates represented by each vertex in the triplet and the value of the Z coordinate at each vertex, so as to form the 3D rendered image.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2008Date of Patent: March 30, 2010Assignee: Sierra Nevada CorporationInventors: Jack Cross, Theodore Bosworth, Craig Chapman, David Howard
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Patent number: 7688258Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a radio wave receiving system. The system includes an antenna that is operable for receiving a received signal. The received signal contains information. The radio wave receiving system also includes a reference signal generator that is operable for generating a reference signal. In addition, a selective output device is included that is operable for selectively outputting the received signal and the reference signal to a transmission path. The system also includes an information acquiring device that is operable for generating a signal component indicating a signal level difference between the received signal and the reference signal. The information acquiring device is further operable for acquiring the information from the signal component.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2006Date of Patent: March 30, 2010Assignee: Denso CorporationInventor: Yutaka Aoki
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Publication number: 20100066586Abstract: Disclosed is a method, means for and computer program for enhancing range and azimuth resolution in a two-dimensional (2D) image generated by a frequency modulated continuous-wave (FMCW) radar for providing enhanced situational awareness in autonomous approach and landing guidance (AALG) system by forming and displaying a two-dimensional (2D) model of landing conditions from received range and azimuth real beam radar (RBR) signals by rendering one or more target locations and amplitudes in both range and azimuth, selecting a region of interest from the displayed 2D model to enhance the one or more target locations in the selected region of interest, selectively applying range and azimuth resolution enhancement using a first and second beamforming approach or applying azimuth only resolution enhancement by using just the second beamforming approach to obtain an one or more accurate target location estimations and combining the enhanced one or more target locations to render an enhanced 2D image.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 18, 2008Publication date: March 18, 2010Applicant: BAE SYSTEMS CONTROLS INC.Inventors: Guoqing Liu, Ken Yang
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Publication number: 20100066595Abstract: In one aspect, a system to generate radar signatures for multiple objects in real-time includes a first module including at least one processor to perform a shooting and bouncing (SBR) technique to solve for physical optics and multi-bounce characteristics of the objects. The at least one processor includes a central processing unit to perform dynamic ray tracing and a graphics processing unit (GPU) to perform far field calculations. The GPU includes a hit point database to store entries associated with rays that intersect an object.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 18, 2008Publication date: March 18, 2010Inventors: Chul J. Lee, Axel R. Villanueva
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Patent number: 7679546Abstract: An apparatus and method of determining location of an object hidden from view. The apparatus includes an imaging tool for detecting hidden objects. The imaging tool includes a housing including a first end and a second end, a display supported by the first end of the housing, and a tracking device supported by the second end of the housing. The imaging tool also includes a transmitter supported by the housing and operable to transmit electromagnetic radiation toward a hidden target, an analysis module supported by the housing and operable to analyze feedback data related to the interaction between the target and the electromagnetic radiation, and an image module operable to receive data from the analysis module to generate an image on the display.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2007Date of Patent: March 16, 2010Assignee: Techtronic Power Tools Technology LimitedInventors: Scott D. Bublitz, Jeffrey C. Hessenberger, John S. Scott, Matthew J. Mergener, David S. Holbrook
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Patent number: 7675454Abstract: A system for analyzing and displaying radar information comprises: a transmit and receive unit operable to transmit radar signals to a survey volume and to receive radar returned radar signals, a processing unit operable to: receive radar data from the returned radar signals, reduce the data into depth bins, each with a score based on received signal strength, create connections among depth bins based on respective scores, and to eliminate ones of the depth bins that do not meet a threshold number of connections, the system further comprising a display unit operable to create a display of at least a subset of the depth bins that are not eliminated by the processing unit.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2007Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Assignee: Niitek, Inc.Inventors: Steven Lavedas, Ajay Patrikar, Mark Hibbard
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Patent number: 7675461Abstract: A circuit for a display used on an aircraft causes the display to display a composite terrain image. The composite terrain image can be formed from first terrain data from a terrain database and second terrain data from a radar system. A display control circuit can generate a display signal for the composite terrain image. The display signal is received by the display. The composite terrain image can be viewed by a pilot.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2007Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.Inventors: Patrick Dennis McCusker, Richard Marcel Rademaker, Richard D. Jinkins, Joel Michael Wichgers, Daniel L. Woodell
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Publication number: 20100052969Abstract: In one embodiment, a radar is provided that is configured to construct an image of a target within or adjacent to a substrate according to scan points associated with a surface of the substrate while the radar is scanned in a first direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 26, 2008Publication date: March 4, 2010Inventor: Afshin Niktash
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Patent number: 7671784Abstract: Techniques for detecting contraband are described, as are techniques for generating an image of living tissue. A location of interest relative to a target space is received, and a radar signal is transmitted in the direction of the location of interest. Portions of the radar signal are detected with multiple receiving structures. The detected portions are processed to generate information corresponding to dielectric or loss properties, the properties corresponding to particular positions within the target space. A determination is made as to whether contraband is present in the target space based on the determined properties.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2007Date of Patent: March 2, 2010Assignee: L-3 Communications CyTerra CorporationInventors: William Steinway, David H. Fine, Stephen Cole, Ravi K. Konduri, Douglas O. Carlson, Yuriy Pylypenko
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Patent number: 7663530Abstract: A system comprising a moving radar, a processing device, and a phase difference determination device is used to monitor a target. The moving radar has first and second phase centers that transmit and receive signals normal to a direction of movement of the radar. The processing device receives first and second ones of the received signals from the first and second phase centers, respectively, and performs a target motion compensation and target acceleration correction for each of the first and second received signals to produce first and second images. The phase difference determination device determines a phase difference image from a comparison of the first and second images.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2007Date of Patent: February 16, 2010Assignee: The MITRE CorporationInventors: Richard P. Perry, Probal K. Sanyal, David Matthew Zasada
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Patent number: 7659847Abstract: A coal-mining machine uses a ground-penetrating radar based on a software-definable transmitter for launching pairs of widely separated and coherent continuous waves. Each pair is separated by a constant or variable different amount double-sideband suppressed carrier modulation such as 10 MHz, 20 MHz, and 30 MHz. Processing suppresses the larger first interface reflection and emphasizes the smaller second, third, etc. reflections. Processing determines the electrical parameter of the natural medium adjacent to the antenna. Deep reflections at 90-degrees and 270-degrees create maximum reflection and will be illuminated with modulation signal peaks. Quadrature detection, mixing, and down-conversion result in 0-degree and 180-degree reflections effectively dropping out in demodulation.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2008Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Assignee: Stolar, Inc.Inventors: Igor Y. Bausov, Gerald L. Stolarczyk, Larry G. Stolarczyk, Richard B. Main
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Patent number: 7656346Abstract: A millimeter wave image processor, capable of performing imaging by matching and filtering while considering a spherical wave on an antenna face in a near field, is provided. The processor includes: a T-antenna which receives a radio wave emitted by a target; an A/D converter which A/D converts signals received by the T-antenna; a correlation processing unit which performs correlation processing to a combination of signals of a horizontal conversion output and a vertical conversion output among A/D converted data; and an imaging processor which correlates a reference function in which a received signal is generated theoretically on an assumption that the target is at a position of a focused distance and a received signal of a spherical wave received by the T-antenna for each pixel in the field of view to thereby create an image of the target.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2007Date of Patent: February 2, 2010Assignee: NEC CorporationInventor: Hitoshi Nohmi
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Patent number: 7656342Abstract: A ground-penetrating radar comprises a software-definable transmitter for launching pairs of widely separated and coherent continuous waves. Each pair is separated by a constant or variable different amount double-sideband suppressed carrier modulation such as 10 MHz, 20 MHz, and 30 MHz Processing suppresses the larger first interface reflection and emphasizes the smaller second, third, etc. reflections. Processing determines the electrical parameter of the natural medium adjacent to the antenna. The modulation process may be the variable or constant frequency difference between pairs of frequencies. If a variable frequency is used in modulation, pairs of tunable resonant microstrip patch antennas (resonant microstrip patch antenna) can be used in the antenna design. If a constant frequency difference is used in the software-defined transceiver, a wide-bandwidth antenna design is used featuring a swept or stepped-frequency continuous-wave (SFCW) radar design.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2007Date of Patent: February 2, 2010Assignee: Stolar, Inc.Inventors: Larry G. Stolarczyk, Igor Bausov, Richard B. Main
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Patent number: 7654959Abstract: The same analytic data is combined in response to different relative phases. The resulting combinations are detected. The combination associated with the maximum magnitude is then selected for further processing. As a result, the complex data is processed across a variety of possible temporal discontinuities using candidate or possible phase shifts. The phase shift with the least cancellation and the associated combination is selected to minimize motion artifact cancellation.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2003Date of Patent: February 2, 2010Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.Inventor: Ismayil M. Guracar
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Patent number: 7646328Abstract: A method and a system to process radar volume scan data along an azimuth angle of a radar, to interpolate the radar volume scan data taken from adjacent elevation angles along the azimuth angle of the radar to obtain radar data corresponding to a predetermined altitude along the azimuth angle, and to display the radar volume scan data obtained corresponding to the predetermined altitude on a PPI display.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2005Date of Patent: January 12, 2010Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Vishnu V. Makkapati, Pravas R. Mahapatra
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Patent number: 7646329Abstract: A method of detecting a target in a scene comprises the steps of generating a comparison of the value of data elements in first and second data sets, the data elements corresponding to returns from the same part of the scene and setting a detection threshold value for the comparison so as to detect targets entering said that part of scene The method provides improved target detection in the presence of clutter.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2005Date of Patent: January 12, 2010Assignee: Qinetiq LimitedInventors: Adrian Britton, Michael Andrew Evans, Carol Anne Evans, legal representative, Adrian Thomas Shalley, Samantha Jane Lycett, Iain Baird Smith
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Patent number: 7642953Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, a system includes a plurality of vehicles and a central node. The plurality of vehicles each have radar systems used to collect radar data about the target object. Each in the plurality of vehicles moves in a path to collect a portion of the radar data using a sampling map to coordinate collection of the radar data by the plurality of vehicles and communicates with every other vehicle to identify uncollected portions of the radar data. The central node is in communication with the plurality of vehicles, wherein the central node receives the radar data from the plurality of vehicles and creates a three dimensional image from the radar data received from the plurality of vehicles using a tomographic reconstruction process.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2007Date of Patent: January 5, 2010Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Shirley N. Cheng, Peter Wittenberg
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Patent number: 7642959Abstract: Method and apparatus for processing satellite signals in an SPS receiver is described. In one example, the satellite signals are correlated against pseudorandom reference codes to produce correlation results. A determination is made whether the SPS receiver is in a motion condition or a stationary condition. The correlation results are coherently integrated in accordance with a coherent integration period. The coherent integration period is a value that depends upon the motion condition of the SPS receiver.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2005Date of Patent: January 5, 2010Assignee: Global Locate, Inc.Inventors: Charles Abraham, Frank van Diggelen
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Patent number: 7642949Abstract: Methods and apparatuses of scene illumination for millimeter wave sensing are presented. One embodiment features illuminating a subject with millimeter wave radiation produced by at least one fluorescent light, generating an image with a passive sensor using the millimeter wave radiation reflected from the subject, and analyzing the image to detect representations corresponding to concealed objects associated with the subject. Another embodiment features at least one fluorescent light which illuminates a subject with millimeter wave radiation, and passive millimeter wave sensor which receives the millimeter wave radiation effected from the subject, and generates an image which is analyzed to detect image representations corresponding to concealed objects. Another embodiment features at least one florescent light behind an optically opaque medium which is transparent to millimeter wave radiation, and illuminating a subject with millimeter wave radiation produced by the fluorescent light.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2006Date of Patent: January 5, 2010Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventors: Albert N. Pergande, Lee A. Mirth, Lawrence T. Anderson, Michael A. Tomcsak, William S. McKinley
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Patent number: 7633433Abstract: A method for detecting and documenting red-light violations and/or speeding violations in which a radar beam is directed across all lanes of a roadway of interest and in which the speed and the position of a vehicle which passes through the radar beam are determined from the radar signals so as to be able to predict the probability of a red-light violation from the speed and the determined distance of the measured vehicle from a stop line and to trigger the recording of images of the violating vehicle at predetermined distances from the stop line.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2008Date of Patent: December 15, 2009Assignee: Robot Visual Systems GmbHInventors: Andreas Behrens, Bernhard Dohmann, Norbert Terlau
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Patent number: 7629921Abstract: A resonance confocal imaging of resonance control points method and system. The method includes receiving a far-field scattered response from a structure. The method further includes determining resonant frequencies from said far-field scattered response. Then, determining resonant control points of said structure from said far-field scattered response at the resonant frequencies.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2004Date of Patent: December 8, 2009Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: Charles Manry, John W. Rockway, John D. Rockway, Akira Ishimaru, Yasuo Kuga
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Publication number: 20090289830Abstract: Methods and apparatuses of scene illumination for millimeter wave sensing are presented. One embodiment features illuminating a subject with millimeter wave radiation produced by at least one fluorescent light, generating an image with a passive sensor using the millimeter wave radiation reflected from the subject, and analyzing the image to detect representations corresponding to concealed objects associated with the subject. Another embodiment features at least one fluorescent light which illuminates a subject with millimeter wave radiation, and passive millimeter wave sensor which receives the millimeter wave radiation effected from the subject, and generates an image which is analyzed to detect image representations corresponding to concealed objects. Another embodiment features at least one florescent light behind an optically opaque medium which is transparent to millimeter wave radiation, and illuminating a subject with millimeter wave radiation produced by the fluorescent light.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 3, 2006Publication date: November 26, 2009Applicant: LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATIONInventors: Albert N. Pergande, Lee A. Mirth, Lawrence T. Anderson, Michael A. Tomcsak, William S. McKinley
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Publication number: 20090289833Abstract: An active millimeter-wave imaging system that can provide a means of surmounting the deficiencies of earlier millimeter-wave systems, as well as lowering the system cost substantially. Earlier systems have employed large numbers of individual millimeter-wave receivers in either focal plane arrays or frequency scanned antenna arrays, and these systems have suffered from low frame rate, poor contrast, and relatively low resolution. By employing a sparse array of millimeter-wave transmitters and receivers, covering a relatively large, flat, physical aperture, a low cost and high resolution system can be achieved. By employing active millimeter-wave illumination, contrast and frame rate issues can be mitigated, at long ranges (10's of meters). A new approach, termed Fourier Telescopy, allows the illuminating signals to interrogate the various spatial frequencies of the target, and the image to be reconstructed from these various spatial frequency components.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2008Publication date: November 26, 2009Inventors: Paul A. Johnson, Vladimir Kolinko
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Patent number: 7619556Abstract: The present invention is a method for obtaining a localizer deviation and a glide slope deviation for an aircraft. The method may include directing electromagnetic signals from a weather radar system of an aircraft towards a runway. The method may further include receiving return signals in response to the directed signals. The method may further include, based on the received return signals, determining an azimuth angle for the aircraft relative to the runway, determining an elevation angle for the aircraft relative to the runway, and determining a range for the aircraft relative to the runway. The method may further include based on the azimuth angle, the elevation angle, and the range, calculating the localizer deviation and the glide slope deviation for the aircraft.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2008Date of Patent: November 17, 2009Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.Inventor: Patrick Dennis McCusker
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Publication number: 20090273504Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing radar target processing. The systems include a processor configured to receive a first input from a cooperative surveillance source and a second input from a radar device. The first input includes cooperative target information, the second input includes cooperative and non-cooperative target information, and the processor is configured to process the first and second inputs to remove cooperative target information from the second input based on the first input to generate a modified radar output for use by an output device. The methods include receiving a first input including cooperative target information from a cooperative surveillance source, receiving a second input including cooperative and non-cooperative target information from a radar device, processing the first and second inputs to remove cooperative target information from the second input based on the first input, and generating a modified radar output based on the processed first and second inputs.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 1, 2008Publication date: November 5, 2009Applicant: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: David W. Meyers, Christine Haissig, David C. Vacanti
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Patent number: 7609198Abstract: A radar imaging system is provided that directly measures the spatial frequency components of a scene via digital-beam-forming techniques applied along the cross-track dimension. Separate transmit and receive antennas provide increased integration time for the receive function, thus improving the signal-to-noise ratio. A segmented receive antenna is employed and processed as a series of interferometers sensitive to spatial frequency components of the scene corresponding to the separation between pairs of antenna elements. Range gating is used in the along-track dimension to divide the return from an illuminated swath into multiple range bins that may be processed independently. The system provides an improved signal-to-noise ratio and lends significant flexibility to the image formation process, improving the quality of the radar imaging. An embodiment having multiple transmit antennas is also provided that enables the generation of three-dimensional stereoscopic radar images.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2008Date of Patent: October 27, 2009Assignee: Spatial Digital Systems, Inc.Inventor: Donald Chin-Dong Chang
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Patent number: 7605743Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the material-penetrative localization of a measurement signal, in particular a material-penetrative positioning method for use on walls, ceilings, and floors. According to the invention, a high-frequency transmitter (20, 120) emits a measurement signal (22, 122) in the gigahertz frequency range, which penetrates the material (10) at least once and is detected by a high-frequency receiver (24, 124) in order to locate the penetration position (18). The invention also relates to a device for carrying out the method.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2005Date of Patent: October 20, 2009Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Uwe Skultety-Betz, Bjoern Haase, Michael Mahler, Ulli Hoffmann, Reiner Krapf, Chirstoph Wieland, Felix Wewers
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Publication number: 20090243916Abstract: Herewith disclosed a method for volume visualization in ultra-wideband radar and a system thereof. The method comprises perceiving processing provided in order to facilitate a meaningful representation and/or an instant understanding of the image to be displayed, said perceiving processing resulted in generating one or more perceiving image ingredients. The perceiving image ingredient may be, for example, a shadow added to the reconstructed image, a position-dependent color scheme applied to the reconstructed image, a color scheme adapted to external lighting conditions and applied to the reconstructed image, a Halo artificially added to the reconstructed image, a distinctive color scheme applied to time-invariant and time-variant elements of the reconstructed image, etc.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2007Publication date: October 1, 2009Applicant: CAMERO-TECH LTD.Inventors: Amir Beeri, Benjamin Boxman, Erez Doron, David Gazelle
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Patent number: 7592947Abstract: In one aspect, a method to generate radar signatures for multiple objects includes performing in parallel a shooting and bouncing (SBR) technique to solve for physical optics and multi-bounce characteristics of a plurality of objects in motion, a physical theory (PTD) technique to solve for material edges of the objects and a incremental length diffraction coefficient (ILDC) to solve for material boss/channel. The method also includes coherently integrating the results from the SBR, PTD and ILDC techniques by frequency and generating the radar cross section (RCS) values of the plurality of objects. Performing the SBR technique includes evaluating rays independently.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2008Date of Patent: September 22, 2009Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventor: Chul J. Lee
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Publication number: 20090224962Abstract: An imaging or echolocation system has a source of coherent waves, such as acoustic and electromagnetic waves, that are transmitted towards any target or targets of interest. Any waves reflected or echoed by the target or targets are received by a receiver further having many sensor elements spaced across a surface. A reference signal of the same frequency of the waves as received from received waves. A least one phase amplifier receives signals from at least one sensor element, and amplifies phase differences between the reference signal and the received waves. In imaging systems, signals from the phase amplifier(s) enter image construction apparatus and are used for constructing an image; in echolocation systems, signals from the phase amplifiers are used to distinguish between and identify targets. In various embodiments, phase amplifiers may be implemented in analog or digital form.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2008Publication date: September 10, 2009Inventors: Hsueh-Yuan Pao, Binh Nien Tran
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Publication number: 20090207067Abstract: According to one embodiment, an image generating device includes an image former coupled to a radar that transmits and receives electro-magnetic radiation at multiple frequencies. The image former generates an image using information received from the radar, adjusts the image according to a material characteristic of the object, and combines the image with other images received at differing frequencies to form a resulting image.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 12, 2009Publication date: August 20, 2009Applicant: Raytheon CompanyInventors: Raymond Samaniego, Stanley V. Birleson
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Publication number: 20090195441Abstract: A near field radar imaging system looks at the distance between the several points under evaluation, and corrects image strength based upon varying distances such that a more accurate image of the object under evaluation is provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2008Publication date: August 6, 2009Inventors: Kenneth L. Brand, Alun L. Buttermore
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Patent number: 7567199Abstract: A system, according to various aspects of the present invention, provides a presentation to a hazard display. The system includes a memory having surveillance data and a processor. The processor updates an image in accordance with the surveillance data to provide an updated image. The processor also prepares a presentation in accordance with the updated image. The processor further provides the presentation to a hazard display. At least one of updating, preparing, and providing utilize a first scan mode for a hazardous region of the presentation and a second scan mode for a nonhazardous region of the presentation.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2007Date of Patent: July 28, 2009Assignee: Aviation Communication & Surveillance SystemsInventors: Richard Ridenour, Steven Gregory Scott
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Patent number: 7561096Abstract: The present invention can be summarized by use of a diffraction limited SAR giving large integration angle and a short depth of field which gives that energy from underground targets is focused independently at different depths to enable 3d imaging. The radar device according to the invention should be implemented by considering the following parameters: Choice of the appropriate illumination geometry, i.e. elevation angle ?, and the appropriate use of low frequency diffraction limited SAR processing to obtain 3D imaging, and the choice of an appropriately low radar frequency.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2008Date of Patent: July 14, 2009Assignee: SAAB ABInventor: Hans Hellsten
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Publication number: 20090167595Abstract: A 3D rendered image of a radar-scanned terrain surface is provided from a radar return signal from the surface, wherein the return signal includes data indicative of azimuth, elevation, and range of a radar-illuminated area of the surface. The data are processed for transformation into X, Y, and Z coordinates. The X and Y coordinates corresponding to each illuminated area are triangulated so as to create a mesh of triangles representing the terrain surface, each of the triangles in the mesh being defined by a vertex triplet. 3D imaging information (grey scale shading and/or coloring information) is added to each triangle in the mesh, based on the amplitude of the radar return signal from the coordinates represented by each vertex in the triplet and the value of the Z coordinate at each vertex, so as to form the 3D rendered image.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 24, 2008Publication date: July 2, 2009Inventors: Jack Cross, Theodore Bosworth, Craig Chapman, David Howard
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Patent number: 7548192Abstract: A method of mapping steel reinforcements in an existing concrete foundation. The method includes determining the depth of the concrete foundation. Further the method entails transmitting radar signals into at least one section of the concrete foundation and collecting reflection data in response to the radar signals being transmitted into the concrete foundation. Based on the collected reflection data, determining the general location of at least some of the steel reinforcements in the concrete foundation. Thereafter, surgically cutting into the concrete foundation and exposing at least some of the steel reinforcements in a portion of the concrete foundation. Once some of the steel reinforcements are exposed, the method entails measuring the size and spacing of the steel reinforcements.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2008Date of Patent: June 16, 2009Assignee: FDH Engineering, Inc.Inventor: J. Darrin Holt
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Patent number: 7548181Abstract: A ground-penetrating radar comprises a transmitter for launching pairs of widely separated and coherent continuous waves. Each pair is separated by a different amount, such as 10 MHz, 20 MHz, and 30 MHz. These are equivalent to modulation that have a phase range that starts at 0-degrees at the transmitter antenna which is near the ground surface. Deep reflectors at 90-degrees and 270-degrees will be illuminated with modulation signal peaks. Quadrature detection, mixing, and down-conversion result in 0-degree and 180-degree reflections effectively dropping out in demodulation.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2006Date of Patent: June 16, 2009Assignee: Stolar, Inc.Inventor: Igor Bausov
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Publication number: 20090140907Abstract: Disclosed are systems, methods, devices, and apparatus to determine if a clothed individual is carrying a suspicious, concealed object. This determination includes establishing data corresponding to an image of the individual through interrogation with electromagnetic radiation in the 200 MHz to 1 THz range. In one form, image data corresponding to intensity of reflected radiation and differential depth of the reflecting surface is received and processed to detect the suspicious, concealed object.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2008Publication date: June 4, 2009Inventors: Paul E. Keller, Thomas E. Hall, Douglas L. McMakin
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Patent number: 7541973Abstract: A radar apparatus is provided which correctly combines and displays detected data obtained from a plurality of radar antennas. Detected data obtained from a radar antenna 11 is subjected to a correlation process in a correlator 91A. Detected data obtained from a radar antenna 21 is subjected to a correlation process in a correlator 91B. A mask image which designates the same address as that of the correlated data from the radar antenna 21 is set by a mask area generator 32 and is written into a mask image memory 62. For the correlated data from the correlators 91A and 91B, addresses corresponding to installed positions of the radar antennas 11 and 21 are set. For a process image memory 902B of the correlator 91B and the mask image memory 62, a common address is set. Correlated data input in accordance with mask data is stored in a display image memory 61 in accordance with an address set in a display screen and is also output to a display device 10.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2006Date of Patent: June 2, 2009Assignee: Furno Electric Company LimitedInventors: Takumi Fujikawa, Sae (Shibata) Takemoto, Ichiya Ogino, Takashi Inaoka, Motoji Kondo
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Patent number: 7535412Abstract: A single pulse imaging (SPI) radar system for creating a radar image from a plurality of Doppler phase-shifted return radar signals in a radar environment of moving targets includes a transmitter; a receiver for receiving a radar return signal; an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) coupled to the output of the receiver; a processor, coupled to the output of the ADC, that is programmed with an SPI algorithm that includes a bank of range/Doppler-dependent adaptive RMMSE-based filters; and a target detector. The algorithm estimates adaptively a range profile for each of the Doppler phase-shifted return radar signals to create the radar image of the moving targets.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2007Date of Patent: May 19, 2009Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: Shannon D Blunt, Aaron K Shackelford, Karl R Gerlach
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Patent number: 7535409Abstract: A time-reversal imaging radar system for acquiring an image of a remote target includes an antenna array having a plurality of spaced-apart antennas, and a transceiver coupled to the antenna array for alternately transmitting a radar signal via the antenna array toward the target and for receiving target-reflected radar signals. The transceiver includes means for multiple-pass time-reversing the transmitted and received radar signals whereby coherent beam focusing is realized at both the target and at the receiver to thereby enhance the resolution of the acquired target image.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2006Date of Patent: May 19, 2009Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: Joon Y Choe, Eung Gi Paek
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Publication number: 20090121921Abstract: A method of error handling in a slope monitoring system that generates slope movement data from interferometric signal processing of radar images of the slope monitoring system. The error handling occurs in two steps. The movement data is corrected for changes in atmospheric conditions and disturbances are identified. It is convenient to mask the regions identified as disturbed in the display of the corrected movement data. Typical disturbances include short term disturbances, such as trucks, and long term disturbances, such as vegetation.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 18, 2006Publication date: May 14, 2009Inventors: Glen Stickley, Bryan Reeves
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Patent number: 7528763Abstract: Methods for interrogating a subject with millimeter-wave electromagnetic radiation, and generating data representative of a selected feature of a subject may include serial comparative interrogating for processing. Serial processing may include first interrogating a given subject at a first time, generating a data set from the first interrogating, second interrogating the subject at a second time different than the first time, generating a data set from the second interrogating, and identifying information corresponding to a given feature of the subject from each data set. Non-serial processing may include interrogating a subject, generating a data set from the interrogating, identifying information corresponding to a first feature of the subject, and identifying information corresponding to a second feature of the subject. Processing may also include comparing the information identified, and/or rendering representations of the information identified and presenting the representations rendered.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2006Date of Patent: May 5, 2009Assignee: SafeView, Inc.Inventors: Richard L. Rowe, Thomas W. Grudkowski
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Patent number: 7525479Abstract: An array antenna includes a first end portion that has a first plurality of antennas arranged with a spacing d therebetween and a second end portion that has a second plurality of antennas arranged with the spacing d therebetween. In the array antenna, a spacing between respective antennas in both the first and second end portions and are closest to a central portion is set to 2d, which is a value obtained from multiplying 2, which is the number of the antennas constituting each of both end portions, by the spacing d for both end portions. The antennas in the antenna array are continuously selected as a transmitting antenna by switching, and continuously emit transmission signals. The antennas in the antenna array are also successively selected as a receiving antenna by switching. In this way, by switching between transmission and reception of the antennas of the antenna array, nine reception channels CH1 through CH9 that are arranged with a uniform phase difference therebetween are obtained.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2008Date of Patent: April 28, 2009Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventor: Tomohiro Nagai
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Patent number: 7522094Abstract: A method and system is proposed for use by a moving station (such as a jetfighter) for radar tracking of a moving target (such as an air-to-air missile). The proposed method and system involves the use of a hybrid FSK/LFM (Frequency Shift Keying & Linear Frequency Modulation) scheme for acquiring a collection of raw radar data, a first Gaussian-noise filter array of one-stage linear Kalman filters for S/N-enhancement of the raw radar data, a trilateration module, and a second Gaussian-noise filter array of one-stage linear Kalman filters for S/N-enhancement of the trilateration-resulted radar data. These features allow the radar tracking of moving objects to be more fast and accurate.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2007Date of Patent: April 21, 2009Assignee: National Taiwan UniversityInventors: Po-Jen Tu, Jean-Fu Kiang
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Patent number: 7515098Abstract: Described herein is an implementation of the IRAMS processing based upon a multi-delay-resolution framework applied to SAR image data measured at different aspect angles. The power of this new embodiment of IRAMS is that it produces a good separation of immediate response scatterer and delayed response scatterer data for the case of anisotropic scattering events, i.e., those in which the scattering intensity depends upon the aspect angle. Two sources of delayed response scattering include multiple reflection scattering events and delayed responses arising from the physical material composition of the scatterer. That is, this multi-delay-resolution IRAMS processing separates immediate response and delayed response scattering for cases in which there exist delayed response scattering data in the original SAR image data at some aspect angles, but the intensity of these delayed response scattering data is weak or non-existent at different aspect angles.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2007Date of Patent: April 7, 2009Assignee: Science Applications International CorporationInventors: David Alan Garren, Robert R. Greeno
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Patent number: 7515069Abstract: A display screen for displaying multiple sets of information is provided. The display screen includes at least one region of a select color designated to convey a first set of information and a plurality of adjustable areas designated to convey a second set of information. The plurality of adjustable areas overlay at least a portion of the at least one region of select color of the first set of information. Moreover, each adjustable area is defined by an outline and a color encased in the outline.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2005Date of Patent: April 7, 2009Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.Inventors: Michael C. Dorneich, Stephen G. McCauley, Jeffrey M. Rye, Patricia M. Ververs
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Patent number: 7511654Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for detecting land mines and unexploded ordnance are disclosed. A first embodiment may be construed as a method that includes: inserting an antenna into the ground; transmitting an electromagnetic signal into the ground via the antenna; receiving a response via the antenna; and processing the response to generate an image which can be examined to determine whether a mine exists within proximity of the antenna.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2006Date of Patent: March 31, 2009Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventors: Geoffrey H. Goldman, Marc A. Ressler