Stereoscopic Or Tridimensional Patents (Class 342/180)
  • Patent number: 11386639
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to systems and methods for real-time detection of a very large number of items in a given constrained volume. Specifically, the disclosure relates to systems and methods for retrieving an optimized set of classifiers from a self-updating classifiers' database, configured to selectively and specifically identify products inserted into a cart in real time, from a database comprising a large number of stock-keeping items, whereby the inserted items' captured images serve simultaneously as training dataset, validation dataset and test dataset for the recognition/identification/re-identification of the product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: TRACXPOINT LLC.
    Inventors: Moshe Meidar, Gidon Moshkovitz, Edi Bahous, Itai Winkler
  • Patent number: 11054503
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a radar target spherical projection method for maritime formation. The method comprises the steps of converting the height of a radar target into an altitude and converting the position of the radar target into a spherical position, can be used for pre-processing radar data, supports multi-platform composite tracking based on a data chain, and contribute to generating a sharable single integrated picture (SIP) among formation members. The present invention can be widely applied to oceanic area formation operations such as coastguard patrol, sea escort, deep sea far sighting and maritime formation fight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: THE 28TH RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF CHINA ELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY GROUP CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yi Mao, Yunru Li, Ping Chen, Guan Wang, Daqing Huang, Bo Wang
  • Patent number: 11022685
    Abstract: A tracking system and method for constructing pictures of tracks of moving targets on a scene from electro-optical (EO) detections are described. The system includes EO sensors, and an EO tracker constructing pictures of the tracks of the targets. The EO tracker includes a pre-processing system for receiving EO detections of the targets and locating the targets on a world map, a candidate track selection system for finding candidate tracks, a track initializing module for receiving the EO detections and initializing a new track, an assigning system for assigning the EO detections to the candidate tracks, a data updating system for updating the candidate tracks after the assigning, and for generating an ambiguity set of tracks and an exclusion set of tracks, a picture providing system for receiving the ambiguity set and the exclusion set to generate a picture, and a tracker database for storing the updated tracks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: ELTA SYSTEMS LTD.
    Inventors: Akiva Novoselsky, Benjamin Kupfer, Merav Shomrony-Danieli
  • Patent number: 10578741
    Abstract: A distance detection device generates a distance image indicating a distance to an object positioned within a distance range targeted for measurement using a TOF system. The distance detection device includes a light source that illuminates the object with light, a light sensor that generates a detection signal by receiving a reflection light which is the illumination light reflected from the object, a controller that controls an exposure timing of the light sensor with respect to an illumination timing of the light from the light source in each of measurement ranges of a plurality of measurement ranges obtained by dividing the distance range, and a processor. The processor generates distance information by calculating distances to objects within the measurement ranges based on the detection signal in each of the measurement ranges, and generates the distance image indicating the distance to the object within the distance range targeted for measurement using the generated plural distance information items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomohiro Matsuo, Yoshinobu Kouno, Shin Tabuchi
  • Patent number: 10324180
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system that predicts the occurrence and location of a severe weather event including a non-transitory tangible media containing software or firmware encoded thereon for operation by one or more processors that receive a plurality of weather variables, at least one of said weather variables being from radar data from a dual-polarization radar, where the processor (i) generates at least one derived radar variable based on the weather variables, (ii) identifies a geographical region of interest, (iii) validates the presence of the region of interest, (iv) determines whether there is a vertical column of regions of interest, wherein the presence of the vertical column of regions of interest is indicative of the vertical size of the severe weather event and (viii) validates the presence of the vertical columns of regions of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: Baron Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Lawton, Nathan Purves, David Purves
  • Patent number: 10275658
    Abstract: A method of autonomously monitoring a remote site, including the steps of locating a primary detector at a site to be monitored; creating one or more geospatial maps of the site using an overhead image of the site; calibrating the primary detector to the geospatial map using a detector-specific model; detecting an object in motion at the site; tracking the moving object on the geospatial map; and alerting a user to the presence of motion at the site. In addition thermal image data from a infrared cameras, rather than optical/visual image data, is used to create detector-specific models and geospatial maps in substantially the same way that optical cameras and optical image data would be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: Pivotal Vision, LLC
    Inventors: John R. Gornick, Craig B. Moksnes
  • Patent number: 10175348
    Abstract: A target is located and a track is associated with the target in the fusion coordinate system. An estimate/prediction of the target's velocity is developed within the tracker, as well as , a vector representing the distance from the fusion center to the target as estimated by the tracker, and , a vector representing the known distance from the fusion center to the sensor. The sensor's range vector, (the distance from the sensor to the target as predicted by the tracker) is transformed to fusion coordinates. Using the sensor's range vector, normalized to unit length, in fusion coordinates and the estimated target's velocity, an estimate of the target's speed projected in the direction of is derived. The estimated range-rate is compared per update to the sensor's measured range-rate in the form of an error measurement. The error is then used to correct the track's velocity prediction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: SRC, INC.
    Inventors: Barry L. Clark, Andrew D. Keckler, Thomas A. Houman
  • Patent number: 9846221
    Abstract: A method of passive location of radar transmitters implemented by at least two ESM stations, the radars having a quasi-constant scanning speed in the course of the transit over the set comprising at least two ESM stations, each of the ESM stations being able to intercept the transmission lobes of radar transmitters and to estimate their lobe transit times (LTT) and at least one station being able to estimate the angle of arrival ? of the transmission lobes, the location of the radar transmitters being performed by testing the intersection between an iso-LTTD curve passing through at least the two ESM stations and a sighting straight line passing through the ESM station having measured the angle of arrival and of azimuth equal to the measured angle of arrival ?.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: THALES
    Inventors: Jean-François Grandin, Laurent Ratton, Raphaël Sperling
  • Patent number: 9710218
    Abstract: A vertical profile display includes weather information for an aircraft. In some examples, the weather is displayed in the vertical profile display with a hazard band indication. The hazard band indication includes an upper limit line positioned within the vertical profile view at a position corresponding to an altitude greater than or equal to an altitude above which no hazardous weather cells were detected. In some examples, the vertical profile display also includes one or more weather icons, with each weather icon indicating a weather condition for a volume of space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Ratan Khatwa, Santosh Mathan, Brian P. Bunch
  • Patent number: 9516301
    Abstract: An optical display system includes a projection system for outputting images having an image refresh frequency and a two-dimensional screen for receiving the images. The screen is coupled to a motion unit which allows a motion of the screen at a frequency which is equal to the refresh frequency of the images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Francesco M. De Collibus, Luca Landi, Claudio Prudenzi
  • Patent number: 9438514
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a wireless electronic device including an adaptive antenna device, a wireless communication module and a processing unit. The adaptive antenna includes a horizontal antenna module arranged to transmit data in a plurality of certain horizontal directions and a vertical antenna module arranged to transmit data in a plurality of certain vertical directions. The processing unit enables the wireless communication module to enable the horizontal antenna module to scan signals along the certain horizontal directions to obtain a horizontal scan result when the wireless electronic device is powered up. The processing unit further determines whether at least one electronic device is available in at least one of the certain horizontal directions according to the horizontal scan result, and enables the horizontal antenna module and the vertical antenna module to directionally transmit data to the electronic device in the certain horizontal directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: WISTRON NEWEB CORP.
    Inventors: Yung-Fa Ho, Ching-Po Chiu, Chia-Wei Lin
  • Patent number: 9411044
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer-readable media relating to providing weather data generated by a weather radar system of an aircraft are provided. The method includes receiving radar returns from at least one of a horizontal radar scan and a vertical radar scan. The method includes detecting a plurality of weather cells based on at least one of the horizontal radar scan and the vertical radar scan. The method includes providing display data representative of the plurality of weather cells. The method includes automatically providing updated display data representative of the plurality of weather cells based on at least one of an additional horizontal radar scan and an additional vertical radar scan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Sperling, Gregory J. Koenigs, Mark C. Fersdahl
  • Patent number: 9286518
    Abstract: A method of autonomously monitoring a remote site, including the steps of locating a primary detector at a site to be monitored; creating one or more geospatial maps of the site using an overhead image of the site; calibrating the primary detector to the geospatial map using a detector-specific model; detecting an object in motion at the site; tracking the moving object on the geospatial map; and alerting a user to the presence of motion at the site. In addition thermal image data from a infrared cameras, rather than optical/visual image data, is used to create detector-specific models and geospatial maps in substantially the same way that optical cameras and optical image data would be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Pivotal Vision, LLC
    Inventors: John R. Gornick, Craig B. Moksnes
  • Patent number: 8947297
    Abstract: One aspect relates to determining a position of at least one positional display element that can be used to display at least an image portion; and displaying the at least the image portion with the at least one positional display element based at least in part on the determining the position of the at least one positional display element. Another aspect relates to determining a position of at least one positional display element, in which the position can be used to affect a visual presentation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: The Invention Science Fund I, LLC
    Inventors: Edward K. Y. Jung, Royce A. Levien, Robert W. Lord, Mark A. Malamud, John D. Rinaldo, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8884806
    Abstract: A subterranean radar array system and method for imaging a subterranean target area. In one example, the subterranean radar array includes a plurality of radar chains disposed in a plurality of underground columns, each radar chain including a plurality of radar units forming the plurality of radar chains and at least one processor coupled to a corresponding at least one of the plurality of radar chains and configured to generate an image of a subterranean target area from signals received from the at least one radar chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: John Louis Tomich, Raymond Samaniego, Jerry Michael Grimm, Leslie Alexander Priebe, Hyong Eall Bang
  • Patent number: 8872697
    Abstract: The present invention uses a Single Instruction Multiple Data (SIMD) architecture to form real time 3D radar images recorded in cylindrical near field scenarios using a wavefront reconstruction approach. A novel interpolation approach is executed in parallel, significantly reducing the reconstruction time without compromising the spatial accuracy and signal to noise ratios of the resulting images. Since each point in the problem space can be processed independently, the proposed technique was implemented using an approach on a General Purpose Graphics Processing Unit (GPGPU) to take advantage of the high performance computing capabilities of this platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Inventors: Daniel Flores Tapia, Stephen Pistorius
  • Patent number: 8756012
    Abstract: A display system and method is provided for deployment on board a vehicle and includes a data source that provides the display system with data indicative of at least time, position, and velocity of the vehicle. The system comprises a monitor, a display included within the monitor for displaying range data indicative of a specific distance and time data indicative of time it takes to travel the specific distance, an input device, and a processor coupled to the monitor and to the input device and configured to (1) render symbology on the display visually representative of the time data and the range data, and (2) update the range data, and correspondingly change the time data in response to the change in range data made via the input device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Gang He, Thea L. Feyereisen
  • Patent number: 8718915
    Abstract: A present novel and non-trivial system, module, and method for generating an image of a flight route corridor displayed an aircraft display unit. A processor generates an image data set using navigation data and object data, where object data includes terrain and obstacle data. The image data set is determined using the object data and flight route corridor data, wherein the flight route corridor data is determined by applying navigation and object data to flight route corridor design criteria. The image data set is provided to a display unit to display a flight route corridor and at least one “offending” object against the background of the scene outside the aircraft, where offending objects include those objects penetrating an obstacle clearance surface and those objects penetrating the flight route corridor. The depiction of the flight route corridor and offending objects may be enhanced with the use of highlighters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Felix B. Turcios, Patrick D. McCusker, Sarah Barber
  • Patent number: 8711030
    Abstract: Traditional multi-pass radar techniques are not suitable for missions in which the aerial platform both identifies and prosecutes the target at termination of a single pass. A single pass method running a Barankin Estimator provides target height and variance for 3D target imaging that is suitable for war fighters, missiles, UAV, and other aerial platforms capable of nonlinear flight paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Gene Barry Goldstein, Matthew Paul Rosinski, Michael Wayne Whitt
  • Patent number: 8665133
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving situational awareness on an in-trails procedures display. A radar system transmits a radar signal and receives and stores weather radar reflectivity values into a three-dimensional buffer. A processor determines whether any of the stored weather reflectivity values indicate the presence of a weather hazard and generates one or more weather hazard icons based on the stored weather reflectivity values. An in-trail procedures display device displays the generated weather hazard icons. Wake vortex information for other aircraft is generated and outputted on the in-trail procedures display. Also, the processor receives a request for an altitude change and generates an alert when the aircraft is determined not to be cleared to transition to the requested altitude based on a projected transition, any existing weather hazards, wake vortices of proximate aircraft, and in-trail procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Ratan Khatwa, Dave Pepitone
  • Patent number: 8570208
    Abstract: A radar tomography apparatus and method determines one or more material properties of an object at a first number of positions distributed within a region of interest of said object. The apparatus includes one or more transmitters that transmit radiation, in particular microwave radiation, in the direction of the region of interest of the object, a plurality of receivers that receive radiation reflected from or transmitted through the region of interest of the object, a processor that processes the received radiation, said processor including a forward solver that determines electromagnetic field values at a second number of positions distributed in the region of interest from the received radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Michel Sarkis
  • Patent number: 8471759
    Abstract: Disclosure is a forward-looking 3D imaging radar, comprising: a transmitting unit which generates RF signals to be radiated for observing object in front of the radar; a transmitting antenna which radiates the RF signal generated by the transmitting unit; a receiving antenna which receives signals radiated from the transmitting antenna and reflected by the object in front of the radar; a receiving unit which mixes the signal received by the receiving antenna and the branched signal from the transmitting unit, and converts the signal to digital signal; and a signal processor which controls the operations of the transmitting unit and receiving unit, sends command to the transmitting unit to generate RF signals, receives the digitally converted signal from the receiving unit and extracts phase information of the object in front of the radar, and generates 3D radar image by producing altitude information based on the principle of interferometer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Agency for Defense Development
    Inventors: Sun Gu Sun, Gyu Churl Park, Byung Lae Cho, Jong Soo Ha
  • Patent number: 8384583
    Abstract: A synthetic-aperture radar system, and related operating method, for the monitoring of ground and structure movements, particularly suitable for emergency conditions, characterized by a ground based platform with polarimetric capabilities, that able to quickly acquire, embeddedly process and post-process data by a novel data acquisition “On the Fly” mode of operation, reducing by at least an order of magnitude the data acquisition time. The inventive system characteristics allows to achieve on-field measurement results on three-dimensional maps georeferenced to absolute coordinate systems (WGS84, Gauss-Boaga, and so on).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Ellegi S.R.L.
    Inventors: Davide Leva, Carlo Rivolta
  • Publication number: 20130044022
    Abstract: The present invention uses a Single Instruction Multiple Data (SIMD) architecture to form real time 3D radar images recorded in cylindrical near field scenarios using a wavefront reconstruction approach. A novel interpolation approach is executed in parallel, significantly reducing the reconstruction time without compromising the spatial accuracy and signal to noise ratios of the resulting images. Since each point in the problem space can be processed independently, the proposed technique was implemented using an approach on a General Purpose Graphics Processing Unit (GPGPU) to take advantage of the high performance computing capabilities of this platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2012
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Inventors: Daniel Flores Tapia, Stephen Pistorius
  • Patent number: 8362946
    Abstract: A short range millimeter wave surface imaging radar system. The system includes electronics adapted to produce millimeter wave radiation scanned over a frequency range of a few gigahertz. The scanned millimeter wave radiation is broadcast through a frequency scanned transmit antenna to produce a narrow transmit beam in a first scanned direction (such as the vertical direction) corresponding to the scanned millimeter wave frequencies. The transmit antenna is scanned to transmit beam in a second direction perpendicular to the first scanned direction (such as the horizontal or the azimuthal direction) so as to define a two-dimensional field of view. Reflected millimeter wave radiation is collected in a receive frequency scanned antenna co-located (or approximately co-located) with the transmit antenna and adapted to produce a narrow receive beam approximately co-directed in the same directions as the transmitted beam in approximately the same field of view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Trex Enterprises Corp.
    Inventors: Grant Bishop, John A. Lovberg, Vladimir Kolinko
  • Patent number: 8362948
    Abstract: A long range millimeter wave imaging radar system. Preferred embodiments are positioned to detect foreign object debris objects on surface of the runway, taxiways and other areas of interest. The system includes electronics adapted to produce millimeter wave radiation scanned over a frequency range of a few gigahertz. The scanned millimeter wave radiation is broadcast through a frequency scanned antenna to produce a narrow scanned transmit beam in a first scanned direction (such as the vertical direction) defining a narrow, approximately one dimensional, electronically scanned field of view corresponding to the scanned millimeter wave frequencies. The antenna is mechanically pivoted or scanned in a second scanned direction perpendicular to the first scanned direction so as to define a two-dimensional field of view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Trex Enterprises Corp
    Inventors: Vladimir Kolinko, Chris Sexton, Grant Bishop, John Lovberg
  • Publication number: 20120306681
    Abstract: A hybrid mm-wave imaging system which increases the probability of detection and reduces false alarm rate. The system includes a large array of passive sensors (pixels) to provide an initial coarse picture of the environment and a small array of active sensors in the center of the large array, which is activated only when the initial passive scan detection is positive. The active array, without any mechanical scanning, illuminates the area to detect edges to provide clarity to the detected image, thereby increasing the probability of detection and reducing the false alarm rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Danny Elad, Evgeny Shumaker
  • Patent number: 8310378
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for displaying photo realistic features (230, 232, 234) on a display (116) of an aircraft (218) include storing (302) a plurality of photo realistic features (230, 232, 234), the photo realistic features including at least one of terrain (230) and obstacle (232) features. A priority factor is determined (304) that is based on one of, for example, aircraft type, speed, and altitude, and a plurality of display state is prioritized (304) for each of the plurality of photo realistic features (230. 232, 234) in accordance with the priority factor. One of the first and second display states is displayed (308) for each of the plurality of photo realistic features (230, 232, 234) as determined by the prioritizing step (306).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: John G. Suddreth
  • Patent number: 8289200
    Abstract: A detection device for detecting the presence of a speed detection system, red light camera, or other electronic surveillance means. The device includes a display means whereby the graphical and audible presentation changes from the non alert condition to the alert condition in accordance to a user selectable choice of options, thereby increasing awareness to the surveillance threat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: The Whistler Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Batten, Craig R Autio
  • Patent number: 8259007
    Abstract: A partitioning system includes a decomposer module, a supply and cell commonality computation module, a network structure setup module, a seed selection module, an optimization setup module, a solver module, and a boundary creation module. A network structure is created by connecting each cell to each of its neighboring cells using bi-directional arcs. Each bi-directional arc is assigned a flow value and a cell commonality metric. The optimization program is solved to determine the flow value for each bi-directional arc and to determine a plurality of open seeds. Each determined seed represents one partition. Partition boundaries are created by grouping cells when they are connected to each other via one of the updated set of bi-directional arcs into cell clusters. Cells within cell clusters are merged to create the predetermined number of contiguous partitions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Metron Aviation, Inc.
    Inventor: Arash Yousefi
  • Patent number: 8253620
    Abstract: A synthesized aperture radar imaging system is disclosed. The system includes an antenna reflector and a radar signal transceiver configured to generate a plurality of radar transmission signals and to receive a respective plurality of reflected radar signals. The system also includes a wave reflection device configured to sequentially reflect each of the plurality of radar transmission signals onto separate respective spot-portions of the antenna reflector. The plurality of radar transmission signals can be transmitted from the antenna reflector to a target and reflected from the target as the respective plurality of reflected radar signals. The system further includes a synthesized aperture radar controller configured to integrate the plurality of reflected radar signals and to generate a high-resolution, three-dimensional image of the target from the integrated plurality of reflected radar signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Carl D. Wise, Norman F. Powell
  • Patent number: 8228227
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving relevant weather determination for aircraft at altitude. An exemplary system includes a weather radar component and memory that stores weather radar data in a three-dimensional (3D) buffer. A processor calculates vertically integrated reflectivity using the stored weather radar data at a predefined reference altitude at one or more locations from the aircraft. The processor then adjusts a lower boundary of a relevant weather envelope from a first value to a second value, if the vertically integrated reflectivity is greater than a predefined threshold. The range of the adjusted lower boundary of the envelope is associated with the weather radar data having the calculated vertically integrated reflectivity greater than the predefined threshold. A display device displays the weather radar data located within the envelope in a first manner and displays the weather radar data located outside of the envelope in a second manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Brian P. Bunch, Paul Christianson
  • Patent number: 8174431
    Abstract: A method of predicting turbulence that may involve receiving electromagnetic energy that has traveled along a path subject to the turbulence, with the turbulence altering the electromagnetic energy. A determination may be made as to the alteration caused by the turbulence by filtering the electromagnetic energy as it was received with a velocity of one of a transmitter of the electromagnetic energy or a receiver that received the electromagnetic energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Brian J. Tillotson, Charles B. Spinelli
  • Patent number: 8144052
    Abstract: A three-dimensional imaging radar operating at high frequency e.g., 670 GHz radar using low phase-noise synthesizers and a fast chirper to generate a frequency-modulated continuous-wave (FMCW) waveform, is disclosed that operates with a multiplexed beam to obtain range information simultaneously on multiple pixels of a target. A source transmit beam may be divided by a hybrid coupler into multiple transmit beams multiplexed together and directed to be reflected off a target and return as a single receive beam which is demultiplexed and processed to reveal range information of separate pixels of the target associated with each transmit beam simultaneously. The multiple transmit beams may be developed with appropriate optics to be temporally and spatially differentiated before being directed to the target. Temporal differentiation corresponds to a different intermediate frequencies separating the range information of the multiple pixels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Ken B. Cooper, Robert J. Dengler, Peter H. Siegel, Goutam Chattopadhyay, John S. Ward, Nuria Llombart Juan, Tomas E. Bryllert, Imran Mehdi, Jan A. Tarsala
  • Patent number: 8063814
    Abstract: A beat-product radio imaging method (RIM) system uses a matched continuous wave (CW) transmitter and receiver to electronically image material in between. Signal attenuation measurements are taken from a number of different transmitter and receiver perspectives around the material. The transmitter and receiver each have a crystal oscillator rated at 10-ppm or better frequency uncertainty. The receiver's crystal oscillator is used as a local oscillator to beat down the transmitter's carrier frequency to baseband. The frequency error between the local oscillator and the transmitter carrier frequencies produces a beat product of less than one Hertz in frequency and its magnitude is inversely proportional to the path attenuation between the transmitter and receiver. An extremely low-pass filter is used to remove everything above one Hertz in the detector. The receiver sensitivity is therefore extraordinarily high.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Stolar Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Igor Bausov, Gerald Stolarczyk, Larry G. Stolarczyk
  • Patent number: 8059024
    Abstract: Systems and methods for conveying turbulence hazards to a flight crew. An exemplary weather radar system includes a three-dimensional buffer, a processor, and a display. The processor receives weather radar reflectivity values, stores the received weather radar reflectivity values into a three-dimensional buffer, generates and stores turbulence values into cells of the three-dimensional buffer based on the stored respective reflectivity values, and generates first display icons for cells that are located within a predefined threshold distance from a cell in the three-dimensional buffer that has been determined to include a turbulence value that is greater than a first threshold value. The display presents the first display icons when associated cells are selected for display from the three-dimensional buffer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Christianson
  • Patent number: 8059911
    Abstract: A depth-based image enhancement system is disclosed. A depth estimation unit generates three-dimensional (3D) depth information from a two-dimensional (2D) image. Subsequently, an image enhancement unit enhances the 2D image according to the 3D depth information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignees: Himax Technologies Limited, National Taiwan University
    Inventors: Liang-Gee Chen, Chao-Chung Cheng, Chung-Te Li, Ling-Hsiu Huang
  • Publication number: 20110267221
    Abstract: Techniques are provided for sparse array RF imaging for surveillance applications. The present invention enables object image identification using a sparsely populated array of distributed radio nodes deployed and operated as a radar detection, tracking and identification application. Three-dimensional object images are formed, from which estimates of extent and shape can be extracted for objects that are detected in the vicinity of the deployed radar array. In addition, techniques are provided for the identification and/or classification of vehicles, humans and fauna through feature extraction from the formed three-dimensional images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Applicant: Applied Physical Sciences Corp.
    Inventors: Christopher S. Brundick, Dwight E. Davis, David E. Norris, Ernest S. Stickels
  • Patent number: 7994967
    Abstract: A method of imaging a moving object, including the steps of acquiring radar data reflected by the moving object, determining a motion state of the moving object; and generating a three-dimensional representation of the moving object based on the determined motion state, is disclosed. The motion state may be a complete solution of translational and rotational motion determined based on at least one of the inertia tensor components of the moving object, or solutions of Euler's torque-free equations of motions. The three-dimensional representation may be generated by reconstructing static patterns of the moving object based on estimated initial translational and rotational conditions of the object. A system for imaging the moving object according to this method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Technology Service Corporation
    Inventor: Paul D. Mountcastle
  • Patent number: 7994965
    Abstract: A surveillance apparatus (100) is provided, said apparatus including a linear sub-array (101) of N omnidirectional transmitter elements (103) and a planar sub-array (102) of M receiver elements (104). A plurality of the transient elements (105) are generated by separating out at each of the receivers (104) the signals transmitted from the antenna elements (103) of the transmitter sub-array (101). This allows the geometry of each path (from each transmitter antenna element, to the point being imaged and back to the receiver antenna elements) to be converted to a delay or phase shift to focus on the particular point being imaged. The transient elements (105) form a cylindrical array (106) at the mid points between transmitter and receiver sub-arrays. Such a configuration enables a full 360 degrees of cover in azimuth and typically +/?60 degrees in elevation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Teledyne Australia Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Dennis Longstaff
  • Patent number: 7978120
    Abstract: A radar imaging system for capturing an image of an object within an area of interest through at least one visual impairment. The radar imaging system comprises at least one radar array. The radar array includes a plurality of transmitter elements and a plurality of receiver elements for receiving a plurality of coded return signals from an object through the at least one visual impairment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Inventor: Ian Dennis Longstaff
  • Patent number: 7973705
    Abstract: A plotting system and method for plotting radar and/or sonar signals on a bump map, with a simulated height of each data point representing a corresponding signal strength. The plotting system may comprise a processing device for associating particular signal strengths with normal vectors. The normal vectors may be used to determine the simulated heights to be illustrated on the bump map. The plotting system may also comprise a display for graphically displaying the bump map. Furthermore, the processing device may also associate particular signal strengths with particular colors, such that both color and simulated height may illustrate the strength of the plotted signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Garmin Switzerland GmbH
    Inventors: Michael D. Cunning, Minchun Liu
  • Patent number: 7957562
    Abstract: A vision system that forms a map of a scene proximate a platform, e.g., a vehicle, that determines the actual ground plane form the map, and that corrects the map for differences between the actual ground plane and an assumed ground plane. The vision system may remove the actual ground plane from the map to prevent false positives. The vision system can further identify and classify objects and, if appropriate, take evasive action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: SRI International
    Inventors: Peng Chang, David Hirvonen, Theodore Armand Camus
  • Patent number: 7893866
    Abstract: The invention generally relates to the field of computer software particularly to an improved method of providing aircrew decision aids for use in determining the optimum placement of an Electronic Attack (EA) aircraft. The core of the invention is a software program that will dynamically provide the EA flight crew situational awareness regarding a threat emitter's coverage relative to the position of the EA aircraft and to the position of any number of protected entities (PE). The software program generates information to provide visual cues representing a Jam Acceptability Region (JAR) contour, a Jam Assessment Strobe (JAS) and text for display on a number of flexibly configurable display formats posted on display units. The JAR and JAS graphics and text will aid the EA aircrew in rapidly assessing the effectiveness of a given jamming approach.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: James Dark, James Buscemi, Scott Burkholder
  • Patent number: 7847723
    Abstract: The invention generally relates to the field of computer software particularly to an improved method of providing aircrew decision aids for use in determining the optimum placement of an Electronic Attack (EA) aircraft. The core of the invention is a software program that will dynamically provide the EA flight crew situational awareness regarding a threat emitter's coverage relative to the position of the EA aircraft and to the position of any number of protected entities (PE). The software program generates information to provide visual cues representing a Jam Acceptability Region (JAR) contour, a Jam Assessment Strobe (JAS) and text for display on a number of flexibly configurable display formats posted on display units. The JAR and JAS graphics and text will aid the EA aircrew in rapidly assessing the effectiveness of a given jamming approach.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: James Dark, James Buscemi, Scott Burkholder
  • Publication number: 20100265125
    Abstract: A system and method for presenting wind speed information in a manner so as to be easily understood and appreciated by viewers of televised weather report presentations and the like. Wind speed information is presented as a planar representation of three-dimensional wind speed data using contour lines, delineating areas with a planar location in the three dimensional data, overlaid on a geographic map display either alone, or in combination with radar reflectivity information. Wind velocity information received from a weather radar system, such as NEXRAD, relative to the weather radar is converted to absolute wind speed information for display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2010
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Inventors: Terence F. Kelly, Victor W. Marsh, John S. Moore, William H. Boss
  • Patent number: 7737876
    Abstract: In a holographic surveillance system (10) for near real-time imaging of a target (15), a source of RF radiation directs a non-amplified reference beam of pulsed coherent RF electromagnetic radiation toward a target. An array of antennas (31) receives a reflected beam from the target together with a component of the reference beam so as to produce a signal representative of phase and amplitude data of received energy, and a processor (20) processes the signals so as to produce a holographic image for display on a display device coupled to the processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Gama-Medica-Ideas (Norway) As
    Inventors: Nikolai Pavlov, Gunnar Maehlum
  • Patent number: 7737883
    Abstract: The method generally relates to the field of computer software particularly to an improved method of providing aircrew decision aids for use in determining the optimum placement of an Electronic Attack (EA) aircraft. The core of the method is a software program that will dynamically provide the EA flight crew situational awareness regarding a threat emitter's coverage relative to the position of the EA aircraft and to the position of any number of protected entities (PE). The software program generates information to provide visual cues representing a Jam Acceptability Region (JAR) contour, a Jam Assessment Strobe (JAS) and text for display on a number of flexibly configurable display formats posted on display units. The JAR and JAS graphics and text will aid the EA aircrew in rapidly assessing the effectiveness of a given jamming approach.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: James Dark, James Buscemi, Scott Burkholder
  • Patent number: 7733264
    Abstract: A weather radar system can be utilized on-board an aircraft. The weather radar system includes processing electronics for sensing weather. The processing electronics is configured to utilize sensed weather data to generate a vertical weather prediction for a given altitude in response to a range and an azimuth. The system can also include a display. The display provides visual indicia of the vertical weather prediction in response to the processing electronics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel L. Woodell, Jeffery A. Finley, Marvin L. Hooker
  • Patent number: 7724183
    Abstract: A method of imaging a moving object, including the steps of: acquiring radar data reflected by the moving object, determining a motion state of the moving object; and generating a three-dimensional representation of the moving object based on the determined motion state, is disclosed. The motion state may be a complete solution of translational and rotational motion determined based on at least one of the inertia tensor components of the moving object, or solutions of Euler's torque-free equations of motions. The three-dimensional representation may be generated by reconstructing static patterns of the moving object based on estimated initial translational and rotational conditions of the object. A system for imaging the moving object according to this method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Technology Service Corporation
    Inventor: Paul D. Mountcastle