Abstract: A multi-cluster database management system is disclosed that distributes and manages data across a multi-cluster database through the use of cluster partitions. The multi-cluster database management system assigns cluster partitions to clusters of the multi-cluster database. The multi-cluster database management system can evenly or substantially evenly divide the cluster partitions and associated data among the clusters of the multi-cluster database. The multi-cluster database management system can scale in or out by adding or removing clusters from the multi-cluster database when needed or desired. Once a cluster is added or removed, the multi-cluster database management system re-balances the cluster partitions and the associated data across the clusters of the modified multi-cluster database.

Abstract: A method of estimating the location of the source of a signal of interest (SOI), includes the steps of: (a) sensing a plurality of directional samples of the SOI by using at least one signal receiving system at disparately located signal receiving locations; (b) with at least one of the signal receiving systems, measuring the power variable of the received SOI; and (c) processing the sensed directional samples of the SOI in combination with the power variable measurement of the SOI to estimate the location of the source of the SOI.

Abstract: A heat sensing system and method for dynamic heat sensing may be implemented in a flight vehicle having a main antenna configured for sending and/or receipt of signals. The system includes an auxiliary antenna system that is arranged within a radome of the flight vehicle for detecting temperatures around the exterior surface of the radome. The auxiliary antenna is configured for receiving and measuring infrared or optical energy. Using the measured energy, the system is configured to determine whether the detected temperature exceeds a predetermined temperature and rotating the vehicle to equalize heat around the vehicle when the current temperature exceeds the predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A real-time radar surveillance system comprises at least one land-based non-coherent radar sensor apparatus adapted for detecting maneuvering targets and targets of small or low radar cross-section. The radar sensor apparatus includes a marine radar device, a digitizer connected to the marine radar device for receiving therefrom samples of radar video echo signals, and computer programmed to implement a software-configurable radar processor generating target data including detection data and track data, the computer being connectable to a computer network including a database. The processor is figured to transmit at least a portion of the target data over the network to the database, the database being accessible via the network by at least one user application that receives target data from the database, the user application providing a user interface for at least one user of the system.

Abstract: A frequency visualization apparatus for detecting and displaying one or more specific sets of energy waves based on one or more of defined discrete sets of frequency ranges is disclosed, the apparatus including two or more directional radio frequency antennas for capturing a field of view, such orientation comprising a detector array, each antenna configured to output a specific voltage based on the strength of the intercepted radio waves, two or more voltage amplifiers in communication with the one or more radio frequency antennas, two or more analog to digital converters, a digital memory apparatus connected to the two or more converters for receiving and storing the digital data in a numeric array, a processor connected to the digital memory apparatus, and a display connected to the processor for displaying a visual array comprising visual array elements, each visual array element corresponding to a specific antenna of the detector.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a system wherein coin-sized beacons can be attached to marine and other hazards such as buoys, shipwrecks, jetties and the like. The beacons can also be configured to a user's life jacket or other intimate item worn by divers or passengers. The beacon is equipped with an ability to emit sound/radio or light (Bluetooth or otherwise) waves that are detected by a user's receiving device hardware located aboard a vessel to alert the user of an approaching hazard. The signal can be configured to provide the location or distance and proximity to the vessel of the beacon and contact information of the beacon's registered owner. The beacon can continuously transmit these signals to alert oncoming vessels of the location of the beacon, or aid in the recovery of an overboard passenger or keep track of underwater divers. Further, the receiving device hardware can be adapted to a vessel's navigation system to automatically avoid marine hazards using the vessel's autopilot system.

Abstract: A multi-cluster database management system is disclosed that distributes and manages data across a multi-cluster database through the use of cluster partitions. The multi-cluster database management system assigns cluster partitions to clusters of the multi-cluster database. The multi-cluster database management system can evenly or substantially evenly divide the cluster partitions and associated data among the clusters of the multi-cluster database. The multi-cluster database management system can scale in or out by adding or removing clusters from the multi-cluster database when needed or desired. Once a cluster is added or removed, the multi-cluster database management system re-balances the cluster partitions and the associated data across the clusters of the modified multi-cluster database.

Abstract: An aircraft logging system is disclosed. The aircraft logging system may be mounted on an aircraft and may be configured to generate a log of aircraft landing, takeoff or both. The aircraft logging system may have an independent power supply and may be electrically decoupled from the aircraft on which it is mounted. The aircraft logging system may include a sensor, such as an altimeter, that enables identifying the occurrence of a landing using emitted signals. The aircraft logging system includes a positioning device configured to provide a position measurement.

Abstract: There are provided a tracking processing device and a tracking processing method with which time lag from the receipt of a command to track a target until the movement state of this target is estimated more accurately can be reduced, the calculation burden can be reduced, and the memory capacity can be reduced. A tracking processing device 3 has an echo detector 9 and a tracking processor 11. The tracking processor 11 includes a characteristic information memory 41. The echo detector 9 detects information on tracking representative points P for one or more targets. The characteristic information memory 41 stores the information on the tracking representative points P at a plurality of time-points. The tracking processor 11 tracks the tracking target selected from among a number of targets. The tracking processor 11 uses information stored in a characteristic information memory 41 to estimate an estimated speed vector V5(n) for this tracking target at the start of tracking of the tracking target.

Abstract: A target correlation matrix is generated for multiple two-class combinations of target types each having a target correlation and a synthetic aperture radar observation space. A target probability density of a target radar cross-section signature and a background probability density of a background radar cross-section signature are utilized. The observation space of each of the two-class combinations is partitioned into a target partition and at least one background partition in accordance with the target correlation. A conditional log likelihood is calculated using at least one random number for each of the partitions in accordance with the target probability density and the background probability density, and summed according to the two-class combinations. A maximum log likelihood is calculated from the summed conditional log likelihoods given that one target type of the multiple two-class combinations is assumed to be true.

Abstract: A system for determining and/or controlling the location of objects includes a transceiver fixedly arranged on or in the object, and a receiving antenna for receiving signals transmitted by the transceiver. A transmitting antenna transmits signals to the transceiver causing the transceiver to transmit signals. An antenna signal processing device evaluates signals received from the receiving antenna to determine a spatial position and/or location and a predefined identification of the transceiver relative to the receiving antenna, the object and a predefined reference point. A data processing device receives information from the antenna signal processing device about the position, location, and identification of the transceiver. In one aspect, the system is for determining the position and/or location of at least one transceiver relative to an object. In another aspect, the system is for determining and controlling the position and/or location of the object.

Abstract: In the case where radar image data obtained from a radar device equipped in a flying body and optical image data of a district taken by the radar device are synthesized to produce a terrestrial object information judging image, the radar image data are approximated to a black and white panchromatic image character. The radar image data approximated to the black and white panchromatic character and the optical image data are aligned in position and then synthesized. As a suitable embodiment, in an approximation processing of the radar image data to the black and white panchromatic image character, histogram conversion processing is carried out in accordance with a histogram characteristic of the radar image data.

Abstract: A system for generating images may include an interactive SAR processor for generating an image using SAR data. The system may also include a module associated with the SAR processor for allowing a user to interactively select different settings for each of a group of parameters for generating different images by the interactive SAR processor using the SAR data.

Abstract: Systems and methods communicate weather information between aircraft using low bandwidth communication transceivers. An exemplary embodiment receives weather information from a weather radar system on board a remote aircraft, processes the received weather information into weather radar image information that is displayable on at least a display, processes the weather radar image information into a reduced size dataset, and communicates the reduced size dataset to an installation aircraft over the low bandwidth communication channel, wherein the low bandwidth communication channel is generated by a low bandwidth communication transceiver on board the remote aircraft.

Abstract: A method and system for generating images from projection data comprising inputting first values representing correlated positional and recorded data; forming an image by processing the projection data utilizing a pixel characterization imaging subsystem to form the SAR imagery utilizing one of a back-projection algorithm or range migration algorithm; integrating positional and recorded data from many aperture positions, comprising: forming the complete aperture A0 comprising collecting the return radar data, the coordinates of the receiver, and the coordinates of the transmitter for each position k along the aperture of N positions; forming an imaging grid comprising M image pixels; selecting and removing a substantial number of aperture positions to form a sparse aperture Aifor L iterations; classifying each pixel in the image into target class based on the statistical distribution of its amplitude across L iterations; otherwise, the pixel is given the value of zero.

Abstract: In particular embodiments, analyzing data includes receiving sensor data generated in response to sensing one or more structures. The structural features of the sensor data are identified. Each structural feature is represented by one or more vectors. A score matrix that describes a plurality of distances among the vectors is generated. Vector pairs are formed from at least some of the vectors according to the distances of the score matrix. A layout of the structures is generated from the vector pairs.

Abstract: To suppress cross-ambiguities in the examination of an ice region or dry region by means of aircraft- or aerospace-supported radar echo sounding, the region to be examined is overflown by a radar sensor (6) by multiple compatible radar sensors of the same operating wavelength on multiple spatially separated, substantially parallel paths, wherein the radar signal data received on each path are recorded. The radar signal data recorded for each of the different paths are summed coherently and using a weighting to form a radargram, wherein an adaptive complex-valued weighting for each of the individual paths is performed using a geometrical model which takes into account the topography of the environment of the region to be examined. The weighting for every depth of the examined region is determined by solving a system of linear equations from which is calculated a synthetic antenna pattern which has zeros in the direction of the ambiguities.

Abstract: A stability monitoring system is described that provides an accurate, automated, and remote way of monitoring small movements over a large surface area without the need to pre-place reflective targets using a mobile SAR. The stability monitoring system allows the rapid, automated identification and measurement of small surface movements over a wide field of view from a safe standoff distance without the need for personnel working in hazardous zones. Using this data, authorities can more accurately identify hazard areas and efficiently allocate mitigation resources.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a millimeter or sub-millimeter wave portal system is provided. Generally, the portal system comprises an electrooptic source and one or more millimeter or sub-millimeter wave detectors. The electrooptic source comprises an optical signal generator, optical switching and encoding circuitry, and one or more optical/electrical converters. Additional embodiments are disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: Radar return processing systems and methods are operable to process radar information when an installation vehicle is operating in proximity to a surface area of interest. An exemplary embodiment reduces energy of an output pulse emitted from a radar system; receives a plurality of radar returns from a plurality of objects that reflect the reduced energy output pulses emitted from the radar system; determines a surface area of interest based upon at least a current location of the installation vehicle; and filters the radar returns generated by objects that are located outside of the surface area of interest. Optionally, some systems and methods may reduce a sweep range of an antenna from which the reduced energy output pulses are emitted.

Abstract: A positional information recorder includes a receiver configured to receive a wireless signal, an operation section configured to indicate a sign for recording positioning information, a positional information calculator configured to measure a geographical position based on the wireless signal and calculate positioning information according to the position, a positioning information recorder configured to record the calculated positioning information, a movement locus information calculator configured to calculate displacement information including a moving distance and a direction from a standard position, a relative positional information recorder configured to calculate relative positional information according to a relative position from the standard position by the displacement information when the positioning information is not obtained, and record the relative positional information associated with information according to the sign, and a positional information convertor configured to covert into posi

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for enhancing the resolution of a radar image in the cross-range direction. An example method includes receiving a plurality of received power samples in the cross-range dimension as the radar antenna scans and calculating a window function from the antenna beam response pattern. Then for each of a plurality of positions of the window function along the azimuth axis, multiplying the received response pattern by the window function at that position, yielding a product function for each position. Finally, the method includes calculating an estimated azimuth bin offset, resulting estimated target location, and a reflected power value corresponding to the integral of the product function from the product function of each position. A reconstructed azimuth bin array developed from the estimated target locations and reflected power values is substituted for the original received cross-range received power values, yielding a resolution-enhanced map image.

Abstract: An altimetry method comprising: providing a signal receiver (RX) on a first platform (S1) flying above a portion of the Earth surface (ES), for receiving a temporal series of signals emitted by a second flying platform (S2) and scattered by said portion of the Earth surface; and computing altimetry waveforms, indicative of an elevation profile of said portion of the Earth surface, by processing the received signals; characterized in that said step of computing altimetry waveforms comprises: cross-correlating the received signals with a plurality of locally-generated frequency-shifted replicas of the emitted signals; introducing a frequency-dependent temporal shift to the correlation waveforms in order to compensate for range delay curvature; and incoherently summing the temporally shifted correlation waveforms (CXC) corresponding to signals scattered by a same region of the Earth surface at different times during motion of said first platform.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a radar includes multiple antenna elements coupled to an image processing application. The antenna elements have a differing vertical spatial separation relative to one another and are configured to transmit a radio-frequency signal toward a stationary object and receive multiple reflected radio-frequency signals from one or more internal features of the building. The image processing application receives the reflected radio-frequency signals as the antenna elements are moved horizontally with respect to the stationary object. From these reflected radio-frequency signals, the image processing application generates imagery of the stationary object according to phase variations in the plurality of received radio-frequency signals. The imagery depicting vertical characteristics of the one or more internal features of the building.

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.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring and classifying RF emissions in the field include storing an electronic signature map (ESM) of a selected geographic area, where the electronic signature map includes previously detected emitter closeness measures (ECMs) in the selected geographic area. The ECMs are representative of detected sources of radio frequency energy. A RF energy emission is detected, a new ECM for that RF energy emission is created, and that the new ECM is compared with the ECMs in the ESM. That comparison may help to determine whether the RF energy emission should be considered a threat.

Abstract: A radar device is provided in this disclosure. The radar device includes an area determination module for performing a determination of a noise superior area or a target-echo superior area for each divided area of a radar-search area defined in advance, a noise-level calculation module for calculating a noise level for a divided area based on received signals from the divided area that is determined as the noise superior area, and an interpolation module for interpolating or extrapolating the calculated noise level for the divided area that is determined as the noise superior area, to obtain a noise level for a divided area that is determined as the target-echo superior area.

Abstract: A weather radar system includes an input for receiving lightning detection data and processing electronics for determining a presence of a convective cell or associated hazard. The processing electronics receive weather radar data and the lightning detection data. The weather radar data is related to radar returns. The processing electronics provide temporal or spatial filtering of the lightning detection data to provide filtered data and determine a position of the convective cell or associated hazard in response to the weather radar data and the filtered data.

Abstract: Systems and methods for mapping a surface of a celestial body containing objects and terrain are provided. One system includes a Synthetic Aperture RADAR (SAR) module configured to capture a high-resolution image of the terrain of at least a portion of the surface and a map module configured to store map data representing the portion of the surface. The system also includes a fusion module configured to combine the high-resolution image and the map data to generate a high-resolution map of the portion of the surface. A method includes orbiting the celestial body, capturing, via the SAR module, a high-resolution image during each orbit, and fusing the captured high-resolution image with a low-resolution map of the surface to generate a high-resolution map of the surface. A computer-readable medium for storing instructions that cause a processor to perform the above method is also provided.

Abstract: A method for representing surface deformation measurements, including providing InSAR data, wherein the InSAR data is line of sight InSAR data; providing Global Positioning System (GPS) data; filtering the InSAR data; assembling the GPS data over a time span; resolving the GPS data into a line of sight direction; determining a correction; generating a corrected line of sight image; generating a plurality of XY motion maps, wherein generating includes: correlating a plurality of XY motions from a plurality of GPS sites with a gradient of the corrected line of site image; determining a correlation coefficient; and building a plane of XY motion using at least one of the plurality of XY motions; using the correlation coefficient to produce a linear combination of the plurality of XY motion maps; and using the linear combination to convert the InSAR data to vertical motion.

Abstract: A computer system for processing complex synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images includes a database for storing complex SAR images to be processed, and a processor for processing a complex SAR image from the database. The processing includes receiving a complex SAR data set for a SAR image comprising a plurality of pixels, and applying a complex anisotropic diffusion algorithm to the complex SAR data set. The complex SAR data set includes a real and an imaginary part for each pixel.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A mobile geophysical instrument produces geophysical data sets each associated with a position computed by use of a position sensor. A variable time delay results between a time when data for each geophysical data set is collected and a time when a position associated with each geophysical data set is recorded. A module receives distance transducer data and includes circuitry configured to generate a module signal based on trigger signals from the distance transducer and a calibration value. A data acquisition system (DAS) receives geophysical data sets from the geophysical instrument, positioning data from the positioning sensor, and the module signals. The DAS generates a DAS timestamp in response to each module signal and associates the DAS timestamp with each geophysical data set and a position associated with the geophysical data set, so as to substantially eliminate the variable time delay.

Abstract: Multiple signal characteristics representing an entire field of view of an FMCW (FM-CW) sensor are evaluated to determine whether the field of view has changed. Signal characteristics representing the field can be compared to representative signal characteristics obtained from previous scans. At least one signal characteristic representing at least a portion of the scene can be evaluated by comparing the signal characteristic to a dynamic threshold. The dynamic threshold can be redefined after each scan from the statistics of the signal characteristic. The dead zone of a sensor can be reduced by filtering out noise that would otherwise overshadow a signal representing the near-field region of a scene. The noise can be filtered by subtracting a polynomial curve from a time-domain signal representing the scene after fitting the polynomial curve to a representative signal generated based on previous scene scans.

Abstract: Systems and methods for identifying and uniquely displaying ground features (terrain/obstacles) that are shadowed from an aircrafts radar system. An example system includes one or more aircraft information, sources, a database that stores three-dimensional terrain/obstacle data, a display device, and a processor in data communication with the one or more aircraft information sources and the database. The processor receives aircraft position, heading and altitude information from the one or more aircraft information sources. The processor projects a vector in a three-dimensional digital space onto the three-dimensional terrain/obstacle data stored in the database based on the received aircraft position, heading and altitude information to determine if the projected vector intersects more than one terrain feature.

Abstract: A weight calculation method begins by storing a target reflection signal of a radar pulse received via an antenna in cells corresponding to positions along with a reception timing for a plurality of processing range cells having lengths equivalent to prescribed ranges on a time axis. The method continues by calculating weights by stage for the phase and amplitude of the target reflection signal to form a reception composite beam so that arrival directions of spurious elements become zero to an arrival direction of the target reflection signal by using values stored in the plurality of processing cells. The calculating of the weights monitors changes of specific variables indicating correlation values among stages in the plurality of processing stages to stop a shift to the next processing stage at the time when the variables exceed a reference value.

Abstract: A system and a method for monitoring a freight container are provided. The method includes the steps of generating a resonant spectrum representative of an initial condition of internal surfaces and contents of the freight container, and saving the resonant spectrum for future comparison purposes. The method further includes generating a second resonant spectrum and comparing the second resonant spectrum with the initial resonant spectrum to determine whether there has been any tampering with the freight container. The method also includes identifying the contents of the freight container and generating loading diagrams of the contents and using polarity configuration characteristics of the internal surfaces of said freight container to determine whether the contents have moved or been shifted during transport.

Abstract: A Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) avoids the need for an INS/GPS by focusing a SAR image having discernible features and a center. The image is formed from digitized returns, each of the digitized returns having a phase and an amplitude. The focusing steps of an algorithm processing the digitized returns include: computing a coarse range and coarse range rate of the center of the image, motion compensating the digitized returns, converting the digitized returns in polar format into an orthogonal Cartesian coordinate system, autofocusing the image data to obtain a focused image, performing a Fourier transform to obtain a focused image described by the returns, computing an estimated fine range and fine range rate from features contained within the focused image, and converging the fine range and fine range rate within the orthogonal Cartesian coordinate system for use within the azimuth and range coordinate system and motion compensating the digitized returns.

Abstract: Motion compensation for coherent combination of pulses facilitates a SAR image of a scene on earth's surface. A great circle (406) is centered with respect to the earth's center, The great circle (406) has an axis (412) perpendicular to a first plane. Axis (412) passes through the earth's center. The first plane contains great circle (406) and includes the earth's center. Great circle (406) has a first center defined by an intersection of the first plane and axis (412). The scene has one or more radar scatterers and is located on a surface (402). The radar system is mounted on a moving platform (400) moving with a component of motion in a direction along great circle (406). The radar comprises a radar receiver for digitizing the radar returns having a phase from scatterers on surface (402), and a computer for focusing the phase of said radar returns from the scatterers on surface (402).

Abstract: A new differential technique and system for imaging dynamic (fast moving) surface waves using Dynamic Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) is introduced. This differential technique and system can sample the fast-moving surface displacement waves from a plurality of moving platform positions in either a repeat-pass single-antenna or a single-pass mode having a single-antenna dual-phase receiver or having dual physically separate antennas, and reconstruct a plurality of phase differentials from a plurality of platform positions to produce a series of desired interferometric images of the fast moving waves.

Abstract: The present invention includes an application of a dynamic logic algorithm to detect slow moving targets. Show moving targets are going to be moving in the range from 0-5 mph. This could encompass troop movements and vehicles or convoys under rough terrain.

Abstract: A system-of-systems avionics architecture that is compatible with futuristic multi-function multi-platform sensor applications. The method and device of the invention is based on localized “adaptive” waveform and spectrum allocation for ultra-wideband radio frequency and microwave signals. The invention includes a plurality of system platforms with each platform comprising a common radio frequency front end for receiving ultra-wideband signals, a common radio frequency back end for transmitting ultra-wideband signals and a plurality of sensors for exchanging data between platforms.

Abstract: A system and method provide for the collection of interferometric synthetic aperture radar (IFSAR) data. In the system, a first space vehicle configured for emitting electro-magnetic energy and collecting the reflection from a region of interest (ROI), may be directed along a first orbital track. The collected image data may be stored and later provided to a ground station for image and interferometric processing. A second space vehicle may also be configured for emission and collection of electro-magnetic energy reflected from the plurality of ROI's. The second space vehicle is positioned in an aligned orbit with respect to the first space vehicle where the separation between the vehicles is known. In order to minimize decorrelation of the ROI during image processing, the lead and trail satellite are configured to substantially simultaneously emit electromagnetic pulses image data collection.

Abstract: A transceiver or transponder particularly for synthetic aperture radar, or SAR, systems, operating in a frequency band having a central frequency, the transponder comprising a receiver (1) and a transmitter (2) both thermally stable and made by microstrip technology, the receiver (1) and the transmitter (2) being adapted to receive and to transmit, respectively, an electromagnetic wave provided with at least one linear polarisation, the receiver (1) being connected to the transmitter (2) by amplifier means comprising an amplifier unit (5) for each linear polarisation of the wave received by the receiver (1), each amplifier unit (5) including at least two amplifier stages (7, 9, 11) cascade arranged along a single microstrip and interconnected to one another and to an input and to an output of the corresponding amplifier unit (5) by means of coupling or matching stages (6, 8, 10, 12), the output signal of each amplifier unit (5) having substantially the same frequency as the input signal thereto, the amplifier

Abstract: A method of registering reconnaissance image data with map data is disclosed, comprising recording image data at a plurality of positions, together with the role, pitch and height above mean sea level data from an airborne navigation system and imaging system, and recording altitude of a reconnaissance craft from an altimeter; obtaining a difference between said recorded altitude data, and an altitude calculated from said navigation system data and a map data; selecting a difference data having a lowest standard deviation, and at a position of said selected difference data generating a three dimensional surface data using a bi-quadratic equation; generating a bi-quadratic surface of each of a plurality of positions for which data is recorded; generating a difference data between said bi-quadratic surface data, and height data obtained from said map, and minimising an error between bi-quadratic surface data and said height data by translating said position data relative to said map data, until minimum error is

Abstract: A radar system derives a correction for an actual boresight (311) of a radar monopulse antenna mounted on a moving platform from ? data and ? data generated with respect to an a priori known, calibrated boresight (309). The monopulse antenna (602) is coupled to a ground position measuring system (616) while acquiring data. The radar receiver acquires a ? and ? synthetic aperture map of the same radar scattering location with respect to the calibrated boresight. ? SAR data and the ? SAR data are motion compensated using the position and velocity supplied by the ground positioning system. A computer forms a ratio of the aligned ? pixels to the aligned ? pixels for each of a plurality of aligned ? pixels located near the calibrated boresight. The correction for the location of the actual boresight of the monopulse antenna is computed by an analysis of the ratio of aligned ? pixels and corresponding aligned ? pixels over the radar scattering location.

Abstract: A processor that utilizes the presence of harmonic components in a noisy signal environment to enhance the desired frequency spectrum of the signal. Received signal and noise are filtered to separate the harmonic components of the signal. These harmonic components are then combined in a prescribed manner to form a multiplicity of combined signals with varying harmonic content. The combined signals are then further processed to establish a signal detection.

Abstract: A new differential technique for forming optical images using a synthetic aperture is introduced. This differential technique utilizes a single aperture to obtain unique (N) phases that can be processed to produce a synthetic aperture image at points along a trajectory. This is accomplished by dividing the aperture into two equal “subapertures”, each having a width that is less than the actual aperture, along the direction of flight. As the platform flies along a given trajectory, a source illuminates objects and the two subapertures are configured to collect return signals. The techniques of the invention is designed to cancel common-mode errors, trajectory deviations from a straight line, and laser phase noise to provide the set of resultant (N) phases that can produce an image having a spatial resolution corresponding to a synthetic aperture.

Abstract: A system and method for mapping a ground strip having an extended range swath includes a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) mounted on a moving platform. The ground strip is divided into columns that extend from the near-range edge of the ground strip. Each column contains two or more portions and has an azimuthal length equal to the radar's near-range beamwidth, W. Each column is sequentially illuminated while the platform moves through a distance, Lillum, (equal to the near range beamwidth). During column illumination, portions within the column are sequentially mapped by altering the depression angle, &phgr;, of the radar beam. Each portion is SAR mapped using a respective SAR aperture length with the sum of aperture lengths for the column being less than or equal to the distance the platform moves during illumination. The resultant maps are mosaicked together to produce one contiguous SAR map of the ground strip.

Abstract: The microwave measuring device, which preferably operates with microwave bursts, serves to produce a measured value (XH) representing the level of the contents of a vessel (200). It comprises a transceiver unit (2) for generating a level-dependent intermediate-frequency signal (ZF) by means of a transmit signal (S2) and a receive signal (E2), and a transducer element (1) which in operation couples waves (S1), particularly pulsed waves, into the vessel under control of the transmit signal (S2) and converts echo waves (E1) reflected from the contents (201) of the vessel into the receive signal (E2). The intermediate-frequency signal (ZF) is fed to a control unit (3) of the level measuring device where it is stored in the form of a sampling sequence (AF) in a volatile data memory (33). In this manner, both amplitude information and phase information is available for the level measurement. The device is thus capable of measuring level with high accuracy, particularly accurately to a millimeter, and very fast.