Abstract: A flat panel antenna used at a wall in a through-the-wall CW radar application is spaced from the wall by a half wavelength to eliminate the effects of energy reflected by the wall back to the antenna. In one embodiment, a ½-wavelength dielectric absorbing material insert is placed adjacent the flat panel antenna, which allows the flat panel antenna to be pressed against the wall for antenna stabilization, with the index of refraction of the material desirably being 3.

Abstract: A multidimensional sensor data analyzer that includes: discretizing values in multidimensional sensor data at index locations in value surfaces that reside in a multidimensional value space; deriving surface components resulting from the intersection of a geometric beam shape function that describing the sensor beam with the value surfaces; determining minimum-maximum index location limits for the surface components; determining surface component index points by identifying the index locations that are located within the minimum-maximum index location limits for the surface components; and generating a beam value by performing a beam function using the values at the surface component index points.

Abstract: Line locator systems that fuse traditional sensors used in a combined pipe and cable locator (electromagnetic coils, magnetometers, and ground penetrating radar antennas) with low cost inertial sensors (accelerometers, gyroscopes) in a model-based approach are presented. Such systems can utilize inexpensive MEMS sensors for inertial navigation. A pseudo-inertial frame is defined that uses the centerline of the tracked utility, or an aboveground fixed object as the navigational reference. An inertial sensor correction mechanism that limits the tracking errors over time when the model is implemented in state-space form using, for example, the Extended Kalman Filter (EKF) is disclosed.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A radar system for detecting the presence of threat providing electronic manmade devices placed in a given area of operation comprising: a radar transmitter for transmitting a radar signal designated as a probe signal to the given area of operation to cause said threat providing devices to produce anomalous energy signals, a radar receiver for receiving a reflected radar signal from said area of operation including said anomalous energy signals, designated as Target Anomalous Response (TAR) signals, a circuit responsive to the received signal for processing the signal to detect the (TAR) anomalous energy signals indicative of a threat producing device.

Abstract: A sensor head includes a ground penetrating radar (GPR) system and a continuous-wave metal detector (CWMD). The GPR system includes a transceiver configured to transmit radiation toward an object and to receive radiation from the object. The CWMD includes a transmission antenna configured to produce a first magnetic field in the vicinity of the object sufficient to generate a current in the object, and a receive antenna configured to sense a second magnetic field produced by the current generated in the object.

Abstract: An active imaging system for imaging a target is described. The system includes a transmitting unit, a receiving unit, an antenna arrangement coupled to the transmitting unit and/or the receiving unit via a front end unit, and an image processing unit coupled to the receiving unit. The system also includes a control system coupled to the transmitting unit, the receiving unit and/or the image processing unit for controlling operation thereof. The antenna arrangement includes at least one rotating antenna synthetically forming a circular antenna. The image processing unit is configured for creating an image of the object by employing a synthetic aperture radar imaging algorithm.

Abstract: A movable platform has a front end, a back end, a longitudinal axis, and at least one axle oriented generally transverse to the longitudinal axis and located between the front and back ends for supporting wheels of the platform. A position sensor is affixed on the platform at a location other than at a location defined by a plane passing through the axle and normal to the longitudinal axis. The position sensor provides position data as the platform traverses a path. A sensor arrangement is supported by the platform and configured to provide subsurface sensor data as the platform traverses the path. A processor is configured to associate the position data with the sensor data relative to a reference frame and in a manner that accounts for dynamic motion of the platform.

Abstract: A millimeter-wave (MMW) based screening system is provided that may operate with an active sensor, a passive sensor, or in a dual mode using both the active and passive sensors. One or more such sensors are mounted so as to rotate along an axis that passes through a target region of detection, in which a person or object is positioned for screening. A reflector is disposed radially outward from the one or more rotating sensors to reflect MMW radiation between the sensors and the target region. The system may be employed as a portal screening system, and may include a structure having a wall and a roof, for rapidly screening persons for concealed objects. Algorithms may be employed to provide data output that avoids privacy issues.

Abstract: A process is provided to detect an object within a defined region using standing longitudinal cavity mode waves. The process includes disposing first and second electromagnetic reflectors within the region at opposite ends of the axis; transmitting an electromagnetic signal into the region in proximity to the first reflector, measuring a received signal in proximity to the second reflector, extracting an appropriate parameter from the received signal to obtain a received characteristic, comparing the received characteristic to an established characteristic that lacks the object to obtain a characteristic differential, and analyzing the characteristic differential to obtain a position of the object between the reflectors. The analyzing can be performed by Fourier transform across wave modes.

Abstract: The system and method for standoff detection of human carried explosives (HCE) automatically detects HCE (112) up to a range of (200) meters and within seconds alerts an operator to HCE (112) threats. The system (100) has radar only, or both radar and video sensors, a multi-sensor processor (102), an operator console (120), handheld displays (122), and a wideband wireless communications link. The processor (102) receives radar and video feeds and automatically tracks and detects all humans (110) in the field of view. Track data continuously cues the narrow beam radar (118) to a subject of interest (110), (112) the radar (106), (108) repeatedly interrogating cued objects (110), (112), producing a multi-polarity radar range profile for each interrogation event. Range profiles and associated features are automatically fused over time until sufficient evidence is accrued to support a threat/non-threat declaration hypothesis.

Abstract: An imager comprising a sphere of dielectric material and a geodesically configured substrate disposed adjacent said sphere. The geodesically configured substrate comprises a plurality of triangularly shaped elements, at least selected ones of the triangularly shaped elements having an array of detectors disposed thereon, the detectors in the array also being disposed adjacent the dielectric sphere for receiving and detecting incoming electromagnetic waves delivered via said sphere.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a broadband antenna, such as applicable for a low radar cross-section ground penetrating radar. A conductive film is deposited along a dielectric member, such as by sputtering, in such a manner that the impedance of the conducting film is a continuous function of length along the dielectric member. A sampling circuit is then coupled electrically to the feedpoint.

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.

Abstract: Provided is a micropower impulse radar (MIR) pneumothorax detector. The detector includes a processor and a handheld MIR scanner. The handheld MIR scanner includes a device housing, an antenna located within the device housing, circuitry that generates MIR signals, and circuitry that processes received echoes of the MIR signals and provides the processed received echoes to the processor. The processor automatically determines whether a pneumothorax is present based on the processed received echoes of the MIR signals.

Abstract: The invention concerns a navigation device for a mobile robot comprising means for measuring the amplitude and the phase of an electromagnetic signal emitted by a wire acting as limit for a working area of the robot. The measuring means samples the amplitude of the signal during each time interval, the result of each measurement is stored in a memory and the measurements are repeated for several time intervals, the collected results being added in said memories until the content of a memory reaches a reference threshold. The number of samples required and the content of each memory is interpreted by numerical analysis to determine the distance or distance variation relative to said limiting elements. Any phase change corresponding to a passage beyond the limiting wire is easily detected and results for example in a command returning the robot to its working area.

Abstract: A millimeter wave imaging system. The system includes one or more millimeter wave frequency scanning antenna for collecting frequency dependent beams of millimeter wave radiation from a narrow one-dimensional field of view and millimeter wave amplifier components for amplifying the millimeter wave radiation collected by each antenna. The system includes a beam-former that separates the amplified radiation to produce frequency dependent signals corresponding to the frequency dependent beams. The beam-former includes delay lines, a millimeter wave lens, and an array of millimeter wave power detectors for detecting the power in each frequency dependent beam. A sampling circuit reads out the frequency dependent signals to produce a one-dimensional image of the antenna field of view. A two dimensional image of a target may be obtained by moving the target (or having the target move) across the field of view of the scanning antenna or by moving the antenna in order to scan its line of focus over the target.

Abstract: A short range millimeter wave 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.

Abstract: Circularly-polarized antennas and their methods of use for active holographic imaging through barriers. The antennas are dielectrically loaded to optimally match the dielectric constant of the barrier through which images are to be produced. The dielectric loading helps to remove barrier-front surface reflections and to couple electromagnetic energy into the barrier.

Abstract: A system for detecting weapons is provided. The system includes a radar system transmitting electromagnetic radiation, analyzing reflected signals to detect a weapon, and generating reflected signal data. An energy field parameter system receives the reflected signal data and sets a plurality of energy field parameters. An energy field system transmits energy at a location associated with the detected weapon.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a synthetic aperture radar includes an image former coupled to a pair of antennas that are oriented at differing elevational angles relative to one another. The antennas are configured in a land-based vehicle that moves horizontally relative to a target having one or more internal features. The image former receives signals from the antennas that are indicative of electro-magnetic radiation reflected from a target and generates images according to the signals. The image former then generates a final image by filtering the amplitude component of the imagery from a first antenna against the amplitude component of the imagery from a second antenna.

Abstract: An object information acquisition apparatus for acquiring information on the inside of an object includes an electromagnetic wave generation unit capable of outputting a terahertz wave and of changing the output intensity, an irradiation unit that irradiates an electromagnetic wave onto an object, a scanning unit and a detection unit that detects the electromagnetic wave irradiated onto the object. The scanning unit changes the relative positions of the irradiated electromagnetic wave and the object. The detection unit detects the electromagnetic wave transmitted through or reflected by the object as a result of interaction of the object and the electromagnetic wave.

Abstract: The present embodiments relate to irradiating a patient with an irradiation source directed onto the patient, as well as with a radar system for detecting the position of the patient or a part of the patient during the irradiation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method wherein tunable transmitters and detectors (receivers) are integrated into a non-linear detection system and a narrow-band signal having a variable frequency is used. The scanable frequency range should be between 10-100 MHz. The frequency acceptance range for the second and third harmonic is adjusted according to the transmit frequency.

Abstract: The invention relates to a measuring device comprising a transmitter (6) for transmitting (38, 60) a measuring signal (16) that lies within a frequency range, a sensor (8) for receiving (40, 62) an evaluation signal (20) that has been induced by the measuring signal (16) and a control unit (10) for evaluating (42, 66) the evaluation signal (20) to produce a measured result. According to the invention, the function of the control unit (10) is to check the frequency range before the transmission (38, 60) of the measuring signal (16) for the presence of a signal (28) that is independent of the measuring signal (16).

Abstract: A sensor array having a plurality of modulated slots for microwave and/or millimeter wave imaging. The locations of the slots in the array define a spatial domain away from an object for detecting an electric field from the object. Each of the slots outputs a signal representative of the measured field and the location of the slot. A processor decodes the signals and generates an image of the object.

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.

Abstract: An inspection system that can detect contraband items concealed on, in or beneath an individual's clothing. One embodiment relates to a method of generating an image of a person to identify contraband items. The method comprising receiving a first image from a camera, wherein the first image comprises a first depiction of a person and a first indication of at least one contraband item. The method further comprises using the first image, generating a second image comprising a second depiction of the person and a second indication of the at least one contraband item. The second depiction of the person has enhanced privacy with respect to the first depiction of the person.

Abstract: An underwater communication system comprising a transmitter for transmitting information using an electromagnetic and/or magneto-electric transmit antenna and a receiver for receiving information using an electromagnetic and/or magneto-electric receive antenna, at least one of the transmit and receive antennas comprising a plurality of antenna elements which collectively use field superposition and interference to form composite field patterns, beams or shapes and wherein one or both the transmit antenna and receive antenna are underwater.

Abstract: A method for reducing interference signal influences on a high-frequency measurement device, in particular a method for operating a high-frequency position finder, in which an analog measurement signal (22) detected by a receiver unit (23) of the high-frequency measurement device is supplied to at least one analog/digital converter (28) of an evaluation unit for the measurement signal. According to the present invention, the scan rate of the at least one analog/digital converter (28) is varied as a function of an interference signal measurement value correlated with the interference signals.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides an imager, preferably portable, that includes a source of electromagnetic radiation capable of generating radiation with one or more frequencies in a range of about 1 GHz to about 2000 GHz. An optical system that is optically coupled to the source focuses radiation received therefrom onto an object plane, and directs at least a portion of the focused radiation propagating back from the object plane onto an image plane. The imager further includes a scan mechanism coupled to the optical system for controlling thereof so as to move the focused radiation over the object plane. A detector optically coupled to the lens at the image plane detects at least a portion of the radiation propagating back from a plurality of scanned locations in the object plane, thereby generating a detection signal. A processor that is in communication with the detector generates an image of at least a portion of the object plane based on the detection signal.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides an imager, preferably portable, that includes a source of electromagnetic radiation capable of generating radiation with one or more frequencies in a range of about 1 GHz to about 2000 GHz. An optical system that is optically coupled to the source focuses radiation received therefrom onto an object plane, and directs at least a portion of the focused radiation propagating back from the object plane onto an image plane. The imager further includes a scan mechanism coupled to the optical system for controlling thereof so as to move the focused radiation over the object plane. A detector optically coupled to the lens at the image plane detects at least a portion of the radiation propagating back from a plurality of scanned locations in the object plane, thereby generating a detection signal. A processor that is in communication with the detector generates an image of at least a portion of the object plane based on the detection signal.

Abstract: An underwater remote sensing system comprising a transmitter for transmitting an electromagnetic signal, a receiver for receiving an electromagnetic signal reflected from an object and determining means for determining the location of the object, wherein at least one of the transmitter and receiver is underwater. The determining means may be operable to determine the location of the object using signals received at three or more receiver positions. To do this, three or more receiver antennas may be provided. Alternatively, a single receiver antenna may be provided and moved between three or more different measurement locations.

Abstract: A millimeter-wave (MMW) based screening system is provided that may operate with an active sensor, a passive sensor, or in a dual mode using both the active and passive sensors. One or more such sensors are mounted so as to rotate along an axis that passes through a target region of detection, in which a person or object is positioned for screening. A reflector is disposed radially outward from the one or more rotating sensors to reflect MMW radiation between the sensors and the target region. The system may be employed as a portal screening system, and may include a structure having a wall and a roof, for rapidly screening persons for concealed objects. Algorithms may be employed to provide data output that avoids privacy issues.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A multidimensional sensor data analyzer that includes: discretizing values in multidimensional sensor data at index locations in value surfaces that reside in a multidimensional value space; deriving surface components resulting from the intersection of a geometric beam shape function that describing the sensor beam with the value surfaces; determining minimum-maximum index location limits for the surface components; determining surface component index points by identifying the index locations that are located within the minimum-maximum index location limits for the surface components; and generating a beam value by performing a beam function using the values at the surface component index points.

Abstract: An integrated mine detection system includes a ground penetrating metal detector and a ground penetrating radar detector. The integrated mine detection system includes an integrated search device housing a radio-wave transmitter of the radar detector and a coil of the metal detector. The radio-wave transmitter includes an antenna. The integrated search device includes a radio-wave receiver in the form of a pair of receiving antennas.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting surface and subsurface objects is provided. A sweeping mechanism comprising a sensor is connected to a mounting frame. The mounting frame is connected to a motorized host platform. The sweeping mechanism sweeps the sensor according to a predetermined footprint when the motorized host platform either pulls or pushes the mounting frame. A signaling mechanism connected to the sensor produces a signal when the sensor senses an object beneath the surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to the methods and systems for remotely detecting metal items, for example, weapons, concealed in cloths or belongings and may be used in security complexes. The proposed system contains a phased antenna array 1 radiating a continuous frequency-modulated ultra high or super high frequency signal and scanning a controlled space, a receiver 2 of reflected signals, a processor 3, a display 4, and a video camera 5.

Abstract: A ground penetrating radar system is described that is able to create both low frequency, wide pulses, and high frequency, narrow pulses, to enable both deep and shallow operation of the ground penetrating radar on demand, including simultaneous operation.

Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus, system, wearable apparatus and concomitant processing system to detect instants in time at which a cyclically pulsating object within the body of an individual is temporarily quiescent, such an object being the heart, an artery or the lungs. The essence of the invention is the use of a doppler radar motion detector, normally used for vehicular speed detection or the detection of building occupancy. The doppler radar motion detector is arranged to transmit electromagnetic signal towards the object and receive reflected electromagnetic signal from the object, and the apparatus is further arranged to identify the instants in time at which the reflected signal indicates the object is temporarily quiescent. The invention is particularly suitable for ambulatory monitoring of the heart.

Abstract: One preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a system and method for suppressing motion interference in a radar detection system. Briefly described, in architecture, one embodiment of the system, among others, can be implemented as follows. The system includes a signal generator that transmits microwave signals toward a target area. Also, the system includes a data control system to collect data from reflected microwave signals from the target area and to analyze the data in order to suppress unwanted motion interference generated by movement of the radar detection system. Other systems and methods are also provided.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A model-based approach to estimating wall positions for a building is developed and tested using simulated data. It borrows two techniques from geophysical inversion problems, layer stripping and stacking, and combines them with a model-based estimation algorithm that minimizes the mean-square error between the predicted signal and the data. The technique is designed to process multiple looks from an ultra wideband radar array. The processed signal is time-gated and each section processed to detect the presence of a wall and estimate its position, thickness, and material parameters. The floor plan of a building is determined by moving the array around the outside of the building. In this paper we describe how the stacking and layer stripping algorithms are combined and show the results from a simple numerical example of three parallel walls.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Apparatus for scanning a moving object includes a visible waveband sensor 12 oriented to collect a series of images of the object as it passes through a field of view 16. An image processor 14 uses the series of images to form a composite image. The image processor 14 stores image pixel data for a current image and a predecessor image in the series. It uses information in the current image and its predecessor to analyse images and derive likelihood measures indicating probabilities that current image pixels correspond to parts of the object. The image processor 14 estimates motion between the current image and its predecessor from likelihood weighted pixels. It generates the composite image from frames positioned according to respective estimates of object image motion. Image motion may alternatively be detected by a speed sensor such as a Doppler radar 200 sensing object motion directly and providing image timing signals.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A method and system for examining subsurface targets utilizing an elevated or airborne platform. A broad spectrum of frequencies is transmitted from the platform and is directed at the various subsurface targets. A plurality of chirp signals would be utilized to transmit the entire frequency range. These signals are reflected from the various subsurface targets and are received by the platform. The received chirp signals are combined in a manner to allow the visualization of the subsurface target.

Abstract: A vehicle mounted device for producing enhanced images of an underlying roadbed for the roadway on which the vehicle is traveling. The device employs a first RF transmission and second RF transmission communicated through the same individual section of roadbed, to produce two images of the section using software adapted to the task. The two individual images are then combined to yield an enhanced view of the section of roadbed in a third image. Images of sequential adjacent roadbed sections may be stored on a computer and employed to provide a three dimensional image of the underlying roadbed anywhere along the distance traveled and imaged by the device.

Abstract: 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.