Transmission Through Media Other Than Air Or Free Space Patents (Class 342/22)
  • Patent number: 8508402
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system and method for detecting, locating and identifying objects located above ground or below ground in an area of interest, comprising an airborne vehicle which circumscribes the area of interest and which includes a built-in radar having an antenna with a respective transmitter and receiver, signal-processing means, data-storage means and graphical interface means. According to the invention, the area of interest has been pre-referenced and the radar is a heterodyne ground penetration radar (GPR). The signal transmitted by the antenna generates a beam that illuminates a strip of earth, consisting of a sinusoidal electromagnetic signal having a frequency that is varied in precise pre-determined progressive steps. This signal is mixed with the received (reflected) signal, thereby producing two sets of values corresponding to the phases of each frequency step or stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile
    Inventors: Mario Manuel Duran Toro, Marcelo Walter Guarini Herrmann
  • Patent number: 8508403
    Abstract: A method and system for detecting the presence of subsurface objects within a medium is provided. In some embodiments, the imaging and detection system operates in a multistatic mode to collect radar return signals generated by an array of transceiver antenna pairs that is positioned across the surface and that travels down the surface. The imaging and detection system pre-processes the return signal to suppress certain undesirable effects. The imaging and detection system then generates synthetic aperture radar images from real aperture radar images generated from the pre-processed return signal. The imaging and detection system then post-processes the synthetic aperture radar images to improve detection of subsurface objects. The imaging and detection system identifies peaks in the energy levels of the post-processed image frame, which indicates the presence of a subsurface object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC
    Inventors: David W. Paglieroni, N. Reginald Beer
  • Patent number: 8497477
    Abstract: A system and technique for imaging a subject at a scene overcomes the weaknesses in the existing gain fluctuation techniques by switching the environmental temperature at the scene at a rate sufficiently fast enough to obtain subsequent samples in a time period where the gain has not fluctuated sufficiently to have a negative effect on detection sensitivity. This technique is utilized in conjunction with the method of subsequent subtraction of alternate samples which both reveals the reflectance of the scene and removes gain fluctuation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: MVT Equity LLC
    Inventor: Thomas D. Williams
  • Patent number: 8497797
    Abstract: Provided are a two-dimensional array antenna and a device for detecting an internal object using the same. The device includes a plurality of unit antennas in a two-dimensional array of m columns and n rows on a board (where m and n are integers greater than 1), a first switch selecting one or more transmitting antenna to radiate a pulse signal onto an internal object in a structure from among the unit antennas; a second switch selecting one or more receiving antenna to collect a signal reflected from the internal object from among the unit antennas, and a transceiving analysis module analyzing information about the position and shape of the internal object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Electronics and Telecomunication Research Institute
    Inventors: Dae Heon Lee, Sung Hyun Kim, Sang Woo Cho, Ji Eun Choi
  • Patent number: 8482451
    Abstract: A resonant radar reflector assembly comprising first and second reflector members (110A, 110B), the first and second and reflector members each being configured to resonate at their respective resonant frequency when irradiated by radio frequency (RF) radiation of a corresponding frequency, wherein the first member has a portion (114A) responsive to an electric field applied parallel to an electric polarization axis of the first member, the second member having a corresponding portion (114B) responsive to an electric field applied parallel to a corresponding electric polarization axis of the second member, the first member also having a portion (112A) responsive to a magnetic field applied parallel to a magnetic polarization axis of the first member, the second member having a corresponding portion (112B) responsive to a magnetic field applied parallel to a corresponding magnetic polarization axis of the second member, the first and second members being arranged such that at least one electric or magnetic pol
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Isis Innovation Limited
    Inventors: Harvey John Burd, David John Edwards, Christopher John Stevens, Tong Hao
  • Patent number: 8484300
    Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems for providing information regarding a locate and/or marking operation to identify a presence or an absence of at least one underground facility within a dig area. At least one notification indicating a status of the locate and/or marking operation is electronically transmitted and/or stored so as to inform at least one party associated with requesting the operation (a “requesting party,” e.g., an excavator, a property owner, a facility owner, a regulatory authority, a damage investigator, etc.) of the status of the operation. In one aspect, a requesting party may designate a preferred format, content, and/or method of receiving notifications regarding the locate and/or marking operation. In another aspect, a computer-generated GUI is provided to facilitate submission of requests, generation of “virtual white line” images to indicate one or more dig areas on a digital image of a work site, and/or selection of notifications and preferences for same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Certusview Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Nielsen, Curtis Chambers, Jeffrey Farr
  • Patent number: 8482452
    Abstract: A method and system for detecting the presence of subsurface objects within a medium is provided. In some embodiments, the imaging and detection system operates in a multistatic mode to collect radar return signals generated by an array of transceiver antenna pairs that is positioned across the surface and that travels down the surface. The imaging and detection system pre-processes the return signal to suppress certain undesirable effects. The imaging and detection system then generates synthetic aperture radar images from real aperture radar images generated from the pre-processed return signal. The imaging and detection system then post-processes the synthetic aperture radar images to improve detection of subsurface objects. The imaging and detection system identifies peaks in the energy levels of the post-processed image frame, which indicates the presence of a subsurface object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC
    Inventors: David H. Chambers, Jeffrey E. Mast, David W. Paglieroni, N. Reginald Beer
  • Publication number: 20130169466
    Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) metal detector and an electronic article surveillance (EAS) system are disclosed. The RF metal detector in example embodiments transmits an RF signal. A receiver measures the power and phase of the signal as reflected from metallic objects in an interrogation zone. The RF metal detector can be deployed in a combined system that performs multiple functions. For example, the RF metal detector can be integrated with an EAS system that also sends RFID commands and receives RFID responses. In some embodiments the metal detector can discriminate between moving metal objects and stationary metal objects, and/or discriminate between objects in the interrogation zone and objects outside the interrogation zone. An antenna or antennas can be connected in a mono-static or bi-static configuration and the phase and power signals can be either DC-coupled or AC-coupled into the system through a mixer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: CLAIRVOYANT TECHNOLOGY LLC
    Inventor: Thomas J. Frederick
  • Patent number: 8473240
    Abstract: System for controlling a person (P), characterized in that it comprises: a kiosk (10) with an analysis zone (16) destined to accommodate a person (P) to control, a frame (30) disposed inside the kiosk (10), the frame having a hollow (32), a plurality of sensors (31) disposed on the frame (30), each sensor being able to collect information from a portion of the hollow (32) and to generate signals representative of the information, an actuator (20) for translating the frame (30) inside the kiosk (10), a frame envelop (33) being defined by the translation of the hollow (32) when the frame (30) is translated, the analysis zone being included in the frame envelop, a processing unit (60) for analysing the signals generated by each of the plurality of sensors (31) and to detect from the signals the possible presence of searched items within the analysis zone (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Inventor: Alessandro Manneschi
  • Patent number: 8466832
    Abstract: Doppler-inspired methods for signal generation and frequency up-conversion are provided that are compatible with CMOS technology. In accordance with an embodiment, a circuit is provided that includes two input signals that can propagate on artificial transmission lines in opposite directions, resembling the relative movement of source and observer in Doppler frequency shift; and an output signal combiner. By controlling the characteristics of the transmission lines and the input signal frequencies, the harmonic generation of active devices is utilized and combined to provide the desired high-frequency component at the output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Cornell University
    Inventors: Ehsan Afshari, Omeed Momeni
  • Patent number: 8468206
    Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems for providing information regarding a locate and/or marking operation to identify a presence or an absence of at least one underground facility within a dig area. At least one notification indicating a status of the locate and/or marking operation is electronically transmitted and/or stored so as to inform at least one party associated with requesting the operation (a “requesting party,” e.g., an excavator, a property owner, a facility owner, a regulatory authority, a damage investigator, etc.) of the status of the operation. In one aspect, a requesting party may designate a preferred format, content, and/or method of receiving notifications regarding the locate and/or marking operation. In another aspect, a computer-generated GUI is provided to facilitate submission of requests, generation of “virtual white line” images to indicate one or more dig areas on a digital image of a work site, and/or selection of notifications and preferences for same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Certusview Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Nielsen, Curtis Chambers, Jeffrey Farr
  • Publication number: 20130135136
    Abstract: An imaging system and method in which the system carries out the method which includes the steps of: (a) determining an incident field, (b) using the incident field and a volume integral equation (VIE) to determine a total field, (c) predicting voltage ratio measurement at a receiving antenna by using the volume integral equation (VIE), wherein the VIE includes a vector Green's function, (d) collecting voltage ratio measurements from one or more receiving antennas, and (e) comparing the predicted voltage ratio measurements to the collected voltage ratio measurements to determine one or more properties of the object being evaluated. An S-parameter based inverse scattering method using the vector Green's function and VIE as its core is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2012
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
    Inventors: Mark Spencer Haynes, Mahta Moghaddam
  • Patent number: 8451162
    Abstract: In one aspect, a measurement system is disclosed that includes a source of microwave radiation having one or more wavelengths capable of penetrating through a visibly opaque obstruction, e.g., a wall. The source can be movably positioned on one side of the obstruction for illuminating thereof. The system can further include a microwave reflecting element disposed on another side of the obstruction, where the reflecting element is capable of reflecting at least a portion of the radiation transmitted through the obstruction. A plurality of radiation sensors are positioned relative to the obstruction so as to differentially detect at least a portion of the reflected radiation transmitted through the obstruction so as to determine a position of the source relative to the reflective element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Walleye Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David S. Holbrook, Christopher P. Adams
  • Publication number: 20130120182
    Abstract: A Work Area Monitor comprising a radar module mounted on a motorised vehicle. The Work Area Monitor provides early warning of slope failure in a work area by generating an alarm if movement detected in movement data derived from interferometrically processed radar images exceeds a threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: GROUNDPROBE PTY LTD
    Inventors: David Noon, Patrick T. Bellett
  • Publication number: 20130120181
    Abstract: A method and system for detecting the presence of subsurface objects within a medium is provided. In some embodiments, the detection system operates in a multistatic mode to collect radar return signals generated by an array of transceiver antenna pairs that is positioned across a surface and that travels down the surface. The detection system converts the return signals from a time domain to a frequency domain, resulting in frequency return signals. The detection system then performs a singular value decomposition for each frequency to identify singular values for each frequency. The detection system then detects the presence of a subsurface object based on a comparison of the identified singular values to expected singular values when no subsurface object is present.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2011
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC
    Inventors: Aaron T. Hallquist, David H. Chambers
  • Publication number: 20130113649
    Abstract: An apparatus for detecting objects includes a transceiver configured to generate a radar signal, a transmit antenna coupled to the transceiver and configured to emit the radar signal, the radar signal comprising a first circular polarization, and a receive antenna coupled to the transceiver and configured to receive a return signal, the return signal comprising the first circular polarization.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Inventors: Marquette Trishaun, Douglas O. Carlson
  • Publication number: 20130113647
    Abstract: A stepped-frequency radar signal is transmitted through a barrier. A transmitter of the stepped-frequency radar is on a first side of the barrier, a first object is on a second side of the barrier, and a second object that is distinct from the first object is on the second side of the barrier. A signal including a reflection of the transmitted signal from the first object and a reflection of the transmitted signal from the second object is sensed. The sensed signal is analyzed to determine that a first detection is associated with the first object and a second detection is associated with a second object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: L-3 COMMUNICATIONS CYTERRA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Christopher Gary Sentelle, Donald Wright, Felix M. Fontan, Juan Antonio Torres-Rosario
  • Publication number: 20130113648
    Abstract: Detection systems for scanning regions are disclosed. The detection systems may be used to detect various objects that are, for example, buried in the ground or obscured by being hidden on the body of a person. The detection systems include a sensor head having a continuous wave metal detector (CWMD) coil, radar antennas, and a transceiver electrically connected to a radar. The radar includes a transmit antenna configured to transmit electromagnetic radiation, and a receive antenna configured to sense electromagnetic radiation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: L-3 COMMUNICATIONS CYTERRA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Herbert Duvoisin, III, Douglas O. Carlson, Glen A. Holman, Kevin L. Johnson, Waymond Scott, Christopher Gary Sentelle, Geoffrey Solomon, Joshua L. Tabony, Juan Antonio Torres-Rosario, Marquette Trishaun
  • Publication number: 20130106642
    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: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2011
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: RAYTHEON COMPANY
    Inventors: John Louis Tomich, Raymond Samaniego, Jerry Michael Grimm, Leslie Alexander Priebe, Hyong Eall Bang
  • Patent number: 8428615
    Abstract: A method and a device for determining a position of a communication apparatus is provided. To determine a position of a first apparatus a first signal is transmitted from a second apparatus to the first apparatus. A second signal is then transmitted from the first apparatus to the second apparatus as a response to the first signal, the first signal and the second signal being transmitted by way of at least two different mediums. Signal strength of the second signal received by the second apparatus and a transfer time from a first time of transmission of the first signal to a second time of receipt of the second signal are measured. The position of the first apparatus is finally calculated as a function of the measured signal strength of the received second signal and the measured transfer time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Alejandro Ramirez, Christian Schwingenschlögl
  • Publication number: 20130093611
    Abstract: An imaging system (1) comprises a transmitter (3, 6), a receiver (3, 4, 6), an antenna array (2); and a controller (4, 5, 10, 11) for directing the transmitter, the receiver, and the antenna array to scan a volume containing an object. The controller has multiple distributed processors (15) to calculate antenna control pattern data during rim-time. The processor (4, 5) assesses misalignment of antennae using a receiver placed in the imaging volume, and monitors level of energy received by the receiver and compares it with a reference energy level. Also, the controller performs on-the-fly modification of antenna control pattern data according to real time conditions such as mechanical misalignment of the transmitter, the receiver, or of one or more antennas. The controller may generate three-dimensional offset vectors to provide a profile of the offset across the scan volume, and the position of an antenna may be moved to compensate for the mechanical misalignment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2011
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: Smiths Detection Ireland Limited
    Inventors: Michael Crowley, Emil Entchev, Mohammed Ben Abdillah
  • Patent number: 8421668
    Abstract: Active and passive sub-millimeter wave RF and ultrasonic systems can be used to detect a concealed object, such as an object concealed under the clothing of a subject, and identify material properties of the object. A concealed object detection system can include an antenna configured to receive an RF signal in the sub-millimeter wave range, the RF signal having been emitted by an object, a detector configured to convert the RF signal into an electrical signal, a signal integrator configured to integrate the electrical signal and provide an integrated signal over an observation period and a processor configured to extract object information from the integrated signal. An object indication device provides an indication of a detected object and material properties of the detected object based on the extracted object information. The extracted object information can include object image data and object material identification data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Stalix LLC
    Inventor: Danny F. Ammar
  • Publication number: 20130082866
    Abstract: A method of surveying the condition of an underground conduit by positioning a propelled carriage assembly within the underground conduit. The carriage assembly includes (i) at least one transmitter/receiver unit capable of transmitting a pulsed signal toward at least a portion of an inner wall of the conduit, and (ii) a secondary sensor positioned on the carriage assembly. The data derived from the pulsed signal at a given lateral location within an underground conduit is read as is a secondary sensor condition derived from secondary sensor data taken at the given lateral location. Then it is determined whether the secondary sensor condition indicates a basis for a false void detection by the data derived from the pulsed signal and if the basis for false void detection exists, providing an indication of such basis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Inventors: Arun Prakash Jaganathan, Erez N. Allouche
  • Publication number: 20130082860
    Abstract: A method and system for detecting the presence of subsurface objects within a medium is provided. In some embodiments, the imaging and detection system operates in a multistatic mode to collect radar return signals generated by an array of transceiver antenna pairs that is positioned across the surface and that travels down the surface. The imaging and detection system pre-processes the return signal to suppress certain undesirable effects. The imaging and detection system then generates synthetic aperture radar images from real aperture radar images generated from the pre-processed return signal. The imaging and detection system then post-processes the synthetic aperture radar images to improve detection of subsurface objects. The imaging and detection system identifies peaks in the energy levels of the post-processed image frame, which indicates the presence of a subsurface object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Inventors: David W. Paglieroni, David H. Chambers, Steven W. Bond, N. Reginald Beer
  • Publication number: 20130082861
    Abstract: A method and system for detecting the presence of subsurface objects within a medium is provided. In some embodiments, the imaging and detection system operates in a multistatic mode to collect radar return signals generated by an array of transceiver antenna pairs that is positioned across the surface and that travels down the surface. The imaging and detection system pre-processes the return signal to suppress certain undesirable effects. The imaging and detection system then generates synthetic aperture radar images from real aperture radar images generated from the pre-processed return signal. The imaging and detection system then post-processes the synthetic aperture radar images to improve detection of subsurface objects. The imaging and detection system identifies peaks in the energy levels of the post-processed image frame, which indicates the presence of a subsurface object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Inventors: David W. Paglieroni, N. Reginald Beer
  • Publication number: 20130082864
    Abstract: A system that applies attribute and topology based change detection to networks of objects that were detected on previous scans of a structure, roadway, or area of interest. The attributes capture properties or characteristics of the previously detected objects, such as location, time of detection, size, elongation, orientation, etc. The topology of the network of previously detected objects is maintained in a constellation database that stores attributes of previously detected objects and implicitly captures the geometrical structure of the network. A change detection system detects change by comparing the attributes and topology of new objects detected on the latest scan to the constellation database of previously detected objects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Inventors: David W. Paglieroni, N. Reginald Beer
  • Publication number: 20130082856
    Abstract: A method and system for detecting the presence of subsurface objects within a medium is provided. In some embodiments, the imaging and detection system operates in a multistatic mode to collect radar return signals generated by an array of transceiver antenna pairs that is positioned across the surface and that travels down the surface. The imaging and detection system pre-processes the return signal to suppress certain undesirable effects. The imaging and detection system then generates synthetic aperture radar images from real aperture radar images generated from the pre-processed return signal. The imaging and detection system then post-processes the synthetic aperture radar images to improve detection of subsurface objects. The imaging and detection system identifies peaks in the energy levels of the post-processed image frame, which indicates the presence of a subsurface object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Inventors: David W. Paglieroni, N. Reginald Beer, Steven W. Bond, Philip L. Top, David H. Chambers, Jeffrey E. Mast, John G. Donetti, Blake C. Mason, Steven M. Jones
  • Publication number: 20130082859
    Abstract: A method and system for detecting the presence of subsurface objects within a medium is provided. In some embodiments, the imaging and detection system operates in a multistatic mode to collect radar return signals generated by an array of transceiver antenna pairs that is positioned across the surface and that travels down the surface. The imaging and detection system pre-processes the return signal to suppress certain undesirable effects. The imaging and detection system then generates synthetic aperture radar images from real aperture radar images generated from the pre-processed return signal. The imaging and detection system then post-processes the synthetic aperture radar images to improve detection of subsurface objects. The imaging and detection system identifies peaks in the energy levels of the post-processed image frame, which indicates the presence of a subsurface object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Inventors: David W. Paglieroni, N. Reginald Beer
  • Publication number: 20130082858
    Abstract: The classification system represents a detected object with a feature vector derived from the return signals acquired by an array of N transceivers operating in multistatic mode. The classification system generates the feature vector by transforming the real-valued return signals into complex-valued spectra, using, for example, a Fast Fourier Transform. The classification system then generates a feature vector of singular values for each user-designated spectral sub-band by applying a singular value decomposition (SVD) to the N×N square complex-valued matrix formed from sub-band samples associated with all possible transmitter-receiver pairs. The resulting feature vector of singular values may be transformed into a feature vector of singular value likelihoods and then subjected to a multi-category linear or neural network classifier for object classification.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Inventors: David H. Chambers, David W. Paglieroni
  • Publication number: 20130082863
    Abstract: A method and system for detecting the presence of subsurface objects within a medium is provided. In some embodiments, the imaging and detection system operates in a multistatic mode to collect radar return signals generated by an array of transceiver antenna pairs that is positioned across the surface and that travels down the surface. The imaging and detection system pre-processes the return signal to suppress certain undesirable effects. The imaging and detection system then generates synthetic aperture radar images from real aperture radar images generated from the pre-processed return signal. The imaging and detection system then post-processes the synthetic aperture radar images to improve detection of subsurface objects. The imaging and detection system identifies peaks in the energy levels of the post-processed image frame, which indicates the presence of a subsurface object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Inventors: David W. Paglieroni, N. Reginald Beer
  • Publication number: 20130082865
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a sensor head including a continuous wave metal detector (CWMD), a radar, and a transceiver electrically connected to the radar. The radar includes a transmit antenna configured to transmit electromagnetic radiation, and a receive antenna configured to sense electromagnetic radiation. The transceiver is enclosed in a metal housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: L-3 COMMUNICATIONS CYTERRA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Herbert Duvoisin, III, Douglas O. Carlson, Glen A. Holman, Kevin L. Johnson, Waymond Scott, Christopher Gary Sentelle, Geoffrey Solomon, Joshua L. Tabony, Juan Antonio Torres-Rosario, Marquette Trishaun
  • Publication number: 20130082857
    Abstract: A system that detects damage on or below the surface of a paved structure or pavement is provided. A distributed road assessment system includes road assessment pods and a road assessment server. Each road assessment pod includes a ground-penetrating radar antenna array and a detection system that detects road damage from the return signals as the vehicle on which the pod is mounted travels down a road. Each road assessment pod transmits to the road assessment server occurrence information describing each occurrence of road damage that is newly detected on a current scan of a road. The road assessment server maintains a road damage database of occurrence information describing the previously detected occurrences of road damage. After the road assessment server receives occurrence information for newly detected occurrences of road damage for a portion of a road, the road assessment server determines which newly detected occurrences correspond to which previously detected occurrences of road damage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Inventors: N. Reginald Beer, David W. Paglieroni
  • Publication number: 20130082862
    Abstract: A method and system for detecting the presence of subsurface objects within a medium is provided. In some embodiments, the imaging and detection system operates in a multistatic mode to collect radar return signals generated by an array of transceiver antenna pairs that is positioned across the surface and that travels down the surface. The imaging and detection system pre-processes the return signal to suppress certain undesirable effects. The imaging and detection system then generates synthetic aperture radar images from real aperture radar images generated from the pre-processed return signal. The imaging and detection system then post-processes the synthetic aperture radar images to improve detection of subsurface objects. The imaging and detection system identifies peaks in the energy levels of the post-processed image frame, which indicates the presence of a subsurface object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Inventors: David W. Paglieroni, Jeffrey E. Mast, N. Reginald Beer
  • Publication number: 20130076557
    Abstract: Disclosed is a probe for use in a fluid pipeline, comprising: a transmitter for transmitting an RF signal via an antenna (50); a receiver for receiving an RF signal via an antenna; a processor operable to compare the received signal with an expected signal. Also disclosed is a method of assessing the condition of a pipeline by means of a probe located inside the pipeline, comprising the steps of: transmitting an RF signal from the probe; receiving an RF signal at the probe; comparing the received and an expected signal and, based on the result of the comparison, indicating that the pipeline is acceptable or not.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: LIVERPOOL JOHN MOORES UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Andrew Shaw, Ahmed Al-Shamma'a
  • Publication number: 20130076556
    Abstract: A millimeter wave method and apparatus for detecting objects on humans, for example, that might be hidden, for example, under the human's clothing includes an active w-band radiation source to illuminate the human subject; a diffuser on the active illumination source; a receiver to acquire an active mode and a passive mode image; apparatus and methods to minimize background environmental millimeter waves; and a device to form and display a differential image. The resulting differential image may show contraband at high resolution while avoiding display of the human anatomy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2011
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: United States Government, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Kevin A. Boulais, Edward R. Huber, Eric B. McDaniel, Jennifer K. Roames, Nancy A. Breaux, John Thaddeus Seeberger
  • Publication number: 20130071213
    Abstract: An object detection system (24) is disclosed having a transducer (40, 40?) for detecting buried objects (26). The transducer is encapsulated within a robust, electromagnetically transparent construction (42).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Inventors: Erez N. Allouche, Arun Jaganathan, Neven Simicevic
  • Publication number: 20130069814
    Abstract: A radar array comprising a panel, the panel comprising a top side and a bottom side; a plurality of high-frequency antennas coupled into a high-frequency array coupled to the panel; at least one low-frequency resistive vee dipole transmitting antenna; and at least one low-frequency resistive vee dipole receiving antenna, wherein the at least one low-frequency resistive vee dipole transmitting antenna and the at least one low-frequency resistive vee dipole receiving antenna are coupled into a low-frequency array.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Inventors: Jason T. Wolfson, Ali Etebari
  • Patent number: 8400348
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for an airborne biota monitoring and control system are disclosed. Radar and laser/optical sensors are used to detect insects, with detection zones being over water in some embodiments to reduce backscatter clutter. A pest control laser or small autonomous or radio controlled aircraft under automated or human control may be used to disable a targeted flying insect. One embodiment includes use of a head-mounted display for displaying insect targeting information superimposed on a real landscape view. Technologies such as adaptive lens, holographic optical elements, polarized radar and/or laser beams, light amplifiers and light guides, thin disk, spinning disk, or vertical cavity surface emitting lasers enhance performance of the apparatus or reduce cost of the apparatus. Also disclosed are methods of discrimination of insect types using spectral information and dynamic relative variation of spectral intensities at different wavelengths reflected from an insect in flight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Applied Information Movement and Management, Inc.
    Inventors: David Lehmann Guice, Augustus Hammond Green, Jr., William Vaden Dent, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8390504
    Abstract: Electrical properties of concealed dielectric objects, such as the dielectric permittivity, can be deduced from incident, reflected, and transmitted electromagnetic waves in an imaging system. In a confocal arrangement a horn illuminates a reflect array and the reflect array is configured to focus the radiation at an element in the scan volume. The reflections are in turn refocused by a reflect array at the horn aperture. The reflect array is electronically configured to scan the focal point throughout the scan volume in a systematic way. Knowledge of the horn pattern and the scan strategy allows the system to compute the geometry associated with each volume element. Amplitude and phase variations between the object and the surrounding volume and the computed geometry are used to estimate the relative permittivity and thus facilitate categorization of the object using a database of material relative permittivities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Smiths Detection Ireland Limited
    Inventors: Mohammed Ben Abdillah, Brendan Lyons, Emil Entchev
  • Patent number: 8391488
    Abstract: A data encryption and decryption system securely geoencrypts data using location-dependent navigation signals. To increase the entropy of the cryptographic key to guard against a brute-force attack, geoencryption is made to depend on largely time-independent characteristics of the navigation signals that are not easily spoofed, including the time difference of arrival, the envelope-to-cycle difference, the differential signal-to-noise, the signal envelope shape, and the directions of arrival of the navigation signal set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignees: Geocodex LLC, Leland Stanford Junior University
    Inventors: Di Qiu, Sherman Lo, Per Enge, Logan Scott, Dan Boneh, Ron Karpf
  • Publication number: 20130050007
    Abstract: Active and passive sub-millimeter wave RF and ultrasonic systems can be used to detect a concealed object, such as an object concealed under the clothing of a subject, and identify material properties of the object. A concealed object detection system can include an antenna configured to receive an RF signal in the sub-millimeter wave range, the RF signal having been emitted by an object, a detector configured to convert the RF signal into an electrical signal, a signal integrator configured to integrate the electrical signal and provide an integrated signal over an observation period and a processor configured to extract object information from the integrated signal. An object indication device provides an indication of a detected object and material properties of the detected object based on the extracted object information. The extracted object information can include object image data and object material identification data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2008
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: STALIX LLC
    Inventor: Danny F. Ammar
  • Publication number: 20130050008
    Abstract: Described are a method and system for detecting and locating changes in an underground region. Changes are detected using a mobile coherent change detection ground penetrating radar (GPR). The GPR system is located on a mobile platform that makes two more measurement passes over the same route to acquire GPR images of an underground region at different times. A lateral offset between the GPR images for the two different times is determined and applied to one of the GPR images to generate a GPR shifted image that is spatially aligned with the other GPR image using a correlation process or other technique. A GPR difference image is generated from the GPR shifted image and the other GPR image. The GPR difference image includes data representative of changes to the underground region that occurred between the two measurement passes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Robert George Atkins, Justin J. Brooke, Matthew Tyler Cornick, Beijia Zhang
  • Patent number: 8368586
    Abstract: A system includes a multi-system approach to detecting concealed weapons and person borne improvised explosive devices (PBIED). A first and second radar system operate at different center frequencies to provide, respectively, isolation of a target of interest from clutter and fine detail information on the target, such as whether the target is a living person, whether a concealed object may be present, material composition of the object, and shape, size, and position of the target relative to the system. Circular polarized radar beam may be used to distinguish a suspect object from within a crowd of people. Radar image of the object may be overlaid on visual image of a person carrying the object. Radar tracking of the object is coordinated with visual tracking of the target provided by a camera system, with visual display and tracking of the target overlaid with the radar information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Tialinx, Inc.
    Inventors: Farrokh Mohamadi, Mikko Oijala, Mohsen Zolghadri, Paul Strauch
  • Patent number: 8362942
    Abstract: A system and method for detecting entities based on movement can involve transmission circuitry configured to enable transmission of a stepped-frequency radar signal, an antenna, and receiving circuitry configured to generate data including information associated with frequency and phase shifts between the transmitted signal and the reflections of the transmitted signal. The system also can involve a processor configured to analyze the generated data to determine information associated with a moving object located at a side of a wall different than a side of the wall of which the system is located. The analyzing can involve compensating for the effect of motion of the system on the phase shifts between the transmitted signal and the reflections of the transmitted signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: L-3 Communications CyTerra Corporation
    Inventors: James McNeill, Todd MacKey, Tim Dyson
  • Publication number: 20130021192
    Abstract: A millimeter wave energy sensing wand includes a housing adapted to be grasped by a hand of an operator. A number of sensors may be coupled with the housing and include comprising at least one millimeter or terahertz wave energy sensor. A controller coupled with the housing and electrically coupled with the sensors receives signals from the sensors in two or more sensing modes, including an active sending mode and a passive sensing mode, and generates feedback when an anomaly is detected in the received signals. The sensors may also operate in a metal detection sensing mode, and the controller may further generate feedback based on the metal detection sensing mode. The sensors may further be configured to operate in a proximity sensing mode. One or more LEDs may illuminate a portion of a scanning area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2012
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicant: MICROSEMI CORPORATION
    Inventor: Robert Patrick Daly
  • Patent number: 8358234
    Abstract: A system includes a plurality of radar units configured to provide scan data to a network; a signal processing and imaging module connected to the network and configured to receive the scan data, identify a target, and determine a type of the target based on a radar profile of the target; and a display unit in communication with the signal processing and imaging module and configured to provide a tracking display of the target position and type. A method includes scanning an inhabitable area using a plurality of radar detector units to produce scan data; processing the scan data to construct a digitized representation of a target in the inhabitable area; using recovered information of the target to differentiate between a live person, an animal or an object as the target type; and displaying the target type and position on an image display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Tialinx, Inc.
    Inventors: Farrokh Mohamadi, Mikko Oijala, Mohsen Zolghadri
  • Patent number: 8354939
    Abstract: A logging system and method for measuring propped fractures and down-hole subterranean formation conditions including: a radar source; an optical source; an optical modulator for modulating an optical signal from the optical source according to a signal from the radar source; a photodiode for converting the modulated optical signal output from the optical modulator to the source radar signal. A transmitter and receiver unit receives the source radar signal from the photodiode and transmits the source radar signal via at least one antenna attached to the casing and in communication with at least one photodiode into the formation and receives a reflected radar signal. A mixer mixes the reflected radar signal with the source radar signal to provide an output. This can describe fractures connected to the wellbore and differentiate between the dimensions of the two vertical wings of a propped fracture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Momentive Specialty Chemicals Inc.
    Inventors: Robert R. McDaniel, Michael L. Sheriff, Eric E. Funk, Ethan A. Funk
  • Patent number: 8350747
    Abstract: A surveillance system is disclosed. In some embodiments, the surveillance system may include at least one controller adapted to control operation of first and second screening apparatus and to produce image data and screening data, to relate the image data to the screening data, and to produce relational information data from the related image data and screening data. In some embodiments, the system may include a first screening apparatus adapted to screen a subject in a subject position, a second screening apparatus adapted to screen the subject in the subject position, and a controller adapted to produce first and second screening data from the first and second screening apparatus, respectively, relate the first and second screening data, and to produce relational information data from the related first and second screening data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: L-3 Communications Security and Detection Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul DeLia, Scott T. Trosper, Thomas E. Breen, John J. Reilly, Paul J. Hurd, Michael J. Lanzaro, Maya M. Radzinski, Thomas W. Grudkowski, Edward E. Bromberg, Joseph Carter
  • Patent number: 8345918
    Abstract: A method of surveilling a subject including a person's body may include or an imaging system may provide interrogating the subject with electromagnetic radiation, and generating, from the interrogating, image data representative of at least a first image of at least a portion of the person's body. In some examples, a first portion of the body may be identified, and a first feature of the image may be determined based at least partially on the identified portion of the body. In some examples, the orientation of the person's body may be determined from one or more features of one or more image portions. In some examples, a portion of the image of the person's body may be replaced with a substitute image portion that may be a modified portion of the first image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: L-3 Communications Corporation
    Inventor: Michael Fleisher
  • Patent number: 8330642
    Abstract: A high resolution imaging system is used to detect and locate targets using time reversal in rich scattering environments, where the number of scatterers is significantly larger than the number of antennas. Our imaging system performs two major tasks by time reversal: clutter mitigation and target focusing. Clutter mitigation is accomplished through waveform reshaping to suppress the clutter returns. After the suppressed clutter is subtracted from the returned signal, a second time reversal for target focusing is performed. A final image is then obtained by beamforming.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Carnegie Mellon University
    Inventors: Yuanwei Jin, Jose′ M. F. Moura