Abstract: To depict test objects using electromagnetic waves, particularly to check people for suspicious articles, an apparatus is provided having: an antenna which emits electromagnetic waves, particularly millimetric waves, means for concentrating the emitted waves in three dimensions, and means for manipulating the waves at the point of high concentration such that this point serves as a moving virtual antenna for SAR evaluation. Whereby the means for three-dimensional concentration contain a rotatably mounted, focusing or defocusing, quasi-optical element and the means for manipulating the waves at the point of high concentration contain a reflector. In accordance with the invention, the quasi-optical element and the reflector are rotatably mounted about a common rotary axis and at the same angular velocity.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sensing a target through a wall or obstruction by a Moving Target Indicator (MTI) radar sensor. In an exemplary embodiment, a series of radar pulses are transmitted at frequencies less than about 5 GHz. Radar return signals are received at a plurality of receive antenna array subapertures. The radar return signals are processed by a digital beamformer to form multiple beams. Target detection processing detects moving and stationary targets through a plurality of parallel target detection signal processing paths.

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: A method for processing radio frequency reflections is provided. The method applies an RF waveform to a transmission line that is a conductor used for providing a utility service. The method uses a RF waveform generator to transmit UltraWideband (UWB) RF waveforms through the conductors of a building. The RF waveforms are emitted at emission points that can be impedance discontinuities along the transmission line or impulse radios. The emitted RF waveforms reflect off of objects in the building and are received at reception points that can be impedance discontinuities or impulse radios. These reflections are processed to determine movement of objects within or near the building. Based on the reflections of the RF waveforms, the position of the objects within or near the building can be determined.

Abstract: A hybrid ground penetrating radar (GPR)/metal detector (MD) head includes a V-dipole GPR antenna and transmit and receive MD coils. One of the MD coils is arranged in a quadrupole configuration with a crossbar, and the V-dipole antenna is perpendicular to the crossbar. The legs of the V-dipole antenna may straddle the crossbar or may be on one side of the crossbar. The MD coils may be fabricated on a printed circuit board, which may be at a non-normal angle with respect to a central axis of the V-dipole antenna.

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 system for detecting the amplitude of radio frequency energy includes: an antenna for receiving the radio frequency energy; a modulator, responsive to a reference frequency signal, for pulse modulating the received radio frequency energy at the reference frequency; a detector for converting such pulse modulated signal to a detector output signal having a low frequency component representative of the amplitude of the received radio frequency energy, in summation with DC bias current, and a high frequency component at the reference signal; and a high pass or band pass filter fed for the detector output signal for passing the high frequency components and for removing the low frequency component. A phase detector, with or without a subsequent IF amplifier, is fed by the reference frequency and the high frequency components for producing an output representative of the high frequency components.

Abstract: A method of detecting position of a moving RFID tag relative to an antenna, includes continually receiving a signal from the RFID tag at the antenna. The phase of the received signal over a time period is detected and, based on a maximum detected phase, the position of the RFID tag relative to the antenna is detected.

Abstract: A three-dimensional imaging radar operating at high frequency e.g., 670 GHz radar using low phase-noise synthesizers and a fast chirper to generate a frequency-modulated continuous-wave (FMCW) waveform, is disclosed that operates with a multiplexed beam to obtain range information simultaneously on multiple pixels of a target. A source transmit beam may be divided by a hybrid coupler into multiple transmit beams multiplexed together and directed to be reflected off a target and return as a single receive beam which is demultiplexed and processed to reveal range information of separate pixels of the target associated with each transmit beam simultaneously. The multiple transmit beams may be developed with appropriate optics to be temporally and spatially differentiated before being directed to the target. Temporal differentiation corresponds to a different intermediate frequencies separating the range information of the multiple pixels.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a synthetic aperture radar includes a back projection processor that is configured to receive multiple return signals from the radar as the radar is moved with respect to an object, wherein the return signals are representative of electro-magnetic radiation reflected from the object. The back projection processor generates a dynamic image of one or more internal features of the object from the return signals by varying a squint angle of the plurality of return signals in which the squint angle varied by modifying a back projection filter. Once generated, the back projection processor displays the dynamic image on a display.

Abstract: A step frequency inverse synthetic aperture radar (ISAR) includes a transmitter configured to transmit a transmission pulse at a transmission frequency to a near earth object (NEO), the transmission frequency having a frequency range comprising a starting frequency, an ending frequency, and a step size; a receiver configured to receive a pulse response from the NEO, the pulse response corresponding to the transmission pulse; and a computer configured to determine a 3-dimensional image of the interior of the NEO from the pulse response.

Abstract: An explosive detection system includes an unmanned vehicle and a manned vehicle. The unmanned vehicle includes a reflector. The manned vehicle includes a ground penetrating radar. The manned vehicle also includes electronics configured to process radar signals that are reflected by the reflector to detect an explosive device. The manned vehicle follows the unmanned vehicle.

Abstract: An unsynchronized acoustic or radio-frequency (RF) computed tomography (CT) imaging system with matched, but independent, continuous wave (CW) transmitters and receivers configured to radiate acoustic or RF transmissions in a plurality of vector paths through solid geologic material. A computer calculates and displays tomographic images constructed from individual acoustic or RF path signal travel time or attenuation measurements logged from registered locations from the CW transmitters and receivers after their being shuttled amongst a number of different transmitter and receiver perspectives available around said geologic material to generate data necessary for computed tomography. Each of the transmitters and receivers include independent unsynchronized crystal oscillators rated at 10-ppm or better frequency uncertainty to produce and to detect CW radio frequency (RF) transmissions.

Abstract: A self-calibrating magnetic field monitor is disclosed. In one embodiment, a magnetic field sensor repeatedly generates an electronic signal related to the magnetic field. In addition, a calibration module generates a relative baseline signal based on an average value of the electronic signals for a given time period. A comparator compares the electronic signal with the relative baseline signal and generating an output signal if a difference in the comparing is greater than or equal to a threshold.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosed technology comprise an air-launched antenna system with interference-rejection technology that operates in analog hardware as well as by way of a digital filtering technique. Using an inline analog hardware filter combined with a digital filter, to determine transversal (and/or recursive) coefficients, in a calibration phase, a measurement system may be configured to remove interference and the effects (such as a delay or temperature variation) which result from use of an analog filter. In this manner, the resulting measurements of a composition of road surface are more accurate and useful.

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: The invention relates to a method for detection of motion of the surface of an object by means of a detection device, the object being stationary during a detection process, and situated in a space on the opposite side of a wall in relation to the detection device, and having a relative dielectric constant ?r greater than 1.1. The method comprises steps of transmitting radar signals and receiving radar signals reflected by the object, and if a motion has been detected, in addition visualising the motion in a three-dimensional combined radar model and data model. The invention also relates to a detection device for carrying out the method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a radar tomography apparatus and method for determining one or more material properties of an object at a first number of positions distributed within a region of interest of said object.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosed technology comprise a ground penetrating radio device and methods of use for obtaining greater resolution. This is achieved by measuring the composition/reflection off a homogeneous material (e.g., metal plate), determining coefficients to correct the measured/reflection in order to make the measurements look like an idealized reference signal, and then using these coefficients in a digital filter to correct measurements/a reflection off a heterogeneous material, such as a road surface. In this manner, the composition of the heterogeneous material is determined with greater accuracy.

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: 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: There are provided a through-the-obstacle radar system and method of operating thereof comprising recording signals and/or derivatives thereof collected during a certain substantial monitoring period, and using the recorded information for generating patterns informative of a monitoring scene. There are further provided a method of motion detection based on through-the-obstacle radar and the system thereof.

Abstract: A rich-media system allows a user to illustrate damage and request payment in accordance with an insurance policy or another arrangement. The rich-media system includes network servers that may operate and appear to remote client applications and remote computers as if the network servers were a single computer. A damage indicator tool resident to one of the network servers enables a remote user to visually illustrate damage to an item through a rich-media application. The damage indicator may support a relative pointing device and an absolute pointing device. An incident animator tool linked to the damage indicator tool in some rich media systems enables the remote user to visually recreate an event in a second rich media application. An optional scheduler linked to the incident animator tool and the damage indicator tool may enable the remote user to schedule an appointment to have the damage inspected or repaired.

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 beat-product radio imaging method (RIM) system uses a matched continuous wave (CW) transmitter and receiver to electronically image material in between. Signal attenuation measurements are taken from a number of different transmitter and receiver perspectives around the material. The transmitter and receiver each have a crystal oscillator rated at 10-ppm or better frequency uncertainty. The receiver's crystal oscillator is used as a local oscillator to beat down the transmitter's carrier frequency to baseband. The frequency error between the local oscillator and the transmitter carrier frequencies produces a beat product of less than one Hertz in frequency and its magnitude is inversely proportional to the path attenuation between the transmitter and receiver. An extremely low-pass filter is used to remove everything above one Hertz in the detector. The receiver sensitivity is therefore extraordinarily high.

Abstract: A system includes a radar unit configured to provide raw data from scanning an exterior of a structure; and a signal processing and imaging module configured to: process the raw data into markers of interior locations of the structure; and display an image of interior structural features based on the markers. A method includes: scanning a building structure from the exterior of the structure using a radar unit to provide raw data; processing the raw data into markers of interior locations of the structure; estimating locations of interior structural features of the structure from the markers; and displaying an image of the interior structural features.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system to remotely acquire information from volumes in a snowpack and to analyze the information are disclosed. Electromagnetic energy is transmitted remotely to a region of interest in a snowpack and data about reflections are processed to determine reflection values for different volumes within the snowpack. The frequency of the transmit signal is modulated and the positions from which energy is transmitted and received are changed to create a two-dimensional synthetic aperture that allows reflections from three-dimensional volumes to be discriminated and resolved. The electromagnetic energy is transmitted to ensure that it arrives at the snowpack at shallow grazing angles to maximize returns from volumes in the snow and to minimize boundary reflections from the ground.

Abstract: A movement detection system includes a microwave antenna able to transmit microwave frequency signals into a space. An electronics controller is connected to the microwave antenna, and is configured to continually measure the impedance of the microwave antenna while it transmits microwave frequency signals into the space. An interpretive device is connected to receive impedance measurements from the electronics controller, and is configured to interpret and report changes in the magnitude and phase angles of individual impedance measurements as the passing of things and their direction through the space.

Abstract: A passive detection device is disclosed comprising a plurality of antennas, receivers, and a digital beamformer, wherein the antennas and receivers are adapted to receive radiation of millimeter wavelengths from a near field region, to process and digitize it. The beamformer is adapted to process the received information and to generate static image information relating to the region. An indication means is provided to indicate the presence of objects of interest. The beamformer is preferentially adapted to generate information simultaneously in a plurality of planes at different distances from the apparatus. The indication means may comprise an array of pixels along the length of the apparatus to display image information, and may use the multi-planar information to construct images of the region comprising data from a plurality of planes. The invention has utility in security scanning applications such as at airports or other locations where security detection equipment is employed.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method of detecting, locating, and suppressing electronic devices, specifically IEDs. This RF emission measurement device in some embodiments can also be considered a system for RF emission measurement, location, and suppression. In some embodiments the apparatus comprises a high sensitivity receiver for receiving and analyzing electronic emissions. In other embodiments the apparatus comprises a high sensitivity receiver and an electromagnetic source for illuminating, and/or suppressing an electromagnetic device. The electromagnetic source could be any electromagnetic emitter known in the art, for example a magnetron or an adjustable wideband electromagnetic emitter.

Abstract: A beat-product radio imaging method (RIM) system uses a matched continuous wave (CW) transmitter and receiver to electronically image material in between. Signal attenuation measurements are taken from a number of different transmitter and receiver perspectives around the material. The transmitter and receiver each have a crystal oscillator rated at 10-ppm or better frequency uncertainty. The receiver's crystal oscillator is used as a local oscillator to beat down the transmitter's carrier frequency to baseband. The frequency error between the local oscillator and the transmitter carrier frequencies produces a beat product of less than one Hertz in frequency and its magnitude is inversely proportional to the path attenuation between the transmitter and receiver. An extremely low-pass filter is used to remove everything above one Hertz in the detector. The receiver sensitivity is therefore extraordinarily high.

Abstract: Concealed object detection using electromagnetic and acoustic multistatic imaging systems and methods. A method of simultaneously screening plural subjects for concealed objects includes transmitting a signal into a screening area where there is at least one subject to be screened having an associated object, receiving a reflected signal from the object when the object is located within the screening area, processing the reflected signal using multistatic Fourier space sampling and tomographic reconstruction to generate a three-dimensional image of the object and displaying the three-dimensional image. The transmitting and receiving are performed using a multi-directional array including at least three sensors. An object detection system includes a screening area, a multi-directional array including at least three sensors, a processor configured to execute multistatic Fourier space sampling and tomographic reconstruction and a display.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transmitting beams of electromagnetic energy. A plurality of beams having a first number of frequencies and a number of beams having a second number of frequencies are transmitted. The plurality of beams and the number of beams overlap each other at an area with a pattern of intensities in the area. Difference frequency signals having a number of difference frequencies equal to a difference between the first number of frequencies and the second number of frequencies are monitored. The difference frequency signals are generated by an object having non-linear electrical characteristics in response to receiving the plurality of beams and the number of beams.

Abstract: A method for determining a phase constant for a dielectric medium is provided. The method includes deploying a calibration object with a known free-space spectral response within a dielectric medium of interest, determining the spectral response of the calibration object deployed in the dielectric medium, and determining the phase constant for the dielectric medium using a relationship between the free-space spectral response of the calibration object and the spectral response of the calibration object when deployed in the dielectric medium.

Abstract: A millimeter wave imaging apparatus includes: an imaging device including a plurality of millimeter wave sensors that are arranged in a planar manner and receive millimeter waves radiated from a subject to detect signal levels thereof; a temperature sensor that detects a temperature of the imaging device; a storage device that stores, with respect to the each of the millimeter wave sensors, temperature characteristics data indicating a relationship between the temperature detected by the temperature sensor and the output from the millimeter wave sensor; and an image data generation device that obtains a deviation of an output from the each of the millimeter wave sensors from reference temperature characteristics based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor and the temperature characteristics data stored by the storage device, corrects the output from the each of the millimeter wave sensors based on the deviation, and thereby generates the image data.

Abstract: In a CW radar system for detecting motion behind a wall involving modulation of the radar transmission, means are provided to interrupt the CW wave when motion is detected and to use the same radar transmitter to transmit a serial digital message to a remote monitoring receiver. The encoding can include a receiver wakeup message to turn on the receiver only when motion has been detected. In one embodiment, a microprocessor is used to detect when motion exists behind a wall and to provide a tailorable message to modulate the radar's transmitter in the period when the CW signal from the radar is turned off after motion detection.

Abstract: A method for determining a phase constant for a dielectric medium is provided. The method includes deploying a calibration object with a known free-space spectral response within a dielectric medium of interest, determining the spectral response of the calibration object deployed in the dielectric medium, and determining the phase constant for the dielectric medium using a relationship between the free-space spectral response of the calibration object and the spectral response of the calibration object when deployed in the dielectric medium.

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 radar array linearly traverses an area of ground. Additional radar elements fore and aft of the array detect changes in elevation and orientation of the array. These elements act as a preview for the height changes due to ground variation. Any variation in height that is not detected by these fore and aft-mounted elements is thus due to variation in radar elevation and/or orientation and can be subtracted from the resulting data without introducing distortion. Correction factors are applied to the range data returned from each element in the array, which normalizes the data and makes it appear as if the array did not change orientation or elevation.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosed technology comprise a ground penetrating radio device and methods of use for obtaining greater resolution. This is achieved by measuring the composition/reflection off a homogeneous material (e.g., metal plate), determining coefficients to correct the measured/reflection in order to make the measurements look like an idealized reference signal, and then using these coefficients in a digital filter to correct measurements/a reflection off a heterogeneous material, such as a road surface. In this manner, the composition of the heterogeneous material is determined with greater accuracy.

Abstract: A biometric radar system and method for identifying a person's positional state are generally described herein. The biometric radar may phase adjust a sequence of radar return signals received through two or more receive antennas to remove at least some phase noise due to the stationary objects. The biometric radar may also segment the phase adjusted radar return signals into a plurality of multi-resolutional Doppler components. Each multi-resolutional Doppler component may be associated with one of a plurality of biometric features. The biometric radar system may also combine and weight the segmented radar returns for each biometric feature to generate weighted classifications for a feature extraction process.

Abstract: The housing of a portable radar unit includes features for providing positioning of auxiliary handles between a first position and a second position, in which: the first position places the auxiliary handles in a position to act as handgrips in conjunction with integral handles and the second position places the auxiliary handles at an angle to the integral handles, so that the radar unit can be held with one hand and supported by a forearm of the same hand. Rotation of each auxiliary handle about a pivot moves the auxiliary handle between the first position and the second position; and a friction mechanism resists the rotation so that the auxiliary handle tends to stay in position until purposefully moved. The housing also includes internal space for housing a radar antenna, a reflector, and a mechanism for adjusting distance between the reflector and the antenna for tuning performance of the antenna.

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.

Abstract: A package, wireless sensor module, wireless sensor node and wireline sensor node are disclosed including a radar configured to embed beneath vehicles in pavements, walkways, parking lot floors and runways referred to herein as in ground usage. An access point interfacing to at least one of the sensors is disclosed to provide traffic reports, parking reports, landing counts, takeoff counts, aircraft traffic reports and/or accident reports based upon the sensor's messages regarding the radar and possibly magnetic sensor readings. A runway sensor network is disclosed of radar sensors embedded in lanes of at least one runway for estimating the landing count and/or takeoff count effect of aircraft.

Abstract: A series of scans is generated for a subsurface and a derivative image is created using the series of subsurface images. One or more tests are performed on the derivative image, and a subsurface object is detected based on the one or more tests. A sensor is configured to generate a series of scans for a subsurface and a processor is coupled to the sensor. The processor is configured to execute stored program instructions that cause the processor to generate a series of images of the subsurface using the series of scans, create a derivative image using the series of subsurface images, perform one or more tests on the derivative image, and detect a subsurface object based on the one or more tests.

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: A through-wall imaging device having antenna elements for transmitting and receiving signals adapted to pass through a wall for imaging objects therebehind, having a base with a carrier portion and a plurality of spaced-apart extensions connected thereto. At least a portion of the antenna elements are mounted on the extensions. The area between adjacent extensions is free of any material of the base at least when the extensions are in an operative state.

Abstract: A system for inspecting an underground conduit from within comprises a data acquisition subsystem configured to be placed within the conduit and to move along at least a portion of the conduit to obtain data regarding the conduit. The system comprises a data storage subsystem configured to be placed within the conduit and to move along the conduit. The data storage subsystem receives and stores at least a portion of the data from the data acquisition subsystem for retrieval after the data acquisition subsystem has moved along the conduit.

Abstract: A target is sensed by an antenna array having a transmitter antenna and a receiver antenna, both of which are caused to be electromagnetically coupled to the target. The antenna array is rotated, and as the array rotates, a change in at least one of the coupling between the transmitter antenna and the target and the coupling between the receiver antenna and the target is detected at multiple rotational orientations of the antenna array.

Abstract: A radar system includes at least one transmit array comprising a plurality of metamaterial elements. The radar system further includes at least one near-field stimulator for inputting electromagnetic signal to the transmit array so that a sub-wavelength target is illuminated with an electromagnetic wave.