Abstract: A method for centrally aligning a robot with an electronic device, including: transmitting, with at least one transmitter, a first signal; receiving, with a first receiver and a second receiver, the first signal; detecting, with a controller coupled to the first receiver and the second receiver, the robot is centrally aligned with the electronic device when the first receiver and the second receiver simultaneously receive the first signal, wherein a virtual line passing through a center of the robot and a center of the electronic device is aligned with a midpoint between the first receiver and the second receiver; and executing, with the robot, a particular movement type when the robot is aligned with the electronic device.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for state detection, the apparatus for state detection includes one or more charge sensing elements arranged on a terminal, a charge collection circuit connected to the charge sensing element, and a state detection module connected to the charge collection circuit, the charge collection circuit is configured to generate charge and radiate the charge out through the charge sensing element, and collect reflected charge from each of the charge sensing elements to generate an induced charge value of the charge sensing element, and output the induced charge value of each of the charge sensing elements to the state detection module; the state detection module is configured to determine a state of the terminal according to the induced charge value.

Abstract: Methods for utilizing virtual boundaries with robotic devices are presented including: positioning a boundary component having a first receiver pair to receive a first robotic device signal substantially simultaneously by each receiver of the first receiver pair from a first robotic device only when the first robotic device is positioned along a first virtual boundary; operating the first robotic device to move automatically within an area co-located with the first virtual boundary; transmitting the first robotic device signal by the first robotic device; and receiving the first robotic device signal by the first receiver pair thereby indicating that the first robotic device is positioned along the first virtual boundary.

Abstract: The various embodiments herein provide a Uniform Circular Displaced Sensor Array (UC-DSA) system and method for measuring/estimating Direction of Arrival (DOA) of a wireless signal. The UC-DSA system comprises at least a set of two circular antenna arrays. The two circular antenna arrays have a number of elements. A Radio frequency (RF) receiver captures a wireless signal incident on a circular antenna array. A Direction of Arrival (DOA) estimator processes a received input signal and a Triangulation system provides the exact location of the source of the wireless signal. The two circular antenna arrays with the same number of elements are placed on different radii, and are shifted to have equal separation between inner elements and outer elements.

Abstract: A wireless communication method and apparatus are provided for selecting quality-reporting sub-carrier bands based on sub-carrier band quantity information received from a base station. The method includes generally four steps. First, from a base station, information indicating quantity of sub-carrier bands is acquired. Second, channel quality of each of a plurality of sub-carrier bands within a communication band is measured from a received signal. Third, sub-carrier bands are selected from the plurality of sub-carrier bands, wherein quantity of the selected sub-carrier bands corresponds to the quantity of sub-carrier bands indicated by the acquired information. Fourth, information indicating channel quality of the selected sub-carrier bands is reported to the base station.

Abstract: A reception device includes a receiver, a direction detector, a location information acquisition component and a location calculator. The receiver receives broadcast signals sent from transmission towers, respectively. The direction detector detects reception directions of the broadcast signals. The location information acquisition component acquires location information indicating locations where the transmission towers are installed, respectively. The location calculator selects at least three of the transmission towers, estimate at least two estimated areas in which the reception device is located with each of the at least two of the estimated areas being estimated based on the reception directions of the broadcast signals of two of the at least three of the transmission towers and the location information of the two of the at least three of the transmission towers, and calculate a location of the reception device based on the at least two of the estimated areas.

Abstract: An incoming direction estimation apparatus estimates an incoming direction of a radar wave using three or more sensors or antennas simultaneously. An arithmetic expression for estimating an incoming direction of a radar wave is configured as sin?1((1/2?a)*tan?1b). The “a” is d/? determined by an antenna interval and by a wavelength ? of a carrier, or such, carrying the radar wave. A simultaneous use of three antennas makes it possible to set the a as a value depending on a value d0=a0? based on the interval between first antennas and value d1=a1? based on the interval between second antennas. Therefore, if a wide field of vision of an incoming direction is needed, it is only necessary to adjust (d1?d0)/?=(a1?a0), in place of the absolute interval of antennas a=d/?, thereby making it possible to lessen a limitation on the design of antennas and set a field of vision of the incoming direction appropriately.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for installing a positioning system, the positioning system comprising two or more base stations (BS1 to BS4), and comprises the steps of; collocating the base stations (BS1 to BS4); quantifying any lack of synchronization between the clocks of the base stations; relocating one or more of the base stations (BS2? to BS4?) to their fixed, operational positions and measuring the time of flight of a signal from each of the relocated base stations; determining from the time of flight and quantified lack of synchronization data the relative separation of the base stations (BS1, BS2? to BS4?) and hence the configuration of the installed positioning system, and recording the configuration of the installed positioning system.

Abstract: A signal incoming direction estimation apparatus is constructed so as to comprise a sensor array having plural sensors and the impedance of each of the sensors being set to a predetermined value, respectively, and a variable impedance adjustment means having a variable impedance, being selectively connected to any one of the sensors of the sensor array, and controlling the current distribution of each of the above-mentioned sensors. Due to this, it becomes possible for the signal incoming direction estimation apparatus to carry out a beam scan only by manipulating at least one impedance without simultaneously manipulating all of the sensor impedances and thereby a high-speed beam scan (directional control) becomes possible.

Abstract: A system adjusts a receiving device in response to sensing symbols. An automatic gain control is adjusted in response to receiving a first symbol of a data unit from a first antenna. After adjusting the automatic gain control at least a second and a third symbol of the data unit are received. The automatic gain control in response to receiving a fourth symbol of the data unit from a second antenna is received. After adjusting the automatic gain control at least a fifth and a sixth symbol of the data unit is received. At least one of the first and second antenna is selected based upon a function of a first and second energy, calculated using the second and third symbol, and the fifth and sixth symbol, respectively.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a method of positioning antennas with sectorization in a data transmission system. The method makes it possible to search, by successive approximations, for the sector of each antenna allowing optimal reception of the information. The search step is repetitive.

Abstract: A wireless ranging system includes a first wireless unit and a second wireless unit spaced therefrom. The first wireless unit may include a time-of-arrival (TOA) wireless transmitter, and a near-field electromagnetic (NFE) wireless transmitter having a settable operating frequency. The second wireless unit may include a TOA wireless receiver cooperating with the TOA wireless transmitter, a NFE wireless receiver cooperating with the NFE wireless transmitter, and a ranging processor cooperating with the TOA wireless receiver. The ranging processor may generate a range estimate between the first and second wireless units, and generate an estimated operating frequency for the NFE wireless transmitter based upon the range estimate. The ranging processor may also generate a range window for the TOA wireless receiver via the ranging processor cooperating with the NFE wireless receiver, and use the range window with the TOA wireless receiver to generate a range estimate between the first and second wireless units.

Abstract: A method for determining direction of transmission using an antenna array having a number of panels is disclosed. Each panel is configured to receive signals. According to one aspect of the method, each of the panels is directed to receive signals from a transmitting node. For each panel, a first table having data representing received signal power difference between the panel and a first neighboring panel and a second table having data representing received signal power difference between the panel and a second neighboring panel are built. The panel with the maximum received power is identified. For the identified panel, a first gain table and a second gain table corresponding to its first and second neighboring panels are searched to identify a first transmission angle and a second transmission angle, if any. A transmission angle relative to the transmitting node is determined using the first and second transmission angles.

Abstract: A method for determining direction of transmission using an antenna array having a number of panels is disclosed. Each panel is configured to receive signals. According to one aspect of the method, each of the panels is directed to receive signals from a transmitting node. For each panel, a first table having data representing received signal power difference between the panel and a first neighboring panel and a second table having data representing received signal power difference between the panel and a second neighboring panel are built. The panel with the maximum received power is identified. For the identified panel, a first gain table and a second gain table corresponding to its first and second neighboring panels are searched to identify a first transmission angle and a second transmission angle, if any. A transmission angle relative to the transmitting node is determined using the first and second transmission angles.

Abstract: A configurable directional antenna includes a center antenna element, a plurality of second antenna elements, and a switch matrix. Each second antenna element, together with the center antenna element, defines an antenna sector. A first portion of the second antenna elements is disposed at an inner radius around the center antenna element. A second portion of the second antenna elements is disposed at an outer radius around the first portion antenna elements. Each antenna sector comprises one of the radially inner antenna elements, one of the radially outer antenna elements, and a conductor extending between the one radially inner and the one radially outer antenna element. The switch matrix comprises first electronic switches for selectively grounding selected ones of the second antenna elements, and second electronic switches each for selectively connecting together the second antenna elements of one of the antenna sectors with the associated conductor.

Abstract: An interferometer array system and method for processing pulse signals from a target emitter includes an n element interferometer array of radiator elements for producing radiator signals in response to the pulse signals from the target emitter. M processing channels process radiator signal elements, where m<n. A switch matrix is connected between the array and the processing channels, switching different combinations of the radiator elements to the channels within a single pulse to achieve processing of all radiator signals within a single pulse of said pulse signals from the target emitter.

Abstract: Active high density multi-element antenna system [DS] for radiolocation of RF target radiation has a processor-controlled antenna array [CAA] having rings [R1, R2, R3] concentric about a central axis to define arcuate sectors Sn about the central axis, each ring having adjacent p.c. boards [PC1, PC2, PC3] with PIN diode-switched antenna elements within sectors. The rings provide three rings [E1, E2, E3] of discrete dipolar elements, defining electrically isolated antenna units [ASm], each radial to the central axis, of quasi-log-periodic configuration. Antenna units are switched in rotational sequence about the central axis to provide narrow beam signal selectivity, directionally rotatable about the central axis. An array control system [ACS] is operated, as under microprocessor control [34], by a host system [HS] to cause RF scanning. PIN diode switching is used on printed circuit boards within the array.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to multi-element antenna clusters or arrays for the reception and transmission of radio waves for direction-finding, navigation aid and emitter and/or receiver location purposes. In particular, it relates to arrangements of multiple antennas whereby the direction of propagation (arrival or departure) of a wavefront is determined from a combination of the amplitudes of phasor (or total individual antenna output) differences between pairs of antennas, said arrangements being along certain geometrical patterns, such as a circle, an ellipse, a polygon, an open straight line, etc., with at least one longest dimension measuring more than one wavelength of the incident or departing wave. Although described in terms of electromagnetic waves and hence antennas as receiving sensors or radiators, this invention in reality applies to any other form of propagating waveborne energy, such as acoustic, ultrasonic, seismic, etc.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to multi-element antenna clusters or arrays for the reception and transmission of radio waves for direction-finding, navigation aid and emitter and/or receiver location purposes. In particular, it relates to arrangements of multiple antennas whereby the direction of propagation (arrival or departure) of a wavefront is determined from a combination of the amplitudes of phasor (or total individual antenna output) differences between pairs of antennas, said arrangements being along certain geometrical patterns, such as a circle, an ellipse, a polygon, an open straight line, etc., with at least one longest dimension measuring more than one wavelength of the incident or departing wave. Although described in terms of electromagnetic waves and hence antennas as receiving sensors or radiators, this invention in reality applies to any other form of propagating waveborne energy, such as acoustic, ultrasonic, seismic, etc.

Abstract: A channelised bearing processor comprises a channelised receiver consisting of a plurality of i.f. receivers (34 to 42) covering contiguous parts of a predetermined frequency range. Each of the receivers (34 to 42) is connected to a respective, continuously energised local oscillator (35 to 43). A plurality of direction finding antennas (10 to 15) are coupled to respective receiving channels for producing an amplitude signal. Each receiving channel includes a tunable i.f. receiver (24A to 24F) having an input (26A to 26F) for a local oscillator signal. A local oscillator selector (50) is responsive to an output from one of the channelised receivers (34 to 42) to connect the local oscillator (35 to 43) connected to that one of the channelised receivers (34 to 42) to the local oscillator signal inputs (26A to 26F) of the tunable i.f. receivers (24A to 24F) in the receiving channels.

Abstract: An amplitude monopulse direction finding system is disclosed. The system is built around a circular array with a circular lens in which the antenna elements and array ports are larger than in conventional systems. The oversized antenna elements and array ports provide a wide range of operating frequencies for the direction finding system. Additionally, the direction finding system contains an omni-directional probe at the center of the lens to detect the presence of signals. In an alternative embodiment, each array port is split into two halves which can be combined in different ways to produce different beam patterns, allowing the beam pattern providing the best signal to noise ratio to be selected. Also, built-in-test circuitry is described.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring the angles of arrival of a pair of transmission signals relative to a fixed antenna pair simultaneously receiving the transmission signals based upon the phase difference between antennas for each signal and the frequencies thereof includes components for separately squaring the signals received by each antenna, filtering each squared signal for separating a high frequency band and a middle frequency band, first phase correlating high frequency band signals filtered from each squared signal for producing a sum signal of the phase differences between the antennas for received transmission signals, second phase correlating middle frequency band signals filtered from each squared signal for producing a difference signal for the phase differences of the transmission signals received by the antenna pair, determining the phase differences of the transmission signals received by the antenna pair from the sum and difference signals therefor, providing delayed middle frequency ban

Abstract: A MICrowave RADiometric (MICRAD) guidance system is disclosed which utilizes an antenna having four beams, designated right, left, up and down. Information from the four beams is monitored essentially 100% of the time by passing through appropriate ferrite cross-switching means to four separate receivers. Information from two of the receivers passes through a first multiplexer and feedback gain balancer to provide a target azimuth output, and information from the remaining two receivers passes through a second multiplexer and feedback gain balancer to provide a target elevation output. A local oscillator heterodynes each of the four receivers in common, and a switch driver couples each of the multiplexers to the ferrite cross-switching means and gain balancers for appropriate selection.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for passive direction finding that demines the sideband and angle of arrival of an incoming radio signal. A four-channel superheterodyne receiver generates quadrature between the radio signals received by each channel. Four inphase/quadrature phase detectors are connected to the receiver for generating inphase and quadrature components of the electrical phase differences between antenna elements of the receiver. The inphase and quadrature components are used for sideband determination and the electrical phase differences are used to derive the angle of arrival.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to multi-element antenna clusters or arrays for the reception and transmission of radio waves for direction-finding, navigation aid and emitter and/or receiver location purposes. In particular, it relates to arrangements of multiple antennas whereby the direction of propagation (arrival or departure) of a wavefront is determined from a combination of the amplitudes of phasor (or total individual antenna output) differences between pairs of antennas, said arrangements being along certain geometrical patterns, such as a circle, an ellipse, a polygon, an open straight line, etc., with at least one longest dimension measuring more than one wavelength of the incident or departing wave. Although described in terms of electromagnetic waves and hence antennas as receiving sensors or radiators, this invention is reality applies to any other form of propagating waveborne energy, such as acoustic, ultrasonic, seismic, etc.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an apparatus and method for measuring the azimuth and elevation of an object. The apparatus includes a platform; a base plate arranged to the construction of the platform rotatably in a plane, which is essentially horizontal; a sensor frame attached to the base plate; at least three sensor elements attached to the sensor frame; and an electronics unit for the control of the sensor elements, capable of performing the processing of signals received by the sensors. The sensor frame is rigidly attached to the base plate and the directional pattern of the sensor elements is such as to cover the entire angle span of interest in the elevation plane, while the pattern covers an essentially narrower angle in the azimuth plane. The direction finder does not easily lose the tracked object performing movements particularly in the elevation plane.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for sonar or radar target tracking. Digital apparatus nd techniques are employed. A variable delay is used for beam steering.

Abstract: A radar detection system with four transducers accurately determines the azimuth angle of a radar emitting object. The three strongest signals from the four transducers are combined to generate two differential signal values. A table is provided which contains angle of arrival values associated with all possible combinations of the two differential signal values. To determine the angle or arrival of a particular object, an index value is derived from the corresponding pair of differential signal values, and that index value is used to select the record in the table with the angle of arrival of the object, relative to the transducer which received the strongest signal. The table also stores a signal measurement correction for each combination of the two difference signal values. The signal measurement correction is to adjust the measured signal strength when calculating the distance of the object from the radar detection system.

Abstract: A radio direction-finding system comprises at least two adjacent, coplanar rectilinear antenna arrays (ARR.sub.1, ARR.sub.2) which face in different directions; phase measurements are performed on pairs of antennae of different spacings (ANT.sub.C /ANT.sub.1 -ANT.sub.N) in each array in order to derive the direction of incidence in the plane of the arrays and/or the direction of incidence with respect to said plane, e.g. bearing (.theta.) and elevation (.beta.) respectively. To reduce the number of channels required for resolving ambiguity in the phase measurement on the widest-spaced antenna pair (ANT.sub.C /ANT.sub.N) in each array, ambiguity is resolved as far as possible with more closely spaced pairs in each array and finally resolved on the two arrays jointly by amplitude comparison of signals received by the two arrays, even though the accuracy of the amplitude comparison may be insufficient to resolve ambiguity in the arrays separately.