Combined With Diverse Type Radiant Energy System Patents (Class 342/52)
  • Patent number: 7501979
    Abstract: A method and system, which may be implemented in some embodiments as a video game, for identifying harmful airborne biota, particularly flying insects, and either killing or disabling the harmful airborne biota is disclosed. Lasers, radar, and other types of radiation may be used to illuminate objects in a detection region, with radiation returns detected and applied to a pattern classifier to determine whether the detected airborne biota are harmful, benign or beneficial. Tracking and classification information may be provided to a remotely located game participant who may be permitted to control measures taken to eliminate the harmful airborne biota, these measures including firing pulses of beamed energy or radiation of a sufficient intensity to at least incapacitate them, or mechanical measures such as flying a remotely-controlled miniature unmanned aircraft to engage and kill the pests.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Inventors: David L. Guice, William V. Dent, Augustus Hammond Green, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7498972
    Abstract: An obstacle detection system determines a probability distribution of existence of an obstacle object corresponding to a distance in an irradiation direction of a transmission wave based on detected strength data per scanning-angle supplied from a radar device. A peak-value of the strength data becomes a maximum probability of existence of the obstacle. The probability distribution has a range gradually decreasing before and after the peak-value. Even if the position indicated by the maximum probability of existence of the obstacle object is different from an actual distance to the obstacle object, it hardly occurs that the probability of existence at an actual position of the obstacle object becomes zero. This eliminates occurrence of separation/association errors. Primary and secondary existence probability relationships made based on the probability distribution are combined. Using the combined one further decreases the error detection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hideaki Tanaka
  • Patent number: 7494090
    Abstract: The present invention provides a MKV interceptor including multiple kill vehicles with autonomous management capability and kinematic reach to prosecute a large threat extent. Each KV can self-manage its own KV deployment and target engagement for a determined target volume assigned by a designated master KV. At least one KV is master capable of managing the post-separation of all of the KVs without requiring updates to the mission plan post-separation. The autonomous capability and increased kinematic reach provides for a more efficient use of boosters and more effective engagement of the threat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Michael A. Leal, Todd L. Baker, Kent P. Pflibsen
  • Patent number: 7494089
    Abstract: By sharing tasks between the CV and the KVs, the MKV interceptor provides a cost-effective missile defense system capable of intercepting and killing multiple targets. The placement of the acquisition and discrimination sensor and control sensor on the CV to provide target acquisition and discrimination and mid-course guidance for all the KVs avoids the weight and complexity issues associated with trying to “miniaturize” unitary interceptors. The placement of a short-band imaging sensor on each KV overcomes the latency, resolution and bandwidth problems associated with command guidance systems and allows each KV to precisely select a desirable aimpoint and maintain track on that aimpoint to impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Darin S Williams, Kent P. Pflibsen, Thomas M. Crawford
  • Patent number: 7492308
    Abstract: An optical detection system for detecting launch of an offensive projectile. The detection system includes an image detector array, an optical arrangement for focusing on to the image detector array, and a processing system associated with the image detector array. The processing system is configured to derive a series of frames from the image detector, to process the series of frames to identify a flash event and to generate and output that indicates a direction of the flash event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd.
    Inventors: Yair Benayahu, Asher Vuskoboinik
  • Patent number: 7486229
    Abstract: The Ground Moving Target Indicator (GMTI) target detection accuracy test system receives, compares and analyzes GMTI test data that is formatted according to the NATO-EX (v.2.01) Standard. The GMTI target detection accuracy test system also uses Global Positioning System (GPS) data from the objective target and target reports generated by the GMTI sensor to display the simulation test results. At the conclusion of the GMTI sensor test, both the GPS and GMTI data are collected and compared using a computer processor and the results are displayed using the MATLAB® program to better indicate detection accuracy and provide a higher level of target detection accuracy. A method for testing artillery target detection accuracy method is also provided for characterizing the performance of any GMTI adhering to the NATO-EX Standard and testing against an objective target outfitted with GPS instrumentation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Mark A. Govoni
  • Patent number: 7474254
    Abstract: A radar system including a base unit and a radar sensor. The sensor steers a beam in a scanning or tracking manner in both azimuth and elevation. Steering control in azimuth and elevation may be achieved based on configuration settings in the radar sensor processor. The pan-tilt setting may be configured remotely at the base unit. The sensor may include a camera to take panoramic images of the terrain surrounding the sensor, as well as objects-of-interest detected by the system. The sensor is able to transmit radar return information and camera images to the base unit. The base unit is able to display panoramic images and superimpose graphics illustrating a scan profile of the sensor in relationship to the surroundings. The beam steering profile can be controlled by graphically manipulating the profile on the display. This allows configuration of the scanning or tracking profile based on the sensor surroundings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Innovonix, LLC.
    Inventors: Walter J. White, Daniel A. Lotocky
  • Patent number: 7463184
    Abstract: The present invention provides an object detection apparatus for detecting at least one object existing in an observation subject space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventor: Eigo Segawa
  • Patent number: 7460059
    Abstract: Interfering clutter in radar pulses received by an airborne radar system from a radar transponder can be suppressed by developing a representation of the incoming echo-voltage time-series that permits the clutter associated with predetermined parts of the time-series to be estimated. These estimates can be used to estimate and suppress the clutter associated with other parts of the time-series.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Richard C. Ormesher, Robert M. Axline
  • Patent number: 7450053
    Abstract: A logging radar system and method for measuring propped fractures and down-hole formation conditions in a subterranean formation 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; and a mixer. The transmitter and receiver unit receives the source radar signal from the photodiode, transmits the source radar signal into the formation and receives a reflected radar signal. The mixer mixes the reflected radar signal with the source radar signal to provide an output. This technology can be used to describe all fractures connected to the wellbore and differentiate between the dimensions of the two vertical wings of a propped fracture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Hexion Specialty Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric E. Funk, Ethan A. Funk, Michael L. Sheriff, Scott M. McCarthy, Robert R. McDaniel
  • Patent number: 7446696
    Abstract: The present invention provides a radio signal radiation system that alleviates the necessity of a highly specified pass band reception filter and a high performance/reliability amplifier. The radio signal radiation system includes an optical modulator; a light source for inputting an optical carrier wave into the optical modulator; a power source for applying a modulating signal having a frequency Fm on the optical modulator to superimpose a sideband wave onto the carrier wave, the modulating signal having an amplitude of N-times the drive voltage of the optical modulator; a light receiver to receive and convert the outgoing light into an electrical signal; and a radiating means for radiating a radio signal based on the electrical signal, wherein the sideband wave is superimposed at a position shifted by n×fm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventors: Jungo Kondo, Osamu Mitomi, Kenji Aoki, Takashi Yoshino, Keiji Matsuhiro
  • Publication number: 20080266167
    Abstract: An object recognition system for a motor vehicle, including at least two object recognition sensors whose recognition ranges partly overlap in the direction of travel, is provided. The system includes a first object recognition sensor with a predetermined first vertical recognition angle concomitantly detects an object and a roadway surface in its recognition range, a second object recognition sensor with a predetermined second vertical recognition angle, which is less than the first vertical recognition angle of the first object recognition sensor, which does not concomitantly detect the roadway surface in the direction of travel in the recognition range of the first object recognition sensor, and an evaluation unit configured to determine the presence of an object in the recognition range of the first object recognition sensor only when both object recognition sensors have recognized the object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2005
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: DAIMLERCHRYSLER AG
    Inventors: Karl-Heinz Baumann, Michael Fehring, Rainer Justen
  • Patent number: 7432848
    Abstract: There are provided an inter-vehicle distance detecting device and an inter-vehicle distance detecting method which can precisely measure an inter-vehicle distance from a user's own vehicle to a neighboring vehicle even if a radar becomes unable to detect the neighboring vehicle due to the influence of multipath or the like. If the radar does detect a neighboring vehicle, a width of the neighboring vehicle is calculated based on a precise inter-vehicle distance determined by the radar and a precise vehicle visual angle determined from an image taken by a camera, and is stored in a memory, and if the radar becomes unable to detect the neighboring vehicle, an inter-vehicle distance to the neighboring vehicle is calculated according to a trigonometric function based on the precise width of the neighboring vehicle previously stored in the memory and a precise vehicle visual angle determined from an image taken by the camera at this time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Alpine Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Kohsuke Munakata
  • Patent number: 7425693
    Abstract: A method of tracking a target. The method includes the steps of acquiring a first spectral image of a scene that includes the target, designating a spectral reference window, in the first spectral image, that includes a respective plurality of pixel vectors, acquiring a second spectral image, of the scene, that includes a respective plurality of pixel vectors, and hypercorrelating the spectral reference window with the second spectral image, thereby obtaining a hypercorrelation function, a maximum of the hypercorrelation function then corresponding to a location of the target in the scene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2008
    Assignee: Rafael Advanced Defence Systems Ltd.
    Inventor: Ruth Shapira
  • Patent number: 7415244
    Abstract: A broad-band millimeter wave imaging system with improved thermal resolution as compared to prior art devices. The system is useful for producing images of metal and non-metal objects such as guns, knives and explosives hidden under clothing. A cylindrical antenna focuses millimeter wave radiation from a substantially one dimensional section of a target region onto a linear array of radiation collectors. Radiation collected at each collector is amplified to produce a set of amplified millimeter wave signals and the amplified signals pass through focusing delay lines to a millimeter wave lens. Millimeter wave signals are collected at the output of the lens and the collected signals are monitored by an array of detectors. The combined effects of the delay lines and the lens produce a focus of the amplified millimeter wave radiation emitted and reflected from the one dimensional section of the target region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Trey Enterprises Corp.
    Inventors: Vladimir Kolinko, John Lovberg
  • Patent number: 7414572
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for signal detection is provided herein. During operation logic circuitry will determine if a de-sensing signal exists within any received signal and, if a de-sensing signal exists, then it will be assumed that a radar pattern exists where the de-sensing signal exists within the signal. Any received signal pattern is then correlated to known radar transmission pattern in order to determine whether or not a radar transmission pattern was received. If a known transmission pattern was received then logic circuitry will prevent further transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas D'Amico, Peijuan Liu, Roger Peterson
  • Publication number: 20080191926
    Abstract: An optical detection system for detecting launch of an offensive projectile. The detection system includes an image detector array, an optical arrangement for focusing on to the image detector array, and a processing system associated with the image detector array. The processing system is configured to derive a series of frames from the image detector, to process the series of frames to identify a flash event and to generate and output that indicates a direction of the flash event.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2007
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Applicant: RAFAEL - ARMAMENT DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY LTD.
    Inventors: Yair Benayahu, Asher Voskoboinik
  • Publication number: 20080169963
    Abstract: A radar system including a base unit and one or more radar sensors. The radar sensor is capable of steering a beam in a scanning or tracking manner in both azimuth and elevation. Automated and independent control in azimuth and elevation may be achieved based on configuration settings in the radar sensor processor. The pan-tilt setting may be configured remotely by an operator at a base unit. The radar sensor may include a camera to take panoramic images of the terrain surrounding the radar sensor, as well as object-of-interest detected by the radar system. The radar sensor is able to transmit radar return information and camera images to the base unit. The base unit is able to display 360 degree panoramic images and superimpose lines indicating a scan profile of the radar sensor in relationship to the image. A user may graphically change the beam steering profile by drawing on the base unit display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2007
    Publication date: July 17, 2008
    Inventors: Walter J. White, Daniel A. Lotocky
  • Patent number: 7400288
    Abstract: A platform such as a car has a processor receiving information representing the location of the platform and a location of a target. An emitter assembly controlled by the processor produces a visual display outside of and beyond the platform that an occupant of the platform can see. The display is transmitted along the target bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Inventor: John L. Rogitz
  • Patent number: 7400289
    Abstract: A methodology determines the offset distance between a threat missile plume and its hardbody during boost phase to aid in guiding a kinetic weapon (KW) or interceptor missile to the threat missile hardbody using the KW infrared sensor of the interceptor missile in conjunction with a radar sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: David E. Wolf
  • Patent number: 7397416
    Abstract: Calibration of an acceleration detector is initiated by a user depressable button such as a button indicating a vehicle is at rest and/or by the detector reading an OBDII vehicle communication protocol to determine the condition of the vehicle. Calibration permits more accurate measurements in a vehicle performance test.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Escort Inc.
    Inventors: Steven K. Orr, John Kuhn, Jeffrey J. Clawson
  • Publication number: 20080129581
    Abstract: The system and method for standoff detection of human carried explosives (HCE) automatically detects HCE (112) up to a range of (200) meters and within seconds alerts an operator to HCE (112) threats. The system (100) has radar only, or both radar and video sensors, a multi-sensor processor (102), an operator console (120), handheld displays (122), and a wideband wireless communications link. The processor (102) receives radar and video feeds and automatically tracks and detects all humans (110) in the field of view. Track data continuously cues the narrow beam radar (118) to a subject of interest (110), (112) the radar (106), (108) repeatedly interrogating cued objects (110), (112), producing a multi-polarity radar range profile for each interrogation event. Range profiles and associated features are automatically fused over time until sufficient evidence is accrued to support a threat/non-threat declaration hypothesis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2005
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Inventors: Robert J. Douglass, John D. Gorman, Thomas J. Burns
  • Patent number: 7376247
    Abstract: A target detection system using an EHF radar and the image processing is disclosed, in which the processing time is shortened by mutually complementing the disadvantages of the EHF radar and the image processing thereby to improve the reliability. The system comprises a radar, an image acquisition unit and an image processing ECU. The microcomputer of the ECU specifies an image recognition area based on the power output from the radar, and carries out the image processing only within the specified recognition area for the image obtained from the image acquisition unit. By performing the image processing only for the area where a target is detected by the radar, the time required for image processing is shortened on the one hand and the erroneous detection of letters on the road surface or the like is eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Fujitsu Ten Limited
    Inventors: Akihiro Ohta, Kenji Oka
  • Patent number: 7358889
    Abstract: An object detection system is provided with radar detection means (2), image detection means (3), and collating means (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaishi
    Inventors: Kyoichi Abe, Setsuo Tokoro, Koji Suzuki
  • Patent number: 7333045
    Abstract: A combined type buried object detection sensor is provided, in which a MD and a GPR are integrated to improve a detectivity. A buried object detection sensor 10 has a constitution in which plural antenna elements composing a GPR 14 are disposed on a circumference, an inner coil 16 of a MD 12 is arranged at a center portion of the GPR 14 and an outer coil 18 of the MD 12 is arranged at a periphery of the GPR 14, the GPR 14 has slits 20 separating the respective antenna elements, and the slits 20 between adjacent antenna elements are connected by a metal leaf 36.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Naoto Aomori, Yoshiyuki Sakamoto, Chihiro Joumuta, Fujio Oka
  • Patent number: 7321330
    Abstract: The present invention provides a ball measuring apparatus capable of measuring a trajectory of a ball from a hitting position to a landing position, the landing position and a stop position. A ball measuring apparatus 100 according to a first embodiment includes a first millimeter wave radar device 1 capable of carrying out a measurement from the hitting position to a predetermined position of the trajectory and having at least one transmitting antenna and a plurality of receiving antennas, and a second millimeter wave radar device 2 capable of measuring the stop position and having at least one transmitting antenna and a plurality of receiving antennas. A ball measuring apparatus 101 according to a second embodiment has a millimeter wave radar device 31 and a CCD camera 32.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2008
    Assignee: SRI Sports Limited
    Inventor: Takahiro Sajima
  • Publication number: 20080012750
    Abstract: Alignment monitoring systems for directional and omni-directional antennas that are mounted to the antennas and which include solar sensors that are mounted with enclosing housings such that solar imaging across the surface of one or more sensing elements is used to determine a current alignment of the antennas in at least in one of headings, or azimuths of the antennas, or tilt angles thereof relative to a horizontal plane, and wherein signals generated by the sensing elements are communicated to data processing units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2007
    Publication date: January 17, 2008
    Inventors: Robert Wayne Austin, Gregory A. Mercier, Bruce Weddendorf
  • Patent number: 7312744
    Abstract: A system is disclosed for administering a restricted flight zone using radar and lasers for detecting, tracking, warning and destroying airborne craft that enter restricted flight zones without authorization or that approach dangerously close to protected areas on the ground. The system comprises a support for positioning adjacent the surface of the Earth at a bottom of the zone, detecting and defending apparatus mounted on the support for detecting airborne objects in the zone and defending against the airborne objects in the zone, and controlling apparatus for controlling the detecting and defending means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Inventor: Tom Ramstack
  • Patent number: 7310060
    Abstract: An multi-mode target detection system includes a ground penetrating metal detector and a ground penetrating radar detector permitting operation of the system in a variety of target detection modes. The system includes a control section having a selection device for selecting at least two operating modes from the group consisting of a buried land mine detection mode, a through wall detection mode, a perimeter warning mode, a buried cache detection mode and an in-wall cache detection mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: L-3 Communications CyTerra Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory Stilwell, Geoffrey Solomon, Richard McCoy, Steve McCarthy
  • Publication number: 20070285305
    Abstract: An obstacle detection system determines a probability distribution of existence of an obstacle object corresponding to a distance in an irradiation direction of a transmission wave based on detected strength data per scanning-angle supplied from a radar device. A peak-value of the strength data becomes a maximum probability of existence of the obstacle. The probability distribution has a range gradually decreasing before and after the peak-value. Even if the position indicated by the maximum probability of existence of the obstacle object is different from an actual distance to the obstacle object, it hardly occurs that the probability of existence at an actual position of the obstacle object becomes zero. This eliminates occurrence of separation/association errors. Primary and secondary existence probability relationships made based on the probability distribution are combined. Using the combined one further decreases the error detection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2007
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Applicant: DENSO Corporation
    Inventor: Hideaki Tanaka
  • Patent number: 7301494
    Abstract: A system combining the features, elements, and operations of a cellular telephone and a radar detector into a unitary assembly. The present invention generally comprises a housing enclosing a power supply, an output speaker, an input microphone, an antenna, a display screen, a multi-button keypad, cell phone circuitry, and radar detection circuitry. The housing further incorporates a spring-loaded clip assembly that provides for “hands-free” cellular telephone operation. The present invention may include a plurality of operational modes that are manually selected by a user via the keypad. The operational modes may include “cellular telephone only”, “radar detector only”, and a hybrid mode wherein the system operates as a radar detector until an incoming cellular telephone signal is detected causing the system to convert to its cellular telephone operational mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Inventor: Jeffrey Waters
  • Patent number: 7295153
    Abstract: An acousto-radio frequency modulator and an apparatus employing the same are disclosed. The acousto-radio frequency modulator includes a radiowave waveguide including a first end defining an input and a second end defining an output; an acousto-radio material positioned in the signal path of the radiowave waveguide; and a acoustic source coupled to the acousto-radio material and capable of driving an acoustic signal through the acousto-radio material. The apparatus includes a plurality of ARFMs, each capable of modulating a component of a received RADAR signal received by the antenna; a frequency combiner capable of frequency multiplexing each of the components into a combined signal; a filter capable of filtering the combined signal; an amplifier capable of amplifying the filtered signal; and an analog to digital converter capable of converting the amplified signal to a digital representation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: Brett A Williams
  • Patent number: 7292179
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in determining the range in a single time sample from a platform to a target are disclosed. The method includes receiving radiation emanating from the target at two points on the platform in a common time sample; detecting the received radiation and generating a signal representative thereof; and processing the signal. The signal is processed to determine a respective angle to target from two points on the platform by using a correlation between received signal amplitude and respective angle; and determine the range from the platform to the target from the respective angles and the separation distance between said two points in a single signal-to-noise sufficient sample. The apparatus includes a plurality of optical channels through which the apparatus can receive radiation emanating from the target, the optical channels and a plurality of electronics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Wayne K. Schroeder, Brett A. Williams
  • Patent number: 7289057
    Abstract: A method for detecting a signal having random characteristics. A plurality of bursts are detected within a predetermined time period. The plurality of bursts are evaluated to determine how many pulses each of the plurality of bursts contains. The signal having random characteristics is present responsive to the ratio of number of bursts containing a first predetermined number of pulses being approximately equal to number of bursts containing a second predetermined number of pulses. For signals such as a Bin-5 Test Signal, the signal is determined to be present responsive to the number of singletons (bursts having one pulse), the number of pairs (bursts having two pulses) and the number of triplets (bursts having three pulses) being approximately equal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher G. Meil
  • Patent number: 7289056
    Abstract: A managing wireless communication device assigns channels of a channel set to associated wireless communication devices. The associated wireless communication devices monitor the assigned channels for in-band signals including radar signals and report detections to the managing wireless communication device. The managing wireless communication device resets a timer associated with a channel when a report is received from one of the associated wireless communication devices. The timer may indicate how long the associated channel has been radar free.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Jiewen Liu, Chih C. Tsien
  • Patent number: 7280068
    Abstract: A microwave imaging system suppresses sidelobes in a microwave image captured using a sparse antenna array using an illumination system that operates in two different illumination modes. The antenna array including subarrays of antenna elements arranged in a sparse geometry to form complementary subarray patterns. The illumination system operates in a first mode to transmit microwave illumination to both of the complementary subarray patterns of the antenna array and receive reflected microwave illumination from both of the complementary subarray patterns of the antenna array to produce a first receive signal. The illumination system further operates in a second mode to transmit microwave illumination to a first one of the complementary subarray patterns of the antenna array and receive reflected microwave illumination from a second one of the complementary subarray patterns of the antenna array to produce a second receive signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Steven Lee, Robert C. Taber, Izhak Baharav
  • Patent number: 7280067
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a radar detector and a radar detecting method for WLAN systems according to 802.11 wireless communication standards, and particularly concerns the radar detection for 802.11 h dynamic frequency selection mechanism. The essence of the innovation consists in projecting the received phase vector on the signal subspace orthogonal to the expected radar pulse subspace and taking the norm of the resulting vector. The closer the norm is to zero, the more likely the received signal is to be a radar pulse. The invention is able to detect both, sinusoidal radar signals and chirp-like radar signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: NewLogic Technologies GmbH
    Inventor: Alain Chiodini
  • Patent number: 7271762
    Abstract: If the maximum time width Lt of the intensity of received light of reflected waves from a vehicle ahead is smaller than a reference time width, it is judged that the vehicle ahead is positioned in proximity to the detection limit distance of an obstacle detection device for vehicle. Thus, there is no problem, for example, even if a cut-in vehicle is present in reality between the vehicle ahead and the vehicle of interest and nevertheless, the distance to the cut-in vehicle cannot be detected. It can be judged whether the vehicle ahead is positioned in proximity to the detection limit distance of the device by judging the magnitude relation between Lt and the reference time width. As a result, the detecting capability of the device can be judged with accuracy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: DENSO Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshie Samukawa, Keiji Matsuoka, Hiroshi Ookata, Toyohito Nozawa
  • Patent number: 7256727
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Time Domain Corporation
    Inventors: Larry W. Fullerton, Mark D. Roberts
  • Patent number: 7212148
    Abstract: A countermeasure system for jamming an attack unit is provided. The attack unit receives an infrared carrier signal for detection of a target under attack and is vulnerable to countermeasures from another infrared carrier signal modulated by a predetermined modulating signal. The countermeasure system includes a radio frequency source for generating a radio frequency carrier signal, a modulator for modulating the radio frequency carrier signal using the predetermined modulating signal, and a antenna for transmitting the modulated radio frequency signal towards the attack unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Alfonso R. Torres
  • Patent number: 7205932
    Abstract: An improved system is provided for aiming a shotgun-based or other countermeasure system so as to be able to countermeasure incoming rockets or projectiles. In one embodiment a shotgun aimed and controlled by the subject system projects a pattern of pellets to intercept a rocket-propelled grenade or incoming projectile. The fire control system uses a CW two-tone monopulse radar to derive range and angle of arrival within 150 milliseconds, with range and angle of arrival measurements having approximately twice the accuracy of prior CW two-tone monopulse radars. The improvement derives from using all of the information in the returned radar beams and is the result of the recognition that one can use the Sum and Difference signals to assemble a two-by-two Rank One matrix that permits using singular value decomposition techniques to generate range and angle of arrival matrices in which all available information is used and in which noise is eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventor: Paul D. Fiore
  • Patent number: 7202809
    Abstract: A fast acting active protection system for military vehicles defeats RPG (rocket propelled grenade) threats fired from close ranges. The system minimizes the hazard to troops and civilians nearby. The system uses a plurality of passive sensors to locate the threat and initialize the system. A low cost radar or laser tracker is used as the means to determine range, velocity, and (if required) angular position of the threat. The countermunition used may be one of several choices, with the requisites being that the countermunition provides fast response with low inertia, and is able to damage or destroy the detected threat. A multi-barrel recoilless gun is the weapon of choice. A launching device is used to deploy and aim the countermunition and the tracking means. On board software and electronics are used to control the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: BAE Systems Land & Armaments L.P.
    Inventors: David A. Schade, Thomas C. Winant, Jaime Alforque, Jeffrey Faul, Kenneth B. Groves, Valent Horvatich, Marco Albert Middione, Christopher Tarantino, James Robert Turner
  • Patent number: 7194236
    Abstract: A millimeter wave imaging system that includes at least one millimeter wave frequency scanning antenna for collecting frequency dependent beams of millimeter wave radiation from a narrow one-dimensional field of view. The collected radiation is amplified at the collected frequencies and the amplified signals are separated into frequency dependent bins with a tapped-delay beam-former. These bins are then sampled to produce a one-dimensional image of the antenna field of view. A two dimensional image of a target may be obtained by moving the target across the field of view of the scanning antenna. In a preferred embodiment the antenna is only 4.5 inches in length and constructed from WR-10 waveguide with inclined slots cut in one of the narrow walls at 79 mil spacings. This geometry creates a frequency-scanned antenna spanning a 20 degree vertical field of view over a 75.5–93.5 GHz operational band of the sensor, starting at approximately 1 degree below horizontal at 93.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Trex Enterprises Corp.
    Inventors: John A. Lovberg, Vladimir Kolinko
  • Patent number: 7190304
    Abstract: A method for intercepting and a defeating rocket propelled grenade (RPG) which includes the steps of detecting a thermal signature from a launch of the RPG; and cueing a narrow beam radar which locates the RPG and develops a ballistic solution and target intercept point for intercepting the PPG with an intercept vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Bae Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventor: Mark A. Carlson
  • Patent number: 7183966
    Abstract: A dual-mode target seeking apparatus having a seeker dome defining an aperture and transmissive to microwave frequency energy of a first frequency and to light wave energy at a second frequency and at a third frequency. An optics system within the seeker dome is transmissive to the microwave frequency energy reflective to the light wave energy received via the aperture. A first detector receives the microwave frequency energy via the aperture, and a second detector images a target by the light wave energy of the second and third frequencies via the optics system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Robert J. Schramek, Ronald E. Byrd, Michael E. Weinstein, Seong-Hwoon Kim, Allan J. Lyon
  • Patent number: 7176830
    Abstract: An image processing system to be mounted to a vehicle includes a radar adapted to measure distance and direction to an object based on reflected electromagnetic waves which are outputted to scan the exterior of the vehicle, an image-taking device such as a camera for obtaining an image, and an image processor for carrying out image processing on a specified image processing area in an image obtained by the image-taking device. The image processor is adapted to determine a center position of the image processing area according to a measurement point of an object detected by the radar and the size of the image processing area according to a beam profile of electromagnetic waves outputted from the radar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: OMRON Corporation
    Inventor: Koji Horibe
  • Patent number: 7158072
    Abstract: A weather radar signal path for an aircraft. The signal path has an antenna, a digital down-converter, a first transceiver, fiber optic cabling, a second transceiver and a processing unit. The antenna is adapted to, in a first mode, receive reflected radar signals from atmosphere ahead. The digital down-converter is adapted to convert the reflected radar signals received by the antenna into digital radar signals at a lower frequency. The first transceiver is adapted to, in the first mode, at least transmit the digital radar signals through said fiber optic cabling. The fiber optic cabling is adapted to, in the first mode, transfer the digital radar signals between the first and second transceivers. The second transceiver is adapted to, in the first mode, receive said digital radar signals from the fiber optic cabling. The processing unit is adapted to, in the first mode, process the digital radar signals to generate weather information based on predetermined algorithm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Ranganath Venkatachalam, Ronald W. Andreatta
  • Patent number: 7142150
    Abstract: A method and system for detecting an object uses a composite evidence grid based on dual frequency sensing. A source transmits a laser transmission in a first zone. A detector receives a reflection of the laser transmission from an object in the first zone to determine laser observed data associated with points on the object. A transmitter transmits a radar transmission in a second zone that overlaps with the first zone. A receiver receives a reflection of the radar transmission from an object in the second zone to determine radar observed data associated with points on the object. The laser observed data is processed to form a laser occupancy grid for the first zone and the radar observed data is processed to form a radar occupancy grid for the second zone. An evaluator evaluates the radar occupancy grid and the laser occupancy grid to produce a composite evidence grid for at least an overlapping region defined by the first zone and the second zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Robert George Thackray
  • Patent number: 7138938
    Abstract: A system and method for preemptively sensing an object in the potential drive path of an automotive vehicle and selectively operating both a collision countermeasure system and a parking assistance system aboard the automotive vehicle are disclosed herein. The system includes a radar sensor, ultrasonic sensors, and a data processing system mounted aboard the automotive vehicle. The data processing system is electrically connected to the radar sensor, the ultrasonic sensors, the collision countermeasure system, and the parking assistance system. The sensors are operable to cooperatively sense the position of the object in the potential drive path of the automotive vehicle and accordingly transmit sensor data to the data processing system. The data processing system is operable to receive the sensor data, selectively process the sensor data, and accordingly transmit operating instructions to the collision countermeasure system and the parking assistance system so as to selectively operate both systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Kwaku O. Prakah-Asante, Manoharprasad K. Rao
  • Patent number: RE40653
    Abstract: A radar detector for alerting an operator of a motor vehicle to an incoming police radar signal. This radar detector includes a microprocessor; a circuit coupled to the microprocessor for detecting the incoming police radar signal; and a global positioning system receiver coupled to the microprocessor. Upon detection of an incoming radar signal, the radar detector can utilize the position, velocity, and/or heading data from the global positioning system receiver to determine whether to generate an alert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Inventor: Hoyt A. Fleming, III