Combined With Diverse Type Radiant Energy System Patents (Class 342/52)
  • 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: 7136011
    Abstract: A field unit for warning of a danger of collision between an aircraft and an obstacle, in particular a topographical ground obstacle or an obstacle formed by a mast, building or aerial cable structure, comprises a multi-part tubular mast having devices for fixing a solar panel and a radar antenna; an elongate radar antenna in an environment-protective casing, which, with an electronics unit, forms a radar system for synthesized radar detection of an aircraft in a radar coverage area; a central processing unit for identifying on the basis of information from the radar system an aircraft which is in a zone of the radar coverage area and which on the basis of radar information such as direction, distance and/or speed computes a collision danger area; and a high-intensity light system and radio transmitter system that can be activated by the central processing unit upon detection of an aircraft in a collision danger area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: OCAS AS
    Inventors: Morten Mørk, Rolf Bakken
  • Patent number: 7129887
    Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment, an augmented reality system for traffic control combines data from a plurality of sensors to display, in real time, information about traffic control objects, such as airplanes. The sensors collect data, such as infrared, ultraviolet, and acoustic data. The collected data is weather-independent due to the combination of different sensors. The traffic control objects and their associated data are then displayed visually to the controller regardless of external viewing conditions. The system also responds to the controller's physical gestures or voice commands to select a particular traffic control object for close-up observation or to open a communication channel with the particular traffic control object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin MS2
    Inventor: Steven W. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 7129884
    Abstract: A radar detection technique in a WLAN device can include a short pulse detection technique and a long pulse detection technique that can be performed using multiple receive chains. Short pulse detection is particularly effective when the incoming signal includes one or a limited number of main pulses and some residual pulses. In contrast, long pulse detection is particularly effective when the incoming signal is longer, thereby allowing various characteristics of the incoming signal to be accurately measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Atheros Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Ardavan Maleki Tehrani, Xiaoru Zhang, Paul J. Husted, Jeffrey M. Gilbert
  • Patent number: 7106244
    Abstract: A system and a method for monitoring a freight container are provided. The method includes the steps of generating a resonant spectrum representative of an initial condition of internal surfaces and contents of the freight container, and saving the resonant spectrum for future comparison purposes. The method further includes generating a second resonant spectrum and comparing the second resonant spectrum with the initial resonant spectrum to determine whether there has been any tampering with the freight container. The method also includes identifying the contents of the freight container and generating loading diagrams of the contents and using polarity configuration characteristics of the internal surfaces of said freight container to determine whether the contents have moved or been shifted during transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Phalanx Group, LLC
    Inventor: Hsiongwei Hsu
  • Patent number: 7104496
    Abstract: An interceptor device for protecting a platform against an incoming threat is provided. The interceptor device comprises a housing and a countermeasure device. At least one detonating charge is capable of deploying the countermeasure device. A controller device housed by the housing is capable of directing the detonating charge(s) to deploy the countermeasure device at least partially radially outward of the housing, corresponding to the threat trajectory. A sensor device is in communication with the controller device, and comprises a range-finding apparatus including one of a LADAR, a RADAR, and a LIDAR device, capable of sensing the threat and/or a range thereof, at least partially radially outward of the housing, and notifying the controller device if the threat is sensed, to cause the controller device to direct the detonating charge(s) to deploy the countermeasure device to impact the threat in the intercept zone. Associated systems, and methods are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Chang Industry, Inc.
    Inventor: Yu-Wen Chang
  • Patent number: 7095359
    Abstract: An ice thickness/drifting velocity observation of sea ice by using an ice thickness measurement sonar and a current meter moored into the sea and a sea ice observation by a high-resolution airborne SAR are synchronously performed, a correlation between a draft profile of sea ice passing over the sonar and an SAR backscattering coefficient profile is calculated, and an ice draft of desired sea ice is calculated from the relational expression and an SAR backscattering coefficient. As the SAR backscattering coefficient, a backscattering coefficient of L-band HV polarization may be used. A backscattering coefficient of X-band VV polarization is preferably used as the SAR backscattering coefficient to detect thin ice having a thickness of not more than approximately 10 cm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignees: National Institute of Informantion and Communications Technology, Incorporated Administrative Agency, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, Agency of Industrial Science and Technology
    Inventors: Takeshi Matsuoka, Seiho Uratsuka, Makoto Satake, Tatsuharu Kobayashi, Akitsugu Nadai, Toshihiko Umehara, Hideo Maeno, Hiroyuki Wakabayashi, Yasushi Fukamachi, Fumihiko Nishio
  • Patent number: 7075476
    Abstract: A network, sensor and method are provided that utilize the capabilities of impulse radio technology to help monitor and/or control the environment within a building. In particular, the network includes a sensor attached to a first impulse radio unit that is capable of transmitting an impulse radio signal containing sensor related information to a second impulse radio unit. The second impulse radio unit is attached to a control station that uses the sensor related information (e.g., environmental related information, safety related information or surveillance related information) to monitor and/or control the environment within a building. In one aspect of the present invention, the control system can better control and monitor the environment within the building because the sensor may be moved around within the building and reference impulse radio units may interact with the first impulse radio unit to enable the determination of the current position of the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Time Domain Corp.
    Inventor: Jonnathan H. Kim
  • Patent number: 7057548
    Abstract: Method, apparatus and system for determining accurately at least one coordinate of a sensor (or a transducer including a sensor) relative to a predetermined reference location, particularly where the sensor is part of a transducer for ground penetrating radar. A marker detector is positioned in a predetermined relationship with the sensor; a marker is detected with the marker detector and positional information associated with the marker is received, from which a position of the transducer or sensor is determined, based on the received positional information associated with the marker and the predetermined relationship between the marker detector and the sensor. The marker may, for example, be a bar code and the marker detector may be an optical scanner. The sensor may be a receiving antenna for a GPR signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Geophysical Survey Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Roger L. Roberts
  • Patent number: 7049998
    Abstract: The present invention can be generally described as a protection system. This protection system is formed by the integration of commonly available subsystems, which may be controlled by non-proprietary, open architecture software, which, in turn, may accommodate the commonly known “plug and play” capability. This allows the present invention to easily incorporate a variety of lethal (or less-than-lethal) weapon payloads as well as a variety of sensors and detectors; thereby providing the user with the first real, integrated system (of systems) solution capable of providing an enhanced situational awareness capability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Trent J. Frady, Dustin L. Wilson, Kyle R. Werner, Eric S. Moody, Nancy J. Flynn, Michael P. Konerman, Paul L. Schmidt, Robert E. Mullen, Mark R. Koi, Nigel G. Wasil, Michael G. Daugherty, Bret R. Mehringer
  • Patent number: 7046187
    Abstract: An active protection system comprising an ultrawideband radar for threat detection, an optical tracker for precision threat position measurement, and a high powered laser for threat kill or mitigation. The uwb radar may use a sparse array antenna and may also utilize Doppler radar information. The high powered laser may be of the optically pumped solid state type and in one embodiment may share optics with the optical tracker. In one embodiment, the UWB radar is used to focus the high power laser. Alternative interceptor type kill mechanisms are disclosed. In a further embodiment, the kill mechanism may be directed to the source of the threat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Time Domain Corporation
    Inventors: Larry W. Fullerton, Mark D. Roberts, James L. Richards
  • Patent number: 7042389
    Abstract: A device including a radar and a camera for detecting an object located in front of an automobile is mounted on the automobile. The radar detects a distance from the automobile to the front object, and the camera takes an image of the object. When the object such as a preceding vehicle moves out of a region detectable by the radar while remaining in a region covered by the camera, a present distance to the object is calculated based on the distance previously detected by the radar and memorized in a memory and a present object image taken by the camera. More particularly, the present distance is calculated by multiplying the memorized distance by a ratio of an object size in the memorized image to an object size in the present image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: DENSO Corporation
    Inventor: Noriaki Shirai
  • Patent number: 7040570
    Abstract: Applicants' ATR system is weather-agile because it is comprised of a primary target sensing means that is capable of surveilling the target scene in foul or fair weather, and a secondary target sensing means that is also capable of sensing targets in various weather. The primary and secondary sensing means communicate through a control center so that ultimately, among several weapons available, the most strategically located and equipped weapon is activated for the destruction of a selected target, given the weather. The control center accomplishes the communication by receiving the sensed target signature from the primary sensing means, processing the signature using database already resident in the center and transmitting the processed target signature to the weapon possessing the greatest potential for successfully destroying the target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: S. Richard F. Sims, William C. Pittman
  • Patent number: 7032858
    Abstract: A plurality of sensor vehicles collect imaging data from an assigned location of a target region having targets and non-targets. The imaging data may be combined based on its location and the combined data is matched to a threat object map to identify the actual targets from the non-targets. In some embodiments, the sensor vehicles may be redirected to collect velocity and/or range information on the identified targets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: Darin S. Williams
  • Patent number: 7027653
    Abstract: In the case where variations in ground objects in one and the same area are detected between a line drawing map describing profile lines of the ground objects or a reference line drawing/image obtained by picking up the ground objects from above, and a target image obtained by picking up the ground objects in the same area from above later on, a variation detecting apparatus collates the reference line drawing/image with the target image so as to obtain variation indexes indicating whether there are variations or not in the ground objects respectively, and displays ground objects which can be judged to have variations or ground objects which cannot be judged as to whether there are variations or not on the basis of the variation indexes, in a display mode in which an area of the reference line drawing/image including the ground objects and an area of the target image including the ground objects can be compared with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Hitachi Software Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Hino, Koichi Moriguchi, Takatoshi Kodaira, Fuminobu Komura
  • Patent number: 7019683
    Abstract: A security system senses intrusions into a shipping container through the opening of doors, cutting an opening, or removing the doors from their hinges. Intrusion information is transmitted to a remote receiver without interrogation, thereby reducing power consumption. Sensing is accomplished by employing a range-gated micro-impulse radar (“RGR”) that generates microwave pulses that bounce around the interior of the container. The RGR includes a range gate that enables measuring reflected signals during the time gate period that is set for the time it takes a pulse to propagate a maximum distance within the container and reflect back. A direct current signal level is produced that represents the average reflected signal level within the container, and a Doppler shift measurement is made that represents motion inside the container. The signals are conveyed to the transmitter for conveyance to the remote receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: James E. Stevens, Frederick W. Eggers, Feng Tang, Niall Creedon, Douglas H. Marman
  • Patent number: 7012560
    Abstract: An object sensing apparatus for driver assistance systems in motor vehicles, including at least two sensor systems which measure data concerning the location and/or motion status of objects in the vicinity of the vehicle, and whose detection regions overlap one another, characterized by an error recognition device that checks the data measured by the sensor systems for absence of contradictions, and outputs an error signal upon detection of a contradiction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Goetz Braeuchle, Martin Heinebrodt, Jürgen Böcker
  • Patent number: 7009550
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an oil spill identification system and oil spill identification sensors to be used in connection with this system. The system is used primarily on fixed offshore structures, but may also be used on fixed onshore constructions. The sensor comprises a combination of a radar and at least a microwave radiometer. The data collected are transmitted to a control station. Preferably, the transmittal takes place at pixel level between the sensors and the control station. The control station processes the data received at pixel level and transmits data to an end-user, preferably through the internet. The invention also relates to a method for utilizing the system and a use of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Inventor: Peter Moeller-Jensen
  • Patent number: 6972714
    Abstract: An imaging system includes an optical (visible-light or near IR) imaging system and a microwave imaging system. The optical imaging system captures an optical image of the object, produces optical image data representing the optical image and extracts optical image information from the optical image data. The microwave imaging system produces microwave image data representing a microwave image of the object in response to the optical image information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Izhak Baharav, Robert C. Taber, S. Jeffrey Rosner
  • Patent number: 6967612
    Abstract: The system and method for standoff detection of human carried explosives (HCE) is a portable system that automatically detects HCE up to a range of 200 meters and within seconds alerts an operator to HCE threats. The system has radar only, or both radar and video sensors, a multi-sensor processor, an operator console, handheld displays, and a wideband wireless communications link. The processor receives radar and video feeds and automatically tracks and detects all humans in the field of view. Track data continuously cues the narrow beam radar to a subject of interest, the radar repeatedly interrogating cued objects, 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. Once a determination is made, the system alerts operators through a handheld display and mitigates the threat if desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Inventors: John D. Gorman, Robert J. Douglass, Thomas J. Burns, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6965342
    Abstract: A method for recognizing and identifying objects by means of several sensors, particularly using imaging sensors (L, W, V) in the infrared and/or visible wavelength range and radar devices (R) which are based on the generation of a synthetic aperture. According to the invention, generation of the synthetic aperture occurs in accordance with the ROSAR principle, wherein a plurality of antenna elements (A), which the radar device (R) comprises, is placed on the aircraft (F) along its arched contour (K), controlled sequentially and scanned, and wherein the information acquired by the radar devices (R) and the imaging sensors (L, W, V) is subsequently processed, in such a way that optimal imaging of the surroundings of the aircraft (F) is made possible in every viewing direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Assignee: EADS Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Helmut Klausing, Horst Kaltschmidt
  • Patent number: 6956523
    Abstract: A system and method for rapidly determining the source of an incoming projectile applies controlled, active RF energy source(s) to illuminate a target area/projectile, and exploits Doppler induced frequency shifts from multiple receivers to develop a vector solution. The preferred solution applies continuous wave (CW) RF illuminators to flood a local region with a controlled source of radio frequency energy and one or more displaced receiver elements. The system operates multi-statically and as an incoming projectile enters the illuminated region, reflected energy from one or more illuminators is detected by one or more displaced RF receivers. Doppler shifts imparted on the reflected signals are detected by the receivers as the projectile moves through the region. Appropriate processing of the receiver outputs generates Doppler time-frequency profiles that are used to derive an estimate of the projectile flight vector in 3-space (x,y,z).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: Veridian Systems
    Inventor: Paul Mohan
  • Patent number: 6952001
    Abstract: A system and method of providing situational awareness and weapon targeting is presented. The method includes determining the location of one or more enemy sites and one or more friendly sites. A “Do Not Engage” (DNE) zone is determined around each of the friendly sites and an “Allowable Engagement” (AE) zone is established around each of the enemy sites, wherein none of the AE zones overlap any of the DNE zones. An engagement plan is then determined based on the AE zones and integrity bounds on candidate munitions. The system includes a processing and communications network and a sensor element in communication with the processing and communications network. The system also includes a command control element in communication with the processing and communications network and an operating elements section in communication with the processing and communications network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2005
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Thomas L. McKendree, Hans L. Habereder, Donald R. Ormand
  • Patent number: 6950053
    Abstract: A radar and laser detection device for mounting upon a motorcycle is described which provides increased concealment, security, safety, ease of use and functionality specific to the needs of motorcycle drivers. A method of semi-permanently mounting the device is described which requires no permanent alterations to the vehicle while providing improved visibility of alarm signals, a simple display technique, and controls which do not require the operator to remove his/her hands from the vehicle handlebars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Inventor: Daniel John Peterson
  • Patent number: 6943723
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a combined radar and laser detector that enables a driver to drive safely and, more particularly, to a combined radar and laser detector, in which a signal receiving module for receiving various kinds of signals including traffic information and an information display module for informing a driver of the signals are separated, the signal receiving module and information display module are constructed to communicate with each other using wireless communication, and the information display module is integrated with a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver detecting GPS data related to the location and speed of a moving vehicle, so that the combined radar and laser detector can not only provide accurate traffic information to the driver, but also allow the installation thereof to be easy, the miniaturization thereof to be achieved, and power consumption to be minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Channel Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Dong-Ryeol Kim, Sun-Woung Jung
  • Patent number: 6941211
    Abstract: A measuring and controlling apparatus for a vehicle includes an image processing device, which is mounted on a vehicle, photographs a circumferential state of the vehicle and processes the image signal; a radar signal processing device, which radiates radio wave or light to process a receiving signal; and a control device for controlling a brake, a throttle valve or a transmission based on the output results of the image processing device and the radar signal processing device. In such a measuring and controlling apparatus for a vehicle, the respective output information of the image processing device and the radar signal processing device includes time information at the time of photographing and time information at the time of measuring and the order of the photographed time and the measured time are adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Kuroda, Hiroshi Takenaga, Hiroto Morizane, Shiho Izumi
  • Patent number: 6922166
    Abstract: A system and a method for distance measurement utilizes a radio system. The distance is measured in coarse resolution, and in fine resolution that corresponds to distance attributes. The distance between first and second radio transceivers is determined from the coarse distance and the fine distance attributes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Assignee: Time Domain Corporation
    Inventors: James L. Richards, Larry W. Fullerton, David C. Meigs, Randall S. Stanley, Ivan A. Cowie
  • Patent number: 6919840
    Abstract: A proximity sensor for use with a guidance system of a smart bomb including a ranging radar proximity sensor configured for mounting on a smart bomb and a radome connected to the ranging radar proximity sensor. A laser radiation sensor system is attached to the proximity sensor, which is configured and arranged to detect laser radiation reflected from a target which passes through the radome and output the azimuth and elevation angles to the target to the guidance system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.
    Inventors: William A. Friedrich, Lyle H. Johnson, Mark K. Conrad
  • Patent number: 6909397
    Abstract: One preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a system and method for suppressing motion artifacts introduced by movement of a radar detection system. Briefly described, in architecture, one embodiment of the system, among others, can be implemented as follows. The system includes a Doppler radar module configured to transmit a microwave signal directed towards an object and receive the reflected microwave signals from the object and a living subject positioned behind the object. Also, the system includes a reference module configured to transmit a reference signal towards the object and receive the reflected reference signal from the object. By comparing the two reflected signals from the Doppler radar module and the reference device, a signal processor suppresses motion artifacts generated by movement of the Doppler radar module to identify the presence of the living subject behind the object. Other systems and methods are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: Georgia Tech Research Corporation
    Inventors: Eugene Ferguson Greneker III, Daren Joseph Zywicki
  • Patent number: 6906659
    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: December 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Inventor: Tom Ramstack
  • Patent number: 6903676
    Abstract: The present invention can be generally described as a protection system. This protection system is formed by the integration of commonly available subsystems, which may be controlled by non-proprietary, open architecture software, which, in turn, may accommodate the commonly known “plug and play” capability. This allows the present invention to easily incorporate a variety of lethal (or less-than-lethal) weapon payloads as well as a variety of sensors and detectors; thereby providing the user with the first real, integrated system (of systems) solution capable of providing an enhanced situation awareness capability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Trent J. Frady, Dustin L. Wilson, Kyle R. Werner, Eric S. Moody, Nancy J. Flynn, Michael P. Konerman, Paul L. Schmidt, Robert E. Mullen, Mark R. Koi, Nigel G. Wasil, Michael G. Daugherty, Bret R. Mehringer
  • Patent number: 6903677
    Abstract: An image sensor section and a millimeter-wave sensor section separately detect objects. A sensor matching section determines whether the objects detected by the image sensor section and the millimeter-wave sensor section are one and the same object. If the objects are one and the same object, the sensor matching section estimates a position of the obstacle after a certain period. A collision prediction section determined whether there is going to be a collision between the vehicle and the object 50 from the position estimated by the sensor matching section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Tomonobu Takashima, Masatoshi Tohno, Tadao Omi, Taku Katagiri, Daisuke Ueno
  • Patent number: 6903680
    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: October 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshie Samukawa, Keiji Matsuoka, Hiroshi Ookata, Toyohito Nozawa
  • Patent number: 6892117
    Abstract: A terrain clearance measuring radio wave being emitted from an airplane is received, and changes in electric field intensity of the radio wave is input and recorded to a computer, whereby the time of occurrence of a sharply appearing peak value of the changes permits accurate measurement of the point-blank passing time, independent of flight frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: Nittobo Acoustic Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinji Ohhashi, Kouichi Yamashita, Naoki Hayashi
  • Patent number: 6877691
    Abstract: A technique is provided that uses a dual mode seeker (IR and LADAR) for precise target dynamics measurement, which extends stripping to a much higher altitude than ground based radar. Initial results show that this approach works to altitudes in excess of 100 km. Stripping becomes a reliable way to discriminate lighter weight decoys from reentry vehicles at altitudes and ranges consistent with planned divert capabilities for terminal phase missile defense. It is a finding of this invention that the LADAR will improve the spatial resolution by a factor of five over typical missile defense IR seekers using a common aperture. The LADAR provides a 3D angle, angle, range (AAR) image for each laser pulse which is used to extract the precise target state vectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventors: Michael E. DeFlumere, Michael P. Bulpett, Timothy J. Boyd, Kurt J. Nordhaus
  • Patent number: 6879280
    Abstract: An aircraft weather radar system is disclosed. The system comprises a radar antenna, aircraft sensors, and a database. The system also comprises a processing device receiving information from the radar antenna and from the aircraft sensors and able to retrieve information from the database. Further, the system comprises a cockpit display coupled to the processing device. The processing device is programmed to estimate storm system characteristics based on the received information from the aircraft sensors and the database and to display the storm system characteristics on a vertical weather profile display using a graphical representation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Ian J. Bull, Steve Paramore, Daniel L. Woodell
  • Patent number: 6867727
    Abstract: A system-of-systems avionics architecture that is compatible with futuristic multi-function multi-platform sensor applications. The method and device of the invention is based on localized “adaptive” waveform and spectrum allocation for ultra-wideband radio frequency and microwave signals. The invention includes a plurality of system platforms with each platform comprising a common radio frequency front end for receiving ultra-wideband signals, a common radio frequency back end for transmitting ultra-wideband signals and a plurality of sensors for exchanging data between platforms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventor: Atindra Mitra
  • Patent number: 6864828
    Abstract: A system and method provide for the collection of interferometric synthetic aperture radar (IFSAR) data. In the system, a first space vehicle configured for emitting electro-magnetic energy and collecting the reflection from a region of interest (ROI), may be directed along a first orbital track. The collected image data may be stored and later provided to a ground station for image and interferometric processing. A second space vehicle may also be configured for emission and collection of electro-magnetic energy reflected from the plurality of ROI's. The second space vehicle is positioned in an aligned orbit with respect to the first space vehicle where the separation between the vehicles is known. In order to minimize decorrelation of the ROI during image processing, the lead and trail satellite are configured to substantially simultaneously emit electromagnetic pulses image data collection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Arthur C. Golubiewski, Randall Schnathorst
  • Patent number: 6856272
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for early detection and identification of a threat such as individuals carrying hidden explosive materials, land mines on roads, etc. are disclosed. Methods comprise transmitting radar signals in the direction of a potential threat, measuring the energy in reflected signals, dynamically generating a threat threshold value from signals received from multiple areas and comparing the energy in the reflected signals corresponding to different areas to the generated threat threshold value. The threat threshold value may be generated by averaging the weighted reflected energy measured from different areas during a single scan of a region including the different areas. The contribution to the threshold from different areas is weighted in some embodiments as a function of the distance from the transmitter and/or receiver to the particular area. Analysis of areas and treating different areas as segments facilitates accurate analysis and display of threat information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: Personnel Protection Technoloties LLC
    Inventors: Arthur C. Levitan, Lester Kosowsky
  • Patent number: 6853328
    Abstract: A method and system for identifying harmful airborne biota, particularly insects, and including plant material, such as mold spores and pollen, and flying insects and birds and either killing ordisabling the harmful airborne biota is disclosed. Lasers, radar, and other types of radiation may be used to illuminate at least a perimeter around assets to be protected, with radiation returns detected and applied to a pattern classifier to determine whether the detected insects of interests are harmful, benign or beneficial. In the event the insects are determined to be harmful, a variety of measures responsive to the radiation returns may be taken to eliminate the harmful insects, these measures including firing pulses of beamed energy or radiation of a sufficient intensity to at least incapacitate them, or mechanical measures such as controlled drone aircraft to track and kill the pests.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Inventors: David L Guice, Augustus H. Green, William V. Dent
  • Patent number: 6853327
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for characterizing an overhead line. A radar signal is propagated in a region that includes at least a portion of the overhead line and a reference object, which may, for example, be a ground surface, growth over a ground surface, or another overhead line. A reflected radar signal is received from the overhead line and the reference object. A determination is made of a geometric relationship between the overhead line and the reference object, such as by determining a minimal separation between the overhead line and the reference object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Hot/Shot Radar Inspections, LLC
    Inventors: Gilbert F. Miceli, Michael Parisi
  • Patent number: 6850183
    Abstract: A slope monitoring system having a radar and a video camera recording images sequences of the slope. A data processing unit performs coordinate registration to align the radar images and the video images. Interferometry is used to detect movement in the slope by generating interference maps between the images. These are suitably phase maps showing the phase change between a radar image and a reference image. An alarm occurs if a significant movement is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Groundprobe Pty Limited
    Inventors: Bryan Reeves, David Noon, Glen Stickley, Dennis Longstaff
  • Publication number: 20040257264
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an oil spill identification system and oil spill identification sensors to be used in connection with this system. The system is used primarily on fixed offshore structures, but may also be used on fixed onshore constructions. The sensor comprises a combination of a radar and at least a microwave radiometer. The data collected are transmitted to a control station. Preferably, the transmittal takes place at pixel level between the sensors and the control station. The control station processes the data received at pixel level and transmits data to an end-user, preferably through the internet. The invention also relates to a method for utilizing the system and a use of the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventor: Peter Moeller-Jensen
  • Patent number: 6831591
    Abstract: A radar device mounted to a vehicle includes a camera for obtaining images including the road surface in front of or behind the vehicle on which it is mounted, a sensor having for obtaining at least positional information on a target object of detection such as another vehicle in front or behind and a control unit for correcting the direction of the center axis of the sensor based on the image obtained by the camera. The control unit detects a line segment along a lane in which the vehicle is traveling, detects a vector indicative of the direction on a road-fixed coordinate system of the obtained line segment, and controls correction of horizontal and vertical directions of the center axis of the sensor so as to coincide with the direction of the detected vector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: OMRON Corporation
    Inventor: Koji Horibe
  • Publication number: 20040239553
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a combined radar and laser detector that enables a driver to drive safely and, more particularly, to a combined radar and laser detector, in which a signal receiving module for receiving various kinds of signals including traffic information and an information display module for informing a driver of the signals are separated, the signal receiving module and information display module are constructed to communicate with each other using wireless communication, and the information display module is integrated with a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver detecting GPS data related to the location and speed of a moving vehicle, so that the combined radar and laser detector can not only provide accurate traffic information to the driver, but also allow the installation thereof to be easy, the miniaturization thereof to be achieved, and power consumption to be minimized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Applicant: CHANNEL TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Dong-Ryeol Kim, Sun-Woung Jung
  • Publication number: 20040239551
    Abstract: As previously mentioned in the introduction this concept uses components already available and in use, but not being used to achieve this systems goals of providing a safeguard for weapon user/owner their families, and societies. Communications technology combined with firearms to enhance the weapons reliability and improve on its significance as a vital instrument of protection. This modification will bring age-old safety into the information age.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2003
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventor: Joyce M. Ellis
  • Patent number: 6825792
    Abstract: The present invention is intended to provide a system for determining the precise launch point of ballistic missiles, and may additionally provide the capability of neutralizing said threats. The invention provides a mobile object information means configured to classify electromagnetic frequency activity within satellite and land based commercial and private broadcast and telecommunications spectra in a given geographical area, said means also configured to classify associated area weather normality and anomalies. The system includes a software algorithm configured to extract from said database, a missile launch in a given geographical zone by “tagging” an electromagnetic wave disturbance caused by the high intensity initial fuel burn of said missile launch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Inventor: Howard Letovsky
  • Patent number: 6806823
    Abstract: Applicants' Passive Radar Detector for Dualizing Missile Seeker Capability incorporates passive RF detectors into a standard active MMW seeker missile with a minimum requirement for hardware modifications. Anti-radiation homing (ARH) antennas and down conversion elements are added to the missile and coupled to existing signal-processing hardware. The added antennas intercept the air defense radar emission signals and the conversion elements convert the intercepted signals to the intermediate frequency (IF) usable by the MMW radar. The IF can then be processed by signal processor that already exists as a part of the MMW seeker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Brian J. Smith, Janice C. Rock
  • Publication number: 20040189512
    Abstract: An image sensor section and a millimeter-wave sensor section separately detect objects. A sensor matching section determines whether the objects detected by the image sensor section and the millimeter-wave sensor section are one and the same object. If the objects are one and the same object, the sensor matching section estimates a position of the obstacle after a certain period. A collision prediction section determined whether there is going to be a collision between the vehicle and the object 50 from the position estimated by the sensor matching section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2004
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Applicant: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Tomonobu Takashima, Masatoshi Tohno, Tadao Omi, Taku Katagiri, Daisuke Ueno
  • Patent number: RE39038
    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: January 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Inventor: Hoyt A. Fleming, III