With Infrared Device Patents (Class 342/53)
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Patent number: 6771208Abstract: A multi-sensor system includes multiple sensors that are integrated onto the same substrate forming a unitary multi-sensor platform that provides a known consistent physical relationship between the multiple sensors. A processor can also be integrated onto the substrate so that data from the multiple sensors can be processed locally by the multi-sensor system.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2002Date of Patent: August 3, 2004Assignee: Medius, Inc.Inventors: Robert Pierce Lutter, Tracey Olson
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Publication number: 20040119631Abstract: A deceptive signature broadcast system for an aircraft or other emissions generating asset for generating an emissions pattern for masking the normal emissions signature of the aircraft or asset, and protecting it from emissions tracking intercept vehicles such as Infrared tracking missiles; the system includes at least two beacons mounted in a spaced apart arrangement orthogonal to the desired zone of protection, and bracketing the asset, such as on opposite wingtips of the aircraft for fore and aft protection; the beacon set is modulated from one end to the other with a sweeping pattern of emission intensity, deceptively indicating to the intercepting vehicle a lateral component of motion of the aircraft away from its true relative position within the intercept vehicle's field of view, thereby inducing the intercept vehicle to adopt an erroneous and exaggerated lead angle and course correction that results in a missed intercept trajectory.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2003Publication date: June 24, 2004Inventors: Royden C. Sanders, Albin Hastbacka
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Patent number: 6747607Abstract: Disclosed herein is an arrangement for shielding electronic sensors from undesired microwave or millimeter wave radiation. In this arrangement, reflective element is disposed in the sensor path to intercept incoming signals. The reflective element has a pluraity of adjacent parallel ridges therein having sloped faces angled for reflecting incoming desired infrared radiation onto the sensor. The width of the ridges are selected so that desired signals will be reflected by the sloped ridge faces but undesired microwave or millimeter radiation will be reflected by the overall major surface of the mirror. Accordingly, undesired microwave or millimeter radiation will be reflected away from the sensor by the overall front major surface thereby preventing the sensor from being damaged.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 1988Date of Patent: June 8, 2004Assignee: The Directv Group, Inc.Inventors: Wilfried O. Eckhardt, Weldon S. Williamson
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Publication number: 20040100395Abstract: A system (24) for detecting an air disturbance in front of an aircraft (10) has a controller (26) that is coupled to an image detector (40). Image detector (40) generates an image signal corresponding to heated air in front of the aircraft (10). The air in front of the aircraft (10) is heated by direct high energy beams such as microwave beams (16, 18) from a respective microwave antenna (12, 14). By monitoring the image, the presence of an air disturbance may be determined. Position adjusters (30, 32) may be used to adjust the position of the beams (16, 18) by controlling the position of antennas (12, 14). The position of the beam is preferably maintained a predetermined distance (d) in front of the aircraft (10) so that an evasive maneuver may be performed.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 22, 2002Publication date: May 27, 2004Inventor: Christopher M. Anderson
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Patent number: 6720907Abstract: A system for the detection and determination of the success of interception of incoming missiles, used in conjunction with a defense weapon system capable of identifying and tracking incoming missiles and interceptors. The system comprises at least one of a plurality of sensing units. Each sensing unit comprises: an optical sensor for detecting optical signals within a predetermined range; tracking means coupled to the optical sensor for tracking an intercepting missile or an incoming missile; processing means for processing optical input detected by the optical sensor and analyzing the optical input to identify an optical signature and determine detonation of interceptor or incoming missile; communicating means for communicating data between the sensing unit and the defense weapon system; and control means for controlling the tracking means, the processing means and the communicating data.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2003Date of Patent: April 13, 2004Assignee: Rafael-Armament Development Authority Ltd.Inventor: Raphael Miron
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Patent number: 6720905Abstract: Methods and Apparatus for early detection and identification of a threat, and alerting against detected threats, such as individuals wearing or carrying explosive materials and/or weapons, e.g., suicide bombers and other terrorists, at a great enough distance to limit loss of life and destruction of property are disclosed. The methods comprise transmitting a signal in the direction of a potential threat, measuring the detected reflected signal, and comparing the signal level with a threshold indicative of a threat. A monitor is employed to display the threat and attributes of the detected signals. The invention further illuminates the suspicious individual(s) with a Laser illuminator/designator and provides information about the distance to the suspicious individual(s).Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2002Date of Patent: April 13, 2004Assignee: Personnel Protection Technologies LLCInventors: Arthur C. Levitan, Lester Kosowsky
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Publication number: 20040061641Abstract: A method of tracking a target (2) moving in an airspace and a target tracking system (10) for performing the method are described. A search sensor (12) searches a search space at a first clock rate (2&pgr;/&Dgr;T1) and establishes target information in regard to a track (4) flown through by the target (2). Calculation means (16) extrapolate an expected flight path (6) from the target information established and provide flight path data, which describes the expected flight path (8), to a tracking sensor (14), which covers a tracking space (15), and provides this data at a second clock rate (2&agr;/&Dgr;T2), which is higher than the first clock rate (2&pgr;/&Dgr;T1). When the target (2) reaches the tracking space (15), the tracking sensor (14) is aimed at the expected flight path (6) on the basis of the flight path data provided, the target (2) is detected as soon as it is detectable by the tracking sensor (14), and the tracking sensor (14) is tracked on the target autonomously.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2003Publication date: April 1, 2004Applicant: Oerlikon Contraves AGInventor: Pierre Fischer
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Publication number: 20040056792Abstract: A system for the detection and determination of the success of interception of incoming missiles, used in conjunction with a defense weapon system capable of identifying and tracking incoming missiles and interceptors. The system comprises at least one of a plurality of sensing units. Each sensing unit comprises: an optical sensor for detecting optical signals within a predetermined range; tracking means coupled to the optical sensor for tracking an intercepting missile or an incoming missile; processing means for processing optical input detected by the optical sensor and analyzing the optical input to identify an optical signature and determine detonation of interceptor or incoming missile; communicating means for communicating data between the sensing unit and the defense weapon system; and control means for controlling the tracking means, the processing means and the communicating data.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 12, 2003Publication date: March 25, 2004Inventor: Raphael Miron
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Publication number: 20040051659Abstract: A plurality of sensors each gather information about a region around the periphery of a motor vehicle. The sensor system is equipped with a radar assembly, an infrared detection assembly, and a visible light detection assembly. A central processing unit integrates data gathered from the three assemblies and combines them to form an aggregate data set of the individual region. The CPU also combines aggregate data sets from all the sensors and displays the information on a dashboard mounted display. The display is an active matrix display that shows contacts relative to the motor vehicle, a level of threat imposed by each individual contact, and a blink rate for color blind applications. The display takes advantage of color active matrix technology, displaying low threats as green sprites, moderate threats as yellow or orange sprites, and severe threats as red sprites.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 18, 2002Publication date: March 18, 2004Inventor: Darwin A. Garrison
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Patent number: 6707419Abstract: A radar transmitter includes a digital ramp generator circuit for generating a VCO control signal. The ramp generator includes a digital signal processor and a digital-to-analog converter. In one embodiment, the VCO output signal is up-converted to provide the transmit signal and in another embodiment, the VCO operates over the transmit frequency. Also described is a VCO comprising a DR and a phase shifter. A temperature compensation feature includes detecting the transmit frequency and comparing the DSP output generating the detected frequency to a DSP output stored in association with the detected frequency. Also described is a technique for compensating for non-linear VCO operation in which the DSP output words are adjusted to provide a waveform complementary in shape to the non-linear VCO characteristic. Susceptibility of the radar to interference is reduced by randomly varying at least one parameter of the ramp signal, such as offset interval or voltage range, in at least one ramp signal cycle.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2001Date of Patent: March 16, 2004Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventors: Walter Gordon Woodington, Michael Joseph Delcheccolo, Joseph S. Pleva, Mark E. Russell, H. Barteld Van Rees, James T. Hanson
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Publication number: 20040046688Abstract: A mobile surveillance vehicle security system, comprising one or more low profile vehicles equipped with a combination of thermal and radar equipment to provide surveillance of large areas using few assets, extended line-of-sight surveillance, integration with other sensor systems, information sharing, and system survivability of loss of sensors and vehicles.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 6, 2002Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventors: Mark W. Bigge, Christopher B. Adams
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Patent number: 6698330Abstract: The present invention resides in an infrared identification system for identifying military vehicles as friendly or hostile. The infrared identification system includes a seed introduction system, in each friendly vehicle, that introduces trace quantities of a particular seed formulation into the vehicle's exhaust. An infrared detection system, also in each friendly vehicle, detects the spectrally-discrete thermal emissions of the seed formulation to identify those vehicles having the thermal emissions as friendly. The infrared identification system provides rapid and positive friend or foe identification of land, sea and air vehicles at long ranges without being jammed, intercepted or mimicked.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 1987Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Northrop Grumman CorporationInventors: Arvel Benjamin Witte, Arthur Karl Williams, Richard David Fleeter
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Patent number: 6680688Abstract: A measuring system and method of detecting an object distance by transmission media with different wave velocities are described. The measuring system has a computer, a primary detector and a secondary detector. The primary detector is connected to the computer through bus communication and the secondary detector connected to the primary one through two different transmission media. The primary detector is able to receive separately a first signal and a second signal emitted simultaneously from the secondary detector through the transmission media. Moreover, the first signal has light-speed and the second signal has sound-speed. To calculate the distance between the objects which the primary and the secondary detector are attached respectively. The delay time of second signal and the wave velocity of the supersonic media are multiplied.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2003Date of Patent: January 20, 2004Assignee: Viewmove Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Shyh-Biau Jiang, Hung-Chuan Chien, Dong-Liang Lee, Chi-Ming Yang, Hsin-Ming Chang, Chuan-Fu Huang
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Publication number: 20030201929Abstract: A multi-sensor system includes multiple sensors that are integrated onto the same substrate forming a unitary multi-sensor platform that provides a known consistent physical relationship between the multiple sensors. A processor can also be integrated onto the substrate so that data from the multiple sensors can be processed locally by the multi-sensor system.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2002Publication date: October 30, 2003Inventors: Robert Pierce Pierce Lutter, Tracey Olson
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Publication number: 20030193429Abstract: A device and method for detection of buried objects (40) utilizing a down looking infrared (140) array having infrared detectors (170) positioned in a sensor array (30). This sensor array (30) may also contain ground penetrating radar (70) and EMI coils (80). All signals from the ground penetrating radar (70), EMI coils (80) and down looking infrared (140) may be combined to generate alarms (1100). However, the infrared (140) array may be utilized as a sole means of detecting buried objects (40). This device and method for detecting buried objects (40) utilizing down looking infrared (140) reduces the cost of construction and maintenance of such a device.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2002Publication date: October 16, 2003Inventors: Stephen B. Campana, Conrad W. Terrill
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Publication number: 20030184468Abstract: A method and system provide a multi-sensor data fusion system capable of adaptively weighting the contributions from each one of a plurality of sensors using a plurality of data fusion methods. During a predetermined tracking period, the system receives data from each individual sensor and each data fusion method is performed to determine a plurality of reliability functions for the system based on combining each sensor reliability function which are individually weighted based on the S/N (signal-to-noise) ratio for the received data from each sensor, and a comparison of predetermined sensor operation characteristics for each sensor and a best performing (most reliable) sensor. The system may dynamically select to use one or a predetermined combination of the generated reliability functions as the current (best) reliability function which provides a confidence level for the multi-sensor system relating to the correct classification (recognition) of targets and decoys.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 25, 2003Publication date: October 2, 2003Inventors: Hai-Wen Chen, Teresa L. Olson
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Patent number: 6626396Abstract: A method for guiding an intercepting missile to a body-to-body contact with an airborne target in the atmosphere. The method includes the steps of guiding the intercepting missile to within an appropriate distance from the airborne target, illuminating the airborne target, using an illuminator carried by the intercepting missile, acquiring an image of the illuminated airborne target and, steering the missile in accordance with an aimpoint on the image.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2001Date of Patent: September 30, 2003Assignee: Rafael-Armament Development Authority Ltd.Inventor: Arnon Secker
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Publication number: 20030179129Abstract: The invention provides an object recognition apparatus that removes virtual images without detecting a roadside object. When a predetermined vehicle is currently running on a lane, a detection area, outside of the currently running lane, is designated to include a first area and an assumed ghost area therein. The first area is enclosed by a boundary of the detection area, a boundary of the assumed ghost area adjacent thereto, and a boundary on the currently running lane whose distance is traveled by the vehicle during one control cycle. The invention detects an object for the first time in the assumed ghost area, not in the first area. When the object travels with a distance and a speed of a target vehicle, it is determined to be a ghost to be deleted.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2003Publication date: September 25, 2003Inventors: Yukimasa Tamatsu, Hiroaki Kumon
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Publication number: 20030128149Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2002Publication date: July 10, 2003Applicant: Hot/Shot Radar Inspections, LLCInventors: Gilbert F. Miceli, Michael Parisi
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Patent number: 6590519Abstract: A radar source is configured on a vehicle, which may be an airborne vehicle such as a helicopter. An arrangement of at least one computer system is provided in communication with the radar source and configured to accept instructions from an operator and to operate the radar source. As the vehicle moves in the vicinity of a subterranean volume along a navigation path, a radar signal is propagated with the radar source into the subterranean volume. A reflected radar signal from a subterranean object within the subterranean volume is received. Physical characteristics of the subterranean object are ascertained from the reflected radar signal.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2001Date of Patent: July 8, 2003Assignee: Hot/Shot Radar Inspections, LLCInventors: Gilbert F. Miceli, Michael Parisi
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Publication number: 20030112170Abstract: Existing positioning technologies used in conjunction with Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) are generally too time-consuming or insufficiently accurate for high resolution, high frequency, 3-d structural investigations. The invention provides an optical positioning system for use in GPR surveys that uses a camera mounted on the GPR antenna that takes video of the surface beneath it and calculates the relative motion of the antenna based on the differences between successive frames of video. Positioning accuracy to within several millimeters is provided. The procedure is orders of magnitude faster than surveying a grid of data points or laying out parallel lines and surveying each line with an odometer wheel. The system and method of positioning is suitable for mapping the subsurface of structures such as building columns or floors using GPR. Time domain synthetic aperture radar algorithms can be used to reconstruct an image of the subsurface using this position data.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2002Publication date: June 19, 2003Applicant: KYMATIX RESEARCH INC.Inventors: Kyle J. Doerksen, Alan G. McNaughton
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Patent number: 6522284Abstract: A method and system for identifying an anomaly in an electrically insulative component of a structure, such as an insulator on a utility or telecommunications pole, are provided. Locations for the structure and electrically insulative component are identified. A radar signal is propagated towards the electrically insulative component with a radar antenna while the radar antenna is motion along a navigation path in the vicinity of the structure. A reflected radar signal is received from the electrically insulative component, from which a determination is made whether the electrically insulative component contains the anomaly.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2000Date of Patent: February 18, 2003Assignee: Hot/Shot Radar Inspections, LLCInventors: Gilbert F Miceli, Michael Parisi
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Patent number: 6515614Abstract: An autonomous moving apparatus moving to a destination while detecting and avoiding an obstacle includes a radar device for scanning a horizontal plane in its travelling direction to thereby detect a position of an obstacle and an obstacle sensor for detecting an obstacle in a space different from the scanning plane of the radar device. The apparatus moves to the destination under such control as to avoid the obstacle based on detection information from the radar device and the obstacle sensor from a detection output provided by a specific-configuration detecting element for detecting a present specific configuration from scanning information by the radar device. By providing such a specific-configuration detecting element that detects a specific configuration based on the scan information by the radar device that can accurately know about position information, it is possible to guess an obstacle having an upper structure, thus providing efficient avoidance.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2001Date of Patent: February 4, 2003Assignee: Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd.Inventors: Tatsuo Sakai, Yukihiko Kitano
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Publication number: 20020196175Abstract: A detector device for detecting the presence of a speed detection system which includes a displaying means which pivots in relation to the device's housing thereby allowing a user to selectively adjust the orientation of the display to maximize the display's visual output without detracting from the alignment/orientation of the device's detection means.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2001Publication date: December 26, 2002Inventors: Craig R. Autio, Michael Batten
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Patent number: 6480140Abstract: The present invention is to a method and system for providing protection from an EMS-targeted weapon by providing an appropriate spoofed EMS signal to cause an EMS-targeted weapon to determine an apparent object distance sufficiently close to the EMS-based targeting threat to nullify the weapon. In a first embodiment, the EMS-based targeting threat uses reflected EMS emissions, such as RADAR, to target the object the apparent object distance nullifies the weapon by falling within a weapon-safety lockout distance determined by a fire control system of the targeting threat. In another embodiment, the EMS-based targeting threat uses EMS signals from an external source, such as GPS, to target a position of the object and the apparent object distance nullifies the weapon by causing premature detonation at a safe standoff distance from said object.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2001Date of Patent: November 12, 2002Inventor: Jonathan B. Rosefsky
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Publication number: 20020149510Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the protection of mobile military facilities, in particular military bridges, against target-seeking guided weapons equipped with various threat sensors, wherein the mobile military facilities are equipped with active and passive anti-sensors for detecting a threat by approaching target-seeking guided weapons and computing their trajectories and determining suitable intercept coordinates for deploying countermeasures. Moreover a mobile dirigible launcher furnished with various decoy effective agent ammunitions is provided in the surroundings of the facility to be protected and/or immediately on the said facility.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 4, 2002Publication date: October 17, 2002Inventor: Rudolf Salzeder
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Patent number: 6456226Abstract: A convection induced turbulence (CIT) detection system performs a nowcast algorithm to detect CIT along the flight path of an aircraft using power returns from an airborne whether radar. Additional meteorological data is optionally provided by onboard sensors and/or data link from ground sources. A nowcast predicting turbulence along the flight path in the near future alerts the pilot to the likelihood of encountering clear air turbulence.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2000Date of Patent: September 24, 2002Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: L. Lucy Zheng, Richard Burne, Dan T. Horak
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Publication number: 20020109622Abstract: A method and system for identifying an anomaly in an insulative component of a structure, such as an insulator on a utility or telecommunications pole, are provided. Locations for the structure and insulative component are identified. A radar signal is propagated towards the insulative component with a radar antenna while the radar antenna is motion along a navigation path in the vicinity of the structure. A reflected radar signal is received from the insulative component, from which a determination is made whether the insulative component contains the anomaly.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2000Publication date: August 15, 2002Applicant: Hot/Shot Radar Inspections, LLCInventors: Gilbert F. Miceli, Michael Parisi
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Patent number: 6422508Abstract: A robotically controlled steerable gimbal mounted virtual broadband hyperspectral sensor system and methods provide a highly mobile, rapidly responsive and innovative system of locating targets and exploiting hyperspectral and ultraspectral imaging and non-imaging signature information in real-time from an aircraft or ground vehicles from overhead or standoff perspective in order to discriminate and identify unique spectral characteristics of the target. The system preferably has one or more mechanically integrated hyperspectral sensors installed on a gimbal backbone and co-boresighted with a similarly optional mounted color video camera and optional LASER within an aerodynamically stable pod shell constructed for three-dimensional stabilization and pointing of the sensor on a direct overhead or off-nadir basis.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2000Date of Patent: July 23, 2002Assignee: Galileo Group, Inc.Inventor: Donald Michael Barnes
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Publication number: 20020080061Abstract: A method for guiding an intercepting missile to a body-to-body contact with an airborne target in the atmosphere. The method includes the steps of guiding the intercepting missile to within an appropriate distance from the airborne target, illuminating the airborne target, using an illuminator carried by the intercepting missile, acquiring an image of the illuminated airborne target and, steering the missile in accordance with an aimpoint on the image.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2001Publication date: June 27, 2002Applicant: RAFAEL - ARMAMENT DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY LTD.Inventor: Arnon Secker
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Publication number: 20020075180Abstract: An autonomous moving apparatus moving to a destination while detecting and avoiding an obstacle includes a radar device for scanning a horizontal plane in its travelling direction to thereby detect a position of an obstacle and an obstacle sensor for detecting an obstacle in a space different from the scanning plane of the radar device. The apparatus moves to the destination under such control as to avoid the obstacle based on detection information from the radar device and the obstacle sensor from a detection output provided by a specific-configuration detecting element for detecting a present specific configuration from scanning information by the radar device. By providing such a specific-configuration detecting element that detects a specific configuration based on the scan information by the radar device that can accurately know about position information, it is possible to guess an obstacle having an upper structure, thus providing efficient avoidance.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2001Publication date: June 20, 2002Applicant: MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC WORKS, Ltd.Inventors: Tatsuo Sakai, Yukihiko Kitano
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Patent number: 6356228Abstract: There is provided an automatic airport information transmitting apparatus comprising: airport-inside-target detecting means for detecting a target inside an airport; target judging means for judging a target moved in a place within the airport, which is required to surveille an aircraft based upon target position information derived from the airport-inside-target detecting means; and transmitting means for transmitting information of the target inside the airport judged by the target judging means to an aircraft which is flying around the airport in a wireless manner. In a relatively small-scaled airport where no controller is present, the automatic airport information transmitting apparatus improves a flight security of aircraft which are flying around the airport and are landing at this airport.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2000Date of Patent: March 12, 2002Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Atsushi Tomita
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Patent number: 6351234Abstract: A motion detector of an alarm system has a microwave sensor and a passive infrared sensor, and includes signal processing logic for initiating an anti-masking evaluation upon detection of certain conditions. The detector then samples the sensor signals and compares the signals to a series of possible outcomes. Some of the possible outcomes represent masking conditions, while others represent normal conditions. A match with masking conditions results in an alarm signal being generated.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2000Date of Patent: February 26, 2002Assignee: Digital Security Controls Ltd.Inventor: Jake Choy
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Patent number: 6333986Abstract: A system and method for detecting and/or classifying an obscured discrete cultural object and/or an obscured replicated object using image data from an optical, infrared or synthetic aperture radar imaging system is disclosed. Generally, the method and system of the present invention are directed to performing a cepstral analysis on the image data to attentuate the corruption signal in the image data and/or to enhance the discrete cultural object signal and/or the replicated object signature, and displaying an output of the cepstral analysis in the pixel and/or the spatial quefrency domain to detect and/or classify the discrete cultural object and/or the replicated object.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 1998Date of Patent: December 25, 2001Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventor: Joe V. Petty
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Publication number: 20010035836Abstract: A radar source is configured on a vehicle, which may be an airborne vehicle such as a helicopter. An arrangement of at least one computer system is provided in communication with the radar source and configured to accept instructions from an operator and to operate the radar source. As the vehicle moves in the vicinity of a subterranean volume along a navigation path, a radar signal is propagated with the radar source into the subterranean volume. A reflected radar signal from a subterranean object within the subterranean volume is received. Physical characteristics of the subterranean object are ascertained from the reflected radar signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2001Publication date: November 1, 2001Inventors: Gilbert Miceli, Michael Parisi
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Patent number: 6307521Abstract: A reflector antenna arrangement can transmit and receive both infrared (IR) and millimeter wave (RF) radiation. The arrangement includes a main reflector (1), a subreflector (2), an IR feed system (4), an RF feed system (3), a radome (5), and a bispectral window (6) arranged in an opening provided in a central area of the main reflector (1). The RF feed system is oriented so that the RF radiation path includes a double reflection from the subreflector and from the main reflector, while the IR feed system is arranged directly behind the bispectral window so that the IR beam path extends directly through the bispectral window without reflecting from the main reflector or the subreflector. The bispectral window has a high reflectance for the RF radiation and a high transmittance of the IR radiation.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 1999Date of Patent: October 23, 2001Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AGInventors: Gerhard Schindler, Erwin Haertinger, Uwe Leupelt
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Patent number: 6246355Abstract: A method and system for analyzing a wooden structure, such as a utility or telecommunications pole, are provided. A location for the wooden structure is identified. A first radar signal is propagated towards the wooden structure with a radar antenna while the radar antenna is motion along a navigation path in the vicinity of the wooden structure. A reflected radar signal is received from the wooden structure, from which a determination is made whether the wooden structure contains a structural anomaly.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2000Date of Patent: June 12, 2001Assignee: Hot/Shot Radar Inspections, LLCInventors: Gilbert F Miceli, Michael Parisi
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Patent number: 6211809Abstract: A passive millimeter-wave imaging system (10) that includes a millimeter-wave camera (12) positioned at the end of an aircraft landing strip (14) to provide an image (20) of the aircraft (16) approaching the landing strip (14) along a landing glidepath (18). The camera (12) broadcasts the image (20) of the aircraft (16) approaching the landing strip (14) to the aircraft (16) and to a control tower (24). With this information, the pilot of the aircraft (16) sees his aircraft's position relative to the glidepath (18), and can make landing adjustments accordingly. Likewise, the tower personnel can monitor the aircraft landing glidepath (18) to insure that the aircraft (16) maintain a safe distance relative to the ground.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 1998Date of Patent: April 3, 2001Assignee: TRW Inc.Inventor: Gerald J. Stiles
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Patent number: 6184816Abstract: A clear air turbulence (CAT) detection system performs a nested grid modeling algorithm to detect CAT along the flight path of an aircraft. The aircraft stores coarse simulation information and utilizes the information to perform large scale weather modeling over a large grid. On board sensors are utilized to generate observational information to model atmospheric conditions within a smaller grid, nested within the larger grid, and including the flight path of the aircraft. A nowcast predicting turbulence along the flight path in the near future alerts the pilot to the likelihood of encountering clear air turbulence. A data link may be utilized to receive coarse simulation data or observational data from sources external to the aircraft. Additionally, the coarse simulation information may include turbulence forecast data and the observational information is used to refine the turbulence forecast to more accurately predict clear air turbulence along the flight path of the aircraft.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 1999Date of Patent: February 6, 2001Assignee: AlliedSignal Inc.Inventors: L. Lucy Zheng, Richard Burne
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Patent number: 6150974Abstract: A dual mode missile seeker system utilizing an infrared transparent radar tenna is disclosed. The infrared transparent radar antenna is mounted in front of and on the same axis as the infrared detector within a missile dome. The radar antenna includes spaced apart patches of infrared transparent semiconductor material and a ground plane of the same material deposited on opposite sides of an infrared and microwave transparent dielectric substrate for transmitting and receiving microwave radiation and for shielding the infrared detector array mounted behind. A radome or separate lens redirects incoming infrared radiation so as to pass through the radar antenna and focus on the infrared detector array.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 1982Date of Patent: November 21, 2000Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: Toshio Tasaka, Harold R. Riedl, James B. Restorff
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Patent number: 6061014Abstract: A method for monitoring large surface areas. A thermal camera and an electromagnetic radar are rotated about a vertical axis to scan the area. The area is divided into sector-like surface elements. Monitoring criteria are established for each of the surface elements. Movements in the surface area being monitored are detected by the radar. The thermal camera is used to detect objects different, in temperature, from their surroundings. Detected objects are located in a surface element and identified in accordance with the monitoring criteria using at least one of the radar and thermal camera.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 1998Date of Patent: May 9, 2000Inventors: Jouko Rautanen, Jari Korja
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Patent number: 6042050Abstract: Synthetic discriminant function automatic target recognition system augmented by LADAR combines, through the synthetic discriminant function (SDF), the active LADAR data of the potential target object with the passive infrared imagery of the target and background. In doing so, the system not only recognizes and classifies the target but also provides the range profile of the target object by analyzing the amplitude of the reflected return signal when appropriate. The live target scene imagery in passive infrared is detected, filtered and subsequently complex multiplied with pre-existing synthetic discriminant function to produce a two-dimensional cross-correlated surface. Analogous process is performed on the active LADAR range and intensity images of the live target scene with corresponding pre-existing synthetic discriminant function for the same target pose and scale as in the passive infrared correlation step.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 1999Date of Patent: March 28, 2000Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventors: S. Richard F. Sims, William C. Pittman
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Patent number: 5999212Abstract: A detection system for detecting a target flying over water, which includes a detector positioned to receive radiation reflected by the target off water, and producing a detector output signal having an amplitude proportional to the amount of received radiation, a high-pass filter for passing portions of the detector output signal having a frequency greater than a prescribed threshold frequency, and for blocking portions of the detector output signal having a frequency lower than the prescribed threshold frequency. The prescribed threshold frequency is sufficiently high to ensure that only the portions of the detector output signal produced by the radiation reflected by the target off the water are passed by the high-pass filter, and that portions of the detector output signal produced by solar glitter are not passed. In a specific embodiment, the system is designed to be installed on a ship for the purpose of detecting low-flying, fast-moving targets, such as cruise missiles.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 1997Date of Patent: December 7, 1999Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: Holmes Crosby, Michael J. Wardlaw
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Patent number: 5977902Abstract: An anti-tank trap (1) is constituted by a support (2), a military payload (3), an igniter (4) and a sight (5). The firing on the target is carried out at the time t.sub.d in a plane .DELTA.. The invention is characterized by the following chronological series of stages:first detection by FM/CW radar (lobes 11) and establishment of a first map ERA.sub.ref,second infra-red detection (IR) at t.sub.2 (plane V or V'),third IR detection at t.sub.1 (plane U or U'),computation of: t.sub.1 -t.sub.2 and of the angular velocity d.gamma./dt of the target,fourth detection by FM/CW radar (ERA.sub.m),measurement of the range d.sub.c and of the size of the target (ERA.sub.m -ERA.sub.ref),analysis of the target, firing decision, computation of t.sub.d and triggering at t.sub.d of the military payload.Application to an anti-tank trap.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 1987Date of Patent: November 2, 1999Assignee: Telecommunications Radioelectriques et Telephoniques T.R.TInventors: Fran.cedilla.ois Magne, Serge Paturel
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Patent number: 5952957Abstract: A method of enhancing resolution of an electromagnetic image comprising steps of inputting an infrared signal, inputting a radar signal, combining the infrared signal and the radar signal to produce an image and displaying the image.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 1998Date of Patent: September 14, 1999Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventor: Harold H. Szu
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Patent number: 5936524Abstract: A method for determining malfunction of a microwave intrusion detector which transmits microwave radiation into a region and receives microwave radiation to produce a receiver signal, such that a detection pattern of microwave pulses is transmitted periodically during an intrusion detection mode, including initiating a self-test mode of the detector, transmitting during the self-test mode a test pattern comprising a plurality of microwave pulses having at least two different duty cycles, different from the detection pattern, receiving microwave radiation in the self-test mode and generating a receiver signal responsive thereto and analyzing the receiver signal to derive a parameter responsive to the test pattern, so as to determine a malfunction condition.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 1997Date of Patent: August 10, 1999Assignee: Visonic Ltd.Inventors: Boris Zhevelev, Mark Moldavski
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Patent number: 5929777Abstract: A personal infrared beacon unit capable of being worn as an adornment of clothing, incorporated into a part of a person's attire, or embodied within a personal pager, a cellular phone or a 2-way data device. The beacon unit may be in communication with an established network and may be activated externally by a locator signal, or internally by activation of an emergency button. Upon activation, the beacon unit emits coded timed infrared bursts in coherent beams, and when the beams are detected, they may be decoded visually or with a decoding device to provide the identity and location of the user.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 1996Date of Patent: July 27, 1999Assignee: MCI World Com, Inc.Inventor: Kevin T. Reynolds
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Patent number: 5751830Abstract: A coherent camera system performs ranging, spectroscopy, and thermal imaging. Local oscillator radiation is combined with target scene radiation to enable heterodyne detection by the coherent camera's two-dimensional photodetector array. Versatility enables deployment of the system in either a passive mode (where no laser energy is actively transmitted toward the target scene) or an active mode (where a transmitting laser is used to actively illuminate the target scene). The two-dimensional photodetector array eliminates the need to mechanically scan the detector. Each element of the photodetector array produces an intermediate frequency signal that is amplified, filtered, and rectified by the coherent camera's integrated circuitry.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 1995Date of Patent: May 12, 1998Assignee: Lockheed Martin Energy Systems, Inc.Inventor: Donald P. Hutchinson
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Patent number: 5717258Abstract: The present invention relates to a manual and remote control switching system in which users can optionally turn on/off any load among a plurality of loads in different places. The switching system switches a power source being supplied to the plurality of loads by manipulating either a manual switch or a remote control switch, thereby controlling the power source supplied to the loads. The loads may be set up in a plurality of chambers blocked off from each other, with one remote controller in each chamber. The switching system includes a preventive device which prevents the control of loads in other chambers. Accordingly, the present invention provides a switching system which can easily control loads installed in a plurality of chambers blocked off from each other.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 1996Date of Patent: February 10, 1998Assignee: Medison Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hyung Sik Park
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Patent number: RE36944Abstract: A bistatic radar system includes a transmitting radar site; a receiving radar site; and an optical fiber RF link system for transmitting RF signals from the receiving site to the transmitting site and for transmitting command and control signals from the transmitting site to the receiving site.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 1995Date of Patent: November 7, 2000Inventor: Ming-Chiang Li