With Laser Patents (Class 342/54)
  • Patent number: 8686326
    Abstract: In certain aspects, this invention is a “control system” that detects and minimizes (or otherwise optimizes) an angle between vehicle centerline (or other reference axis) and vehicle velocity vector—as for JDAM penetration. Preferably detection is exclusively by optical flow (which herein encompasses sonic and other imaging), without data influence by navigation. In other aspects, the invention is a “guidance system”, with optical-flow subsystem to detect an angle between the vehicle velocity vector and line of sight to a destination—either a desired or an undesired destination. Here, vehicle trajectory is adjusted in response to detected angle, for optimum angle, e.g. to either home in on a desired destination or avoid an undesired destination (or rendezvous), and follow a path that's ideal for the particular mission—preferably by controlling an autopilot or applying information from navigation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Arete Associates
    Inventors: John C. Dennison, David C. Campion
  • Patent number: 8681068
    Abstract: A technique for suppressing backwaves employs a photonic approach. In one aspect, the technique includes an apparatus, including: a radiating element; and a microwave-photonic device for suppressing backwaves from the radiating element. In a second aspect, the technique includes a method for removing unwanted radiation from a radiating device, comprising: receiving unwanted radiation from the radiating device; communicating the received radiation to an electro-optically active material; communicating laser light to the electro-optically active material; communicating electromagnetic products of interactions between the radiation and the laser light to a photodiode; and communicating photodiode outputs to a termination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Brett A. Williams, Kurt S. Schuder, J. Michael Zamarron
  • Publication number: 20140070979
    Abstract: A method for validating received positional data in vehicle surveillance applications. A signal carrying a Mode S ES message including positional data indicating an alleged position of a vehicle, transmitted from a radio source is received with a radio direction finding antenna of a receiver. A bearing from the receiver to the radio source is estimated utilizing the radio direction finding antenna and received signal. A distance between the receiver and radio source based on a time of flight for a signal travelling between the receiver and radio source at known speed is estimated with a distance measurer including primary radar, laser detector and ranger, and/or secondary surveillance radar. An estimated position of the radio source is calculated based on the estimated bearing and distance. A deviation value indicating a deviation/coincidence between the alleged position is determined according to the received and estimated position of the radio source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: SAAB AB
    Inventors: Svante Andersson, Andreas Persson
  • Patent number: 8614640
    Abstract: A forward facing sensing system for a vehicle includes a radar sensor device disposed within the vehicle cabin and having a sensing direction forward of the vehicle, and an image sensor disposed within the vehicle cabin and having a viewing direction forward of the vehicle. A control includes an image processor that is operable to analyze images captured by the image sensor in order to, at least in part, detect an object forward of the vehicle. The control, at least in part, determines that a potentially hazardous condition may exist in the path of the vehicle, with the potentially hazardous condition including at least one of (i) another vehicle, (ii) a person and (iii) an animal in the path of the vehicle. The radar sensor device and the image sensor collaborate to enhance the sensing capability of the sensing system for the potentially hazardous condition in the vehicle's path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Magna Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Niall R. Lynam
  • Patent number: 8593332
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for detecting objects. The device comprises at least one microwave-frequency transmitter and one microwave-frequency receiver. The receiver makes a relative rotary movement about the transmitter, a signal being transmitted toward an individual for several positions of the receiver on the circle of relative rotation, the signals reflected by points of an object and received by the receiver at the positions being supplied to processing means in order to form a radar image. The receiver and the transmitter can be installed on a disk with a very low moment of inertia. The invention applies notably for the detection of weapons or explosives carried by persons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Inventors: Claude Chekroun, Gilles Chekroun
  • Patent number: 8581771
    Abstract: A system is disclosed to identify authorized EO devices and unauthorized EO devices within a scene. The system hampers the operation of the unauthorized EO devices detected within the scene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Timothy Bradley
  • Publication number: 20130257641
    Abstract: The system and method of detection of low flying animals, such as birds, bats, and insects, and more particularly the detection of low flying animals using a radar system to detect the animals in three-dimensional airspace. The radar system produces narrowly focused radar pulses. The radar system comprises a single radar unit, an A/D proceeding apparatus, an A/D conversion apparatus, and a pan/tilt controlled base platform. The system and method further producing an avoidance response in an animal, and more particularly, producing an avoidance response by illuminating the animal with ultraviolet light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2012
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Inventor: Donald Ronning
  • Publication number: 20130241761
    Abstract: Optical systems suitable for use as or in laser radar systems and other uses include a beam-forming unit, a beam-scan unit, and a controller. The beam-forming unit includes a first optical element, and the beam-scan unit includes a second optical element. The first optical element is movable to shape and direct a substantially collimated optical beam along a nominal propagation axis to a target, and the second optical element includes at least one movable beam deflector that moves the optical beam in a scanning manner relative to the nominal propagation axis. The controller is coupled to the beam-forming unit and beam-scan unit, and is configured to induce movement of the first optical element required for shaping and directing the optical beam along the nominal propagation axis and to induce independent motion of the beam deflector of the second optical element as required to scan the optical beam relative to the nominal propagation axis. The beam deflector can be refractive or reflective.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Alexander Cooper, Daniel G. Smith, W. Thomas Novak
  • Publication number: 20130241762
    Abstract: A light beam is scanned, for use in laser radar and other uses, by an optical system of which an example includes a beam-shaping optical system that includes a first movable optical element and a second movable optical element. The first optical element forms and directs an optical beam along a nominal propagation axis from the beam-shaping optical system to a target, and the second optical element includes a respective actuator by which the second optical element is movable relative to the first optical element. A controller is coupled at least to the actuator of the second optical element and is configured to induce motion, by the actuator, of the second optical element to move the optical beam, as incident on the target, relative to the nominal propagation axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel G. Smith, Alexander Cooper, Eric Peter Goodwin, Yuichi Takigawa, Alec Robertson
  • Publication number: 20130222174
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing obstacle information in an autonomous mobile vehicle and a method thereof, in which a target object is determined to be what obstacle by combining pieces of information received from a laser distance sensor and radars, thereby enabling the autonomous driving of a vehicle. The apparatus and method for providing obstacle information in an autonomous mobile vehicle, which is capable of providing robust obstacle information not only in environments normal times, but also dust environments by combining a laser distance sensor and radar data radars. A problem that an obstacle through which a mobile unit can pass, such as dust, is mistaken for an obstacle through which the mobile unit cannot pass can be solved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Inventors: Tok Son Choe, Yoon Woon Park, Young Il Lee
  • Publication number: 20130201052
    Abstract: A method and apparatus comprising a group of passive sensor systems, an active sensor system, and a processor unit. The group of passive sensor systems is configured to generate first sensor information from light in an environment around the group of passive sensor systems. The active sensor system is configured to send signals, receive responses from the signals, and generate second sensor information from the responses. The processor unit is configured to control the active sensor system to send the signals in a direction toward an object using the first sensor information and generate information about the object using the second sensor information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2012
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Jonathan Martin Saint Clair, William D. Sherman, Mitchell D. Voth, Ronald N. Murata, Bentley Edwin Northon, James Ridgeway Gillis, Robert P. Higgins, David Christien Soreide, Robert R. Keever, Ordie Dean Butterfield
  • Patent number: 8493261
    Abstract: A countermeasure device for directing a mobile tracking device away from an asset is provided. The countermeasure device includes a continuous wave laser source whose output is directed at a seeker head of the mobile tracking device. The countermeasure device causes the generation of localized sources within the mobile tracking device and confuses the mobile tracking device as to the true location of the asset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Timothy Bradley
  • Publication number: 20130154869
    Abstract: A tower crane load location determiner is disclosed. One example includes a load location measurer to provide load location measurement information for a load coupled with a tower crane. In addition, a load position determiner utilizes the load location measurement information to determine a location of the load. A user accessible load location provider provides the determined location of the load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Inventors: John F. Cameron, Kurt Maynard
  • Publication number: 20130099957
    Abstract: A compact optical assembly for a laser radar system is provided, that is configured to move as a unit with a laser radar system as the laser radar system is pointed at a target and eliminates the need for a large scanning (pointing) mirror that is moveable relative to other parts of the laser radar. The optical assembly comprises a light source, a lens, a scanning reflector and a fixed reflector that are oriented relative to each other such that: (i) a beam from the light source is reflected by the scanning reflector to the fixed reflector; (ii) reflected light from the fixed reflector is reflected again by the scanning reflector and directed along a line of sight through the lens; and (iii) the scanning reflector is moveable relative to the source, the lens and the fixed reflector, to adjust the focus of the beam along the line of sight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Eric Peter Goodwin, Daniel Gene Smith, Brian L. Stamper, Alexander Cooper, Alec Robertson
  • Patent number: 8400348
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for an airborne biota monitoring and control system are disclosed. Radar and laser/optical sensors are used to detect insects, with detection zones being over water in some embodiments to reduce backscatter clutter. A pest control laser or small autonomous or radio controlled aircraft under automated or human control may be used to disable a targeted flying insect. One embodiment includes use of a head-mounted display for displaying insect targeting information superimposed on a real landscape view. Technologies such as adaptive lens, holographic optical elements, polarized radar and/or laser beams, light amplifiers and light guides, thin disk, spinning disk, or vertical cavity surface emitting lasers enhance performance of the apparatus or reduce cost of the apparatus. Also disclosed are methods of discrimination of insect types using spectral information and dynamic relative variation of spectral intensities at different wavelengths reflected from an insect in flight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Applied Information Movement and Management, Inc.
    Inventors: David Lehmann Guice, Augustus Hammond Green, Jr., William Vaden Dent, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8384583
    Abstract: A synthetic-aperture radar system, and related operating method, for the monitoring of ground and structure movements, particularly suitable for emergency conditions, characterized by a ground based platform with polarimetric capabilities, that able to quickly acquire, embeddedly process and post-process data by a novel data acquisition “On the Fly” mode of operation, reducing by at least an order of magnitude the data acquisition time. The inventive system characteristics allows to achieve on-field measurement results on three-dimensional maps georeferenced to absolute coordinate systems (WGS84, Gauss-Boaga, and so on).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Ellegi S.R.L.
    Inventors: Davide Leva, Carlo Rivolta
  • Publication number: 20130046461
    Abstract: A method and device for streamlining navigation from a point to a visual point of interest by combining the necessary items into a single device incorporating an optical finder such as binoculars which incorporates an optical display into the viewfinder, a rangefinder, GPS, compass, altimeter, inclinometer, microprocessor and memory. The device performs three functions: 1) acquires the POI's coordinates relative to the user by visual indication of the POI by the user; 2) reproduces an updated POI vector on demand; and 3) displays the POI vector information in the device viewfinder. All three functions happen seamlessly and instantaneously with the use of only one compact hand held device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Inventor: Abram L. Balloga
  • Patent number: 8354939
    Abstract: A logging system and method for measuring propped fractures and down-hole subterranean formation conditions including: a radar source; an optical source; an optical modulator for modulating an optical signal from the optical source according to a signal from the radar source; a photodiode for converting the modulated optical signal output from the optical modulator to the source radar signal. A transmitter and receiver unit receives the source radar signal from the photodiode and transmits the source radar signal via at least one antenna attached to the casing and in communication with at least one photodiode into the formation and receives a reflected radar signal. A mixer mixes the reflected radar signal with the source radar signal to provide an output. This can describe fractures connected to the wellbore and differentiate between the dimensions of the two vertical wings of a propped fracture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Momentive Specialty Chemicals Inc.
    Inventors: Robert R. McDaniel, Michael L. Sheriff, Eric E. Funk, Ethan A. Funk
  • Patent number: 8354952
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for radio phase retrieval. A system practicing the method gathers first data from radio waves associated with an object observed via a first aperture, gathers second data from radio waves associated with the object observed via an introduced second aperture associated with the first aperture, generates reduced noise data by incoherently subtracting the second data from the first data, and performs phase retrieval for the radio waves by modeling the reduced noise data using a single Fourier transform. The first and second apertures are at different positions, such as side by side. This approach can include determining a value Q which represents a ratio of wavelength times a focal ratio divided by pixel spacing. This information can be used to accurately measure and correct alignment errors or other optical system flaws in the apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: Bruce H. Dean
  • Patent number: 8330647
    Abstract: A land-based smart sensor system and several system architectures for detection, tracking, and classification of people and vehicles automatically and in real time for border, property, and facility security surveillance is described. The preferred embodiment of the proposed smart sensor system is comprised of (1) a low-cost, non-coherent radar, whose function is to detect and track people, singly or in groups, and various means of transportation, which may include vehicles, animals, or aircraft, singly or in groups, and cue (2) an optical sensor such as a long-wave infrared (LWIR) sensor, whose function is to classify the identified targets and produce movie clips for operator validation and use, and (3) a supercomputer to process the collected data in real-time. The smart sensor system can be implemented in a tower-based or a mobile-based, or combination system architecture. The radar can also be operated as a stand-alone system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Vista Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Phillilp A. Fox, Joseph W. Maresca, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8330646
    Abstract: A number of apparatuses are provided, for sensing and/or emitting energy along one or more desired apparatus line of sights (LOS) with respect to the respective apparatus. In at least one embodiment, the apparatus includes an assembly that is rotatably mounted on a base with respect to a switching axis. The assembly has two or more sensing/emitting units, each having a respective sensing/emitting unit line of sight (ULOS). Each sensing/emitting unit has an operative state, wherein the respective unit ULOS is pointed along a LOS of the apparatus for sensing and/or emitting energy along the LOS, and a corresponding inoperative state, where the respective unit ULOS is pointed along a direction different from this LOS. A switching mechanism enables switching between the sensing/emitting units to selectively bring a desired sensing/emitting unit exclusively into its respective operative state while concurrently bringing a remainder of the sensing/emitting units each to a respective non-operative state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Elta Systems Ltd.
    Inventor: David Baumatz
  • Publication number: 20120299764
    Abstract: A radar apparatus for detecting a distance to an object by receiving an electromagnetic wave reflected by the object is disclosed. The radar apparatus comprises a scan part and an electromagnetic wave emitter. The scan part includes a polarized light separation member configured to pass a preset first component of the electromagnetic wave and reflect a preset second component of the electromagnetic wave. The first and second components, respectively, are polarized lights having first and second polarization directions, which are perpendicular to each other. The scan part scans the second component of the electromagnetic wave in a predetermine scan angle range by rotating the polarized light separation member around a predetermined rotation axis. The electromagnetic wave emitter emits the electromagnetic wave toward the polarized light separation member of the scan part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Narihiro HANEDA, Hiroshi Ando
  • Patent number: 8294608
    Abstract: A forward facing sensing system for a vehicle includes a windshield electronics module disposed in the vehicle cabin behind the windshield, a radar sensor device disposed within the windshield electronics module with a sensing direction forward of the vehicle, an image sensor disposed within the windshield electronics module with a viewing direction forward of the vehicle, and a control operable to analyze images captured by the image sensor in order to, at least in part, detect an object present forward of the vehicle in its direction of forward travel. The control, at least in part, determines that a potentially hazardous condition may exist in the path of forward travel of the vehicle. The radar sensor device and the image sensor collaborate in a way that enhances the sensing capability of the sensing system for the potentially hazardous condition in the path of forward travel of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Magna Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Niall R. Lynam
  • Publication number: 20120249357
    Abstract: A missile includes a radar system that has a radome through which a main antenna sends and receives signals. The radome includes a radome body and a radome tip include different transmissive materials, with for example the radome body primarily made of a lossy optically nontransparent material, and the radome tip primarily made of a lossless (permittivity with low imaginary part) glass material that may also be optically transparent. A laser may be used in conjunction with the radome to send and receive encoded signals. The laser may be located behind (aft of) the main antenna, and one or more optical fibers may extend into and/or along the radome to guide laser signals to the radome tip. The laser may be used to emit encoded signals so as to allow multiple radar systems operating in the same area at the same time to discriminate between different targets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Inventors: Glafkos K. Stratis, Alphonso A. Samuel, Salvatore Bellofiore, David J. Knapp
  • Patent number: 8274027
    Abstract: A laser energy detector may include at least one photodetector device formed on a semiconductor substrate. The photodetector device may have an active area effective to detect laser energy at a laser wavelength. The active area of the laser energy detector may be substantially transparent for a first wavelength band within an infrared portion of the electromagnetic spectrum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Clarence C. Andressen, Robert C. Anderson
  • Patent number: 8258998
    Abstract: Device, system and method of protecting aircrafts against incoming threats. For example, a system for protecting an aircraft against an incoming threat includes: one or more electro-optic sensors to substantially continuously search for the incoming threat, and to generate a signal indicating that a possible incoming threat is detected; one or more radar sensors to be activated in response to the signal, and to search for the incoming threat; and a central computer to determine whether or not the incoming threat exists, based on a sensor fusion algorithm able to fuse data received from the one or more electro-optic sensors and data received from the one or more radar sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignees: BIRD Aerosystems Limited, EADS Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Ronen Factor, David Dragucki, Ariye Yehuda Caplan, Zahi Ben Ari, Semion Zelikman, Colin Henry Hamilton, George Weiss, Erwin Franz Keller, Erhard Seibt
  • Patent number: 8242952
    Abstract: Presented is a system and method for eliminating spurious data in radar cross section (RCS) data. The system and method receives RCS data, and determines an expected number of scattering centers for an object of interest in said RCS data. The RCS data is processed to remove a plurality of frequency components in said RCS data based at least in part upon said expected number of scattering centers, and the RCS data is reconstructed without said plurality of frequency components to produce a reconstructed RCS data for the object of interest. In an embodiment, the TLS-Prony transform is used to transform the RCS data into a set of damped frequency components and coefficients, which are then constrained to the expected number of scattering centers in the known object using a TLS-Prong linear prediction order, and the order of the frequency components is varied until the order yields a least-error approximation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Samuel Allan Barr
  • Patent number: 8242948
    Abstract: Methods and systems for generating a raster file in a raster file format for use in a Digital Radar Landmass Simulator (DRLMS). A file in the raster file format defines synthetic aperture radar (SAR) scenery for use in generating a runtime database. The raster file contains a plurality of texture elements (texels) that define the SAR scenery. Each texel may have a material identifier, which identifies a material composition of a respective surface region of the SAR scenery; a surface height identifier, which identifies a surface height with respect to a bare earth elevation (BEE) value of the respective surface region; and a BEE identifier, which identifies a BEE of the respective surface region. A method for determining surface height identifiers based on digital surface model (DSM) elevation data is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: John Burky, Sharon Shahan
  • Publication number: 20120194823
    Abstract: Interferometric path length measurements using frequency-domain interferometry form the basis of several measurement techniques, including optical frequency domain reflectometry (OFDR), optical coherence tomography (OCT), and frequency-modulated continuous wave (FMCW) radar and lidar. A phase-sensitive and self-referenced approach to frequency-domain interferometry yields absolute and relative path length measurements with axial precision orders of magnitude better than the transform-limited axial resolution of the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: The Regents of the University of Colorado, a body corporate
    Inventors: Eric Moore, Robert McLeod
  • Patent number: 8228228
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for receiving electromagnetic waves using photonics includes a transmission unit transmitting electromagnetic waves in intervals; a time delay unit coupled to the transmission unit and controlling the transmission unit to transmit the electromagnetic waves in the intervals; an antenna receiving the electromagnetic waves reflected from the target; an interferoceiver coupled to the antenna and receiving the electromagnetic waves from the antenna, the interferoceiver comprising an optical recirculation loop to produce replica electromagnetic waves; and a computer identifying the target from the reflected electromagnetic waves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Ming-Chiang Li, Weimin Zhou
  • Patent number: 8217830
    Abstract: A forward facing sensing system comprises a windshield electronics module disposed in the interior cabin of a vehicle at and behind the windshield. A radar sensor device is disposed within the windshield electronics module and a forward facing image sensor is disposed within the windshield electronics module, and with both disposed behind or adjacent to an upper region of the windshield. A control comprising an image processor analyzes images captured by the forward facing image sensor in order to, at least in part, detect an object present forward of the vehicle in its direction of forward travel. The radar sensor device may utilize beam aiming or beam selection or may utilize digital beam forming or digital beam steering or may comprise an array antenna or a phased array antenna or the forward facing image sensor may comprise a pixelated imaging array sensor. The radar sensor device comprises a silicon germanium radar sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Magna Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Niall R. Lynam
  • Patent number: 8212709
    Abstract: A countermeasure method for directing a mobile tracking device away from an asset is provided. The countermeasure method includes directing the output of a continuous wave laser source at a seeker head of the mobile tracking device. The countermeasure method causes the generation of localized sources within the mobile tracking device and confuses the mobile tracking device as to the true location of the asset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Timothy Bradley
  • Patent number: 8188905
    Abstract: Embodiments of a target tracking system and method with jitter reduction suitable for directed energy systems are generally described herein. In some embodiments, the directed energy system includes a target tracking system to track one or more track points on a moving target, and a beam transmission unit to maintain a directed energy beam on a selected one of the track points in response to tracking control signals provided by the target tracking system. The track points may be smaller than a spot size of the directed energy beam maintained on the target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: James R. Gallivan
  • Patent number: 8154438
    Abstract: The present invention can find the exact location anywhere in the nautical world (latitude/longitude coordinates) by correlating or matching radar returns with maps produced by a digital nautical chart called a Chart Server, because each pixel location on the Chart Server maps can be traced back to a latitude/longitude coordinate. An obstacle avoidance module called a Chart Server provides digital nautical charts to create a map of the world. To determine the current world location of a vehicle, the invention combines the Chart Server maps with a radar return, which also appears to display prominent features such as coastlines, buoys, piers and the like. These return features from the radar are correlated or matched with features found in the Chart Server maps. The radar then reports its current location inside of its local map, which when translated to the Chart Server map, correlates to a latitude/longitude registration location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Jacoby Larson, Michael Bruch
  • Publication number: 20120068880
    Abstract: A system for tracking a target includes a dual-band antenna. The dual-band antenna includes a first antenna and a second antenna rigidly coupled to the first antenna. The first antenna is configured to communicate within a first frequency band and the second antenna is configured to communicate within a second frequency band. The system further includes a processing system having a first antenna control processor configured to initialize a pointing direction to point a beam of the first antenna toward the target with a first degree of pointing accuracy, and configured to scan with the first antenna to point the beam of the first antenna more precisely toward the target with a second degree of pointing accuracy, and further having a second antenna control processor configured to electronically scan with the second antenna to point a beam of the second antenna to the target with a third degree of pointing accuracy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2010
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: RAYTHEON COMPANY
    Inventors: Johan A. Kullstam, Terry A. Dorschner
  • Patent number: 8125372
    Abstract: In a method for checking the plausibility of objects in driver assistance systems for motor vehicles is described, two measured variables are derived from position data from two object position-finding systems of the vehicle that operate independently of one another, for an object located by the two position-finding systems, one variable for each position-finding system, these variables representing one and the same physical parameter, and the two measured variables are then checked for consistency, which is characterized by the fact that the parameter is the time to collision of the vehicle with the object, which is calculated in advance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Focke, Jan-Carsten Becker, Joerg Hilsebecher, Arne Zender, Mario Mueller-Frahm, Jans Sparbert, Thomas Schoeberl, Fred Oechsle, Andreas Grimm, Andreas Simon
  • Patent number: 8125371
    Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for reducing the instance of friendly fire by having the weapon aiming system include means for emitting an optical signal encoded with the identity of the targeting soldier. The encoded optical signal is received by an optical receiver on a targeted soldier where it is converted into a low power RF signal which is transmitted to a local repeater that retransmits it, optionally using at least one intermediate repeater, to a central monitoring station equipped with a computerized database. If the monitoring station determines that the doubly encoded signal includes the identities of two friendly troops, it transmits a “hold fire” signal back to the aiming system, and a suitable signal, such as a red LED indicative of a “hold fire” order is illuminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Inventor: Sayo Isaac Daniel
  • Patent number: 8120524
    Abstract: Whether or not the CW radar is utilized for through-the-wall detection, additional one or more sensors are used with the CW radar to confirm the motion detection result or to in fact turn on the CW radar once motion or the physical presence of an individual has been sensed, thereby to provide confirmation of a less-reliable sensor with the use of the more reliable CW radar. Thus, the addition of other sensors provides lower power consumption, lower false alarm rates and better discrimination and classification of moving objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventor: Paul D. Zemany
  • Patent number: 8102305
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method comprises receiving sensor data generated by one or more sensors in response to sensing a structure. The sensor data is filtered to identify edge data and reverberation data each describing the same structural feature of the structure. Image data for a filtered image of the structure is generated from the edge data, but not from the reverberation data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: Daniel W. Otts
  • Publication number: 20120001789
    Abstract: A system and method for registering 3D data sets is disclosed based on manual fiducial selection. The technique is useful in imaging obscured targets with 3-D imaging laser radars. For such an exemplary method, which defines a three-dimensional linear shift vector for each data voxel, four fiducials are required to completely define the mapping for a 3D space. An exemplary registration algorithm as disclosed provides an approach to automatically make fine adjustments to the 3D data registration. The tedious technique of shifting data sets relative to each other, in many degrees of freedom, is eliminated. Instead, a fine adjust is applied to the digital mapping function, through fiducial perturbation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2010
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Applicant: United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Bradley W. Schilling, Brian W. Thomas, Dallas N. Barr, Charlie W. Trussell
  • Publication number: 20110309967
    Abstract: Disclosed is apparatus for distinguishing between ground and an obstacle for autonomous mobile vehicle, comprising an upper 2D laser radar 1, a lower 2D laser radar 2, and a processing unit 10, the processing unit 10 comprising a distance data receiving part 11, an inclination calculating part 12, a ground and obstacle determining part 13, and a transmitting part. Also disclosed is a method for distinguishing between ground and an obstacle for autonomous mobile vehicle by using the apparatus for distinguishing between ground and an obstacle for autonomous mobile vehicle of claim 1, in which the detected object is determined as an obstacle when the actual inclination (g) of the detected object is larger than the reference inclination, and as ground when the actual inclination (g) of the detected object is smaller than the reference inclination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2010
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Inventors: Tok Son Choe, Jeong Sook Chae, Yong Woon Park, Jun Kim
  • Publication number: 20110248880
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for recognizing presence of an object is provided, the apparatus and method are mounted on or implemented a vehicle. In the apparatus and method, by scanning a beam-shaped electromagnetic wave, data showing reflection intensities of reflected waves and distances between the vehicle and objects outside the vehicle are obtained. Based on the detected data, characteristics presented by frequency distributions of the distances and intensity frequency distributions of the refection intensities obtained in multiple rows in a field of view in the height direction of the vehicle. The characteristics depend on an angle of the electromagnetic wave to a road on which the vehicle travels. It is determined that the characteristics are obtained from the road when the characteristics meet predetermined requirements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2011
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takayuki MIYAHARA, Takashi Ogawa
  • Patent number: 8026842
    Abstract: A land-based smart sensor system and several system architectures for detection, tracking, and classification of people and vehicles automatically and in real time for border, property, and facility security surveillance is described. The preferred embodiment of the proposed smart sensor system is comprised of (1) a low-cost, non-coherent radar, whose function is to detect and track people, singly or in groups, and various means of transportation, which may include vehicles, animals, or aircraft, singly or in groups, and cue (2) an optical sensor such as a long-wave infrared (LWIR) sensor, whose function is to classify the identified targets and produce movie clips for operator validation and use, and (3) a supercomputer to process the collected data in real-time. The smart sensor system can be implemented in a tower-based or a mobile-based, or combination system architecture. The radar can also be operated as a stand-alone system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Vista Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Phillilp A. Fox, Joseph W. Maresca, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20110221627
    Abstract: The invention concerns a Optical modulator, comprising an input suitable to receive an optical carrier, a high-frequency input and an output suitable to transmit an optical signal, the optical modulator comprising two Mach-Zender (1,2) modulators in parallel between the input and output, which constitute two different optical paths, the whole circuit constituting a third Mach-Zender modulator (3), the optical modulator being characterised in that: the first Mach-Zender modulator (1) is provided with an electrode suitable to carry, inside the modulator (1), two signals (RF1, RF2), each obtained by the sum of the two tones fR and fD, of equal power but dephased of ?/2, being further provided an electrode (Bias 1) for realising a Single Side Band modulation of the tones fR and fD; the second Mach-Zender modulator (2) is provided with an electrode (Bias 2) to realise statically a phase inversion of the optical carrier; the third Mach-Zender modulator (3) comprising an electrode (Bias 3) suitable to realise the
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2008
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: SELEX SISTEMI INTEGRATI S.p.A.
    Inventors: Luigi Pierno, Mauro Varasi
  • Patent number: 8013780
    Abstract: A radar sensing system for a vehicle includes a radar sensor device, a cover panel and a control. The radar sensor device is disposed at a pocket established at an upper edge of the vehicle windshield and having a forward transmitting and receiving direction that is not through the windshield. The cover panel is disposed at the radar sensor device and is substantially sealed at the vehicle windshield at or near the pocket at the upper edge of the vehicle windshield. The cover panel has a material that is substantially transmissive to radar frequency electromagnetic radiation waves. The radar sensor device emits radar frequency electromagnetic radiation waves that transmit through the cover panel. The control is responsive to an output of the radar sensor device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Magna Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Niall R. Lynam
  • Patent number: 7982662
    Abstract: This scanning array scans an area around the array for nearby objects, collision obstructions, and terrain topography. The scanning array can scan for sounds emitted by objects in the vicinity of the scanning array, passive energy receipt sources, or it can also send out an energy beam and scan for reflections from objects within the energy beam. The energy beam can be optical, laser, radar or other energy emitting sources. The scanning array of the invention can be used for helicopter detection and avoidance of collision risk and can be used for other scanning purposes. Scanning of an entire hemisphere or greater is accomplished by manipulating the scanner platform through the coordination of either linear actuators or gimbals so as to produce nutation without rotation. This motion allows transceivers to be directly coupled to transmitting and sensing modules without the losses associated with slip rings and other coupling devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Intellex, LLC
    Inventor: James Shaffer
  • Patent number: 7965224
    Abstract: A running control system having a radar device that detects a distance between a subject vehicle and a preceding vehicle. When a vehicle speed sensor detects the subject vehicle has stopped, a transmission output controller sets a transmission output of the radar device to a stopping time transmission output lower than a running time transmission output. When the radar device detects an increase in the distance between the subject vehicle and the preceding vehicle while the subject vehicle is stopped, or when the distance between the subject vehicle and the preceding vehicle detected by the radar device while the subject vehicle has stopped is longer than a predetermined value, a notifying device notifies an occupant of the subject vehicle that following running control is possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hayato Kikuchi
  • Patent number: 7961133
    Abstract: The disclosed system, device, and method for diverting a guided missile generally includes a ground-based sensor array generating tracking data of a guided missile tracking a target. A control node in communication with the ground-based sensor array generates targeting data from the tracking data. A phased array directed-energy unit in communication with the control node radiates the guided missile with variable beam width microwave radiation based on the targeting data received from the control node, where the microwave radiation disrupts an electronic component of the guided missile such that the guided missile discontinues tracking the target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Jeff L. Vollin, Frederick A. Ahrens, Kenneth W. Brown
  • Patent number: 7961135
    Abstract: A collision avoidance system according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a user interface, a plurality of sensors, and a computer system in communication with the user interface and the plurality of sensors. The computer system includes a processor and a memory storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to receive data pertaining to a target from one or more sensors of the plurality of sensors, determine a position of the target based on the data from the one or more sensors, and present (through the user interface) the position of the target using one or more visual indicators that identify the one or more sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Aviation Communication & Surveillance Systems LLC
    Inventors: Mark D. Smith, Michael F. Tremose
  • Patent number: 7946207
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for countering a projectile according to various aspects of the present invention may operate in conjunction with a countermeasure system. The countermeasure system may comprise a beam source adapted to generate an electromagnetic beam. The countermeasure system may further include a beam control system adapted to aim the electromagnetic beam at the projectile according to a fire control solution. The beam heats at least a portion of the projectile to a disruption temperature to deflagrate the projectile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: James L. Porter, Justin C. Jenia, Daniel Vukobratovich, Byron B. Taylor, Daniel R. Melonis