Physical Orientation Patents (Class 342/75)
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Patent number: 12216195Abstract: An object detection system for use in residential or commercial buildings includes a housing for retaining a camera, a radar antenna, and an actuator. The camera has a first field of view, and the radar antenna has a second field of view. The actuator is configured to selectively move the camera. The system further includes computer memory and a processor in data communication with the camera, the radar antenna, the actuator, and the computer memory. The processor, using programming contained in the computer memory, causes the camera to move based on camera position data and data from the radar antenna.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2020Date of Patent: February 4, 2025Assignee: Ainstein AI, Inc.Inventors: Zongbo Wang, Syed Ahmed, David Royer
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Patent number: 12204045Abstract: An electronic device comprises: a plurality of transmission antennas configured to transmit transmission waves; a plurality of reception antennas configured to receive reflected waves resulting from reflection of the transmission waves; and a controller configured to detect an object reflecting the transmission waves, based on a transmission signal transmitted as the transmission waves and a reception signal received as the reflected waves. The controller is configured to determine a band part used to transmit the transmission waves in a predetermined frequency band, depending on an incidence angle when the reception antennas receive the reflected waves.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2019Date of Patent: January 21, 2025Assignee: KYOCERA CorporationInventors: Masamitsu Nishikido, Satoshi Kawaji, Masayuki Sato, Takuya Homma, Tooru Sahara, Youhei Murakami
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Patent number: 11933890Abstract: An aircraft hazard warning system or method can be utilized to determine a location of turbulence, hail or other hazard for an aircraft. The aircraft hazard warning system can utilize processing electronics coupled to an antenna. The processing electronics can determine an inferred presence of a weather condition in response to lightning sensor data, radar reflectivity data, turbulence data, geographic location data, vertical structure analysis data, and/or temperature data. The system can include a display for showing the weather condition and its location.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2021Date of Patent: March 19, 2024Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.Inventors: Daniel L. Woodell, Jeffery A. Finley, Gregory J. Koenigs, John G. Conkling
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Patent number: 11506781Abstract: An apparatus for correcting an error of a radar sensor for a vehicle and a method thereof can correct a target measurement error of the radar sensor installed inside a bumper of the vehicle based on target information obtained from a camera image. The apparatus includes: a radar sensor that is installed inside a bumper of the vehicle to detect a target, a camera that photographs a surrounding image of the vehicle, and a controller that corrects a target detection error of the radar sensor based on target information obtained from an image photographed by the camera.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2020Date of Patent: November 22, 2022Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTORS CORPORATIONInventor: Dong Ju Lee
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Patent number: 11487002Abstract: A measurement device (200) includes a measurement unit (202) which performs measurement by emitting electromagnetic waves and scanning an object with the electromagnetic waves, and a control unit (204) which controls the measurement unit (202). The measurement unit (202) is operable in a first scan mode in which the object is scanned in a first direction, or a second scan mode in which the object is scanned in a second direction different from the first direction. The control unit (204) determines a scan mode to be executed by the measurement unit (202).Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2017Date of Patent: November 1, 2022Assignee: PIONEER CORPORATIONInventors: Takehiro Matsuda, Shogo Miyanabe
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Patent number: 11469515Abstract: A microwave prism is used to repoint an operational Direct-to-Home (DTH) or Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) reflector antenna as part of a ground terminal to receive (or transmit) signals from a different satellite or orbital position without physically moving the reflector or the feed horn antenna. The microwave prism operates by shifting the radiated fields from the horn antenna generally perpendicular to the focal axis of the parabolic reflector in order to cause the main beam of the reflector to scan in response. For an existing reflector antenna receiving signals from an incumbent satellite, a prism has been designed to be snapped into place over the feed horn and shift the fields laterally by a calibrated distance. The structure of the prism is designed to be positioned and oriented correctly without the use of skilled labor.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2021Date of Patent: October 11, 2022Assignee: Isotropic Systems Ltd.Inventors: Jeremiah P. Turpin, John Finney
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Patent number: 11387917Abstract: A wireless slip ring, system and method for transmission of data across a rotatable junction can be provided to permit transmission of data from a fixed element to a rotating element across a rotary interface. The wireless slip ring can provide high bandwidth multi-channel data transmission, for example each channel can have a bandwidth greater than 1 gigabit per second. Each channel may include a plurality of input/output data streams that can be serialized by a digital electronic circuit for transmission across the slip ring and then deserialized into its respective data streams. The wireless slip ring can form an annular chamber to act as a wave guide for the wireless signal for providing a continuous conductive covering around the annular chamber to act as a faraday shield to contain radio frequency emissions and prevent external jamming.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2019Date of Patent: July 12, 2022Assignee: General Dynamics Land Systems—Canada CorporationInventors: Herb Peyerl, Andrew Hookey, Terry Chepyha
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Patent number: 10879620Abstract: The present disclosure aims to provide an antenna directivity adjustment apparatus and an antenna directivity adjustment method capable of preventing an antenna gain from being reduced and easily adjusting a direction of an antenna. An antenna directivity adjustment apparatus (1) includes: a second antenna (2) that is opposed to a radiation surface (100a) of a first antenna (100) and receives radio waves output from the first antenna (100); and an output unit (3) that is provided in the second antenna (2), converts a first beam width of the received radio waves into a second beam width wider than the first beam width, and outputs the radio waves having the second beam width.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2018Date of Patent: December 29, 2020Assignee: NEC CORPORATIONInventors: Kosuke Tanabe, Tsunehisa Marumoto
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Patent number: 10845403Abstract: A method and computer for determining a ground coverage footprint of a beam of an antenna mounted above the ground are disclosed. A method includes determining the far projection distance based at least in part on beam width and tilt angle, the far projection distance being a lesser of: a first distance from the antenna to the ground of a 3 dB far projection; two times a second distance from the antenna to the ground of a 3 dB near projection; and a third distance from the antenna to the ground of a projection of the maximum antenna gain multiplied by the square root of two. A ground footprint of the beam is determined based at least in part on the determined far projection distance. The method further includes causing the antenna to be pointed based at least in part on the determined ground footprint of the beam of the antenna.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2019Date of Patent: November 24, 2020Assignee: SR Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Steven M. Romanow, Mark Passler, Graham K. Smith
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Patent number: 10660155Abstract: Concepts and technologies are disclosed herein for collecting and analyzing data in a distributed sensor network. The distributed sensor network can include a number of distributed sensor systems having data sources such as sensors, communication equipment, and/or other systems and components. The distributed sensor systems also can include lighting systems, if desired. The distributed sensor systems can collect data from the data sources and provide the data to a local or remote entity such as a data analysis engine. The data analysis engine can request data from the distributed sensor systems, receive the data, and analyze the data for various purposes.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2016Date of Patent: May 19, 2020Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.Inventors: Robert Raymond Miller, II, Gregory T. Vesonder
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Patent number: 10587142Abstract: A charge control device includes a switching regulator that charges a capacitor with electricity supplied from a power supply. The charge control device is characterized in that feedback unit that feedback-inputs a predetermined control amount to the switching regulator is provided, and the switching regulator includes a control unit that controls a charge current supplied to the capacitor in accordance with the control amount feedback-input from the feedback unit.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2018Date of Patent: March 10, 2020Assignee: DENSO TEN LimitedInventor: Kiyoshi Koyama
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Patent number: 9024805Abstract: Methods and systems of determining the altitude of an aircraft are provided. The method includes receiving data associated with aircraft position, a position of a first point and a second point on the runway, and an altitude of the first point and the second point, radar returns from the runway. The method includes determining a first range and second range between the aircraft, and the first point and the second point. The method includes determining a first angle and a second angle between the first point and second point, and the aircraft. The method includes determining a corrected angle. The method includes determining the altitude of the aircraft based on the corrected angle, the runway altitude of at least one of the first point and the second point, and at least one of the first range and the second range.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2012Date of Patent: May 5, 2015Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.Inventors: Richard D. Jinkins, Daniel L. Woodell, Richard M. Rademaker
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Patent number: 8868324Abstract: The relative position of one vehicle vs. another vehicle, both driving in a vehicular environment, is determined using vehicular communications based on the IEEE 802.11 standard. The relative position determination is performed in a measuring vehicle using data provided by a measured vehicle through IEEE 802.11 communications carried through beacons as well as GPS or other location data and local map information.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2013Date of Patent: October 21, 2014Assignee: AutoTalks Ltd.Inventor: Onn Haran
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Patent number: 8854257Abstract: A Luneburg lens is used in conjunction with a patch antenna array. The patch antenna array is conformed or adapted to cover a portion or backside of the Luneburg len's surface with the backplane of the conformed antenna array defining a field of regard (FOR) in which objects are detected and tracked. A processor is connected to a receiver/exciter module which connects to transmit/receive modules which are connected to the individual patch antennas through a network of MEMS switches. In a receive mode, selected subarrays of the conformed patch antenna array are scanned during selected time intervals with the sum and delta beams being formed coherently in amplitude and phase to realize amplitude monopulse sensing and angle tracking of an object.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2012Date of Patent: October 7, 2014Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventors: Christopher A. Hamner, Robert A. Spencer
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Patent number: 8816895Abstract: Embodiments of a target classifier and method for target classification using measured target epsilons and target glint information are generally described herein. The target classifier is configured to compare a total epsilon measurement with target glint information to determine whether to the target being tracked corresponds to an intended target type. Based on the comparison, the target classifier may cause target tracking circuitry of a target-tracking radar to either continue tracking the target or break-off from tracking the target. Glint of different target types may be characterized at different ranges and the target's glint characteristics may be used to distinguish intended from non-intended targets. Accordingly, intended targets such as incoming artillery may be distinguished from non-intended targets such as aircraft to help prevent countermeasures from being launched against non-intended targets.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2011Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventors: Brett J. Young, Jason A. Johnson
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Patent number: 8761663Abstract: A multi-band low-profile, low-volume two-way mobile panel array antenna system is described. Operation of the antenna may automatically switch between bands based on various user-entered parameters.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2011Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Assignee: Gilat Satellite Networks, LtdInventors: Ilan Kaplan, David Gross, Daniel Francis DiFonzo, Kevin Arthur Bruestle, Victor Boyanov, Stanimir Dimitrov Kamenopolski
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Patent number: 8717226Abstract: A method for processing signals of an airborne radar includes a correction of the erroneous angle of pointing of the radar beam, comprising an evaluation of the error in the pointing angle for a constant height of the aerial transporter. For a given angle of scan, the method carries out at least two series of measurements of the power of the echoes returned following the emission of radar signals, each series being associated with a given distance-bin, the measurements being dependent on the angle of pointing of the radar antenna, formulates a vertical profile of the power of the echoes returned for each series of measurements, and then on the basis of each vertical profile, measures the pointing angle corresponding to a power of the echoes returned by the ground alone, and calculates the error in the pointing angle on the basis of the measured pointing angles.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2009Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Assignee: ThalesInventors: Nicolas Bon, Jean-Paul Artis
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Patent number: 8711031Abstract: Disclosed are a sensor, the vertical alignment of which can be adjusted, and a vertical sensor-alignment adjustment apparatus using the same. In particular, in order to allow the vertical alignment to be adjusted, the sensor has a construction including a plurality of switchable transmitting antennas or a plurality of switchable receiving antennas or a construction including a tilting motor for adjusting an transmitting angle or a receiving angle. The vertical sensor-alignment adjustment apparatus employing such a sensor determines whether the sensor is misaligned in terms of its vertical alignment, and corrects the vertical misalignment of the sensor by executing variable switching to one of the transmitting antennas, by executing variable switching to one of the receiving antennas, or by controlling the tilting motor, so that the transmitting angle of sensor signals or the receiving angle of reflected waves for the sensor signals can be adjusted.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2010Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: Mando CorporationInventor: Seong Hee Jeong
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Patent number: 8682507Abstract: Disclosed are a method and system for improving real-time determination of flight parameters of an aircraft during flight. A selection module selects and delivers measured values of input parameters to an estimation unit, and the estimation unit uses the input parameters to estimate at least two selected flight parameters. The input parameters are received by the estimation unit on the basis of identified flight mechanics equations associated with the selected flight parameters. The estimation unit includes an extended Kalman filter, which is configured to receive the values of the input parameters and to output joint estimations of the selected flight parameters based on the flight mechanics equations, during the flight of the aircraft.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2012Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignees: Airbus Operations SAS, Onera (Office National d'etudes et de Recherches Aerospatiales)Inventors: Pierre Ezerzere, Cedric Seren, Georges Hardier
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Patent number: 8645053Abstract: The relative position of one vehicle vs. another vehicle, both driving in a vehicular environment, is determined using vehicular communications based on the IEEE 802.11 standard. The relative position determination is performed in a measuring vehicle using data provided by a measured vehicle through IEEE 802.11 communications carried through beacons as well as GPS or other location data and local map information.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2009Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Assignee: Autotalks Ltd.Inventor: Onn Haran
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Patent number: 8576111Abstract: A compact synthetic aperture radar system and associated methods are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2009Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignee: IMSAR LLCInventors: Ryan L. Smith, Logan C. Harris, David G. Long, Adam E. Robertson, Adam R. Harper, Britton T. Quist, Joshua M. Hintze
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Patent number: 8558894Abstract: A method for presentation interaction. The method includes, receiving by a computer system an indication of a manual selection of a region proximate to an audience member of an audience wherein the indication is received via an interaction with a displayed image of the audience. The method also includes utilizing a microphone array communicatively coupled with a beam-forming component of the computer system to focus audio pickup from the region proximate to the audience member in response to receiving the indication. The method also includes displaying an enhanced image of the region proximate to the audience member using the computer system in response to receiving the indication.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2010Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventors: Kar-Han Tan, Bowon Lee
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Patent number: 8559886Abstract: The present invention relates to a communication transmission field, and particularly provides a device, a method, and a system for aligning an antenna. The method includes steps as follows. An input signal is received, and a receiver signal strength indication (RSSI) value is output according to a strength of the input signal. The RSSI value is received, and a practically received power value corresponding to the input signal is acquired by looking up a corresponding table between the RSSI and power. An antenna rotation signal and an alignment indication signal are output. The antenna is adjusted according to the antenna rotation signal so as to change a receiving angle of the antenna. Then, it is displayed that the antenna is aligned according to the alignment indication signal. In the present invention, the man-made operation errors are reduced, thus the network quality is effectively ensured.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2009Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignee: Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.Inventor: Guixue Zhao
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Patent number: 8547206Abstract: A noncontact IC medium direction detecting apparatus (1), method, and computer readable medium are provided.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2008Date of Patent: October 1, 2013Assignee: Omron CorporationInventor: Hidekatsu Nogami
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Patent number: 8497797Abstract: Provided are a two-dimensional array antenna and a device for detecting an internal object using the same. The device includes a plurality of unit antennas in a two-dimensional array of m columns and n rows on a board (where m and n are integers greater than 1), a first switch selecting one or more transmitting antenna to radiate a pulse signal onto an internal object in a structure from among the unit antennas; a second switch selecting one or more receiving antenna to collect a signal reflected from the internal object from among the unit antennas, and a transceiving analysis module analyzing information about the position and shape of the internal object.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2010Date of Patent: July 30, 2013Assignee: Electronics and Telecomunication Research InstituteInventors: Dae Heon Lee, Sung Hyun Kim, Sang Woo Cho, Ji Eun Choi
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Patent number: 8384583Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 7, 2010Date of Patent: February 26, 2013Assignee: Ellegi S.R.L.Inventors: Davide Leva, Carlo Rivolta
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Patent number: 8344940Abstract: Provided are a sensor capable of adjusting vertical alignment and a sensor vertical alignment adjusting apparatus using the same. The sensor has a structure with a plurality of switchable transmitting and receiving antennas so as to be able to adjust the vertical alignment, or a structure with a tilting motor for adjusting a radiating or receiving angle. The sensor vertical alignment adjusting apparatus using such a sensor corrects vertical misalignment of the sensor by determining whether or not the vertical misalignment of the sensor occurs, variably switching one from among the plurality of transmitting or receiving antennas of the sensor or controlling the tilting motor, and adjusting the radiating angle of the sensor signal or the receiving angle of a reflected wave of the sensor signal.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2010Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: Mando CorporationInventor: Seong-hee Jeong
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Patent number: 8330600Abstract: In one embodiment, a system includes a first cold noise source, a first radiometer receiver, and a first detector. The first cold noise source generates a first thermal radiation signal having a first carrier frequency band. The first thermal radiation signal carries a first information signal. The first cold noise source also transmits the first thermal radiation signal through a first antenna. The first radiometer receiver receives the first thermal radiation signal through a second antenna, and the first detector extracts the first information signal from the first thermal radiation signal.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2007Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventors: Robert S. Roeder, Kenneth A. O'Connor, Matthew C. Smith, Shawn K. O'Brien
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Patent number: 8274427Abstract: A radar device including: a reception antenna that receives radio waves, includes at least three antennas and is arranged so that the phase center points thereof form an isosceles triangle; an arrival direction detection unit that detects an arrival direction of the radio waves by a phase monopulse method; and a phase correction unit that corrects a phase difference between phases of radio waves respectively received by two adjacent antennas among the three antennas based on the relationship of the phases of the radio waves respectively received by the three antennas.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2009Date of Patent: September 25, 2012Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Yoshiaki Minami
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Patent number: 8217829Abstract: A radar, mounted on a vehicle, emits electromagnetic waves to a side area of a vehicle and receives reflected electromagnetic waves to detect a distance and a bearing of a physical object. A speed of the vehicle is detected. When the vehicle speed is greater than a predetermined value, it is determined whether multiple reflection occurs based on at least distances detected by the radar. If it is determined that the multiple reflection occurs, an axis deviation of the radar is determined based on a difference between the detected bearing of the multiple reflection waves and a reference bearing.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2010Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Masahito Shingyoji
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Patent number: 8184041Abstract: Radar beams for searching a volume are selected by determining the central angle and azimuth and elevation extents to define an acquisition face. The number of beams NMBA required to cover the acquisition face is determined by N MBA = ( 2 ? n + 1 ) ? ( m + 1 2 ) + ( - 1 ) n + m 2 ( 2 ) The number of beams NMBA is multiplied by the dwell per beam to determine the total search time, which is compared with a maximum time; (a) if the total search time is greater than the permissible time, the acquisition face is partitioned, and (b) if the total search time is less, the acquisition face information is applied to a radar processor for filling the unextended acquisition face with the number NMBA of beams in a particular pattern.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2008Date of Patent: May 22, 2012Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventor: Mark A. Friesel
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Patent number: 8134491Abstract: A method is provided for controlling an aircraft-mounted radar system configured to project radar beams and to receive radar returns relating to the projected radar beams. The method includes providing at least one output to the radar system that causes the radar system to sweep the radar beam horizontally to create a horizontal sweep set. The method further includes providing at least one output to the radar system that causes the radar system to conduct two vertical sweeps during the horizontal sweep set, the two vertical sweeps offset from a center horizontal location by at least one beam width, and wherein each of the two vertical sweeps are on opposite sides of the center horizontal location.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2009Date of Patent: March 13, 2012Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.Inventors: Nathanael A. Meyer, Daniel L. Woodell
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Patent number: 8130137Abstract: A method and a system for sensing a boosting target missile, estimate position and velocity and boost acceleration parameters of the target missile, and control an interceptor missile to the target missile. A boost-phase missile target state estimator estimates at least acceleration, velocity, and position using an acceleration template for the target vehicle. The nominal template is incorporated into an extended Kalman filter which corrects the nominal template acceleration with the filter states to predict future thrust acceleration, velocity and position. The correction can compensate for motor burn variations and missile energy management (lofted/depressed trajectory).Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2007Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventors: Thu-Van Luu, Jeffrey B. Boka, Purusottam Mookerjee, Michael J. Harcourt
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Patent number: 8086399Abstract: A navigation apparatus includes notification means for notifying an advance direction at a branching point in a route guiding, storage means for storing a plurality of moving methods and notification methods corresponding to the respective moving methods, input means for selecting one of the plurality of moving methods stored in the storage means, and control means for causing the notification means to perform notification by the notification method corresponding to the moving method selected by the input means. Thus, it is possible to easily set a route guiding such as a distance to the branching point where guiding is started for each of the moving methods and a sound volume.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2008Date of Patent: December 27, 2011Assignees: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd., Tottori Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yuichi Abe
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Patent number: 8068053Abstract: A low-profile lens element for steering a beam is provided. Specifically, the low-profile lens element is mechanically rotatable such that a beam can be steered in any direction within three-dimensional space. The lens element may include a number of discrete portions for differentially delaying adjacent discrete portions of a beam in order to effect beam steering. These discrete portions may vary in width. In addition, multiple lens elements may be provided.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2009Date of Patent: November 29, 2011Assignee: Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp.Inventors: Nathan A. Stutzke, Mark C. Leifer, Bradley J. Tame, Dean A. Paschen, Kiersten Kerby
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Patent number: 8022860Abstract: An Advanced Focal Plane Array (“AFPA”) for parabolic dish antennas that exploits spatial diversity to achieve better channel equalization performance in the presence of multipath (better than temporal equalization alone), and which is capable of receiving from two or more sources within a field-of-view in the presence of multipath. The AFPA uses a focal plane array of receiving elements plus a spatio-temporal filter that keeps information on the adaptive FIR filter weights, relative amplitudes and phases of the incoming signals, and which employs an Interference Cancelling Constant Modulus Algorithm (IC-CMA) that resolves multiple telemetry streams simultaneously from the respective aero-nautical platforms. This data is sent to an angle estimator to calculate the target's angular position, and then on to Kalman filters FOR smoothing and time series prediction. The resulting velocity and acceleration estimates from the time series data are sent to an antenna control unit (ACU) to be used for pointing control.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2007Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Ryan Mukai, Victor A. Vilnrotter
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Patent number: 8019576Abstract: A limited number of sensors are placed at selected locations in order to achieve equitable coverage levels to all locations that need to be monitored. The coverage level provided to any specific location depends on all sensors that monitor the location and on the properties of the sensors, including probability of object detection and probability of false alarm. These probabilities may depend on the monitoring and monitored locations. An equitable coverage to all locations is obtained by finding the lexicographically largest vector of coverage levels, where these coverage levels are sorted in a non-decreasing order. The method generates a lexicographic maximin optimization model whose solution provides equitable coverage levels. In order to facilitate computations, a nonlinear integer optimization model is generated whose solution provides the same coverage levels as the lexicographic maximin optimization model.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2007Date of Patent: September 13, 2011Assignee: Telcordia Licensing Company, LLCInventor: Hanan Luss
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Patent number: 7999726Abstract: A system for estimating an antenna boresight direction. The novel system includes a first circuit for receiving a Doppler measurement and a line-of-sight direction measurement corresponding with the Doppler measurement, and a processor adapted to search for an estimated boresight direction that minimizes a Doppler error between the Doppler measurement and a calculated Doppler calculated from the estimated boresight direction and the line-of-sight direction measurement. The line-of-sight direction measurement is measured relative to the true antenna boresight, and the calculated Doppler is the Doppler calculated for a direction found by applying the line-of-sight direction measurement to the estimated boresight direction. In a preferred embodiment, the first circuit receives a Doppler measurement and a line-of-sight direction measurement from each of a plurality of pixels, and the processor searches for an estimated boresight direction that minimizes a sum of squares of Doppler errors for each of the pixels.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2008Date of Patent: August 16, 2011Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventors: Ralph Guertin, David Faulkner, John Treece, Donald Bruyere
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Patent number: 7994963Abstract: A target is sensed by an antenna array having a transmitter antenna and a receiver antenna, both of which are caused to be electromagnetically coupled to the target. The antenna array is rotated, and as the array rotates, a change in at least one of the coupling between the transmitter antenna and the target and the coupling between the receiver antenna and the target is detected at multiple rotational orientations of the antenna array.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2009Date of Patent: August 9, 2011Assignee: The Arizona Board of Regents on Behalf of the University of ArizonaInventors: Ben Kollock Sternberg, Steven Louis Dvorak, Oleg Gennadyevich Krichenko
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Patent number: 7965225Abstract: A method of adjusting a position of an antenna to reduce a position error comprises receiving first data associated with first returns associated with a first portion of an antenna. The method further comprises receiving second data associated with second returns associated with a second portion of the antenna, wherein the first portion is different than, intersects with, or includes the second portion. The method further comprises determining the angle to the terrain using the first and second data, whereby the angle is used to adjust or compensate for the position error of the antenna.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2008Date of Patent: June 21, 2011Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.Inventors: Charles J. Dickerson, Daniel L. Woodell
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Patent number: 7880668Abstract: According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a computer implemented method of configuring a land-based radar system for scanning a scan region is disclosed. The method comprises dividing the scan region into a grid of blocks and obtaining a terrain elevation data for the scan region. For an elevation angle for the radar system, determining those blocks in the grid that are visible to the radar system and those blocks that are not visible to the radar based on the terrain elevation data. Then, step of determining the visible blocks is repeated for all elevation angles in a predefined set of elevation angles for the radar system. Next, an optimal scan elevation angle for the radar system is determined as the scan elevation angle which resulted in the maximum number of visible blocks in the scan region and the radar system is set to the optimal scan elevation angle.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2008Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorproationInventors: Stefan M. Krause, Eric D. Toal, Louis Lagonik
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Patent number: 7868818Abstract: An antenna is provided, in combination with an associated switch array, the antenna comprising a number of antenna elements mounted above a ground plane for providing coverage over a predetermined range of angles in azimuth using a number of beams. Each of the antenna elements is connected to a switch in the switch array and the switch array is operable to connect selected pairs of the antenna elements to a signal path to thereby generate each of the different beams, at the same time connecting unselected antenna elements to ground.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2007Date of Patent: January 11, 2011Assignee: BAE Systems, PLCInventor: Robert Ian Henderson
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Patent number: 7843375Abstract: Rather than costly modifications to existing radars, a small, low cost radar warning receiver is used to monitor the RF environment. This add-on receiver can provide situational awareness including RF signal levels and angle of arrival, and recommend or provide antenna scanning synchronization, blanking inputs or gated reactionary outputs to or for the airborne radar. Utilization of this information can be used to reduce false alarms and improve system performance.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2007Date of Patent: November 30, 2010Assignee: BAE Systems Information And Electronic Systems Integration Inc.Inventors: Richard W. Rennie, John P. Truver
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Patent number: 7734416Abstract: The automatic vehicle braking device is equipped with a braking force control processing portion which, based on the judgment result of a collision judgment processing portion and the judgment result of a steering avoidance judgment processing portion, imparts a turning property in a direction of head-on collision to the vehicle when the lateral position of the obstacle with respect to a travel route curve is large in a condition in which the driver is unconscious of a high possibility of collision between the vehicle and the obstacle and has taken no steering avoidance action yet. As a result, it is possible to reduce the speed of the vehicle and, at the same time, mitigate the damage suffered by the vehicle occupants at the time of collision.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2006Date of Patent: June 8, 2010Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Takuto Yano, Shinji Taniguchi, Yuji Shimizu, Atsushi Yuyama
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Patent number: 7710310Abstract: A detection system (1) having an optical sensor (3), a radar device (2) and a signal processor (4) communicatively connected with the optical sensor and the radar device. The signal processor comprises: a first detector (41, 410-413) for detecting a first object on the basis of a first signal coming from the optical sensor and determining at least one first property of the first object; a second detector (42, 420-421) for detecting a second object on the basis of a second signal coming from the radar device and determining at least one second property of that second object, and a signaling unit (43) for producing a signal if the at least one first property and the at least one second property satisfy a predetermined condition.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2004Date of Patent: May 4, 2010Assignee: Nederlandse Organisatie voor toegepast-natuurwetenschappelijk Onderzoek TNOInventors: Albert Gezinus Huizing, Leonardus Johannes Hubertus Maria Kester, Arne Theil
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Patent number: 7696926Abstract: Provided is an apparatus and method for identifying a target satellite in a satellite communication antenna. The apparatus includes: a power splitting unit for splitting a signal inputted through the satellite communication antenna to more than two signals; a tuner unit for receiving the split signals from the power splitting unit and passing only signal of a predetermined channel frequency band; an analog-to-digital converting unit for converting each of signal intensities passed in the tuner unit to a digital value; and a controlling and identifying unit for determining whether a satellite traced by the satellite communication antenna is a target satellite using each of the signal intensities of the predetermined channel frequency band inputted from the A/D converting means, and controlling an orientation direction of the satellite communication antenna.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2005Date of Patent: April 13, 2010Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research InstituteInventors: Seong-Ho Son, Ung-Hee Park, Soon-Young Eom, Soon-Ik Jeon
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Patent number: 7656345Abstract: A low-profile lens element for steering a beam is provided. Specifically, the low-profile lens element is mechanically rotatable such that a beam can be steered in any direction within three-dimensional space. The lens element may include a number of discrete portions for differentially delaying adjacent discrete portions of a beam in order to effect beam steering.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2006Date of Patent: February 2, 2010Assignee: Ball Aerospace & Technoloiges Corp.Inventors: Dean Alan Paschen, Kiersten Carinne Kerby
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Patent number: 7633431Abstract: A method for determining an adjusted position of a component of an aerial vehicle in response to a situational parameter is provided. The system includes a component mounted on an aerial vehicle, a control system operably coupled to the component, and a processor operably coupled to the control system. The control system adjusts a position of the component based on commands received from the processor. The processor receives positional data and a situational datum relating to the vehicle. The positional data is determined as a function of a situational parameter of the vehicle and is stored in a memory accessible by the processor. The processor determines an adjustment to the position of the component using the situational datum and the positional data and sends the determined adjustment to the control system.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2006Date of Patent: December 15, 2009Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.Inventors: Terrence P. Wey, Daniel L. Woodell
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Patent number: 7603077Abstract: A broadcast receiver includes a smart antenna, a tuner for extracting a signal of a predetermined channel from airwaves received by the smart antenna, a signal processing unit for processing the signal extracted by this tuner, and a control unit for controlling the smart antenna. The control unit detects a receivable direction by performing automatic scanning for each of the channels with respect to each of the directions of the smart antenna, and when the receivable direction is first detected during execution of automatic scanning for a certain channel, the automatic scanning is stopped at a point in time of the detection and transition to automatic scanning for the next channel is made.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2005Date of Patent: October 13, 2009Assignee: Funai Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takehiro Onomatsu, Shusuke Narita
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Patent number: RE42472Abstract: A method for main beam alignment verification includes providing data pertaining to one or more patterns associated with an antenna, measuring power levels of a signal acquired by the antenna, and comparing the measured power levels with the data to determine whether a direction of the signal is incident upon a main beam of the antenna.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2007Date of Patent: June 21, 2011Assignee: The Aerospace CorporationInventors: Robert B. Dybdal, Denny D. Pidhayny