Receiver Patents (Class 342/89)
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Patent number: 6894635Abstract: A system and method is provided for detecting emitter signals and for determining a scan strategy for a receiver system that receives such emitter signals. When revisit times are computed for each receiver detecting method for an emitter, these revisit times may not be monotonically increasing or decreasing as expected due to discontinuities in the antenna model. A system and method are provided for detection and correction of such discontinuities.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2003Date of Patent: May 17, 2005Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventor: Anthony J. Gounalis
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Patent number: 6894641Abstract: To provide a radar system mounted on a vehicle that reliably detects the reception of the interference wave with high-performance and inexpensively. There is provided a radar system mounted on a vehicle for detecting a target object, including a transmitter for transmitting an electromagnetic wave, a receiver for receiving the electromagnetic wave reflected by the target object, a signal processor for measuring a distance between a vehicle of his/her own and the target object and a relative velocity on the basis of the transmitting electromagnetic wave and the receiving electromagnetic wave, and an interference detector for suspending a transmit operation of the transmitter under a control of the signal processor to detect an interference signal from another external device.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2003Date of Patent: May 17, 2005Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki KabushikiInventors: Naohisa Uehara, Koichi Kai
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Patent number: 6894639Abstract: This application discloses a method for distinguishing targets from clutter, comprising the steps inputting data, calculating data statistics from said data and using said data statistics to select target specific feature information to distinguish specific targets from background clutter, generating said target specific feature information from said data statistics, extracting said target specific feature information from said data, using said target specific feature information to distinguish specific targets from background clutter, and outputting target and background clutter information. Classification systems, including hardware and software embodiments, are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 1991Date of Patent: May 17, 2005Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventor: Alan Jerry Katz
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Patent number: 6882301Abstract: A time domain communications system wherein a broadband of time-spaced signals, essentially monocycle-like signals, are derived from applying stepped-in-amplitude signals to a broadband antenna, in this case, a reverse bicone antenna. When received, the thus transmitted signals are multiplied by a D.C. replica of each transmitted signal, and thereafter, they are, successively, short time and long time integrated to achieve detection.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2002Date of Patent: April 19, 2005Assignee: Time Domain CorporationInventor: Larry W. Fullerton
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Patent number: 6879878Abstract: A system and method are described that use impulse radio technology to enhance the capabilities of a robot. In one embodiment, a system, a robot and a method are provided that use the communication capabilities of impulse radio technology to help a control station better control the actions of the robot. In another embodiment, a system, a robot and a method are provided that use the communication, position and/or radar capabilities of impulse radio technology to help a control station better control the actions of a robot in order to, for example, monitor and control the environment within a building.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2004Date of Patent: April 12, 2005Assignee: Time Domain CorporationInventors: Susan J. Glenn, Gregory A. Shreve
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Patent number: 6879280Abstract: An aircraft weather radar system is disclosed. The system comprises a radar antenna, aircraft sensors, and a database. The system also comprises a processing device receiving information from the radar antenna and from the aircraft sensors and able to retrieve information from the database. Further, the system comprises a cockpit display coupled to the processing device. The processing device is programmed to estimate storm system characteristics based on the received information from the aircraft sensors and the database and to display the storm system characteristics on a vertical weather profile display using a graphical representation.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2004Date of Patent: April 12, 2005Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.Inventors: Ian J. Bull, Steve Paramore, Daniel L. Woodell
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Patent number: 6876321Abstract: A pulse descriptor word (PDW) collector, including an extractor coupled to a computer, for passively collecting radio frequency (RF) data received by an electronic surveillance system (ESS). It is integrated into the ESS after a receiver (which converts RF pulse data to digitized PDWs) and parrallel to a presorter. Using two RAM circuits, the extractor forms a read/write loop to ensure that no PDWs are lost in the collection process. The extractor simultaneously writes onto one RAM while reading from the other RAM to the computer. The read/write functions of the RAMs are switched at predetermined interrupts. Collected data is stored on the computer hard drive. The computer controls the entire collection process by using data management software, graphical user interface software and sequencing software. Stored data is available on demand for analysis and is used to monitor, assess, and update the threat identification capabilities of the particular ES system.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2004Date of Patent: April 5, 2005Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: Barry P. Slutzky, Andrew W. Kluender
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Patent number: 6876324Abstract: To provide a filter cover which has little electromagnetic effect on a dielectric resonator and is able to lengthen the life of a press mold without impairing isolation between transmission and reception. A VCO comprising a dielectric resonator, a high-frequency oscillator, a base, a cover, in which the distance between the surface of the cover facing the dielectric resonator and the surface of the base facing the dielectric resonator is half or below of the effective wave length of the oscillator frequency, and the cover has periodic projections facing the dielectric resonator which are a quarter of effective wave length of the oscillator frequency, wherein the nearest distance between the surface of the dielectric resonator facing the cover and the surface of the cover facing the dielectric resonator is a quarter or over of the effective wave length of the oscillator frequency.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2003Date of Patent: April 5, 2005Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi Car Engineering Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoshiyuki Sasada, Atsushi Koshizaka, Terumi Nakazawa, Shiro Oouchi
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Patent number: 6873287Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an arrangement suitable for embedded signal processing, comprising a number of computational units (100), each computational unit comprising a number of processing elements (20) capable of working independently and transmitting data simultaneously. Said computational units are arranged in clusters, work independently, and transmit data simultaneously, and that said processing elements (20) are globally and regularly inter-connected optically in a hypercube topology and transformed into a planar waveguide.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2001Date of Patent: March 29, 2005Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget LM EricssonInventor: Häkan Forsberg
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Patent number: 6873284Abstract: A system and method is provided for detecting emitter signals and for determining a scan strategy for a receiver system that receives such emitter signals. Typically, the minimum dwell duration of a dwell is the maximum pulse repetition interval (PRI) of the emitters that the dwell is intended to cover. However, it may be possible to reduce the minimum dwell duration when the overall probability of intercept of a particular dwell may be met with a shorter dwell duration. A system and method are provided to detect this condition and reduce the dwell duration of the dwell if appropriate.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2003Date of Patent: March 29, 2005Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventor: Anthony J. Gounalis
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Patent number: 6870502Abstract: An asynchronous pulse detector including a data estimator which estimates the return signal based on the corrected return signal, a detector for detecting an asynchronous pulse in the return signal, and a selector for selectively outputting the estimated return signal in place of the return signal as the corrected return signal in the event the detector detects an asynchronous pulse in the return signal.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2003Date of Patent: March 22, 2005Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventor: David A. Zaugg
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Patent number: 6867728Abstract: Signals-of-interest are identified by distinguishing such signals from signals constituting environmental or internal receiver noise. A received signal is rapidly sampled in order to set a dynamic, system threshold. Signals above the threshold constitute signals-of-interest.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2003Date of Patent: March 15, 2005Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventors: Craig A. Hanna, James A. Johnson
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Patent number: 6867727Abstract: A system-of-systems avionics architecture that is compatible with futuristic multi-function multi-platform sensor applications. The method and device of the invention is based on localized “adaptive” waveform and spectrum allocation for ultra-wideband radio frequency and microwave signals. The invention includes a plurality of system platforms with each platform comprising a common radio frequency front end for receiving ultra-wideband signals, a common radio frequency back end for transmitting ultra-wideband signals and a plurality of sensors for exchanging data between platforms.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2004Date of Patent: March 15, 2005Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air ForceInventor: Atindra Mitra
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Patent number: 6864826Abstract: Radar apparatus and methods of use thereof for imaging and/or spectrometric analysis. The invention employs pulsed radar signals for magnifying, imaging, scale measuring, identifying and/or typecasting the composition of substances by radargrammetric imaging and/or statistical analysis of energy/frequency spectrums. The invention may be used to locate and/or distinguish a substance from other substances, to image a substance/feature and to monitor the movement of an imaged substance/feature. The systems and methods can be adapted for a variety of applications at a wide range of scales and distances, from large scale, long range applications such as geophysical imaging/analysis, to the small scale such as material typecasting applications and small scale (including microscopic) imaging/analysis, including biological and medical imaging and diagnostic applications. The invention includes novel antenna assemblies and novel data processing techniques.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2000Date of Patent: March 8, 2005Inventor: George Colin Stove
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Patent number: 6859161Abstract: A system time thresholds dwells executed by an electromagnetic signal receiver. The system includes a detection module and a processing module. The detection module receives electromagnetic signals from a surrounding environment. The electromagnetic signals are chronologically segregated into a plurality of dwells each with a dwell time. The processing module controls the scanning of the surrounding environment. The processing module sets dwell parameters and determines whether to skip the execution of particular dwells. The processing module receives data about the signals from the detection module.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2003Date of Patent: February 22, 2005Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventors: Jeffrey K. Bricker, Anthony J. Gounalis
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Patent number: 6859160Abstract: A system estimates the utilization of an electromagnetic signal receiver. The system includes a detection module and a processing module. The detection module receives electromagnetic signals from a surrounding environment. The electromagnetic signals are chronologically segregated into a plurality of dwells each with an elapsed time. The processing module controls the scanning of the surrounding environment. The processing module receives data about the signals from the detection module. The processing module computes a plurality of utilizations by dividing each individual elapsed time by a predetermined sample interval. The processing module further determines a total utilization by adding the plurality of utilizations.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2003Date of Patent: February 22, 2005Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventor: Anthony J. Gounalis
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Patent number: 6859162Abstract: In an underground object locating system in which a modulated RF signal is applied to the underground object and an emitted signal is detected by a receiver, ambiguity in the direction of current flow in the underground object is resolved by modulating the RF signal with a modulation signal such that the modulated signal, f(t) has an average value of zero and is not equal to ?f(t+K) where K is any practical value. In specific embodiments, the modulation can be amplitude modulation where the modulating signal is lower in frequency than the RF signal and is related thereto by a rational number, such as one-half (½).Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2002Date of Patent: February 22, 2005Assignee: Geometrics, Inc.Inventor: Kenneth R. Smith
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Patent number: 6856283Abstract: A power system for a phased-array radar system powers an antenna array with a single multiphase transformer. A plurality of AC/DC converters are connected in parallel between the single multiphase transformer and a common bus. The common bus is balanced with respect to chassis ground reducing noise and improving operating safety of the antenna. The AC/DC converters each has a multi-sloped characteristic which enables the converters to share power by modifying output impedance as a function of load without external control signals. The system also has several layers of fault detection.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2003Date of Patent: February 15, 2005Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventors: Boris Solomon Jacobson, John McGinty, Paul Christian Thomas
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Patent number: 6850186Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for using signals scattered by targets to determine position and velocity for each of the targets and comprises a set of transmitters and receivers of electromagnetic or acoustic signals, said transmitters and receivers dispersed to known points. Each pair of transmitter and receiver, monostatic or bistatic, is named a measuring facility. The ranges of the transmitters are chosen so that a target at an arbitrary point within the position space can be measured via scattering in the target by at least four measuring facilities. For each measuring facility, target detection occurs with constant false alarm rate in the form of probabilities over resolution cells with regards to range and Doppler velocity and conceivable targets are placed in a 2-dimensional linear space belonging to the measuring facility.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2002Date of Patent: February 1, 2005Assignee: Totalforsvarets ForskningsinstitutInventor: Hans Hellsten
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Patent number: 6847324Abstract: Systems and methods for automated detection and removal of solar interference in real time from NEXRAD or other similar radar products. The radar site latitude and longitude and scan elevation time are extracted from the radar data and a position of the Sun is determined for the extracted latitude and longitude and scan time. A radial that has been contaminated with solar interference is determined and the solar interference is removed from that radial; The removal process does not impact the timeliness of critical products, and conservatively removes solar interference. In addition inaccuracies with NEXRAD clock time synchronization are accounted for to ensure accurate results.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2003Date of Patent: January 25, 2005Assignee: WSI CorporationInventors: Steven John Honey, Dennis Andrew Lang
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Patent number: 6844843Abstract: A signal from CW radar is received, and the received power detected by the CW radar's swinging in all directions is averaged in each direction. Then, the maximum value and the minimum value of the received power are detected for each direction, and the difference between the maximum value and the minimum value is computed. An average power value of obtained power is also computed. On a 2-dimensional plane on which the difference between the maximum value and the minimum value and the average power value are used for coordinate axes, slice processing is performed using a threshold indicated by a line graph or a curve.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2003Date of Patent: January 18, 2005Assignees: Fujitsu Limited, Fujitsu Ten LimitedInventors: Satoshi Ishii, Yoshikazu Dooi, Sadanori Matsui
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Patent number: 6831589Abstract: A radar detector (10) includes a first period detector (76, 122), a second period detector (96, 120) and a third period detector (86, 124) within a multi-period periodicity validator 38. The first period detector (76, 122) detects radar pulses exhibiting one-half of an expected pulse period (48), the second period detector (96, 120) detects radar pulses exhibiting the expected pulse period (48), and the third period detector (86, 124) detects radar pulses exhibiting twice the expected pulse period (48). A plurality of pulse-train records (40) can simultaneously track a plurality of possible pulse trains. A control element (84, 136, 138) accounts for missing pulses and corrects the expected pulse period when missing pulses have caused the expected pulse period to be inaccurate.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2004Date of Patent: December 14, 2004Assignee: GlobespanVirata, Inc.Inventor: Daniel Davidson MacFarlane Shearer, III
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Patent number: 6831592Abstract: An HF radar system comprises a transmitting system, a receiving system, a signal processing system and a frequency management/ionospheric sounding system. The transmitting system comprises a transmitting antenna array configured to transmit a beam in a near vertical direction and a transmitting device arranged to drive the transmitting antenna array at frequencies suitable for downward refraction by the ionosphere. The receiving system comprises a receiving antenna array configured to receive returning signals from a target area returning to the receiving antenna array via refraction at the ionosphere. The signal processing system comprises a digital data processing system. The frequency management/sounding system comprises cooperating transmitting and receiving systems sending HF signals to the ionosphere and analysing the returning signals. Alternatively, the system may have a duplexed antenna array.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2003Date of Patent: December 14, 2004Assignee: Alenia Marconi Systems LimitedInventor: Kenneth H Perry
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Patent number: 6825792Abstract: The present invention is intended to provide a system for determining the precise launch point of ballistic missiles, and may additionally provide the capability of neutralizing said threats. The invention provides a mobile object information means configured to classify electromagnetic frequency activity within satellite and land based commercial and private broadcast and telecommunications spectra in a given geographical area, said means also configured to classify associated area weather normality and anomalies. The system includes a software algorithm configured to extract from said database, a missile launch in a given geographical zone by “tagging” an electromagnetic wave disturbance caused by the high intensity initial fuel burn of said missile launch.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2003Date of Patent: November 30, 2004Inventor: Howard Letovsky
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Patent number: 6825799Abstract: Disclosed is a radar apparatus equipped with a function for detecting an abnormality of noise floor level. An abnormality of noise floor level is detected by measuring the level in a region not lower than 60 kHz when FM modulation is stopped or modulation width is made infinitely small by instruction from a CPU to a modulating signal generator.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2004Date of Patent: November 30, 2004Assignee: Fujitsu Ten LimitedInventor: Osamu Isaji
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Patent number: 6822606Abstract: This invention relates to a spectral generator and a spectral generation method for receiving pre-processed range-doppler-sensor data and generating at least one noise-reduced high-resolution spectrum therefrom. The spectral generator comprises a window generator that generates a window which defines a plurality of range-doppler cells. The spectral generator further comprises a covariance matrix calculator that is in communication with the window generator to receive the range-doppler-sensor data within the window and calculate a covariance matrix estimate for a range-doppler cell of interest in the window. The spectral generator also includes a spectral calculator that is in communication with the covariance matrix calculator to calculate a high-resolution spectral vector based on a location matrix and a noise subspace matrix estimate.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2003Date of Patent: November 23, 2004Assignee: Raytheon Canada LimitedInventors: Tony Ponsford, Reza Dizaji
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Patent number: 6816107Abstract: A radar detection process includes computing a derivative of an FFT output signal to detect an object within a specified detection zone. In one embodiment, a zero crossing in the second derivative of the FFT output signal indicates the presence of an object. The range of the object is determined as a function of the frequency at which the zero crossing occurs. Also described is a detection table containing indicators of the presence or absence of an object within a respective radar beam and processing cycle. At least two such indicators are combined in order to detect the presence of an object within the detection zone and with changing range gates in each of the antenna beams the coverage of the detection zone can be varied.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2003Date of Patent: November 9, 2004Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventors: Joseph S. Pleva, Mark E. Russell, Walter Gordon Woodington, Michael Joseph Delcheccolo, H. Barteld Van Rees
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Patent number: 6816109Abstract: A method for automatic association of moving target indications from at least one entity traveling along a route. A moving target indicator radar is used to detect a plurality of moving target indication data. The moving target indication data proximate to the identified route is selected and presented in a distance-time graph, such that each selected moving target indication data has a unique distance along route and a unique observation-time value. The selected moving target indication data are then transformed from the distance-time coordinate to a slope-intercept coordinate, such that co-linear moving target indication data in the distance-time coordinate are transformed into a plurality of points superposed together with nearly identical slope values and nearly identical distance intercept value. The superposed points are mapped back to the distance-time coordinate, and the moving target indication data corresponding to the superposed points are thus associated.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2003Date of Patent: November 9, 2004Assignee: Northrop Grumman CorporationInventor: Steven A. Schwartz
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Publication number: 20040178944Abstract: An RFID system using encoded digital information utilizing pulsed linear frequency modulation (LFM). The LFM waveform is sent from an24 aircraft or satellite and is received by a transponder. The LFM waveform is demodulated using both, an AM and an FM receiver. The demodulated data is compared to preprogrammed criteria tables, and after validation is decoded and utilized. Algorithms in the transponder are used to determine the frequency deviation and for calculating the direction of the slope of the LFM input signal. The valid RF signal is stored in a delay element, encoded with the transponder data using phase modulation (PM), and frequency modulation (FM). The tag transmission is synchronized to the input LFM waveform. The transmit/receive chopping signal prevents unwanted oscillations and is capable of randomization.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2001Publication date: September 16, 2004Inventors: David L. Richardson, Andrzej Sobski, Kenneth D. Gorham, Scott A. Stratmoen
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Patent number: 6791489Abstract: An RFID system using encoded digital information utilizing pulsed linear frequency modulation (LFM). The LFM waveform is sent from an aircraft or satellite and is received by a transponder. The LFM waveform is demodulated using both, an AM and an FM receiver. The demodulated data is compared to preprogrammed criteria tables, and after validation is decoded and utilized. Algorithms in the transponder are used to determine the frequency deviation and for calculating the direction of the slope of the LFM input signal. The valid RF signal is stored in a delay element, encoded with the transponder data using phase modulation (PM), and frequency modulation (FM). The tag transmission is synchronized to the input LFM waveform. The transmit/receive chopping signal prevents unwanted oscillations and is capable of randomization.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2001Date of Patent: September 14, 2004Assignee: Northrop Grumman CorporationInventors: David L. Richardson, Andrzej Sobski, Kenneth D. Gorham, Scott A. Stratmoen
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Publication number: 20040155812Abstract: A radar detection process includes computing a derivative of an FFT output signal to detect an object within a specified detection zone. In one embodiment, a zero crossing in the second derivative of the FFT output signal indicates the presence of an object. The range of the object is determined as a function of the frequency at which the zero crossing occurs. Also described is a detection table containing indicators of the presence or absence of an object within a respective radar beam and processing cycle. At least two such indicators are combined in order to detect the presence of an object within the detection zone and with changing range gates in each of the antenna beams the coverage of the detection zone can be varied.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2003Publication date: August 12, 2004Inventors: Joseph S. Pleva, Mark E. Russell, Walter Gordon Woodington, Michael Joseph Delcheccolo, H. Barteld Van Rees
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Patent number: 6768444Abstract: The invention relates to a method of interference suppression in a radar system (10) and also to a system (10) operating according to the method. The system (10) incorporates a first antenna (40) and associated electronic circuits for emitting interrogating radar radiation towards a remote scene (S). Moreover, the system (10) also incorporates a second antenna (45) and associated electronic circuits for receiving interrogating radiation reflected from the scene (S) and generating correponding first and second processed signals. The first and second processed signals correspond to a broader main beam response of the antenna (45) and to a narrower main beam response thereof respectively. By mutually comparing the first and second processed signals, the system (10) is operable to identify those second processed signals affected by interference from the scene (S).Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2003Date of Patent: July 27, 2004Assignee: Alenia Marconi Systems LimitedInventor: Peter Langsford
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Patent number: 6765523Abstract: A stationary object detection method for a scanning radar wherein, of peaks generated based on a radar signal reflected from a target, peaks having substantially the same frequency are grouped together, and a decision is made as to whether or not the frequency of the grouped peaks is equal to/higher than a predetermined value, and wherein if the peak frequency is equal to or higher than the predetermined value, then a decision is made as to whether or not the number of grouped peaks is equal to or greater than a predetermined number and, if the number of peaks is equal to or greater than the predetermined number, it is decided that the target is an overhead bridge candidate or an overhead bridge.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2002Date of Patent: July 20, 2004Assignee: Fujitsu Ten LimitedInventor: Daisaku Ono
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Patent number: 6763282Abstract: A system and method are described that use impulse radio technology to enhance the capabilities of a robot. In one embodiment, a system, a robot and a method are provided that use the communication capabilities of impulse radio technology to help a control station better control the actions of the robot. In another embodiment, a system, a robot and a method are provided that use the communication, position and/or radar capabilities of impulse radio technology to help a control station better control the actions of a robot in order to, for example, monitor and control the environment within a building.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2001Date of Patent: July 13, 2004Assignee: Time Domain Corp.Inventors: Susan J. Glenn, Gregory A. Shreve
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Patent number: 6756934Abstract: Targets imaged by radar systems typically have shadows associated with them. Target detection and identification is enhanced by analyzing the shadow characteristics of a suspected target. Features of the shadow cast by the suspected target enhance the identification process. Authenticating the suspected target shadow as being indeed cast by the target comprises a) Generating a radar image using radar returns, the radar image containing both the target and its suspected target shadow; b) Forming a pentagonal perimeter adjacent to the target (within the radar image), the pentagonal perimeter chosen to contain the suspected target shadow, the pentagonal perimeter separating the target from its suspected target shadow; c) Testing the suspected target shadow within said pentagonal perimeter to authenticate that the suspected target shadow is cast by the target. One aspect of the testing performed on the suspect target shadow uses a 2 by 2 dilation and majority filter.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2003Date of Patent: June 29, 2004Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventors: Joe C. Chen, Albert Ezekiel
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Patent number: 6753807Abstract: An N-way RF/microwave power divider/combiner utilizes one input and N outputs, or conversely N inputs and one output to divide (or combine) RF/microwave power while simultaneously and non-invasively measuring reflected power present due to mismatched loads or other failed components. The Gysel divider/combiner technique is used with the addition of N temperature measuring devices placed directly on the N isolation loads separated from the main divider/combiner lines. Because of high isolation between the N channels of the divider/combiner, the temperature above ambient of each isolation load is strongly correlated to the amount of power reflected back to an output port. The temperature is sensed external to the RF circuit whereby a measure of reflected power can be made without the use of invasive directional-coupler techniques. This is highly advantageous since directional-coupler techniques would increase the insertion-loss, cost, and complexity of the divider/combiner.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2002Date of Patent: June 22, 2004Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of CommerceInventors: Scott Andrew McLaughlin, Daniel Christopher Law
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Patent number: 6750804Abstract: A system and method for detecting a target. The inventive method includes the steps of receiving a complex return signal of an electromagnetic pulse having a real and an imaginary component; extracting from the imaginary component information representative of the phase component of the return signal; and utilizing the phase component to detect the target. Specifically, the phase components are those found from the complex range-Doppler map. More specific embodiments further include the steps of determining a power spectral density of the phase component of the return signal; performing a cross-correlation of power spectral density of the phase component of the return signal between different antenna-subarray (quadrant channels); and averaging the cross-correlated power spectral density of the low frequency components. In an alternative embodiment, the cross-correlation is performed on the phase component of the range-Doppler map directly.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2002Date of Patent: June 15, 2004Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventors: Hai-Wai Chen, Harry A. Schmitt, George T. David, Dennis C. Braunreiter, Alphonso A. Samuel
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Patent number: 6738011Abstract: A method and system for suppression of ground returns in a vertical profile radar display. The method includes receiving radar returns each comprising a plurality of range bins collated to a vertical profile radar display. The received range bins are analyzed to locate ground returns. A plurality of range bins are selected based upon the located ground returns. The radar returns are modified based upon the selected range bins.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2003Date of Patent: May 18, 2004Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventor: Joseph B. Evans
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Patent number: 6734824Abstract: A method for determining a location of an emitter in a monitored area includes the step of providing an array representative of the monitored area, the array including a plurality of elements. Next, at least one first curve and at least one second curve is provided in the array. The first and second curves are representative of possible locations of the emitter in the monitored area. Then, possible emitter locations are identified at intersections of the first and second curves. The intersections are identified by determining locations in the array where an element having an assigned attribute corresponding to a first curve has a predetermined number of adjacent elements having an assigned attribute corresponding to a second curve.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2002Date of Patent: May 11, 2004Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventor: Carl R. Herman
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Publication number: 20040085241Abstract: System and method for detection and tracking of targets, which in a preferred embodiment is based on the use of fractional Fourier transformation of time-domain signals to compute projections of the auto and cross ambiguity functions along arbitrary line segments. The efficient computational algorithms of the preferred embodiment are used to detect the position and estimate the velocity of signals, such as those encountered by active or passive sensor systems. Various applications of the proposed algorithm in the analysis of time-frequency domain signals are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2003Publication date: May 6, 2004Applicant: Altratek, Inc.Inventors: Orhan Arikan, Ahmet Kemal Ozdemir
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Patent number: 6717545Abstract: This invention relates to an adaptive detection system and method for analyzing range-doppler-azimuth data for target detection. The detection system has a threshold calculator for calculating a threshold value that is based on the standard deviation of the range-doppler-azimuth data and a predetermined probability of detection. The detection system also has a detection module in communication with the threshold calculator to receive the threshold value. The detection module calculates an estimated target amplitude and an estimated noise floor amplitude based on the range-doppler data that is located in a detection window. The detection module detects a target when the difference between the estimated target amplitude and the estimated noise floor amplitude is larger than the threshold value.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2003Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Assignee: Raytheon Canada LimitedInventors: Reza Dizaji, Tony Ponsford
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Patent number: 6707417Abstract: A radar system having a tactical mode and a calibration mode includes a transmitter section for providing high-power amplification of an RF pulsed waveform from an exciter during the tactical mode and the calibration mode. A circulator system has an input port connected to an output of the transmitter section and including first, second and third switchable junctions, and a high-power attenuator. The circulator system provides a transmit tactical mode signal path and a transmit calibration mode signal path of virtually identical electrical path lengths for a transmitter output signal, the tactical path passing through the first, second and third junctions in a first direction to an antenna I/O port, the calibration path passing through the first, second and third junctions in a second direction and through the high-power attenuator to an output port.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2002Date of Patent: March 16, 2004Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventors: Steven Edward Huettner, Steven Craig Rein, Douglas Richard Baker
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Patent number: 6693578Abstract: A method to optimize a mixer (20) includes setting a DC bias current (24) at a predetermined level correlated to an RF frequency or band of interest, and varying the power output (32) of a local oscillator (36) until the DC voltage (66) of the mixer (20) is at a predetermined voltage. The setting for the local oscillator (36) is then stored, such as in volatile RAM (60), for use during normal operation of the receiver (10) to produce IF signals (40) correlated to the RF frequencies or band or interest. The process may be implemented on power-up of the receiver and/or periodically during use thereof in the field to reoptimize the mixer (20), and may be undertaken with different predetermined currents and voltages for different RF frequencies and/or bands.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2003Date of Patent: February 17, 2004Assignee: Beltronics USA, Inc.Inventor: Glen D. Martinson
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Patent number: 6683561Abstract: A coherent radar detection system (2) comprises a radar signal transmitter (4) and a correlation receiver (6). The transmitter (4) comprises a waveform generator which generates a signal at an intermediate frequency. The signal is divided into two divided signals by a coupler, and then the divided signals are mixed together in a mixer to generate an output signal which has a wider bandwidth than the intermediate frequency. The bandwidth can be increased further by repeating the coupler/mixer stage. The system generates very wide bandwidth signals coherently, allowing coherent processing in high resolution range gates.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 1999Date of Patent: January 27, 2004Assignee: BAE Systems Electronics LimitedInventors: Peter Donald Fraser Tait, Adrian Peter Kyte, Peter James Steward, David John Shephard, Timothy Edward Ffrench
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Patent number: 6683557Abstract: A radar detection process includes computing a derivative of an FFT output signal to detect an object within a specified detection zone. In one embodiment, a zero crossing in the second derivative of the FFT output signal indicates the presence of an object. The range of the object is determined as a function of the frequency at which the zero crossing occurs. Also described is a detection table containing indicators of the presence or absence of an object within a respective radar beam and processing cycle. At least two such indicators are combined in order to detect the presence of an object within the detection zone and with changing range gates in each of the antenna beams the coverage of the detection zone can be varied.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2001Date of Patent: January 27, 2004Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventors: Joseph S. Pleva, Mark E. Russell, Walter Gordon Woodington, Michael Joseph Delcheccolo, H. Barteld Van Rees
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Patent number: 6677890Abstract: An airborne radar antenna system for detecting a target in a volume includes a tethered aerostat and an antenna that is supported above ground by the aerostat. The aerostat-based antenna is used for transmitting and receiving a radar beam into the volume to detect the target. Additionally, the system includes a ground-based transmitter that generates a beacon signal which monitors the antenna configuration at the aerostat. A computer then evaluates the beacon signal to create an error signal which is used to maintain a predetermined configuration for the antenna. The system also includes mechanisms for orienting the radar beam along preselected beam paths between the antenna and the volume.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2002Date of Patent: January 13, 2004Assignee: Information System LaboratoriesInventors: J. Doss Halsey, James Boschma
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Patent number: 6674390Abstract: A pulse Doppler radar receiver is disclosed wherein monopulse sum and difference signals are time-multiplexed and passed through a single gain-controlled amplifier channel for normalization, the sum signal being processed to provide both a D.C. gain control signal for such channel and a reference signal for demodulating the difference signal.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 1977Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventor: William M. Murphy, Jr.
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Patent number: 6670905Abstract: A GPS enabled radar detector (20) that aids in the management of unrelated or otherwise unimportant sources (16), permitting the detector to dynamically improve its handling of such sources based upon previously-stored geographically-referenced information on such sources. The detector includes technology (30, 32) for determining the location of the detector, and comparing this location to the locations of known stationary sources, to improve the handling of such detections. The detector may ignore detections received in an area known to contain a stationary source, or may only ignore specific frequencies or may handle frequencies differently based upon historic trends of spurious police radar signals at each frequency. A Global Positioning Satellite System (GPS) receiver (30, 32) is used to establish current physical coordinates. The detector maintains a list (50, 82) of the coordinates of the known stationary source “offenders” in nonvolatile memory.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2002Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Assignee: Escort Inc.Inventor: Steven K. Orr
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Patent number: 6667710Abstract: The present invention comprises a system, method, and computer program product for generating various weather radar images. A weather radar display system includes a database, a display, and a display processor coupled to the database and the display. The display processor includes a first component configured to store radar return data in a three-dimensional buffer in the database based on aircraft position information, a second component configured to extract at least a portion of the data stored in the three-dimensional buffer based on aircraft position information, and a third component configured to generate an image of the extracted return data for presentation on the display.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2002Date of Patent: December 23, 2003Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Bill G. Cornell, Roland Y. Szeto
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Patent number: 6664914Abstract: A ground penetrating radar includes a signal generator, a return signal processor, a gate and an antenna. The signal generator is a dual frequency synthesizer that generates a stepped frequency master signal and a tracking signal offset by an intermediate frequency. The return signal processor is a dual channel quadrature receiver that mixes down a return signal and a sample of the master signal to intermediate frequency using the tracking signal. The signal generator is pulsed by the gate and the return signal is gated at the same frequency. Hollow pyramidal antennas are also described that have an ultrawide band bowtie structure with antenna electronics located within one antenna element. A method of operating the radar is also described.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2002Date of Patent: December 16, 2003Assignee: Groundprobe Pty LtdInventors: Denis Longstaff, David Noon, Chris Leat, Glen Stickley, Mikhail Cherniakov