The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Nov. 28, 2000
Filed:
Apr. 20, 1999
Robin Terry Snider, Fallbrook, CA (US);
Terry Lee Rhodes, Del Mar, CA (US);
Edward Joseph Doyle, San Diego, CA (US);
General Atomics, San Diego, CA (US);
Abstract
A millimeter wave imaging system includes a plurality of millimeter wave radiometer elements disposed in a sparse antenna array integrated into a lower surface of an airborne vehicle. The antenna elements preferably form a cross or T-shaped sparse array. Images are formed using interferometric techniques. Each radiometer element includes a receive antenna coupled to an electronic mirror which provides beam steering. To compensate for deflection of the airborne vehicle, a mechanical deflection measurement system is provided. Additional radiometer elements having transmitter antenna elements may be integrated into the sparse array to provide active illumination to enhance image formation and to operate as target designators.