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:
Jan. 17, 2017
Filed:
Jul. 14, 2014
Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated, Palo Alto, CA (US);
Bernard D. Casse, Saratoga, CA (US);
Armin R. Volkel, Mountain View, CA (US);
Victor Liu, Palo Alto, CA (US);
Alexander S. Tuganov, Redwood City, CA (US);
Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated, Palo Alto, CA (US);
Abstract
An object-detection system for, e.g., a vehicle collision avoidance system, utilizes a metamaterial-based phase shifting element array to generate a scan beam by varying the effective capacitance of each metamaterial structure forming the array in order to control the phases of their radio frequency output signals such that the combined electromagnetic wave generated by the output signals is reinforced in the desired direction and suppressed in undesired directions to produce the scan beam. The metamaterial structures are configured to resonate at the same radio wave frequency as an incident input signal (radiation), whereby each metamaterial structure emits an associated output signal by way of controlled scattering the input signal. A variable capacitance is applied on each metamaterial structure, e.g., using varicaps that are adjusted by way of phase control voltages, to produce the desired output phase patterns. The metamaterial structures are constructed using inexpensive metal film or PCB fabrication technology.