US4025919A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Automatic target detector
Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp
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Filing: 1975-11-14
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Granted: 1977-05-24
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Expires: 1995-11-14
Abstract
Abstract Apparatus which automatically detects targets of interest in line scanned amplitude modulated data systems such as side scan radar or sonar. The apparatus examines a received signal for certain predetermined parameters. On the basis of values of these parameters a probability code is developed which is a measure of the probability that a target is present. The signal which is divided into a corresponding number of range cells, is rewarded if a target like signal occurs within a certain number of resolution cells of the same range on the next signal. If no target like features are present in this zone on the next signal, a penalty is applied.
Inventors
- 👤 Larry D. Jefferies
- 👤 George A. Gilmour
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 09:38
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01S; G01S15/00; G01S15/88; G01S15/89; G01S15/8902; G06; G06V; G06V10/00; G06V10/20; G06V10/255
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
180 words
Automatic target detection apparatus comprising: (a) means providing a plurality of repetitive line scanned signals indicative of a target area of interest; (b) each said signal having an amplitude as a function of range, with said range being divided into a predetermined plurality of successive range cells so that there is a particular value of signal amplitude corresponding to a particular range cell; (c) storage means having a plurality of storage locations corresponding to said range cells; (d) means for examining said signals in successive time periods, each corresponding to a range cell, for determining the presence of a plurality of predetermined parameters in said signal and providing for each said time period corresponding to a range cell, a weighted output signal dependent upon the number and combination of said parameters present; (e) means for storing values, as a function of said weighted output signal, in corresponding range cell storage locations in said storage means; and (f) means for relatively increasing or decreasing a stored value from one said examination depending upon said weighted output signal from a subsequent examination.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
180 words
Automatic target detection apparatus comprising: (a) means providing a plurality of repetitive line scanned signals indicative of a target area of interest; (b) each said signal having an amplitude as a function of range, with said range being divided into a predetermined plurality of successive range cells so that there is a particular value of signal amplitude corresponding to a particular range cell; (c) storage means having a plurality of storage locations corresponding to said range cells; (d) means for examining said signals in successive time periods, each corresponding to a range cell, for determining the presence of a plurality of predetermined parameters in said signal and providing for each said time period corresponding to a range cell, a weighted output signal dependent upon the number and combination of said parameters present; (e) means for storing values, as a function of said weighted output signal, in corresponding range cell storage locations in said storage means; and (f) means for relatively increasing or decreasing a stored value from one said examination depending upon said weighted output signal from a subsequent examination.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
35 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein: (a) the already stored value for a particular range cell is decreased in value if said weighted output signal for that particular range cell is below a certain value.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
32 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein: (a) the already stored value for a particular range cell is decreased in value if said weighted output signal for that particular range cell is zero.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
30 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein: (a) the already stored value for a particular range cell is increased in value if said weighted output signal is above a certain value.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
50 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 which includes: (a) means for providing both an increased stored value and a decreased stored value for a particular range cell; and (b) means for placing only one of said increased or decreased values back into a storage location corresponding to said particular range cell.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
38 words
Apparatus according to claim 5 wherein: (a) said decreased value is placed back into said storage location if said weighted output signal is zero and said increased value is placed back, if said weighted output signal is> 0.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
35 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 which includes: (a) means for comparing said values placed into said storage means with a predetermined threshold; and (b) means for indicating a possible target if said threshold is exceeded.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
43 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 which includes: (a) means for accumulating said values placed into said storage for one said signal and comparing said accumulated value with a predetermined threshold; and (b) means for indicating a possible target if said threshold is exceeded.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
65 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said means for examining includes: (a) a plurality of parameter flip-flops; (b) means for sequentially setting said flip-flops in accordance with the occurrence of said parameters; and (c) means responsive to the outputs of said parameter flip-flops for providing said weighted output signal as a function of the number and combination of said parameter flip-flops in a set condition.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
62 words
Apparatus according to claim 9 wherein: (a) said parameters include (i) a signal level above a first predetermined threshold (highlight); (ii) a signal level below a second predetermined threshold (shadow) following said highlight within a predetermined time after termination of said highlight; and which includes (b) means for resetting said parameter flip-flops if said shadow does not occur within said predetermined time.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
25 words
Apparatus according to claim 10 wherein: (a) said means for resetting resets said parameter flip-flops when said signal level rises above said second predetermined threshold.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
44 words
Apparatus according to claim 4 which includes: (a) means for obtaining a value which is a function of the values stored within a predetermined range window encompassing said particular range cell; and (b) means for adding said obtained value to said weighted output signal.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
40 words
Apparatus according to claim 12 which includes: (a) means for addressing said storage locations operable to decrement its current address by a predetermined amount to allow the writing back of a value into its proper range cell equivalent storage location.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3940762A
Cited
US3683380A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1980-05-23 | 1980-11-22 | 1981-05-24 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1984-05-23 | 1984-11-22 | 1985-05-24 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1988-05-23 | 1988-11-22 | 1989-05-24 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |