Imaging apparatus and method
US7196653B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 20, 2004 |
| Grant date | Mar 27, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 20, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01S13/9056
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An imaging apparatus has transmitter illuminating a selected surface with a radar beam footprint, and processor for profiling/processing the radar returns so as to derive attitude information in real time about a number of predefined axes associated with the radar which depends upon the relative dispositions of the radar, the selected surface and upon the radar beam footprint characteristics.A plurality of transmit beams image the surface and the processing arrangement has the capability of determining roll, pitch and/or yaw pointing data associated with the radar, such pointing data being determined by derivation of the attitude information and by selective input of terrain elevation data so as to take account of variations in the radar viewing geometry with terrain elevation.This provides a low cost advantage over known radar designs, and retains utility for many applications, for example spaceborne and airborne applications.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.