Patent ID: 9545923
Date: 2017-01-17
CPC Classifications: B60W,G01S,H01Q

Claim:
1. An object-detection system comprising: a signal source configured to generate an input signal having a radio wave frequency in the range of 2.4 GHz to 300 GHz; a phase shifting element array including a plurality of metamaterial structures, each said metamaterial structure configured to resonate at said radio wave frequency in response to said input signal such that said plurality of metamaterial structures respectively generate electromagnetic radiation output signals having said radio wave frequency by way of retransmitting said input signal; and a beam control circuit configured to generate a plurality of variable capacitances and to apply each said variable capacitance to an associated said metamaterial structure such that an effective capacitance of said associated metamaterial structure is altered by a corresponding change in each said applied variable capacitance, whereby said plurality of metamaterial structures respectively generate said electromagnetic radiation output signals at corresponding output phases determined by said plurality of variable capacitances, wherein said beam control circuit is further configured to vary said plurality of variable capacitances such that said output signals collectively generate a scan beam that sweeps across a field disposed in front of said phase shifting element array.