Abstract: A configurable video output channel architecture includes a plurality of parallel video pipelines arranged to drive a video display; a device for selecting an output of one of the video pipelines and generating a readback signal representative thereof; and a device for adjusting a display specification of at least one of the video pipelines using the readback signal. The display specification adjusted may include the maximum video level, the blanking level, and the sync level of the video waveform. The adjusting device may also adjust the characteristic impedance of each pipeline. The selecting device includes a multiplexer and an analog to digital converter, and the adjusting device includes a controller which monitors the readback signal and generates a control signal to adjust the display specification if the readback signal is outside of a desired range.

Abstract: A computer-based process for rapidly responding to previously unknown threats to airborne aircraft. The process makes quick, automatic decisions when required for close-range threats, yet provides the aircraft operator an opportunity to choose the appropriate response when time permits.

Abstract: A convergence model is shown and described for accommodating variation in data post spacing in a digital terrain elevation database (DTED) based on longitude and latitude address values for data posts. Under such a database structure, data posts lying along lines of latitude vary in spacing according to latitude, and converge at the poles with zero spacing therebetween. To scan a circular region of data posts relative to a given data post, e.g., a threat installation, this variation in data post spacing is considered by appropriately scaling sample step spacing along radials traversed in executing a radial spoke scan pattern. In this manner, a circular region of data posts surrounding a given data post may be sampled using simple, dedicated hardware despite this variation in data post spacing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing error voltage compensation in a flat panel display. Voltage errors in a column driver for a flat panel display are compensated for by first measuring the voltage level at each column during a known signal level period and comparing it against a known or reference value. This voltage error signal is then stored in an error memory according to column location. During normal operation of the flat panel display, the memory is accessed every time a particular column is scanned. The error voltage is retrieved and added to the raw video signal in order to remove any voltage offset which is introduced in the column driver electronics. This error voltage compensation substance eliminates any streaking which may appear on a display screen.

Abstract: An integrated aircraft survivability equipment state machine. Aircraft survivability sensors provide aircraft survivability states that are routed to a finite state machine. Data processing, data generation, data representation, queueing tactical information and initiation of aircraft survivability counter measures are controlled by the state oriented approach. Systems state can be altered based on mission defined variables. Counter measures can be initiated based on correlated threat data and other functions such as failure recording and threat database generation functions. All individual aircraft survivability subsystems are integrated and controlled by the state machine. The state machine manages the ASE subsystem power as far as built-in testing and controls for the integrated ASE system. Overall threat data presentation is controlled and driven by the system state.

Abstract: The virtual graphics processor is a software process that enables different video display systems to execute the same graphical display application. The process also permits the display application to be updated or reconfigured in real time without changing the embedded display system software. The parts of the virtual graphics processor include an application graphics database for storing graphic primitives and associated static primitive data defining one or more graphic pages in a display application. An image control interface (video library) associates graphic functions of the particular video display system with graphic primitives in a requested page. An instruction sequencer within the virtual graphics processor responds to a display request by obtaining the requested graphic page from the graphics database and associated graphics functions from the video library.

Abstract: A built-in test for dynamic raster video output is described for testing a plurality of analog video signals created from digital raster data, each of the analog signals having a plurality of analog signal components. In the apparatus, an addressing device is provided for selecting one of the analog signals to be tested, and a selector selects a desired analog signal component from the selected analog signal. An A/D converter then converts the selected signal component into a digital signal component, and a characteristic value is extracted therefrom. A memory is provided which stores predetermined characteristic value range data, and the extracted characteristic value is compared with the stored range data by a comparator to produce a result. A combination device then creates a combination of the result and an address of the selected analog signal component, and the combination is then stored for later retrieval.

Abstract: A photographic facsimile of a line image at a predetermined orientation is illuminated by a collimated monochromatic light source to produce a diffraction pattern. The diffraction pattern is focussed by a converging lens to image the Fourier transform of the line image on a spatial frequency plane. The image in the spatial frequency plane is applied to a detector for measuring the spatial power distribution as a function of the spatial frequency. The line image is then reoriented in the image plane, and successive measurements made as the image is rotated in the image plane. Resolution is quantified in the spatial frequency plane as the magnitude of a selected signal as a function of displacement (i.e, spatial frequency). By simulating selected imaging components and generating a resultant line image, the resolution of any imaging system component may be measured.

Abstract: A color projector for forming a high resolution image through a plurality of stacked display panels. The projector employs subtractive color technology to project a real or virtual color image. In order to provide a highly focused image free from parallax effects, a dichroic mirror assembly is provided to reflect the light exiting the display panels and compensate for differences in optical path lengths between display panels while maintaining high resolution focusing capability. Light output averaging means are provided to eliminate additional parallax effects. High resolution optics are provided between the dichroic mirror assembly and the projection screen in order to provide focus for the image.

Abstract: A prismatic refracting array for a flat panel liquid crystal display (LCD) backlighting device matches a prismatic angle with the critical angle of the exit window and surrounding material, e.g., glass and air. By selecting the prism angle of the refracting array with reference to the critical angle of the exit window and surrounding air, light lost to total internal reflectance within the exit window is substantially eliminated while directing all light output within selected view angles. By better utilizing the available light output from the flat panel backlight device, overall efficiency of the LCD device is improved.

Abstract: Automatic countermeasures dispensing module controller for radio frequency countermeasures processes information generated by a missile approach detector and radio frequency receivers which is correlated to generate a radio frequency countermeasures dispensing command. A countermeasures module is connected to provide effective countermeasures against radio frequency guided missiles. Voice warning messages are generated and a threat display symbol is generated on a cockpit display system that provides an audio and visual monitor of the threat. The number of countermeasures employed is counted. If a radar warning receiver or pulsed radar jammer is in operation and a missile approaching event is detected, the region of missile approach is read from a missile approach detector. The missile threat is displayed and correlated with the radar warning receiver or pulsed radar jammer for the indicated region with a missile approach detector.

Abstract: An approach for constructing active matrix liquid crystal light valves having very high aperture ratio is described. This is achieved by a burying the pixel addressing elements beneath a planarized array of nearly contiguous pixel electrodes and minimizing the footprint of opaque structures in the light valve. Undesirable field-induced disclinations and deformations of the liquid crystal are minimized by shielding the addressing structures with the pixel electrodes. Embodiments are provided which utilize the approach to improve transmittance, image quality, yield, design flexibility and functionality of the display.

Abstract: An electrical system for converting a magnetic azimuth detector (MAD) signal into a corresponding digital signal. A conversion circuit receives a three-wire signal from the MAD; the three-wire signal is proportional to an angle .theta., which indicates the position of the MAD relative to magnetic north. The conversion circuit converts the three-wire signal into sin .theta. and cos .theta. signals. A digitization circuit converts the sin .theta. and cos .theta. signals into corresponding digital signals by first half-wave demodulating the analog sin .theta. and cos .theta. signals, then low-pass filtering the signals to extract the DC components, and finally digitizing the analog DC components.

Abstract: An optical element driving mechanism is disclosed wherein an electromagnetic motor positions an optical element such that a laser beam passing through the optical element is focused onto an optical disk media. The optical element can be translated in two axes by energizing coils suspended within stationary magnetic fields produced by permanent magnets. The magnitude and direction of displacement is controlled by the current passing through the coils. A two axis electro-optical position sensing apparatus for determining the position of the optical element is embedded within the driving mechanism. The position sensing apparatus detects the relative position of the optical element in two axes by imaging a light emitting diode onto a four element photodetector.

Abstract: An in-flight simulator for an integrated aircraft survivability equipment system controlling radar warning receiver and a radar jammer with countermeasures control provides a training module which emulates the existence of airborne threats. The airborne threats are provided in real time as if they were detected by a threat detection system such as a radar warning receiver or a radar jammer. A list of threats is provided for either a radar warning receiver or pulse radar jammer, a continuous radar jammer, an RF/IR missile approach detector or a laser that threat on a display, includes that threat in a candidate list and executes various threat proximity algorithms with the candidate list. The invention determines whether the threat is within the range hidden by terrain or beyond the horizon. The threat simulator performs aircraft survivability equipment sensor model simulation. Threats are also prioritized.

Abstract: An active matrix array for liquid crystal displays which provides for a large aperture ratio. A layer of single crystal silicon is disposed over a glass substrate and etched and doped to form multiple source and drain regions for an array of thin film transistors (TFTs). Multiple gate buses are laid across the source and drain regions to form the TFTs. The drain regions each electrically contact a transparent electrode used in switching an individual pixel in a liquid crystal display. The TFTs formed do not encroach significantly into the pixel aperture and the conduction lines are constructed at minimal photolithographical requirements.

Abstract: A three-dimensional interconnect package is provided for monolithic microwave/millimeterwave integrated circuits. A mating substrate for receiving an MMIC has transmission lines disposed over its surfaces. The mating substrate mounted substantially vertical in a base substrate which also has transmission lines for carrying microwave/millimeterwave signals. The transmission lines on both substrates are put in electrical contact and microwave/millimeterwave signals are transmitted between the substrates with a minimum of signal loss or reflection.

Abstract: A device executing intervisibility calculation includes a mechanism executing a radial spoke scan pattern where individual radials are traversed beginning at a threat installation and extending outward along a radial to a distance corresponding to threat range capability. Intervisibility calculation is simplified to allow implementation in a simple, dedicated hardware engine to provide rapid execution time while ensuring accurate intervisibility results. The intervisibility engine includes lookup tables to provide precalculated data and advantageously avoids divide operations whereby the intervisibility calculation may be executed by use of a series of adds, subtracts, and multiplies relative to intervisibility data developed while traversing a given radial. The engine calculates a slope for each data post visited in traversing a radial, and identifies a data post as being visible when its associated slope is greater than a previously encountered greatest magnitude slope.

Abstract: A photographic facsimile of a line image at a predetermined orientation is illuminated by a collimated monochromatic light source to produce a diffraction pattern. The Fourier distribution of the diffraction pattern is focussed by a converging lens to image on a spatial frequency plane of spatial signal and spatial noise components. The image in the spatial frequency plane is applied to a detector for selectively measuring the spatial power contribution of the signal and noise components, thereby to provide a measure of image quality relating to imaging system signal-to-noise ratio. A spatial filter (18) may be introduced into the optical path to block the spatial signal components, while allowing the noise components to impinge on the detector. The line image is then reoriented in the image plane, and successive measurements of spatial signal and noise contributions repeated. The ratio of signal-to-noise power is then computed for each orientation of the line image.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for remotely controlling a formation of drones. A single drone is chosen as a formation leader. Each other drone in the formation has one other drone in the formation as its leader. A follower drone will sense relative movement parameters as well as inquire of its leader drone as to its other movement parameters. The follower drone will then control itself to follow the movements of its leader.