Abstract: A method and apparatus provides for real-time video data characterization and fast image retrieval. According to one aspect, a token is generated based on blocks or portions of data in a data stream. A mathematical algorithm that operates in real-time during a capture process is used to generate the token. The generated tokens are stored together with the captured data. According to another aspect, a retrieval system compares a token value to obtain matching tokens within a given set of thresholds and corresponding data from the stored captured data.

Abstract: The present invention provides a high dynamic performance mounting technique that is suitable for mounting sensor elements in adverse environments. According to one aspect, the present invention includes a kinematic mounting technique for a movable secondary mirror in an optical sensor. According to another aspect, the invention includes a mounting structure that provides deterministic alignment of a sensor element over multiple positions. According to another aspect, the invention includes a mounting technique with high dynamic performance yet minimizes sensor obscuration. According to another aspect, the invention includes a mounting technique that decouples actuator stiffness and mounting accuracy from the overall dynamic stiffness and alignment accuracy of a movable secondary mirror in an optical sensor.

Abstract: A cooling system is provided for enclosed volumes having payloads of electronic or other equipment that are susceptible to failures when overheated. One particularly useful application of the present invention is in a cooling system for a turreted gimbaled system (i.e. a gimbal) that includes electronic and optical equipment typically used for surveillance, but many other applications will become apparent to those skilled in the art after being taught by the present disclosure. According to one aspect of the invention, a cooling system includes a pair of reciprocal openings between a gimbal sphere and yoke allowing for passage of air therethrough and a pair of fans for circulating the air between the sphere and yoke, thereby expanding the surface area available for heated air from the interior to conduct into the exterior air. In another example, a heat exchanger is provided in the yoke to allow further cooling of the circulated air.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus that controllably allows the relative rotation between structures, such as a gimbal and a structure to which it is mounted. According to one aspect, the apparatus includes a twist capsule assembly with internal stop mechanisms that controllably prevents the amount of clockwise and counterclockwise rotation with respect to a rotation axis. According to another aspect of the invention, by limiting the amount of relative rotation, other means of communicating power and signals between the structures can be used, thus avoiding or reducing the limitations imposed by conventional slip ring assemblies. According to yet another aspect, the invention includes techniques and structures for allowing conventionally shielded cables and wires to be used in place of slip rings, while allowing for rotation between structures, thus even further improving the communication of power and signals between structures.

Abstract: An optic mount and mounting technique according to the invention isolates the material properties of the optical element from the material properties of the structural element. According to one aspect, kinematically positioned, opposing flexures attach to the structural and/or optical elements in a way that isolates one side of the mount from the other side. As the temperature changes, the flexures attached to the structural and optical elements can move radially like hinges as the materials expand and contract. According to additional aspects, thin stabilizers can be included such as ribs that connect the end of each flexure to the ring perimeter. The geometry of the rib can allow for radial compliance of the flexure while keeping the flexure stiff in the axial direction. This increases the resonant frequency of the optical assembly, which is important for dynamic systems. The ribs also reduce positional sag due to gravity, which is important for optical systems that have dynamic pointing requirements.

Abstract: A method and apparatus provides for accurately synchronizing a plurality of sensors, as well as for providing accurate timing information (e.g. timing metadata) associated with the synchronized data capture. According to one aspect of the invention, an apparatus includes a synchronization circuit that stores a counter having a value corresponding to the delay characteristics of an associated sensor. The counter is used to provide a synchronization pulse to the associated sensor which is offset from a desired synchronization time by an amount that will compensate for the delay characteristics. In one example, one counter is provided for each associated sensor, allowing a high degree of accuracy in synchronization among a plurality of sensors. According to another aspect of the invention, the synchronization pulses are locked onto and derived from a pulse received from a GPS receiver.

Abstract: A fast and accurate non-contacting angle sensor. According to one aspect of the described sensor and method of operation thereof, the angular orientation of an inner payload relative to an outer structure is monitored with a 2 axis optical angle sensor for azimuth and elevation angles. The sensor operates on the same principle as an autocollimator, thus it measures both azimuth and elevation angles simultaneously. The angle sensor measurements are highly accurate in the angles of interest, while having low sensitivity to translation in three axes and low sensitivity to roll angle between the inner payload and the outer structure.

Abstract: A novel design concept for a torquer motor is useful for stabilizing apparatuses in a vibrating structure. According to one aspect, a novel design for a coil pair is provided. A first coil in the pair is box shaped with a hollow interior portion and windings provided on a surface opposite the hollow interior. A second coil in the coil pair is flat and torus shaped with windings provided on the surface. According to one example, the second coil is bent so as to conform to the shape of the first coil, and disposed over the first coil so that the respective windings are oriented orthogonally to each other in a common plane direction so as to define an active area. The active area may be further disposed in the magnetic field of a magnet pair in a torquer motor application. The design provides advantages such as inherent rigidity and more efficient heat transfer, while providing high torque or a desired range of movement.