Abstract: Techniques are provided for a laser designation verification device and a method of laser designation verification using the device. The laser designation verification device includes: a lens to sense a first reflection, the first reflection coming from an encoded first laser beam reflecting off a first target; an electronic processing element to decode the sensed first reflection into a first code; and a portable electronic annunciator to provide identification of the first target to an operator of the device based on the decoded first reflection. The method includes: sensing a first reflection using the lens, the first reflection coming from an encoded first laser beam reflecting off a first target; decoding the sensed first reflection into a first code using the processing element; and providing, by the annunciator to an operator of the device, identification of the first target based on the decoded first reflection.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for a laser designation verification device and a method of laser designation verification using the device. The laser designation verification device includes: a lens to sense a first reflection, the first reflection coming from an encoded first laser beam reflecting off a first target; an electronic processing element to decode the sensed first reflection into a first code; and a portable electronic annunciator to provide identification of the first target to an operator of the device based on the decoded first reflection. The method includes: sensing a first reflection using the lens, the first reflection coming from an encoded first laser beam reflecting off a first target; decoding the sensed first reflection into a first code using the processing element; and providing, by the annunciator to an operator of the device, identification of the first target based on the decoded first reflection.

Abstract: A system for transferring power and/or data between a host and a store over a single-wire umbilical cable is herein described. The system comprises a host-store interface configured to allow the transfer of both power and data between the host and a store in operative communication therewith. The store comprises a microcontroller and memory operatively coupled thereto, allowing the microcontroller to be powered on and to receive and store data sent by the host in its memory through a single-wire without requiring additional electronic systems that the store may comprise to also be powered on. This data may later be incorporated into pre-programmed systems onboard the store at full power-on, thereby enabling the reprogramming of the store without powering it on prior to launch.

Abstract: A system for transferring power and/or data between a host and a store over a single-wire umbilical cable is herein described. The system comprises a host-store interface configured to allow the transfer of both power and data between the host and a store in operative communication therewith. The store comprises a microcontroller and memory operatively coupled thereto, allowing the microcontroller to be powered on and to receive and store data sent by the host in its memory through a single-wire without requiring additional electronic systems that the store may comprise to also be powered on. This data may later be incorporated into pre-programmed systems onboard the store at full power-on, thereby enabling the reprogramming of the store without powering it on prior to launch.

Abstract: A laser range finder (LRF) and an automated method for determining a return laser signal associated with a target thereof are disclosed. In one example embodiment, the LRF includes a laser beam emitter to emit a laser beam towards a target. Further, the LRF includes a receiver circuit to receive multiple return laser signals reflected from objects including the target and to determine an amplitude of each of the multiple return laser signals. Furthermore, the LRF includes a processor coupled to the receiver circuit to compare the amplitude of each of the multiple return laser signals with a range varying threshold that accounts for range and atmospheric losses and to determine one of the multiple return laser signals as being associated with the target based on the comparison.

Abstract: A laser range finder (LRF) and an automated method for determining a return laser signal associated with a target thereof are disclosed. In one example embodiment, the LRF includes a laser beam emitter to emit a laser beam towards a target. Further, the LRF includes a receiver circuit to receive multiple return laser signals reflected from objects including the target and to determine an amplitude of each of the multiple return laser signals. Furthermore, the LRF includes a processor coupled to the receiver circuit to compare the amplitude of each of the multiple return laser signals with a range varying threshold that accounts for range and atmospheric losses and to determine one of the multiple return laser signals as being associated with the target based on the comparison.

Abstract: An optical automatic attitude measurement device for a lightweight portable optical system is disclosed. In one embodiment, a first optical device is configured to provide an attitude beam. A second optical device mechanically coupled to the first optical device to a lose tolerance. The second optical device is configured to provide a reference beam and to receive the attitude beam from the first optical device. The second optical device is further configured to obtain an attitude measurement by computing a differential measurement between the reference beam and the attitude beam in x and y planes at room temperature.

Abstract: A plurality of optical transmission sources provide data communication from a transmitting module to a common detector cooperative with a receiving module, the modules being subject to relative rotation about a shared axis. The detector can be located on the shared axis, each of the sources directing a beam onto the detector regardless of relative module orientation, and/or the light can be diffused, so that it is detected regardless of source and detector placement and relative module orientations. Transmissions can be distinguished according to synchronized timing, differing optical frequencies, differing baud rates, and/or differing circular polarizations. The detector can split the light into a plurality of beams which pass through different optical filters and are thereby distinguished. Cut-off circuits can prevent failed sources from transmitting. A diffused second light source and a second plurality of detectors can provide reverse communication from the receiving module to the transmitting module.

Abstract: An optical automatic attitude measurement device for a lightweight portable optical system is disclosed. In one embodiment, a first optical device is configured to provide an attitude beam. A second optical device mechanically coupled to the first optical device to a lose tolerance. The second optical device is configured to provide a reference beam and to receive the attitude beam from the first optical device. The second optical device is further configured to obtain an attitude measurement by computing a differential measurement between the reference beam and the attitude beam in x and y planes at room temperature.

Abstract: An apparatus and method improves the fault tolerance of a rocket or missile guidance system which includes a resonant sensor. When improper initialization is detected, the resonant sensor is reinitialized, repeatedly if necessary, until normal operation is achieved. Improper initialization is detected by comparing data from the guidance system with pre-specified physical limits to roll, pitch, yaw, and/or other features of the flight scenario. Embodiments can also detect a fault condition due to an error signal from a “Built-in-Test” (BIT) module. The initialization sequence initiated by the invention can be identical to the power-on sequence, or it can be a separate, reinitiating sequence. Subsequent resets are initiated as needed, for example until the burn of the rocket fuel and the associated vibrations have ceased and the resonant sensor has been successfully initialized.

Abstract: A plurality of optical transmission sources data provides data communication from a transmitting module to a common detector cooperative with a receiving module, the modules being subject to relative rotation about a shared axis. The detector can be located on the shared axis, each of the sources directing a beam onto the detector regardless of relative module orientation, and/or the light can be diffused, so that it is detected regardless of source and detector placement and relative module orientations. Transmissions can be distinguished according to synchronized timing, differing optical frequencies, differing baud rates, and/or differing circular polarizations. The detector can split the light into a plurality of beams which pass through different optical filters and are thereby distinguished. Cut-off circuits can prevent failed sources from transmitting.

Abstract: An apparatus and method improves the fault tolerance of a rocket or missile guidance system which includes a resonant sensor. When improper initialization is detected, the resonant sensor is reinitialized, repeatedly if necessary, until normal operation is achieved. Improper initialization is detected by comparing data from the guidance system with pre-specified physical limits to roll, pitch, yaw, and/or other features of the flight scenario. Embodiments can also detect a fault condition due to an error signal from a “Built-in-Test” (BIT) module. The initialization sequence initiated by the invention can be identical to the power-on sequence, or it can be a separate, reinitiating sequence. Subsequent resets are initiated as needed, for example until the burn of the rocket fuel and the associated vibrations have ceased and the resonant sensor has been successfully initialized.