Abstract: A system-of-systems knowledge management (“SOSKM”) system employable with a system-of-systems and method of operating the same. In one embodiment, the SOSKM system includes an interface object module configured to create system interface objects from a plurality of disparate objects, thereby providing a loose coupling between systems of the system-of-systems. The SOSKM system also includes a wrapper module configured to encapsulate the system interface objects into a unified modeling language employable to manage the system-of-systems.

Abstract: An interrogation system employable with an object having a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag and method of operating the same. In one embodiment, the interrogation system includes a database having prior knowledge about the object, and an interrogator that scans the RFID tag and discerns additional information therefrom about the object. The interrogator still further includes a control system that identifies the object based on the prior knowledge and the additional information.

Abstract: A monitoring and reporting system for use with an embedded computer of a hosted system and method of operating the same. In one embodiment, the monitoring and reporting system includes a device driver configured to monitor a status of a user subsystem of the embedded computer and generate a status signal therefrom. The monitoring and reporting system also includes a modem configured to send a short message to an external device as a function of the status signal. The modem employs a low amount of overhead to send the short message expeditiously.

Abstract: An interrogator, methods of discerning the presence of an object, and interrogation systems employing the same. In one embodiment, the interrogation systems include multiple interrogators that communicate with a base command unit to track a location of an object. In another embodiment wherein the object is an RFID object (e.g., an object with an RFID tag), the interrogators employ signal processing techniques such as precharging the RFID object, and correlating a reference code with a reply code from the RFID object using selected techniques to increase a sensitivity of the interrogator, especially for adverse environments. In other embodiments, the interrogation systems include variations of metal instruments and sponges employed therewith. In yet another embodiment, the interrogation system includes metal interrogators capable of discerning the presence of a metal object, especially in a presence of another metal object.

Abstract: A weapon and weapon system, and methods of manufacturing and operating the same. In one embodiment, the weapon includes a warhead having an outer casing. The warhead includes a frangible container within the outer casing of the warhead and a destructive element within the frangible container. The destructive element is formed with a non-explosive material. The weapon may also include a guidance section configured to direct the weapon to a target.

Abstract: A weapon and weapon system, and methods of manufacturing and operating the same. In one embodiment, the weapon includes a warhead having an outer casing. The warhead includes a frangible container within the outer casing of the warhead and a destructive element within the frangible container. The destructive element is formed with a non-explosive material. The weapon may also include a guidance section configured to direct the weapon to a target.

Abstract: An interrogation system employable with an object having a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag and method of operating the same. In one embodiment, the interrogation system includes a database having prior knowledge about the object, and an interrogator that scans the RFID tag and discerns additional information therefrom about the object. The interrogator still further includes a control system that identifies the object based on the prior knowledge and the additional information.

Abstract: A reply code for a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, a method of improving a reply code for a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag for interrogation by an interrogator and an RFID tag employing the same. In one embodiment, the reply code includes a preamble having information about a quality of a clock associated with the RFID tag. The reply code also includes a tag identification (ID) code providing a digital signature for the RFID tag. The reply code still further includes an aftamble located aft of the preamble and having information about the quality of the clock. The aftamble cooperates with the preamble to improve a quality of the reply code for interrogation by an interrogator.

Abstract: A method for communicating information includes modulating a communications signal by orthogonal frequency domain modulation and transmitting the communication signal by a laser and/or light emitting diode carrier signal.

Abstract: This disclosure describes an optical communications system for optically networking computers and other devices together in a multi-user environment in a cost effective manner. This is accomplished through the use of low power (eye safe intensity) lasers, light emitting diodes, or photo diodes, to connect users in a time shared fashion through an optical multiplexing system (the optical access point) which can direct and manage the networking connection to each user device (user optical transceiver) independently. Both the optical access point and the user optical transceiver are capable of dynamically adjusting a beam to locate and align with each other.

Abstract: The present invention provides in part an optical backplane for use with a communications equipment chassis, an optical communications system including the optical backplane, and a method of use therefor. The optical backplane, in one embodiment of the invention, may include a reflector system coupled to a wall of a communications equipment chassis and having a signal incidence surface and a signal reflective surface. The signal incidence surface may be positioned on the wall and optically alignable with a transmitter positioned within the communications equipment chassis. Further, the signal reflective surface may be positioned on the wall and optically alignable with a receiver positioned within the communications equipment chassis.

Abstract: For use with a transceiver employing an inertial sensor and capable of transmitting a laser beam to an other transceiver, a beam control processor and method of providing beam steering commands for a transmitter element of the transceiver. In one embodiment, the beam control processor includes a line-of-sight estimation subsystem configured to provide a line-of-sight pointing vector of the laser beam based on acceleration inertial motion data provided by the inertial sensor. The beam control processor also includes a line-of-sight control subsystem configured to generate beam steering commands for the transceiver as a function of the line-of-sight pointing vector.

Abstract: A method for communicating information includes modulating a communications signal by orthogonal frequency domain modulation and transmitting the communication signal by a laser and/or light emitting diode carrier signal.