Abstract: Methods, systems, apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for returning a drone to a drone dock. In one aspect, a method includes detecting, by the drone and using a drone-mounted light detection unit, a first light signal and a second light signal generated by one of a plurality of visible light communication devices coupled to the drone dock, obtaining, by the drone, location information based on the first detected light signal and the second detected light signal, determining, by the drone, a position of the drone relative to the drone dock based on the obtained location information, and adjusting, by the drone, the navigation path of the drone in a manner that alters an alignment of at least a portion of the drone relative to the drone dock based on the determined position.

Abstract: A portable lighthouse assembly for deterring intruders includes a lighthouse having a height less than 4.0 feet. A light emitter is rotatably positioned in the lighthouse to emit light outwardly therefrom. The light house is positionable in a yard to deter intruders when the light emitter is turned on. A motion sensor is coupled to the lighthouse to sense motion within a pre-determined perimeter of the lighthouse. The light emitter is turned on when the motion sensor senses motion. An alarm is coupled to the lighthouse to emit an audible alarm when the motion sensor senses motion. A camera is coupled to the lighthouse to capture images or video of an environment of the lighthouse. A microphone is coupled to the lighthouse to record audible sounds proximate the lighthouse.

Abstract: Proposedis a remote control device (100), arranged to control a lighting system(1). The lighting system comprises a plurality of light-modules (10) capable of emitting modulated light comprising light module identification codes (20). The remote controldevice (100) comprises a sensor (110) arranged to switch the light modules (10) from an operational mode (210) in which the light emitted by the light modules (10) is non-5 modulated to a control mode (230) in which the light emitted by the light modules (10) is modulated. Advantageously, the invention provides a lighting system with improved energy efficiency and EMC characteristics.

Abstract: A visual aid for the pilot of an aircraft approaching to land on an aircraft carrier comprises a series of lights (9) embedded along the landing deck and controlled in response to pitch and heave of the vessel so that the light(s) illuminated at any time indicate a visual aim point which is stabilised with respect to a specified glideslope (5) onto the vessel irrespective of such vertical excursions of the vessel. It is used in conjunction with a marker on a head up display or helmet mounted display for example so that registry of the marker with the illuminated light at any time indicates that the aircraft is on the correct glideslope.

Abstract: An aircraft display system includes an electronic display configured to provide at least one of graphical and textual elements and electronics configured to receive a signal indicating an ambient light level. The electronics set a brightness of the display using a first calculation in response to a desired contrast ratio and the ambient light level and using a second calculation in response to the desired contrast ratio and the ambient light level.

Abstract: A display system comprises first and second LED panels for displaying first and second priority aviation data, a power supply, a modulator, a processor and a logic gate. The modulator generates a modulated voltage for the second LED panel, where the second priority data are displayed at a modulated brightness. The processor controls the modulator, and generates a status signal indicating a failure condition of the modulated voltage. The logic gate switches the first LED panel from the modulated voltage to the unmodulated voltage based on the status signal, where the first priority data default from the modulated brightness level to full brightness based on the failure condition.

Abstract: A system of signal emitting modules is disclosed. The modules emit light or other signals to warn oncoming traffic that a road or other pathway has changed or is traversing a tortuous pathway. The modules are interconnected in a sequence so that they flash on and off in a pattern that leads the driver or observer along a path with less confusion than with randomly flashing or steady lights or reflectors. The modules are self-powered and can be arrayed first and programmed following deployment. The programming can be done with “mesh” technology, an external controller, or by dialing a specific number in each of a plurality of distributed controllers. The modules can improve highway safety by reducing driver confusion. The modules are arrayed to prevent a driver from seeing them from an oncoming direction. The driver coming from the opposite direction will have his or her own guiding system.

Abstract: An aircraft landing and/or taxiing system has a plurality of landing zone, runway, and/or taxiway lights capable of receiving information signals and transmitting optically signals representative of the information signals. A processing system for providing the information signals to the plurality of lights is also used. The system also comprises a sensor tuned to receive light of a specific range of wavelengths, the light being emitted from the lights. Also, a processing system coupled to the sensor and configured with software to interpret signals received by the sensor is used. Program code runs on the processing system. The program code is configured to determine the location of an aircraft on the taxiway based on the light signal received from one or more of the taxiway lights. Also, the aircraft landing and/or taxiing system utilizes modulated lights to provide information pertinent to aircraft landing and/or taxiing operations.

Abstract: A system and method for producing a flash of a desired intensity and duration utilizing devices of a lower intensity, such as light emitting diodes (LED's). The on period of the LED is lengthened so that the product of the LED's intensity and the on period is approximately equal to the product of the desired intensity and duration of the flash. A parameter for determining intensity, such as operating current or voltage, can be measured and the on period can be adjusted accordingly. The device can be turned on responsive to an external trigger signal, and a timer can be utilized to turn the device on if the external trigger signal is not received within a predetermined time.

Abstract: In this application are disclosed a variety of improvements to the original system. These improvements provide for greater utility, effectiveness, and ease of manufacturing of the laser visual landing aid system.

Abstract: A system for enhancing navigation or surveillance in low visibility conditions is realized by employing one or more ultraviolet radiation sources, a receiver which is capable of producing output signals from which a two dimensional image of the received radiation can be constructed, and a display device for displaying such image. In one preferred embodiment the ultraviolet radiation source is co-positioned with a critical marker such as a runway beacon or hazard beacon. The ultraviolet radiation emanates from the source, preferably modulated to form a repetitive, characteristic signal, propagates through the low visibility atmosphere, and received by the ultraviolet imaging receiver. In another preferred embodiment, an ultraviolet radiation source is placed at or near the ultraviolet imaging receiver, that is, onboard the same vehicle or at the same fixed location. One or more reflectors are co-positioned with the critical markers.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for marking marine channels. A single laser beam is selectively interrupted to produce an identifying on/off laser beam sequence distinguishable by the human eye. The laser beam is then expanded in terms of beam diameter during specifically timed periods of laser beam transmission. The expanded laser beam is projected along a beam path that is substantially along the center of a marine channel to be marked at a height above the water's surface. The height of the beam path is selected such that marine traffic may pass under the beam path without obstructing same.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for aiding a landing aircraft. Three differently-colored beams of laser light are produced and transmitted, one of the beams of laser light being transmitted in a plane containing the direction from which the aircraft is approaching. Another of the beams of light is transmitted on one side of the plane, and the third of the beams of light is transmit on the other side of the plane. The pilot of the aircraft can determine whether the aircraft is on the plane or to the one side or the other by the color of the light the pilot receives. If desired, at least one of the colored laser beams that is transmitted toward one side of the plane can be broken into a plurality of adjacent fan-shaped beams, the light in at least one of the fan-shaped beams being interrupted intermittently.

Abstract: A portable infrared landing site illumination system is provided for fixed ing and rotary wing aircraft having night vision capabilities as provided by the Army's second generation goggles (PVS-5) or the third generation goggles (ANVIS). The system employs special markers assembled from readily available disposable components and a simple above ground mounting stake. Also provided is a special laser illuminator which operates in several modes to assist all phases of the landing operation.

Abstract: An arrangement for position finding of a laser beam in a scattering medium with a laser transmitter and a laser receiver followed by an evaluation circuit. In order to be able to differentiate in the incoming laser radiation the unscattered coherent content and the scattered content, the laser transmitter is connected to a modulation circuit for intensity modulation of the transmitted laser beam with a characteristic modulation frequency (f.sub.L >1/T.sub.s) with the pulse duration spread being T.sub.s, which a brief laser pulse experiences upon being scattered in the medium. In addition, the receiver is connected to an electronic frequency filter tuned to the characteristic modulation frequency. Thereby, essentially only the unscattered coherent content of the laser beam is utilized for evaluation.