Abstract: Detection and tracking of an object by exploiting its unique reflectance signature. This is done by examining every image pixel and computing how closely that pixel's spectrum matches a known object spectral signature. The measured radiance spectra of the object can be used to estimate its intrinsic reflectance properties that are invariant to a wide range of illumination effects. This is achieved by incorporating radiative transfer theory to compute the mapping between the observed radiance spectra to the object's reflectance spectra. The consistency of the reflectance spectra allows for object tracking through spatial and temporal gaps in coverage. Tracking an object then uses a prediction process followed by a correction process.

Abstract: A system and method for identifying and verifying a client to access a secure network. Timing characteristics are acquired from the client, such as a peripheral device, and further verified and identified via a policy enforcement points and a policy decision points, or a measurer device in the secure network.

Abstract: Techniques include determining coefficients of a complex auto regression (AR) model to fit a complex average spectrum at a base frequency resolution of a set of one or more measured acoustic beams during a time block. Residuals derived by filtering actual data through an inverse of the AR model are determined at frequencies below a first threshold frequency. A quantized spectrum of the residuals is determined at the base frequency resolution. Magnitude, phase, and frequency bin at the base frequency resolution are determined for each peak of a set of one or more narrowband peaks above a second threshold frequency for the set of one or more measured acoustic beams. A message is sent, which indicates without loss the coefficients of the AR model, the quantized spectrum of the residuals, and the frequency bin, magnitude and phase for each peak of the set of one or more narrowband peaks.

Abstract: A dual-band antenna is provided that combines two normally disparate communications modes into a single compact aperture minimizing overall mass and volume, while maintaining high performance efficiency and reciprocity of each individual mode. The antenna is compatible with both optical (near-IR/visible) and RF (microwave/millimeter-wave) transceiver subsystems for high bandwidth communications, applicable primarily to long- to extremely long-range (space-to-ground) link distances. The optical link provides high bandwidth while the RF provides a lower data-rate weather backup, accommodation for traditional navigation techniques, and assistance in cueing the extremely tight optical beam by matching the RF beamwidth to an optical fine-steering mechanism field-of-regard. The configuration is built around a near-diffraction-limited high performance primary mirror shared by both a direct-fed RF antenna design and a Cassegrain optical telescope.

Abstract: A system and method is described herein to determine the physical location of a user within an edifice. At least three wireless access points, for example, 802.11 nodes, receives and transmits information to a handheld device in order to determine the location information.

Abstract: A method and device are provided for manipulating high-speed flows without moving aerodynamic structures. More particularly, a flow control actuator device is provided that is capable of producing a pulsating synthetic jet with high exhaust velocities for manipulating high-speed flows without moving aerodynamic structures. The high exhaust velocities of the actuator device may reach sonic levels of Mach 1 or greater. In one embodiment, the device may be constructed as an array of devices. In such an embodiment, each individual device is preferably reduced to a very small size. In such an embodiment, each individual device can then be fired in temporal patterns to create high-speed synthetic jets of air extending above the surface of the each device.

Abstract: An arc flash detection system includes a sensor for determining and responding to the presence of an arc flash condition in electrical equipment by detecting a pressure rise, rate of pressure rise and/or ultraviolet radiation characteristic of an arc flash, and generating a signal in response thereto; and processing means responsive to said signal for operating a protective system to de-energize the electrical equipment within a period of time of sufficiently short duration to prevent a pressure wave from the arc flash from causing unacceptable darn age to equipment or personnel.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a sensor for detecting arcing faults, the sensor combining a photodetector, a pressure detector, and an accelerometer along with integrated circuitry. The circuitry controls each detector, operates the self-test circuitry, conditions the signals from the detectors, and communicates with the external network. The circuitry receives commands from the network and transmits the output decision from the sensor.

Abstract: A Bayesian belief network-based architecture for multimodal biometric fusion is disclosed. Bayesian networks are a theoretically sound, probabilistic framework for information fusion. The architecture incorporates prior knowledge of each modality's capabilities, quality estimates for each sample, and relationships or dependencies between these variables. A global quality estimate is introduced to support decision making.

Abstract: The Mission Centric Network Defense System (MCNDS) is a deployable network defense system that monitors network activities, generates and maintains situational awareness of operational activities, and uses this joint situational awareness of networked and operational activities to predict the mission impact of alterations and disruptions of networked resources. The MCNDS uses its predictive capability to rank information operation (IO) courses-of-action (COAs) and interpret network alarms and intrusion detections in terms of expected operational mission impact.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a motorized belt track directly or indirectly connected to a frame. The belt track frictionally contacts a drive surface on which the vehicle moves, such as any form of road or off-road surface. The belt track moves forward and backward in a direction parallel to a centerline of the belt track to move the vehicle backward and forward along the drive surface. A steering appendage is also directly or indirectly connected to the frame. The steering appendage is also adapted to frictionally contact the drive surface. The steering appendage is off the centerline of the belt track. The steering appendage causes the vehicle to turn from the centerline of the belt track when in contact with the drive surface.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a sensor for detecting arcing faults, the sensor combining a photodetector, a pressure detector, and an accelerometer along with integrated circuitry. The circuitry controls each detector, operates the self-test circuitry, conditions the signals from the detectors, and communicates with the external network. The circuitry receives commands from the network and transmits the output decision from the sensor.

Abstract: A pulsed plasma thruster (PPT) and a method of making the PPT are disclosed. The PPT includes no moving parts and can be made in a small size. The PPT can achieve long operating duration by using vapor as a fuel. Liquid used to form the vapor can be easily stored and can provide an ample supply of vapor. The PPT is also designed to facilitate easy and rapid manufacture. The process for making the PPT uses known techniques for making printed circuit board devices.

Abstract: The invention presented hereby is an apparatus and method for developing a common protocol between a data source such as a scanner and a recipient in real time. It includes means for evaluating the protocol format of a data user, which may be any apparatus requiring input data, to ascertain compatibility with a data supplier. When the system detects an incompatibility, it attempts various solutions to correct the problem. The solutions entail two-way communication between a data supplier server and a data user server, both of which form the invention. The servers include means to modify protocol formats until compatibility is reached between the data user and provider. They are integral parts of the supplier and user interconnection apparatus and perform full time monitoring and protocol adjustment functions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of forming an optical monitoring or transmitting light guide and a resulting apparatus that begins by bonding a bundle of optical fibers together using an epoxy and polishing the distal end of the bundle of optical fibers to create an optical aperture. The ratio of fiber size to binder particulate size of the epoxy used in the bonding process is sufficient to maintain the integrity of the bundle of optical fibers during the polishing of the distal end. The method positions the bundle of optical fibers into a protective sheath and a connector. The coefficient of thermal expansion of the epoxy used in the bonding process matches that of the connector. Once assembled, the invention positions the connector through the opening in the surface of a device, such that the distal end of the bundle of optical fibers is either recessed in, substantially flush with, or extends from the surface of the device through which the connector extends, depending on field-of-view requirements.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a hitpoint sensor for a surface of interest, the hitpoint sensor having an optical fiber which is wound around or otherwise covering the surface, and a data processor connected to the ends of the optical fiber. When a collision with the surface occurs, light is generated which passes through the optical fiber. The ends of the fiber are connected to the data processor which uses arrival time information of the light signals arriving at the processor to determine the impact location on the surface. There are several modes in which the processor can operate to make this calculation.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and systems for performing a matching function between a first pattern and a second pattern. This technique involves creating a set of all distance measurements between pairs of points in the first pattern and all distance measurements between pairs of points in the second pattern. This set is then partitioned into subsets of nearly equal distance elements. Those subsets containing at least one element derived from each pattern determine possible line segment matches which are then analyzed mathematically to determine the partial transform that maps the associated points of the first pattern into the points of the second pattern. The resulting set of partial transforms is then reviewed to determine matched line segments between the two patterns.

Abstract: A method and system (FIG. 2) for facilitating detection of intruders into a wireless network, through the use of physical layer anomalies. One or more monitoring stations (22, 24, 26) can be distributed across the potential intruder's signal transmission region. They process these transmissions and extract attributes of the signals, which can then transmit to one or more fusion stations (28), which correlate the calculated attributes with stored attributes of signals of known, authorized users of the network, and transmit alert messages in the case that these signal attributes do not match those of known, authorized users. Signal attributes in accordance with the instant invention include the carrier frequency, spurious emissions, and power-on and power-down transients.

Abstract: This invention pertains to fiber termination combination which includes an optical fiber having a fiber core for transmitting a highly energetic optical signal that can damage the fiber and a structured region around the core for directing the optical signal into the core, the structured region being characterized by multiple channels of smaller internal diameter than the core defined by thin walls disposed around said core; a ferrule, with an opening therein for locating said fiber, at the end of said fiber enveloping said fiber extremity which cooperates with said blocking structure to block the optical signal from impinging on said microstructured region of said fiber; and a blocking structure disposed over the end of said fiber with an opening mating with said fiber core, said blocking structure blocking the optical signal from impinging on said microstructured region of said fiber.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a device for broadening optical wavelength in the 2–14 ?m region comprising a light source and a highly nonlinear chalcogenide fiber associated therewith whereby a light signal is passed from the light source into the fiber wherein and through interactions between the light signal and the material, bandwidth of the light signal is broadened in the 2–14 ?m region.