Abstract: A method for stabilizing a load suspended with a rope, cable, net, sling or the like is disclosed. A beacon having a plurality of lights thereon may be attached to the load relative to the attachment point to the load, to an attachment point of the load or to the rope, cable sling or the like. A sensor on the lifting device senses the beacon and thus any swinging motion of the load, and a processor responsive to the sensor develops control signals that direct motion of the lifting device to dampen any swinging motion of the load.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for remotely determining 6 degree of freedom of an object. Four or more radiating beacons are placed on an object, the beacons each simultaneously radiating a synchronized repeating code, the code being different for each beacon. A position sensor, such as a quadrant detector, receives the light signals from the beacons, and correlates the received beacon signals against the same signal sequences produced in the receiver. With orientation of the beacons on the object being known, and orientation of the quadrant detector, or receiver, being known, roll, pitch, yaw, and X, Y and Z position in a coordinate space of the object can be determined.

Abstract: A system for recognizing objects in images, and using that recognition to solve mission problems, such as identifying, tracking, and reporting movement of mobile military targets of interest. The system incorporates preprocessor and postprocessor with an image correlator, control systems, and feedback loops functioning with a real-time operating system. Tracking includes correlating patterns in an image stream so as to monitor image changes that represent changes of location, shape, trends, or other attributes. Reporting may entail visual displays of correlation results, or other data outputs suitable for steering gimbaled sensors, aiming weapons, or for other functions. The instant invention has application in numerous areas where recognition and tracking of patterns and trends are desired in imagery or in other two-dimensional representations of data.

Abstract: Methods for using training images to define correlation strength surfaces about reference filters, permitting direct solution of position and orientation using images of a target object with only a few reference filters are disclosed. Correlations of selected reference filters with training images are used to develop expressions describing shapes of respective correlation surfaces at incremental changes relative to an aspect or range used for a filter. Correlations of target images with only a few reference filters may then be used to define target orientation and range in many real-world applications. A method for determining target object orientation and/or range based on interpolations, using results of correlations of a target image with composite filters having reduced sensitivities for different orientation axes, or range, is also disclosed. Techniques for using training images to create such composite filters are disclosed, as are extensions of methods to additional dimensions.

Abstract: A range and bearing-finding system is disclosed. A diverging encoded laser beam is transmitted to a target, and a return reflection of the encoded beam received. The transmitted beam is sampled, and a plurality of predetermined time delays are applied to the sampled laser beam. The sampled laser beam with each of the predetermined time delays is correlated with the return reflection until a sampled laser beam having a time delay providing the highest correlation is found, the time delay indicating laser travel time to and from the target. Range is determined from this time delay. Bearing of the target is found by using a quadrant protector to receive the return reflection. The process for finding bearing uses the correlation process used to find range.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hermaphroditic fiber optic connector having provision for an automatic protective covering for the fiber optic for covering the end at any time that the connector is demated. In one embodiment the connector provides precise positioning of parallel disposed fiber end surfaces with the angle of the end surface being preferably greater than the sum of the Brewster Angle and the Numerical Aperture (NA) of the fiber to assure reflectionless high efficiency transmission.