Abstract: Techniques are provided for a physically unclonable function (PUF) device. One example PUF device includes, a readout integrated circuit (ROIC) (such as a ROIC for a focal plane array or other imaging application), a nanomaterial-based PUF layer on the ROIC, and a common electrode on the PUF layer. The nanomaterial is randomly distributed throughout the PUF layer. A method of using a PUF device that includes a nanomaterial-based PUF layer coupled to a ROIC, where the nanomaterial is randomly distributed throughout the PUF layer, includes driving the ROIC at a plurality of locations coupled to a corresponding plurality of locations of the PUF layer, sensing the nanomaterial at the locations of the PUF layer, and generating a unique identification key from the sensed locations of the PUF layer. The method can be used, for example, for secure decryption or for identifying or authenticating the PUF device.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for detection, classification and tracking of surface contacts based on multispectral image data from sensors on maritime assets. An example system may include an anomaly detection circuit configured to detect an object based on anomalies in the variance of pixels of water surface image data. The system may also include an object motion tracking circuit configured to analyze motion of the object relative to water surface waves. The analysis may compensate for motion of the asset and sensors. The system may further include an object classification circuit configured to classify the object as an object of interest, based on the analyzed motion of the object, and as a threat, further based on size estimation, edge detection, surface texture analysis, and volume analysis. The range from the asset to the object may be estimated based on the relation of the object to a detected or estimated horizon line.

Abstract: A method of weather observations by a constellation comprises at least a first cluster of three micro-satellites each orbiting around earth, and each micro-satellites comprises a spectrometer. Orbiting the three micro-satellites of the first duster around the earth in three separate orbits offset with respect to one another. Staggering the three micro-satellites with respect to one another as they orbit. Selecting the offset and the staggering, of each of the three micro-satellites with respect to one another, so that each one of the three micro-satellites have a substantially identical viewing area as each one of the three micro-satellites orbits around the earth.

Abstract: A flash memory process and device for encrypting and storing data in a non-volatile flash memory associated with a host system. The device includes a flash memory, an encryption engine, a key store, a SRAM to interface with the host system, and associated control circuitry. When powered on, the device first determines if a valid encryption key is held in the key store. If a valid key is held in the store, a program flag is set when encrypted data in the flash memory is ready to be decrypted by the engine and stored in the SRAM for use by the host system, or when data originating from the host system and stored in the SRAM is ready to be encrypted by the engine and programmed into the flash memory. The device can be embedded in any host system wherein data must be encrypted while at rest in a memory.

Abstract: A method of using signal processing representations from IMU/INS devices to identify terrain types. Using orientation and pace invariant gait dynamics images (GDIs) to identify terrain types. Utilizing signal processing representations from IMU/INS devices to determine relative position in GPS-denied areas. Using orientation and pace invariant gait dynamics images (GDIs) to determine relative position in GPS-denied areas. A method of using signal processing representations from IMU/INS devices to determine absolute position using GDI terrain IDs. A method of using signal processing representations from IMU/INS devices to identity position relative to land classes. Using orientation and pace in variant gait dynamics images (GDIs) to identity position relative to land classes.

Abstract: An analog transceiver having low latency for processing a received RF/MW signal and modifying the received RF/MW signal into a modified RF/MW signal prior to transmission of the modified RF/MW signal. The analog transceiver comprises a receiving antenna; a direct conversion receiver, coupled with the receiving antenna, for splitting the received RF/MW signal into an in-phase portion and a quadrature portion; an analog signal processing device, having a plurality of actuatable switches, for modifying the in-phase and quadrature portions and outputting modified signals while only introducing minimal latency during processing; a direct conversion transmitter, for receiving the suitably modified in-phase and quadrature portions and forming the modified RF/MW signal; and a transmitting antenna for receiving the modified RF/MW signal and transmitting the modified RF/MW signal.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for estimating the direction of a laser source under non-uniform illumination conditions such as laser speckle. An example system may include a detector array comprising sensors configured to detect the amplitude of the received laser signal. The sensors are disposed on the array at unique orientation angles relative to each other. The sensor size is selected based on the speckle pattern of the laser signal such that the sensors are small enough to be uniformly illuminated by the laser signal in the presence of speckle. The system also includes an amplitude ratio calculation circuit configured to calculate ratios of the amplitudes between each of two sensors of one or more pairs of sensors. The system further includes an angle of arrival calculation circuit configured to estimate the direction of the source of the laser signal based on the calculated ratios and the orientation angles of the sensors.

Abstract: A compact signal averaging circuit having an input, a first switch operatively connected to the input, a second switch operatively connected to the first switch, wherein the first switch is coupled to the circuit between the input and the second switch, a first FET having a gate, a source and a drain, wherein the gate is operatively connected to the circuit between the first switch and the second switch, a second FET comprising a gate, a source and a drain, wherein the source is operatively connected to a voltage supply and to the second switch, and an output operatively connected to the first FET drain and the second FET drain.

Abstract: A fiber optic rotary joint includes a first fiber optic cable operably coupled to one of a stator and a rotor and a second fiber optic cable operably coupled to the other of the stator and the rotor. The stator and the rotor define a free space optical path between the first fiber optic cable and the second fiber optic cable. The rotor is rotatable about an axis of rotation parallel and collinear with an optical axis of at least one end of the fiber optic rotary joint. A first beam conditioning mechanism is configured to condition a light beam emitted from the first fiber optic cable and a second beam conditioning mechanism is configured to focus the conditioned light beam into the second fiber optic cable.

Abstract: Solutions for object tracking problems are presented by gathering images using one or more cameras, processing the gathered images to generate a directed acyclic graph, using the directed acyclic graph to determine a path cover that achieves maximum weight and satisfies one or more positive or negative constraints, and using the path cover to solve the object tracking problem. A first set of solutions utilizes trellis graphs, a second set of solutions employs a greedy approach, and a third set of solutions uses search algorithms.

Abstract: A system provides for a way for cooling an optical fiber. The system includes a coolant and a conduit. The conduit allows the coolant to flow through the conduit. At least part of the fiber passes through the conduit allowing the coolant to flow around the at least part of the fiber. In some configurations, the fiber runs parallel to the conduit. The system can include a pump diode that is part of an optical laser connected to an end of the fiber. The optical laser can further include a high reflector connected to the fiber and a partial reflector connected to the fiber to reflect some light back and forth between the high reflector and the partial reflector.

Abstract: A system for the display of thermal imaging data is provided with a hands free thermal imaging camera; a transparent display directly coupled to said thermal imaging camera; a head mounted lens; the display being integrated into the head mounted lens in front of at least one eye of a user.

Abstract: A cable management system and method of use are provided in which brake actuation which controls a cable payout rate may be dependent on cable tension. A control system may be provided for adjusting cable tension and braking force.

Abstract: A method for reducing self-interference in a wireless network, such as a Link 16 network, while maintaining simultaneous multiple access takes advantage of the physical proximity of nodes in a localized subnetwork, such as a fighter-to-fighter subnetwork in a flight wing, by actively reducing the transmit powers used for subnet messages between the nodes. Calibration messages such as Precise Participant Location and Identification (PPLI) messages are exchanged between all of the nodes of the localized subnetwork, from which each node determines the identities, transmit powers, noise levels, and SNRs of all of the other nodes. The node then determines a link margin for other nodes, and sets its transmit power to a “safe” level for the subnetwork according to the lowest link margin.

Abstract: A system for two color image fusion blending co-registered low light level images in the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum with thermal infrared images maximizes the information content of the scene by detecting in which of the two image types, IR and visible, there is more structural information and increasing the weight of the pixels in the image type having the most structural information. Additionally, situational awareness is increased by categorizing image information as “scene” or “target” and colorizing the target images to highlight target features when raw IR values are above a predetermined threshold. The system utilizes Red, Green and Blue (RGB) planes to convey different information such that for targets the Red plane is used to colorize regions when raw IR exceeds the predetermined threshold. For scene images, the Green plane provides improved situational awareness due to the above weighted blend of the two image types.

Abstract: The system and method for destroying compromised objects, including electronic devices. The system and method utilizes a barrier separating two reagents that can be rapidly mixed to form a base when desired. The system and method have a barrier configured to be triggered remotely. The barrier comprises an aluminum foil layer.

Abstract: Techniques for tracking a straight line object by creating a detection envelope between two detections selected from temporally-discontinuous frames are discussed. The detections within the detection envelope can then be analyzed in order to determine whether they are associated with a straight line track between the outer detections of the envelope. Techniques for identifying a launch-flash are also discussed. Potential launch flashes are checked for energy duration, intensity and spectral ratio. Techniques for detecting a hostile fire based on a single-frame detection are additionally detected. Based on a frame length of the detection, it can be determined whether the detection correlates to a hostile fire.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for automated determination of a rocket configuration based on acceleration during rocket motor burn-out and temperature. The rocket configuration is associated with a class of warhead affixed to the rocket. A methodology implementing the techniques according to an embodiment includes measuring the acceleration of the rocket over a period of time associated with the flight of the rocket. The method also includes calculating an acceleration difference between the measured acceleration associated with the start of rocket motor burn-out and the measured acceleration associated with the end of rocket motor burn-out. The method further includes measuring an internal temperature of the rocket and selecting a delta acceleration threshold based on the measured temperature. The method further includes comparing the calculated acceleration difference to the selected delta acceleration threshold, to estimate the rocket configuration.

Abstract: An optical system with ultra-narrow optical band-pass comprising an objective lens group, and a relay group, having a collimating system, the relay group being in optical communication with the objective lens group.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide a method, a system, and a computer readable medium for maintaining detection capability when a frame is corrupted. A plurality of data points of a multispectral gain in a frame is monitored. It is determined that the frame is corrupted by analyzing the plurality of data points. When the frame is corrupted, a single spectrum threat detection system is used instead of a multispectral threat detection system.