Abstract: A rounds counter for a weapon mount is disclosed. The rounds counter is mounted on the mount in a remote location from the weapon itself, such as to a pedestal supporting a gimbal rotating the weapon mount in azimuth, inside an elevation drive housing, or to other structure. The mounting location is selected to be one where shock loads are relatively high, as compared to other locations on the mount. The rounds counter includes a sensor which senses shock due to the firing of the weapon, such as an accelerometer or strain gauge. The sensor could also be an acoustic transducer. Analog and digital circuitry for processing the sensor signal and to count the firing of the gun is also disclosed. The rounds counter is particularly useful as a common, single rounds counter unit for a weapon mount is adapted to receive and fire a variety of weapons, such as remotely operated weapon mounts mounted to military vehicles and patrol watercraft adapted to receive and fire four different types of guns.

Abstract: A method and computer workstation are disclosed which determine the location in the ground space of selected point in a digital image of the earth obtained by an airborne camera. The image is rectangular and has four corners and corresponds to an image space. The image is associated with data indicating the geo-location coordinates for the points in the ground space corresponding to the four corners of the image, e.g., an image formatted in accordance with the NITF standard. The method includes the steps of: (a) performing independently and in parallel a recursive partitioning of the image space and the ground space into successively smaller quadrants until a pixel coordinate in the image assigned to the selected point is within a predetermined limit (?) of the center of a final recursively partitioned quadrant in the image space.

Abstract: A rounds counter for a weapon mount is disclosed. The rounds counter is mounted on the mount in a remote location from the weapon itself, such as to a pedestal supporting a gimbal rotating the weapon mount in azimuth, inside an elevation drive housing, or to other structure. The mounting location is selected to be one where shock loads are relatively high, as compared to other locations on the mount. The rounds counter includes a sensor which senses shock due to the firing of the weapon, such as an accelerometer or strain gauge. The sensor could also be an acoustic transducer. Analog and digital circuitry for processing the sensor signal and to count the firing of the gun is also disclosed. The rounds counter is particularly useful as a common, single rounds counter unit for a weapon mount is adapted to receive and fire a variety of weapons, such as remotely operated weapon mounts mounted to military vehicles and patrol watercraft adapted to receive and fire four different types of guns.

Abstract: A gimbaled weapon system (GWS) implements methods for identifying and tracking a target. In one aspect, the sighting system of the GWS moves independently in elevation from the weapon cradle and tracks a target while the weapon cradle and attached weapon are maintained in a non-hostile position, such as a stowed or vertical position. In another aspect, the method uses a system of networked sensors in communication with an observation unit for the GWS. The sighting system is elevated using a second elevation drive to acquire a target based on signals received the system of networked sensors. The network sensors provide coordinates of probable targets, which can trigger automatic tracking of the target or an alarm to notify the operator of a probable target.

Abstract: An ammunition container is in the form of an enclosure for holding a supply of ammunition, preferably in belt form. A partition member is positioned in the enclosure. The container includes three separate holding features positioned in a spaced-apart relation relative to the enclosure which are adapted to engage the partition. The holding features and partition thereby provide a capability of holding ammunition of at least three different calibers.

Abstract: A compact objective lens is disclosed which is particularly suitable for infrared optical systems. The lens features a simple design with only two lens elements, namely a first lens element receiving incident radiation and having front and rear surfaces, and a second lens element receiving incident radiation from the first element and having front and rear surfaces. The lens forms an image of a scene on a focal plane. At least three of the four surfaces of the elements are aspheric surfaces. The lens has an f-number less than about 2, a field-of-view less than about 30 degrees, and an effective focal length less than about 6 inches. The elements are made from a material selected to pass radiation in the infrared band of the electromagnetic spectrum, e.g., germanium. The lens is suitable for use as an objective lens for a long-wave infrared sight for small arms, e.g., rifle or shoulder-launched surface to air missile launching system, i.e.

Abstract: A gimbaled weapon system (GWS) includes a method of recording target engagement during operation of the GWS. The GWS includes a sighting system, a weapon cradle and a weapon, wherein the weapon cradle is elevated using a first elevation drive. The sighting system is moved in elevation relative to the weapon cradle using a second elevation drive. A visual image of a target is acquired using the sighting system based on signals received from an observation unit located remotely from the GWS. The visual image of the target is recorded on a storage media for later playback for display by the gunner at the observation unit or optionally by a commander at a separate commander observation unit.

Abstract: A rounds counter for a weapon mount is disclosed. The rounds counter is mounted on the mount in a remote location from the weapon itself, such as to a pedestal supporting a gimbal rotating the weapon mount in azimuth, inside an elevation drive housing, or to other structure. The mounting location is selected to be one where shock loads are relatively high, as compared to other locations on the mount. The rounds counter includes a sensor which senses shock due to the firing of the weapon, such as an accelerometer or strain gauge. The sensor could also be an acoustic transducer. Analog and digital circuitry for processing the sensor signal and to count the firing of the gun is also disclosed. The rounds counter is particularly useful as a common, single rounds counter unit for a weapon mount is adapted to receive and fire a variety of weapons, such as remotely operated weapon mounts mounted to military vehicles and patrol watercraft adapted to receive and fire four different types of guns.

Abstract: A gimbaled weapon system (GWS) includes methods for implementing no fire of the weapon, including a method based on azimuth coordinates of predetermined no fire zones which are stored in a control unit, and overriding operator control of the GWS from a second observation unit which his separate from a first or gunner observation unit.

Abstract: A self-contained gimbaled weapon system (GWS) has a shared azimuth axis and two independent elevation axes for a sighting device and a weapon cradle. The GWS allows the weapon cradle to be elevated completely independent of the sighting device. The GWS can be stabilized and operated remotely.

Abstract: A hybrid image sensor includes an infrared detector array and a CMOS readout integrated circuit (ROIC). The CMOS ROIC is coupled to at least one detector of the IR detector array, e.g., via indium bump bonding. Each pixel of the CMOS ROIC includes a first, relatively lower gain, wide dynamic range amplifier circuit which is optimized for a linear response to high light level input signals from the IR detector. Each pixel also includes a second, relatively higher gain, lower dynamic range amplifier circuit which is optimized to provide a high signal to noise ratio for low light level input signals from the IR detector (or from a second IR detector). A first output select circuit is provided for directing the output of the first circuit to a first output multiplexer. A second output select circuit is provided for directing the output of the second circuit to a second output multiplexer.

Abstract: A CMOS imaging array includes a plurality of individual pixels arranged in rows and columns. Each pixel is constructed the same and includes a photodetector (e.g., photodiode) receiving incident light and generating an output. A first, relatively lower gain, wide dynamic range amplifier circuit is provided responsive to the output of the photodetector. The first circuit is optimized for a linear response to high light level input signals. A second, relatively higher gain, lower dynamic range amplifier circuit is also provided which is responsive to the output of the photodetector. The second circuit is optimized to provide a high signal to noise ratio for low light level input signals. Subtraction of output signals from the amplifier circuits, preferably after gain compensation, can be used to detect moving objects in the scene where the integration times for the two circuits are not the same, e.g., are staggered in time or have a different period.

Abstract: A CMOS imaging array includes a plurality of individual pixels arranged in rows and columns. Each pixel is constructed the same and includes a photodetector (e.g., photodiode) receiving incident light and generating an output. A first, relatively lower gain, wide dynamic range amplifier circuit is provided responsive to the output of the photodetector. The first circuit is optimized for a linear response to high light level input signals. A second, relatively higher gain, lower dynamic range amplifier circuit is also provided which is responsive to the output of the photodetector. The second circuit is optimized to provide a high signal to noise ratio for low light level input signals. A first output select circuit is provided for directing the output of the first circuit to a first output multiplexer. A second output select circuit is provided for directing the output of the second circuit to a second output multiplexer.

Abstract: A two-dimensional focal plane array (FPA) is divided into sub-arrays of rows and columns of pixels, each sub-array being responsive to light energy from a target object which has been separated by a spectral filter or other spectrum dividing element into a predetermined number of spectral bands. There is preferably one sub-array on the FPA for each predetermined spectral band. Each sub-array has its own read out channel to allow parallel and simultaneous readout of all sub-arrays of the array. The scene is scanned onto the array for simultaneous imaging of the terrain in many spectral bands. Time Delay and Integrate (TDI) techniques are used as a clocking mechanism within the sub-arrays to increase the signal to noise ratio (SNR) of the detected image. Additionally, the TDI length (i.e., number of rows of integration during the exposure) within each sub-array is adjustable to optimize and normalize the response of the photosensitive substrate to each spectral band.

Abstract: A dual band hyperspectral framing aerial reconnaissance camera includes an objective optical subassembly for receiving incident radiation from a scene external of the vehicle, and a dividing element receiving radiation from the objective optical subassembly. The dividing element directs radiation into a first optical path for imaging in a first band of the spectrum and a separate second optical path for imaging in a second band. A first two-dimensional electro-optical detector in the first path generates a first series of images and a second two-dimensional electro-optical detector in the second optical path generates a second set of imagery. At least one of the first and second electro-optical detectors comprises a hyperspectral imager.

Abstract: A laser countermeasure system uses a fluence trigger along an optical path between an entrance and a detector at an output. The fluence trigger detects laser radiation and blocks the passage thereof beyond the trigger. A shutter at the front end can be operated in response to detection by the trigger. A threat analyzer also receives radiation and automatically breaks the radiation into spectral components for correlation to appropriate filters to remove the harmful coherent radiation. A tunable filter and/or a filter wheel is interposed along the optical path and is controlled by an adjustment system, illustratively servo controls. The adjustment system responds to the threat analyzer to select and interpose automatically the proper filter(s) to attenuate or block the coherent radiation. Thereafter, the fluence trigger and/or shutter operate to restore full operation along the optical path. The system and method provide look-through capability and mission continuity in the face of unknown laser threats.

Abstract: A self-contained gimbaled weapon system (GWS) has a shared azimuth axis and two independent elevation axes for a sighting device and a weapon cradle. The GWS allows the weapon cradle to be elevated completely independent of the sighting device. The GWS can be stabilized and operated remotely.

Abstract: An aerial reconnaissance camera and method provides for generating a first image of the terrain of interest with the camera pointing angle oriented or rotated about an azimuthal axis some angular amount (&thgr;1) to a first, typically forward orientation, i.e., forward of a cross-line of flight direction. An image is obtained of the ground at this orientation. Then the camera is rotated about the azimuthal axis to new angular value (&thgr;2), which will typically be aft of the cross line of flight direction. An image is generated at this value. The camera is then rotated back to the value of &thgr;1, and a second image in the forward orientation is generated. The camera is then rotated again to the value of &thgr;2 and another image in the aft orientation is generated. This process of rotating the camera about the azimuthal axis and generating images in forward and aft orientations continues over and over.

Abstract: A reconnaissance camera is described which has a Cassegrain optical system forming an objective lens that directs radiation to a spectrum-dividing prism. The prism directs radiation in a portion of the electromagnetic spectrum (e.g., visible) into a first optical path having a two-dimensional image-recording medium. Radiation in a second band of the spectrum (e.g., IR or UV) is directed to a second optical path, which has a two-dimensional image-recording medium. A motor system is coupled to a camera housing that encloses the optical elements of the camera and the image recording media. The motor steps the entire camera housing about the roll axis while the image recording media are exposed to generate frames of imagery.

Abstract: An electro-optical roll-framing camera is described in which successive overlapping frames of scene imagery are generated by an electro-optical imaging array. Image motion compensation is performed electronically to stop or freeze image motion caused by the roll motion. The image motion compensation is performed by the array during the generation of the frames of imagery. The successive frames of imagery are made during a continuous roll motion of the entire camera (including the array). The image motion due to roll is stopped or frozen without mechanically stopping the roll motion, such as found in prior art step frame cameras. The roll framing cycles of the camera generate sweeping coverage of the terrain of interest. The roll rate for a given electro-optical array is a function of the frame size and the framing rate, and is controllable by a master camera control computer.