Abstract: An acoustic countermeasure system comprises a plurality of individual countermeasure devices which act in concert to emulate a target with spatial extent. The individual countermeasure devices may be programmed to navigate into predetermined positions within a preset pattern with spatial characteristics similar to that of a target of interest, e.g., a submarine. The individual countermeasure devices are programmed to produce acoustic signals, such as in response to a ping or pulse by an incoming torpedo that collectively appears to be an echo similar to that which would come from a target having spatial extent.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for a countermeasure threat emulator (CME) provided in a tubular housing that may be launched from a submarine or ship. The CME electronics include a CPU board for running software, communicating with a computer external to the housing and data recording. The external computer preferably incorporates a database having data representative of a plurality of both foreign and domestic countermeasures. The data may be downloaded to the CPU board as well as updated for reprogramming of the CPU board. A digital signal processing board utilizes a plurality of DSP processors for running software capable of producing a wide range of acoustic signal outputs. A neural network may be used for analyzing and identifying acoustic sounds from incoming threats and notifying the CPU board for selection of a preprogrammed response for transmission by a transducer stack.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for a countermeasure threat emulator. The countermeasure threat emulator is provided in a tubular housing that may be launched from a submarine or ship. The electronics of the countermeasure threat emulator include a CPU board for running software, communicating with a computer external to the tubular housing, and data recording. The computer external to the tubular housing preferably incorporates a database that includes data representative of a plurality of foreign countermeasures as well as domestic countermeasures. The data may be downloaded to the CPU board as well as updated for reprogramming of the CPU board. A digital signal processing board preferably utilizes a plurality of DSP processors for running the main software that is capable of producing a wide range of acoustic signal outputs.

Abstract: A launchable countermeasure device and method is disclosed that may be selectively operated to produce one or more of a plurality of countermeasure techniques. The device is compatible with presently existing launch control panels that are connected to an external connection that extends from the watertight hull. Although the signal formats of the launch control panel are different from those of an RS232 or RS422 connection used with a personal computer, nonetheless an interface is operable to accept any of these signal formats. The interface also includes a switch to direct communication from the personal computer to a RS232 port of an internally mounted countermeasure processor. Information downloaded by the personal computer can be used to effect or upgrade different countermeasure techniques such as sonar or incoming torpedo threat countermeasure techniques.

Abstract: An improved communication interface for an embedded microcomputer device controller is provided. The interface includes serial communications detection logic/electronics for identifying the nature of external elements connected to the interface, and multiplex logic/electronics for programming and/or reprogramming the embedded microcomputer device controller in response to input signals received from a host device having a serial interface.