Abstract: Embodiments for determining the bearings to targets from a remote location are disclosed. The apparatus consists of an array of acoustic sensors that is capable of autonomous flight. The array may be large in diameter, approximately one meter or greater. The apparatus is capable of navigating its flight to arrive at a predetermined location, measuring acoustic sound waves emitted by targets both during flight and after landing. The apparatus may then calculate the bearings to the targets and transmit this information to a remote location.

Abstract: A dual-modality sensor for detecting a presence of a human intruder within a secure setting includes a seismic sensor for acquiring a seismic signature of a disturbance, and includes an active acoustic sensor to acquire an acoustic signature of the disturbance. A system processor is electrically connected to the seismic and active acoustic sensors to receive and process the seismic and acoustic signatures, and generate an alarm signal when the disturbance is determined to come from a human intruder. Also included is an antenna and/or hard-wire connection arranged for communicating the alarm signal. The dual-modality sensor is arranged in a sensor housing constructed to contact a surface of the secure setting. The sensor may include a battery or other means for providing electrical power.

Abstract: Embodiments for determining the bearings to targets from a remote location are disclosed. The apparatus consists of an array of acoustic sensors that is capable of autonomous flight. The array may be large in diameter, approximately one meter or greater. The apparatus is capable of navigating its flight to arrive at a predetermined location, measuring acoustic sound waves emitted by targets both during flight and after landing. The apparatus may then calculate the bearings to the targets and transmit this information to a remote location.

Abstract: Reflective movable mirrors are used to reflect an image from a desired direction into the lens of a camera. This apparatus is preferably used with infrared (IR) cameras. To capture images from different directions, the orientations of the mirrors are modified. The mirrors are light, requiring only miniature motors and actuators for moving them. The mirrors are also much smaller than the focal plane electronics and the IR lens, requiring much less space for moving them than would be required for moving the camera. This provides a pointing capability for an airframe-fixed IR camera and this capability is provided with minimum additional payload, space and power requirements. The apparatus and method can be used for IR and electro-optical (EO) cameras.

Abstract: Differential pressure sensor assemblies for detecting and measuring infrasound, which is generally characterized as sound produced at frequencies below 20 Hertz (Hz). Specifically, the differential pressure sensor assemblies may form part of a detection system for clear air turbulence or other atmospheric turbulence. The differential pressure sensor assemblies detect a differential pressure across a flexible diaphragm that separates an ambient pressure chamber from a reference pressure chamber. In one embodiment, the pressure in the reference chamber may be controlled using a valve that may be selectively opened and closed. In another embodiment, the pressure in the reference chamber may be controlled using a static, structural member with a plurality of small openings that permits the reference chamber to be in continuous fluid communication with an ambient environment.

Abstract: Embodiments for determining the bearings to targets from a remote location are disclosed. The apparatus consists of an array of acoustic sensors that is capable of autonomous flight. The array may be large in diameter, approximately one meter or greater. The apparatus is capable of navigating its flight to arrive at a predetermined location, measuring acoustic sound waves emitted by targets both during flight and after landing. The apparatus may then calculate the bearings to the targets and transmit this information to a remote location.

Abstract: A thermally-directed optical imager and a method of thermally-directing optical processing are described. The thermally-directed imager includes a thermal image sensor, an optical image sensor, and a processor. The thermal and optical sensors respectively generate thermal image and optical image signals. The processor uses the thermal image signal to determine an optical processing region, which the processor uses to derive a compressed-image signal. The optical processing region may be determined by detecting a center of heat-mass associated with the thermal image signal or by performing an edge detection algorithm. In addition, the thermally-directed imager may be focused, zoomed, or centered via the thermal image signal.

Abstract: A dual-modality sensor for detecting a presence of a human intruder within a secure setting includes a seismic sensor for acquiring a seismic signature of a disturbance, and includes an active acoustic sensor to acquire an acoustic signature of the disturbance. A system processor is electrically connected to the seismic and active acoustic sensors to receive and process the seismic and acoustic signatures, and generate an alarm signal when the disturbance is determined to come from a human intruder. Also included is an antenna and/or hard-wire connection arranged for communicating the alarm signal. The dual-modality sensor is arranged in a sensor housing constructed to contact a surface of the secure setting. The sensor may include a battery or other means for providing electrical power.

Abstract: Reflective movable mirrors are used to reflect an image from a desired direction into the lens of a camera. This apparatus is preferably used with infrared (IR) cameras. To capture images from different directions, the orientations of the mirrors are modified. The mirrors are light, requiring only miniature motors and actuators for moving them. The mirrors are also much smaller than the focal plane electronics and the IR lens, requiring much less space for moving them than would be required for moving the camera. This provides a pointing capability for an airframe-fixed IR camera and this capability is provided with minimum additional payload, space and power requirements. The apparatus and method can be used for IR and electro-optical (EO) cameras.

Abstract: System and method for determining a location of a first target. The sensor network comprises a first sensor cluster comprising a first plurality of bearing measuring sensors. A first gateway is operatively coupled to the first plurality of bearing measuring sensors. A second sensor cluster comprises a second plurality of bearing measuring sensors. A second gateway is operatively coupled to the second plurality of bearing measuring sensors. A central command node is operatively coupled to the first and the second gateways. A first limited set of pre-computed numbers representative of information for generating a global target location estimation is transmitted from the first gateway to the central command node. A second limited set of pre-computed numbers representative of information for generating the global target location estimation is transmitted from the second gateway to the central command node.

Abstract: A thermally-directed optical imager and a method of thermally-directing optical processing are described. The thermally-directed imager includes a thermal image sensor, an optical image sensor, and a processor. The thermal and optical sensors respectively generate thermal image and optical image signals. The processor uses the thermal image signal to determine an optical processing region, which the processor uses to derive a compressed-image signal. The optical processing region may be determined by detecting a center of heat-mass associated with the thermal image signal or by performing an edge detection algorithm. In addition, the thermally-directed imager may be focused, zoomed, or centered via the thermal image signal.

Abstract: A clear air turbulence (CAT) detection system performs a nowcast algorithm to detect CAT along the flight path of an aircraft. The aircraft stores computer simulation information of key storm features and utilizes the information in combination with returns from an on-board weather detection and ranging sensor and limited additional meteorological data to predict CAT properties, such as intensity, location, time and probability of occurrence. The additional meteorological data is provided by on-board sensors and/or data link from ground sources. A nowcast predicting turbulence along the flight path in the near future alerts the pilot to the likelihood of encountering clear air turbulence.

Abstract: A convection induced turbulence (CIT) detection system performs a nowcast algorithm to detect CIT along the flight path of an aircraft using power returns from an airborne whether radar. Additional meteorological data is optionally provided by onboard sensors and/or data link from ground sources. A nowcast predicting turbulence along the flight path in the near future alerts the pilot to the likelihood of encountering clear air turbulence.