Abstract: A new optical imaging process for how to best fuse information from multiple target images into a single target image is described. The process has two primary components. First, rotating, translating and scaling each target image to register or calibrate them against a reference image and, second, determining weighing factors for each thus registered target image to select those images which add value to a final target image. The first component determines optimal rotational and translation matrices by a least squares measure using singular value decomposition. The second component determines weighing factors using correlations and statistical signal analysis techniques.

Abstract: A method for registering and fusing time-varying image sources to provide highest possible information rendering to an operator comprising the steps of aligning a plurality of image sources by matching target image to a reference image and minimizing visual registration error in a static sense and selecting target images which are best fused with a reference image using a dynamic, time-varying optimality maximum likelihood decision theory. The maximum likelihood decision theory is modified to account for time-varying using an orthogonal projection technique charactering changing density functions.

Abstract: A method is provided for determining the complexity of a system. The method includes creating a response matrix for the system, creating a contingency matrix, Cn, from the response matrix, and calculating the complexity of the system from the formula: Complexity=[?/det(CnTCn)]*Log2([(H(x)/H(y))]) wherein H(x) is the input information quantity, H(y) is the output information quantity, and ? is a dimensionless system constant. The method also includes displaying the complexity of the system.

Abstract: A method of distinguishing an object in an image. The method including the steps of detecting an image with an optical device where the image includes at least one object. Identifying at least one object using a central processing unit (CPU) that includes a central processing algorithm (CPA) and uses a majority voting analysis of multiple inputs to analyze at lest one object with the CPA. The image selected by the CPU is then displayed on the optical device.

Abstract: The identification of a specific object in a visual image compromised by the addition of noise, too little or too much light, cluttered with other objects that confuse the user, or having other image defects and using novel techniques that make the image appear more salient to a human operator. Novel techniques include representing both the object to be identified and an appropriate sample of the given data image that has been selected as matrices and comparing the two.

Abstract: A device is described in which a visual image can be enhanced to better recognize different objects that appear in a picture. Means are provided for an operator to manipulate a visual image by adjusting darkness levels within each primary color to embellish the recognition of distinct objects which may appear in the visual rendering. The device may be implemented as a ground-based system where the operator can adjust the algorithm to manipulate the darkness levels of a certain number, N, of pixels. A second implementation can be achieved in a helmet mounted display or glasses donned by an operator.

Abstract: Method for enhancing visual images. An operator manipulates a visual image by adjusting darkness levels within each primary color to embellish the recognition of distinct objects which may appear in the visual rendering. The overall system can be implemented as a ground-based system where the operator can adjust the algorithm to manipulate the darkness levels of a certain number, N, of pixels. A second implementation can be achieved in a helmet mounted display or glasses donned by an operator.

Abstract: Nonlinear target detection for the detection of extremely weak signals when buried in very high levels of noise is performed with improvement of the quality of the signals received in the data by the amplification of the signal to noise (S/N) ratio. The S/N ratio increases dramatically after the originally measured signal is passed through a nonlinear stochastic resonance filter.

Abstract: Micro electromechanical components in a novel configuration to allow wireless normal direction pressure transducers to be used for oblique or shear forces. The invention includes a novel cantilever beam configuration and algorithm, the readings of the MEMS sensors are averaged to reduce the experimental variability, to estimate the shear stress that may occur between a human and external equipment or possibly between materials. The shear force component is calculated via the formula: Shear Force=Vt={square root over ({overscore (V)})}23+4+ . . . +n1−{overscore (V)}21+2+ . . . +n2.

Abstract: A device is described which incorporates three components: a tracking error estimator, a detector, and a red light indicator to alert a pilot to the potential loss of tracking control. The tracking error estimator uses the difference between the target and the desired response of the tracking aircraft to estimate the divergence from a desired tracking path. This difference is acquired by such systems as, for example, the Global Positioning System (GPS) and radar. The tracking error and its derivatives are then converted into three different metrics. The metrics represent percentage points when the tracking error and its derivatives are in an unstable or stable portion of its phase plane. Depending upon whether these metrics and/or their combinations are above a particular threshold, the detector and indicator will alert the pilot or operator whether or not corrective action needs to be taken. The threshold is determined by a predetermined logic tree.

Abstract: Apparatus to actively assist neuromotor disabled to have better leg functional control/use. This system serves as a strength enhancer, support device, and attenuator of spastic motions. The disclosed orthosis is worn on the outside of the leg (or legs) and serves as an active/dynamic brace to prevent leg spasms and other untoward leg motion. It is made of lightweight material such as fiberglass or aluminum and is actuated by pneumatic gas sources which are small, portable, and carried with the device. The device is totally self contained and has no external connection. The system has applicability to patients such as: stroke (cerebral vascular accident), TBI (traumatic brain injury), Muscular Dystrophy, and some spinal cord injured.

Abstract: A system for indicating the presence of Coriolis accelerations within an aircraft which might affect pilot perception of aircraft attitude and spatial orientation, which comprises sensors for measuring vehicle angular position, rotations and velocities operatively connected to an onboard computer program which calculates the Coriolis accelerations according to an analysis presented herein and presented on a display to the pilot.

Abstract: A new warning system for informing an aircrew member undergoing high acceleration, or other brain oxygen-depleting environmental stressors, of the time remaining before fatigue sets in and the aircrew member will no longer be able to maintain straining maneuvers fighting the effects of high acceleration utilizes the new discovery that pilots and other aircrew members experience performance-ending fatigue at about the same percentage level of blood oxygen saturation. The particular percentage varies individually, but is nearly always the same for a single individual. The warning system uses a non-invasive monitor to measure blood oxygen saturation at different times and to compute from those measurements the amount of time remaining before the individual percentage blood oxygen saturation at which fatigue or exhaustion will occur for that individual will be reached. That remaining time is displayed to the aircrew member on an instrument panel display.

Abstract: An error-reducing feedback controller for a robotic system wherein a new torque term is added to the existing generated torque in order to compensate for nonlinearity or imperfect modeling accuracy in the existing system. Equations for development of the new torque term using relatively few inputs from the system output are described, along with several examples, including numeric values.

Abstract: A control system for an aircraft or other man-machine system wherein the usual visual feedback system is characterized and is optimally supplemented by a secondary feel oriented feedback arrangement in which input signals are derived from either of two supplementary feedback signal sources and the resulting algorithms characterized mathematically. The disclosure includes several exemplary arrangements of the feedback systems in which some of the input parameters are of selected value. Mathematical characterization of the feedback paths is used.

Abstract: Hand movement assistance apparatus of both the active and passive types and usable for movement stabilization by either a normal human subject seeking to perform a task of great precision or a neurologically impaired human subject having Parkinson's disease or similar dysfunction. Both the active and passive apparatus provide a glove-like receptacle for the subject's hand; the passive system applies closed-loop feedback system generated forces to the glove and the active system provides a hand guidance track arrangement for the subject's hand. Three axis stabilization forces and rotationally oriented forces are alternatively provided by the active system, along with responses particularly adopted to the Parkinson's tremor frequency.

Abstract: A biomechanical feedback arrangement wherein a varying force tending to improve the neuromotor tracking response of a human subject, particularly in the presence of lateral or front-back G force fields, is added to the test subject input member of a feedback control system. Use of the biomechanical feedback in a high-performance aircraft and in a ground-based simulator apparatus is also disclosed, along with comparison results from simulator testing of human subjects.

Abstract: A G force acceleration effects monitoring apparatus involving a pair of LED or other visual stimulus arrays, one randomly patterned by an electronic driving apparatus and one patterned by the manipulation of a G force test subject. The electronic driving apparatus preferably includes a sum of sines algorithm and the test subject manipulations are received preferably from a joystick controller. Mounting of the apparatus in a centrifuge gondola and also in off-line training stations and use of the invention by animals are also disclosed.

Abstract: Multi-dimensional, non-linked method and apparatus for producing a simulated feeling of force on a preselected location on a human operator in a synthesized environment accomplished by generating a first, constant, stationary electromagnetic field and a second, varying electromagnetic field local to the human operator. The variance of the second electromagnetic field is controlled by electrical currents which are responsive to parameters describing the position and orientation of said preselected location on the human operator and such variance results in attraction and repulsion of the first and second electromagnetic fields emulating a feeling of force on the human subject.

Abstract: Mechanical impedance determining apparatus for the control stick of an aircraft, an aircraft simulator, or non-aircraft apparatus such as a video game. Impedance determination is accomplished by a feedback path connected from output to input of the control stick with feedback transfer function coefficients determined by operator election in order to achieve positive, negative, or zero mechanical impedance at the control stick. Electrical network and computer realization of the feedback signal transfer function are contemplated using s plane pole descriptions of overall stick and feedback path characterizing transfer functions.