Abstract: A method and a device for reconfiguring communication transmission characteristics in response to a changing communication environment is provided. An environment at a communication device is characterized to determine if a transmission parameter associated with processing of a communication signal at a physical layer or a network interface layer should change based on current conditions at the communication device. If a need is identified, a second transmission parameter is selected based on the environment monitoring. A request identifying the second transmission parameter is sent to a second communication device using an existing communication link. A response from the second communication device is received indicating acceptance or rejection of use of the second transmission parameter. If the response indicates acceptance of use of the second transmission parameter, the physical layer and/or the network interface layer are reconfigured based on the selected second transmission parameter.

Abstract: Spectral environment estimation systems and methods are provided for use with frequency hopped communications systems. A spectral sensor is configured to receive input signals from a signal aperture and to perform spectral estimations on the input signals to generate a frequency domain spectral estimate. Ordinary spectral characterization circuitry is configured to receive the frequency domain spectral estimate as an input and to produce an ordinary frequency domain spectral environment estimate based on the spectral estimate. Frequency hopping translation circuitry is configured to receive the frequency domain spectral estimate from the spectral sensor as an input and to produce a de-hopped channel domain spectral estimate based on the frequency domain spectral estimate.

Abstract: A spread spectrum communication system includes a transceiver configured to transmit a spread spectrum waveform. The spread spectrum waveform comprises transmitted signals at varying frequencies within a radio frequency spectrum of operation. The frequency variation is controlled according to a hopping sequence. A spectral sensor of the communication system is configured to dynamically scan the radio frequency spectrum of operation and to generate channel occupancy data based upon the scans. A real time hopping sequence generator is configured to dynamically generate the hopping sequence in real time as a function of the channel occupancy data.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a search and rescue communication may include one or more of the following features: (a) a rescue terminal, (b) a main terminal operably connected to said rescue terminal across a communication network, said main terminal sends an emergency notification message across said communication network to said rescue terminal, and (c) a survival terminal associated with an ejection seat, said survival terminal being in communication with said main terminal, wherein said emergency notification message is delivered by said main terminal when said ejection seat is ejected.

Abstract: A method and a device for supporting communication between a cognitive communication device and a non-cognitive communication device is provided. The cognitive device can support multiple frequencies and/or can change transmission parameters/characteristics such as the multiple access scheme used. The method includes determining if a communication signal is received from a cognitive communication device. If the communication signal is received from a non-cognitive communication device, a transmission parameter of the communication signal is identified and used to support all communication with the non-cognitive communication device. If the communication signal is received from a non-cognitive communication device, the method may further include determining if the non-cognitive communication device supports communication using packets.

Abstract: A method, a device, and a system for reconfiguring communication transmission characteristics in response to a changing communication environment is provided. An environment at a communication device is characterized to determine if a transmission parameter associated with processing of a communication signal at a physical layer or a network interface layer should change based on current conditions at the communication device. If a need is identified, a second transmission parameter is selected based on the environment monitoring. A request identifying the second transmission parameter is sent to a manager device using an existing communication link. A response from the manager device is received indicating acceptance or rejection of use of the second transmission parameter in communicating with a second communication device.

Abstract: A method, a device, and a system for processing a request to establish a multicast session among a plurality of communication nodes are provided. The device includes a multicast management application. The multicast management application includes instructions to receive a criterion for joining a first multicast session. The instructions further include identifying a first multicast session address and a second multicast session address using the criterion for joining the first multicast session. The first multicast session is identified using a first multicast session address. A second multicast session is identified using the second multicast session address. A responder device that is a member of the second multicast session is identified using the second multicast session address. A multicast session announcement is sent to the identified responder device.

Abstract: A projection display is provided according to one embodiment of the invention. The projection display includes a hollow case including a window opening, a screen formed on one portion of the case, and at least one mirror internally mounted to the case at a position to reflect light from the window opening to the screen. The projection display further includes a window mounted in the window opening. The projection display further includes an optical engine mounted to the case. The optical engine is positioned over the window and oriented so that emitted light from the optical engine is directed onto the at least one mirror. The projection display further includes a diaphragm internally attached to the case and dividing an internal volume of the case into a first portion and a second portion. The projection display further includes a gas filling the second portion of the case at an overpressure and a vent communicating with the first portion of the case and communicating with an external environment.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus for lengthening the path of a light beam. The apparatus includes an at least partially enclosed chamber having a first opening and a second opening. A first reflective surface is disposed within the chamber and is obliquely oriented with respect to an incoming path of the beam. The beam reflects off of the first reflective surface after the beam enters the chamber through the first opening. Second and third reflective surfaces are disposed within the chamber and are generally parallel to the incoming path of the beam. The beam is reflected a plurality of times between the second and third reflective surfaces after the beam is reflected by the first reflective surface. A fourth reflective surface is disposed within the chamber and is obliquely oriented with respect to the incoming path of the beam. The fourth reflective surface directs the beam through the second opening after the beam has been reflected a plurality of times between the second and third reflective surfaces.

Abstract: A tiled projection display for use in an aviation environment which has fail operational capabilities without providing for fully redundant spare projectors. The system includes optics for redirecting light from one projector to a central position between an adjacent projector and involves the methods of switching light from one projector to project images for an additional adjacent projector in the event of a projector failure.

Abstract: An optical analog-to-digital converter (ADC) comprises an analog input, an electromagnetic wave generator operatively connected to the analog input, an intensity discriminating material to refract an output electromagnetic wave, and an electromagnetic wave detector. The electromagnetic wave generator must be able to produce an output wave of sufficient intensity to induce a change in the refractive index of the intensity discriminating material. The electromagnetic wave generator must also be able to produce an output wave of varying intensity, the intensity being dependent on the analog input. An intensity discriminating material is one that has a different index of refraction for electromagnetic waves of different intensities. The method of converting an analog signal to a digital signal includes the steps of providing an analog input and generating an electromagnetic wave therefrom with the wave generator.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display optical component stack-up is created with reduced defects typically caused by adhesive materials used to attach optical components to the liquid crystal display, and with improved bond line control. First and second optical components are placed in a fixture having a plurality of pins extending from a bottom platen. A layer of silicone gel is placed between the first and second optical components. The plurality of pins orient the first and second optical components to achieve a desired alignment. A plurality of standoffs extending from the bottom platen and a top platen maintain a distance between the optical components and the platens to eliminate capillary action by the silicone gel adhesive, thereby aiding in bondline control.

Abstract: An optical component mounting apparatus for use in an aircraft for maintaining alignment of the optical components during use of the aircraft, the apparatus including an “L” shaped frame and a plurality of “L” shaped mounts, for holding the optical components, in adjustable positions by use of bolts extending through slots, oriented in three orthogonal directions, in the frame and the mounts.

Abstract: An assembly for providing an adjustable optical train is disclosed. An adjustable optical train is comprised of a plate having a channel formed therein. A submount suitable for mounting an object such as an optical component (e.g., holographic medium, lens, prism, etc.) engages the channel so the submount is suitable for slidable movement along the channel. In an exemplary embodiment, the submount further comprises a fastener. The fastener may include an appendage for engaging the channel and a holder coupled to the appendage. The holder is suitable for anchoring the appendage thereby securing the appendage to the channel thereby securing the submount to the plate.

Abstract: A solid fuel conversion furnace for breaking down solid fuel into its two basic combustible components, combustible gases and combustible solids, prior to ignition. This is achieved by preheating the solid fuel when it is not in the presence of a combustion supporting atmosphere. This preheating of the solid fuel is achieved through the use of a heat exchange compartment where the hot exhaust gases transfer their heat through the heat exchange wall to preheat the solid fuel in the fuel compartment. The hot exhaust gases are obtained from the ignition of the combustible gases and the combustible solids in the presence of oxygen. This ignition occurs in the fire box area which is below the fuel compartment. The combustible solids are gravity fed to the fire box and the combustible gases are fed to the fire box by both their self-generated pressure and the furnace exhaust draft.