Abstract: Provided are methods and apparatus for creating super-compressed map files. Using free and open-source software (FOSS), the tool create a super-compressed internally tiled Geo Tag Image File Format (TIFF) in a WGS84 datum (WGS84) similar in size to the original LizardTech's MrSID (SID) imagery from the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA). Converting NGA data to WGS84 allows mapping systems like NASA Worldwind (WW) to eliminate the step of re-projecting on the fly from non-native projections, thus reducing processing time. The disclosed method includes removing all pure-black pixels by setting them to black+1, changing all near-black border pixels with values less than 15 to 0 (pure black), setting pure black values to “no-data,” compressing the image with a compression scheme, and translating the compressed image to JPEG and a YCbCr color space to achieve greater compression.

Abstract: Provided are methods and apparatus for creating super-compressed map files. Using free and open-source software (FOSS), the tool create a super-compressed internally tiled Geo Tag Image File Format (TIFF) in a WGS84 datum (WGS84) similar in size to the original LizardTech's MrSID (SID) imagery from the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA). Converting NGA data to WGS84 allows mapping systems like NASA Worldwind (WW) to eliminate the step of re-projecting on the fly from non-native projections, thus reducing processing time. The disclosed method includes removing all pure-black pixels by setting them to black+1, changing all near-black border pixels with values less than 15 to 0 (pure black), setting pure black values to “no-data,” compressing the image with a compression scheme, and translating the compressed image to JPEG and a YCbCr color space to achieve greater compression.

Abstract: The present invention can be generally described as a protection system. This protection system is formed by the integration of commonly available subsystems, which may be controlled by non-proprietary, open architecture software, which, in turn, may accommodate the commonly known “plug and play” capability. This allows the present invention to easily incorporate a variety of lethal (or less-than-lethal) weapon payloads as well as a variety of sensors and detectors; thereby providing the user with the first real, integrated system (of systems) solution capable of providing an enhanced situational awareness capability.

Abstract: The present invention can be generally described as a protection system. This protection system is formed by the integration of commonly available subsystems, which may be controlled by non-proprietary, open architecture software, which, in turn, may accommodate the commonly known “plug and play” capability. This allows the present invention to easily incorporate a variety of lethal (or less-than-lethal) weapon payloads as well as a variety of sensors and detectors; thereby providing the user with the first real, integrated system (of systems) solution capable of providing an enhanced situation awareness capability.

Abstract: The present application discloses an open system architecture and software system for plug and play modular mission payloads in aerial vehicles. The improved software moves the control function of mission payloads away from the ground station and into the aerial vehicle. The plug & play web-based payload interface software resides in a payload interface controller in the vehicle, and this is networked via a uniform resource locator (URL) address to a ground control station. Consequently, when new payloads are added to the system, integration issues and costs are minimized.

Abstract: A data communications protocol converter for interfacing manufacturing process equipment with a host computer comprises a controller that converts the messages transmitted by the host computer and equipment into messages that meet the protocol of the receiving side. A data acquisition system coupled between the controller and equipment provides a parallel interface to the process equipment and allows the converter to check for/activate logic signals from/to the process equipment. A user interface circuit provides the controller with a user friendly interface that enables the user to set any message parameters and conversation scheme and to interactively communicate with each attached device and edit and re-transmit previously send messages. A software support workstation coupled to the controller through a network provides capability for remote target machine access, software maintenance and configuration modification via the network.

Abstract: A protocol converter is provided for interfacing a host computer to manufacturing process equipment. Via a parallel input/output interface (PIO), a data acquisition system is coupled to the process equipment to check and activate various process equipment events. A user terminal provides a graphical user interface for controlling and monitoring the protocol converter. A protocol converter (PC) controller that enables the host computer, the data acquisition system and the user interface to exchange messages with the process equipment comprises a protocol conversion server (PCS) for interfacing the PC controller to the host computer, and the process equipment, a user interface server (UIS) for providing interface to the user terminal, and a data acquisition server (DAS) for supporting the PIO. A separate external mailbox is assigned to each of the servers to receive incoming messages from other servers in the PC controller.