Abstract: A method and system for managing an aircraft's flight path by identifying and categorizing potential threats in the aircraft's original flight path and determining an alternate flight path. The alternate flight path is selected from potential flight paths and has a threat value lower than any of the potential flight paths. The potential flight path candidates are generated from combinations of the original flight path coordinates, and coordinates that vary from the original coordinates by a set range.

Abstract: A method and system for managing an aircraft's flight path by identifying and categorizing potential threats in the aircraft's original flight path and determining an alternate flight path. The alternate flight path is selected from potential flight paths and has a threat value lower than any of the potential flight paths. The potential flight path candidates are generated from combinations of the original flight path coordinates, and coordinates that vary from the original coordinates by a set range.

Abstract: A system passively identifies objects at large distances with an integrated two-dimensional pattern, spectral tailoring, and an imaging system. Encoded information allows objects of various origin and configuration to be easily and rapidly identified by optical means, but is invisible to the naked eye. The devices used for detecting the objects may be ground-based, airborne, or even satellite-based, and can track engagements of such marked objects in real-time. A tailored reflective surface at a specific wavelength band is applied to the exteriors of the objects to form a unique signature. A scanning system passively records the light emanating from the signature in the specific band, and recognizes the signature to discern what the object is based on a database of information.

Abstract: A method is provided for determining one or more reflectance properties of a surface using a portable apparatus that includes reflecting a first beam of electromagnetic energy off of a measured surface, the first beam contacting the measured surface at an angle that is near normal to the measured surface. The method also includes reflecting a second beam of electromagnetic energy off of the measured surface, the second beam contacting the measured surface at an angle that is near grazing to the measured surface. Reflected portions of the first and second beams of electromagnetic energy are then collected and at least one reflectance characteristic value associated with the measured surface is determined based on the reflected portions of the first and second beams of electromagnetic energy.

Abstract: A method for simulating a celestial sphere in real-time within a data processing system is disclosed. Initially, information of an observer, such as date, time and longitude/latitude positions, are obtained. Then, a Julian Day and a Greenwich mean sidereal time are determined from the above-mentioned information. A local mean sidereal time is subsequently determined. Furthermore, a tilt angle about a celestial equator of a celestial sphere is determined by using the latitudinal position of the observer. The determined values provide a real-time representation of the position of the celestial sphere relative to the observer at a specific position on the earth.