Abstract: The barrel of a pistol, specifically in a short recoil operated pistol, is comprised of multiple bearings surfaces comprised of cams and lugs that allow the pistol to function. The surfaces mechanically delay the pistol enough to allow the pistol to reliably function in the manner of an automatic firearm, chambering a round at the end of each cycle of operation. A barrel that locates a forward lug positioned horizontally in front of the trigger guard of the pistol with side cams that are shallow and interact in a way to provide the pistol with a robust and consistent lock up from shot to shot to provide an advantage in the function of the firearm.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods for the maintenance, repair, modification, cleaning, disassembly, and reassembly of firearms and firearm components are disclosed. Particular embodiments include tools to aid in the removal and insertion of an extractor pin from the bolt assembly of an AR-15 or M-16 rifle. Preferred embodiments are directed to bolt assemblies for .223 and .308 imperial caliber firearms, as well as 5.56 and 7.62 metric caliber firearms. The tools include a housing with a channel to receive the bolt, a channel to insert a locking rod to orient and secure the bolt in the housing, a channel for inserting a removal rod to remove the extractor pin from the bolt or an inserting rod to insert the extractor pin into the bolt.

Abstract: A Universal Custom Recoil Solution will comprise of, a provided Firearm or barrel, prismatic shaped shell housing mounted or connected to the Gas Block Base, a Gas Block Base with pathways to direct firearms gas pressure from firing bullet into device interior pushing a Counter Weight, and Spring to counter act the firearms recoil when fired. This device is fitted to or around a provided barrel where the Counter Weight and spring are mounted on and reciprocate from front to back of the systems interior volume. The systems main function is to create a counter balance to the firearms kinetic energy by providing a moving mass, to counter the recoil from the firearms action movement when firing. The gas pressure is also expelled and redirected allowing the device to cycle synergistically with the firearm actions.

Abstract: A method of preventing accidental shooting requires a safety beacon and a firearm that has a computing device and a wireless receiver. The method begins by continuously transmitting a warning signal with the safety beacon and by continuously monitoring for the warning signal with the wireless receiver. The method then processes the warning signal into an endangerment assessment with the computing unit, if the warning signal is captured by the wireless receiver. The endangerment assessment is used to determine whether or not it is safe to shoot the firearm based on the location of the safety beacon. Finally, the method executing a physical response with the firearm, if the endangerment assessment identifies a potentially unsafe situation between the safety beacon and the firearm. The physical response can be a tactile, auditory, or visual notification to the user of the potentially unsafe situation.

Abstract: A device for converting a firearm to a fixed magazine is disclosed. The device includes a magazine catch member having a through hole, and a one way threaded member comprising a threaded section and a head. The threaded section is able to pass through the through hole, and the head is configured so that a screw driver is only able to rotate the one way threaded member in a tightening direction. A kit for enabling a user to fix the magazine is also disclosed. A method for loading a magazine having a fixed magazine is also disclosed.

Abstract: A recoil buffer system having a buffer element with a buffer element body portion, a buffer element knob, and a buffer element cavity; a collar; a sleeve, wherein a sleeve recess is formed so as to accept at least a portion of the buffer element body portion therein; a buffer element recoil spring, wherein the buffer element recoil spring is positioned about at least a portion of the elongate buffer element body portion, between the collar and the sleeve; and a bumper, wherein a bumper extension portion extends from a first end of the bumper to a bumper shoulder, wherein the bumper extension portion is such that at least a portion of the bumper extension portion can be fitted at least partially within the sleeve aperture.

Abstract: Apparatus for electromagnetic launching system for the linear acceleration of macro particles. The apparatus disclosed is autonomously-powered, compact, and lightweight. The apparatus disclosed has low recoil force, low acoustic report, and low visible and infra-red signature. The apparatus disclosed is capable of automatic operation and the maximum particle velocity can be adjusted. The apparatus disclosed includes a trigger, controller, component power source, particle container, particle loader, propellant container, propellant loader, igniter, combustion chamber, sound suppressor, linear electrical generator, linear electrical motor, and thermal barrier.

Abstract: A firearm sling attachment device is presented. According to an embodiment, a sling attachment device comprises a quick detach receiver and a cord. The quick-detach receiver includes: a body elongated longitudinally along a first axis and having first and second ends oppositely positioned along the first axis; an open-faced, cylindrical cavity formed in the first end of the body and extending longitudinally along the first axis, the cavity including one or more recesses arranged circumferentially in a side wall of the cavity; and an opening formed laterally through the second end of the body along a second axis that is perpendicular to the first axis. The cord is detachably affixed to the quick-detach receiver through the opening.

Abstract: A multi-axis firearm foregrip which is highly adjustable and which enables a firearm to be held or supported in a position which is ergonomic for the user or appropriate for use of the firearm. The foregrip may be rapidly adjusted to a selected one of many different positions as deemed appropriate by the user to enable optimal use of the firearm. The foregrip comprises a mount, a handle and a joint. The mount may be engageable to the firearm, for example to a rail system of the firearm. The handle is adjacent to the mount. The joint engages the handle to the mount and allows for handle movement relative to the mount. In embodiments, the foregrip utilizes a ball-and-socket joint which enables swiveling movement of the handle relative to the mount providing a wide range of handle adjustment before the handle is held at the selected position by the foregrip.

Abstract: A firearm stock with barrel-centering feature has an elongated body defining an elongated receiver channel and an elongated barrel channel, the receiver channel defined in part by a flat floor surface facing in upward direction, the receiver channel defined in part by opposed sidewalls extending above the floor surface, a fastener facility at the rear of the receiver channel operable to connect to the tang of the receiver, and a lateral adjustment facility forward of the fastener facility and operable to secure the receiver in a selected lateral angle of pivot about the fastener facility, such that the barrel is centerable within the barrel channel to avoid the barrel touching the stock. The lateral adjustment facility may include a set screw having an axis parallel to the floor surface of the stock. A pair of set screws opposing each other may secure the action in a selected lateral position.

Abstract: A method and a device for assisting aiming at a target, in particular for the purpose of improving the accuracy with which a projectile is guided towards said target by means of a laser beam. The method makes use of a camera serving to capture either a complete image of the environment, or else a selective image of said target in said environment. Thereafter, the method makes it possible to verify that said laser beam is indeed pointing at said target by displaying the point of contact of said laser beam in said environment on the image captured by said camera, and then to determine the accuracy with which said laser beam is indeed pointing at said target. As a function of said accuracy, launching of said projectile may either be confirmed or cancelled. This method also makes it possible to identify the code of said guide beam illuminating said target.

Abstract: A spatially-distributed architecture (SDA) of antennas transmits respective uniquely coded signals. A first receiver having a known position in a coordinate system defined by the SDA receives reflected versions of the uniquely coded signals. A first processor receives the reflected versions of the uniquely coded signals and identifies a position of a non-cooperative object in the coordinate system. A platform with a platform receiver receives non-reflected versions of the uniquely coded signals. The platform determines a position of the platform in the coordinate system. In an example, the platform uses a self-determined position and a position of the non-cooperative object communicated from the SDA to navigate or guide the platform relative to the non-cooperative object. In another example, the platform uses a self-determined position and information from an alternative signal source in a second coordinate system to guide the platform. Guidance solutions may be generated in either coordinate system.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for retaining camouflage material. A frame includes a front surface and a back surface. The frame may be configured to distribute pressure across the back surface from camouflage material retained against the front surface. At least one retention device may be coupled to the frame. The retention device(s) may be configured to retain camouflage material against the front surface of the frame. An array of flexible, pin-shaped extension members may extend from the back surface of the frame. The extension members may protrude from the back surface of the frame at a height sufficient to allow airflow between the frame and a wearer. At least one vent opening may be formed in the frame. A vent opening may include a channel extending between the front surface and the back surface of the frame.

Abstract: A soft armor panel is provided by work softening a panel formed of a ballistic material. The panel also includes slip planes between adjacent ply groups, the adjacent ply groups remaining unconnected or substantially unconnected at the slip plane. The soft, or conformable, body armor, is resistant to various projectile threats, in which the panel is made by work-softening an otherwise rigid panel. The soft armor panel includes a work softened lamination of a plurality of ply groups. Each ply group comprises one or more layers, each layer comprising a composite material of fibers embedded in a matrix material. A slip plane is disposed between at least one set of adjacent ply groups, such that the adjacent ply groups remain unconnected or substantially unconnected at the slip plane. The softened ballistic panel retains significant ballistic properties, is light weight and can be readily conformed to various torso configurations.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a dart game system. The dart game system includes a dart game device, multiple external facilities, and a control unit configured to control the dart game device and the multiple external facilities. The dart game device includes a dart target having a plurality of point regions, a sensing unit configured to sense a hit to the dart target by a dart, a light source unit configured to output light, and a sound source unit configured to output sound. The multiple external facilities includes additional light source units configured to output additional light, and additional sound source units configured to output additional sound. The control unit is configured to control the light source units and the sound source units to output light or sound according to patterns, which depend on an occurrence of an event.

Abstract: A flare including: a casing; and a grain assembly, at least a portion of the grain assembly being slidably disposed in the casing, the grain assembly including: a shell structure; and a grain component at least partially disposed in the shell structure, the grain component including at least one combustible material and at least one reactive material positioned relative to the combustible material and configured to ignite combustion of the at least one combustible material; wherein the shell structure includes one or more nozzles at an aft end of the shell structure for generating a thrust resulting from ignition of the at least one combustible material.

Abstract: A flare including: a casing; and a grain assembly, at least a portion of the grain assembly being slidably disposed in the casing, the grain assembly including: a shell structure; and a grain component at least partially disposed in the shell structure, the grain component including at least one combustible material and at least one reactive material positioned relative to the combustible material and configured to ignite combustion of the at least one combustible material; wherein the shell structure includes one or more fins at an aft end of the shell structure, the one or more fins being restrained into a first shape in the casing and configured to have a second shape, different from the first shape, when the restraint is removed.

Abstract: Composite arrow or crossbow bolt shafts have a hollow core, where the inner diameter of the shafts vary along the length of the shaft, but the outer diameter of the shafts remains constant. The hollow inner core may vary gradually in size along the length of the shaft, or it may vary in discrete stepped portions so that the shaft is more hollow in some portions in comparison to others. The hollow composite shafts may be manufactured by wrapping a tapered or stepped inner mandrel with fibers of a composite material and curing that composite material, or by triaxially braiding composite fibers around a tapered or stepped inner mandrel before curing those composite fibers.

Abstract: A lighted nock assembly may include an LED/battery assembly, a nock housing and a nock body. The LED/battery assembly can include an LED and a battery. The nock housing can include a cylindrical structure so that an outer surface is inserted into a rear end of an arrow, wherein a portion of the LED/battery assembly is disposed within the nock housing. The nock body can be linearly movable towards and away from the nock housing. A portion of the LED/battery assembly is secured within the nock body such that moving the nock body away from the nock housing along a straight line turns the LED from a lighted state to an unlighted state.

Abstract: The present invention provides a projectile device and a method of manufacture of a projectile device and in particular, to a pistol bullet and a rifle bullet and method of manufacture of same. In one embodiment, the projectile apparatus has a cylindrical body portion having a diameter, a front nose section tapering from a most proximal point of the projectile to the cylindrical body portion, and a rear tail section connected to the body portion and extending to the most distal point of the projectile, in which the front nose portion comprises a plurality of twisting depressions forming troughs.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a system and method for making soft projectiles for use with toy and recreational firearms, the system and method comprising of a mold and a projectile material, the mold comprising of a first plate with one or more protrusions and a second plate with one or more cavities, the second plate mated with the first plate to form one or more soft projectiles.

Abstract: A tape measuring device comprising a mount which is integrally formed with or attached to a housing. A specially designed stop plate is disposed on the mount. The stop plate provides a means whereby the indicia located on a tape blade of the tape measuring device may be easily located and read. The stop plate further provides a means for the precise taking and replication of a measurement. The tape measuring device further comprises a marker plate. The marker plate comprises a scribe which can mark an object to be measured. The marker plate is pivotally attached to the mount to allow for the retraction of the scribe when the marker plate is not in use, and for expansion of the scribe when the marker plate is in use.

Abstract: A linear gage includes a spindle, a guide cylinder surrounding a portion of the spindle and configured to guide the spindle to move forward and rearward in an axis line direction, and a guide slit portion having a guide slit extending parallel to the axis line of the guide cylinder, with a gap provided between the guide slit and an outer surface of the guide cylinder. An attitude adjustment pin extends into the guide slit and is fixed to a side surface of the spindle. The attitude adjustment pin is an eccentric pin.

Abstract: A marking and cutting template for sheet materials includes a main body having a face side and a back side opposing the face side. The main body is configured to be coupled to a portion of a T-square. A template body rotatably mounted in the main body includes at least one hole extending through the template body with the hole(s) being accessible at the face side and back side of the main body. A locking mechanism coupled to the main body can engage the template body such that the template body is prevented from rotating relative to the main body.

Abstract: An apparatus to assist a machinist in the setup of a remote computer controlled machine tool table has an X-axis electronic gauge block assembly, a Y-axis electronic gauge block assembly, and a Z-axis electronic gauge block assembly each positioned on the machine tool table, to respectively collect X-axis probe position values, Y-axis probe position values, and Z-axis probe position values. Environmental sensors collect environmental values. An electronics processing system establishes a raw X-axis probe position, a raw Y-axis probe position, and a raw Z-axis probe position. A wireless interface transmits the environmental values, the raw X-axis probe position value, the raw Y-axis probe position value, and the raw Z-axis probe position value to the remote computer and receives from the remote computer refined probe position values to assist the machinist in the setup of the machine tool table.

Abstract: A “step shim” for positioning a fixture in a precise location relative to an adjoining support structure includes an elongated member having: (a) two, side surfaces, (b) a flat, bottom face, (c) a top face that includes a plurality of flat, adjoining segments, each of which is separated from an adjoining top face segment by a boundary line that extends across the top face (d) front and back ends, and (e) wherein this member has a configuration adapted to allow it to be broken apart along the member's boundary lines into a plurality of member segments that each correspond to one of the top face segments, and (f) wherein the distance between the bottom face and the segment of the above top face defines a member segment's height, each of which is progressively taller from the member's front to back end.

Abstract: A variety of magnetic field sensor arrangements provide so-called “tooth detectors” using a simple low-cost magnet.

Abstract: Optical coherence tomography (OCT) systems using a polarization switch and/or a polarization beam splitter are generally described. In an example, an OCT system includes a light source configured to emit a beam and an interferometer configured to receive the beam. The interferometer includes a reference path and an interferometer sample path. The OCT system further includes a polarization switch configured to selectively change a polarization state of the beam and a lens system that includes a first sample path and a second sample path. The polarization switch is further configured to direct the beam onto the first sample path upon selection of a first polarization state and to direct the beam onto the second sample path upon selection of a second polarization state that is different from the first polarization state.

Abstract: Disclosed is an interactive spatial orientation method and system. The method includes: sequentially scanning, by a scanning apparatus, a receiving apparatus in a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to each other; converting, by the receiving apparatus, received optical signals generated from the first scanning and the second scanning into radio waves carrying results of the first scanning and the second scanning, and transferring the radio waves to a processing apparatus; synthesizing, by the processing apparatus, the results of the first scanning and the second scanning to obtain six degrees of freedom information of the receiving apparatus. The system includes a scanning apparatus; a receiving apparatus; and a processing apparatus.

Abstract: An optical three-dimensional coordinate measuring device of the present invention ensures both the measurement range and the measurement accuracy. The optical three-dimensional coordinate measuring device includes an imaging device, a table that is displaceable from an original position, a probe for designating a measurement position of a measurement object, a probe marker that is disposed on the probe, and a stage marker that is disposed on the table. The position and the attitude of the probe with respect to the imaging device are identified on the basis of the probe marker included in a captured image. The position and the attitude of the table with respect to the imaging device are identified on the basis of the stage marker included in a captured image. Relative position coordinates of a measurement position designated by the probe are obtained.

Abstract: A three-dimensional coordinate measuring device of the present invention achieves high operability and relaxes limitations on the size of a measurement object. A table which places a measurement object thereon is translatable and/or rotatable around a predetermined axis. A position and an attitude of a probe that is capable of designating a measurement position of a measurement object are identified. A displacement resistance mechanism that generates, when an external force is applied to the table in a displacement direction of the table, a certain resistance force against the external force is provided. A table displacement identifying unit that identifies a displacement amount of the table from an original position is provided. Relative position coordinates of a position designated by the probe are obtained on the basis of the position and the attitude of the probe and the displacement amount of the table.

Abstract: Methods and systems for performing optical measurements of geometric structures filled by a capillary condensation process are presented herein. Measurements are performed while the structures under measurement are treated with a flow of purge gas that includes a controlled amount of fill material. A portion of the fill material condenses onto the structures under measurement and fills openings in the structural features, spaces between structural features, small volumes such as notches, trenches, slits, contact holes, etc. The degree of saturation of vaporized material in the gaseous flow is adjusted based on the maximum feature size to be filled. In some examples, measurement data, such as spectroscopic data or image data, are collected when a structure is unfilled and when the structure is filled by capillary condensation. The collected data are combined to improve measurement performance.

Abstract: Methods and systems for performing optical measurements of geometric structures filled with an adsorbate by a gaseous adsorption process are presented herein. Measurements are performed while the metrology target under measurement is treated with a flow of purge gas that includes a controlled amount of fill material. A portion of the fill material adsorbs onto the structures under measurement and fills openings in the structural features, spaces between structural features, small volumes such as notches, trenches, slits, contact holes, etc. In one aspect, the desired degree of saturation of vaporized material in the gaseous flow is determined based on the maximum feature size to be filled. In one aspect, measurement data is collected when a structure is unfilled and when the structure is filled by gaseous adsorption. The collected data is combined in a multi-target model based measurement to reduce parameter correlations and improve measurement performance.

Abstract: A system comprising a light source, and a retention device configured to receive and retain a sample for measurement. The system includes a detector. An optical path couples light between the light source, the sample when present, and the detector. An optical objective is configured to couple light from the light source to the sample when present, and couple reflected light to the detector. A controller is configured to automatically control focus and/or beam path of the light directed by the optical objective to the sample when present. The detector is configured to output data representing a film thickness and a surface profile of the sample when present.

Abstract: A lithographic process is used to form a plurality of target structures distributed at a plurality of locations across a substrate and having overlaid periodic structures with a number of different overlay bias values distributed across the target structures. At least some of the target structures comprising a number of overlaid periodic structures (e.g., gratings) that is fewer than said number of different overlay bias values. Asymmetry measurements are obtained for the target structures. The detected asymmetries are used to determine parameters of a lithographic process. Overlay model parameters including translation, magnification and rotation, can be calculated while correcting the effect of bottom grating asymmetry, and using a multi-parameter model of overlay error across the substrate.

Abstract: A laser measurement system for measuring up to 21 geometric errors, in which a six-degree-of-freedom geometric error simultaneous measurement unit and a beam-turning unit are mounted on either the clamping workpiece or the clamping tool, while an error-sensitive unit is mounted on the remaining one, the beam-turning unit has several switchable working postures and multi-component combinations in its installation state, it can split or turn the laser beam from the six-degree-of-freedom geometric error simultaneous measurement unit to the X, Y, and Z directions in a proper order, or the beam-turning unit can split or turn a beam from the error-sensitive unit to the six-degree-of-freedom geometric error simultaneous measurement unit. The present invention is of simple configuration and convenient operation. Up to 21 geometric errors of three mutual perpendicular linear motion guides are obtained by a single installation and step-by-step measurement.

Abstract: Provided is a technology which is suitable for both widening an image capture view angle and securing an angular resolution across the entire image capture range. In an imaging optical system, a rate of change of an image height per view angle, i.e. dy/d?, is greater than 0 at a maximum view angle ?max, a rate of change of a view angle per image height, i.e. D(?)=1/(dy(?)/d?), satisfies an expression D(?p)>{(D(?max)?D(0))/?max?}?p+D(0), with ?p which lies in a range of 0<?<?max, and it satisfies an expression 1.5<(y(?s)/?s)/{(y(?max)?y(?s))/(?max??s)}<3.0 with a switching view angle ?s of the rate of change D(?) of the view angle per image height.

Abstract: There is disclosed a mobile pavement surface scanning system and method, In an embodiment, the system comprises one or more stereoscopic image capturing devices synchronised with one or more light sources mounted on the platform for illuminating a pavement surface, mounted on a mobile survey platform that provides a trigger mechanism to capture sequential image pairs of the illuminated pavement surface and a movement sensor that continuously measures the movement of the platform and a synchronization signal for time or distance synchronized image capture with accurate GPS positioning. One or more computers process the synchronized images captured stamps the images with one or more of time and distance data, GPS location and calculated 3D elevation for each point on the pavement surface using stereoscopic principles, and assesses the quality of the pavement surface to determine the level of pavement surface deterioration.

Abstract: An improved leveling device is a level having variously angled leveling vials along its length and is graduated with indicia using various standards of measurement. Magnetic strips along the top and bottom surface allows the leveling tool to be removably attached to metal, curved, or flat surfaces. A curved or a V-shaped notch along the length of the bottom side allows the level to be centered when placed along the center axis of a pipe, and then held there via the magnetic strips. The leveling vials may be vertically placed in relation to the elongated body, horizontally placed, positioned at 45 degrees, and/or have an adjustable angle. The elongated body has storage compartments for storing various accessories such as pencils or markers, and each compartment as a lid for retaining the accessories. A pencil sharpener is embedded within the elongated main body for handy sharpening of the stored pencils.

Abstract: An observer measures a flow velocity of sea surface with beam, and a coastal wave height. A predictor predicts a next time state vector, from a state vector including flow velocity of each range cell of beam, a wave height difference between range cells, and a coastal wave height. First calculator calculates a prediction error covariance matrix from a smoothing error covariance matrix. Second calculator calculates a gain matrix using results obtained by the observer and the first calculator. Third calculator calculates a smoothing error covariance matrix using results by the observer, the second calculator, and the first calculator. The state vector is smoothed for each wave height difference, from results by the observer, the predictor, and the second calculator. The wave height of each range cell is calculated by adding the wave height and the wave height difference in toward-offshore direction, using the wave height difference smoothing.

Abstract: A laser beam generating device which includes a housing. A laser light generator is disposed in the housing and is operable to generate two output beams which project outside of the housing. The laser light generator includes a light source and a leveling mechanism on which the laser light generator is disposed. A mounting member is disposed on the housing and is configured to mount the laser beam generating device on a screw thread. The mounting member is movable relative to the housing between a first position and a second position.

Abstract: Printed circuit boards (PCBs) are configured with an athermalized mounting suitable for securing and positioning and the PCBs within an inertial measurement unit (IMU). The PCBs include integrated circuit (IC) components, such as accelerometers and/or gyroscopes, which require relative positional stability within the IMU environment in order to provide accurate results. The athermalized mounting configuration of the PCB enables the PCBs to experience thermal expansion within the IMU without causing significant displacement of the IC relative to the IMU environment.

Abstract: A MEMS inertial sensor device has a package and a gyroscopic sensor, an accelerometric sensor, and an ASIC electronic circuit integrated within the package. The ASIC is operatively coupled to the gyroscopic sensor and the accelerometric sensor for supplying at an output a gyroscopic signal indicative of an angular velocity and an acceleration signal indicative of an acceleration acting on the MEMS inertial sensor device. The ASIC is provided with a processing module, which may be of a purely hardware type, for processing jointly the gyroscopic signal and the accelerometric signal and determining a bias value present on the gyroscopic signal.

Abstract: The present disclosure pertains to a system for determining a synthesized position of a vehicle. In some implementations, the system receives information related to the vehicle's location, the height above the ground surface of the terrain, and the vehicle's orientation from one or more first sensors; obtains a three dimensional topographical map of the terrain based on the location of the vehicle; and receives imagery data from one or more second sensors. The system determines a synthesized position of the vehicle relative to the terrain on the three dimensional topographical map by correlating a first pixel in the imagery data to a first vertex in the map, wherein the correlation is based on (i) pixel calibration information, the pixel calibration information comprising an angular relationship between the first pixel and the first vertex, (ii) the vehicle's height, and (iii) the vehicle's orientation.

Abstract: The present disclosure pertains to a system for providing terrain imagery during low visibility conditions. In some implementations, the system receives information related to meteorological conditions for the environment around a vehicle; obtains a three dimensional topographical map of the terrain around the vehicle based on a location of the vehicle; and responsive to the information related to the meteorological conditions around the vehicle indicating low visibility conditions for a vehicle operator effectuates, based on the information related to imagery data in the output signals, a location of the vehicle, and the topographical map, presentation of one or both of simulated views of the terrain around the vehicle and a position of the vehicle on the three dimensional topographical map to the vehicle operator.

Abstract: The present disclosure pertains to a system for effectuating presentation of a terrain around a vehicle on a display in the vehicle. In some implementations, the system receives information related to the vehicle's location, the height above the ground surface of the terrain, and the vehicle's orientation from one or more first sensors coupled to the vehicle; obtains a three dimensional topographical map of a terrain around the vehicle based on the location of the vehicle; and receives imagery data from one or more second sensors coupled to the vehicle, the imagery data corresponding to the terrain, wherein the imagery data comprises instantaneous imagery and previously recorded imagery. The system effectuates presentation of the imagery data corresponding to the terrain on the three dimensional topographical map based on the location, the height above the ground surface of the terrain, and the orientation of the vehicle.

Abstract: The present disclosure pertains to a system for providing persistent mission data to a fleet of vehicles. In some implementations, the system receives (i) information related to a first vehicle's location, the altitude of the first vehicle, and the first vehicle's orientation from the one or more first sensors and (ii) imagery data from one or more second sensors disposed on the first vehicle, wherein the imagery data includes instantaneous imagery and previously recorded imagery. The system geolocates the imagery data based on the first vehicle's altitude and the first vehicle's orientation relative to the terrain. The system transmits one or both of the instantaneous imagery or the previously recorded imagery to a fleet of vehicles. The system effectuates presentation of the imagery data on a three dimensional topographical map of the terrain.

Abstract: There is proposed a method of estimating a navigation state with several variables of a mobile carrier according to the extended Kalman filter method, comprising the steps of:—acquisition of measurements of at least one of the variables,—extended Kalman filtering (400) producing a current estimated state and a covariance matrix delimiting in the space of the navigation state a region of errors, with the help of a previous estimated state, of an observation matrix, of a transition matrix and of the measurements acquired, the method being characterized in that it comprises a step (310, 330) of adjustment of the transition matrix and of the observation matrix before their use in the extended Kalman filtering in such a way that the adjusted matrices satisfy an observability condition which depends on at least one of the variables of the state of the carrier, the observability condition being adjusted so as to prevent the Kalman filter from reducing the dimension of the region along at least one non-observable axi

Abstract: A method for primarily sensor-based navigation includes: in a first time period, collecting geophysical position data using a GPS receiver of a navigation device; in the first time period, collecting a first set of accelerometer data using an accelerometer of the navigation device; analyzing the first set of accelerometer data to produce a first set of vertical vehicular motion data; generating a mapping association between the first set of vertical vehicular motion data and the geophysical position data; in a second time period after the first time period, collecting a second set of accelerometer data using the accelerometer; analyzing the second set of accelerometer data to produce a second set of vertical vehicular motion data; and calculating an estimated location of the vehicle by analyzing the second set of vertical vehicular motion data in light of the mapping association.

Abstract: Described is a robotic system for detecting obstacles reliably with their ranges by a combination of two-dimensional and three-dimensional sensing. In operation, the system receives an image from a monocular video and range depth data from a range sensor of a scene proximate a mobile platform. The image is segmented into multiple object regions of interest and time-to-contact (TTC) value are calculated by estimating motion field and operating on image intensities. A two-dimensional (2D) TTC map is then generated by estimating average TTC values over the multiple object regions of interest. A three-dimensional TTC map is then generated by fusing the range depth data with image. Finally, a range-fused TTC map is generated by averaging the 2D TTC map and the 3D TTC map.