Abstract: In an example embodiment, a method of identifying a firing solution to a target is provided. In this method, an elevation of the target and a height of the target relative to an initial height of the projectile are sensed. A clear line of sight from the projectile to the target is also sensed. Based on the elevation, the height, and the clear line of sight, an acceptable firing solution is identified. An signal indicating that the projectile can be launched can then be initiated based on the identification of the acceptable firing solution.

Abstract: The present invention relates to target acquisition and related devices, and more particularly to telescopic gunsights and associated equipment used to achieve shooting accuracy at, for example, close ranges, medium ranges and extreme ranges at stationary and moving targets.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a laser based system for protecting a platform against an armament equipped with an optical homing head element, that includes a command and control assembly equipped with an interface to a detection and acquisition system that detects and locates a threatening armament and receives from it a warning about the detection of said threatening armament combined with data relating to it; and a laser source operable by the command and control assembly in order to produce the required energy for jamming the optical head of the threatening armament; and wherein the system is characterized by that it includes in addition a sectarian array of a plurality of end units that are connected unto the laser source for selectively routing laser energy from the source to an end unit that was selected by the command and control assembly as the end unit that is best suited under prevailing conditions for pointing at the threatening armament and attacking it by emitting a laser beam in its directio

Abstract: A network-centric targeting system includes a prepare module to plan for targeting engagements and to identify a target; a sense module to locate targets of opportunity and targets generated by the prepare module to form targeting information; a refine module to enhance the targeting information from the sense module; a track module to maintain a location of a target, a state of the target and target activity, the track module being coupled to the refine module; a target module to select effects and to coordinate delivery of selected effects to the target, the target module being coupled to the track module, the refine module and the sense module; a deliver module to deliver effects to the target, the deliver module being coupled to the track module, the refine module, the target module and the sense module; and an assess module to assess effectiveness of the delivered effects on the target.

Abstract: A system for automatically acquiring a target with a narrow field-of-view gimbaled imaging sensor. The system includes a target-detection subsystem including one or more target-detection imaging sensor with a first field-of-view, a target-tracking subsystem and a processing system in communication with the target-detection subsystem and the target-tracking imaging subsystem. The target-tracking subsystem includes a target-tracking imaging sensor with a second field-of-view smaller than the first field-of-view, and a gimbal mechanism for controlling a viewing direction of the target-tracking imaging sensor.

Abstract: A method, computer program product, and target tracking system for obtaining a first kinematic state measurement of a first projectile detection event from a first sensor. The first kinematic state measurement includes a first time measurement and a first state vector. A second kinematic state measurement of a second projectile detection event is obtained from a second sensor. The second kinematic state measurement includes a second time measurement and a second state vector. If it is determined that at least a portion of the first kinematic state measurement and at least a portion of the second kinematic state measurement define at least a portion of a flight trajectory orbital ellipse, the first projectile detection event and the second projectile detection event are defined as portions of a flight trajectory of a single ballistic projectile.

Abstract: The present invention increases the survivability of a helicopter by prioritizing a threat engagement sequence for a laser-based countermeasure system based on the determined relative lethality of each detected visually trained threat (e.g., small arms fire). The system and method defines a plurality of threat effectiveness merit factors, or lethality factors, that are determinable from available helicopter navigation and sensor data, to quantify the danger associated with each detected threat. The system and method then combines the defined lethality factors using a mathematical function, such as a merit function, to numerically quantify the level of threat posed by each threat. The calculated threat values for each of the detected threats are compared to prioritize the threats for engagement by a laser-based countermeasure system, such as a Visual Acquisition Disrupter (VAD) system.

Abstract: The multi-target tracking and discrimination system (MOST) fuses with and augments existing BMDS sensor systems. Integrated devices include early warning radars, X-band radars, Lidar, DSP, and MOST which coordinates all the data received from all sources through a command center and deploys the GBI for successful interception of an object detected anywhere in space, for example, warheads. The MOST system integrates the optics for rapid detection and with the optical sensor array delivers high-speed, high accuracy positional information to radar systems and also identifies decoys. MOST incorporates space situational awareness, aero-optics, adaptive optics, and Lidar technologies. The components include telescopes or other optical systems, focal plane arrays including high-speed wavefront sensors or other focal plane detector arrays, wavefront sensor technology developed to mitigate aero-optic effects, distributed network of optical sensors, high-accuracy positional metrics, data fusion, and tracking mounts.

Abstract: A method and system, which may be implemented in some embodiments as a video game, for identifying harmful airborne biota, particularly flying insects, and either killing or disabling the harmful airborne biota is disclosed. Lasers, radar, and other types of radiation may be used to illuminate objects in a detection region, with radiation returns detected and applied to a pattern classifier to determine whether the detected airborne biota are harmful, benign or beneficial. Tracking and classification information may be provided to a remotely located game participant who may be permitted to control measures taken to eliminate the harmful airborne biota, these measures including firing pulses of beamed energy or radiation of a sufficient intensity to at least incapacitate them, or mechanical measures such as flying a remotely-controlled miniature unmanned aircraft to engage and kill the pests.

Abstract: A Reconfigurable Nose Control System (RNCS) is designed to adjust the flight path of spin-stabilized artillery projectiles. The RNCS uses the surface of a projectile nose cone as a trim tab. The nose cone may be despun by the action of aerodynamic surfaces, to zero spin relative to earth fixed coordinates using local air flow, and deflected by a simple rotary motion of a Divert Motor about the longitudinal axis of the projectile. A forward section of the nose cone having an ogive is mounted at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the projectile, forming an axial offset of an axis of the forward section with respect to the longitudinal axis of the projectile. Another section of the nose cone includes another motor, the Roll Generator Motor, that is rotationally decoupled from the forward section and rotates the deflected forward section so that its axis may be pointed in any direction within its range of motion.

Abstract: A gimbaled weapon system (GWS) includes a method of recording target engagement during operation of the GWS. The GWS includes a sighting system, a weapon cradle and a weapon, wherein the weapon cradle is elevated using a first elevation drive. The sighting system is moved in elevation relative to the weapon cradle using a second elevation drive. A visual image of a target is acquired using the sighting system based on signals received from an observation unit located remotely from the GWS. The visual image of the target is recorded on a storage media for later playback for display by the gunner at the observation unit or optionally by a commander at a separate commander observation unit.

Abstract: In the present invention, the histogram model used in H-PMHT is extended to treat the problem of tracking using hyper-spectral data. Completely general spectral density functions are handled via the use of non-parametric methods. The present invention is not restricted to derivations based on knowledge of the spectral character of the source being tracked. The source spectrum can be estimated in a non-parametric fashion based on an initial track, and this allows the invention to adapt to the source spectrum in situ. The resulting method has improved crossing track performance on sources that have some degree of spectral distinction and will perform no worse than regular H-PMHT on sources that have identical spectral densities.

Abstract: A dual usage memory card connector includes a housing holding a set of terminals, the housing having two spring arms disposed at two sides and movable between a first position where a MS Duo memory card is insertable into the housing and a second position where a MS memory card is insertable into the housing, a metal top cover covering the housing, the top cover having a spring plate, a curved holding down portion forwardly extended from the spring plats for holding down a MS or MS Duo memory card inside the housing, and two limiters for holding the spring arms in the first position for the insertion of a MS Duo memory card into the housing, the spring plate being forced upwards to disengage the limiters from the spring arms upon insertion of a MS memory card.

Abstract: A gun control system is disclosed that includes a fire control kernel and location-independent software components within the fire control kernel. The kernel provides core fire control functionality that is unaffected by changes within the external environment, such as changes to the physical configuration of the gun system of which the gun control system is a part. Each location-independent software component has a specific functionality, and is able to run on any processor within the system in a location-independent manner. These software components can include a target/track management interface software component, a gun control system control interface software component, a gun mount control interface software component, an ownship data interface software component, and a gun control system display interface software component.

Abstract: A method for the detection and tracking of moving objects, which can be implemented in hardware computers, is described. The core of the described method is constituted by a gradient integrator (42), whose contents can be permanently refreshed with a sequence of image sections containing the target object. Different method steps for processing the image sections (26 ) reduce the number of required calculation operations and therefore assure sufficient speed of the method.

Abstract: A method for engaging one or several aerial targets by means of a firing group (10) of autonomous, but cooperating, firing units (12, 112), wherein each firing group has a fire control unit (14, 114) and at least one weapon (16, 116). Several firing units (12, 112) are linked by a signal transmission system (70), which connects their fire control units (14, 114). Each fire control unit (14, 114) autonomously monitors its airspace area for enemy aerial targets. Subsequently, each fire control unit (14, 114) determines a threat assessment, for which the monitoring results of all fire control units (14, 114) are used. The selection of an aerial target to be engaged by a firing unit (12, 122) is subsequently made by the associated fire control unit (14, 114) on the basis of,the threat assessment and on the basis of the status of the weapons (16, 116) of the entire firing group (10).

Abstract: A method for tracking a target having substantially constrained movement utilizes the steps of determining constrains for movement of the target, obtaining information on movement of the target, and predicting that the target will continue to move upon a route segment after the target has begun to move thereupon. The constraints are made up of a plurality of separate alternate route segments. Predicting that the target will continue to move upon the route segment upon which it is previously moving facilitates targeting, intercept and intelligence with a substantial degree of reliability, particularly when continuing information, such as radar returns, is not available.

Abstract: A method of operating a fire-control system for simultaneously engaging a plurality of threats in which one plan from a pool of heuristically determined feasible plans is selected based on an environment of the fire-control system and a selected criterion to engage the plurality of threats. In addition, a genetic algorithm is applied to the pool of feasible plans prior to selecting the one plans to generate additional plan to replenish the pool, and a best feasible plan is selected from the pool with the criterion serving as the standard. Further, at least one randomly selected feasible plan is added to the pool of feasible plans before the genetic algorithm is applied to the pool of feasible plans.

Abstract: An apparatus and computer-implemented method of determining a probability that a first track and a second track represent the same physical object.

Abstract: A target acquisition system for a mobile air defense system is capable of acquiring and engaging targets in rapid sequence while mounted on a moving vehicle. It incorporates a gyrostabilized turret drive system, an optical sight, a forward looking infrared scanner, an infared guided missile subsystem, an onboard computer, and system controls and displays. The turret drive will maintain a particular elevation and azimuth regardless of the motion of the vehicle on which the turret is mounted so that the target tracking system need not account for movement of the vehicle over the ground. The optical sight projects a set of reticles on a combining glass in front of the gunner, which shows the target on which the missile seeker is locked as well as the target at which the turret is pointed so that gunner can insure that the missile is locked on the correct target.

Abstract: A method and system for covertly determining and predicting air-to-air target data relative to a predetermined position passively senses the target (84) to produce a passive target data set. Next, the method and system transform (14) the passive target data set to produce a transformed passive data set. Then, the system compares (22) the transformed passive data set to a predicted data set (20) to generate a measurement error. By actively sensing (38 and 40) the target for a minimally detectable period (42) of time to produce an active target data set (28), the system applies constraints (28) and therefrom computes penalties (26) that relate to the measurement error (22) to produce a system error. Then, in response to the system error (24) the method and system compute the direction (30) and magnitude (32) for a perturbation or a response (44) to the predicted target data (18).

Abstract: A moving target discriminator uses only bearing information obtained from passive observations together with information about the movement of an observation platform to discriminate whether an object is moving. An underlying principle of the moving target discriminator is that the intercepts of successive line-of-sight observations taken from the moving platform will move only if the object is moving. In a specific embodiment, three line-of-sight observations are made, and an intercept is computed for two different pairs of observations. If the intercepts coincide, the cited object is classified as stationary otherwise, it is classified as moving. Measurement statistics are used to compensate the computed intercepts for navigational and observation errors.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of and apparatus for determining if a newly reported target is correlatable with target tracks already stored in a data base. Correlation is effected in stages rejecting uncorrelatable stored target tracks and accepting closely correlated target tracks and includes decision applying means for accepting a stored target track as a correlated track only under stringent conditions.

Abstract: Target tracking capability is provided by a synergistic tracker system (5) which includes both a correlation tracker (30) and an object tracker (40) for processing sensor data input (10) and for generating tracking error signals (80). The operation of the synergistic tracker system is controlled by a central processing unit (70). The system operates by first correlating a reference region image with a portion of a current digitized image provided by an analog to digital converter (20). Secondly, the object tracker provides a precisely defined trackpoint for an object within the current image. The correlation tracker stabilizes and limits the portion of the digitized image that the object tracker must operate upon. Stabilizing and limiting this portion of the digitized image reduces the object tracker's sensitivity to background clutter and sensitivity to a loss of lock induced by sensor motion. The object tracker provides a non-recursive update for the correlation's reference region image.

Abstract: A target tracking system tracks the position of a vehicle, such as a racing vehicle. An oscillator is positioned at the target to be tracked, and a transmitter is also positioned at the target for transmitting a signal generated by the oscillator. At least three translators receive the signal transmitted from the target and each retransmits the signal to a base receiving station. The base receiving station also receives the signal sent from the target and includes a comparator for comparing each of the signals received from the translator with the signal sent directly from the target. The output of the comparator provides an indication of the position of the target relative to the base receiving station.

Abstract: A method for determining the position and velocity of a target in inertial space including the steps of (a) tracking the target and providing three orthogonal velocity components in inertial space; (b) computing the scalar velocity V.sub.T of the target in an inertial reference frame by providing the square root of the sum of the squares of the orthogonal velocity components; and (c) computing the aspect angle .beta..sub.cue of the target relative to a line-of-sight to a platform as an inverse sinusoidal function of the ratio of one of said orthogonal components and V.sub.T, when such tracking data is available, and otherwise; (d) estimating actual target maneuver to develop a minimum uncertainty zone using an assumed worst case lateral target acceleration. Also disclosed are techniques for bounding the aspect angle and for providing global range and range rate estimates which account for uncertainties in the measurements of target and platform ranges and velocities.

Abstract: An analog associative processor (12) discriminates between intersects representing targets and intersects representing ghosts from angle-only information from multiple sensors (10). The analog associative processor (12) is constructed using a multi-layer substrate that is an analog of the real-world sensor emplacements, angular sensor traces, and coordinate system. An algorithm is implemented by the analog associative processor (12) which detects ghosts by counting pulses received by each intersect from the other intersects. When the number of pulses reaching a given intersect reaches a predetermined threshold, the intersect is identified as a ghost. The analog associative processor (12) then continues until the number of remaining intersects equals the number of total targets. The remaining intersects are then identified as true targets.

Abstract: A sight for an anti-aircraft gun, which is manually aimed, comprises a ranging unit, a gun-fixed aiming unit and a calculating unit, preferably a computer. The ranging unit comprises means for optical aiming at the target, and devices for determination of the range, the angular rate in elevation and azimuth, and elevation. The devices emit measured value signals to the means for optical aiming at the target, which means is settable in elevation and azimuth in relationship to the firing direction of the anti-aircraft gun. The calculating unit controls, guided by said received signals and information given about the velocity of the fired projectile and the prevailing wind vector, the second optical means in such a way that when the operator aims through same at the target by setting the barrel in elevation and azimuth, the offset and lead angles of the barrel are such that a fired projectile hits the target.

Abstract: An error-free pointing and tracking system is disclosed which separates the functions of pointing and tracking. Beginning with an initialized trajectory for an object, a sensor is positioned and deviations of the object position with respect to the sensor are noted. To the extent these deviations are trended, the gain of a trajectory correction algorithm is adjusted. Based on the adaptive gain trajectory correction algorithm, a new position estimate is determined. The new position estimate is corrected for servo lag error by referring to a predefined correlation between at least the acceleration term of the trajectory and prerecorded servo lag error. The position estimate, corrected for servo lag is used to then point the sensor.

Abstract: A sight for an anti-aircraft gun, which is manually aimed, comprises a ranging unit, a gun-fixed aiming unit and a calculating unit, preferably a computer. The ranging unit comprises means for optical aiming at the target, and devices for determination of the range, the angular rate in elevation and azimuth, and elevation. The devices emit measured value signals to the means for optical aiming at the target, which means is settable in elevation and azimuth in relationship to the firing direction of the anti-aircraft gun. The calculating unit controls, guided by said received signals and information given about the velocity of the fired projectile and the prevailing wind vector, the second optical means in such a way, that, when the operator aims through same at the target, by setting the barrel in elevation and azimuth, the offset- and lead angles of the barrel are such, that a fired projectile hits the target.

Abstract: A laser weapon fire control computer apparatus for responding in real time to the escort/threat scenario that confronts the weapon. The first control computer apparatus compares the threat data with stored predicted scenarios to develop a firing strategy menu which takes into account the fact that the laser energy is instantaneously propagated to the target but requires a substantial amount of time to inflict damage. The fire control computer apparatus utilizes the weapon's status, dwell time, slew time and fuel limits to yield a weapon pointing sequence and weapon on-off times.

Abstract: In a fire control system for a vehicle or vessel a data processor (21) connected to the target tracking unit (7) determines, in a first coordinate system coupled to said unit (7), angular error data about a target position for aligning the tracking unit (7) with the target position.A fire control computer (22) is incorporated for:a. determining matrix (H) elements concerning the transformation from the first coordinate system to a second fixed horizontal coordinate system, using data about relative angular positions between the tracking unit (7), the vehicle or vessel and a turret mounted thereon, and using data from reference orientation means (18, 19, 20) about the angular positions in said second coordinate system;b. converting the angular error data into target positions in said second coordinate system;c. changing said target positions to gun aiming data; andd. transforming the latter data to a third coordinate system coupled to the vehicle or vessel.

Abstract: Apparatus for evaluating signals generated by first and second spatially separated rows of photoconductors positioned with respect to a measuring plane. The outputs of the photoconductors in each of the rows is scanned by a sampling circuit at a predetermined rate, and the outputs of each sampling circuit coupled to at least one evaluation circuit. Each of the evaluation circuits includes an analog-to-digital converter coupled to the output of the associated sampling circuit, and a pair of digital delay circuits having their inputs alternately coupled to the output of the A/D converter. A comparator is provided for comparing a threshold signal generated by a reference generator with the outputs of the digital delay circuits, the comparator generating a digital signal having a value corresponding to the difference between the ratio of the signals at the outputs of the delay circuits and the threshold signal.

Abstract: A method for the passive measurement of the range, velocity and course of a target aircraft relative to a test aircraft includes the steps of moving the test aircraft along a straight path, varying the speed of the test aircraft, and sequentially measuring the bearing angle from the test aircraft of pulsed or continuous radiation emitted from the target aircraft. A plot of the rays of radiation at each of the times of bearing measurement produces a geometry which can be solved arithmetically to provide the lengths of the rays. These lengths correspond to the distance of the target from the test aircraft. The invention may be used with equal effectiveness against multiple targets, simultaneously.

Abstract: Electronic control apparatuses (11, 12, 13) are provided for a warship having controlling and controlled units with a bedding (foundation) plane, with the control apparatuses forming control signals for the associated controlled units from the crude information coming from the associated controlling units. The electronic control apparatuses (11, 12, 13) have correction stages for each associated controlled unit for modifying the formed control signals in dependence on the bedding error of the associated controlled unit and/or of the controlling unit (19, 20, 21) which supplies the control apparatus (11, 12, 13). Furthermore, memories are provided for storing the bedding error values in dependence on the horizontal angular position of the controlled unit and/or of the controlling unit (FIG. 1).

Abstract: A method of controlling antiaircraft fire is described in which an aircraft is tracked continuously during the flight of a burst of projectiles and the probability of a hit is continuously revised according to the latest target maneuver as the projectiles proceed to the intercept point. If, before all of the projectiles reach the aircraft, the probability of a hit falls below a specified level, another burst of projectiles is fired. As this second burst proceeds to target its computed probability of hit is combined with that of the previously fired burst to determine the cumulative probability of hit of the two bursts taken together. If, before the second burst reaches the target, the cumulative probability falls below the specified level then a third burst is fired. This activity repeats until the cumulative probability of hit is driven up and kept up above the specified level.

Abstract: The selection and designation of an aimpoint on a known type of target appearing in the field of view of a video tracking system imaging sensor is accomplished by (a) developing binary target patterns from quantized sensor data generated in the video tracking system video preprocessor; (b) measuring the moments of the target patterns; (c) developing and storing a target reference pattern data base; (d) computing from real time binary coding and moment measurement data and from the stored target reference pattern data base an ensemble of estimated aimpoints; (e) testing the validity of the estimated aimpoints; and (f) averaging valid estimated aimpoints to provide an output aimpoint signal. Mechanization of the invention comprehends the use of video tracking system functions to provide quantized binary coded target patterns and the use of dedicated accumulators to generate pattern moment measurements.

Abstract: A position control system is disclosed for aiming a mobile rocket launcher having positionable axes in the azimuth and elevation planes. The control system has a separate control subsystem for each axis of movement, and each such subsystem includes an initial aiming signal processor providing a course positioning function and a reaiming signal processor providing a fine positioning function. The initial aiming processor receives signals representing a desired position (DP), a feedback signal representing the actual position (AP) updated at predetermined sampling intervals, and an error signal (E) representing the difference between DP and AP. From signals representing AP and E, and a constant representing the stopping time of the launcher mechanism for a given control axis, the initial aiming processor produces a predicted position signal (PP) which represents the position that the launcher will reach upon termination of the actuator drive for that axis.

Abstract: 1.

Abstract: A system for tracking a moving target from a moving carrier. The system is provided with an arrangement allowing a measurement of the position of the target in relation to the carrier. The difference between the position of the target and an estimated position for the latter is given by this arrangement, generally in spherical co-ordinates. These spherical co-ordinates are changed by a co-ordinates converting unit into cartesian co-ordinates. The position of the target is given in turn in relation to a cartesian frame of reference of unvarying orientation whose origin is situated close to the instantaneous centre of rotation of the carrier in relation with a trajectory simulator. The frame of reference is then changed in the opposite direction for a control of the position of the measuring arrangement.

Abstract: An In-Loop Integration Control System which is capable of producing consistent and accurate descriptions and predictions of any dynamic process, on line and in real time. This operation is performed by, first, integrating the best estimate of the highest derivative to produce an estimate of the expected next measurement and then comparing this measurement to the actual measurement; and second incorporating into the prediction any systematic error corrections. By changing the highest derivative on which the integration is performed, the total state vector describing the process is improved and all components are correctly timed.

Abstract: A rugged portable diagnostic apparatus is configured for temporary installation and operation on board Naval ships. The apparatus provides gunnery training support by allowing a comprehensive empirical assessment and feedback of individual, team and equipment performance on an economical and environmentally responsible basis.