Abstract: The present invention provides a MKV interceptor including multiple kill vehicles with autonomous management capability and kinematic reach to prosecute a large threat extent. Each KV can self-manage its own KV deployment and target engagement for a determined target volume assigned by a designated master KV. At least one KV is master capable of managing the post-separation of all of the KVs without requiring updates to the mission plan post-separation. The autonomous capability and increased kinematic reach provides for a more efficient use of boosters and more effective engagement of the threat.

Abstract: A radiation detection apparatus comprises a radiation detector and a lens arrangement. The lens arrangement comprises a polarising element and an optical corrector. The optical corrector is preferably located between the polarising element and the radiation detector and has at least one surface designed to correct optical aberrations present in the lens arrangement. The optical corrector may be arranged to provide a mechanical support to the polarising element. The optical corrector is arranged to increase a diffraction limited acceptance angle of the apparatus.

Abstract: By sharing tasks between the CV and the KVs, the MKV interceptor provides a cost-effective missile defense system capable of intercepting and killing multiple targets. The placement of the acquisition and discrimination sensor and control sensor on the CV to provide target acquisition and discrimination and mid-course guidance for all the KVs avoids the weight and complexity issues associated with trying to “miniaturize” unitary interceptors. The placement of a short-band imaging sensor on each KV overcomes the latency, resolution and bandwidth problems associated with command guidance systems and allows each KV to precisely select a desirable aimpoint and maintain track on that aimpoint to impact.

Abstract: An optical detection system for detecting launch of an offensive projectile. The detection system includes an image detector array, an optical arrangement for focusing on to the image detector array, and a processing system associated with the image detector array. The processing system is configured to derive a series of frames from the image detector, to process the series of frames to identify a flash event and to generate and output that indicates a direction of the flash event.

Abstract: A land-based Smart-Sensor System and several system architectures for detection, tracking, and classification of people and vehicles automatically and in real time for border, property, and facility security surveillance is described. The preferred embodiment of the proposed Smart-Sensor System is comprised of (1) a low-cost, non-coherent radar, whose function is to detect and track people, singly or in groups, and various means of transportation, which may include vehicles, animals, or aircraft, singly or in groups, and cue (2) an optical sensor such as a long-wave infrared (LWIR) sensor, whose function is to classify the identified targets and produce movie clips for operator validation and use, and (3) an IBM CELL supercomputer to process the collected data in real-time. The Smart Sensor System can be implemented in a tower-based or a mobile-based, or combination system architecture. The radar can also be operated as a stand-alone system.

Abstract: A defensive aids suite for light armored vehicles utilizes four complementary sensor technologies including: visible and infrared optics, radar, acoustics and both laser and millimeter wave detection. Targeting and maneuvering optics are used for long-range threat detection with obscuration grenades and vehicle countermaneuvers being used to avoid a threat. Short range search and track radar is used with explosive or fragmentation grenades selected and launched to intercept and defeat the threat. Acoustic threat detection increases robustness and extends the detection range to include small calibers threats. Detection of active targeting systems by laser and radar warning receivers provides cueing information for targeting optics and fire control systems.

Abstract: A method of tracking a target. The method includes the steps of acquiring a first spectral image of a scene that includes the target, designating a spectral reference window, in the first spectral image, that includes a respective plurality of pixel vectors, acquiring a second spectral image, of the scene, that includes a respective plurality of pixel vectors, and hypercorrelating the spectral reference window with the second spectral image, thereby obtaining a hypercorrelation function, a maximum of the hypercorrelation function then corresponding to a location of the target in the scene.

Abstract: A system is for recognizing obstructions and monitoring movements on or above an airport area (1) with sensors (2, 3, 4). A sensor (2) is a radar device having a plurality of antenna elements (12, 14), which are affixed to a curved surface (15) of an antenna carrier (2a) and are turned on, one after the other, in terms of time. Thus a first part of the antenna elements (14) is disposed on a first circular line (13) on the surface of the antenna carrier (2a), and a second part of the antenna elements (12) is disposed on a circular line (15) perpendicular to the first circular line (13). Therefore the data of the radar device (2) are evaluated in a first ROSAR process, to image the situation on the ground, and in a second ROSAR process, to image the heights of the flying objects to be observed.

Abstract: An optical detection system for detecting launch of an offensive projectile. The detection system includes an image detector array, an optical arrangement for focusing on to the image detector array, and a processing system associated with the image detector array. The processing system is configured to derive a series of frames from the image detector, to process the series of frames to identify a flash event and to generate and output that indicates a direction of the flash event.

Abstract: A methodology determines the offset distance between a threat missile plume and its hardbody during boost phase to aid in guiding a kinetic weapon (KW) or interceptor missile to the threat missile hardbody using the KW infrared sensor of the interceptor missile in conjunction with a radar sensor.

Abstract: A platform such as a car has a processor receiving information representing the location of the platform and a location of a target. An emitter assembly controlled by the processor produces a visual display outside of and beyond the platform that an occupant of the platform can see. The display is transmitted along the target bearing.

Abstract: Calibration of an acceleration detector is initiated by a user depressable button such as a button indicating a vehicle is at rest and/or by the detector reading an OBDII vehicle communication protocol to determine the condition of the vehicle. Calibration permits more accurate measurements in a vehicle performance test.

Abstract: Vehicular arrangement for obtaining information about objects exterior to the vehicle includes at least one combined imaging and distance measuring system arranged along an edge or a side of the vehicle, each combined system including an infrared illuminator for directing infrared illumination outward from the vehicle, an imager sensitive to infrared illumination and visible light, the imager being arranged to form images of an environment around the vehicle and thereby enable identification of objects in the images, a radar or laser radar system arranged to simultaneously determine a distance between the vehicle and objects identified in images obtained by the imager with the identification of the objects in the images. A reactive system is arranged on the vehicle to consider both the identification of the objects and their distance from the vehicle and react accordingly.

Abstract: Missile deflector systems for protecting a vehicle from threats that use an infrared sensor for guidance are disclosed. An exemplary missile deflector system can include, for example, a radiation source and one or more deployable smart chaff elements. The light source and the one or more deployable smart chaff elements can direct the threat, such as, for example, a missile, away from the vehicle or, in other embodiments, disable the threat. Another exemplary missile deflector system can include, for example, a smart chaff element with a near-infrared emitter and a plurality of transmitting fibers to transmit the near-infrared radiation out of the smart chaff element.

Abstract: Provided is an antenna transceiver system for transmitting and receiving voice, digital data, radar and IR signals, and for processing received signals for use by an operator. The system includes an antenna array having a plurality of radiating elements, each element connected to a transmit/receive (“T/R”) module. Each T/R module includes phase shifters, as well as a phase conjugation module for transmitting a return signal to a location along a beam path of an incoming signal. Transmission of the return signal does not require knowledge of the location of either the signal source or the antenna transceiver system. The antenna transceiver system is disposed on a plurality of vertically aligned planes integrated into a compact unit. The units can be embedded in headgear of a user, allowing for hands-free operation of the system. Alternatively, the antenna transceiver system can be integrated into a vehicle, man-transportable backpack, or other designated platforms.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in determining the range in a single time sample from a platform to a target are disclosed. The method includes receiving radiation emanating from the target at two points on the platform in a common time sample; detecting the received radiation and generating a signal representative thereof; and processing the signal. The signal is processed to determine a respective angle to target from two points on the platform by using a correlation between received signal amplitude and respective angle; and determine the range from the platform to the target from the respective angles and the separation distance between said two points in a single signal-to-noise sufficient sample. The apparatus includes a plurality of optical channels through which the apparatus can receive radiation emanating from the target, the optical channels and a plurality of electronics.

Abstract: If the maximum time width Lt of the intensity of received light of reflected waves from a vehicle ahead is smaller than a reference time width, it is judged that the vehicle ahead is positioned in proximity to the detection limit distance of an obstacle detection device for vehicle. Thus, there is no problem, for example, even if a cut-in vehicle is present in reality between the vehicle ahead and the vehicle of interest and nevertheless, the distance to the cut-in vehicle cannot be detected. It can be judged whether the vehicle ahead is positioned in proximity to the detection limit distance of the device by judging the magnitude relation between Lt and the reference time width. As a result, the detecting capability of the device can be judged with accuracy.

Abstract: An object self-protection apparatus (12) having a monitoring device (14) which is fixed with respect to the object and a launch container (18), in particular for fragmentation projectiles, which has a target-tracking radar device (20) for the approach movement of a missile (22) which is to be defended against. The monitoring device (14) which is fixed with respect to the object and the target-tracking radar device (20) are connected together with an aiming drive for the launch container (18). Hereby, an expensive search radar is replaced by a passive sensor device (16) forming the monitoring device (14) which is fixed with respect to the object. The passive sensor device (16) generates accurately measured angular information in respect of the approaching missile (22). The distance and the speed of the missile (22) are then determined by the target-tracking radar device (20).

Abstract: A robot for freely moving about in an environment where there is an obstacle. The robot includes a communication section transmitting by wireless an image taken by a camera to a base station, and via the base station to a communication terminal making a radio communication with the base station, and receiving by wireless movement target position information specified on the image by an operation of the communication terminal via the base station, and a motion control section that moves the robot up to a movement target position specified by the movement target position information acquired in the communication section.

Abstract: An improved system is provided for aiming a shotgun-based or other countermeasure system so as to be able to countermeasure incoming rockets or projectiles. In one embodiment a shotgun aimed and controlled by the subject system projects a pattern of pellets to intercept a rocket-propelled grenade or incoming projectile. The fire control system uses a CW two-tone monopulse radar to derive range and angle of arrival within 150 milliseconds, with range and angle of arrival measurements having approximately twice the accuracy of prior CW two-tone monopulse radars. The improvement derives from using all of the information in the returned radar beams and is the result of the recognition that one can use the Sum and Difference signals to assemble a two-by-two Rank One matrix that permits using singular value decomposition techniques to generate range and angle of arrival matrices in which all available information is used and in which noise is eliminated.

Abstract: A fast acting active protection system for military vehicles defeats RPG (rocket propelled grenade) threats fired from close ranges. The system minimizes the hazard to troops and civilians nearby. The system uses a plurality of passive sensors to locate the threat and initialize the system. A low cost radar or laser tracker is used as the means to determine range, velocity, and (if required) angular position of the threat. The countermunition used may be one of several choices, with the requisites being that the countermunition provides fast response with low inertia, and is able to damage or destroy the detected threat. A multi-barrel recoilless gun is the weapon of choice. A launching device is used to deploy and aim the countermunition and the tracking means. On board software and electronics are used to control the system.

Abstract: A method for intercepting and a defeating rocket propelled grenade (RPG) which includes the steps of detecting a thermal signature from a launch of the RPG; and cueing a narrow beam radar which locates the RPG and develops a ballistic solution and target intercept point for intercepting the PPG with an intercept vehicle.

Abstract: A dual-mode target seeking apparatus having a seeker dome defining an aperture and transmissive to microwave frequency energy of a first frequency and to light wave energy at a second frequency and at a third frequency. An optics system within the seeker dome is transmissive to the microwave frequency energy reflective to the light wave energy received via the aperture. A first detector receives the microwave frequency energy via the aperture, and a second detector images a target by the light wave energy of the second and third frequencies via the optics system.

Abstract: An image processing system to be mounted to a vehicle includes a radar adapted to measure distance and direction to an object based on reflected electromagnetic waves which are outputted to scan the exterior of the vehicle, an image-taking device such as a camera for obtaining an image, and an image processor for carrying out image processing on a specified image processing area in an image obtained by the image-taking device. The image processor is adapted to determine a center position of the image processing area according to a measurement point of an object detected by the radar and the size of the image processing area according to a beam profile of electromagnetic waves outputted from the radar.

Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment, an augmented reality system for traffic control combines data from a plurality of sensors to display, in real time, information about traffic control objects, such as airplanes. The sensors collect data, such as infrared, ultraviolet, and acoustic data. The collected data is weather-independent due to the combination of different sensors. The traffic control objects and their associated data are then displayed visually to the controller regardless of external viewing conditions. The system also responds to the controller's physical gestures or voice commands to select a particular traffic control object for close-up observation or to open a communication channel with the particular traffic control object.

Abstract: A warning device in one embodiment includes a housing which is portable, the housing containing preferably a microwave transceiver operating as a proximity-sensing device, a stroboscopic lamp and/or a horn disposed in the housing in electrical connection with the sensing device for emitting a series of flashes and/or honks in response to the sensing of an object within predetermined range of the sensing device, a battery in the housing for powering the sensing device and the lamp and/or horn, and a system for mounting the housing to a variety of supporting objects.

Abstract: Applicants' ATR system is weather-agile because it is comprised of a primary target sensing means that is capable of surveilling the target scene in foul or fair weather, and a secondary target sensing means that is also capable of sensing targets in various weather. The primary and secondary sensing means communicate through a control center so that ultimately, among several weapons available, the most strategically located and equipped weapon is activated for the destruction of a selected target, given the weather. The control center accomplishes the communication by receiving the sensed target signature from the primary sensing means, processing the signature using database already resident in the center and transmitting the processed target signature to the weapon possessing the greatest potential for successfully destroying the target.

Abstract: A device including a radar and a camera for detecting an object located in front of an automobile is mounted on the automobile. The radar detects a distance from the automobile to the front object, and the camera takes an image of the object. When the object such as a preceding vehicle moves out of a region detectable by the radar while remaining in a region covered by the camera, a present distance to the object is calculated based on the distance previously detected by the radar and memorized in a memory and a present object image taken by the camera. More particularly, the present distance is calculated by multiplying the memorized distance by a ratio of an object size in the memorized image to an object size in the present image.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an oil spill identification system and oil spill identification sensors to be used in connection with this system. The system is used primarily on fixed offshore structures, but may also be used on fixed onshore constructions. The sensor comprises a combination of a radar and at least a microwave radiometer. The data collected are transmitted to a control station. Preferably, the transmittal takes place at pixel level between the sensors and the control station. The control station processes the data received at pixel level and transmits data to an end-user, preferably through the internet. The invention also relates to a method for utilizing the system and a use of the system.

Abstract: Methods, computer-readable media, and systems for externally cued aircraft warning and defense are disclosed. A surveillance system may include a sensor field or array and may include a processor system that processes signals including acoustic signals received by the sensor array. Signals including acoustic signals are processed to determine the presence of indicia, including acoustic signatures, of known surface-to-air missiles including man-portable air defense systems. When the presence of such surface-to-air missiles is indicated, a cue signal is sent to one or more countermeasure systems that include one or more countermeasures such as chaff, expendable decoys and flares. The countermeasure systems may be ground-based or aircraft-based. The countermeasures are deployed in response to the cue signal. The surface-to-air missile may consequently be defeated.

Abstract: An imaging system includes an optical (visible-light or near IR) imaging system and a microwave imaging system. The optical imaging system captures an optical image of the object, produces optical image data representing the optical image and extracts optical image information from the optical image data. The microwave imaging system produces microwave image data representing a microwave image of the object in response to the optical image information.

Abstract: The system and method for standoff detection of human carried explosives (HCE) is a portable system that automatically detects HCE up to a range of 200 meters and within seconds alerts an operator to HCE threats. The system has radar only, or both radar and video sensors, a multi-sensor processor, an operator console, handheld displays, and a wideband wireless communications link. The processor receives radar and video feeds and automatically tracks and detects all humans in the field of view. Track data continuously cues the narrow beam radar to a subject of interest, the radar repeatedly interrogating cued objects, producing a multi-polarity radar range profile for each interrogation event. Range profiles and associated features are automatically fused over time until sufficient evidence is accrued to support a threat/non-threat declaration hypothesis. Once a determination is made, the system alerts operators through a handheld display and mitigates the threat if desired.

Abstract: A system and method of providing situational awareness and weapon targeting is presented. The method includes determining the location of one or more enemy sites and one or more friendly sites. A “Do Not Engage” (DNE) zone is determined around each of the friendly sites and an “Allowable Engagement” (AE) zone is established around each of the enemy sites, wherein none of the AE zones overlap any of the DNE zones. An engagement plan is then determined based on the AE zones and integrity bounds on candidate munitions. The system includes a processing and communications network and a sensor element in communication with the processing and communications network. The system also includes a command control element in communication with the processing and communications network and an operating elements section in communication with the processing and communications network.

Abstract: A radar and laser detection device for mounting upon a motorcycle is described which provides increased concealment, security, safety, ease of use and functionality specific to the needs of motorcycle drivers. A method of semi-permanently mounting the device is described which requires no permanent alterations to the vehicle while providing improved visibility of alarm signals, a simple display technique, and controls which do not require the operator to remove his/her hands from the vehicle handlebars.

Abstract: The present invention resides in an infrared identification system for identifying military vehicles as friendly or hostile. The infrared identification system includes a seed introduction system, in each friendly vehicle, that introduces trace quantities of a particular seed formulation into the vehicle's exhaust. An infrared detection system, also in each friendly vehicle, detects the spectrally-discrete thermal emissions of the seed formulation to identify those vehicles having the thermal emissions as friendly. The infrared identification system provides rapid and positive friend or foe identification of land, sea and air vehicles at long ranges without being jammed, intercepted or mimicked.

Abstract: A system and a method for distance measurement utilizes a radio system. The distance is measured in coarse resolution, and in fine resolution that corresponds to distance attributes. The distance between first and second radio transceivers is determined from the coarse distance and the fine distance attributes.

Abstract: One preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a system and method for suppressing motion artifacts introduced by movement of a radar detection system. Briefly described, in architecture, one embodiment of the system, among others, can be implemented as follows. The system includes a Doppler radar module configured to transmit a microwave signal directed towards an object and receive the reflected microwave signals from the object and a living subject positioned behind the object. Also, the system includes a reference module configured to transmit a reference signal towards the object and receive the reflected reference signal from the object. By comparing the two reflected signals from the Doppler radar module and the reference device, a signal processor suppresses motion artifacts generated by movement of the Doppler radar module to identify the presence of the living subject behind the object. Other systems and methods are also provided.

Abstract: An image sensor section and a millimeter-wave sensor section separately detect objects. A sensor matching section determines whether the objects detected by the image sensor section and the millimeter-wave sensor section are one and the same object. If the objects are one and the same object, the sensor matching section estimates a position of the obstacle after a certain period. A collision prediction section determined whether there is going to be a collision between the vehicle and the object 50 from the position estimated by the sensor matching section.

Abstract: If the maximum time width Lt of the intensity of received light of reflected waves from a vehicle ahead is smaller than a reference time width, it is judged that the vehicle ahead is positioned in proximity to the detection limit distance of an obstacle detection device for vehicle. Thus, there is no problem, for example, even if a cut-in vehicle is present in reality between the vehicle ahead and the vehicle of interest and nevertheless, the distance to the cut-in vehicle cannot be detected. It can be judged whether the vehicle ahead is positioned in proximity to the detection limit distance of the device by judging the magnitude relation between Lt and the reference time width. As a result, the detecting capability of the device can be judged with accuracy.

Abstract: The present invention is a multi-piece barrel shroud which provides IR signature and radar backscatter reduction over the entire length of the barrel by utilization of special radar absorbing materials and shaped in accordance with commonly known radar signature reduction techniques. The interior of the shroud includes cooling passages for the circulation of ambient air by way of a forced air circulation system which provides IR reduction. To facilitate barrel movement while minimizing weight, the majority of the shroud is stationary and is independent of the gun barrel. At least one other piece of the shroud is attached to the barrel near the muzzle end and designed to move in unison with the muzzle during recoil. The recoiling portion of the shroud is sized to mate with an annular recess within the distal end of the stationary portion so as to provide continuous shielding of the barrel throughout the entire range of recoil displacement.

Abstract: A technique is provided that uses a dual mode seeker (IR and LADAR) for precise target dynamics measurement, which extends stripping to a much higher altitude than ground based radar. Initial results show that this approach works to altitudes in excess of 100 km. Stripping becomes a reliable way to discriminate lighter weight decoys from reentry vehicles at altitudes and ranges consistent with planned divert capabilities for terminal phase missile defense. It is a finding of this invention that the LADAR will improve the spatial resolution by a factor of five over typical missile defense IR seekers using a common aperture. The LADAR provides a 3D angle, angle, range (AAR) image for each laser pulse which is used to extract the precise target state vectors.

Abstract: An aircraft weather radar system is disclosed. The system comprises a radar antenna, aircraft sensors, and a database. The system also comprises a processing device receiving information from the radar antenna and from the aircraft sensors and able to retrieve information from the database. Further, the system comprises a cockpit display coupled to the processing device. The processing device is programmed to estimate storm system characteristics based on the received information from the aircraft sensors and the database and to display the storm system characteristics on a vertical weather profile display using a graphical representation.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for early detection and identification of a threat such as individuals carrying hidden explosive materials, land mines on roads, etc. are disclosed. Methods comprise transmitting radar signals in the direction of a potential threat, measuring the energy in reflected signals, dynamically generating a threat threshold value from signals received from multiple areas and comparing the energy in the reflected signals corresponding to different areas to the generated threat threshold value. The threat threshold value may be generated by averaging the weighted reflected energy measured from different areas during a single scan of a region including the different areas. The contribution to the threshold from different areas is weighted in some embodiments as a function of the distance from the transmitter and/or receiver to the particular area. Analysis of areas and treating different areas as segments facilitates accurate analysis and display of threat information.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for characterizing an overhead line. A radar signal is propagated in a region that includes at least a portion of the overhead line and a reference object, which may, for example, be a ground surface, growth over a ground surface, or another overhead line. A reflected radar signal is received from the overhead line and the reference object. A determination is made of a geometric relationship between the overhead line and the reference object, such as by determining a minimal separation between the overhead line and the reference object.

Abstract: A slope monitoring system having a radar and a video camera recording images sequences of the slope. A data processing unit performs coordinate registration to align the radar images and the video images. Interferometry is used to detect movement in the slope by generating interference maps between the images. These are suitably phase maps showing the phase change between a radar image and a reference image. An alarm occurs if a significant movement is detected.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an oil spill identification system and oil spill identification sensors to be used in connection with this system. The system is used primarily on fixed offshore structures, but may also be used on fixed onshore constructions. The sensor comprises a combination of a radar and at least a microwave radiometer. The data collected are transmitted to a control station. Preferably, the transmittal takes place at pixel level between the sensors and the control station. The control station processes the data received at pixel level and transmits data to an end-user, preferably through the internet. The invention also relates to a method for utilizing the system and a use of the system.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer readable medium are provided for creating a quantitative, three-dimensional representation of a surface of a human subject. Data representing a physical appearance of a human subject is gathered using inverse synthetic aperture radar. A source signal is directed toward the human subject as the target rotates through a range of motion and a return signal is collected. The returned signal is transformed into a quantitative representation of the surface data. The quantitative representation can be added to an archive or can be checked against an archive to determine if the human target is indexed in the archive.

Abstract: A deceptive signature broadcast system for an aircraft or other emissions generating asset for generating an emissions pattern for masking the normal emissions signature of the aircraft or asset, and protecting it from emissions tracking intercept vehicles such as Infrared tracking missiles; the system includes at least two beacons mounted in a spaced apart arrangement orthogonal to the desired zone of protection, and bracketing the asset, such as on opposite wingtips of the aircraft for fore and aft protection; the beacon set is modulated from one end to the other with a sweeping pattern of emission intensity, deceptively indicating to the intercepting vehicle a lateral component of motion of the aircraft away from its true relative position within the intercept vehicle's field of view, thereby inducing the intercept vehicle to adopt an erroneous and exaggerated lead angle and course correction that results in a missed intercept trajectory.

Abstract: An image sensor section and a millimeter-wave sensor section separately detect objects. A sensor matching section determines whether the objects detected by the image sensor section and the millimeter-wave sensor section are one and the same object. If the objects are one and the same object, the sensor matching section estimates a position of the obstacle after a certain period. A collision prediction section determined whether there is going to be a collision between the vehicle and the object 50 from the position estimated by the sensor matching section.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for early detection and identification of a threat such as individuals carrying hidden explosive materials, land mines on roads, etc. are disclosed. Methods comprise transmitting radar signals in the direction of a potential threat, measuring the energy in reflected signals, dynamically generating a threat threshold value from signals received from multiple areas and comparing the energy in the reflected signals corresponding to different areas to the generated threat threshold value. The threat threshold value may be generated by averaging the weighted reflected energy measured from different areas during a single scan of a region including the different areas. The contribution to the threshold from different areas is weighted in some embodiments as a function of the distance from the transmitter and/or receiver to the particular area. Analysis of areas and treating different areas as segments facilitates accurate analysis and display of threat information.