Abstract: Systems and methods of providing guidance to assist eVTOL aerial vehicles in performing landing and takeoff operations at landing locations in GPS-denied environments are disclosed. An exemplary system includes an aerial vehicle comprising a camera configured to generate images based on information transmitted by a plurality of light sources located adjacent a landing surface for the aerial vehicle and a controller circuit configured to receive the generated images and determine a position and an orientation of the aerial vehicle based on the received images, wherein the light sources are arranged in a predetermined pattern on the landing surface, and wherein a characteristic of light emitted from each of the light sources is modulated with respect to time.

Abstract: Camouflage detection systems and related techniques are provided to improve the detection of camouflaged targets, including targets employing active thermal camouflage techniques. A camouflage detection system includes an imaging system and a logic device configured to communicate with the imaging system and a supplemental sensor system. The imaging system includes an infrared imaging module configured to provide infrared and/or thermal image data of a scene including a camouflaged target. The logic device is configured to receive infrared image data and supplemental sensor data, determine an estimated target spatial profile, and determine one or more target profile anomalies based, at least in part, on the estimated target spatial profile.

Abstract: A method comprising: operating a swarm of autonomous vehicles to maximize a number of intercepted targets, wherein, for each of said autonomous vehicles, the method comprises: identifying a plurality of objects in an operational area as targets or obstacles; determining a location parameter for each of said plurality of objects; calculating a trajectory of motion for said autonomous vehicle based at least in part on said location parameters of each of said plurality of objects, wherein said calculating maximizes: (i) a probability of intercepting each of said targets, and (ii) a probability of avoiding collisions with each of said obstacles; and moving said autonomous vehicle along said trajectory of motion.

Abstract: A method for calculating an altitude of a target through an apparatus for calculating an altitude of the target, which comprises a plurality of MIMO radar virtual antennas, may comprise: receiving electromagnetic waves reflected from the target through a pair of virtual antennas classified into an upper antenna and a lower antenna and alternately arranged in two columns linearly; obtaining range information and phase information of the target from the pair of virtual antennas by analyzing the electromagnetic waves; and calculating altitude information of the target from position information of the pair of virtual antennas, and the range information and the phase information.

Abstract: A method for providing cues to an aerial vehicle operator is disclosed. The method includes: determining when a vehicle is on final approach; processing a plurality of ground images of a ground path ahead of the vehicle; identifying a lane in the processed ground images; determining whether the identified lane corresponds to an assigned runway based on a relative position or a relative geometry of the identified lane; tracking during landing a left and a right side edge, a front edge, and a runway center line of the assigned runway; determining, relative to the runway center line, whether a relative position of the vehicle during landing is left of, right of, or aligned with the runway center line; and providing visual and/or audible guidance to the vehicle operator to take corrective action when the relative position of the vehicle during landing is not aligned with the runway center line.

Abstract: The present disclosure presents a computer implemented system and method of tracking objects and motion in video, detecting and analyzing periodic motion, and identifying motion characteristics of an activity or event using periodic motion data.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture to improve accuracy of a fog/edge-based classifier system are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for improving prediction results of advanced driver assistance systems of a vehicle includes obtaining map data including information about a road geometry in a proximity of the vehicle. A sensor means is assigned, sensing a surrounding of the vehicle. A virtual sensing means output is generated, corresponding to an output of the sensing means if the sensing means. The generation is based on a mathematical model of the sensing means. The surrounding of the vehicle is sensed, and a sensing means output is generated. The sensing means output is compared to the virtual sensing means output. Parameters of the mathematical model are modified, and the virtual sensing means output are generated and compared to the sensing means output. Map data is combined with information derived from the sensing means output to generate combined information, which is output for further processing.

Abstract: A calibrated measurement of the angular misalignment x of a radiofrequency antenna pointing towards a slow mobile, radio transmitter along an antenna axis, the antenna being in radio communication with the mobile. The measurement includes receiving of radiofrequency signals derived from the mobile during a period of the applied path, the signal being received on a frequency band lower than or equal to the frequency of the transmitted signal; determining, on a logarithmic scale, of the instantaneous power of the received signal; harmonic decomposition over each period of the power thus determined into a fundamental component and at least one harmonic component; and estimating of the angular misalignment x from the ratio between the fundamental term and a harmonic component.

Abstract: A navigation system comprising: an inertial navigation system arranged to output a first position estimate; a terrain based navigation unit arranged to output a second position estimate; a stored gravity map arranged to receive a position and to output gravity information for that position; and an iterative algorithm unit arranged to determine an INS error state in each iteration; wherein in each iteration the iterative algorithm unit is arranged to: receive the first position estimate and the second position estimate; determine a gravity corrected position estimate based on the first position estimate, the INS error state and the gravity information; and update the INS error state for the next iteration based on the INS error state, the gravity corrected position estimate and the second position estimate.

Abstract: A device for calculating one or more camera parameters of a camera mounted on a traveling vehicle includes a location information acquisition unit, a road width information acquisition unit, a scenery image acquisition unit, and a camera parameter calibration unit. The device calculates a height of a mount position of the camera and a direction of the camera. The device also converts a scenery image captured by the camera of a scenery including the road on which the traveling vehicle moves into an image that is displayed for navigation.

Abstract: A first user device comprises a first communication interface and a second communication interface. The first user device has digital first map information and is configured for outputting a request message for making navigation information available with regard to at least one desired route section, at the first communication interface. The second communication interface is configured for receiving navigation information that is made available in response to the request message, at the second communication interface, and comprises digital second map information for at least a part of the at least one desired route section. The digital second map information comprises data for display of the at least one part of the at least one desired route section.

Abstract: A control circuit of a power converter is provided. It comprises a signal generation circuit generating an oscillation signal in accordance with an output load. A PWM circuit generates a switching signal according to a voltage-loop signal, a current-loop signal and the oscillation signal for regulating an output of the power converter. A regulation circuit receives a compensation signal for an output cable compensation and a wake-up. The compensation signal is coupled to increase a switching frequency of the switching signal once the output of the power converter is lower than a low-voltage threshold. The control circuit reduces the voltage drop of the output when the output load is changed.

Abstract: A terrain aided navigation using multi-channel monopulse radar imaging to provide a navigation position update. The monopulse radar transmits a single RF pulse transmission or multiple quick RF pulse train bursts to generate a monopulse radar image that can be correlated with a digital terrain segment to provide navigation updates when requested. The radar has monopulse and off-axis capability that allows for selection of a terrain segment within the radar's search area that will provide a good terrain correlation. The radar measurements are made on a range/Doppler cell-by-cell basis that includes angle information. The cells in the range/Doppler map corresponding to the antenna main beam return are converted into a high resolution (x,y,z) image and correlated to the selected terrain segment in the data base reference frame to provide an updated navigation position estimate.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the present invention, a radar system is provided which accurately measures the surface profile in a wide sector beneath and forward of a helicopter, to aid low level transit and landing in poor visibility. This uses an electronic beam synthesis technique to form multiple beams directed at the area of interest, each measuring the distance to the first reflected signal received by each beam. These distances represent the profile of the ground and any objects on the ground. A processor then compares the measured profile with the ideal ground profile for safe landing. If the deviations from straight and level exceed the specified requirement for safe landing, or if sufficient rotor clearance is not detected, then a warning is given to the operator. A display will show the measured ground profile highlighting the unsafe regions, allowing the operator to seek a safe region to land.

Abstract: A method, system and computer readable media for route re-planning including generating enemy force movement predictions to be used during mission planning. During a mission, enemy force movements can be compared to the predictions. By using enemy force movement predictions for an initial comparison, the enemy force movements may only need to be compared to the own force mission plan if the enemy forces deviate from the predictions. When enemy force movement deviates from the predictions, new enemy force movement predictions can be generated. The new enemy force movement predictions can then be compared to the own force mission plan to determine if a route re-plan is needed. The route can be re-planned to determine a route that reduces or eliminates the chance of a lethal encounter with an enemy or threat.

Abstract: A method, system and computer readable media for route re-planning including generating enemy force movement predictions to be used during mission planning. During a mission, enemy force movements can be compared to the predictions. By using enemy force movement predictions for an initial comparison, the enemy force movements may only need to be compared to the own force mission plan if the enemy forces deviate from the predictions. When enemy force movement deviates from the predictions, new enemy force movement predictions can be generated. The new enemy force movement predictions can then be compared to the own force mission plan to determine if a route re-plan is needed. The route can be re-planned to determine a route that reduces or eliminates the chance of a lethal encounter with an enemy or threat.

Abstract: A method for producing a sensor-supported, synthetic view for landing support of helicopters under brown-out or white-out conditions is provided. A virtual 3-D representation of the landing zone is continuously created from 3-D data of the intended landing zone recorded during the landing approach and a monitoring routine is available to ensure that no 3-D data that was produced under brown-out or white-out conditions is considered in the representation. As soon as the monitoring routine detects that 3-D data has been recorded under brown-out or white-out conditions, an additional radar sensor is activated to continuously produce distance and/or Doppler data of potential objects entering the landing zone, the objects being displayed to a pilot of the landing helicopter in the synthetic view.

Abstract: A method of determining an angle within the beam to a target using an airborne radar includes receiving first data associated with first returns associated with a first portion of an antenna. The method further includes receiving second data associated with second returns associated with a second portion of an antenna, wherein the first portion is not identical to the second portion. The method further includes determining the angle within the beam to the target using the first and second data.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment relates to an aircraft system for detecting wires. The system includes a processor configured to actively sense a presence of a first object and a second object. The processor determines a location of the first object and the second object. The processor determines a potential location of a wire between the first object and the second object. The processor actively senses the wire by providing electromagnetic energy to the potential location.

Abstract: A method and system is described for enhancing ground situational awareness to an aircrew via the display of an airport moving map within an own-ship, including determining the position of the own-ship and an aircraft on one of a taxiway, a runway, or an apron, displaying each of the own-ship and the aircraft on an airport moving map by displaying for each a first symbol that indicates the location on the airport moving map; and displaying a second symbol that changes in transparency in proportion to the range of the airport moving map.

Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) radar apparatus may be used in aircraft detection and avoidance. The radar apparatus may include an RF front end configured to transmit and receive RF signals, a filtering module coupled with the RF front end module that filters RF signals received at the RF front end module, and a target data processing module coupled with the filtering module that detects and identifies one or more targets based on the filtered RF signals. Avoidance procedures may be initiated based on the identification and detection of one or more targets.

Abstract: Autonomous collision avoidance systems for unmanned aerial vehicles are disclosed. Systems illustratively include a detect and track module, an inertial navigation system, and an auto avoidance module. The detect and track module senses a potential object of collision and generates a moving object track for the potential object of collision. The inertial navigation system provides information indicative of a position and a velocity of the unmanned aerial vehicle. The auto avoidance module receives the moving object track for the potential object of collision and the information indicative of the position and the velocity of the unmanned aerial vehicle. The auto avoidance module utilizes the information to generate a guidance maneuver that facilitates the unmanned aerial vehicle avoiding the potential object of collision.

Abstract: In certain aspects, this invention is a “control system” that detects and minimizes (or otherwise optimizes) an angle between vehicle centerline (or other reference axis) and vehicle velocity vector—as for JDAM penetration. Preferably detection is exclusively by optical flow (which herein encompasses sonic and other imaging), without data influence by navigation. In other aspects, the invention is a “guidance system”, with optical-flow subsystem to detect an angle between the vehicle velocity vector and line of sight to a destination—either a desired or an undesired destination. Here, vehicle trajectory is adjusted in response to detected angle, for optimum angle, e.g. to either home in on a desired destination or avoid an undesired destination (or rendezvous), and follow a path that's ideal for the particular mission—preferably by controlling an autopilot or applying information from navigation.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and system for improving real-time determination of flight parameters of an aircraft during flight. A selection module selects and delivers measured values of input parameters to an estimation unit, and the estimation unit uses the input parameters to estimate at least two selected flight parameters. The input parameters are received by the estimation unit on the basis of identified flight mechanics equations associated with the selected flight parameters. The estimation unit includes an extended Kalman filter, which is configured to receive the values of the input parameters and to output joint estimations of the selected flight parameters based on the flight mechanics equations, during the flight of the aircraft.

Abstract: Systems and methods for informing a pilot of an aircraft about a topographical condition of a runway are disclosed herein. The system includes, but is not limited to, an electronic data storage unit configured to store location information and topographical condition information for a plurality of runways, a position determining unit that is configured to determine a geographical location of the aircraft, a display unit that is configured to display a graphical image, and a processor that is operatively coupled with each of the other components. The processor is configured to obtain the geographical location of the aircraft, identify a runway that the aircraft is approaching, obtain a subset of the topographical condition information relating to the runway, and command the display unit to display a vertical profile of the runway including a graphic depiction of the subset of the topographical condition information.

Abstract: A navigation system determines its usage mode. In some embodiments, a method comprises determining a usage mode of a navigation system based on at least one of an acceleration indicator, a speed indicator, and a magnet sensor. The usage mode is at least one of a pedestrian mode, a vehicular mode, an aerial mode, a train mode, and a marine mode. The method further comprises configuring a navigation subsystem based on the usage mode.

Abstract: A multifunction airborne radar device includes a plurality of transmit antenna modules and/or receive antenna modules that are fixed relative to the aircraft, placed substantially over the surface of the aircraft so as to form transmit and receive beams, enabling targets to be detected for implementing a sense-and-avoid function. The airborne radar device may also comprise processing means for tracking the detected targets and for generating information sent to an air traffic control center and/or to a control device on board the aircraft. The processing device may also receive data relating to the aircraft, enabling the antenna beams to be adjusted and the tracking calculations to be refined.

Abstract: A method essentially comprising a step of storing each plot mesh. Each plot mesh receiving plots sent thereto by detector means and retaining in memory at least the altitude of the highest plot and the number of plots neighboring said highest plot in said mesh. The altitude and the number of plots neighboring are updated each time a new plot is sent to the plot mesh. A step of rejecting plot meshes is presenting a number of neighboring plots that is less than a predetermined rejection threshold value. The rejection threshold value is a function of the position of the mesh relative to the detector means. A step is preparing the local terrain elevation database from the plot meshes (M(i,j)) that are not rejected.

Abstract: A SAR image recorded by a reconnaissance system is transferred as a reference edge image together with the data of the trajectory as a reference. The signal of the infrared seeker head of the missile is converted into a virtual SAR edge image and compared to the SAR reference image to calculate the precise position of the missile.

Abstract: A method, system and computer readable media for route re-planning including generating enemy force movement predictions to be used during mission planning. During a mission, enemy force movements can be compared to the predictions. By using enemy force movement predictions for an initial comparison, the enemy force movements may only need to be compared to the own force mission plan if the enemy forces deviate from the predictions. When enemy force movement deviates from the predictions, new enemy force movement predictions can be generated. The new enemy force movement predictions can then be compared to the own force mission plan to determine if a route re-plan is needed. The route can be re-planned to determine a route that reduces or eliminates the chance of a lethal encounter with an enemy or threat.

Abstract: A method for calculating a navigation phase for a carrier, in a navigation system involving terrain correlation, includes determining a navigability map in which each point of interest of an onboard map is associated with a navigability score. The method is applicable to all terrain aided navigation techniques, and allows the consideration of the quality of the onboard maps and terrain sensors used.

Abstract: A method of determining an angle within the beam to a target using an airborne radar includes receiving first data associated with first returns associated with a first portion of an antenna. The method further includes receiving second data associated with second returns associated with a second portion of an antenna, wherein the first portion is not identical to the second portion. The method further includes determining the angle within the beam to the target using the first and second data.

Abstract: Methods for flying multiple aircraft in a predetermined formation in which a relative navigation grid is emitted from at least one of the aircraft, a spatial relationship is calculated based on the emitted relative navigation grid, and a relative position of at least one aircraft is altered to position the aircraft in the predetermined formation when the spatial relationship does not conform with the predetermined formation.

Abstract: Systems and methods for collision avoidance in unmanned aerial vehicles are provided. In one embodiment, the invention relates to a method for collision avoidance system for an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), the method including scanning for objects within a preselected range of the UAV using a plurality of phased array radar sensors, receiving scan information from each of the plurality of phased array radar sensors, wherein the scan information includes information indicative of objects detected within the preselected range of the UAV, determining maneuver information including whether to change a flight path of the UAV based on the scan information, and sending the maneuver information to a flight control circuitry of the UAV.

Abstract: Autonomous collision avoidance systems for unmanned aerial vehicles are disclosed. Systems illustratively include a detect and track module, an inertial navigation system, and an auto avoidance module. The detect and track module senses a potential object of collision and generates a moving object track for the potential object of collision. The inertial navigation system provides information indicative of a position and a velocity of the unmanned aerial vehicle. The auto avoidance module receives the moving object track for the potential object of collision and the information indicative of the position and the velocity of the unmanned aerial vehicle. The auto avoidance module utilizes the information to generate a guidance maneuver that facilitates the unmanned aerial vehicle avoiding the potential object of collision.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of processing an image sensed by an image sensor on board an aircraft fitted with an obstacle-locator system, in which the position and the extent of a zone in the sensed image, referred to as the zone of interest, is determined as a function of obstacle location data delivered by the obstacle-locator system, after which at least one parameter for modifying the brightness of points/pixels in said zone of interest is determined to enable the contrast to be increased in said zone of interest, and as a function of said modification parameter, the brightness of at least a portion of the image is modified.

Abstract: An aircraft avian radar is implemented using multiple axial beam antennas mounted on an aircraft. Target range is determined by radar range. Target azimuth and elevation position is determined by triangulation. An end-fire array antenna composed of a series of monopole antenna elements enclosed inside a long thin protective cover fashioned in the form of a stall fence is mounted on the wings, tail, or fuselage to produce a low drag axial beam antenna pattern directed ahead of the aircraft. Other axial beam antenna choices include helical, pyramidal horn, and conical horn antennas mounted on or inside various forward facing surfaces of the aircraft.

Abstract: Systems and methods for collision avoidance in unmanned aerial vehicles are provided. In one embodiment, the invention relates to a method for collision avoidance system for an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), the method including scanning for objects within a preselected range of the UAV using a plurality of phased array radar sensors, receiving scan information from each of the plurality of phased array radar sensors, wherein the scan information includes information indicative of objects detected within the preselected range of the UAV, determining maneuver information including whether to change a flight path of the UAV based on the scan information, and sending the maneuver information to a flight control circuitry of the UAV.

Abstract: In a method for aiding aircraft landing using a GPS and an MLS within the context of a computed axial approach, the method uses coordinates of an azimuth antenna and/or of an elevation antenna as a reference point for the computation of a position of the aircraft in a reference frame centered on the landing runway. This position of the aircraft is thereafter used to determine an angle of azimuth between a longitudinal axis of the landing runway and the aircraft.

Abstract: The general field of the invention is that of viewing systems of the synthetic vision type SVS, for a first aircraft, the said system comprising at least one cartographic database of a terrain, position sensors, for the said aircraft, an air traffic detection system calculating the position and the danger rating of at least one second aircraft exhibiting a risk of collision with the said first aircraft on the basis of data originating from sensors or systems such as TCAS or ADS-B, an electronic computer, a man-machine interface means and a display screen, the computer comprising means for processing the various items of information originating from the database, sensors and interface means, the said processing means arranged so as to provide the display screen with a synthetic image of the terrain comprising a representation of the said second aircraft.

Abstract: The invention notably relates to a method of detecting obstacles on the ground receiving an obstacle clearance sensor and a zone for extracting map data. The method comprises the following steps: extraction from an obstacle database of a list of pointlike obstacles; extraction from an obstacle database of a list of linear obstacles; determination, according to the obstacle clearance sensor, of the risks associated with the extracted pointlike obstacles and generation of a warning; determination, according to the obstacle clearance sensor, of the risks associated with the extracted linear obstacles, and generation of a warning. In particular, the invention applies to the calculation of the warnings relating to the risks of collision with pointlike or linear obstacles taking into account the path of the aircraft and the altitude of the obstacles.

Abstract: A yaw angle error of a motion measurement system carried on an aircraft for navigation is estimated from Doppler radar images captured using the aircraft. At least two radar pulses aimed at respectively different physical locations in a targeted area are transmitted from a radar antenna carried on the aircraft. At least two Doppler radar images that respectively correspond to the at least two transmitted radar pulses are produced. These images are used to produce an estimate of the yaw angle error.

Abstract: Systems include at least one electronic waveform processor operatively associated with at least one reflected signal electronic sensor and configured and programmed to generate an estimate of the range from an object to a target and an estimate of the closing velocity of the object to the target using a reflected signal. Systems use a non-linear swept electromagnetic FM signal.

Abstract: A method and device for detecting a risk of collision of an aircraft, having a profile unit having knowledge of the terrain profile, a determination unit for determining effective values of particular flight parameters, a checking unit for verifying whether a flight path determined by the effective values is compatible with the terrain profile, and a transmitting unit for emitting a warning signal in case of incompatibility. The checking unit includes at least one element for calculating a height variation due to an energy transfer and a total slope variation generated by a speed reduction, during an evasive action, an element deter mining an evasive course using the height variation, and an element verifying whether the evasive course determined is compatible with the terrain profile.

Abstract: A system(s) and method(s) of tracking a target(s). Systems include at least one electronic waveform processor operatively associated with an apparent emitted signal electronic sensor and a reflected signal electronic sensor and configured and programmed to generate an estimate of the range from an object to the target and an estimate of the closing velocity of the object to the target by processing a semi-active mode apparent emitted signal and a reflected signal.

Abstract: A method is provided for automatically controlling a first vehicle (follower vehicle) that is to follow a second vehicle (leader vehicle) in a desired manner with respect to movement of the second vehicle. In the follower vehicle, bearing and acceleration control inputs are generated based on data representing bearing and acceleration control inputs made at the leader vehicle and a position of the follower vehicle relative to the leader vehicle so as to mimic in the follower vehicle the bearing and acceleration control inputs made in the leader vehicle. Adjustments may be made to the control inputs applied in the follower vehicle based on deviation between the velocity of the follower vehicle and velocity of the leader velocity, and on deviation between estimated (actual) follow distance and lateral offset and target follow distance and lateral offset between the follower vehicle and the leader vehicle.

Abstract: A terrain awareness system includes a processor for receiving radar returns and providing terrain and/or obstacle alerts or warnings in response to the radar returns. The processor receives information from a database and the information is used to select the radar transmit function and/or the radar reception function to optimize the performance of the system.

Abstract: A system and method for labeling feature clusters in frames of image data for optical navigation uses distances between feature clusters in a current frame of image data and feature clusters in a previous frame of image data to label the feature clusters in the current frame of image data using identifiers associated with the feature cluster in the previous frame of image data that have been correlated with the feature clusters in the current frame of image data.

Abstract: A method is provided for automatically controlling a first vehicle (follower vehicle) that is to follow a second vehicle (leader vehicle) in a desired manner with respect to movement of the second vehicle. In the follower vehicle, bearing and acceleration control inputs are generated based on data representing bearing and acceleration control inputs made at the leader vehicle and a position of the follower vehicle relative to the leader vehicle so as to mimic in the follower vehicle the bearing and acceleration control inputs made in the leader vehicle. Adjustments may be made to the control inputs applied in the follower vehicle based on deviation between the velocity of the follower vehicle and velocity of the leader velocity, and on deviation between estimated (actual) follow distance and lateral offset and target follow distance and lateral offset between the follower vehicle and the leader vehicle.