Aerial Warfare Patents (Class 434/14)
  • Patent number: 11934155
    Abstract: A slotted timer teaches time in a simple manner to those having difficulty understanding the concept of time. The timer rotates a shaft which rotates a colored disk attached to the shaft. The initial position of the colored disk is manually set by an operator using a card residing in a slot extending across the top of the timer. The card may illustrate an activity to be completed in a time period set by the operator. Different cards may be used to indicate different activities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: Time Timer, LLC
    Inventors: David M. Rogers, Tricia L. Wright
  • Patent number: 11638875
    Abstract: A first game process that proceeds independently of a second game process related to opponents for a user is performed. State data indicating a second game state of the second game process related to each of a plurality of the opponents is sequentially acquired, and a display image including a first image reflecting a first game state of the first game process and a plurality of second images reflecting the second game states indicated by the state data is sequentially generated. At least one policy is selected on the basis of an operation by the user, a target is specified from among the plurality of the opponents on the basis of the selected policy, and an instruction that changes a game state of the target is made if a game state of the user satisfies a predetermined condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2023
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ryuichi Nakada, Kuniaki Ito
  • Patent number: 11556123
    Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) carries a camera, sends data from the camera, and receives commands. The UAV is connected to a messaging platform. Pictures or video clips received from the UAV are selected and placed in messages broadcast by an account associated with the UAV. Video footage from the camera is live-streamed in a card-type message. Account holders of the messaging platform may control the UAV with commands embedded in messages and directed towards an account associated with the UAV. Controllable elements of the UAV include UAV location, camera orientation, camera subject, UAV-mounted lighting, a UAV-mounted display, a UAV-mounted projector, UAV-mounted speakers, and a detachable payload. UAV control may be determined through democratic means. Some UAV functionality may be triggered through aggregated engagements on the messaging platform. The UAV may include a display screen and/or a microphone to provide for telepresence or interview functionality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: Twitter, Inc.
    Inventors: Ya-Ting Wang, Wayne Robins
  • Patent number: 10564643
    Abstract: Autonomous driving simulation using recorded driving data is disclosed. A method of simulating autonomous driving includes receiving recorded driving data from a recorded autonomous vehicle (AV), the recorded driving data includes decision-making data generated using a first decision-making algorithm, sensing data, and movement data including positions of the recorded AV; obtaining simulation data from the recorded driving data by excluding the decision-making data from the recorded driving data; and simulating, by a simulation AV, a second decision-making algorithm using the simulation data. The simulating the second decision-making algorithm includes determining a first position of the simulation AV at a first time and adjusting a playback speed of the simulation data based on a difference between the first position and a second position of the positions of the recorded AV at the first time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignees: Nissan North America, Inc., Renault S.A.S.
    Inventors: Richard Lui, Stefan Witwicki
  • Patent number: 10509669
    Abstract: Techniques for benchmarking pairing strategies in a task assignment system are disclosed. In one particular embodiment, the techniques may be realized as a method for benchmarking pairing strategies in a task assignment system comprising determining first and second pluralities of historical task assignments paired using first and second pairing strategies, respectively, during a first period, determining a value attributable to each task of the first plurality of historical task assignments and the second plurality of historical task assignments during a second period after the first period, determining a difference in performance between the first and second pairing strategies based on the value attributable to each task during the second period, and outputting the difference in performance between the first pairing strategy and the second pairing strategy for benchmarking at least the first pairing strategy and the second pairing strategy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: Afiniti Europe Technologies Limited
    Inventors: Zia Chishti, David Zachary Hudson, Phil Davis, Akbar A. Merchant, Ittai Kan
  • Patent number: 9584232
    Abstract: A computer simulates flight routes for simulated airborne transmitters across a spatial region divided into unit area tiles and over time based on actual aircraft flight plan data. The computer determines transmitter counts per tile per time interval based on the flight routes and assigns transmit parameters, including transmit message rates, to the transmitters. The computer determines transmit message rates per tile based on the transmitter counts and the transmit parameters. The computer generates, for a simulated receiver, an antenna pattern covering at least some of the tiles, and converts the transmit message rates of the covered tiles to a total effective receive message rate of interfering messages at the receiver. The computer determines a probability of successful detection of a desired message among the interfering messages at the receiver based on the effective receive message rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: Exelis Inc.
    Inventors: John Dolan, Michael A. Garcia, James Stafford, Antonio Scarciglia
  • Patent number: 9212872
    Abstract: A system for evaluating aircraft/watercraft/battle-vehicle survivability equipment comprising: (1) a Static Pyrotechnic Unit (SPTU) and a support stand; (2) a system of Short Range Simulating Rocket (SRSR) and a rocket launching apparatus; and (3) a control system that activates said Static Pyrotechnic Unit in (1) and said system SRSR in (2). When the Static pyrotechnic Unit is ignited, the resulting flash has an IR wavelength and multi spectral emission, intensity and time duration that simulate the initial flash created by a shoulder missile. When the Short Range Simulating Rocket is fired, the resulting radiation has an IR wavelength and multi spectral emission, intensity and time duration that simulates the radiation trail emitted from a fired shoulder missile. The flash created by the Static pyrotechnic Unit, and the trail emission of the Short Range Simulating Rocket are detected by the target survivability detection equipment, enabling the target to take protective measures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: ISRAEL MILITARY INDUSTRIES LTD.
    Inventors: Gabriel Tamir, Hagai Perkal
  • Patent number: 8834163
    Abstract: A network connects stations in a distributed physics based simulation system. When the simulation detects that a weapon, especially a missile or directed energy beam, is engaging a target vehicle, one physics station determines damage status of the target vehicle. The detonation or strike of the weapon is applied to a model of the vehicle composed of pieces each made up of a number of parts. Where the damage to a piece of the vehicle exceeds a predetermined threshold, the piece is removed from the vehicle, and where a predetermined maximum damage is reached for the vehicle, the vehicle is considered destroyed. The damage assessment from the weapon is made using raytracing in a physics engine that is also used to control movement of virtual objects in the simulation according to rules of physics of the physics engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: L-3 Communications Corporation
    Inventors: Eytan Pollak, Jack Charles Wells, II, Merrill Lay
  • Patent number: 8818655
    Abstract: An electronic transmission range selection system of a vehicle includes first and second input devices and first and second modules. The first input device is user actuatable to request operation of a transmission in reverse, neutral, and drive. The first module generates first signals based on a first position of the first input device. The second input device is different than the first input device and is user actuatable to request operation of the transmission in park. The second module generates second signals based on a second position of the second input device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Inventor: Orson S. Wang
  • Patent number: 8725472
    Abstract: A method for generating input information associated with a question to be provided to a simulation device on-board a platform. The question is elected among a plurality of questions. A simulation criterion corresponding to the simulation is determined. A simulation scenario is modified depending upon the question. The input information is generated depending upon the elected question and the simulation criterion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: SAAB AB
    Inventors: Hans-Ove Hagelin, Johan Ehlin
  • Patent number: 8714979
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for simulating a missile. A simulation program for a weapon using a processor unit is executed in a simulation unit. A number of input signals is received from a control station in a vehicle through an interface system connected to a weapons interface on the vehicle. The interface system is in communications with the processor unit. The control station is capable of operating the weapon connected to the weapons interface. A number of output signals is generated using a simulation of the weapon. The number of output signals is sent through the weapons interface to the control station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: James Victor Leonard, Robert Kastner Menzel, Richard E. Meyer, Aaron L. Eggemeyer, Joshua Ryan Pollema, William J. Ebert, III
  • Publication number: 20130137066
    Abstract: A network connects stations in a distributed physics based simulation system. When the simulation detects that a weapon, especially a missile or directed energy beam, is engaging a target vehicle, one physics station determines damage status of the target vehicle. The detonation or strike of the weapon is applied to a model of the vehicle composed of pieces each made up of a number of parts. Where the damage to a piece of the vehicle exceeds a predetermined threshold, the piece is removed from the vehicle, and where a predetermined maximum damage is reached for the vehicle, the vehicle is considered destroyed. The damage assessment from the weapon is made using raytracing in a physics engine that is also used to control movement of virtual objects in the simulation according to rules of physics of the physics engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: L-3 COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Eytan Pollak, Jack Charles Wells, Merrill Lay
  • Publication number: 20110143319
    Abstract: A system and method implemented on a computing device are provided to simulate trajectories of objects dispensed from a moving aircraft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventors: John O. Bennett, Brent A. Waggoner, James T. Sweeten
  • Publication number: 20100209880
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for simulating a missile. A simulation program for a weapon using a processor unit is executed in a simulation unit. A number of input signals is received from a control station in a vehicle through an interface system connected to a weapons interface on the vehicle. The interface system is in communications with the processor unit. The control station is capable of operating the weapon connected to the weapons interface. A number of output signals is generated using a simulation of the weapon. The number of output signals is sent through the weapons interface to the control station.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2009
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Inventors: James Victor Leonard, Robert Kastner Menzel, Richard E. Meyer, Aaron L. Eggemeyer, William J. Ebert, II, William J. Ebert, III, Joshua Ryan Pollema
  • Patent number: 7628688
    Abstract: An image data generator of this game apparatus generates, in a combat state, combat image data to display player's combat elements that executes a combat and opponent's combat elements fighting with the player's combat elements on the display unit in real time. This game comprises a distance detector that detects a distance between the player's combat element and the opponent's combat element at the time of changing a normal state to the combat state, and displays an initial image at the beginning of the combat state in accordance with the distance therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Inventor: Masahiro Hinami
  • Patent number: 7228261
    Abstract: Methods and systems for testing and diagnosis of weapon control systems are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus for testing a weapon control system includes an interface unit and a simulator unit. The interface unit is adapted to be operatively coupled to the weapon control system, and the simulator unit is operatively coupled to the interface unit. The simulator unit receives and analyzes a control signal, and transmits at least one of a first type of responsive signal indicative of a properly functioning component, and a second type of responsive signal indicative of a malfunctioning component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: James V. Leonard, William J. Ebert, Aaron L. Eggemeyer, Richard E. Meyer, Bobby J. Wilson
  • Patent number: 7052276
    Abstract: The invention relates to simulation of effects in a combat environment, wherein personnel, vehicles and buildings are exposed to simulated fire from military weapons. Direct fire and indirect fire are simulated by means of at least one of light rays and radio waves. Effects of attacking fire are registered by means of a target object device, which includes sensors adapted to detect the light rays respective the radio waves and are co-located with the target object (140). According to the invention the target object is associated to at least one protecting object located between the simulated fire and the target object if such object exists in the current combat situation. This enables a consideration to various protecting object— influence on the simulated fire and the effects on corresponding actual fire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: SAAB AB
    Inventors: Stefan Davidsson, Ulf Björkman, Ingemar Emricson, Peter Hermansson, Åke Jansson, Per Klahr
  • Patent number: 7024288
    Abstract: A method for generating predictions of rocket motor ballistic performance at specific firing temperatures and for generating data profiles for analysis. The method requires generally available specifications for the rocket motor to be tested and test data from one or more test firings at a known temperature. The method is implemented in software form and generates pressure and thrust versus time data at a selected temperature. The method generates a burnback profile with a correct final web that integrates to the correct final propellant weight as well as a throat area profile and thrust coefficient profile, for the test firing temperature and for the temperature to be predicted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: John M. King
  • Patent number: 6875019
    Abstract: An integrable naval virtual target range system and method provides three-dimensional graphical viewing capabilities of a virtual target range so that naval and fire support personnel can train together during both simulated and live fire exercises. The virtual target range system comprises a control subsystem having a computer system and a spotter subsystem for monitoring virtual impact points on the virtual target range. The target system may further comprise a buoy subsystem and/or an aerial vehicle subsystem, for use during live fire exercises, to locate ordnance impact points used for calculating the virtual impact points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: United Defense, LP
    Inventors: Paul C. Huang, Norman S. Scott, Omar A. Khan, Albert Sleder, Jr., David C. Heim
  • Patent number: 6763325
    Abstract: Enhanced realism of a real-time simulator having multiple computer-controlled units results from making the units capable of reacting to only those other units that each of them can be aware of because of their spatial relationships to the unit. Awareness is based upon probabilities; it can persist after a relationship changes; and it can be influenced by a unit's designation of a target. Each unit selects a target based upon a score incorporating multiple aspects of its tactical situation, and can change targets when the situation changes. A unit selects a strategy in response to which of a set of tactical configurations exist between the unit and its target; the strategy can change short of completion when the configuration changes. A plan produces guidance commands from the high-level strategy. The guidance commands are converted into control settings for guiding the subject unit using a physics engine for simulating the physical dynamics of the unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventor: Jeremy D. Stone
  • Patent number: 6669477
    Abstract: A time-difference process and apparatus for scoring supersonic aerial projectiles, such as military aircraft air-to-ground strafing projectiles fired at a strafe target, by detecting and measuring the acoustic shock waves propagated by the projectiles. The process and apparatus uses an array of at least six dynamic transducers to independently sample each projectile shock wave and transmit sampled signals to at least one all-purpose digital computer. The time-differences of arrival of the shock waves at each transducer are processed by an iterative algorithm implemented by the computer. The algorithm calculates projectile impact point, projectile velocity and other useful scoring data. The scoring data are used to quantitatively score the number of hits or misses by the strafing projectiles on the strafe target. Scoring data and other projectile data are selectably indicated to the operator by remote display and printout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Brian Lee Hulet
  • Publication number: 20030215771
    Abstract: An autonomous weapons system simulation is generated on board an aircraft and in flight, displaying virtual scenarios with a simulation of weapons systems on board the aircraft and computer-generated ground-to-air and air-to-air threats. The weapons system simulation system permits a real-time air combat training on board of combat aircraft which is carried out with and/or against computer-generated forces, and the implementation takes place by the integration of the crew in virtual scenarios with virtual partners, targets and enemies in the usual cockpit and display environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2003
    Publication date: November 20, 2003
    Inventors: Klaus H. Bartoldus, Dietrich Hartung, Herbert Eibl, Juergen Boehm, Martin Grieb, Hans Pongratz
  • Publication number: 20030008265
    Abstract: A time-difference process and apparatus for scoring supersonic aerial projectiles, such as military aircraft air-to-ground strafing projectiles fired at a strafe target, by detecting and measuring the acoustic shock waves propagated by the projectiles. The process and apparatus uses an array of at least six dynamic transducers to independently sample each projectile shock wave and transmit sampled signals to at least one all-purpose digital computer. The time-differences of arrival of the shock waves at each transducer are processed by an iterative algorithm implemented by the computer. The algorithm calculates projectile impact point, projectile velocity and other useful scoring data. The scoring data are used to quantitatively score the number of hits or misses by the strafing projectiles on the strafe target. Scoring data and other projectile data are selectably indicated to the operator by remote display and printout.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2001
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Inventor: Brian Lee Hulet
  • Patent number: 6199030
    Abstract: Enhanced realism of a real-time simulator having multiple computer-controlled units results from making the units capable of reacting to only those other units that each of them can be aware of because of their spatial relationships to the unit. Awareness is based upon probabilities; it can persist after a relationship changes; and it can be influenced by a unit's designation of a target. Each unit selects a target based upon a score incorporating multiple aspects of its tactical situation, and can change targets when the situation changes. A unit selects a strategy in response to which of a set of tactical configurations exist between the unit and its target; the strategy can change short of completion when the configuration changes. A plan produces guidance commands from the high-level strategy. The guidance commands are converted into control settings for guiding the subject unit using a physics engine for simulating the physical dynamics of the unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventor: Jeremy D. Stone
  • Patent number: 6195626
    Abstract: Enhanced realism of a real-time simulator having multiple computer-controlled units results from making the units capable of reacting to only those other units that each of them can be aware of because of their spatial relationships to the unit. Awareness is based upon probabilities; it can persist after a relationship changes; and it can be influenced by a units designation of a target. Each unit selects a target based upon a score incorporating multiple aspects of its tactical situation, and can change targets when the situation changes. A unit selects a strategy in response to which of a set of tactical configurations exist between the unit and its target; the strategy can change short of completion when the configuration changes. A plan produces guidance commands from the high-level strategy. The guidance commands are converted into control settings for guiding the subject unit using a physics engine for simulating the physical dynamics of the unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventor: Jeremy D. Stone
  • Patent number: 6116606
    Abstract: A glide target comprising a fuselage having forward and aft ends. Movably attached to the fuselage is at least one control surface, while releasably attached to the fuselage is a tow line adaptor. Disposed within the fuselage is a tow line adaptor release mechanism which mechanically couples the tow line adaptor to the control surface in a manner wherein the (control surface is effectively locked into a set position until the tow line adaptor is detached from the fuselage. The glide target further comprises a glide target parachute which is disposed within the fuselage and a parachute launching mechanism which is also disposed within the fuselage and is used for selectively deploying the glide target parachute therefrom. The tow line adaptor, when attached to the fuselage, is cooperatively engaged to the parachute launching mechanism in a manner preventing the deployment of the glide target parachute from within the fuselage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: Meggitt Defense Systems
    Inventors: Roger D. Brum, Bryan J. Martin
  • Patent number: 6069654
    Abstract: This invention relates to a system and method for far-field determination of store position and attitude for separation and ballistics. The aircraft is outfitted with two photogrammetric video cameras. The store is dropped from the aircraft and the cameras record data describing the descent of the store while the on-board avionics record data describing the flight path of the aircraft. Following the flight, the data are correlated using a computer to obtain a true store position vs. time while separating from the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: Andrew Moynihan
  • Patent number: 6053736
    Abstract: A training system for training AWACS weapons directors. The training system is programmed so that the student can select between a number of different training modes. These include interactive courseware, simulation, and live exercise modes. The system includes a voice recognition unit that is trained to recognize AWACS terminology and to interactively teach them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventors: Stephen D. Huffman, Bruce C. Montag, Sharon D. Long
  • Patent number: 5807109
    Abstract: An airborne avionics simulator system integrated into a low-cost host aircraft to simulate the avionics of a high performance aircraft. The simulated avionics system includes for example radar, radar warning, chaff, radar locks, weapons systems, electronic defensive systems, and navigation systems. The airborne avionics simulator system can be programmed with various scenarios, such as air-to-air or air-to-ground combat, navigational situations, aircraft malfunctions, and general training routines. A multi-function display provides for simulating the avionics of various high performance aircraft. Additionally, the cockpit of the host aircraft may be modified to simulate the control stick, throttle assemblies and other aspects of a particular high performance aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Assignee: B.V.R. Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Aviv Tzidon, Menachem Polak
  • Patent number: 5787333
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for aircraft survivability equipment training. The disclosure is particularly directed to the use of such an apparatus and method for multiple player training aircraft with a central controller. The threats are simulated by the central controller and transmitted to each player aircraft via encoded data packets. Additionally, electronic counter measures, counter measures and weapons initiation are simulated. A predictive threat intervisibility engine provides a realistic training situation by predicting each player aircraft's "line of sight" to an updated threat list and local terrain data, as the aircraft travels. Defeated threats are determined by the central controller based on simulated electronic counter measure models, simulated weapon systems activated from weapon controls, simulated counter measures activated by counter measure controls and aircraft dynamic data from the player aircraft's navigation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Assignee: Honeywell Inc.
    Inventors: John E. Rasinski, My Tran
  • Patent number: 5721680
    Abstract: A missile is tested by first stimulating the performance of missile built-in tests that are stimulated in service by signals from the launch site, and which tests do not require internal access to the missile. If performance is satisfactory, no further testing is required. If a condition of unsatisfactory missile performance is detected, an access cover is removed, connections are made to internal sources of data, and the built-in tests are repeated in order to determine which internal components caused the unsatisfactory missile performance. The component is repaired. The testing with the access cover removed is repeated, and, if the performance is satisfactory, the access cover is replaced and the testing with the access cover present is repeated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Assignee: Hughes Missile Systems Company
    Inventors: David P. Van Cleve, R. Winston Monk
  • Patent number: 5695341
    Abstract: A method and apparatus controls the display of information for troops and vehicles in a simulated battlefield. Rounds of munition are fired into the simulated battlefield and the effects of such munitions are displayed on the troops and vehicles display devices. These display devices include character displays for troops and display screen for vehicles. The text character display may include such information as damage assessment, weapon type, miss distance and miss direction. A screen display may be used for a vehicle display. The screen display depicts similar information as for the text character display, but in a graphical representation via icons representing various battlefield effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Richard FitzGerald, Craig Thomas Griffin
  • Patent number: 5624264
    Abstract: A missile launch simulator for testing the launch of a missile from a mise launcher on board an aircraft. The missile launch simulator emulates the functions of the missile's on board turbo generator by utilizing microprocessor controlled relays to provide phase A, phase B and phase C gyro drive signals to the missile's gyro when the umbilical cord connecting the missile to the launcher is opened during an emulated launch. The missile launch simulator also provides high voltage power to the missile's on board electronics after an emulated launch by utilizing microprocessor controlled relays and the missile launcher filament power to emulate the turbo generator's high voltage power signal which powers the missile's on board electronics after the missile is launched from the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1997
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Christian L. Houlberg
  • Patent number: 5591031
    Abstract: A missile simulator training apparatus (44) for pilot training of an aircraft of the type having at least one missile station, including a pre-launch module (10) for substantially simulating the pre-launch functions of a missile in response to data received from the aircraft. The apparatus also includes an inert factor formed missile body (32), thereby providing the apparatus with static and aerodynamic loads equivalent to that of an actual missile. The apparatus further includes a data link and data capture module (46) for recording all data transactions between the apparatus and the aircraft for post-flight analysis of aircraft and pilot performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Assignee: Hughes Electronics
    Inventors: Ronald W. Monk, David P. VanCleve, Robert J. Curry
  • Patent number: 5587904
    Abstract: An air combat monitoring system comprising a plurality of GPS receivers, mountable on a corresponding plurality of aircraft, an avionics monitor for monitoring the avionics systems of the plurality of aircraft, a memory for storing information received from the GPS receivers indicating the location of the plurality of aircraft and information received from the avionics monitor in order to provide a reviewable output indication of the performance of the plurality of aircraft and an information disseminator for communicating said information among said plurality of aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1996
    Assignee: Israel Aircraft Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Igal Ben-Yair, Haim Berger, Oleg Perelmuter
  • Patent number: 5556281
    Abstract: A method and apparatus controls the display of information for troops and vehicles in a simulated battlefield. Rounds of munition are fired into the simulated battlefield and the effects of such munitions are displayed on the troops and vehicles display devices. These display devices include character displays for troops and display screen for vehicles. The text character display may include such information as damage assessment, weapon type, miss distance and miss direction. A screen display may be used for a vehicle display. The screen display depicts similar information as for the text character display, but in a graphical representation via icons representing various battlefield effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1996
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark R. FitzGerald, Craig T. Griffin
  • Patent number: 5428530
    Abstract: A novel airborne reactive threat simulator is presented. The simulator comprises an aircraft flight and carrier qualified podded external store and a cockpit mounted system control box. The pod is capable of supersonic flight envelopes and houses a sophisticated, state-of-the-art, microprocessor controlled, programmable tracking radar system and associated data collection peripherals. The control box provides the operator/machine interface during system operation. The system operates from a library of preprogrammed scenarios, which are selected by the pilot of the aircraft during routine training/testing exercises. A threat simulation scenario is selected by the pilot as the pilot flies a predetermined profile mission against a target ship. The software routine is executed by the microprocessing system which in turn controls all system hardware components and peripherals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1995
    Assignee: Kaman Sciences Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin D. Brown, David D. Hill, Albert C. McGuire
  • Patent number: 5415548
    Abstract: In an improved system and method for simulating targets in which a target is moved across a background, background information and target information are stored in separate memories. Selected target information is supplied to selected background to create the simulation. The target memory contains two buffers which enables one frame of target information to be updated as a preceding frame is transmitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1995
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Inventor: Robert A. Adams
  • Patent number: 5378155
    Abstract: A combat training system which includes individual processing pods on each aircraft or combat platform. The pods use signals from GPS satellites to determine the position of the respective aircraft, communicate to signal ordnance launch, and determine hits or misses based upon stored missile models. The combat training system further accommodates electronic warfare training. Jamming indicators, including real or simulated jamming signals, are transmitted by a weapons platform or it corresponding pod. The receiving platform adjusts it own real or simulated transmission based upon the received transmission signal. Calculations of hits or misses are determined by the effects of the jamming.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1995
    Assignee: Teledyne, Inc.
    Inventor: Morton T. Eldridge
  • Patent number: 5344319
    Abstract: An airborne wind-driven electrical generator provides electrical current to the resistance wire of a smoke generator, which receives a smoke-producing fluid from a reservoir. A valve controls the flow of fluid to the smoke generator in response to control signals, which may indicate a simulated weapon firing or simulated weapon hit in an airborne weapon training system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1994
    Assignee: Cubic Defense Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Walter R. Manzke
  • Patent number: 5338199
    Abstract: The invention relates to a high speed aerial tow bag target of textile maial having a reduced aerodynamic drag provided with a frontside air entrance orifice and at least one air exit orifice at its tail. In order to reduce the drag of the tow bag and to improve its stability under flight condition the tail is provided with a contour tapering to the end of the bag and the hole area of the air exit orifices is made smaller than the cross section of the air entrance orifice at the front side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1994
    Assignee: Ingenieurburo fur Elektro-Mechanische Technologien Dipl-Ing Hartmut Euer
    Inventors: Hartmut Euer, Wilfried Baues, Joachim Wernicke
  • Patent number: 5326268
    Abstract: An acoustic training device for simulating the effects of an unexploded sunition in a tactical engagement simulation system generates an audible signal of a predetermined frequency and duration when handled or otherwise disturbed. A timing circuit allows the referee to place the armed device in the playing field without activating the audible signal. Exemplary submunitions include the M118 Rockeye with an integral horn, the blue series of spherical bomblets, and the M42/46 grenade submunition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1994
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Carl Campagnuolo
  • Patent number: 5308022
    Abstract: Kinematic data is generated onboard an aircraft for describing its state of motion as it flies over a tracking range. The kinematic data is transmitted to a plurality of remote stations on the tracking range and tracking data is generated which represents the actual state vector of the flying aircraft. Also generated is pseudo tracking data, identical to the tracking data but delayed in time, for representing the motion and trajectory of a pseudo aircraft. Utilizing the pseudo tracking data an image of the flying aircraft is generated from the viewpoint of the cockpit of the pseudo aircraft. A person may then view the image to observe the dynamics of the flying aircraft as if the person were chasing the actual aircraft in the pseudo aircraft. The method permits sophisticated maneuvers in the remote piloting of aircraft as well as flight performance analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1982
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1994
    Assignee: Cubic Corporation
    Inventors: Minton B. Cronkhite, Daniel N. Kamhis
  • Patent number: 5228854
    Abstract: A combat training system which includes individual navigation, communications and processing pods on each aircraft or combat platform. The pods use signals from GPS satellites to determine the position of the respective aircraft. Ordnance launch information is transmitted from an attack aircraft or other weapons platform to the target aircraft or other target platform. A target platform uses a trajectory model for the specific type of ordnance for determining the trajectory and the hit or miss of the ordnance. After the mission is completed, the recorded flight data is combined in a ground computer for reconstruction, review and training reinforcement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1993
    Assignee: Teledyne, Inc.
    Inventor: Morton T. Eldridge
  • Patent number: 5015187
    Abstract: A remote controlled helicoper having a video radio frequency link to a fixed control location has a video camera with a field of view including the terrain forward of the helicopter, an airspeed display, a relative wind direction indicator, and a pitch indicator. A video monitor at the fixed location displays received video signals of the terrain, airspeed, relative wind direction and pitch permitting control of the helicopter over a radio link from the fixed location to the helicopter. The system provides training, experience, and practice in operation of the helicopter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1991
    Assignees: Byron Hatfield, Ken Hudson
    Inventor: Douglas W. Lord
  • Patent number: 5002490
    Abstract: A system to simulate in-flight aircraft combat includes an energy sensitive switch intermediate a power source and signal generator. The switch has a first state which prevents the transmission of current from the power source to the signal generator and a second state which permits current to flow from the power source to the signal generator. The switch changes state when exposed to a given level of energy and permits current to flow to the signal generator which indicates a "hit". In a first embodiment, a sight is provided to align the attacking aircraft with the target. A trigger mechanism is mounted in the attacking aircraft which initiates the transmission of current from the power source to the signal generator. The optical switch changes state in response to exposure to energy emitted from an energy source mounted on the target. The pilot of the attacking aircraft trips the trigger when the target is aligned relative to the sight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1991
    Inventor: Michael E. Blackstone
  • Patent number: 4813877
    Abstract: A remote scoring system for an air-to-ground strafing range is disclosed which utilizes a pair of vector sensors for each target to pinpoint a target hit and/or miss by means of shell shock wave amplitude and time of arrival (TOA) differentials of the shock wave between the two sensors. The invention also encompasses at least one down range cease-fire sensor that utilizes a TOA of the shell shock wave and its respective muzzle blast to determine a ceasefire distance from the target. Unique signal processing of data is designed for immediate display and/or printout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1989
    Assignee: Del Mar Avionics
    Inventors: Clifford Sanctuary, Sean Amour, Shao-Rong R. Hsieh
  • Patent number: 4729737
    Abstract: A system for training aircrews, particularly aircrews of relatively slow-moving aircraft such as helicopters in laser/electronic warfare countermeasure tactics and the use of laser/electronic warfare countermeasure equipment is provided. The system is operable with the aircraft's instruments to present the simulated threats whenever such threats are both with the line-of-sight of, and within the presentation range of the aircraft. Accordingly, such a system includes a plurality of independently operating threat-simulating transmitter units simulating both stationary and non-stationary threats by broadcasting omnidirectional radio frequency signals over a common carrier frequency. On-board equipment, carried on the aircraft determines whether the aircraft is both within the line-of-sight and within presentation range to the threat based upon receipt of the transmitter unit signals and the location of the threats relative to that of the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 8, 1988
    Assignee: Teledyne Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Reagan, Theodore Nietzold
  • Patent number: 4695059
    Abstract: A hit indicating system in an aerial firing practice target to be towed comprises parallel connected resistance circuits the combined resistance of which is varied when any of the circuits is cut by a bullet, and this variation activates an ignition control unit comprising a differentiation circuit, a logic circuit, an output circuit, and optionally, a waveform shaping circuit, to transmit signals causing signal tubes to operate in sequence to emit flares or smoke preferably of significantly different hues indicating sequential hits to enable visual observation from aircraft at relatively remote positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1984
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1987
    Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masatoshi Yamashita, Norio Tsunoda
  • Patent number: 4443014
    Abstract: A device adaptable to inexpensive models to operate either in a mode of being attacked or an attack mode that permits sequential shooting of energy within a predetermined angle profile and, within range limits, the receipt of such energy whereupon visual indication of a successful attack can be indicated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1981
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1984
    Inventors: Bernard Kovit, Richard G. Koenig, Robert W. Kress