Electronics & Space Corporation

Esco Electronics Corporation

Engineered Support Systems, Inc.

Systems & Electronics, Inc.

Gary S Waldman

John R Wootton

Gregory L Hobson

David L Holder

Garret R Moddel

Asdrubal Garcia-Ortiz

R Joe Stanley

A light detecting device, particularly one which indicates illumination by a laser, and methods for its use. The device includes at least two light detectors which each comprise a light sensor and a light control filter. The light control filter includes microlouvers arranged so that the microlouvers of the two different light detectors are at different angles. The light detecting device may be used to determine the direction to the source of the light detected. Further, two or more devices may be combined into a system that allows for a user to determine the distance to the source of light, particularly laser light emitted by a laser rangefinder. The system is designed to be functional under combat or other battlefield conditions and relatively simple and inexpensive to manufacture.

Systems, methods, and devices for detecting light and determining its source

A method of authenticating a video image created by a camera (V) or similar video device. The image is formed into a first 2-dimensional pixel array (A ) with each pixel (p ) represented by a data word of a predetermined length. Additional data words including event information are added to this 2-dimensional array (A ). The formatted array is converted into a second 2-dimensional array (A ) which may be made smaller than the first array by eliminating rows and columns from the formatted array. A first linear vector (A ) is created using the data words in the second array, and a second linear vector (A ) is created by repositioning the data words from the first linear vector in a random pattern. A checksum is created by summing the contents of all of the data words in the second linear vector beginning at a location established by a pre-established formula. A header (H) is formed using the resulting checksum, information identifying the device used to create the image, and the time the image is formed. A cyclical redundancy check (CRC) is performed using all the data words in the formatted array (A ). Results of this operation are also included in the header. The header is attached to the formatted image and is transmitted and stored with the formatted image to subsequently authenticate the contents of the original image.

Authentication algorithms for video images

A method for effecting the desired optical characteristics of an optical system ( ) using phase diffractive optics. Incident light (B ) is directed onto a surface ( ) of a material ( ) whose index of refraction (n) is variable over the material. Passage of the incident light through the material effects the phase and amplitude of the light waveform. An optical map (O ) is determined for the surface of the material. This map comprises variations in the index of refraction over the material surface, and the map, in effect, represents any of a range of refractive and diffractive optical elements such as a mirror ( ), a lens ( ), or a diffraction grating ( ). The map is dynamically written onto the material to map the material such that the incident light's passage through the material corresponds to the passage of the light through the optical element currently emulated by the material. As a result, emergent light (B ) from the material has similar amplitude and phase characteristics as if the incident light had passed through the desired optical element.

Phase active diffractive optical method

A non-imaging traffic sensing system (,) employs three separate detectors (D,-D,) each positioned above a roadway (R) and spatially separated along the roadway. The detectors detect light reflected off the roadway surface. Each detector has its own field of view (FOV) of the roadway surface and a separate footprint (F,-F,) is defined on the surface by intersection of the respective fields of view with the surface. A disturbance passing over the roadway changes the amount of reflected light sensed by the detectors and the detectors generate respective signals indicative of the amount of reflected light they receive. A first pair of the detectors (D,, D,) measure the speed of a passing disturbance. A second pair of the detectors (D,D,) identify shadows so to eliminate their effects. The footprints defined by the fields of view of the second detector pair generally overlap. A processor (,) processes signals from the first detector pair to determine the speed of the disturbance. The processor further processes signals from the second detector pair to determine the disturbance's height. The disturbance is classified as vehicular if the height exceeds a predetermined threshold, but as a shadow if less than the threshold. This allows the effects of shadows on the roadway to be readily identified and distinguished from vehicle movement.

Rangefinder type non-imaging traffic sensor

A bulk mail processing system (,) conveys bulk mail containers (C) from a receiving station (R) at which the container is placed on a conveyor (,) to an unloading station (D) at which the contents of the container are dumped. A video camera (,) obtains an image of the container which is transmitted to a processor (,). The image is processed to determine if residual mail (M) is left in the container after it is emptied. A mechanism (,) removes the container from the conveyor, empties the container, and then returns the container back to the conveyor. A controller (,) controls operation of the emptying mechanism. The controller is responsive to an input from the processor that all the contents of a container have been removed to replace the empty container on the conveyor. The controller is further responsive to an input from the processor that there is residual mail left in the container to have the mechanism re-empty the container and so insure container is completely empty before being returned to the conveyor.

Residual mail detection and container alignment verification and method

This invention is a video security system (10) and a method for visually monitoring a scene and detecting motion of an intruder within the scene. A camera (C) continually views the scene and produces a representative signal. A processor (12) processes the signal and produces an image (f2) represented by the signal. This image is compared with a similar image (f1) of the scene from a previous point in time. Segments of the later image which differ from segments of the earlier image are identified. A discriminator (14) evaluates these segments to determine if the differences result simply from lighting changes, or the movement of an intruder within the scene as indicated by surface differences between segments of the respective differences. If caused by an intruder, an appropriate indication is provided. An algorithm is employed by which differences from one image to another caused by global or local lighting changes effects are identified so as not to produce false alarms.

Rejection of light intrusion false alarms in a video security system

A method of authenticating a video image created by a camera (V) or similar video device. The image is formed into a first 2-dimensional pixel array (A1) with each pixel (p.sub.m,n) represented by a data word of a predetermined length. This formatted array is converted into a second 2-dimensional array (A2) which may be made smaller than the first array by eliminating rows and columns from the formatted array. A first linear vector (A3) is created using the data words in the second array, and a second linear vector (A4) is created by repositioning the data words from the first linear vector in a random pattern. A checksum is created by summing the contents of all of the data words in the second linear vector beginning at a location established by a pre-established formula. A header (H) is formed using the resulting checksum, information identifying the device used to create the image, and the time the image is formed. The header is attached to the formatted image and is transmitted and stored with the formatted image to subsequently authenticate the contents of the original image.

Apparatus (10) for monitoring vehicle (V) usage on a roadway (H). An AC light source (12) comprises either an incandescent or gas discharge light source. The light source has a detectable AC ripple in its output. The light source is mounted or installed above the roadway surface on a conventional light standard (16) or highway information standard (18) such that the light source directs its rumination downwardly onto the roadway. A light detector (34) detects light reflected from off the roadway. Light from the light source together with the collection optics of the light detector define a 'footprint' (30) on the roadway surface and vehicles moving over the roadway pass over this footprint. The directed, reflected light has characteristics which are varied in response to passage of a vehicle over the roadway and through a path (X1, X2) of light between the source and detector. A processor (52) processes the reflected light and is responsive to variations in the characteristics of detected, reflected light caused by vehicle passage. The processor is capable of determining the number of vehicles passing over the roadway surface during a predetermined period of time, the speed of the vehicles, and the type of a vehicle. Further, the detector and processor are sensitive to changes in atmospheric conditions to adjust detection thresholds so the apparatus maintains its responsiveness to the passage of vehicles.

Non-imaging electro-optic vehicle sensor apparatus utilizing variance in

An apparatus for steering a beam of light. A volume of electro-optic, light transmissive material has a predetermined geometric shape, such as a wedge, and is positioned to intersect the beam of light so that the beam of light is directed into the material. The material has a first surface on which the beam of light is incident and a second surface opposite the first surface, the first and second surfaces defining a portion of the material therebetween having a thickness which varies with the beam of light passing through the portion of the material. A voltage source applies a potential difference across the portion of the material. A control circuit varies the magnitude of the potential difference applied to the portion of the material. As a result, the beam of light is deflected by an angle which is a function of the varying thickness of the portion of the material and the refractive index of the portion of the material as determined by the magnitude of the potential difference.

Electro-optic wedge structure for beam steering and method of manufacture

A system (10) for friend-or-foe identification (IFF) comprises an interrogator unit (18) carried on a first platform (T1) for generating and transmitting a laser beam. A control unit (22) selectively directs the transmitted laser beam toward a second platform (T2). A coding/decoding unit (28) encodes an IFF interrogator message with which a portion of the transmitted laser beam is modulated. A laser reflector (30) carried on the second platform receives the coded laser beam. The reflector is a normally passive reflector which is activated by receipt of the transmitted laser beam. The reflector responds to the IFF message contained in the received laser beam by modulating the unmodulated portion of the transmitted laser beam. This newly modulated portion of the laser beam is reflected back toward the first platform. The coding/encoding unit decodes on the first platform receives and the response, and determines if it corresponds to a predetermined response which identifies the second platform as a 'friend'.

Beam steered laser IFF system

A friend-or-foe (IFF) identification system (10) comprises a laser generator (12) for generating and transmitting a laser beam (B). A beam splitter (16) divides the laser beam into two beams. One of the beams (B1) is directed along a reference path (P). This beam is reflected back along the path by a mirror (24) positioned at the end of the path. The other laser beam (B2) is directed at an object (T) to be identified as a friend or foe. This second beam reflects off the object and the return, reflected beam is detected. The reflected beam includes a vibration signature of the object under investigation. The return beam and reference beam are processed together to correct the vibration signature of the object for arty distortions. This allows an accurate target signature to be obtained. Next, the target signature is compared against other signatures. The results of the comparison provide the IFF identification.

Laser vibrometer identification friend-or-foe (IFF) system

Apparatus (10) is provided for detecting an object (B) such as a xenon beacon on a missile (M) located within a defined field of view (FOV). The field of view is defined by an array (A) of pixels (P). A sensor (14) includes a detector (16) which repetitively scans the field of view to detect the presence of an object therein. The output of the sensor is converted for use in activating pixels in the array in response to the detection of the object. A processor (22), in response to the presence of the object, defines a pixel matrix within the array. This matrix includes the pixel for the detected object signature. The processor searches all the pixels within the matrix to identify a signature which matches a predetermined characteristic of the object. Identification of such a signature, helps particularly identify the object in the field of view. The processor then focuses on this pixel set, during subsequent scans, to track the object.

Controlled interlace for TOW missiles using medium wave infrared sensor

Apparatus (10) is provided for designating a plurality of objects (E1-E3) within a field of view (FOV) and for thereafter simultaneously tracking each of the objects. A field of view is first defined in which one or more objects may be located. A laser beam generator (12) generates a laser beam (B) and directs it into the field of view. A beam steering mechanism (14) steers the laser beam throughout the field of view for it to strike each of the objects appearing therein. A coder unit (22) generates a code uniquely designating each object. A multiple target tracker (20) thereafter simultaneously tracks each separate object. The tracker controls the steering mechanism to sequentially steer the laser beam to each designated object. The laser, via the steering mechanism, illuminates all, or one or more, of the desginated, tracked targets within the field of view.

Multiple designation missile system

A tracking system (10) is for use in a weapons system (W). The tracking system is used to assist a gunner (G) in designating and tracking a target which the gunner can fire upon using a weapon under his control. A laser (12) operating at a wavelength beyond the visible band (i.e., 70.7 um) projects a laser beam (B) at the target which illuminates a portion of the target struck by the beam. The laser is boresighted with the weapon and moves with it as the gunner tracks the target. A curved window is interposed between the laser and the target. The window (16) passes a portion of the incident laser beam on it for the laser beam to strike the target. The window also reflects a portion of the laser beam. The amount of the laser beam passing through the window is substantially greater than the portion reflected. The reflected portion of the laser beam reflects at an angle (.theta.) with respect to the incident beam. A sensing element (26) upon which the reflected portion of the beam impinges emits a visible spot of light. The sensing element is at, or near, the focal point of the window. A visible, virtual image of the target, which is at, or near, infinity, is now created. This visible image is observable by the gunner. The gunner maintains the laser beam on the target by moving his weapon as the target moves. Movement of the laser beam produces a corresponding movement of the virtual image.

Visualization device for near-IR laser designator

A 'hardware-in-the-loop' simulator (10) for training people in the use of a missile system to teach target acquisition, missile launch, and missile guidance under simulated battlefield conditions. A battlefield environment (E) including at least one target (T) movable therewithin is created by a simulation module (12). Missile system hardware (H) including the missile acquisition, tracking, and guidance portions is provided. An interface module (20) converts signals produced by the simulating module to an infrared image acceptable by the hardware. The resultant image represents a field-of-view (FOV), including the target, within the battlefield environment. An image module (32) produces a dynamic image representative of the missile's position in the field-of-view. This image is observable by the hardware which utilizes it to determine the position of the missile relative to the target. The hardware also determines if a missile guidance signal is to be sent to the missile to guide it to the target. If so, the interface module is responsive to the guidance signal to simulate, in real-time, the response of the missile to the guidance signal.

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St. Louis, MO, United States of America

Gary S Waldman