Bae Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.

Stuart M Lopata

Dale A Rickard

Robert T Carlson

Dennis P Bowler

David A Haessig, Jr

Daniel B Harrison

David C Donarski

Charles R Skarda

A cognitive scheduler and asset allocation system to optimize electronic warfare (EW) resource allocation in reaction to RF signals observed in real-time without the need for prior collected data and without a predetermined scan schedule. The EW system of the present disclosure may further provide optimum resource allocation to minimize response time and to more effectively react to agile threat systems in an area of operations.

Cognitive electronic warfare scheduler

A disclosed apparatus and method detect light source 'hotspots' and recognize laser communication signals within a scene, while minimizing repeat consideration of previously detected light sources. Local maxima are identified in pixel frames from a focal plane array (FPA), and compared with a table of previous detections. FPA frames can be used directly for hotspot detection, or successive FPA frames can be subtracted for edge detection. Most recent detection frame numbers, coordinates, signal values, and/or other information can be updated in the table upon repeat detection of a hotspot. Source identifying information can be included in the table for entries that are identified as laser communication signals. Source identifying features can be evaluated so that only signals of interest are saved in the table. Hotspots that remain undetected after a designated number of frames can be deleted from the table.

Apparatus and method for rapid identification of candidate laser communication beacons

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Totowa, NJ, United States of America

Stuart M Lopata