Patent classifications
F41G3/145
SUPER-RESOLUTION AUTOMATIC TARGET AIMPOINT RECOGNITION AND TRACKING
A system includes at least one imaging sensor configured to capture images of a target. The system also includes at least one controller configured to generate super-resolution images of the target using the captured images and identify multiple edges of the target using the super-resolution images. The at least one controller is also configured to identify an aimpoint on the target based on the identified edges of the target. In addition, the at least one controller is configured to update the aimpoint on the target as the target moves over time. The system may further include a high-energy laser (HEL) configured to generate an HEL beam that is directed towards the target, and the at least one controller may be configured to adjust one or more optical devices to direct the HEL beam at the identified aimpoint on the target.
Machine to Machine Targeting Maintaining Positive Identification
A method of targeting, which involves capturing a first video of a scene about a potential targeting coordinate by a first video sensor on a first aircraft; transmitting the first video and associated potential targeting coordinate by the first aircraft; receiving the first video on a first display in communication with a processor, the processor also receiving the potential targeting coordinate; selecting the potential targeting coordinate to be an actual targeting coordinate for a second aircraft in response to viewing the first video on the first display; and guiding a second aircraft toward the actual targeting coordinate; where positive identification of a target corresponding to the actual targeting coordinate is maintained from selection of the actual targeting coordinate.
Shot Planning and Smart Bullets with Active Electronics
New systems, devices and methods for extremely precise aiming and shooting of firearms are provided. In some embodiments, predicted projectile impacts may be selected and adjusted, prior to execution. In some embodiments, a device including specialized computer hardware and software aids a user in planning a shot(s), evaluating the accuracy of the planned shot(s), adjusting the location of the planned shot(s), and executing the planned shots. In some embodiments, smart bullets with on-board electronics, active aerodynamics, and wireless communications capabilities adjust a flight path of the smart bullet in-flight, to match a selected target location and/or flight path. In some embodiments, an active firearm barrel may counteract and/or otherwise adjust for any other relevant ballistic and other accuracy-impacting factors with a position-actuable firing mechanism to maintain a projected flight path of such a point of impact.
THERMAL MARKING SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF CONTROL
A target marking system includes a light source configured to emit a beam of thermal radiation and to impinge the beam onto a target. The system also includes a detector configured to collect radiation passing from the target to the detector along a path. The radiation passing from the target in response to impingement of the beam onto the target. The system further includes an optics assembly disposed optically upstream of the detector along the path. The optics assembly includes at least one of an afocal power changer, a camera objective, a catadioptric lens, and a zoom system configured to condition the radiation passing from the target to the detector.
RECOIL SPRING GUIDE MOUNTED TARGET MARKER
In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a target marker for a firearm may comprise a module having a first portion, and a second portion electrically connected and coupled to the first portion. A light source may be disposed within and electrically connected to the second portion. An optical component may be coupled to the first portion at a first fixed distance from the light source. A circuit board may be electrically connected to the light source via at least one lead, wherein the lead may permit relative movement between the circuit board and the light source and may maintain a second fixed distance between the circuit board and the light source.
UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE
An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) adapted for transit in and deployment from a projectile casing is provided. The UAV includes a wing assembly coupled to the projectile casing and the wing assembly moveable between a closed position and a deployed position. The UAV further includes a propulsion system including at least one rotor disposed on the wing assembly to generate lift, wherein in the closed position, the wing assembly is substantially integral with the projectile casing and in the deployed position, the wing assembly is extended outwards from the projectile casing.
TARGET MARKING DEVICE AND TARGET TRACKING AND PROCESSING SYSTEMS COMPRISING SUCH A DEVICE
The target marking device (1) comprises a drone (2) which is provided with at least one transmitter (4), the transmitter (4) comprising an activation element (10) for activating it so that it transmits at a given time a signal (S) which represents a position information item, the transmitter (4) being configured to transmit at least one of the following signals: an infrared signal, a light signal, a sound signal, a signal generated by a chemical substance, the target marking device (1) being part of a target tracking system (6) and/or a target processing system which is provided with movable machinery (7).
Systems, methods and computer-readable media for improving platform guidance or navigation using uniquely coded signals
A spatially-distributed architecture (SDA) of antennas transmits respective uniquely coded signals. A first receiver having a known position in a coordinate system defined by the SDA receives reflected versions of the uniquely coded signals. A first processor receives the reflected versions of the uniquely coded signals and identifies a position of a non-cooperative object in the coordinate system. A platform with a platform receiver receives non-reflected versions of the uniquely coded signals. The platform determines a position of the platform in the coordinate system. In an example, the platform uses a self-determined position and a position of the non-cooperative object communicated from the SDA to navigate or guide the platform relative to the non-cooperative object. In another example, the platform uses a self-determined position and information from an alternative signal source in a second coordinate system to guide the platform. Guidance solutions may be generated in either coordinate system.
Beam director for high-energy laser (HEL) weapon
A beam director system for a high-energy laser (HEL) weapon includes correction sensors that are able detect misalignments in optical elements throughout the entire optical path traversed by the high-energy laser. The system includes beam correction sensors that sense misalignments in a first part of the optical path, and high-speed track sensors that sense misalignments in a second part of the optical path, with the first part and the second part overlapping. This allows all optics to be sensed by the beam correction sensors and/or the high-speed track sensors. The system can accommodate a wide variety of lasers for the HEL, preferably including a co-boresighted and aligned alignment laser. By having the track sensors further downstream on the optical path than in prior devices, the acquisition and track sensor fields of view of the system may be improved.
ENHANCED VISION SYSTEMS AND METHODS
An enhanced vision system includes a first optic subsystem and a transparent photodetector subsystem disposed within a common housing. The first optic subsystem may include passive devices such as simple or compound lenses, active devices such as low-light enhancing image intensifiers, or a combination of passive and active devices. The transparent photodetector subsystem receives the visible image exiting the first optic subsystem and converts a portion of the electromagnetic energy in the visible image to a signal communicated to image analysis circuitry. On a real-time or near real-time basis, the image analysis circuitry detects and identifies structures, objects, and/or individuals in the visible image. The image analysis circuitry provides an output that includes information regarding the structure, objects, and individuals to the system user contemporaneous with the system user viewing the visible image.