Described embodiments provide methods and apparatus for adjusting a line of sight to a target to compensate for drift. Embodiments can include an optical assembly configured and arranged for viewing an area including the target, a display window for viewing a line of sight to the target, one or more manual operator controls connected to a digital processor configured to adjust offsets to the line of sight, an automatic operating mode configured to automate adjusting the offsets to correct for drift bias of the line of sight to the target, and an operator control switch configured to switch the system between the automatic mode and a manual mode.

A method comprises operating a remote sensing vehicle comprising a host bus platform and a variable pitch instrument platform movably coupled to the host bus platform in at least one degree of freedom. The method comprises establishing a pointing position and scanning a target surface with the variable pitch instrument platform. The variable pitch instrument platform is dynamically movable relative to the host bus platform to vary the pointing position of the variable pitch instrument platform, thereby decoupling payload pointing from the host bus platform. Thus, payload data collection is independent of attitude control of the host bus platform. A method is provided of varying ground-sample-distance (GSD) value with a remote sensing vehicle. A remote sensing vehicle comprises a host bus platform and a variable pitch instrument platform for scanning or data collection of a target surface, and an dynamic coupling device (e.g., a gimbal(s)) movably coupling the variable pitch instrument platform to the host bus platform in at least one degree of freedom.

An optical lens stack includes an inner ring of a mounting structure containing axially spaced circumferential lens mounting surfaces on an inside diameter of the inner ring. The inner ring further includes a groove over a fixed axial length on the outer diameter. An outer ring formed to fit over the inner ring contains a groove on the inner diameter of the outer ring that corresponds to the groove on the inner ring and forms a circumferential cavity when the outer ring is mounted on the inner ring. The resulting cavity is filled with an energy absorbing material and serves as a vibration isolator for the lens stack.

Apparatus and methods are provided for providing persistent aerial vehicle surveillance capabilities, including launch and recovery platforms, secured communication, sensor systems, targeting systems, locating systems, and precision landing and stabilization systems for such uses as assisting with base defenses, monitoring parking lots or facilities, providing security monitoring, assisting farmers, performing recon of enemy beaches or use by mortar teams in hostile fields of operations. One embodiment can include an aerial surveillance system using an aerial short wave infrared surveillance system platform for use when quick response in reaction to real-time conditions is preferred while relaying the geo-location and other monitoring assistance via a wireless, fiber optic type link, or an ADHOC GPS system. Embodiments of this disclosure provides a user with precise targeting, without manned air assets, and a highly mobile base of operations with swift relocation possibilities in a denied or hostile environment.

An apparatus for improving a pointing capability of an optical pointing system includes a star tracker attitude control system for maintaining an alignment between the optical pointing system and a target, a beam steering mirror controlled by the star tracker attitude control system to direct an optical signal to impinge on the target, a fixed optical assembly configured to direct a portion of the optical signal from the bean steering mirror into a field of view of a star tracker telescope of the star tracker attitude control system, and a detector array for detecting the portion of the optical signal superimposed over a location in a current star scene in the star tracker telescope field of view, where the star tracker attitude control system is configured to operate the beam steering mirror to maintain the optical signal on the target by maintaining the superimposed signal on the location in the star scene.

Provided is a ground moving device comprising a stabilizer and a stabilizer-carrying assembly. The stabilizer is disposed on the carrying assembly. The stabilizer comprises: a fastening frame having a first connection portion connected to a first connection portion of the carrying assembly; and a mount having a first connection portion connected to a second portion of the fastening frame. When filming during motion is desired, a photographer fastens an image capturing device to the mount, and focuses on controlling the ground moving device to move forward, backward or rotate to achieve filming during motion, such that safety of the photographer and image quality are ensured. When photographers desire to film themselves, photographers can track and film themselves by means of employing a hand-held controller to remotely control the ground moving device or by means of remotely controlling a mount. Also provided is a mount and a robot head.

A reaction compensated steerable platform device is disclosed. The reaction compensated steerable platform device can include a base, a steerable platform movably coupled to the base, and a reaction mass movably coupled to the base. The reaction compensated steerable platform device can also include a primary actuator coupled to the steerable platform and the base to cause movement of the steerable platform. The reaction compensated steerable platform device can further include a secondary actuator coupled to the reaction mass and the base to cause movement of the reaction mass. In addition, the reaction compensated steerable platform device can also include a load sensor configured to provide feedback for actuation of the secondary actuator, such that the reaction mass moves to compensate for a load induced on a support structure by the movement of the steerable platform.

An apparatus for improving a pointing capability of an optical pointing system includes a star tracker attitude control system for maintaining an alignment between the optical pointing system and a target, a beam steering mirror controlled by the star tracker attitude control system to direct an optical signal to impinge on the target, a fixed optical assembly configured to direct a portion of the optical signal from the bean steering mirror into a field of view of a star tracker telescope of the star tracker attitude control system, and a detector array for detecting the portion of the optical signal superimposed over a location in a current star scene in the star tracker telescope field of view, where the star tracker attitude control system is configured to operate the beam steering mirror to maintain the optical signal on the target by maintaining the superimposed signal on the location in the star scene.

A mechanism for orienting a payload support includes first and second transversely deployed drive assemblies, each having a motor that drives a drive arm. The payload support is directly pivotally mounted to a first drive arm. Connection between the second drive arm and the payload support is via a coupling linked to the second drive arm via a coupling rotary joint, and to the payload support via a support rotary joint. Both the first drive arm and the second drive arm are supported relative to the frame by sets of two bearing assemblies located on opposite sides of the center of rotation. Each of the bearing assemblies is preferably implemented as a loaded duplex bearing assembly, and most preferably with a back-to-back loaded duplex bearing assembly on each axis.

The present embodiment relates to a sensor driving apparatus comprising: a first substrate including a first opening; a support member arranged at a position corresponding to the first opening; a first connector for electrically connecting the support member and the first substrate and elastically supporting the support member; a base coupled to the support member; a second substrate arranged on the base; an image sensor mounted on the second substrate; a second connector which is arranged on the base and electrically connects the second substrate and the first connector; a first driving unit arranged on the first substrate; and a second driving unit arranged on the base and facing the first driving unit.