Patent classifications
F41G3/145
Laser Sensor Stimulator
A laser sensor stimulator integrates laser units, an inertial measurement unit, a control unit, and ergonomic, modular design with GPS data feeds into a portable system that can be used to test energy sensors and warning devices and includes a user interface facilitates tracking and acquisition of items of interest by the laser sensor stimulator.
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.
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ILLUMINATING AND DESIGNATING OBJECTS THROUGH USE OF AN ADVANCED PHOTON EMITTER
A system, device and method are provided with a uniquely self-contained and ergonomic design for facilitating improved target illumination, particularly of objects (including targets and aimpoints for employment of weapons) in low-light conditions, through employment of a weapon-mounted photon-emitting device that houses an easily interchangeable plurality of separate photon emitters in a single package.
System and method for predictive compensation of uplink laser beam atmospheric jitter for high energy laser weapon systems
A system includes a target illumination laser (TIL) configured to illuminate an airborne target with a TIL beam. The system also includes a beacon illuminator (BIL) configured to transmit a spot of illumination to an expected location on the target, wherein the spot of illumination is more focused than the TIL beam. The system also includes a camera configured to receive an image of the spot reflected off the target. The system also includes a controller configured to determine an actual location of the spot on the target based on the received image. The controller is also configured to estimate a spot motion by correlating the actual location of the spot on the target with the expected location on the target. The controller is also configured to predict uplink jitter of a high energy laser (HEL) beam generated by a HEL based on the BIL spot motion, the uplink jitter caused by atmospheric optical turbulence.
Atmospheric jitter correction and target tracking using single imaging sensor in high-energy laser systems
A system includes a target illumination laser (TIL) configured to generate a TIL beam that illuminates a target and a beacon illumination laser (BIL) configured to generate a BIL beam that creates a spot on the target. The system also includes an imaging sensor configured to capture both (i) first images of the target containing reflected TIL energy from the TIL beam without reflected BIL energy from the BIL beam and (ii) second images of the target containing reflected TIL energy from the TIL beam and reflected BIL energy from the BIL beam. The system further includes at least one controller configured to perform target tracking using the first images and boresight error compensation using the second images.
COORDINATION OF PULSE REPETITION FREQUENCY (PRF) CODES IN LASER-GUIDED APPLICATIONS
A method includes removably coupling a projectile interface of a dongle to a dongle interface of a projectile. The method also includes loading a dongle code from the dongle onto the projectile. The dongle code identifies a pulse repetition frequency (PRF) code to be recognized by the projectile. The dongle code may be unique to an operator of the projectile. The method may further include, prior to loading the dongle code onto the projectile, loading an operator code onto the projectile, where the dongle code is loaded onto the projectile in response to the projectile authorizing the operator code. There may be a limited number of uses of the dongle code with different projectiles, and/or there may be a limited amount of time for using the dongle code. A companion electronic device may be used to authenticate the dongle.
System and method for tracking a target and for compensating for atmospheric turbulence
A system and a method for tracking a target and for compensating for atmospheric turbulence is described. In an embodiment, the system includes at least two light sources each emitting a light beam to the target; at least two collimators that collimate the light beam of the associated light source; and a reference device to reflect a portion of the light beam exiting from all the collimators. The system also includes: at least two targeting modules to lead the light beam from the light source to reach a predetermined zone of the target; at least two detection modules to receive and detect the portion of the beam reflected by the reference device; a module for determining angle of deviation; a module for determining phase deviation; and an adjustment module for adjusting each of the light sources in order to compensate for atmospheric turbulence.
Encoded signal detection and display
A target marking system includes a light source emitting a thermal beam having a predetermined temporal modulation, and an optics assembly directing the thermal beam to impact a target, the target directing radiation to the optics assembly in response to the impact. A portion of the radiation having the predetermined temporal modulation. The target marking system further includes a detector configured to distinguish the portion of the radiation having the predetermined temporal modulation from a remainder of the radiation, the portion of the radiation passing to the director through the optics assembly. The system also includes a readout integrated circuit, the detector directing an input signal to the readout integrated circuit, and the readout integrated circuit producing a digitally enhanced output signal in response to receipt of the input signal.
Laser Emitting Dart Apparatus and Method of Use
Disclosed is a laser emitting dart apparatus (LEDA) and method of use. The LEDA provides for a dart apparatus that, by emitting a laser beam from a tip of the dart and projecting a laser dot onto a selected target, facilitates a dart user’s aim by providing an indication of where the dart is likely to strike a selected target if the dart is thrown or projected in a substantially straight line from point of the user’s grasp to the indicated laser dot projected onto the target. The invention further contemplates various charging cases or dart cradles that provide an electrical source to recharge a battery of the LEDA when the LEDA is not in use.
RETROREFLECTOR ARRAY AND COVER FOR OPTICAL BULLET TRACKING
Systems, devices, and methods including a bullet; a retroreflector array adhered to a base of the bullet, the retroreflector array having prism facets with a periodicity between 0.2 mm-2.0 mm; and a cover disposed over the retroreflector array and hermetically sealed at the base of the bullet; where the cover is disposed over the retroreflector array in a first position prior to firing, and where the cover is released from the base of the bullet in a second position after firing.