A method for encoding data defining an image is disclosed. The method comprises segmenting the image into image blocks, each image block having a uniform block size, and applying a pre-filter, the pre-filter being applied to a group of pixels spanning a boundary between two image blocks. A frequency- based transform is applied to each of the image blocks, thereby providing transformed image data in which the image data is represented as coefficients defining a linear combination of predetermined basis functions having different spatial frequencies. The coefficients are quantised and converted into binary code. The pre-filter is determined at least in part by an optimisation process based on a set of selected images.
H04N 19/117 - Filters, e.g. for pre-processing or post-processing
H04N 19/80 - Methods or arrangements for coding, decoding, compressing or decompressing digital video signals - Details of filtering operations specially adapted for video compression, e.g. for pixel interpolation
H04N 19/86 - Methods or arrangements for coding, decoding, compressing or decompressing digital video signals using pre-processing or post-processing specially adapted for video compression involving reduction of coding artifacts, e.g. of blockiness
A method for encoding data defining an image is disclosed. The image is segmented into image blocks, each image block having a uniform block size. A frequency-based transform to is applied to each of the image blocks, thereby providing transformed image data in which the image data is represented as coefficients defining a linear combination of predetermined basis functions having different spatial frequencies. The blocks of transformed image data are partitioned into one or more sets of blocks, and each set of blocks is further partitioned into a plurality of slices of blocks. Each slice consists of a number of consecutive blocks in the set, and comprises a reference block. The coefficients in subsequent blocks are represented as a prediction based on the coefficients in the reference block. The coefficients are then quantised, and converted into binary code.
H04N 19/645 - Methods or arrangements for coding, decoding, compressing or decompressing digital video signals using transform coding using sub-band based transform, e.g. wavelets characterised by ordering of coefficients or of bits for transmission by grouping of coefficients into blocks after the transform
H04N 19/66 - Methods or arrangements for coding, decoding, compressing or decompressing digital video signals using error resilience involving data partitioning, i.e. separation of data into packets or partitions according to importance
A method for encoding data defining an image is disclosed. The method comprises segmenting the image into image blocks; and applying a frequency- based transform to each of the image blocks, thereby providing transformed image data in which the image data is represented as coefficients defining a linear combination of predetermined basis functions having different spatial frequencies. The coefficients for each block are converted into binary code, and concatenated to form a bit stream. The bit stream is interleaved to distribute the bit stream across a number of data packets; and the data packets are stored. A platform comprising an image sensor, an image processor, and a transmitter is also disclosed. The image processor is configured to receive data defining images from the image sensor and to encode the data according to the above method before passing the data packets to the transmitter.
H04N 19/60 - Methods or arrangements for coding, decoding, compressing or decompressing digital video signals using transform coding
H04N 19/66 - Methods or arrangements for coding, decoding, compressing or decompressing digital video signals using error resilience involving data partitioning, i.e. separation of data into packets or partitions according to importance
H04N 19/88 - Methods or arrangements for coding, decoding, compressing or decompressing digital video signals using pre-processing or post-processing specially adapted for video compression involving rearrangement of data among different coding units, e.g. shuffling, interleaving, scrambling or permutation of pixel data or permutation of transform coefficient data among different blocks
A method for encoding data defining an image is disclosed. The image is segmented into image blocks, each image block having a uniform block size. A frequency-based transform is applied to each of the image blocks, thereby providing transformed image data in which the image data is represented as coefficients defining a linear combination of predetermined basis functions having different spatial frequencies. The coefficients are quantised and converted into binary code. The conversion comprises application of binary arithmetic coding using a probability model. The probability model is learnt based on a sample set of representative images.
H04N 19/645 - Methods or arrangements for coding, decoding, compressing or decompressing digital video signals using transform coding using sub-band based transform, e.g. wavelets characterised by ordering of coefficients or of bits for transmission by grouping of coefficients into blocks after the transform
H04N 19/82 - Methods or arrangements for coding, decoding, compressing or decompressing digital video signals - Details of filtering operations specially adapted for video compression, e.g. for pixel interpolation involving filtering within a prediction loop
H04N 19/85 - Methods or arrangements for coding, decoding, compressing or decompressing digital video signals using pre-processing or post-processing specially adapted for video compression
There is disclosed a method for encoding data defining an image. The method comprises segmenting the image into image blocks, each image block having a uniform block size; and applying a frequency-based transform to each of the image blocks. Application of the transform results in transformed image data in which the image data is represented as coefficients defining a linear combination of predetermined basis functions having different spatial frequencies, with each block of transformed image data having one coefficient for a zero frequency basis function, and a plurality of coefficients for higher frequency basis functions. The coefficients for higher frequency basis functions are grouped into one or more sub-bands. The blocks of transformed image data are grouped into slices, and the coefficients are converted into binary code. The conversion into binary code uses an allocation method to allocate bits associated with coefficients in each sub-band in a slice amongst a number of bins such that the bins each have substantially the same predetermined bin length. Bits associated with each sub-band in each slice are assigned to one of the bins; and if the number of bits in a first bin is greater than the predetermined bin length, they are transferred bits to a second bin in which the number of bits is less than the predetermined bin length.
H04N 19/645 - Methods or arrangements for coding, decoding, compressing or decompressing digital video signals using transform coding using sub-band based transform, e.g. wavelets characterised by ordering of coefficients or of bits for transmission by grouping of coefficients into blocks after the transform
H04N 19/66 - Methods or arrangements for coding, decoding, compressing or decompressing digital video signals using error resilience involving data partitioning, i.e. separation of data into packets or partitions according to importance
A method for encoding data defining an image is disclosed. The image is segmented into image blocks, each image block having a uniform block size. A frequency-based transform is applied to each of the image blocks, thereby providing transformed image data in which the image data is represented as coefficients defining a linear combination of predetermined basis functions having different spatial frequencies. Each block of transformed image data comprises one coefficient for a zero frequency basis function, and a plurality of coefficients for higher frequency basis functions, and plurality of coefficients for higher frequency basis functions are grouped into one or more sub-bands. The blocks of transformed image data are grouped into slices, each slice comprising a plurality of blocks of transformed image data. The coefficients of a first sub- band of each block in a slice are concatenated, and converted into binary code using binary arithmetic coding, and an end-of-slice codeword is inserted at the end of the sub-band. The concatenation and conversion to binary is repeated for all the sub-bands in the slice, and then for all slices of the transformed image data.
H04N 19/645 - Methods or arrangements for coding, decoding, compressing or decompressing digital video signals using transform coding using sub-band based transform, e.g. wavelets characterised by ordering of coefficients or of bits for transmission by grouping of coefficients into blocks after the transform
H04N 19/66 - Methods or arrangements for coding, decoding, compressing or decompressing digital video signals using error resilience involving data partitioning, i.e. separation of data into packets or partitions according to importance
H04N 19/68 - Methods or arrangements for coding, decoding, compressing or decompressing digital video signals using error resilience involving the insertion of resynchronisation markers into the bitstream
A method for encoding data defining an image is disclosed. The method includes providing metadata associated with the image, encoding the metadata into binary code to form a metadata string, and repeating the metadata string a number of times. A method of decoding a bitstream to reconstruct an image is also disclosed. The method comprises identifying, in the bitstream, a metadata string containing bits relating to metadata associated with the image; determining the number of times the metadata string is repeated; and, for each bit in the metadata string, applying a voting procedure to determine the value of each said bit.
H04N 19/645 - Methods or arrangements for coding, decoding, compressing or decompressing digital video signals using transform coding using sub-band based transform, e.g. wavelets characterised by ordering of coefficients or of bits for transmission by grouping of coefficients into blocks after the transform
H04N 19/60 - Methods or arrangements for coding, decoding, compressing or decompressing digital video signals using transform coding
A method for encoding data defining an image is disclosed. The image is split into a number of image portions. Each portion is segmented into image blocks, each image block in the portion having a uniform block size. A frequency-based transform is applied to each of the image blocks, thereby providing transformed image data in which the image data is represented as coefficients defining a linear combination of predetermined basis functions having different spatial frequencies. The coefficients are quantised, and converted into binary code. Each of the image portions being processed independently of the other image portions.
H04N 19/645 - Methods or arrangements for coding, decoding, compressing or decompressing digital video signals using transform coding using sub-band based transform, e.g. wavelets characterised by ordering of coefficients or of bits for transmission by grouping of coefficients into blocks after the transform
H04N 19/66 - Methods or arrangements for coding, decoding, compressing or decompressing digital video signals using error resilience involving data partitioning, i.e. separation of data into packets or partitions according to importance
There is disclosed apparatus for providing an interface between a missile and a launch platform. The apparatus comprises one or more rocket motors, and a jettison device operable to jettison the apparatus from the missile. The apparatus is configured to launch from the launch platform with the missile and to jettison from the missile after operation of the rocket motors. A missile adapted to be launched with the apparatus is also disclosed.
There is disclosed an apparatus for compiling an image. The apparatus comprises a deflector, a detector, and a processor. The detector is operable to deflect light incident thereon by a controllable angular deflection, and is arranged to receive light from a field of view, which field of view is moveable within a field of regard by controlling the angular deflection. The detector is arranged to receive deflected light from the deflector and is operable to output an image component composed from the deflected light. The processor is arranged to control the angular deflection so as to select a part of the field of regard to be received at the detector, thereby selecting the size and/or position of an image component within the field of regard; and to receive a sequence of such image components from the detector. The apparatus is configured to receive each image component passively, and the processor is operable to compile the sequence of image components to form a composite image of at least a part of the field of regard. A method for compiling an image is also disclosed.
G02B 26/08 - Optical devices or arrangements for the control of light using movable or deformable optical elements for controlling the direction of light
H04N 23/58 - Means for changing the camera field of view without moving the camera body, e.g. nutating or panning of optics or image sensors
H04N 23/698 - Control of cameras or camera modules for achieving an enlarged field of view, e.g. panoramic image capture
A shielded apparatus (101) comprising a device (103) and a shield (105), and a method of producing a shielded apparatus. The device (103) attenuates x-rays by different amounts in different parts of the device (103), providing a first span of x-ray attenuations. The shield (105) comprises a layer of x-ray attenuating material (109) that attenuates x-rays by an amount that varies across the shield (105), providing a second span of attenuations. The second span of attenuations has a magnitude between 20% and 120% of the magnitude of the first span of attenuations.
F41H 3/00 - Camouflage, i.e. means or methods for concealment or disguise
G01N 23/04 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups , or by transmitting the radiation through the material and forming images of the material
H05K 9/00 - Screening of apparatus or components against electric or magnetic fields
The present disclosure relates to a foldable moveable member for an air vehicle. The moveable member comprises a sheet, the sheet comprising a first portion, a second portion, and a fold region. The first portion is connected to the second portion via the fold region, and the fold region comprises a plurality of holes such that the stiffness of the fold region is lower than the first or second portion. The fold region forms a continuous surface between the first and second portion.
A radiation detector is disclosed. The detector comprises: a conversion device configured to develop a voltage when subject to incident radiation; and a switch operable configured to move between a first state and a second state when triggered by a threshold voltage. The conversion device is connected to the switch such that, when the threshold voltage is developed across the conversion device, the switch is triggered to move from the first state to the second state. The detector further comprises an interrogation circuit operable to determine whether the switch is in the first state or the second state, thereby to determine whether the detector has been subjected to a threshold level of radiation associated with the threshold voltage. A system comprising radiation sensitive apparatus and the radiation detector is also disclosed.
An electronic unit for a missile comprising a potted electronics in a housing; the unit being adapted to compensate for a difference in coefficient of thermal expansion between the potted electronics and the housing, the unit further comprising; a first ramp; and a second ramp slidably arranged against the first ramp, wherein the first and second ramps are disposed within the housing, the first or the second ramp abutting the potted electronics so as to provide an interference fit between the potted electronics and the housing; wherein the first ramp and second ramp each comprise a coefficient of thermal expansion selected to maintain the interference fit between the potted electronics and the housing throughout a temperature range.
Method of and system for monitoring mechanical fatigue of a complex weapon system. First, data representing a movement of the complex weapon system is acquired (101). On the basis of the acquired data, a measure of mechanical fatigue damage to the complex weapon system arising from the movement is calculated (109). On the basis of that calculated measure, a cumulative total of the mechanical fatigue damage accrued by the complex weapon system is updated (113) to account for the mechanical fatigue damage arising from the movement.
A method of actuating an article using a servo actuation system is disclosed. The system comprises a motor, a controller and an inverter. The controller comprises a position controller, a velocity controller and a current controller; the position controller outputs velocity demands to the velocity controller, the velocity controller outputs current demands to the current controller, and the current controller outputs voltage demands to the inverter. The inverter outputs inverted voltage demands to the motor. The method comprises: determining a parameter downstream of the inverter; calculating a limiting value from the parameter and a defined supply power limit; and applying the limiting value in the controller to ensure that the power drawn by the servo actuation system remains within the defined supply power limit.
H02P 21/05 - Arrangements or methods for the control of electric machines by vector control, e.g. by control of field orientation specially adapted for damping motor oscillations, e.g. for reducing hunting
H02P 21/22 - Current control, e.g. using a current control loop
A method of controlling a servo actuation system in a missile is disclosed. The method comprises estimating a temperature of a motor comprised in the servo actuation system from a plurality of motor parameters; and controlling the motor based at least in part on the estimated motor temperature.
A safety assembly for use with a laser-directed energy weapon is disclosed. The assembly comprises a control system comprising a photodetector and a processing unit; and an optical device configured to attach to a target such that, when attached, the optical device provides a light beam to the photodetector. The processing unit is arranged to compare the received light beam against one or more predetermined attributes, and to permit the laser-directed energy weapon to fire only when the received light beam is determined to have the one or more attributes.
The present disclosure comprises an evaporative cooling assembly (200) for cooling an apparatus (220), and a method for cooling an apparatus (220). The evaporative cooling assembly comprises a refrigerant tank (202), the refrigerant tank (202) containing refrigerant (204). The apparatus also comprises a first evaporator (210) configured to be positioned proximal to the apparatus (220), and a second evaporator (216) positioned to cool the refrigerant tank (202). Each of the first evaporator (210) and the second evaporator (216) are in fluid communication with the refrigerant tank (202), and the second evaporator (216) is positioned downstream of the first evaporator (210). The method for cooling a heated apparatus (220) comprises passing a refrigerant (204) from a refrigerant tank (202) to a first evaporator (210), which is located proximal to the apparatus (220). At least part of the refrigerant is evaporated, and then passed to a second evaporator (216), which is positioned to cool the refrigerant tank (202).
The invention provides an exhaust nozzle assembly 200 for an air vehicle, comprising an assembly body 202, defining one or more openings 300 for receiving exhaust, and a plurality of nozzles 210a, 210b, 210c, 210d, each nozzle being arranged to receive exhaust gases at an entrance 240 of the nozzle, and exhaust those exhaust gases from an exit 250 of the nozzle, wherein at least one of the plurality of nozzles is rotatably mounted to the assembly body and rotatable with respect to the assembly body between a first position 214 and a second position 217, wherein a variation of the angle 216 of a nozzle axis at the exit of the rotatably mounted nozzle, between the first and second positions, is at least 25 degrees. The invention also provides other exhaust nozzle assemblies, air vehicles and methods of manufacturing or controlling an air vehicle.
F02K 9/84 - Rocket-engine plants, i.e. plants carrying both fuel and oxidant therefor; Control thereof characterised by thrust or thrust vector control using movable nozzles
F02K 9/88 - Rocket-engine plants, i.e. plants carrying both fuel and oxidant therefor; Control thereof characterised by thrust or thrust vector control using auxiliary rocket nozzles
F42B 10/66 - Steering by varying intensity or direction of thrust
21.
METHOD OF CONTROLLING SELF-PROPELLED FLYING DEVICES
A method of controlling a self-propelled flying device that seeks a target. A desired time to reach the target is obtained. The position of the target is acquired. A bias value is calculated, and the flight of the device towards the target is adjusted for a period of time using the bias value. The bias value is calculated so that the device reaches the target at the desired time.
A countermeasure (200) for use against a vehicle having an electric motor comprising at least one magnet. The countermeasure (200) comprises an ejection system (205) comprising a plurality of pieces of magnetic material (203). The ejection system (205) is configured to release the plurality of pieces (203) in response to receipt of a trigger signal (209). Also a method of disrupting the operation of a vehicle having an electric motor comprising at least one magnet using an ejection system (205) containing a plurality of pieces (203) of magnetic material. The method comprises detecting the vehicle; receiving, at the dispersal system, a trigger signal (209); in response to the receipt of the trigger signal (209), the ejection system (205) releasing the plurality of pieces (203); some of the plurality of pieces (203) being attracted to the magnet, sticking to the magnet, and thereby obstructing the motor.
F42B 12/56 - Projectiles, missiles or mines characterised by the warhead, the intended effect, or the material characterised by the warhead or the intended effect for signalling for dispensing discrete solid bodies
F42B 12/50 - Projectiles, missiles or mines characterised by the warhead, the intended effect, or the material characterised by the warhead or the intended effect for signalling for dispensing gases, vapours, powders or chemically-reactive substances by dispersion
F41H 11/02 - Anti-aircraft or anti-guided missile defence installations or systems
An acousto-optic device is disclosed. The device comprises: an optically transmissive element to receive a beam of light at an input surface, the beam being received from a direction defining an optical axis; a set of acoustic transducers spaced around the element; and a controller operable to activate the transducers to generate an acoustic wave travelling through the device to intersect with the optical axis. The controller is further operable to selectively activate a first subset of the set of transducers such that the acoustic wave propagates in a selected direction. Each of the set of acoustic transducers is differently orientated such that the selected direction is controllable through the selection of first subset of transducers from the set of transducers, and the device is thereby operable to control the direction in which the beam of light is deflected in two dimensions. A method of operating the device is also disclosed.
There is disclosed a missile comprising an outer skin, an electronics unit, and a thermal link between the electronics unit and the outer skin. The thermal link comprises a jumping drop vapour chamber arranged such that, when the outer skin is at an elevated temperature relative to the electronics unit, the electronics unit is thermally insulated from the outer skin; and such that, when the outer skin is at a lower temperature relative to the electronics unit, the electronics unit is thermally linked to the outer skin.
The invention relates to a method of determining the relative positions of components of a munitions system, the munitions system comprising a first component (331) and at least one second component (333). The method comprises monitoring the output of a resonant circuit (305) provided on a first component (331), the resonant circuit (305) having a resonant frequency, detecting a change in the output due to a change in the resonant frequency caused by a change in the relative positions of the first component (331) and the at least one second component (333), and using the detected change to determine that the at least one second component (333) has moved relative to the first component (331).
G01V 3/10 - Electric or magnetic prospecting or detecting; Measuring magnetic field characteristics of the earth, e.g. declination or deviation operating with magnetic or electric fields produced or modified by objects or geological structures or by detecting devices using induction coils
There is disclosed a device for determining a strength of an oscillating electric field. The device comprises an absorber to absorb radiation at the frequency of the oscillating electric field, and a thermal insulator transparent to radiation at the frequency of the oscillating electric field, which thermal insulator is arranged to thermally insulate the absorber. The device also comprises a first temperature sensor arranged to measure the temperature of the absorber, and a second temperature sensor arranged to measure the temperature external to the thermal insulator. Methods of measuring electric field using such a device, and methods of calibrating such a device, are also disclosed.
A method of operating a carriage store (420), mounted on a platform (410), comprising communicating between the carriage store (420) and the platform (410) using Zenneck surface waves (460). A carriage store (420) is also described for mounting on a platform (410), the carriage store (420) including a transmitter (430a and 430b) and/or receiver (430a and 430b) configured to communicate with the platform (410) using Zenneck surface waves (460).
B64D 1/10 - Stowage arrangements for the devices in aircraft
B64D 7/02 - Arrangement of military equipment, e.g. armaments, armament accessories, or military shielding, in aircraft; Adaptations of armament mountings for aircraft the armaments being firearms
H04B 5/00 - Near-field transmission systems, e.g. inductive loop type
An imaging device and a method of imaging are disclosed. The device includes an array of liquid crystal cells, each providing a phase shift to electromagnetic radiation passing through the cell; control electronics for controlling the phase shifts provided by each of the liquid crystal cells; a detector; and an image processor for generating an image from electromagnetic radiation detected by the detector. The array of cells form a plurality of patches; and the control electronics is configured to control the phase shifts of the cells of each patch to form each patch into a respective lens that focuses electromagnetic radiation towards the detector such that the patches form an array of lenses. A method of imaging is also disclosed.
G02F 1/29 - Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the position or the direction of light beams, i.e. deflection
A cover for an intake of an air-breathing engine in a missile is disclosed. The cover comprises a motive arrangement operable to move from a first configuration in which the cover is lockable to a missile, to a second configuration in which the cover is pushed outwardly from the missile. In the first configuration, the surface of the cover is flush with the surface of the missile and the motive arrangement is located inwardly of the cover surface. A missile provided with such a cover is also disclosed.
A circuit assembly (200) is disclosed comprising a substrate (210) and conducting layers (250) on opposing sides of the substrate (210), there being at least one via (220) through the substrate (210), which via (220) forms a conductive path between the conducting layers, wherein the substrate (210) is a foam substrate, and wherein the via (220) is provided with a solid dielectric lining (270) plated with a conducting material (250).
A cover for an intake of an air-breathing engine in a missile is disclosed. The cover comprises a closure for closing the inlet so as to prevent ingress of debris; and a fastening attachable to an aircraft-mounted launcher and configured such that the cover remains attached to the aircraft on launch of the missile.
F02K 9/78 - Rocket-engine plants, i.e. plants carrying both fuel and oxidant therefor; Control thereof combined with another jet-propulsion plant with an air-breathing jet-propulsion plant
F02C 7/055 - Air intakes for gas-turbine plants or jet-propulsion plants having provisions for obviating the penetration of damaging objects or particles with intake grids, screens or guards
A mission planning method for use with a weapon is disclosed. The method comprises:obtaining a first training data set describing the performance of the weapon; using the first training data set and a Gaussian Process (GP) or Neural Network to obtain a first surrogate model giving a functional approximation of the performance of the weapon; and providing the first surrogate model to a weapons system for use in calculating a performance characteristic of the weapon during combat operations.
An inductive power transfer system (1) for coupling a power source to a load across an air gap (11) is disclosed. The system (1) comprises a primary unit (3) associated with a host platform and a secondary unit (5) arranged to receive power transmitted inductively from the primary unit (3). The primary unit (3) includes a phase detection circuit (21) configured to detect phase changes in a signal in the primary unit (3) indicative of changes in an operating condition within the secondary unit (5), and a drive circuit (17). The drive circuit (17) is configured to adjust the power level transmitted to the secondary unit (5) depending on the detected phase.
H02J 50/12 - Circuit arrangements or systems for wireless supply or distribution of electric power using inductive coupling of the resonant type
H02J 50/80 - Circuit arrangements or systems for wireless supply or distribution of electric power involving the exchange of data, concerning supply or distribution of electric power, between transmitting devices and receiving devices
H02J 7/02 - Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries for charging batteries from ac mains by converters
An interferometric position sensor for sensing the position of an object is disclosed. The position sensor comprises a light source arranged to emit light, a beam splitter, and a detector array. The beam splitter is arranged to split the light between first and second optical paths, which are configured such that the split light is recombined so as to form an optical interference pattern dependent on the difference between the optical path lengths of the first and second optical paths. The detector array is arranged to measure the intensity of at least a part of the optical interference pattern. At least one of the first and second optical path lengths is arranged to be dependent on the position of the object, such that changes in the optical interference pattern can be related to changes in the position of the object.
A method of targeting a missile. A plurality of images of a target, taken from a plurality of viewpoints, are received. Features in the images characteristic of the target are identified. Data representing the characteristic features are provided to the missile to enable the missile to identify, using the characteristic features, the target in images of the environment of the missile obtained from an imager included in the missile.
G06K 9/46 - Extraction of features or characteristics of the image
G01C 11/08 - Interpretation of pictures by comparison of two or more pictures of the same area the pictures not being supported in the same relative position as when they were taken
A target designator for a guided weapon is disclosed. The designator has a sight arranged to display, in operation, a reticule superimposed upon a field of view. The reticule is moveable within the field of view. The designator further comprises an eye tracker operable to track the gaze of the operator whilst the operator uses the sight. The eye tracker communicates with the sight such that the reticule moves so as to be aligned with the direction of the gaze of the operator.
In a method of carrying a munition (100) on a munition launcher platform (200), the munition launcher platform (200) is provided with a data tag activator and a data tag reader (210). A munition (100) is attached to the munition launcher platform (200), the munition (100) being provided with a data tag (120). An activation signal is transmitted from the data tag activator (210) to the data tag (120). As a result of receiving the activation signal, the data tag (120) returns a data response to the data tag reader (210). The receiving of the data response provides the munition launcher platform (200) with an indication that the munition (100) is still attached to the munition launcher platform (200).
Monopulse radar apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a digital processor and an antenna having a plurality of receive channels through which signals received by the antenna are passed to the processor. Each receive channel includes an analogue to digital converter, and the processor is arranged to calculate sum and difference signals from the signals received through each receive channel. The processor is also arranged such that, in the event that a malfunction is detected in one of the plurality of receive channels, compensated sum and difference signals are calculated by the processor using the signals from the remaining, functioning receive channels.
Apparatus for monitoring a building having a plurality of rooms. A plurality of beacons is each arranged to transmit a light output signal. The apparatus also comprises a plurality of waveguides suitable for deployment in the building so that each of the plurality of rooms has at least one of the waveguides arranged to receive the light output signal from one or more of the beacons when said one or more of the beacons is active in that room. There is at least one signal capture unit arranged to receive, via the waveguides, the light output signals resulting from the beacons in the rooms. A signal processor is arranged to distinguish, in use, the light output signal from a first beacon in a first room from the light output signal from a second beacon in a second, different, room.
G08B 13/186 - Actuation by interference with heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength; Actuation by intruding sources of heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength using active radiation detection systems by interruption of a radiation beam or barrier using light guides, e.g. optical fibres
A method of detecting light is provided. The method includes the step of providing an integrating container and arranging at least two sensors of a first type such that the sensors receive light from the interior of the integrating container.
G01S 3/784 - Systems for determining direction or deviation from predetermined direction using amplitude comparison of signals derived from static detectors or detector systems using a mosaic of detectors
A composite reactive material for use in a munition is disclosed. The composite reactive material comprises a metal lattice structure having interstitial spaces and a powder in the interstitial spaces. The powder comprises at least one metal powder and/or at least one halogen-containing polymer powder.
C06B 27/00 - Compositions containing a metal, boron, silicon, selenium or tellurium or mixtures, intercompounds or hydrides thereof, and hydrocarbons or halogenated hydrocarbons
C06B 45/00 - Compositions or products which are defined by structure or arrangement of component or product
A method of correcting errors in the output of an image detector is disclosed. The method comprises measuring an output signal (Vm) of a capacitor (Csh) holding a voltage corresponding to a signal detected by the image detector;comparing the value of output signal (Vm) to the value of the previously measured output signal (Vm-1) of the capacitor (Csh);calculating the error in the output signal (Vm) using a predetermined correction factor and the difference between the value of the output signal (Vm) and the value of the previously measured output signal (Vm-1); and providing a corrected output value (Vcrt) in accordance with the calculated error. Detectors, methods of calibrating detectors, image correction apparatus and guidance systems comprising the detectors are also disclosed.
H04N 5/3745 - Addressed sensors, e.g. MOS or CMOS sensors having additional components embedded within a pixel or connected to a group of pixels within a sensor matrix, e.g. memories, A/D converters, pixel amplifiers, shared circuits or shared components
H04N 5/359 - Noise processing, e.g. detecting, correcting, reducing or removing noise applied to excess charges produced by the exposure, e.g. smear, blooming, ghost image, crosstalk or leakage between pixels
43.
METHOD OF MANUFACTURING CERAMIC MATRIX COMPOSITE OBJECTS
A method of manufacturing ceramic matrix composite objects is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of providing first and second substantially two dimensional arrangements of one or more fibre plies, and machining the first and second arrangements to predetermined configurations to form first and second preforms. The second preform is made to conform to a surface of the first preform such that at least some of the fibres of the second preform are orientated at least partially in a plane outside that defined by the fibres of the first preform, and fixed to the first preform to form a combined first and second preform. The combined first and second preform is rigidised. Ceramic matrix composite objects manufactured by this method are also disclosed.
A ground-based source (12) of a jamming signal capable of disrupting a GNSS satellite-based navigation system, for example a GPS jammer, is located with a detector (20, 22, 24) carried by a suitable platform (10), for example an airborne UAV or missile. The detector, when the platform (10) is at a first location (16a),measures a characteristic of the jamming signal. The platform (10) and its detector are then moved to a chosen second location (16b),from which a further measurement of the jamming signal is made. The measurements made by the detectorare then used to determine the location of the source (12) of the jamming signal.
In an image-processing method, a stack is provided for storing a predetermined number of frame portions. An image including a target object is obtained, the image being formed by an array of pixels. A frame portion is extracted from the image, the frame portion being at least a portion of the pixels forming the image, corresponding to a region of interest in the image, the region of interest comprising the target object. The frame portion is stored in the stack, the storing including discarding an oldest previously stored frame portion from the stack if the number of frame portions stored in the stack has reached the predetermined number. The steps of the method are repeated a plurality of times. Frame portions in the stack having a phase substantially equal to a given phase are averaged. A super-resolved image is calculated from the plurality of stored frame portions.
In a method of tracking an object, a plurality of images of a target object is obtained. A super-resolved image of the target object is calculated from the plurality of images. A further image of the target object is obtained. The further image is correlated with the super-resolved image, in order to identify the location of the target object in the further image.
An image-processing method includes obtaining an image including a target object, the image being formed by an array of pixels. A current frame portion is extracted from the image, the frame portion being at least a portion of the pixels forming the image, corresponding to a region of interest in the image, the region of interest comprising the target object. A previously calculated current super- resolved frame portion is provided, corresponding to the region of interest in the image. An updated super-resolved frame portion is calculated from the current frame portion and the current super-resolved frame portion.
Thrust flow powered vehicle (100) comprising a first thrust flow expeller (130) for expelling a first thrust flow in a first direction, a second thrust flow expeller (131) for expelling a second thrust flow in a second direction, the second direction being a different direction to the first direction but sharing a plane with the first direction, a thrust flow deflector surface (124) at an angle to the plane of the first and second directions, and an outlet portion for providing an output thrust flow, such that, in use, the thrust flow deflector surface deflects at least a portion of both the first and second thrust flows to form the output thrust flow such that the output thrust flow has a component in the plane of the first and second directions, and a component out of that plane.
F02K 9/80 - Rocket-engine plants, i.e. plants carrying both fuel and oxidant therefor; Control thereof characterised by thrust or thrust vector control
F02K 9/90 - Rocket-engine plants, i.e. plants carrying both fuel and oxidant therefor; Control thereof characterised by thrust or thrust vector control using deflectors
F02K 1/00 - Plants characterised by the form or arrangement of the jet pipe or nozzle; Jet pipes or nozzles peculiar thereto
A sensor (20) for a missile seeker includes a primary, concave, reflector (40) that is reflective to RF waves (70) and to another kind of waves (90), but that includes a transmissive region (100), through which RF waves (70) can pass. A secondary, convex, reflector (50) is reflective to RF waves (70) but transmissive, and not reflective, to the other kind of waves (90), and is arranged facing the primary reflector (40) to further reflect RF waves (70) reflected by the primary reflector (40) through the transmissive region (100) of the primary reflector (40). An RF detector (60) is arranged on the opposite side of the primary reflector (40) from the secondary reflector (50) and arranged to detect the RF waves (70) reflected by the secondary reflector (50) through the transmissive region (100) of the primary reflector (40). A second detector (80), for detecting the other kind of waves (90), is arranged on the opposite side of the secondary reflector (50) from the primary reflector (40) and is arranged to detect the other kind of waves (90) after they are reflected by the primary reflector (40) and transmitted through the secondary reflector (50).
A method of conducting a strike against a target (1) using a designator (3) and a missile (5). The following steps are conducted: (i) the designator (3) designates the target (5) using a first signal (7), such as a laser; (ii) the missile (5) detects the laser (7') reflected off the target (1); (iii) after detecting the reflected laser, the missile (5) emits a second signal (9), such as a LADAR signal, to designate the target (1); (iv) the missile (5) tracks the so-designated target; (v) the designator (5) detects the LADAR signal (9") reflected off the target (1); and (vi) in response to detecting the reflected LADAR signal (9"), the designator stops the designation of the target (1). This may enable the designator (3) to perform other tasks, whilst the missile (5) tracks and engages the target.
An imaging apparatus and method are provided for improving discrimination between parts of a scene enabling enhancement of an object in the scene. A camera unit (12) is arranged to capture first and second images from the scene (8) in first and second distinct and spectrally spaced apart wavebands. An image processing unit (14) processes the images so captured and processes polarimetric information in the images to enable better discrimination between parts of the scene. An image of the scene, including a graphical display of the polarimetric information, may be displayed on a visual display unit (16) thus enhancing an object in the scene for viewing by a user. Correlation parameters indicating, possibly on a pixel-by-pixel basis, the correlation between the actual image intensity (30) at each angle of polarisation and a modelled expected image intensity may be used to enhance the visibility of an object.
A launch assembly for launching a weapon (3) from an air vehicle, the launch assembly comprising a rail (1), and a weapon (3), such as a missile, configurable to be moved along the rail (1) from: a stowed position in which the weapon (3) is stowed and is facing a first direction, to a release position in which the weapon (3) is about to be released and is facing a second direction. The rail (1) is curved such that the second direction is different to the first direction. For example the pitch of the weapon may change.
In a method of guiding a missile in flight to a target (Fig. 1), the location of the missile and the range to the target are measured at a plurality of moments during the flight of the missile (step 10). The location of the target is calculated from the measured ranges and the measured missile locations (step 20). A required velocity vector angle is calculated from the calculated location of the target and a guidance law (step 30). A lateral acceleration required to provide the missile with a velocity oriented to the target at the required velocity vector angle is calculated for the missile (step 40). The missile is caused to accelerate with the calculated lateral acceleration, so that the missile to follows a trajectory according to the guidance law (step 50).
A radar receiver (200) comprises an analogue receiver (230) for receiving a radar echo signal and a digital receiver (240). The digital receiver (240) includes an analogue-to-digital converter (300A-D) arranged to receive and sample an IF analogue signal from the analogue receiver (230). The sampling is undersampling according to the Nyquist criterion, so that a plurality of IF digital signals are produced, in different Nyquist zones, including one or more aliased IF digital signal. The digital receiver (240) is arranged to select an IF digital signal from the one or more aliased digital signals.
A building comprising a plurality of rooms (10) includes a room occupancy sensing apparatus. A light source (20) emits a series of light pulses (22), a plurality of waveguides deliver light from the light source to output nodes (60) located in the rooms, and a signal capture unit (30) receives output signals resulting from light reflected by objects in the rooms. The apparatus detects movement, of for example a person (40), in a room and ascertains the room concerned by virtue of (i) detecting a difference between the shape of the waveform of the signal (24 i) received at the signal capture unit (30) in response to a first emitted light pulse and the shape of the waveform of the signal (24m) received at the signal capture unit in response to a second emitted light pulse and (ii) relating said reflected light pulses to the appropriate output node and therefore to the room (10) associated with that output node (60).
G08B 13/186 - Actuation by interference with heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength; Actuation by intruding sources of heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength using active radiation detection systems by interruption of a radiation beam or barrier using light guides, e.g. optical fibres
G08B 13/187 - Actuation by interference with heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength; Actuation by intruding sources of heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength using active radiation detection systems by interference of a radiation field
G01S 7/483 - RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES - Details of systems according to groups , , of systems according to group - Details of pulse systems
G01S 17/02 - Systems using the reflection of electromagnetic waves other than radio waves
56.
INFRARED OBJECTIVE FOR USE IN A REMOTE SENSOR PLATFORM
Objective lens (10) for focusing infrared images in a remote sensor platform and comprising an athermalised triplet (20) consisting of a doublet (30) and a rear lens (40), the doublet (30) consisting of a first lens (50) made of a chalcogenide and a second lens (60) made of germanium.
A method and device for simulating a light source (1) having a light intensity profile that varies in time. The method includes the steps of: providing a light source (1); using a mask (5) to at least partially block light (3) emitted by the light source (1); and adjusting the position of the mask (5) in accordance with an electrical signal representative of the light intensity profile so as to adjust the extent to which the mask (5) blocks light (3) from the light source (1), and thereby providing the light intensity profile that varies in time. The device comprises: a mask (5) to at least partially block light (3) from a light source (1); and an actuator for adjusting the position of the mask in accordance with an electrical signal representative of the light intensity profile so that the extent to which the mask blocks light from the light source is adjustable to provide the light intensity profile that varies in time.
A chamber (10) for EMC-testing electrical and electronic apparatus comprises a plurality of EM-field-reflecting ferromagnetic boundary sheets (40) connected to define an inner surface of the chamber (10) suitable for substantially containing an EM field. The chamber (10) also comprises a plurality of tiles (100), each tile (100) comprising an EM-field-absorbent material (110) and a magnetic backing material (150). The tiles (100) are detachably attached to the ferromagnetic boundary sheets (40) by the magnetic backing material (150). The plurality of tiles (100) are arranged to cover substantially the whole inner surface of the chamber (10). By attaching and removing the plurality of tiles (100) from the inner surface of the chamber (10), the chamber (10) can be converted from an EMC anechoic chamber to an EMC reverberation chamber (also known as a mode-stirred or mode-tuned chamber) and vice versa, respectively.
A phased-array RF pulse generator(90), comprises a video-pulse generator(20)arranged to generate video pulses (60) each having a leading edge. An array of nonlinear and dispersive transmission lines(130a-c), are arranged to generate RF pulses from the video pulses(60). At least one sensor (165a-c) is arranged to detect the leading edge of the video pulses (60) after they have passed along the transmission lines(130a-c). A phase controller (160) is arranged to set the velocity of the video pulses (60) in each transmission line (130a-c) to put the detected leading edges, and hence the generated RF pulses, into a desired phase relationship.
H03K 3/45 - Generators characterised by the type of circuit or by the means used for producing pulses by the use, as active elements, of non-linear magnetic or dielectric devices
H01Q 3/26 - Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system varying the distribution of energy across a radiating aperture
H03H 7/34 - Time-delay networks with lumped and distributed reactance
H03K 3/80 - Generating trains of sinusoidal oscillations
IMPERIAL COLLEGE OF SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY AND MEDICINE (United Kingdom)
Inventor
Machell, Anthony
Hussain, Mohammed Azad
Robinson, Paul
Maples, Henry Alexander
Bismarck, Alexander
Tridech, Charnwit
Abstract
A morphing skin for an air vehicle structure, the skin being formed by a composite material (1) comprising: a multiplicity of fibres (3), a matrix (5) incorporating the fibres, and a thermo-sensitive material (7) such as a thermo-plastic. The thermo-sensitive material (7) is reversibly transitionable in response to a change in temperature, between (i) an ambient temperature mode in which the thermo-sensitive material is capable of transferring loads in the composite material, and (ii) a heated mode in which the ability of the thermo-sensitive material to transfer the loads is reduced. This allows the stiffness of the skin to be temporarily reduced to enable the skin to be morphed into a different shape.
B29C 61/06 - Making preforms having internal stresses, e.g. plastic memory
B29C 70/88 - Shaping composites, i.e. plastics material comprising reinforcements, fillers or preformed parts, e.g. inserts characterised primarily by possessing specific properties, e.g. electrically conductive or locally reinforced
An apparatus comprises a coded-aperture mask configured to form a coded image, an imager arrange to record the coded image, a decoder configured to decode the coded image using a plurality of decoding masks, and an image processor. The decoder is configured to form a plurality of different sets of first, second and third decoded images using a plurality of different sets of first, second and third decoding masks. The image processor identifies focused portions of the decoded images, and forms a composite focused image from the identified focused portions of the second decoded images.
In a method of operating an electrical drive system (10) that includes an electric motor (70), the electric motor (70) comprises an armature, which is mounted on a stator, and a rotor. Aligning the stator flux with the rotor flux enables current to flow in the armature without inducing torque on the rotor shaft (80). The method may be used, for example, in testing the electrical drive system (10). The electric drive system (10) can carry full rated current yet produce little or no torque, thereby increasing the current that can be tested during electrical drive test procedures, compared with prior-art procedures, without producing undesired forces or motion. The method may be used, for example, in heating the electric motor (70), for example for the purpose of de- icing. Again, the invention may enable the electric drive system (10) to carry full rated current yet produce little or no torque, thereby allowing the current to be used to generate heat in the motor (70).
H02P 21/00 - Arrangements or methods for the control of electric machines by vector control, e.g. by control of field orientation
H02P 21/04 - Arrangements or methods for the control of electric machines by vector control, e.g. by control of field orientation specially adapted for very low speeds
H02P 29/00 - Arrangements for regulating or controlling electric motors, appropriate for both AC and DC motors
A guided munition (10) includes a warhead (20) within the nose section (60) and processing electronics (30) arranged within the munition (10) behind the warhead (20). A plurality of sensors (50) are arranged within the nose section (60) for sensing a target. The sensors (50) are remote from but in communication with the processing electronics (30).
F42B 12/10 - Projectiles, missiles or mines characterised by the warhead, the intended effect, or the material characterised by the warhead or the intended effect of armour-piercing type with shaped or hollow charge
A bomb for deployment from an air vehicle includes a rocket motor (1) for propelling the bomb. The rocket motor includes propellant (5) which at least partially defines a void (11) downstream of an initial burning surface. As the propellant (5) is burned the void 11 will be exposed, increasing the surface area of the burning surface (9) of the propellant (5) to increase the thrust of the rocket motor.
In method of communicating with a deployed communication system, for example a transponder (40), a response signal is received from the transponder (40) in response to an interrogation signal that has been transmitted to the transponder (40) at a first carrier frequency (210). The response signal comprises (i) the interrogation signal shifted by the transponder to a second, different, carrier frequency (220), the second carrier frequency (220) being separated from the first carrier frequency by a shift frequency, (ii) a message signal from the transponder (40), carried on the shifted interrogation signal (220), and (iii) unwanted signals, at the first carrier frequency (210), resulting from reflections of the interrogation signal. A low-pass filter (110) has a cut-off frequency lower than the shift frequency. The response signal is mixed with a signal at a frequency separated from the second carrier frequency by no more than the cut-off frequency of the low-pass filter (110) minus half the bandwidth of the message signal to produce a downshifted signal comprising the shifted interrogation signal further shifted to a frequency lower than the cut-off frequency and the unwanted signals shifted to a frequency (210') higher than the cut-off frequency. The low-pass filter (110) is used to remove the unwanted signals from the downshifted signal and thereby to produce a filtered downshifted signal. The message signal is extracted from the filtered downshifted signal.
G01S 13/75 - Systems using reradiation of radio waves, e.g. secondary radar systems; Analogous systems using transponders powered from received waves, e.g. using passive transponders
H04B 1/30 - Circuits for homodyne or synchrodyne receivers
66.
APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR RECONSTRUCTION OF CODED APERTURE IMAGES
A method of and apparatus for deconvolving an image from an encoding mask (2) with which it has been convolved is described. The encoding (2) mask has an arrangement of elements that filter incident images by altering the transverse spatial distribution of the amplitude and/or phase of the images. A convolved image (12) is received. A decoding mask (8) having an arrangement of elements dependent upon the arrangement of elements in the encoding mask is provided. An optical Fourier transform is used to form an intermediate optical pattern derived from the convolved image (12) and the arrangement of elements in the decoding mask (8). An optical inverse Fourier transform is performed on said intermediate optical pattern. The result may be detected at a detector (3) as a deconvolved image representative of the original scene (1).
A method of and apparatus for optically processing a source image is described with particular application in a two-pass joint transform correlator. A representation of a composite image, for example displayed on a spatial light modulator (2), is projected using coherent light (5) through optical apparatus (6) arranged to provide a Fourier transform of the composite image at an image detector(3). The composite image comprises the source image and a filter function image. Portions (2c) of the source image are interleaved with portions (2d) of the filter function image, and possibly also null portions (2b). Such interleaving may provide for spatial separation of a resulting image detected at a detector, for example after a second pass through the optical apparatus (6).
A method of manufacturing a curved circuit assembly comprises providing a circuit board (80) having a surface and a plurality of recesses (10) opening onto the surface. The surface includes a plurality of conductive tracks (30). A circuit assembly is formed by placing an electronic component (20) within each of said recesses (10) and forming a conductive join (50) between the electronic component (20) and at least one of the conducting tracks (30). The circuit assembly is then bent.
A missile comprises a propulsion system, a passageway for delivering air to the propulsion system and a ducting element associated with the passageway. The ducting element has a ducting surface for ducting air into the passageway, and the ducting element is rotatable, about an axis that is aligned, or more preferably co-axial, with the axis of the passageway, from a stowed position in which the ducting surface is received in the passageway, to a deployed position in which the ducting surface protrudes from the passageway to duct air into the passageway.
A method of relatively positioning a workpiece and a reference axis comprising effecting relative displacements of the workpiece and the reference axis along orthogonal axes so that an intersection of the reference axis with the workpiece is moved at substantially constant speed along a curvilinear path. The method is particularly applicable to SEE sensitivity mapping of a microchip memory using a pulsed laser, relative to the axis of which the chip is moved in a spiral path.
G05B 19/41 - Numerical control (NC), i.e. automatically operating machines, in particular machine tools, e.g. in a manufacturing environment, so as to execute positioning, movement or co-ordinated operations by means of programme data in numerical form characterised by interpolation, e.g. the computation of intermediate points between programmed end points to define the path to be followed and the rate of travel along that path
G05B 19/418 - Total factory control, i.e. centrally controlling a plurality of machines, e.g. direct or distributed numerical control (DNC), flexible manufacturing systems (FMS), integrated manufacturing systems (IMS), computer integrated manufacturing (CIM)
G01R 31/308 - Contactless testing using non-ionising electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical radiation
A method of guiding a pursuer to a target is provided, and is of particular use when the possible target location is described by non-Gaussian statistics. Importantly, the method takes into account the fact that different potential target tracks in the future have significantly different times to go. That can give rise to emergent behaviour, in which the guidance method covers several possible outcomes at the same time in an optimal way. An example embodiment of the method combines Particle Filter ideas with Swarm Optimization techniques to form a method for generating guidance commands for systems with non- Gaussian statistics. That example method is then applied to a dynamic mission planning example, to guide an airborne pursuer to a ground target travelling on a network of roads where the pursuer has no-go areas, to avoid collateral damage.
The invention covers a missile canister (10) for accommodating a missile (20) along a longitudinal axis (L) of the canister. The canister comprises a plurality of generally planar longitudinal wall portions (14) connected together to form a tubular vessel having a polygonal cross - section. The interconnecting portions (16) between wall sections (14) are generally flexible so that when a missile (20) is launched the bending moment at the interconnecting portions (16) generated by the increase of pressure in the vessel is substantially less than the bending moment (10) generated at the wall portions (14). The interconnecting portions (16) allow relative angular deflection between adjacent wall portions (14) at respective interconnecting portions (16) when said missile (20) is launched.
An image processing method using an algorithm which incorporates simulated annealing by parallel Markov chains, the calculation of fitness values of states of the Markov chains which have substantially the same simulated annealing temperature, the calculation of the standard deviation of these fitness values, and the use of this standard deviation in setting the simulated annealing cooling schedule. The method may be used to delineate an object of interest in an image against a background by estimating the boundary of the object and optimising the fit of the region within this boundary to the region occupied by the object.
An image-processing method comprising convolving a selected feature of interest (FOI) within the image with a mask of a first size, repeating the convolution with a mask of a second size, and calculating the ratio of the convolution responses, as an indication of the size of the FOI. Preferably the convolution masks are Laplacian of Gaussian. The method can be useful for prioritising potential targets in a field of view for presentation to an operator.
Described herein is a method and apparatus (100) for the detection of signals in an area of interest. The apparatus comprises three sensor channels (110, 120; 130, 140, 150; 160, 170) for sensing radiated emissions in an area of interest, each channel having a sensor (110, 130, 160) and a processor (120, 40, 170). A first sensor channel (110, 120) senses radiated emissions in the very low frequency band, a second sensor channel (130, 140) senses radiated emissions in the high/very high frequency band, and the third sensor channel (160, 170) senses radiation in the ultra high frequency band. The first and third sensor channels (130, 140; 160, 170) provide input signals (125, 175) to the processor (140) in the second sensor channel so that accumulated signal data can be processed to produce an input signal (145) for a comparator (150). Comparator compares input signal (145) with data stored in a database to provide an output (155) that is indicative of the presence of a particular type of equipment having known modes of operation.
A method of detecting the direction of incidence of an incoming modulated continuous wave light signal in a field of view of a detector comprising introducing a phase shift into the modulated light signal received by at least one portion of the field of view relative to the modulated light signal received by at least one other portion of the field of view and utilising the phase shift in determining the direction of incidence.
G01S 3/783 - Systems for determining direction or deviation from predetermined direction using amplitude comparison of signals derived from static detectors or detector systems
G01S 3/785 - Systems for determining direction or deviation from predetermined direction using adjustment of orientation of directivity characteristics of a detector or detector system to give a desired condition of signal derived from that detector or detector system
A reflector (38) includes a mirrored surface (48) and a frequency selective surface (46). The frequency selective surface (46) is arranged to reflect radiation of a first frequency band (52) and allow radiation of a second frequency band (50) to pass. The mirrored surface (48) is arranged to reflect radiation of the second frequency band (50). In this manner, the focal power for radiation of the first frequency band (52) is independent to the focal power for radiation of the second frequency band (50). Accordingly, the design of optical components associated with the second frequency band50can be undertaken independently of those associated with the first frequency band (52) so as to achieve the optimised focusing for each frequency band.
H01Q 19/06 - Combinations of primary active antenna elements and units with secondary devices, e.g. with quasi-optical devices, for giving the antenna a desired directional characteristic using refracting or diffracting devices, e.g. lens
H01Q 19/09 - Combinations of primary active antenna elements and units with secondary devices, e.g. with quasi-optical devices, for giving the antenna a desired directional characteristic using refracting or diffracting devices, e.g. lens wherein the primary active element is coated with or embedded in a dielectric or magnetic material
H01Q 19/195 - Combinations of primary active antenna elements and units with secondary devices, e.g. with quasi-optical devices, for giving the antenna a desired directional characteristic using reflecting surfaces having two or more spaced reflecting surfaces comprising one main concave reflecting surface associated with an auxiliary reflecting surface wherein a reflecting surface acts also as a polarisation filter or a polarising device
H01Q 1/28 - Adaptation for use in or on aircraft, missiles, satellites, or balloons
F41G 7/00 - Direction control systems for self-propelled missiles
An amplifier/duplexer for an antenna channel of a radar apparatus, comprises a first hybrid junction having two input/output ports for connection into the antenna channel, and two further ports each connected to a parallel combination comprising an amplifier and switching means switchable between a transmit condition in which it presents an open circuit and a receive condition in which it presents a short circuit so that a signal received in the antenna channel is applied to one of the input/output ports and reflected to the other input/output port each amplifier having an input connected to a respective output port of a further hybrid junction, an input port of the further hybrid junction being configured to receive a signal for transmission so that when the switching means is in the transmit condition the transmission signal is amplified by the amplifiers and delivered through the first hybrid junction to the antenna channel.
G01S 7/03 - RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES - Details of systems according to groups , , of systems according to group - Details of HF subsystems specially adapted therefor, e.g. common to transmitter and receiver
G01S 13/44 - Monopulse radar, i.e. simultaneous lobing
A radar apparatus comprising a transmit/receive antenna having a plurality of channels, comparator means coupled to the antenna channels for providing receive signal sum and difference channels, a radar receiver, means coupling the sum and difference channels to the radar receiver, a radar transmitter for providing a signal to be transmitted, means coupling the transmitter to a cross-channel port of the comparator means, and means for adjusting a phase length of at least one antenna channel so that when the apparatus is transmitting, the transmitted signals from the antenna channels have a required relative phase relationship.
An infra-red proximity fuze system includes a combination of optical and detector elements arranged such that the system is sensitive to radiation from the skin of a target, such radiation caused by kinetic heating of the target, and insensitive to radiation from jet-exhaust plume radiation from the target.
In a CLOS missile guidance system, target and missile tracking data e.g. video image data are acquired on a UAV and transmitted to the missile where they are processed to provide guidance control data to the missile. Alternatively the video image data may be transmitted to a command station where the guidance control data is generated and transmitted to the missile, preferably via the UAV.
A target scene generator for testing an imaging ladar in a Hard Ware in the Loop arrangement, such as might be employed for testing an optical seeker on a guided missile, the generator comprising an array of pixel elements (10), a photodetector (20) for detecting incident light from a ladar a laser source (18) for generating pulses of light representing returned ladar pulses, and a reconfigurable fibre network (14) including an optical switch selectively coupling the laser (18) to the pixel elements, and a controller (22) which selectively reconfigures the fibre network, to present to selected pixel elements the pulses of light with selected time delay characteristics such that light emitted from the pixels represent light returned from a target illuminated by the ladar.
An air intake (10) for a supersonic air-breathing flight vehicle is equipped with a means (110) for introducing or injecting air (90) in order to create predetermined regions of separated flow (160) and an attendant fluid shear layer (170). This shear layer (170) forms an aerodynamic boundary for the capture flow (150) with a profile determined and optimised by appropriate injection of air (90). The aerodynamic boundary so generated replaces mechanically moveable solid surfaces used to vary the geometry of prior-art intakes. Use of introduced or injected air (90) provides the advantages of a variable geometry, but with reduced weight and reduced mechanical complexity. In some embodiments, (15) the injection of air (90) has the effect of re-energising any ingested boundary layer (140), thus obviating the conventional requirement for a bleed system to provide boundary layer control.
F02K 1/30 - Plants characterised by the form or arrangement of the jet pipe or nozzle; Jet pipes or nozzles peculiar thereto using fluid jets to influence the jet flow for varying effective area of jet pipe or nozzle
F02K 7/10 - Plants in which the working-fluid is used in a jet only, i.e. the plants not having a turbine or other engine driving a compressor or a ducted fan; Control thereof characterised by having ram-action compression, i.e. aero-thermo-dynamic-ducts or ram-jet engines
84.
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DISPLAYING STEREOGRAPHIC IMAGES OF A REGION
The present invention relates to amethod of displayingstereographic images of a region R.The method comprises: moving a vehicle (10) relative to the region, the vehicle carrying a camera system (12) for acquiring images I of the region; during movement of the vehicle relative to the region acquiring a series of temporally sequential multiple images(I1, I2,) of the region at respective multiple different spaced apart locations (L1, L2,) of thevehicle relative to the region; displaying successive stereographic images of the region during movement of thevehicle relative to the region. Each stereographic image comprises a first of said multiple images acquired at a first location and a second of said multiple images acquired at a second location which are temporally spaced apart in the series one from the other. The method comprises the step of varying the temporal spacing of the first of said multiple images and the second of said multiple images according to a velocity of the vehicle relative to the region so that the spatial separation between the first and the second locations is not less than a predetermined amount so that the stereographic images having a required depth can be displayed independent of the velocity of the vehicle relative to the region.
Described herein is an optical fuze for a guided missile that comprisesan array of a large number of optical apertures distributed about the outer surface of the missile. An optical waveguide network selectively couplesthe array of apertures to a laser source and to a photodetectorsuch that light from the laser source is emitted by selected ones of said apertures, and light returned from a target is received by selected ones of said apertures and directed by said optical waveguide network to said photodetector. These apertures might be arranged to form a compositetarget images in a particular direction, and/or may be arranged to perform a sensing operation along selected directions. The optical proximity fuze described herein provides inherent flexibility in the way the fuze can be configured in the missilefor optimisationfor different applications.
A system for displaying 3-dimensional images is provided. The system comprises a monitor, a rendering module arranged to provide image data for display by the monitor, a point-of-view module for determining the position of a viewer relative to the monitor, wherein the output of said rendering module is dependent on the determined position of the viewer relative to the monitorand a polar correction module arranged to adjust the brightness of one or more pixels of the monitor dependent on the position of the viewer relative to the monitor.
A sensor (10) for detecting an incident RF signal having a carrier frequency, and for estimating said carrier frequency, comprises a plurality of filters (70-73), each allowing passage of signals over a different band of frequencies from the band of frequencies over which passage of signals is allowed by the others of the plurality of filters (70-73), and a plurality of detectors (80-83). Each filter (70-73) is associated with at least one of the plurality of detectors (80-83), and said at least one detector (80-83) is arranged in use to generate an output signal if the incident RF signal results in a signal in the band of frequencies passed by the filter (70-73) with which the detector (80- 83) is associated. Generation of the output signal by the detector (80-83) indicates in which of the frequency bands the incident RF signal has been detected. Between arrival of the incident RF signal at the sensor (10) and generation of the output signal indicating in which of the frequency bands the incident RF signal has been detected, there is a delay of not more than 1 microsecond.
The present invention is directed to missile training systems, especially to those relating to the provision of a mechanism that allows missiles and similar devices to be fired at a target in a realistic, but safe, manner. The use of live fire exercises, in which army or other armed forces personnel use fully functioning weapons systems is well established. Live fire exercises can be used to provide realistic training scenarios, but also present obvious dangers. Live fire exercises present opportunities for checking that weapons systems function correctly and allow users, such as soldiers, to practice using real weapons in situations that are more realistic than firing ranges. It is known to use live missiles and torpedoes in naval training exercises and trials. For example, missiles can be fired at a ship to check the effectiveness of mechanisms for tracking and destroying such missiles. Clearly, there are substantial safety and costs issues to address before such a live firing regime is likely to be approved. A first approach for firing live missiles at a ship involves the use of a dummy ship, but crucially requires no personnel to be on board, thereby eliminating the risk to human life. This approach has clear disadvantages. A second approach involves firing a missile or other projectile at a target, such as a ship, so that the missile or projectile passes over the ship and lands on the other side. This approach enables personnel to be on board the ship and enables the on-board systems to be used in a realistic manner to attempt to destroy the incoming missile. However,there is a lack of realism. A third approach is to direct a missile towards a ship but to program its route so that it moves away from the ship immediately prior to any impact. This system also lacks realism. Other approaches exist. The present invention provides a module for attachment to an object (such as a missile), the object being adapted to be directed towards a target (such as a ship), the module comprising a control system providing an output signal indicative of whether or not said object is to be destroyed.
A pyrotechnic releasable locking device for maintaining a first (25) and a second (33) member of a structure in a fixed relationship. The locking device comprises a body (27) for locating on or within the first (25) member of the structure such that, in use, a part of the body (27) protrudes into the second member (33) of the structure. The pyrotechnic compound (20) is located on or within the body (27) and a channel (39) is located in the interior of the body (27) and runs between the pyrotechnic compound (29) and an exterior surface (41) of the part of the body (27) that, in use, protrudes into a recess (43) in the second member (33) of the structure. When the pyrotechnic compound (29) is ignited the combustion gases travel along the channel (39) into the recess (43) of the second member (33) of the structure, and the resultant gas pressure forces the body (27) out of the recess (43) thereby releasing the second member (33) of the structure.
A bulk dielectric material comprises a solid composite material comprising a solid matrix material and a plurality of filler elements distributed within the matrix material. The bulk dielectric material has, at a frequency greater than 1 MHz, (i) a permittivity having a real part of magnitude greater than 10 and an imaginary part of magnitude less than 3, and (ii) an electrical breakdown strength greater than 5 kV/mm and has a minimum dimension greater than 2 mm.
H01B 3/00 - Insulators or insulating bodies characterised by the insulating materials; Selection of materials for their insulating or dielectric properties
The invention provides a security scanner that produces a radar profile of a clothed person or another object such as a bag carried by a person at a distance and does not require close proximity of the person or object to the scanner itself. The scanner includes a millimetre wave antenna system optimised for short-range active imaging and arranged to provide rapid high-resolution images of an object or person of interest and processing means for resolving the images so as to detect the presence of predetermined objects. The processing means preferably includes means for comparing contrasts in reflectivity in the scanned images with predetermined expected values from skin and light clothing. The processing means may also include means for detecting predetermined behavioural or physical traits such as the effect on gait on carried weighty objects or stiff structures strapped to the person from the images of a scanned object or person. The scanner may be incorporated within a turnstile access arrangement.
An inductive power transfer system for coupling a power source to a load across an air gap is provided, comprising a primary unit and a secondary unit separable from the primary unit and arranged to receive power inductively from the primary unit when placed proximate thereto The system includes a multi¬ stage comparator for monitoring operating conditions within the secondary unit and feedback means for transmitting a feedback signal to the primary unit when predetermined operating conditions are detected within the secondary unit. The primary unit is arranged to operate in a low power mode where power is applied to the primary winding for a minimal period during each switching cycle when no feedback signal is received and a high power mode where power is applied to the primary winding for the majority of each switching cycle when a feedback signal is received. The power transfer system functions by applying bursts of power from the primary to the secondary unit, the bursts becoming more frequent and of longer duration as the load on the secondary unit increases or the air gap increases, so as to transfer more power or maintain power as air gap losses increase. The bursts of power will also change their duration and frequency in correspondence with variations of the input power supply to the primary unit, so as to maintain the voltage regulation of the power delivered to the secondary unit.
The invention comprises a feed horn (10) illuminating a circular flat panel (12) formed from a high impedance surface structure. By controlling the resonant frequencies of the individual elements of the array, a controlled phase shift profile is applied across the surface of the panel to an incident phase front spherically spreading from the feed antenna so as to reflect that wavefront in a particular direction or impose a certain desired beam shape. The principles are reciprocal so a receiving system can also be achieved or indeed a simultaneous transmit and receive operation can be supported. The phase controlled reflecting plate advantageously performs focussing to the feed and beam scanning or beam shaping. This concept of feed to a phased reflector plate allows the power distribution to be implemented in free space. In addition, the active component at each array element affecting the resonant frequency is a single varactor tuning diode per element with negligible power dissipation since it operates in reverse bias or a MeMs switch network. A further embodiment is described comprising a transmissive panel with phase shifting elements implemented in MeMs technology coupled to each element of the array. Calibration techniques are described that correct for non-systematic errors in the phase shifts on reflection which would corrupt the beam shape and pointing direction in a practical environment. These can be performed repeatedly, interleaved with the radar or communications waveforms passing through the antenna.
A real-time distributed processing environment for supporting the execution of interacting activities in different processors, comprising a network of message-passing elements for transferring data between memory areas of the processors; and route-table means associated with each message-passing element within the distributed processing environment, the route-table means comprising programmable variables for a set of software-routes that are to be supported by the associated message-passing device, wherein software-route data associated with a software activity producing data and a software activity using the data may be transferred between memory devices concurrently with execution of activities by the processors. The environment allows the processors to commence or continue execution of any activity simultaneously with the movement of software-route data between the memory spaces of the processors without any involvement from software, the route-table effectively decouples in time, the movement of data by the message-passing electronics from the execution of the activities and any of their associated software-route access procedures that are running on the processors.
A laser device and a method of pumping a laser gain medium (R) comprise directing pulses of laser light from a pump laser (10) to a series of separate locations (11 , 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17) arranged longitudinally along the gain medium (R) in the direction of laser propagation. Each pulse of laser light generates a population inversion in an associated portion of the gain medium (R) just ahead of the laser photons. The pulses from the pump laser (10) are transmitted by a splitter (18) to the series of separate locations by optical delay lines (11 , 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17) and each delay line is arranged to pump a different portion of the gain medium to cause a localised population inversion. The pulse transmission delays deliver a sequence of pulses to the portions of the gain medium (R) such that each portion will in turn contribute to amplification of a laser propagating within the gain medium (R).
A range detector (10) uses an optical system (11) focused at infinity to form an instantaneous image (13, 113, 213) of an object (16) on a detector (12). As the range between the optical system (11) and an independently moveable object (16) decreases, the image (113, 213) becomes progressively blurred and rapidly increases in size. This blurred image (113, 213) is assessed by detector elements (14, 114, 214) which produce a signal indicating the proximity of the object (16).
G01S 17/08 - Systems determining position data of a target for measuring distance only
G01S 11/12 - Systems for determining distance or velocity not using reflection or reradiation using electromagnetic waves other than radio waves
G01S 3/784 - Systems for determining direction or deviation from predetermined direction using amplitude comparison of signals derived from static detectors or detector systems using a mosaic of detectors
G01S 17/46 - Indirect determination of position data
G01C 3/32 - Measuring distances in line of sight; Optical rangefinders by focusing the object, e.g. on a ground glass screen
A vehicle, comprising a remotely piloted airframe (10), transmits its estimated position and attitude via a telemetric link (18) to an image synthesiser (20) at a command station (14). The image synthesiser (20) creates image S of the real- time vehicle environment having a virtual viewpoint (21) trailing the position of the airframe (10) onto which is superimposed a synthesised image A of the airframe with its estimated relative position and attitude. The composite image A-S is displayed on a screen (19) in front of the airframe operator (13), who controls the airframe (10) through a control panel (15) and a command link (16). The airframe operator (13) and the command station (14) may be onboard the airframe (10) or located remotely on the ground or in another airframe or vehicle.
Adaptive-optics apparatus for controlling the wavefront of a beam of light comprises: a sensor (60) for receiving the incident light, a wavefront-curvature detector, a wavefront-slope detector, a processor (70) for calculating the amplitude and normal slope of the wavefront and a deformable mirror (40) for reflecting the beam of light, comprising an inner zone (250) and an outer zone (260), which meet at an inner-zone outer perimeter (280). Electrodes (125) around the outer-zone (260) are arranged to receive control signals calculated by the processor (70) such that the mirror (40) is deformed at the inner-zone outer perimeter (280) according to the calculated peripheral wavefront amplitude and normal slope.
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