A separation mechanism (300) for a multi-stage air vehicle is disclosed. The separation mechanism comprises a first component (310) for attaching to a first stage of the multistage air vehicle, and a second component (320) for attaching to a second stage of the multistage air vehicle. The first and second components comprise mutually cooperating outer parts. The mechanism (300) comprises one or more locking lugs (330) arranged, in a joined state, to engage the outer parts of both the first and the second components so as to mechanically join the first and second components, and an activation mechanism (360) operable to allow the locking lugs (330) to move inwardly to a released state in which the first component is released form the second component. A multistage air vehicle (100, figure 1) using the separation mechanism (300) is also disclosed.
A heat transfer device for transferring heat from a first surface to a second surface is disclosed. The device comprises a body defining a fluid circuit arranged to pass in proximity to the first and second surfaces. The fluid circuit contains a ferrofluid. The device also comprises a magnet arranged, when magnetised, to produce a magnetic field in a part of the fluid circuit, such that, when the magnet is magnetised, the ferrofluid is transported around the fluid circuit so as to transfer heat from the first surface to the second surface. The device may find application in missile or aerospace applications.
A heat transfer device (100) with an enclosed cavity (110) partially filled with a conformable magnetic material (150). A first magnet (120) and a second magnet (130) are arranged to produce a magnetic field within the cavity. In a conductive mode, at least the first magnet is magnetised so as to attract the conformable magnetic material to form a thermal bridge across the cavity. In an insulating mode, the first magnet is de-magnetised and the second magnet is magnetised so as to attract the conformable magnetic material to form an insulating gap (110b) across the cavity.
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 19/60 - Methods or arrangements for coding, decoding, compressing or decompressing digital video signals using transform coding
H04N 19/119 - Adaptive subdivision aspects e.g. subdivision of a picture into rectangular or non-rectangular coding blocks
H04N 19/174 - Methods or arrangements for coding, decoding, compressing or decompressing digital video signals using adaptive coding characterised by the coding unit, i.e. the structural portion or semantic portion of the video signal being the object or the subject of the adaptive coding the unit being an image region, e.g. an object the region being a slice, e.g. a line of blocks or a group of blocks
H04N 19/176 - Methods or arrangements for coding, decoding, compressing or decompressing digital video signals using adaptive coding characterised by the coding unit, i.e. the structural portion or semantic portion of the video signal being the object or the subject of the adaptive coding the unit being an image region, e.g. an object the region being a block, e.g. a macroblock
There is disclosed a navigation method for an airborne platform. The airborne platform has a ground-facing camera having a field of view, and the method comprises repeating a data capture cycle. The data capture cycle comprises the steps of: moving the sightline of the camera through a range of directions; recording events triggered during motion of the sightline, each event being a change in intensity recorded at a pixel of the camera, and associating each event with a ground-referenced position; and, for each ground-referenced position, determining, from the recorded events, a resultant intensity gradient direction. Relative motion of the platform is determined by comparing a distribution of resultant gradient intensities obtained in a current data capture cycle with a distribution of resultant gradient intensities obtained in an earlier data capture cycle.
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 19/176 - Methods or arrangements for coding, decoding, compressing or decompressing digital video signals using adaptive coding characterised by the coding unit, i.e. the structural portion or semantic portion of the video signal being the object or the subject of the adaptive coding the unit being an image region, e.g. an object the region being a block, e.g. a macroblock
H04N 19/60 - Methods or arrangements for coding, decoding, compressing or decompressing digital video signals using transform coding
H04N 19/80 - Details of filtering operations specially adapted for video compression, e.g. for pixel interpolation
7.
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ESTIMATING A LOCATION OF A PLATFORM
There is disclosed a method for determining a location of a platform in a region. The platform comprises an event camera having an array of pixels and a memory store. Each pixel is operable to output events which represent a change in light intensity recorded at that pixel. Before platform motion in the region, a signature database is stored in the memory store. Each of the signatures has an associated patch at a known location, and each signature represents the number of events that would be captured by viewing the associated patch using the event camera whilst moving the sightline of the event camera through each of a predetermined set of intervals on a predetermined trajectory. During platform motion in the region, the platform location is determined by using the event camera to obtain a sensed signature. The sensed signature is compared to the signature database to locate the platform.
A method for encoding data defining an image is disclosed. The method comprises segmenting the image into image blocks having a uniform size; and applying a frequency-based transform to each resulting 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, which 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 using an allocation method to allocate bits associated with coefficients in each sub-band in a slice amongst-substantially same length bins. Bits associated with each sub-band in each slice are assigned to a bin and transferred, if needed, to achieve the substantially same length.
H04N 19/625 - Methods or arrangements for coding, decoding, compressing or decompressing digital video signals using transform coding using discrete cosine transform [DCT]
H04N 19/61 - Methods or arrangements for coding, decoding, compressing or decompressing digital video signals using transform coding in combination with predictive coding
H04N 19/91 - Entropy coding, e.g. variable length coding [VLC] or arithmetic coding
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 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 19/119 - Adaptive subdivision aspects e.g. subdivision of a picture into rectangular or non-rectangular coding blocks
H04N 19/176 - Methods or arrangements for coding, decoding, compressing or decompressing digital video signals using adaptive coding characterised by the coding unit, i.e. the structural portion or semantic portion of the video signal being the object or the subject of the adaptive coding the unit being an image region, e.g. an object the region being a block, e.g. a macroblock
H04N 19/60 - Methods or arrangements for coding, decoding, compressing or decompressing digital video signals using transform coding
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
13 - Firearms; explosives
Goods & Services
Data processing apparatus and data processing systems,
namely target command, coordination, control, detection,
identification systems; radar apparatus; tracking radars;
electronic-scanning radar for target detection; electronic
control, observation, monitoring and checking systems and
apparatus; sensors; all the aforesaid goods in relation to
the following fields: detection, identification, tracking
and disposal of military targets; lasers. Weapon systems; laser weapon systems; directed energy lasers
weapon interception systems; and laser based defence
systems.
A missile is disclosed. The missile comprises an airframe, electronics equipment proximate to a portion of the airframe, a tank for coolant, a coolant channel in fluid communication with the tank, and a pump operable to pump coolant from the tank through the coolant channel. The coolant channel is defined within the airframe and arranged to cool the airframe and the electronics equipment.
A container for launch of a munition having a hollow body portion for accommodating the munition, and a cover (300) through which, on launch of the munition, the munition passes. The cover comprises a frame (302) attached to the body and a closure comprising a plurality of sections (306). Each of the plurality of sections (306) comprises a hinged edge attached to the frame at a hinge (310), and at least one non-hinged edge (314). The non-hinged edges (314) cooperatively engage with one another so as to resist external pressure applied from the exterior of the container, and such that, on launch of the munition, the sections open outwards from the container so as to release the munition.
A heat transfer device comprises a body, an evaporator, a condenser, a wick, a vapour duct communicating between the evaporator and the condenser, and a liquid duct communicating between the condenser and the wick. The device is arranged to define a fluid circuit for a working fluid such that, in operation with the evaporator at a relatively high temperature, and the condenser at a relatively low temperature, working fluid evaporating at the evaporator passes through the liquid duct to the condenser, working fluid condensing in the condenser passes through the liquid duct to the wick, and the wick transports working fluid received from the condenser transported towards the evaporator. The vapour and liquid ducts are provided in the body. The device may find application in missile or aerospace applications.
F28D 15/02 - Heat-exchange apparatus with the intermediate heat-transfer medium in closed tubes passing into or through the conduit walls in which the medium condenses and evaporates, e.g. heat-pipes
F28D 15/04 - Heat-exchange apparatus with the intermediate heat-transfer medium in closed tubes passing into or through the conduit walls in which the medium condenses and evaporates, e.g. heat-pipes with tubes having a capillary structure
B33Y 80/00 - Products made by additive manufacturing
A gun-launched missile (1) is for use against a beyond line of sight (BLOS) target. The missile (1) comprises a HEAT warhead (15), a soft-launch assembly (19) configured to soft-launch the missile from a gun barrel, and a rocket motor (17) configured to propel the missile (1), after soft-launch from the gun barrel, such as the barrel of a tank gun. The missile (1) also comprises a seeker unit (7) configured to autonomously seek a BLOS target and guide the missile to the target after launch.
F42B 12/06 - 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 hard or heavy coreKinetic energy penetrators
F42B 15/10 - Missiles having a trajectory only in the air
A threat estimation system arranged to provide a first artificial neural network (ANN) that operates in accordance with a first set of weight values, and an engagement planner. The threat estimation system is arranged to receive a source of sensor data; estimate from the sensor data, using the first ANN, a threat result for a threat indicated by the sensor data; and determine from the threat result, using the engagement planner, a threat action to be performed. The threat estimation system is further arranged to receive an updated first set of weight values for the first ANN, and update the first ANN to operate in accordance with the updated first set of weight values.
G06N 3/044 - Recurrent networks, e.g. Hopfield networks
G01S 7/41 - Details of systems according to groups , , of systems according to group using analysis of echo signal for target characterisationTarget signatureTarget cross-section
Metamaterials, and associated methods and apparatuses An apparatus 150 comprising a control system 200 and a metamaterial 201 electronically controlled by the control system 200, the control system including an electrical network 224 and a plurality of independently controllable impedance elements 223a, 223b, 223c, 223d, wherein each of the plurality of independently controllable impedance elements 223a, 223b, 223c, 223d is arranged to be switched between a first state in which at least one of the plurality of independently controllable impedance elements 223a, 223b, 223c, 223d is electrically connected to the electrical network 224 and a second state in which at least one of the plurality of independently controllable impedance elements 223a, 223b, 223c, 223d is electrically disconnected. This provides a plurality of discrete impedance values in the metamaterial 201 according to the combination of impedance elements in the first or second state. Also disclosed are related control systems, methods of control and vehicles.
A method for encoding data defining an image is disclosed. The image is segmented into image blocks, each having a uniform block size. A frequency-based transform is applied to each 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 which are grouped into one or more sub-bands. The blocks of transformed image data are grouped into slices. 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/conversion is repeated for all the sub-bands in the slice, and then for all slices.
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 19/174 - Methods or arrangements for coding, decoding, compressing or decompressing digital video signals using adaptive coding characterised by the coding unit, i.e. the structural portion or semantic portion of the video signal being the object or the subject of the adaptive coding the unit being an image region, e.g. an object the region being a slice, e.g. a line of blocks or a group of blocks
H04N 19/176 - Methods or arrangements for coding, decoding, compressing or decompressing digital video signals using adaptive coding characterised by the coding unit, i.e. the structural portion or semantic portion of the video signal being the object or the subject of the adaptive coding the unit being an image region, e.g. an object the region being a block, e.g. a macroblock
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.
A radar-absorbent material (201) and a method (100) of producing such a radar- absorbent material (201) is disclosed. The radar-absorbent material (201) comprises a radar-absorbent foam (200). The radar-absorbent foam (200) comprises a plurality of pores (202) wherein said pores (202) are defined by one or more interior surfaces (204) of the radar-absorbent foam (200). The method comprising applying (102) a parylene coating (212) to at least one of said interior surfaces (204).
Apparatus and method for compiling an image is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a deflector, a detector, and a processor. The deflector is operable to deflect light incident thereon by a controllable angular deflection, and is arranged to receive light from a moveable field of view within a field of regard by controlling the angular deflection. The detector is arranged to receive deflected light and output an image component composed from the deflected light. The processor is arranged to control the angular deflection to select a part of the field of regard to be received at the detector, 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.
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 23/20 - Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensorsControl thereof for generating image signals from infrared radiation only
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 comprising a device and a shield, and a method of producing a shielded apparatus. The device attenuates x-rays by different amounts in different parts of the device, providing a first span of x-ray attenuations. The shield comprises a layer of x-ray attenuating material that attenuates x-rays by an amount that varies across the shield, 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.
There is disclosed a method for determining a location of a platform in a region. The platform comprises an event camera having an array of pixels and a memory store. Each pixel is operable to output events which represent a change in light intensity recorded at that pixel. Before platform motion in the region, a signature library is stored in the memory store. Each of the signatures has an associated patch at a known location, and each signature represents the number of events that would be captured by viewing the associated patch using the event camera whilst moving the sightline of the event camera through each of a predetermined set of intervals on a predetermined trajectory. During platform motion in the region, the platform location is determined by using the event camera to obtain a sensed signature. The sensed signature is compared to the signature library to locate the platform.
A foldable moveable member for an air vehicle. The moveable member includes a sheet. The sheet has 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, the first portion, and the second portion form a continuous surface.
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.
A method for disrupting the operation of a system comprising electrical and/or electronic circuitry is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of; firing a cartridge (101) containing ferrite powder (110) from a gun. The ferrite powder (110) forms a kinetic-effect column (154) that penetrates the system thereby causing physical damage; and then, the ferrite powder (110) disperses within the system to disrupt operation of the electrical and/or electronic circuitry. A cartridge (101) and kit for use in such a method is also disclosed.
F42B 12/46 - Projectiles, missiles or mines characterised by the warhead, the intended effect, or the material characterised by the warhead or the intended effect for dispensing materialsProjectiles, missiles or mines characterised by the warhead, the intended effect, or the material characterised by the warhead or the intended effect for producing chemical or physical reactionProjectiles, 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
F41H 11/02 - Anti-aircraft or anti-guided missile defence installations or systems
F42B 12/44 - Projectiles, missiles or mines characterised by the warhead, the intended effect, or the material characterised by the warhead or the intended effect for dispensing materialsProjectiles, missiles or mines characterised by the warhead, the intended effect, or the material characterised by the warhead or the intended effect for producing chemical or physical reactionProjectiles, missiles or mines characterised by the warhead, the intended effect, or the material characterised by the warhead or the intended effect for signalling of incendiary type
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
38 - Telecommunications services
39 - Transport, packaging, storage and travel services
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
Dynamic vision sensor cameras; dynamic vision sensors;
neuromorphic sensors; neuromorphic cameras; cameras
reporting changes in brightness; autonomous navigation
systems based on novel image and signal processing and on
neuromorphic sensors; data processing system; computer
applications for navigation apparatus; electronic navigation
apparatus; electronic navigational and positioning apparatus
and instruments; navigation apparatus and instruments;
navigation, guidance, tracking, targeting and map making
devices; navigation software; navigation instruments;
software for navigation systems; software and instruments
for navigation data purposes analysis; apparatus for
transmission and treatment of data, and notably of images
and videos; software for treatment of data; software for
compression, decompression, treatment of data, images,
videos; computer software to perform computations; wireless
communication instruments and apparatus for data and video;
sensors, electronic sensors; smart-sensor; electronic
control, observation, monitoring and checking systems and
apparatus. Streaming of data, images and videos; providing wireless
communications data and images via electronic communication
networks; wireless electronic transmission of data and
images. Navigation services; navigational advisory services. Engineering in the fields of navigation systems and data
processing systems; design and development of navigation
system; design of communication and data processing systems;
computer engineering; cloud computing; design, management,
rental, updating of software, computer programs, computer
platforms; software as a service [SaaS]; Consulting services
in the field of software as a service [SaaS]; development of
computer software application solutions.
The present invention concerns a missile structure. More particularly, but not exclusively, this invention concerns a hybrid missile structure. The missile structure comprises an outer structural element, an inner structural element, and an insulating layer disposed between the outer structural element and the inner structural element. An intermediate structural element links the outer structural element and the inner structural element. The outer structure comprises a composite material, and the inner structure comprises a metal material.
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
38 - Telecommunications services
39 - Transport, packaging, storage and travel services
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
Dynamic Vision Sensor Cameras; Dynamic Vision Sensors; neuromorphic sensors; neuromorphic cameras; Cameras reporting changes in brightness; Autonomous navigation systems based on novel image and signal processing and on neuromorphic sensors; Data processing system; Computer applications for navigation apparatus; Electronic navigation apparatus; Electronic navigational and positioning apparatus and instruments; Navigation apparatus and instruments; Navigation, guidance, tracking, targeting and map making devices; Navigation software; Navigation instruments; Software for navigation systems; Software and instruments for navigation data purposes analysis; Apparatus for transmission and treatment of data, and notably of images and videos; Software for treatment of data; Software for compression, decompression, treatment of data, images, videos; Computer software to perform computations; Wireless communication instruments and apparatus for data and video; Sensors, electronic sensors; smart-sensor; Electronic control, observation, monitoring and checking systems and apparatus. Streaming of data, images and videos; Providing wireless communications data and images via electronic communication networks; Wireless electronic transmission of data and images. Navigation services; Navigational advisory services. Engineering in the fields of navigation systems and data processing systems; Design and development of navigation system; Design of communication and data processing systems; Computer engineering; Cloud computing; Design, management, rental, updating of software, computer programs, computer platforms; Software as a service [SaaS]; Consulting services in the field of software as a service [SaaS]; Development of computer software application solutions.
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.
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.
G02F 1/11 - 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 modulatingNon-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour based on acousto-optical elements, e.g. using variable diffraction by sound or like mechanical waves
G01S 17/88 - Lidar systems, specially adapted for specific applications
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 - 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 - 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
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. On the basis of the acquired data, a measure of mechanical fatigue damage to the complex weapon system arising from the movement is calculated. On the basis of that calculated measure, a cumulative total of the mechanical fatigue damage accrued by the complex weapon system is updated to account for the mechanical fatigue damage arising from the movement.
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.
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
12 - Land, air and water vehicles; parts of land vehicles
13 - Firearms; explosives
Goods & Services
Data processing system, namely, an integrated command,
coordination and monitoring system that enables a commander
to set up a temporary installation compatible with a
computer network; radar apparatus; radar detectors;
electronic scanning radar for detecting targets;
electro-optical apparatus for tracking, classifying and the
function of inhibiting directional radio frequency signals;
electronic control, observation, tracking and monitoring
apparatus and systems; sensors, electronic sensors;
intelligent sensor and effector assemblies; electronic and
optoelectronic apparatus for processing, receiving and
transferring data; electronic apparatus for remote control
of signals; the aforementioned goods being intended for
civil and military security markets for the detection,
identification, tracking and neutralization of rogue or
threatening drones, also known as unmanned aerial systems
(UAS). Military drones and civilian drones; drones;
remote-controlled aircraft. Missiles and weapon systems therefor; launchers for
projectiles; cannons; shooting platforms [weapons].
45.
A SERVO ACTUATION SYSTEM AND METHOD OF ACTUATING AN ARTICLE USING SUCH A SERVO ACTUATION SYSTEM
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 23/14 - Estimation or adaptation of motor parameters, e.g. rotor time constant, flux, speed, current or voltage
G05B 19/4155 - 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 programme execution, i.e. part programme or machine function execution, e.g. selection of a programme
46.
Safety assembly for training use of a laser-directed energy weapon
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.
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 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.
H02P 1/40 - Arrangements for starting electric motors or dynamo-electric converters for starting dynamo-electric motors or dynamo-electric converters for starting an individual polyphase induction motor in either direction of rotation
G05B 19/4155 - 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 programme execution, i.e. part programme or machine function execution, e.g. selection of a programme
H02P 25/20 - Arrangements or methods for the control of AC motors characterised by the kind of AC motor or by structural details characterised by the circuit arrangement or by the kind of wiring with arrangements for switching the windings, e.g. with mechanical switches or relays for pole-changing
H02P 29/66 - Controlling or determining the temperature of the rotor
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
12 - Land, air and water vehicles; parts of land vehicles
13 - Firearms; explosives
Goods & Services
(1) Système de traitement de données, à savoir logiciels d'exploitation intégrés pour le traitement de données et comprenant une interface utilisateur pour l'implantation temporaire sur un réseau informatique d'ordinateurs et de matériel informatique pour effectuer la commande, la coordination et le contrôle de la communication d'un système de défense aérienne au sol, aucun des produits susmentionnés n'étant utilisé à des fins d'évaluation de la vulnérabilité des réseaux informatiques ou des postes informatiques individuels; radars; détecteurs de radars; radar à balayage électronique pour la détection de cibles; appareils électro-optiques pour le suivi, la classification et la fonction d'inhibition de signaux de fréquence radio directionnels, nommément émetteurs et récepteurs radio, brouilleurs et inhibiteurs de radiofréquences; systèmes et appareils électroniques de commande, d'observation, de suivi et de contrôle, nommément, transmetteurs radio pour commandes à distance, transmetteurs longue portée, analyseurs de spectre, systèmes d'alerte aux missiles; capteurs et capteurs électroniques, nommément détecteurs de radiofréquences, capteurs de position, capteurs de proximité, capteurs optiques, capteurs de température à distance, capteurs infrarouge; ensembles d'effecteurs étant des appareils, machines et instruments à usage militaire et de capteurs intelligents interconnectés, nommément ensembles de brouilleurs et inhibiteurs de radiofréquences, de détecteurs de radiofréquences, de capteurs de position, de capteurs de proximité, de capteurs optiques, et de capteurs de température à distance; les produits précités étant destinés aux marchés de sécurité militaires et civils pour la détection, l'identification, le suivi et la neutralisation des drones voyous ou menaçants, également appelés systèmes aériens sans pilote (UAS).
(2) Drones militaires et drones civils; aéronefs télécommandés.
(3) Missiles et systèmes d'armes correspondants nommément effecteurs comprenant missiles, radars de conduite de tirs et de poursuite, systèmes de lancement, munitions, munition téléopérée et munitions télécommandées; lanceurs pour projectiles, nommément lance-roquettes, pistolets lance-fusées; canons; plates-formes de tir [armes].
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
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
G21F 1/00 - Shielding characterised by the composition of the material
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
12 - Land, air and water vehicles; parts of land vehicles
13 - Firearms; explosives
Goods & Services
Data processing system, namely integrated command, coordination and control system which enables a commander to set up a computer network-enabled temporary facility; radar apparatus; radar detectors; electronic-scanning radar for target detection; electro-optical apparatus for tracking, classification and directional radio frequency (RF) inhibition capability; electronic control, observation, monitoring and checking systems and apparatus; sensors, electronic sensors; smart-sensor and effector package; electronic and optoelectronic apparatus for the processing, reception and transfer of data; electronic apparatus for the remote control of signals; all the aforesaid being intended for military and civilian security markets for the detection, identification, tracking and neutralization of rogue or threatening drones, also referred to as unmanned-air systems (UASs). Military and civilian drones; drones; remotely operated aircrafts. Missiles and corresponding weapon systems; Launchers for projectiles; canons; firing platforms (weapons).
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.
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).
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.
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.
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 dispensing materialsProjectiles, missiles or mines characterised by the warhead, the intended effect, or the material characterised by the warhead or the intended effect for producing chemical or physical reactionProjectiles, 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
F41H 11/02 - Anti-aircraft or anti-guided missile defence installations or systems
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.
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).
F41F 3/06 - Rocket or torpedo launchers for rockets from aircraft
F41G 7/00 - Direction control systems for self-propelled missiles
G01V 3/10 - Electric or magnetic prospecting or detectingMeasuring 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
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
38 - Telecommunications services
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
Apparatus for transmission and treatment of data, and notably of images and videos; software for treatment of data; software for compression, decompression, treatment of data, images, videos; wireless communication instruments and apparatus for data and video. Streaming of data, images and videos; providing wireless communications via electronic communication networks; wireless electronic transmission of data and images. Design of communication systems and data processing systems; Engineering in the fields of communications and data processing.
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.
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 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.
An imaging device includes: an array of liquid crystal cells, each liquid crystal cell providing a respective phase shift to electromagnetic radiation passing through the liquid crystal 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 liquid crystal 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 plurality of patches form an array of lenses.
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 modulatingNon-linear optics for the control of the position or the direction of light beams, i.e. deflection
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.
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).
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.
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 thereforControl 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 thereforControl thereof characterised by thrust or thrust vector control using auxiliary rocket nozzles
F42B 10/66 - Steering by varying intensity or direction of thrust
73.
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 dispensing materialsProjectiles, missiles or mines characterised by the warhead, the intended effect, or the material characterised by the warhead or the intended effect for producing chemical or physical reactionProjectiles, 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 dispensing materialsProjectiles, missiles or mines characterised by the warhead, the intended effect, or the material characterised by the warhead or the intended effect for producing chemical or physical reactionProjectiles, 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.
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).
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 detectingMeasuring 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
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
13 - Firearms; explosives
Goods & Services
Electronic control, observation, monitoring and checking systems and apparatus, in particular for missiles; Radar apparatus; Radar detectors; Shipboard radars and components; Data processing apparatus; Sensors, electronic sensors; Electronic and optoelectronic apparatus for the processing, reception and transfer of data; Electronic apparatus for the remote control of signals; Telecommunication apparatus; Computer software; Software. Missiles and corresponding weapon systems, at the exclusion of firearms and firearm ammunition.
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
Goods & Services
Radar apparatus; radar detectors; electronic-scanning radar for target detection; electro-optical apparatus for tracking, classification and directional radio frequency (RF) inhibition capability; electronic control, observation, monitoring and checking systems and apparatus; sensors, electronic sensors; smart-sensor and effector package; electronic and optoelectronic apparatus for the processing, reception and transfer of data; electronic apparatus for the remote control of signals; all of the aforesaid being intended for military and civilian security markets for the detection, identification, tracking and neutralization of rogue or threatening drones, also referred to as unmanned-air systems (UASs).
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.
G06G 7/80 - Analogue computers for specific processes, systems, or devices, e.g. simulators for gun-layingAnalogue computers for specific processes, systems, or devices, e.g. simulators for bomb aimingAnalogue computers for specific processes, systems, or devices, e.g. simulators for guiding missiles
F41G 7/00 - Direction control systems for self-propelled missiles
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.
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
F02K 9/78 - Rocket-engine plants, i.e. plants carrying both fuel and oxidant thereforControl thereof combined with another jet-propulsion plant with an air-breathing jet-propulsion plant
F02C 7/05 - Air intakes for gas-turbine plants or jet-propulsion plants having provisions for obviating the penetration of damaging objects or particles
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.
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 7/00 - Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
85.
Structure for controlling the aero-acoustic environment in an aircraft weapons bay
An aircraft comprises a weapons bay, the weapons bay comprising a cavity having an opening through which stores may be deployed, and a door assembly for exposing/closing the opening of the cavity. A first store is held in the cavity via a launcher and a first structure is disposed inside the cavity, for controlling the aero-acoustic environment. The first structure for controlling the aero-acoustic environment is removeably mounted in the weapons bay, such that if the first store is exchanged for a second, different, store, the structure for controlling the aero-acoustic environment may be unmounted from the weapons bay and removed, to be exchanged for a second, different, structure for controlling the aero-acoustic environment.
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 aircraftAdaptations of armament mountings for aircraft the armaments being firearms
H04B 5/00 - Near-field transmission systems, e.g. inductive or capacitive transmission systems
87.
Structure for controlling the aero-acoustic environment in an aircraft weapons bay
An aircraft comprises a weapons bay, the weapons bay comprising a cavity having an opening through which stores may be deployed, and a door assembly for exposing/closing the opening of the cavity. A first store is held in the cavity via a launcher and a first structure is disposed inside the cavity, for controlling the aero-acoustic environment. The first structure for controlling the aero-acoustic environment is removeably mounted in the weapons bay, such that if the first store is exchanged for a second, different, store, the structure for controlling the aero-acoustic environment may be unmounted from the weapons bay and removed, to be exchanged for a second, different, structure for controlling the aero-acoustic environment.
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 modulatingNon-linear optics for the control of the position or the direction of light beams, i.e. deflection
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.
G01B 11/26 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for measuring angles or tapersMeasuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for testing the alignment of axes
G01D 5/26 - Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing memberMeans for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for convertingTransducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using optical means, i.e. using infrared, visible or ultraviolet light
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 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).
Missiles; missile launchers; firing stands and mounts for
missiles and rockets; payload and release devices for the
above-mentioned goods; torpedoes, torpedo carriers; homing
missile guidance devices; components of missiles,
torpedoes, torpedo carriers.
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 thereforControl 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.
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.
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.
G06F 19/00 - Digital computing or data processing equipment or methods, specially adapted for specific applications (specially adapted for specific functions G06F 17/00;data processing systems or methods specially adapted for administrative, commercial, financial, managerial, supervisory or forecasting purposes G06Q;healthcare informatics G16H)
F41G 3/02 - Aiming or laying means using an independent line of sight
F41G 3/16 - Sighting devices adapted for indirect laying of fire
F41G 3/22 - Aiming or laying means for vehicle-borne armament, e.g. on aircraft
F41G 7/00 - Direction control systems for self-propelled missiles
