Aeronautics and astronautics – Missile stabilization or trajectory control – Automatic guidance
Reexamination Certificate
2002-06-07
2004-03-16
Gregory, Bernarr E. (Department: 3662)
Aeronautics and astronautics
Missile stabilization or trajectory control
Automatic guidance
C244S003100, C244S003110, C244S003150
Reexamination Certificate
active
06705566
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a guidance system. More specifically, the present invention relates to a guidance system using active mirrors to guide a vehicle.
2. Description of the Related Art
Conventional seekers employ a gimbal guidance system. Gimbal systems contain many moving parts, each of which is susceptible to failure. Due to their number of parts and complexity, gimbal systems also are weighty. Weight is typically a design constraint for airborne vehicles, which can be a difficulty for gimbal systems. Also, gimbal systems require numerous complex electrical interfaces for operation. What is needed is an improved guidance system that does not use gimbals.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved guidance system.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a guidance system that does not use gimbals.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a lightweight guidance system.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a reliable guidance system.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a vehicle employing an improved guidance system.
The present invention is a guidance system for a vehicle. The guidance system includes active mirrors to track a target. In a preferred embodiment, there are three mirrors. The mirrors are moved in response to disturbances detected by gyros, accelerometers, or manually via remote control. The image provided from the first and second mirrors is sent through a focus device to a third mirror. The image is then filtered and received by the image sensor for processing. A signature signal processing device and additional optics may also be used. A control system connects each of the components of the guidance system. The guidance system is also connected to the vehicle control equipment to steer the vehicle toward the target.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3130308 (1964-04-01), Astheimer
patent: 4183482 (1980-01-01), Jozwiak
patent: 4277137 (1981-07-01), Upatnieks et al.
patent: 4326799 (1982-04-01), Keene et al.
patent: 4349838 (1982-09-01), Daniel
patent: 4386848 (1983-06-01), Clendenin et al.
patent: 4404592 (1983-09-01), Pepin et al.
patent: 5204784 (1993-04-01), Spinhirne
patent: 5681009 (1997-10-01), Vandersteen et al.
patent: 6116537 (2000-09-01), Kempas
patent: 6157875 (2000-12-01), Hedman et al.
patent: 6193381 (2001-02-01), Holler
patent: 6198564 (2001-03-01), Knight
Robertson Dale Eugene
Trice James Patrick
Gregory Bernarr E.
Lockheed Martin Corporation
LandOfFree
Active mirror guidance system does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Active mirror guidance system, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Active mirror guidance system will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-3204240