US3936839A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and system for monitoring the light output of pyrotechnic luminants under dynamic conditions
Assignee: United States Department of the Army
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Filing: 1975-04-14
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Granted: 1976-02-03
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Expires: 1995-04-14
Abstract
Abstract The light output of pyrotechnic luminants under dynamic conditions can be nitored to obtain data representative of ground surface illumination as a function of time and position of the illumination source. An array of photocells is disposed at substantially ground level throughout the range testing area, these photocells being sequentially scanned to provide a serial electrical data output during the firing of a pyrotechnic luminant-containing projectile over the range testing area. The serial data is transmitted to a remote control location whereat the data is received, sequentially demodulated, and converted into an optical display synchronously with the scanning in a pattern which simulates the illumination impinging on the photocell array. The position of the projectile over the range testing area is simultaneously tracked and a tracking information display is also provided. The illumination display pattern is recorded in correlation with the tracking information display so as to provide a frame-by-frame record of the ground surface illumination of the luminant as a function of time and the position of the illumination source.
Inventors
- 👤 Wahner E. Brooks
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 18:38
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01J; G01J1/00; G01D; G01D7/00; G01D7/02; G01D7/04; G01D9/00; G01D9/42
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
180 words
A method of monitoring the light output of pyrotechnic luminants under dynamic conditions to obtain data representative of ground surface illumination as a function of time and position of the illumination source, said method comprising the steps of: disposing an array of spaced-apart light sensing means at substantially ground level throughout a range testing area; firing a pyrotechnic luminant-containing projectile over the range testing area to commence a testing period; sequentially scanning each light sensing means to provide serial electrical data representative of the output of each light sensing means in response to the pyrotechnic illumination characteristics; receiving the electrical data at a location remote from the range testing area; sequentially demodulating the received electrical data and converting same into an optical display synchronously with said scanning in a pattern simulating the illumination impinging on the array of light sensing means throughout the range testing area; simultaneously tracking the position of the projectile over the range testing area and providing a display representative of acquired tracking information; and recording the illumination display pattern in correlation with the tracking information display.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
180 words
A method of monitoring the light output of pyrotechnic luminants under dynamic conditions to obtain data representative of ground surface illumination as a function of time and position of the illumination source, said method comprising the steps of: disposing an array of spaced-apart light sensing means at substantially ground level throughout a range testing area; firing a pyrotechnic luminant-containing projectile over the range testing area to commence a testing period; sequentially scanning each light sensing means to provide serial electrical data representative of the output of each light sensing means in response to the pyrotechnic illumination characteristics; receiving the electrical data at a location remote from the range testing area; sequentially demodulating the received electrical data and converting same into an optical display synchronously with said scanning in a pattern simulating the illumination impinging on the array of light sensing means throughout the range testing area; simultaneously tracking the position of the projectile over the range testing area and providing a display representative of acquired tracking information; and recording the illumination display pattern in correlation with the tracking information display.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
34 words
A method as defined in claim 1, wherein each light sensing means disposed in the array provides an output in response to illumination impringing thereon of an intensity in excess of a threshold level.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
63 words
A method as defined in claim 2, wherein the sequential scanning of each light sensing means in the array and the sequential demodulation, conversion, and display of the received data is effected continuously throughout the testing period to produce a time-varying optical display pattern, and wherein the display pattern and tracking information display is photographically recorded at a plurality of discrete time intervals.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
39 words
A method as defined in claim 3, further including the step of automatically counting the received serial electrical data for each sequential scanning of the array and providing a read-out indicative of the cumulative illumination impinging on the array.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
83 words
A system for monitoring the light output of pyrotechnic luminants under dynamic conditions to obtain data representative of ground surface illumination as a function of time and position of the illumination source, said system comprising: an array of spaced-apart light sensing means disposed at substantially ground level throughout a range testing area; means disposed at the location of the array for sequentially scanning each light sensing means to provide serial electrical data representative of the output thereof in response to pyrotechnic illumination characteristics;
Claim 7
Independent Claim
83 words
A system for monitoring the light output of pyrotechnic luminants under dynamic conditions to obtain data representative of ground surface illumination as a function of time and position of the illumination source, said system comprising: an array of spaced-apart light sensing means disposed at substantially ground level throughout a range testing area; means disposed at the location of the array for sequentially scanning each light sensing means to provide serial electrical data representative of the output thereof in response to pyrotechnic illumination characteristics;
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
96 words
means disposed at a location remote from the range testing area for receiving the electrical data and sequentially demodulating same; means for converting the received data into an optical display pattern in synchronism with said scanning, said pattern simulating the pattern of illumination impinging on the array of light sensing means throughout the range testing area; means for simultaneously tracking the position of the projectile over the range testing area and for providing a display representative of acquired tracking information; and recording means for recording the illumination display pattern in correlation with the tracking information display.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
96 words
means disposed at a location remote from the range testing area for receiving the electrical data and sequentially demodulating same; means for converting the received data into an optical display pattern in synchronism with said scanning, said pattern simulating the pattern of illumination impinging on the array of light sensing means throughout the range testing area; means for simultaneously tracking the position of the projectile over the range testing area and for providing a display representative of acquired tracking information; and recording means for recording the illumination display pattern in correlation with the tracking information display.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1979-02-02 | 1979-08-04 | 1980-02-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1983-02-02 | 1983-08-04 | 1984-02-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1987-02-02 | 1987-08-04 | 1988-02-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |