Control and display unit for anti-missile countermeasures
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Publication Number
US-11893209-B2
Publication Date
2024-02-06
Expiration Date
Abstract
In a countermeasures control interface for use in deploying countermeasures in response to user commands, which are deployed from a first countermeasure dispenser that deploys a first type of countermeasure and a second countermeasure dispenser that deploys a second type of countermeasure different from the first type. A user interface receives user commands regarding countermeasures deployment and includes a display that shows a user-selectable image formats. At least one of the user-selectable image formats includes a graphic representation of a loadout of the first countermeasure dispenser and the second countermeasure dispenser, as well as a graphical representation of currently-available countermeasures deployment options. The user interface also receives input regarding a user countermeasure deployment choice and generates a signal corresponding to the countermeasure deployment choice. An electronic circuit controls the display and generates the user-selectable image formats, receives the countermeasure deployment choice from the user interface and activates the countermeasure dispensers.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a countermeasures control interface for deploying countermeasures from a frame in response to commands from a user. Countermeasures are deployed from a first countermeasure dispenser that deploys a first type of countermeasure and a second countermeasure dispenser that deploys a second type of countermeasure different from the first type, and the first and second countermeasure dispensers are selectively activated by a control unit that receives user commands through the countermeasures control interface.
The countermeasures control interface includes a programmable user interface in communication with the control unit. The user interface receives commands from the user regarding deployment of the countermeasures and includes a display that shows a plurality of user-selectable image formats, including graphic representations of a current loadout of the first countermeasure dispenser, a graphic representation of a current loadout of the second countermeasure dispenser, and a graphic representation of a plurality of currently-available options for deploying countermeasures, together with a user input device having a plurality of hard buttons disposed linearly along at least one edge of the screen.
The interface further includes an electronic circuit that controls the display to generate the plurality of user-selectable image formats and that receives a signal corresponding to a countermeasure deployment choice from the user interface. The electronic circuit selectively activates both the first and second countermeasure dispensers to cause deployment of the countermeasures according to the countermeasure deployment choice, and is programmed to display a plurality of labels disposed adjacent to different hard buttons and to display a set of ladder soft keys underneath at least one hard button when the user presses the hard button.
Claims Coverage
The partial content includes two independent claims and centers on a user-commanded countermeasures control interface with a programmable display, hard buttons, labels, ladder soft keys, and selective activation of first and second countermeasure dispensers. The inventive features consolidate into four core features.
Programmable user interface with display and hard buttons for countermeasure deployment choice
A programmable user interface in communication with the control unit receives commands from the user regarding deployment of the countermeasures, including a display that shows a plurality of user-selectable image formats with graphic representations of a current loadout of the first countermeasure dispenser, a current loadout of the second countermeasure dispenser, and currently-available options for deploying countermeasures, with hard buttons disposed linearly along at least one edge of the screen.
Electronic circuit that generates UI formats and selectively activates both dispensers based on a user signal
An electronic circuit controls the display to generate the plurality of user-selectable image formats and receives the signal corresponding to a countermeasure deployment choice from the user interface, selectively activating both the first countermeasure dispenser and the second countermeasure dispenser to cause deployment of the countermeasures according to the countermeasure deployment choice.
Labels adjacent to hard buttons and ladder soft keys with specific actions
The electronic circuit is programmed to display a plurality of labels disposed adjacent to different hard buttons and to display a set of ladder soft keys underneath at least one hard button when the user presses the hard button, with selection of one of the ladder soft keys causing the electronic circuit to take a specific action.
Countermeasures device with first and second dispensers, control unit, and user interface
A countermeasures device includes a first countermeasure dispenser mounted on the frame configured to deploy a first type of countermeasure; a second countermeasure dispenser mounted on the frame configured to deploy a second type of countermeasure different from the first type; a control unit that selectively activates both the first countermeasure dispenser and the second countermeasure dispenser; and a user interface in communication with the control unit that receives commands from the user regarding deployment of the countermeasures.
The inventive coverage centers on a programmable countermeasures control device that presents user-selectable graphical image formats on a display with hard buttons, uses labels adjacent to hard buttons and ladder soft keys that appear upon hard-button presses, and uses an electronic circuit to take specific actions and selectively activate both a first and a second countermeasure dispenser according to a user-selected deployment choice signal.
Stated Advantages
Adaptability to threat changes.
Improved BYPASS/jettison functions.
Documented Applications
Deploying countermeasures from an airframe/frame in response to commands from a user, with threat-sensor inputs used for graphical threat representation.
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