Integrated, reconfigurable man-portable modular system

• US 5,864,481 A
• Filed: 01/22/1996
• Issued: 01/26/1999
• Est. Priority Date: 01/22/1996
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Raytheon Company (Rtx Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Raytheon Company (Rtx Corporation)
• Inventors: Gross, Michael D., Carlson, Dennis, Turley, Douglas G., Billimoria, Rohinton P.
• Primary Examiner(s): Chin, Gary
• Application Number:
  US08/589,808
• Time in Patent Office: 1,100 Days
• Field of Search: 701/1, 701/213, 701/217, 701/207, 364/550, 364/400, 345/7, 345/8, 361/683, 361/686, 356/251
• US Class Current: 700/90
• CPC Class Codes: F41G 3/06 with rangefinder rangefinders per se G01C
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 7/4804 Auxiliary means for detecting or identifying lidar signals or the like, e.g. laser illuminators
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/163 Wearable computers, e.g. on a belt

Abstract

There is described an integrated reconfigurable man-portable communication system, adapted particularly for use in military or law enforcement tactical situations, including a modular compact computer with mission oriented hardware and software which provides the focal point for integration of various peripheral systems. The reconfigurable man-portable system provides a ballistic helmet with an integrated audio headset assembly. The helmet also includes a modular heads-up display assembly for providing remote viewing via a helmet mounted laser detection system, weapon mounted thermal weapons site, remote video system, and laser range finder/digital compass assembly. The heads-up display assembly and the audio headset assembly provides the user with tactical information such as; 360 degree laser detection from helmet mounted detectors, target location for direct and indirect target engagement from the weapon mounted laser range finder/digital compass assembly, and navigational positioning from a global positioning system and individual radio module integrated within a modular load carrying device. The integration and modularity of the man-portable system provides a flexible, mission oriented system capable of providing the user with enhanced awareness and communications ability.

Claims

1. An integrated man-portable modular system capable of providing a soldier with real-time situational awareness and communications capability, the modular systems comprising:

a plurality of reconfigurable modular subsystems for providing said real-time situational awareness and said communications capability, wherein said modular subsystems include an integrated helmet assembly subsystem (IHAS), a computer/radio subsystem (CRS), a weapon subsystem (WE), a protective clothing and individual equipment subsystem (PCIES), and a software subsystem (SS);

a load carrying equipment for carrying said subsystems by the soldier as an integrated unit and facilitating flow of information between said subsystems and the soldier; and

a data control device for operatively processing and controlling flow of information between said subsystems and the soldier.

2. The modular system of claim 1 wherein said modular subsystems provide enhanced ballistic protection, threat detection, field-of-vision, inter-communication, navigation and weapon control.

3. The modular system of claim 1 wherein said integrated helmet assembly subsystem includes an integrated heads-up display for displaying information processed by said data control device.

4. The modular system of claim 3 wherein said integrated helmet assembly subsystem includes a helmet for mounting said heads-up display and having an audio headset assembly for transmitting and receiving audio communications.

5. The modular system of claim 4 wherein said helmet includes a plurality of sensors for detecting a laser threat to the soldier.

6. The modular system of claim 1 further comprising a global positioning system operatively connected to said data control device, said global positioning system capable of processing information related to a position of said modular system and displaying said position on a heads-up display.

7. The modular system of claim 1 wherein said data control device includes a plug-in, plug-out circuit card architecture.

8. The modular system of claim 1 wherein said computer/radio subsystem includes a plurality of individuals radios providing voice and data communication between soldiers.

9. The modular system of claim 1 wherein said Weapon Subsystem includes a modular weapon having a thermal weapon sight, video camera, laser range finder and digital compass assembly operably connected to said modular weapon.

10. The modular system of claim 9 wherein said thermal weapon sight, video camera, laser range finder and digital compass assembly sense information and transmit said sensed information to said data control device for processing and display of said sensed information on a heads-up display.

11. The modular system of claim 1 wherein said Protective Clothing and Individual Equipment Subsystem includes ballistic protection armor worn by the soldier.

12. The modular system of claim 11 wherein said ballistic protection armor includes an armor vest having a ballistic plate mounted within a front plate pocket of said armor vest and ballistic plate mounted within a rear plate pocket of said armor vest for ballistic protection.

13. The nodular system of claim 1 wherein said load carrying equipment includes a frame and a plurality of individual load packs for carrying equipment, said frame having a quick release mechanism for doffing said load packs from said frame.

14. An integrated man-portable modular system capable of providing a soldier with real-time situational awareness and communications capability, the modular system comprising:

a plurality of reconfigurable modular subsystems for providing said real-time situational awareness and said communications capability, wherein said modular subsystems include an Integrated Helmet Assembly Subsystem (IHAS), a Computer/Radio Subsystem (CRS), a Weapon Subsystem (WS), a Protective Clothing and Individual Equipment Subsystem (PCIES), and a Software Subsystem (SS);

a load carrying equipment for carrying said subsystems by the soldier as an integrated unit and facilitating flow of information between said subsystems and the soldier; and

a data control device for operatively processing and controlling flow of information between said subsystems and the soldier, said data control device having a plug-in, plug-out circuit card architecture.

15. The modular system of claim 14 wherein said integrated helmet assembly subsystem includes an integrated heads-up display for displaying information processed by said data control device.

16. The modular system of claim 15 wherein said integrated helmet assembly subsystem includes a helmet for mounting said heads-up display and having an audio headset assembly for transmitting and receiving audio communications.

17. The modular system of claim 15 wherein said integrated assembly helmet includes a plurality of sensors for detecting a laser threat to the soldier.

18. The modular system of claim is 14 further comprising a global positioning system operatively connected to said data control device, said global positioning system capable of processing information related to a position of said modular system and displaying said position on a heads-up display.