VIDEO MAPS GENERATOR

Abstract: The video map generator has been studied and developed in order to satisfy the needs of radar presentation centres (both military and civilian) that employ the traditional triad of video signals, trigger and angular data. Its specific function is that of generating video signals which, when mixed with the video radar, enable the presentation on the same indicator of both targets and geographical reference data. The competing system normally offered on the market to fulfill the same needs may be classified under two categories: analogical optoelectronic systems and digital systems. The former (which employs more antiquated technology including moveable mechanical parts, focalization optics and final optoelectronic conversion) feature, besides high costs and low accuracy, a sustained rigidity of employment insofar as their functioning requires the use of slides of a particularly toilsome preparation with special photoreproduction appliances. The latter, although having partly overcome the drawback which troubles the aforementioned category, does not boast a major flexibility of employment: in fact, map data are generally stored in magnetic support (cassettes or others) produced by the same manufacturer simultaneously with the development of the system and are, thus, not modifyable by the user. The novelty of the CISET apparatus resides mainly in its having overcome this limitation. This enables the user to construct and modify on his own the video map data with the use of suitable keyboard which allows its direct entry into the memory. Furthermore, in order to avoid the inconvenience of employing units featuring moveable mechanical parts (i.e. discs and tapes) which lead to a reduction in reliability and to a burdening of maintenance necessities, the system adopts as a memory support low absorbancy RAMs thus allowing the retention of data (with the apparatus switched off or with a stored memory chart) for at least 12 months.

Description: - 1 - ~- _ VIDEO MAPS GENERATOR S. 1. Presentation of the apparatus ■ '' _ The DC-VM-01 apparatus produces video maps suited for display on ' visualization units of the PPI and SCAN CONVERTED BRIGHT DISPLAY types normally supplied with independent video entry. One may associate the 1Q; DC-VM-Ol : with a Video Distributor (VC-VD-01) thus allowing for the multiplication and the mixing of videos exiting the system and fo their appropriate distribution to- the RADAR indicators. . The main features of the DC-VM-01 system are the following: 25. . - ) Technical characteristics; - totally digital apparatus; this leads to the following advantages : ■ ' ■ ■ 1 - reduction of maintenance costs; 2 - ■ simplicity of installment; 3 - compactness of the system; 20. 4 - lota-tension use (TTL and CMOS circuits) - no mechanical parts in motion ( scanners , discs , tapes, etc. ) . ' - memorization capacity of data related to Video Maps CVM) for at least 12 months without feeding - availability of cm internal sir.ulυtov F.ALAR HEAD (Trigger generator, 25.. ACP, NP) for AUTOTESTING OFF-LINE; synchronization possibilitie , E through internal simulator, of a RADAR indicator. 5. b) Operational characteristics: - The construction or modification of VM's may be operated simply and directly by the user. . This mean ' s.: ' • ' 1 — shorter time needed for the operative availability of new Vtos; 10. • 2 — the possibility to employ information exclusively reserved for the user. • - ' the capacity to generate simultaneously four different Video Naps (V ) fόr the same radar. — capacity, to represent approximately 260.000 video points (vp) with 15. maximum memory extension. — high quality presentation! especially for that which involves: 1 - stable ana constant definition no matter what choice of scale factor, range or distance from RADAR origin. 2 — extreme accuracy in the correspondence between VM points and 20. RADAR information both in distance and azimuth. — ON LINE autodiagnosis on the correctness of data to be presented and on errors of formulation; alfanumeric signalling of various types malfunction. 25. 2) General Description . The entry signals into the DC-VM are : 5. 1 ) ACP (409G linear increments/antenna rotation ) 2) NORTH PULSE 3) RADAR TRIGGER - The exit signals from the DC-V -01 are:. 10. ' 4 video independents (VM.1, VM2, VM3, VM4) . The user may construct the VM's employing the "STRAIGHT LINE 1' ' and "CIRCUMFERENCE" equations memorized in the system. In order to do so, he will supply the processor with the distinctive parameters (without 15. any positional or size .limitation to the plane at issue) of the ; . ■ "SEGMENT.", "CIRCUMFERENCE ARC"' and "CIRCUMFERENCE" ' equations-. Thus willbe produced the basάc elements with which.to represent the VM to the most accurate detail, the only limitation residing in the maximum number of memorizable, .v. 20.- The intersection points between the aforementioned functions and the SWEEPS RADAR, when computed by the system, will represent the memorized p 's and will then be displayed on the visualization unit. The overall architecture of the system (refer fig. 1) is as follows: the DC-VM-01 apparatus consists of 2 fundamental units 'which allow for 25. the distinction between the phases construction ana operative of VM's use 5. 1 - Video Map Programmer 2 - Video Map Generator . The Video Map Programmer consists of a. functional/alfanumeric keyboard and a Display both employed by the user to introduce the DISTINCTIVE 10.. ' PARAMETERS OF THE SEGMENT, ' CIRCUMFERENCE ARC AND CIRCUMFERENCE equations which form the .VM. The Video Map Generator (see fig. 2) is, on the other hand, constituted by: 15.. 1. - Microprocessor Module CLZ-80S (CPU, EPROM, RAM, I/O) which: - elaborates, the DISTINCTIVE PARAMETERS of the VM equations received Dy the VM Programmer, storing them in the Video Function memory (FV); . — computes the pv's obtaineo as intersection between the FV's and 20. every SWEEP RADAR, storing them in the p.v. memory (MEM); - generates control signals for the LDCB, MBA, MEM modules; - runs the LED command key situated in the front panel; - runs the VM Programmer (Keyboard and Display); - executes diagnostic on its internal and external memories (MEM, 25. M3A). ' '■ . ' ' - 5 - 2 - LDCB Module (DMA Logic and BUFFER CONTROL), which: - runs video exit BUFFERS from MEM in synchronization with the 5. TRIGGER RADAR and the current number of ACP's. - allows, .through 3 STATE .METERS (A, B, N), all operations and . logical sequences related to meters, summators, -comparators, etc. ' - signals malfunctions of the azimuth error, lack .of TRIGGER and 10. ■ meter error, types. 3 - MBA Module (Low .Absorbancy Memory) containing the constituent parameters of the VM equations in correct order, data concerning VM maximum range and accuracy chosen for the RADAR indicator, 15. computed programmes recalled into the CPU central memory when ' ■ .the- system calculates' the pv's. ,4' - MEM Module (PV Memory) containing the computed pv's to be ' displayed. For this purpose, it may be written and read by the CPU and read by the LDCB module so as to transfer the exiting 20. ' VIDEO DATA. ■ 5 - ISRC Module (INTERFACE RADAR SIGNALS AND CONTROLS), which: - produces the ACP, NP TEST TRIGGER signals and computes various control signals for the MEM, MBA and LDCB received by the CLZ-80S module. 25. - allows for the extension of the I/O lines to and from the CPU. — adapts video signals exiting toward the RADAR indicator. 5. 3. Presentation of the LX>-VM-01 general block outline (see fig. 3) CLZ-80S Module .- ■ . Constitutes the heart, of the system together with the ZSOB (4MHz) microprocessor.lt has a capacity of 64 RAM KBYTE and 8 EPROM KBYTE, 32 10. I/O Tines with 4. PIO doors. ' ■ • The signals featured on the frontal connectors are the following: PA 0 : 7 = I/O lines for the KEYBoard (through the ISRC) PB 0 r 5 = " " " " " ( " " " ) PB 0 : 7 = " " • " " Key ( " " " ) 15. PC 0 : 3 = for MEM Chip selection (through the ISRC) PC.4,: -c> = for external-memory type selection: MEM and MBA memories (RAM or EPROM) „ (through the ISRC). .' PC 7 * = for qualification and deq alification of LDCB chart and its reading.into MEM (through ISRC) 20. PD 0 : 6 = (through ISRC), subdivided into: - 0 : 1 for -LED ERROR and REDY — 2 for R/W qualification external memory to CLZ-80S - 3 : 5 for error reading from LDCB - & for RESET of error indication in LDCB. 25. BD 0 : 7 = bidirectional data lines for MEM and MBA BAD 0 : 12 = for MEM and MBA directioning (both EPROM and RAM) BAD 11 : 12 = for ISRC generation σf the following signals: 5. ■ . CSMB 0 :. ' 3 and C3EP 0 : 3; (CSMB * 0 : 3 for MBA-RAM Chip qualif cation) • • CSEP O : 3 fro EPROM Chip qualification) , ' .BAD ' 13 ■: 15 = for ' RESET CPU generation in case of FETCH condition ' on ■ memory areas destined for data. ,10. ' HM1 ; BMRΞQ = CPU control signals. PMM ,0 , ' =• ' in ■ combination, w'ith' other control signals, qualifies, • , ' : ' ■ • . . ■ ' :■ ' : ■ ■ '.■■ ■ ' tor ' CPU, •• .external .memory ' to- CLZ-80S (MEM, MBA) BRESET ' .- = RESET signal .from ISRC to CLZ-80S. BRD .'= generates MEM R/ qualification signals 15. .B R , • = MEM and MBA write qualification signal Low Absorbancy Memory (MBA). • ■ Includes:. ' ' . , ■ ' ' ■ . ' , - 4. Low Absorbancy RAM Chips with a capacity of 8 KBYTE 20. - 4 EPROM Chips with a capacity of 16 KBYTE - 3 Stopper Batteries and a recharge circuit for data retention. Within the RAM are stored.: ' - the indicator parameters associated to the system (VM maximum range, Accuracy) 25. — distinctive parameters of the equations constituting the 4 VM's (maximum of 511 Equations) Within the EPROM. are stored and memorized programmes transferred into 5. the CPU central memor at the moment of computation aimed at pv production. A data BUS and directional BUS, . , both with an 8 BIT capacity, together " with the control signals, allow communication with CLZ— 80S. Data -retention through Stopper Batteries allows for: 10.- — automatic restoration of pv's in case of a lack of■ network - the employment of "n" different Video Maps with the. simple insertion " .of different MBA Modules in the DC-VM-01 Generator. p.v. Memory (MEM). 15. The system is provided with a maximum of 4 MEM modules, written and read b . CPU and read by LDCB... ' . ' -' . Eacn MEM contains: 16- RAM Chips for p.v. memorization with a capacity Qf -.128 KBYTE and a multiplexer network for the selection of directioning operated by CPU or LDCB, • 20. Interface Radar Signals and Controls (ISRC). May be divided into two sections/; - EXTENDED I/O: for ' I/O CPU line connection with other modules, decodification or 25. generation of some CLZ-80S control signals for external memories. - RADAR: for adaption of external RADAR signals, regeneration of VM 1 : 4 5. Videos, generation of TEST RADAR signals. The signals present on the back connectors are the following: . BAD 13 -t 15 . BAD ' 11 -i- 12 ■ BRD- ' TEST/OPERATIVE VM 1 -÷.- 40.= video. Signals in. balanced line o the 4 VM's for the external indicator. ■ VM 1 '.--i. ,4,.'- = viαeo signals in balanced .line from LDCB. ACP '' = signal in balanced line for LDCB 20. NP ' = signal in balanced line for LDCB TRIGGER = signal in balanced line for LDCB PID 3 ' .*- b • = error states fror.i LDCB for CPU ' PID ϋL = RESET of ERROR state ' MCCT = qualifies LDCu chart (a result of PC 7 signal 25. elaboration) CK3 - Trigger and Test ACP generation Clock. PIA 0 -*» 7 = continuation of PA 0 : 7 signals. 5. .PIB $ t-5 = " " PB 0 : 5 PIB 6 - .7 PB6 : 7 MCB # -f- 3 = MEM selectors to CPU or to LDCB generated with PC7 signal. ' ' PIC p *3 ' ■= continuation of PC ϋ : 3 signals. 10. BANC -Θ-TK; 3 = qualification MEM Bank n° when entered by CPU ABLUR &-j£ 1 ■= Write qualification for banks 0 and 1 ABL R 2 •*- 3 = 2 and 3 ABLBUS = connects the 8 BIT BUS of one row to 8 Chips of the other row 15. CSfcP 0 -*.3 '.' = qualifies EPROM Chips (MBA) CSMB -s- 3 RAM (MBA) (On front connectors receives all J6 and J7 front connector signals of CLZ-80S) . 20. ■ . Keyboard-Display (ATD) . Resolvable, as a man-system interface, into: — INPUT section: Keys — OUTPUT section: 7 segment Display, LED. Allows the operator to: 25. — insert, read and erase Distinctive Parameters of Video Function on MBA. - insert Range and Accuracy Parameters. 5. - visualize any error in the VM system. DMA Logic. and Buffer Control (LDCB). Executes MEM high-speed reading related to azimuthal position of SUEEP indicator, presenting exiting video impulses ' synchronized with the 10. . Trigger,. , - For memory scan (reading) the chart includes: - a, 16.BIT data BUS ' - a 17 BIT direction Meter - an ENCODER for the selection of the 4 MEM's 15. - a distance "METER" synchronized with the TRIGGER '■ -. a ' 12"BIT 'comparator • - three Meters of State - ■ an, err ' pr revealing circuit for: - azimut errors 20. - lack of TRIGGER ' - OVERFLOW direction .Meter .-■State A error Meter - State error Meter The signals present are the following: 25. ADDR 00 : 16 = for directioning within MEM when LDCB control chart is qualified DM 00 : 15 = for data from MEM when control chart is qualified 5. • ABLC 0 : 13 = for qualification of MEM banks upon control chart entrance-. VM 1 = " video on exiting balanced line. PID 3 : ' 5 = signal for error reading. ' PID6L. = reset error indication signal line signal for. LDCB qualification, line North signal. line radar trigger signal. line Azimuth Change Pulse signal. 15. Level Adaptor-. •" ■ Tops ACP, -NP, -TRIGGER signals to TTL level accepting 3V to 50V entry signals. Front Panel 20. includes: Tri—positional key. switch ' for the selection of the system's functioning modes: OPERATIVE, KEYBOARD QUALIFICATION, CALCULATION; STATE- SYSTEM LED: REDY ERROR. 25. 4. VIDEO POINT Memory Configuration (MEM modules) (64K - 256K 16 BIT words) 5. ■ The Video Points Memory has been structured in accordance with a logic which facilitate its reading related to the current ACP. The ■ amount of memory , .employed by the user to construct his VM's is' subdivided into -4096 blocks, thus obtaining .a biderectional 10. cor.responde.nce between the ACP and the memory segments. ■ Each block is composed of' a Head Word, also c'alled ' Word of • Synchronization (PS), . and of a variable number of words ' each identifying a PV to be represented. If for a given ACP, p.v. are not produced, the memory segment involved •15. is .reduced to the single Word of Synchronization (see fig. 4). ' The significance of the BIT in the Word of .Synchronization is as follows: DM 12 : -15 = 0 identify the PS 20. Di 00 : 11 = n° of PV + 1 of the block The significance of the BIT in the "Video Words" (PV)is the following: DM 12 : 15 = VM 1 : 4, the BIT situated between 12 and 15 which are equal to "1" indicate to which VM belongs the PV under 25. scrutiny. DM 00 : ' 11 = n° of RBC (RANGE BIN CLOCK), expressing the distance from the TRIGGER of the PV one wishes to represent. 5. Note: An- RBC = 1/32 NM or 1/16 NM or 1/8 NM, all values selectionable by the user as . semioperative variables of the system. 5. DC-VM Software (brief outline). 10. The totality of all the procedure running the DC-VM System is partly a erma ' neπt resident in EPROM (8 KBYTE) of the CLZ-80S and partly in EPROfv; (16 KBYTE) of the MBA module. The EPROM MBA content is transfered on to the RAM CLZ-803 upon 15.' execution of p.v. computation. Software ' Activities The fundamental operations undertaken by the software are: - management of commands coming from the front panel Key switch; the 20. command positions of the control key are: . OPERATIVE, KEYBOARD QUALIFICATION, CALCULATION. - management of front panel LED READY and ERROR signals; - construction of VM's subdivided into following steps: a) cnarging within tne MBA module of the equations which make up the 2b. VM's coming from the KEYBOARD-DISPLAY PROGRAMMER; b) computation of p.v. and their ordering; c) writting of Synchronism PV's into MEM 5, -.qualification of VM visualization. - diagnostics execution on: 1) RAM resident in ' CLZ-80S with read/write controls " for all locations upon commencement of operations and on two location simultaneously, in ciclical-sequential manner; during operative 10.. functione ent. ■ ' '2) MEM with .read/write- controls if not .containing data, or with ' CK-SUM oontrqls at every ' data -transfe ' fro ' t ' n RAM " -to CLZ-8QS- - .. memory and viceversa. - configuration control upon commencement of operations- (that is, 15-. . .number of present MEM- modules)'. . ' -.control an writting 'on KEYBOARD-DISPLAY ' of reached OVERFLOW ofVideo Functions- and available memory. ' - writting on Display-keyboard 'of error messages; these are ' . - CPU Err 20. ,'. - MBA Err - EPR Err . : , - ' CAR ' 4, 5, 6, 7 (ME O, 1, 2, 3) Err. ' ' - MEM FULL.

Claims: CLAIMS 5. 1) Does not require the use of moving mechanical parts, optics or slides . ' 2) VIDEO MAP data is directly introduced by the user without having to go through the manufacturer ' " • •, ' 3) VIDEO-MAPS may at anytime and very quickly be modified and 10. updated- by the user himself 4} Extreme ' accuracy (up to 1/32 of a nautical mile in distance) and high memory capacity which allows the display of a large number of video points (approximately 260.000) and of fou different . Video Maps.

Inventors: CARTIA GIROLAMO, CARTIA, GIROLAMO
Applicants: CISET SPA, CISET S.P.A.
Application year: 1987
Main classification: G01S7
IPC codes: G01S7, G09G3, G09G5