Patent Publication Number: US-9430189-B2

Title: Vehicle damage detection system and method of manufacturing the same

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/186,640, filed Feb. 21, 2014 which is a divisional application of and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/161,965, filed Jun. 16, 2011 which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/435,255, filed Jan. 21, 2011, the disclosures of which are expressly incorporated by reference herein. The present application is also related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/161,968, filed Jun. 16, 2011, entitled “EVENT DETECTION SYSTEM HAVING MULTIPLE SENSOR SYSTEMS IN COOPERATION WITH AN IMPACT DETECTION SYSTEM”, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/161,974, filed Jun. 16, 2011, entitled “EVENT DETECTION SYSTEM USER INTERFACE SYSTEM COUPLED TO MULTIPLE SENSORS INCLUDING AN IMPACT DETECTION SYSTEM”, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/161,984, filed Jun. 16, 2011, entitled “EVENT DETECTION CONTROL SYSTEM FOR OPERATING A REMOTE SENSOR OR PROJECTILE SYSTEM”, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/161,935, filed Jun. 16, 2011, entitled “DAMAGE DETECTION AND REMEDIATION SYSTEM AND METHODS THEREOF”, the disclosures of which are expressly incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     The invention described herein was made in the performance of official duties by employees of the Department of the Navy and may be manufactured, used and licensed by or for the United States Government for any governmental purpose without payment of any royalties thereon. This invention (Navy Case 200,281) is assigned to the United States Government and is available for licensing for commercial purposes. Licensing and technical inquiries may be directed to the Technology Transfer Office, Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane, email: Cran_CTO@navy.mil. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a system and apparatus for detecting events of interest, such as damage events associated with impacts, interactions between structures, or structural integrity events for which detection is desired. 
     BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Current structures such as armor, microelectronics, or critical infrastructure systems lack effective, real-time sensing systems to detect damage events of interest, such as an impact from a ballistic object, a tamper event, a physical impact such as from debris (such as airborne or space debris), or other damage events which may affect structural integrity or cause failure. 
     Detection of armor or surface failures may be currently based on aural indications or manual inspection after an event which could be delayed due to ongoing use of equipment or operations. When a critical armor or surface element becomes compromised, lives may be placed at risk. Currently, there is no known way of effectively detecting these failures immediately or as the event happens. 
     Security forces, emergency response, or law enforcement personnel often rely on body armor and personal protective equipment. Due to designs of such armor or equipment, users cannot reliably predict where a potential armor or equipment failure is occurring, or if the armor or equipment has been compromised to the point of potential failure. 
     Traditionally, medics and emergency response personnel must manually inspect a victim for ballistic wounds that have occurred from damage events, such as bomb blasts or gunfire. They can only perform and make an assessment based on visible injuries, such as a penetration wound. 
     Space based systems also lack effective detection systems which meet requirements for space launch, such as liftoff and other constraints. For example, onboard the international space station, astronauts and ground controllers do not know that an outer panel has been compromised unless it has damaged a system or the impact site is leaking gas. Often, manual inspection of the station is required by performing spacewalks or by robotics to find potentially compromised areas. 
     An effective impact sensing system could be used to avert potential disasters of units in the space frontier from contact with space junk, and hypervelocity impacts of meteorites and micrometeoroids. A sensing system on the shields or exterior of a spacecraft may determine the shielding materials integrity during liftoff and flight through the earth&#39;s atmosphere. For example, if a piece of shielding had been displaced, a sensing system may determine where on the craft the shielding has been removed in the event it may be repaired once docked to the space station. This information may be communicated to the astronauts and the space flight control center to determine the extent of damage and to determine if the craft is a risk to astronaut&#39;s lives and/or critical equipment. 
     In the aircraft industry, active monitoring during all phases of an aircraft&#39;s life span will improve the safety margin of critical components. In the past, aircraft have had fuselage failures because fatigue cracks went undetected during the flight. If the skin of the aircraft is actively monitored, a pilot could be warned about developing problem(s) and mitigation actions could be taken. The information may also be fed into the aircraft&#39;s data recorder (i.e., “black box”) providing greater detail on the aircraft&#39;s condition. This would lead to safer aircraft and extended aircraft lifespans. 
     In the commercial vehicle industry, a sensor system on key components of a vehicle may determine the extent of damage while a damage event, such as a collision is happening. This information may be used to deploy specific airbags to those areas of the vehicle being adversely affected or compromised. 
     In unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), battle field robots, autonomous systems, or any device requiring a circuit board, active monitoring may independently and quickly detect damage and automatically reroute signals, power, and command and control to other redundant systems without having to delay for error detection or other fault sensing techniques. This method may, for example, allow an autonomous robotic device to receive damage such as a bullet hole through a circuit board and automatically shut down the damaged section and reallocate lost functionality to other systems. Sensing systems which are capable of being adapted to design specifications of a microelectronic system may be utilized to improve the survivability of such microelectronic systems. For example, a sensing system which is light weight and easily mounted to an item of interest may provide continuous monitoring and enable a capacity for dynamically reconfiguring a circuit board for internal physical damage that may be caused by events such as physical trauma, shock, vibration or heat. 
     Sensing systems may also be used to identify breached containers holding sensitive documents, information, or materials. Such sensing systems should be easily monitored such that mitigation actions may be taken in real time before information/material is unrecoverable. Improvements to existing sensing technology are needed to detect a breach of any type of container for commercial or military use, and relay that breach to a monitoring system. 
     According to an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, a system is provided to produce real-time information on a variety of damage events, including structural, perimeter, and/or armor integrity failure conditions of a monitored device or unit by means of a resistive/conductive sensor system. One illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure provides sensors to areas where impacts may occur from a ballistic means or other known or unknown sources. Exemplary ballistic strike detection methods and structures may be used to pinpoint a location of an impact site, provide an estimation of the ballistic object&#39;s relative velocity, and provide an estimation of the ballistic object&#39;s size. 
     According to an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, a detection system includes a first layer adapted to a damage event, the first layer adapted to conduct an electromagnetic signal and having a plurality of electromagnetic signal measuring portions oriented in a first orientation. At least one coupling point is in electrical communication with at least one of the signal measuring portions of the first layer and is adapted to receive an electromagnetic signal input. An electromagnetic signal generator is coupled to the at least one input coupling point to provide the electromagnetic signal input. At least one output coupling point is in electrical communication with at least one of the signal measuring portions of the first layer and is adapted to provide an electromagnetic signal output. An electromagnetic signal measuring device is coupled to the at least one output coupling point. A processing system is adapted to control the electromagnetic signal generator and the electromagnetic signal measuring device, wherein the processing system is adapted to determine data on the damage event based on changes between the electromagnetic signal input at the at least one input coupling point and the electromagnetic signal output at the at least one output coupling point. The damage event may be further determined from an electromagnetic signal change calculation which is based on a comparison between a first electromagnetic signal measuring portion and a second electromagnetic signal measuring portion. Illustratively, an output device is adapted to produce damage data comprising a at least one of a damage alert, damage location, damage size, damage orientation, time data, and damage event category. 
     According to a further illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, a detection system includes a sensing device configured to be operably coupled to a structure of interest and to sense a damage event. The sensing device includes a first layer, and a plurality of measuring portions supported by the first layer, each of the measuring portions including an input coupling point and an output coupling point and adapted to conduct an electrical signal from the input coupling point to the output coupling point. A measurement system is in electrical communication with the measuring portions of the sensing device, the measurement system configured to provide electrical signal inputs to the input coupling points of the sensing device, and configured to measure electrical signal outputs at the output coupling points of the sensing device. A damage detection processing system is operably coupled to the measurement system, the processing system configured to determine data on the damage event based on changes between the electrical signal inputs at the input coupling points and the electrical signal output sat the output coupling points, the data including a location of the damage event on the sensing device and a damage event origination axis directed to the point of origin of the damage event. A user interface is operably coupled to the damage detection processing system and is configured to provide a visual display of the damage data including a representation of a damage alert, the damage event location and the damage event origination axis. 
     According to another illustrative embodiment of the disclosure, a method of detecting a damage event associated with a structure of interest includes the steps of coupling a first layer to a structure of interest, the first layer including a plurality of measuring portions oriented in a first direction, providing input electrical signals to input coupling points of each of the measuring portions, and measuring output electrical signals from output coupling points of each of the measuring portions. The method further includes the step of determining data on a damage event based on changes between the electrical signal inputs at each of the input coupling points and the electrical signal outputs at each of the output coupling points. 
     According to a further illustrative embodiment of the disclosure, a vehicle damage detection system includes a plurality of sensing devices supported by a vehicle and defining a sensing perimeter. Each of the sensing devices includes a layer, and a plurality of measuring portions supported by the layer, each of the measuring portions including an input coupling point and an output coupling point and adapted to conduct an electrical signal from the input coupling point to the output coupling point. A measurement system is in electrical communication with the measuring portions of each of the sensing devices. The measurement system is configured to provide electrical signal inputs to the input coupling points of each of the sensing devices, and is configured to measure electrical signal outputs at the output coupling points of each of the sensing devices. A plurality of couplers secure the plurality of sensing devices to an exterior of the vehicle. A damage detection processing system is operably coupled to the measurement system, and is configured to determine data on a damage event from the sensing devices based on changes between the electrical signal inputs at the input coupling points and the electrical signal outputs at the output coupling points, the data including a location of the damage event on the sensing device and a damage event origination axis directed to the point of origin of the damage event. 
     According to another illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of manufacturing a vehicle damage detection system includes the steps of preparing an outer surface of a vehicle to facilitate coupling thereto, applying a first electrically isolating material to the prepared surface of the vehicle, applying a first electrically conductive layer on the electrically isolative material, installing a plurality of electrical interconnects on the first electrically conductive layer, coupling the plurality of electrical interconnects to a measurement system, and applying an overcoat layer to the conductive layer and electrical interconnects. 
     According to yet another illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, an event detection system includes an impact sensing device including a layer, and a plurality of measuring portions supported by the layer, each of the measuring portions including an input coupling point and an output coupling point and adapted to conduct an electrical signal from the input coupling point to the output coupling point. A measurement system is in electrical communication with the measuring portions of the impact sensing device. The measurement system is configured to provide electrical signal inputs to the input coupling points of the sensing device, and is configured to measure electrical signal outputs at the output coupling points of the sensing device. An acoustic detection system includes a plurality of microphones configured to detect soundwaves generated by an event. The acoustic detection system is configured to process time offsets from the soundwaves at the plurality of microphones for determining the direction of the source of the event. A processor is operably coupled to the measurement system and the acoustic detection system for determining a damage event origination axis directed to the point of origin of the event. The damage event origination axis is determined by the processor based on changes between the electrical signal inputs at the input coupling points and the electrical signal outputs at the output coupling points of the impact sensing device, and time offsets from the soundwaves at the plurality of microphones of the acoustic detection system. Further illustratively, an imaging system including at least one camera configured to detect weapon fire flash events may be operably coupled to the processor. 
     According to a further illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of detecting a damage event associated with a structure of interest includes the steps of providing a sensing device including a plurality of measuring portions, providing input electrical signals to input coupling points of each of the measuring portions, measuring output electrical signals from output coupling points of each of the measuring portions, and determining data on a damage event based on changes between the electrical signal inputs at each of the input coupling points and the electrical signal outputs at each of the output coupling points. The method further includes the steps of detecting soundwaves generated by the source of the damage event, detecting flash events from the source of the damage event, determining a damage event origination axis based on changes between the electrical signal inputs at the input coupling points and the electrical signal outputs at the output coupling points of the impact sensing device, and correlating the damage event origination axis with time offsets from the soundwaves at the plurality of microphones of the acoustic detection system, and the flash events from the imaging system. 
     According to a further illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, an impact detection system includes a sensing device configured to be operably coupled to a structure of interest and to sense impacts. The sensing device includes a layer, and a plurality of measuring portions supported by the layer, each of the measuring portions including an input coupling point and an output coupling point and adapted to conduct an electrical signal from the input coupling point to the output coupling point. A measurement system is in electrical communication with the measuring portions of the sensing device. The measurement system is configured to provide electrical signal inputs to the input coupling points of the sensing device, and is configured to measure electrical signal outputs at the output coupling points of the sensing device. A damage detection processing system is operably coupled to the measurement system. The processing system is configured to determine data on a damage event from the sensed impact based on changes between the electrical signal inputs at the input coupling points and the electrical signal outputs at the output coupling points, the data including a location of the damage event on the sensing device and an damage event origination axis directed to the point of origin of the ballistic impact. A user interface is operably coupled to the damage detection processing system, the user interface including a plurality of visual indicators, the visual indicators including a plurality of light sources arranged in vertically spaced rows, each of the vertically spaced rows including a plurality of horizontally spaced light sources. Further illustratively, a targeting device is operably coupled to the measurement system. The targeting device may include a slewing mechanism configured to adjust elevation and azimuth of a targeting member for alignment with the origination axis. 
     According to a further illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of detecting a damage event associated with a structure of interest includes the steps of providing a sensing device including a plurality of measuring portions, providing input electrical signals to input coupling points of each of the measuring portions, measuring output electrical signals from output coupling points of each of the measuring portions, and determining data on a damage event based on changes between the electrical signal inputs at each of the input coupling points and the electrical signal outputs at each of the output coupling points. The method further includes the step of adjusting a targeting device in response to the data on the damage event. 
     Additional features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description of the illustrative embodiment exemplifying the best mode of carrying out the invention as presently perceived. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The detailed description of the drawings particularly refers to the accompanying figures in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram of an illustrative damage detection and remediation system of the present disclosure, showing various representative input and output connections thereto; 
         FIG. 2  is a diagrammatic view of an illustrative sensing device coupled to a structure of interest for determining a point of origin of an object impacting the sensing device; 
         FIG. 3  is an exemplary exploded view of a multi-axis sensing device having layered structures that, when assembled, form a sensor system which permits impact detection and determination of a path of an impact object; 
         FIG. 4A  is a diagrammatic side view of an illustrative layered sensing device showing a vector of a projectile impacting the sensing device; 
         FIG. 4B  is a diagrammatic top view of the illustrative layered sensing device of  FIG. 4A ; 
         FIG. 5  is an exemplary plan view of a single-axis sensing device having a single layer with multiple sensing structures applied to a base surface; 
         FIGS. 6A and 6B  are exemplary plan views of alternative embodiments of single-axis sensing devices, each having a single layer with multiple sensing structures for redundant sensing applied to a base surface; 
         FIG. 6C  is an exemplary plan view of an alternative embodiment single-axis sensing device with multiple electrical detection loops oriented at an angle with respect to a designated plane which provides an ability to detect smaller objects more precisely; 
         FIG. 7  is an exemplary diagrammatic view of an electromagnetic radiating structure with a electromagnetic wave propagating through free space from the radiating structure; 
         FIG. 8  is an exemplary plan view embodiment of an alternative sensing device with an array of embedded resistance elements having different electrical resistance values across the array contained in one or more planes of the sensing device prior to an impact; 
         FIG. 9  is a plan view similar to  FIG. 8 , showing the sensing device during or after an impact; 
         FIG. 10  is an exemplary plan view of an alternative embodiment sensing device having with conductive layer and a series of electrical contacts on each side of the conductive layer; 
         FIG. 11  is an exemplary plan view of an alternative embodiment sensing device having a conductive layer with a gradient of resistance or electromagnetic properties across the layer and a series of electrical contacts on opposing sides of the conductive layer; 
         FIG. 12  is an exemplary detailed plan view of the sensing device of  FIG. 11  showing a conductance layer shown before an impact; 
         FIG. 13  is an exemplary detailed plan view of the sensing device of  FIG. 11  showing a conductance layer shown during or after an impact; 
         FIG. 14  is an exemplary side elevational view showing a first method of manufacture step for surface preparation needed to ensure a required adhesion of subsequent layers associated with installation of an exemplary sensing device such as shown in  FIG. 11  installed onto a facing of an equipment item where detection is desired; 
         FIG. 15  is an exemplary side elevational view showing a second method of manufacture step for applying an electrically insulating material associated with installation of an exemplary sensing structure such as shown in  FIG. 11  installed onto a facing of an equipment item where detection is desired; 
         FIG. 16  is an exemplary side elevational view showing a third method of manufacture step for applying an exemplary conductance layer associated with a sensing structure such as shown in  FIG. 11  installed onto a facing of an equipment item where detection is desired; 
         FIG. 17  is an exemplary side elevational view showing a fourth method of manufacture step for applying electrical interconnects to the conductance layer associated with a sensing structure such as shown in  FIG. 11  installed onto a facing of an equipment item where detection is desired; 
         FIG. 18  is an exemplary side elevational view showing a fifth method of manufacture step for applying a layer which will provide protection and concealment of the structures previously provided associated with a sensing structure such as shown in  FIG. 11  installed onto a facing of an equipment item where detection is desired; 
         FIG. 19  is a detailed block diagram of a portion of the damage detection and remediation system of  FIG. 1 , showing an illustrative sensor data acquisition and processing system coupled to a sensing structure in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 20  is a detailed schematic diagram of a portion of the illustrative sensor data acquisition and processing system of  FIG. 19 ; 
         FIG. 21  is a block diagram of an exemplary system including a plurality of sensing devices and processing systems operably coupled to a main computer through an electrical bus; 
         FIG. 22  is a flow chart of an exemplary method of operation in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 23  is a flow chart of a further exemplary method of operation in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 24  is a flow chart of a further exemplary method of operation in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 25  is a flow chart of a further exemplary method of operation in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 26  is a flow chart of a further exemplary method of operation in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 27  is a side elevational view of an illustrative sensing device of the present disclosure used in connection with a vehicle and in cooperation with acoustical and image systems; 
         FIG. 28  is a top plan view of the vehicle of  FIG. 27 , with portions of the vehicle protective structure and user interface system removed for clarity; 
         FIG. 29  is a partial top plan view of the vehicle of  FIG. 27 , showing an illustrative user interface system; 
         FIG. 30  is a top perspective view of the illustrative user interface system of  FIG. 29 ; 
         FIG. 31  is a front perspective view of a heads-up display of the user interface system of  FIG. 30 ; 
         FIG. 32  is a front elevational view of the user interface system of  FIG. 30 ; 
         FIG. 33  is a top perspective view of a further illustrative user interface system; 
         FIG. 34A  is a front perspective view of the user interface system of  FIG. 33 , showing light sources illuminated to indicate the origin of an impact object above the current weapon elevation; 
         FIG. 34B  is a front perspective view similar to  FIG. 34A , showing light sources illuminated to indicate the origin of the impact object below the current weapon elevation; and 
         FIG. 34C  is a front perspective view similar to  FIGS. 34A and 34B , showing light sources illuminated to indicate the origin of the impact object aligned with the current weapon elevation. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The embodiments of the disclosure described herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to precise forms disclosed. Rather, the embodiments selected for description have been chosen to enable one skilled in the art to practice the disclosure. 
     An illustrative system in accordance with the present disclosure provides real-time information on a variety of damage events, including structural, perimeter, and/or armor integrity/failure conditions of a monitored device or unit by means of a electromagnetic (e.g., electrically resistive/conductive) sensor system. Damage events may include any event or activity that may affect structural integrity or cause failure. More particularly, it should be noted that damage events as described herein may be caused by a variety of sources including, but not limited to, impacts (e.g., ballistics, collisions, etc.), tamper or breaching activities (e.g., drilling, sawing, cutting, etc.), and structural/environmental induced damage (e.g., stress, fatigue, corrosion, etc.). 
     An exemplary embodiment of the disclosure includes sensing devices supported by areas of a structure of interest where impacts may occur from known or unknown sources, including from ballistic means. An exemplary impact detection and remediation system and method described herein may be used to pinpoint the location of an impact event, estimate the ballistic object&#39;s relative velocity, and estimate the ballistic object&#39;s size. 
     With reference initially to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a damage detection and remediation system  10  according to an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure includes a sensor data acquisition and processing system  12  having a sensing structure or device  14  operably coupled to a monitored unit or structure of interest  16 . As further detailed herein, the structure of interest  16  may include personal protective equipment, armor, vehicles, microelectronics, spacecraft, aircraft, or any other structure, device or unit where impact or damage detection is desired. The system  12  is configured to determine damage condition information, including the location of a damage or impact event  13  on the structure of interest  16  relative to a coordinate system origin  18  (0,0,0 on an x,y,z coordinate system). The system  10  may also be configured to determine the initiation or origin point  17  of an impact object or ballistic  19  and hence, an axis of origin (origination axis)  21  extending from the origin point  17  to the damage event  13 . As further detailed herein, the system  10  may also characterize the impact object, for example, by determining the size of the damage event  13  and depth of penetration of the damage event  13 . 
     The sensing device  14  is in electrical communication with a measurement system  20  which, in turn, is in electrical communication with a damage detection processing system  30 . As further detailed herein, a main computer or processor  40  may be operably coupled to the data acquisition and processing system  12  for processing information from the damage detection processing system  30 . An electrical bus  42  ( FIG. 1 ) may interconnect a plurality of different data acquisition and processing systems  12  to each other and the main computer  40 . 
     A user interface (UI)  50  may be in electrical communication with the damage detection processing system  30  and/or the main computer  40 . The user interface  50  may form part of each data acquisition and processing system  12  or may be a separate component operably coupled to a plurality of systems  12 . Additional input devices  60 , such as image and/or acoustic sensing systems, as further detailed herein, may also provide input signals to the damage detection processing system  30  and/or main computer  40 . A transceiver  70  may be operably coupled with the main computer  40  and provide wireless communication with external communication systems, such as a global control and command system (GCCS)  72 . As further detailed herein, output devices  90  are illustratively in communication with the main computer  40  and may receive processed data (e.g., impact event location, ballistics&#39; relative velocity and size, point of origin, etc.) and provide a desired response thereto. 
     Note that in connection with the following description, some drawings have dashed lines detailing elements of a structure which are not shown due to a cut-away or detailing a portion of a multi-layered design underneath a structure, such as in  FIGS. 5, 6A, 6B, 6C, 8, 10 , and  11 . These dashed figure sections indicate the structure that would be present had the cut-away not been made in the drawing in question. These dashed structures are not present in the layer which has been exposed by the cut-away depiction in the drawing. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , an exemplary sensing structure or device  14  in accordance with the disclosure is provided having multiple sensor layer assemblies  15   a ,  15   b ,  15   c , each having a nonconductive substrate or layer  3 , electrically conductive wires or traces  5  applied to the non-conductive layers  3 , electrical contacts  7  adapted to be coupled to a first or output connection of measurement system  20 , illustratively an electrical source  6  (hereinafter first electrical contacts  7 ), and electrical contacts  9  adapted to be coupled to a second or input connection of measurement system  20 , illustratively a ground  8  (hereinafter second electrical contacts  9 ). Moreover, the first and second electrical contacts  7  and  9  are configured to electrically couple with any appropriate measuring device  20  such that the device  20  measures electrical characteristics therebetween (e.g., impedance, voltage, resistance, etc.). 
     Illustratively, the first electrical contacts  7  and the second electrical contacts  9  are coupled to opposing ends or termination points of each of the conductive wires or traces  5  for conducting electromagnetic (e.g., electrical) signals through traces  5  from first contacts  7  to respective second contacts  9 . The  FIG. 3  embodiment sensing device  14  shows a number of the wires or traces  5  evenly spaced apart, each running in parallel across the front face of each of the non-conductive layers  3 . As further detailed herein, spacing between adjacent traces  5  defines system resolution by determining the number of impact data points. 
     The wires or traces  5  are illustratively read or monitored by the measurement system  20  checking each respective conductive path for an open, resistive change, or by transmitting an electromagnetic (e.g., electrical) signal pulse down the conductive path and measuring the time it takes to return or bounce back. 
     In one illustrative embodiment, the measurement system  20  includes an electromagnetic, illustratively electrical, signal generator  27  operably coupled to the electrical source  6  for providing a signal input to each of the first electrical contacts  7 . The measurement system  20  also includes an electromagnetic, illustratively electrical, signal measuring device  29  operably coupled to the ground  8  for measuring signal outputs from each of the second electrical contacts  9 . 
     In an illustrative embodiment, the measurement system  20  may comprise a time domain reflectometer (TDR) which is known for characterizing and locating faults in metal wires or cables. Illustratively, the TDR includes signal generator  27  in the form of an electrical pulse generator coupled to first electrical contacts  7  for transmitting a short time rise signal pulse along the traces  5 . Assuming that each trace  5  is of uniform impedance and properly terminated, the entire transmitted pulse will be absorbed at second contacts  9  and no signal will be reflected back to the TDR. However, impedance discontinuities will cause some of the signal pulse from the signal generator  27  to be sent back towards the TDR. More particularly, increases in impedance will create a reflection that reinforces the original pulse signal, while decreases in impedance will cause a reflection that opposes the original pulse signal. The resulting reflected pulse signal is measured by signal measuring device  29  of the TDR, illustratively an oscilloscope that plots the reflected pulse signal as a function of time. Since the speed of signal transmission is relatively constant for conductive traces  5 , the reflected pulse signal may be interpreted as a function of length to the damage  13 . 
     As the different layer assemblies  15   a ,  15   b ,  15   c  (corresponding respectively to X, Y &amp; U planes, where U represents a plane that is at an angle to X &amp; Y planes) are penetrated by a ballistic object, the conductive wires or traces  5  at a damaged portion are cut or degraded, thereby identifying a location relative to a structure of interest. This damaged portion of the layers  15   a ,  15   b ,  15   c  also provides information on the size (i.e. surface area) and the depth of the damage. 
     With further reference to  FIG. 3 , an illustrative first sensor layer assembly  15   a  for a first sensor detection axis (e.g., “x axis”) is provided with a number of electrically conductive wires or traces  5  running across the non-conductive layer  3  and spaced apart from each other in a perpendicular direction (e.g., “y axis”). Each of the conductive wires or traces  5  is illustratively embedded in the non-conductive layer  3 . A decrease in spacing between adjacent conductive wires or traces  5  improves a given exemplary sensing structure&#39;s ability to sense size and impact location of an impact event (i.e., resolution) by providing a greater number of impact data points to the measurement system  20 . 
     Embodiments of the sensing device  14  disclosure may be manufactured with a variety of materials. For example, the non-conductive layer  3  may be made from epoxy, thermoplastic, thermal set plastic, ceramic, paper, silicon, polymers, or other electrically non-conductive material suitable to having electrically conductive pathways coupled to the non-electrically conductive material. An electrically non-conductive material may also be applied using a spray or painting apparatus which applies the non-electrically conductive material onto a structure of interest then have the electrically conductive pathways applied onto a layer of the non-electrically conductive material. In one illustrative embodiment, the non-conductive layer  3  may be formed of an electrically isolative material, such as MYLAR®, fiberglass, KAPTON®. The conductive traces  5  may be formed of an electrically conductive material, such as copper or aluminum, which may be applied using conventional circuit trace processes, such as direct depositing, vapor depositing, etching, painting, flame spraying, laminating, or gluing the conductive material onto the isolative substrate or layer  3 . 
     A second sensor layer assembly  15   b  for a second sensor detection axis (e.g., “y axis”) is provided in the illustrative embodiment. The second sensor layer assembly  15   b  is similar to the first sensor layer assembly  15   a  except that the wires or traces  5  of the second sensor layer assembly  15   b  are oriented in a different direction than the wires or traces  5  in the first layer assembly  15   a  (e.g., angularly offset within a common plane). In this example, the wires or traces  5  in the second sensor layer assembly  15   b  are oriented to run approximately perpendicular to the wires or traces  5  in the first sensor layer assembly  15   a.    
     A third sensor layer assembly  15   c  for a third sensor detection axis (e.g., “u axis”) is provided in the illustrative embodiment. The third sensor layer assembly  15   c  is similar to the first and second sensor layer assemblies  15   a ,  15   b , except that the wires or traces  5  that are of the third sensor layer assembly  15   c  are oriented in a different orientation than the first or second sensor layer assemblies  15   a ,  15   b  (e.g., angularly offset within a common plane). In this example, the wires or traces  5  of the third sensor layer assembly  15   c  are oriented at an approximate 45 degree angle relative to the wires or traces  5  in the first and second sensor layer assemblies  15   a ,  15   b.    
     Referring further to  FIG. 3 , a rear face of the second sensor layer assembly  15   b  is coupled to a front face of the third sensor layer assembly  15   c , illustratively through an adhesive. Similarly, a rear face of the first sensor layer assembly  15   a  is coupled to a front face of the second sensor layer assembly  15   b , illustratively through an adhesive. In certain illustrative embodiments, the layer assemblies  15   a ,  15   b ,  15   c  may be coupled together through other conventional means, such as fasteners, heat staking, or lamination. 
     The embodiment sensing device  14  of  FIG. 3  operates by coupling the electrical source  6  to the first electrical contacts  7 , and ground  8  to the second electrical contacts  9 . When a damage or impact event occurs (e.g., a ballistic object impact), resistance changes between the first electrical contacts  7  and the second electrical contacts  9  when the wires or traces  5  are either severed or deformed at the damaged portion. 
     Measurement system  20  is illustratively coupled to the electrical source  6  and ground  8  which determines changes in electrical properties of the wires or traces  5 . More particularly, the signal generator  27  of the measurement system  20  electrically couples the first electrical contacts  7  to the electrical source  6 , and the signal measuring device  29  of the measurement system  20  electrically couples the second electrical contacts  9  to ground  8 . The measurement system  20  will then send measurements to impact or damage detection processing system  30  which then determines damage data (e.g., the location, size, time, and/or category of a damage event  13  on the structure of interest  16  to which the sensing device  14  has been coupled). 
     The impact detection processing system  30  may use the relative position of each impact event location associated with each sensor layer assembly  15   a ,  15   b ,  15   c  to determine the impact location  13  for the object  19  which created the impact event. This information may then be used to identify the point of origin  17  for the object  19  associated with the impact event. The point of origin  17  information may then be used to take further actions such as orienting output devices  90  (e.g., further sensors or equipment) on the axis of origin  21  to further respond, if necessary, to potential additional impact events. 
     The damage data from the processing system  30  may then be provided to a user interface  50 . More particularly, the user interface  50  may include an output device to produce damage data including a visual representation of a damage alert, damage event  13  location, and a damage event origination axis  21 . In certain illustrative embodiments, the user interface  50  may include a graphical display for plotting the damage event  13  location on a diagram or map associated with the structure of interest  16 . In certain illustrative embodiments, the user interface  50  may provide an audible event warning and/or a tactile event warning indicating the location of the damage event  13 . The user interface  50  may also include a communication device, such as a wireless transceiver, that transmits a damage event notification signal depicting an orientation of the damage event  13 . 
     The axis of origin  21  information may also be used to determine or assess damage which could have been caused by the impact or penetration associated with the damage event  13  and impact object  19 . An embodiment of the system  10  may also be used to characterize the impact object  19  and potentially the source  17  of the impact object  19  based on axis of origin  21 , size of damage  13  detected by the sensor layer assemblies  15   a ,  15   b ,  15   c , and depth of penetration of damage  13  within the sensor layer assemblies  15   a ,  15   b ,  15   c , to further characterize threat or other information associated with the impact object  19  or event. The user interface  50 , such as a display monitor or other graphical user interface device, then permits a user to view and interpret the plot of damage, axis of origin  21  for the impact object  19 , and potential area of interest for a point of origin  17  of the impact object  19 , and take appropriate action. 
       FIGS. 4A and 4B  are diagrammatic views showing how a vector  22  for a projectile  19  impacting sensing device  14  may be determined by system  10 . A table of damage profile data associated with impact damage  13   a ,  13   b ,  13   c  ( FIG. 4A ) at layer assemblies  15   a ,  15   b ,  15   c  from specific sources may be created by system  12  and stored in memory  31 . The processing system  30  may correlate the detected damage  13  with expected damage characteristics from known sources stored in the damage profile data table. For example, damage profile data may represent known damage profiles from common sources, such as AK47 rounds, anti-tank rounds, and IED damage patterns so the system will not produce false vector information from anything except rifle or gun rounds. IED or armor piercing blast damage would likely cause so much damage that the damage pattern could not be interpolated to produce an accurate vector  22  calculation for the point of origin  17 . Additional illustrative stored damage profiles may be from a small arms (e.g., 3 mm to 8 mm projectiles) category, an explosively formed penetrator category, a high energy ballistic impact category (e.g., micro meteoroids or space debris), a structural fatigue category, a heat event category, and a large caliber (e.g., .50 or larger caliber) projectile category. 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , a further illustrative embodiment sensing device  24  is shown as including a sensor layer assembly  26  having elongated loops of wires or traces  25 ,  27 ,  29 ,  31 ,  33 , and  35  running across a nonconductive layer  23  with first (e.g., source) and second (e.g., ground) electrical contacts  7  and  9 , respectively, coupled to each respective end of the elongated loops of wire or traces  25 ,  27 ,  29 ,  31 ,  33 , and  35 . In the illustrative embodiment, the first and second electrical contacts  7  and  9  are formed on one side of the sensor layer assembly  21  and are coupled to opposing ends of each elongated loop  25 ,  27 ,  29 ,  31 ,  33 , and  35 . The non-conductive layer or substrate  23  is illustratively formed of an electrically isolative material (e.g., MYLAR®, fiberglass, KAPTON®, or epoxy), while the loops of wires or traces  25 ,  27 ,  29 ,  31 ,  33 , and  35  are illustratively formed of an electrically conductive material (e.g., copper or aluminum). A base material or substrate  22  is illustratively placed underneath the non-conductive layer  23 . However, it should be noted that the base material  22  could also be the structure of interest  16  that is being monitored for an impact event which the non-conductive layer  23  is placed upon versus another layer of material. The elongated loops of wire or traces  25 ,  27 ,  29 ,  31 ,  33 , and  35  are placed such that they are parallel with each other and are approximately evenly spaced apart across the non-conductive material  23 . 
     The loops of wire or traces  25 ,  27 ,  29 ,  31 ,  33 , and  35  are illustratively read or monitored by the measurement system  20  checking each respective conductive path for an open, resistive change, or by transmitting an electromagnetic (e.g., electrical) signal pulse down the conductive path and measuring the time it takes to return or bounce back. In certain illustrative embodiments, the sensing device  24  of  FIG. 5  may be operably coupled to a time domain reflectometer (TDR) for operation similar to sensing device  14  of  FIG. 3 , but for having the electrical contacts  7  and  9  all located along one side of the non-conductive layer  23 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 6A and 6B , further illustrative sensing devices  41  and  71  are shown. Sensing device  41  is shown as including two nested sensor loops  47 ,  69 , while sensing device  71  is shown as including six nested sensor loops  77 ,  78 ,  80 ,  82 ,  84 ,  86 . The nested and multiple sensor loops provide enhanced capability to impact position detection system  10  by increasing its ability to detect smaller damage areas and impact objects  19  impinging on a structure of interest  16  as well as location of impact  13 . The operation of the first embodiment sensing device  41  and second embodiment sensing device  71  in  FIGS. 6A and 6B , respectively, are both substantially identical with the exception than the second embodiment sensing device  71  of  FIG. 6B  has a greater ability to sense smaller objects within a smaller area than the first embodiment sensing device  41  of  FIG. 6A . 
     The illustrative sensing device  41  shown in  FIG. 6A  includes a non-conductive material layer or substrate  45  placed on a base material or substrate  43 , with a first sensor loop  47  and a second sensor loop  69  formed on the electrically isolating or non-conductive layer  45 . Again, the base material  43  may be the structure of interest  16  that is being monitored for an impact event and upon which the non-conductive layer  45  is directly placed versus an intermediate layer of material. Both the first sensor loop  47  and the second sensor loop  69  are illustratively formed of an electrically conductive material (e.g., copper or aluminum). 
     The first sensor loop  47  of sensing device  41  illustratively has a first end on an upper right hand side of the non-conductive material  45 . The first sensor loop  47  extends in a continuous elongated serpentine path, or manner similar to an elongated sine wave form, with lengths of each lateral loop segment being longer than a vertical length forming bend segments from top to bottom of the non-conductive material  45  with even spacing. However, it should be noted that the sensing device  41  may include any sensor loop or structure form which adequately covers a structure of interest  16  to provide a sensing capacity distributed over the structure of interest  16  as desired. The sensor loop  47  in sensing device  41  has a terminating or second end on a lower right hand side of the non-conductive material  45  of  FIG. 6A . A first end electrical contact  49  is formed in electrical contact with the first end of the sensor loop  47  at the upper right hand corner of the sensing device  41 . A second end electrical contact  55  is formed in electrical contact with the second end of the sensor loop  47  proximate the lower right hand corner of the sensing device  41 . A number of intermediate electrical contacts  67 ,  63 , and  61 , are coupled to bend points intermediate end contacts  49  and  55  in the elongated serpentine path of sensor loop  47  in sensing device  41 . 
     The second sensor loop  69  of the sensing device  41  of  FIG. 6A  is illustratively formed similar to the first sensor loop  47  in an elongated serpentine form which is nested to follow the contours or shape of the first sensor loop  47 . The sensor loop  69  has an initiating or first end on a lower left hand portion of the sensing device  41 , and has a terminating or second end at an upper left section of the sensing device  41  of  FIG. 6A . A first end electrical contact  59  is formed in electrical contact with the first end of the sensor loop  69  at the lower left hand section of the sensing device  41 . A second end electrical contact  65  is formed in electrical contact with the second end of the sensor loop  69  proximate the lower right hand corner of the sensing device  41 . A number of intermediate electrical contacts  57 ,  53 , and  51  are coupled to bend points intermediate end contacts  59  and  65  in the elongated serpentine path of the second sensor loop  69  in sensing device  41 . 
     The sensor loops  47  and  69  are illustratively read or monitored by the measurement system  20  checking each respective conductive path for an open, resistive change, or by transmitting a pulse down the conductive path and measuring the time it takes to return or bounce back. As further detailed herein, any suitable measurement device may be coupled across first end electrical contacts  49  and  59  and electrical contacts  55 ,  67 ,  63 ,  61 , and  65 ,  57 ,  53 ,  51  to measure electrical attributes of the sensor loops  47  and  69 , respectively. In certain illustrative embodiments, the measurement system may comprise a time domain reflectometer (TDR). As such, the sensing device  41  of  FIG. 6A  may operate in a similar manner as the sensing device  24  of  FIG. 5 . 
     The illustrative sensing device  71  of  FIG. 6B  shows a non-conductive layer or substrate  75  placed on a base material or substrate  73  with first, second, and third sensor loops  77 ,  78 ,  80  formed in elongated U shaped forms having an initiating or first end at a right hand side and a terminating or second end on the right hand side with the bend being on an opposing side, such that the opening defined by the U shape of each loop  77 ,  78 ,  80  is formed on the right hand side. The non-conductive layer  75  is illustratively formed of an electrically isolative material (e.g., MYLAR®, fiberglass, KAPTON®, or epoxy), while the loops  77 ,  78 ,  80  are illustratively formed of an electrically conductive material (e.g., copper or aluminum). The first, second, and third sensor loops  77 ,  78 ,  80  are illustratively evenly spaced apart, with the first sensor loop  77  being formed in an upper section, the second sensor loop  78  being formed in a center section, and the third sensor loop  80  being formed in a lower section of the sensing device  71 . First electrical contacts  79 ,  83 ,  87  are respectively formed in electrical contact with a beginning or an upper side of the U-shaped first, second, and third sensor loops  77 ,  78 ,  80  on the right side of the sensing device  71  in  FIG. 6B . Second electrical contacts  81 ,  85 ,  89  are formed in electrical contact with a respective opposing end of the first, second, and third sensor loops  77 ,  78 ,  80  having first electrical contacts  79 ,  83 ,  87 , and are likewise positioned on the right side of the sensing device  71  in  FIG. 6B . 
       FIG. 6B  shows the illustrative sensing device  71  as including fourth, fifth and, sixth sensor loops  86 ,  84 ,  82  formed in elongated U shaped forms starting from a left hand side and ending on the left hand side. The bend in the U shaped form of each loop  86 ,  84 ,  82  is formed on an opposing side from the end points of each U shaped loop  86 ,  84 ,  82  such that the opening of the U shape is formed on the left hand side of the sensing device  71  in  FIG. 6B . The fourth, fifth, and sixth sensor loops  86 ,  84 ,  82  are formed evenly spaced apart, with the fourth sensor loop  86  being formed in an upper section, the fifth sensor loop  84  being formed in a center section, and the sixth sensor loop  82  being formed in a lower section of the sensing device  71 . First electrical contacts  103 ,  99 ,  95  are respectively formed in electrical contact with a beginning point or an upper side of the U-shaped fourth, fifth, and sixth third sensor loops  86 ,  84 ,  82  on the left hand side of the sensing device  71  in  FIG. 6B . Second electrical contacts  101 ,  97 ,  91  are formed in electrical contact with a respective opposing end of the fourth, fifth, and sixth sensor loops  86 ,  84 ,  82  having first electrical contacts  103 ,  99 ,  95 . 
     The first, second, and third sensor loops  77 ,  78 ,  80  of the illustrative sensing device  71  of  FIG. 6B  are offset and nested within the fourth, fifth, and sixth sensor loops  86 ,  84 ,  82 . End points of sensor loops which terminate within a nested portion of another sensor loop (e.g., first sensor loop  77  which terminates inside of fourth sensor loop  86 , and sixth sensor loop  82  which terminates inside third sensor loop  80 ), are electrically coupled with a corresponding electrical contact using a buried trace within the non-conductive material  73  (e.g., first electrical contact  81  is electrically coupled with the end of the first sensor loop  77 , and second electrical contact  95  is electrically coupled with the end of the sixth sensor loop  82 ). 
     The sensor loops  77 ,  78 ,  80  are illustratively read or monitored by the measurement system  20  checking each respective conductive path for an open, resistive change, or by transmitting a pulse down the conductive path and measuring the time it takes to return or bounce back. Again, in certain illustrative embodiments, the measurement system  20  may comprise a time domain reflectometer (TDR). As such, the sensing device  71  of  FIG. 6B  may operate in a similar manner as the sensing device  41  of  FIG. 6A . 
     More particularly, the method of operation and processing systems for use with the illustrative sensing devices  41  and  71  of  FIGS. 6A and 6B  may be similar to those detailed above in connection with sensing device  14  of  FIG. 3 . The single-axis device embodiments of  FIGS. 6A and 6B  may be primarily focused on identifying a location of a damage event  13 , versus the multi-axis embodiment of  FIG. 3  which is also configured to determine a point of origin  17  of an object  19  causing a damage event  13  ( FIG. 2 ). However, it should be appreciated that layering sensing devices  41  and  71  (alone or with additional devices) would create a multi-axis sensing device having sensing features similar to sensing device  14  of  FIG. 3 . 
       FIG. 6C  shows an exemplary alternative impact sensing device  119  of a single axis sensing structure with multiple electrical detection loops  123 ,  125  formed onto a non-conductive material substrate or layer  120  oriented with an angle with respect to a designated plane. The impact sensing device  119  provides an ability to detect smaller impact objects more precisely. In particular, the sensing device  119  of  FIG. 6C  shows first and second sensor loops  123 ,  125  which are coupled with the non-conductive material  120 . Again, the non-conductive layer  120  is illustratively formed of an electrically isolative material (e.g., MYLAR®, fiberglass, KAPTON®, or epoxy), while the loops  123 ,  125  are illustratively formed of an electrically conductive material (e.g., copper or aluminum). The first and second sensor loops  123 ,  125  are formed in an elongated serpentine path with lateral segments and bend segments which couple to the lateral segments in a U shaped form. The lateral segments are longer than the bend segments. The lateral segments are formed with an orientation which is approximately 45 degrees from a designated plane of interest such a ground plane which is parallel to a terrestrial horizon. The first and second sensor loops  123 ,  125  are offset and nested within each other&#39;s loops  125 ,  123 , with the first sensor loop  123  starting at a top left hand section of the impact sensing device  119  in  FIG. 6C  and ending in a lower right hand section of the impact sensing device  119 . 
     With further reference to  FIG. 6C , a first end electrical contact  143  is illustratively formed on the upper left hand portion of the impact sensing device  119  and is coupled to the first sensor loop  123 . First end electrical contact  127  is formed on the upper left hand portion of the impact sensing device  119  and is coupled to the second sensor loop  125 . Intermediate electrical contacts  141 ,  139 ,  137  are formed on each bend segment of the first sensor loop  123 , and a second end electrical contact  133  is formed at an end section of the first sensor loop  123  on the lower right hand section of the sensing device  119 . Intermediate electrical contacts  128 ,  129 ,  131  are formed on each bend segment of the second sensor loop  125  and an second end electrical contact  135  is formed at an end section of the second sensor loop  125  on the lower right hand section of the sensing device  119 . In this embodiment, each electrical contact  141 ,  139 ,  137 ,  133 ,  128 ,  129 ,  131 ,  135  is separate from respective first end electrical contacts  143 ,  127  to permit measuring of discrete electrical attributes therebetween, such as resistance values. 
     Again, in certain illustrative embodiments, the measurement system  20  coupled to sensing device  119  may comprise a time domain reflectometer (TDR). As such, the sensing device  119  of  FIG. 6C  may operate in a similar manner as the sensing device  41  of  FIG. 6A . Further, sensing devices  41 ,  71 , and  119  (alone or with additional devices) may be layered to create a multi-axis sensing device having sensing features similar to sensing device  14  of  FIG. 3 . For example, sensing device  41  may form a top layer, sensing device  71  may form an intermediate layer, and sensing device  119  may form a bottom layer. 
       FIG. 7  shows an exemplary model of a further sensing system, illustratively including an electromagnetic radiating structure  111  (e.g., an antenna) with an electromagnetic wave  113  propagating through free space from the radiating structure  111 . The electromagnetic wave  113  in this example is perpendicular to a ground plane  115 . An impact object  19  traversing the electromagnetic wave  113  will distort the electromagnetic wave  113  as it passes through the electromagnetic wave  113  field. This distortion may be detected and plotted using damage detection processing system  30  which permits detection of an impact object  19  prior to impact. This system may be adapted to detect background radiation or electromagnetic sources and then emit a field which is out of phase with the background radiation or electromagnetic sources which then cancels one or more background radiation or electromagnetic signals so as not to avoid emitting an interference field or create an undesirable detectable signal. 
     In certain illustrative embodiments, radiating structure  111  may comprise a proximity sensor similar to a Theremin. The Theremin may include a plurality of spaced apart antennas supported by a base plate defining a ground plane. An illustrative Theremin is the Model No. 302 Theremin available from Harrison Instruments of Silver Spring, Md. Illustratively, at least three antennas are provided in order to facilitate triangulation of an object (such as a ballistic) positioned in proximity to the Theremin. While the antennas may be of any suitable shape and size, in certain illustrative embodiments the antennas are configured to extend parallel to, and are illustratively recessed within, the base plate defining the ground plane. In operation, the plurality of antennas are configure to detect the presence, location, and velocity of an object by detecting changes in the electromagnetic waves detected by the antennas within the medium (e.g., air) above the ground plane. The antennas are also configured to detect changes in the electromagnetic waves as a result of damage events (e.g., holes, recesses, etc.) within the external surface of the base plate. 
       FIG. 8  shows an exemplary embodiment of an alternative single or multiple-axis sensing device  149  with an array of embedded resistance elements having different electrical resistance values across the array contained in one or more planes of the sensing device  149  prior to an impact. The sensing device  149  may be coupled, adhered, or attached to a base material layer or substrate  151  or directly to the structure of interest  16 . The impact sensing device  149  illustratively includes a non-conductive material  153  and an array of embedded resistive elements  155  and  157  formed into rows and columns, respectively (e.g., each row includes resistive elements  155   a - 155   h , and each column includes resistive elements  157   a - 157   i ). The sensing device  149  resistive elements  155 ,  157  are coupled at interconnects or nodes at each intersection of the respective rows and columns. In the illustrative embodiment of  FIG. 8 , there are nine columns and ten rows of resistive elements  155 ,  157 , and each individual resistive element has two interconnects for electrical conductivity. For example, a first resistive element  155   a  in row ten, column one has two interconnects on either side of the first resistive element (e.g.,  175 ,  177 ). 
     With further reference to  FIG. 8 , measurement system  20  is electrically coupled to first and second electrical contacts  171  and  173 , respectively, to measure electrical attributes (e.g., impedance, voltage, resistance) therebetween. In one illustrative embodiment, power signals are applied by measurement system  20  to first electrical contacts  17 , and measurements are taken by measurement system  20  at second electrical contacts  173  to determine electrical attributes of the impact sensor array  149 . Note that a single drawing element number has been assigned to each first electrical contact  171  and each second electrical contact  173 , followed by a pair of letters. The signal path between each opposing first electrical contact  171  and second electrical contact  173  is illustratively measured independently from every other signal path. Moreover, each pair of contacts  171 ,  173  defining a signal path are identified by reference numbers  171 ,  173  followed by the same letter (i.e.,  171   aa ,  173   aa  defines a first signal path,  171   bb ,  173   bb  defines a second signal path, etc.). The use of the single drawing reference number for all contacts of the same category (e.g., electrical source contacts  171 ) should not be used to infer a limitation on the design, structure, or processes used in this embodiment of the disclosure with reference to the contacts themselves. In other words, measurements in this embodiment may be taken between respective first and second electrical contacts  171 ,  173  in the same row, as well as in different rows. 
     A different measurement of electrical attributes (e.g., impedance, voltage, resistance) may be taken for each row by means of measuring via measurement system  20  each first and second electrical contacts  171 ,  173  in a row independently of the other rows in the exemplary impact sensor array  149 . In particular, measurements are taken which permit determination of impact events based on measuring electrical attributes from each path between first electrical contacts  171  and second electrical contacts  173 . In certain illustrative embodiments, measurements may be taken by the measurement system  20  between each first electrical contact  171  and every second electrical contact  173 . For example, measurements may be taken between first electrical contact  171   aa  and each of the second electrical contacts  173   aa - 173   jj , between first electrical contact  171   bb  and each of the second electrical contacts  173   aa - 173   jj , and so forth, concluding with measurements taken between first electrical contact  171   jj  and each of the second electrical contacts  173   aa - 173   jj.    
     As shown in  FIG. 8 , a series of resistors  155  is illustratively placed between nodes that are formed at the intersection of each column and row. For example, a series of resistors  155   a ,  155   b ,  155   c ,  155   d ,  155   e ,  155   f ,  155   g ,  155   h , are coupled to each other serially with a first electrical contact  171   jj  on one interconnect of the first resistor  155   a  in row ten, and a second electrical contact  173   jj  on one interconnect of the last resistor  155   h  in row ten. Each resistor  155  may have a different resistance value between the first resistor  155   a  and the last resistor  155   h  in row ten. The values of each resistor  155  in each row in this embodiment are illustratively formed to individually and serially have a range from low to high, high to low, or a different resistance value. More particularly, each resistor  155  in a row in this embodiment may have a different resistance value than the other resistors  155  in the same row. For example, the first resistor  155   a  in row ten may have a 50 ohm resistance, the second resistor  155   b  in row ten may have a 45 ohm resistance, the third resistor  155   c  in row ten may have a 40 ohm resistance, the fourth resistor  155   d  in row ten may have a 35 ohm resistance, the fifth resistor  155   e  in row ten may have a 30 ohm resistance, the sixth resistor  155   f  in row ten may have a 25 ohm resistance, the seventh resistor  155   g  in row ten may have a 20 ohm resistance, and the eighth resistor  155   h  in row ten may have a 15 ohm resistor. Each row in this illustrative embodiment sensing device  149  may have a similar scheme of resistance or electrical attribute values, e.g., high to low, low to high, or different resistance. In this illustrative embodiment, resistors  157  which form the column links between nodes formed by the rows and columns are of the same resistance values. However, the individual column resistors  157  may also be selected to have different resistance values such as a progression of high to low resistance, low to high resistance, or different resistance values for two or more resistors  157  from column to column. An embodiment may also exist where both rows and columns both have different resistance values. The selection of a gradient change in resistance values in this embodiment contributes to provide a capability of determining position of impact in the impact sensing device  149 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 9 , the sensing device of  FIG. 8  is shown during or after an impact event. The illustrative sensing device of  FIG. 8  is shown with ten rows (corresponding to first electrical contacts  171   aa - 171   jj ) and nine columns (including a fifth column  181 , a sixth column  183 , a seventh column  185 , and an eighth column  187  as shown in  FIG. 9 ). The enumeration of the rows (i.e., first, second, third), starts at a top row then progresses downward, and the column enumeration (i.e., first, second, third), starts at an upper left most column and progresses to the right. An impact area or damage zone  179  is formed after an impact event in the impact sensing device  149 . Resistors  155 ,  157  are damaged or disconnected from the impact sensor array  149  as a result of the exemplary impact event. As a result, a resistance path changes between first electrical contacts  171   gg ,  171   hh ,  171   ii  and second electrical contacts  173   gg ,  173   hh ,  173   ii  due to the impact area or damage zone. In other words, an electrical path changes between these respective contacts  171   gg  and  173   gg ,  171   hh  and  173   hh ,  171   ii  and  173   ii . For example, an electrical path between first electrical contact  171   hh  and second electrical contact  173   hh  will now substantially take an electrical path of resistors  155  in the eighth row  171   hh  to the resistors  157   g ,  157   f  between eighth and sixth rows  171   hh  and  171   ff  in the fifth column, then travel along row  171   ff  to a node at row  171   ff  and column eight  187 , then to the resistor  157   f ,  157   g  between rows  171   ff  and  171   hh  to the node at the eighth row  171   hh  and column eight  187 , then complete the path to second electrical contact  173   hh  through the eight row  171   hh . The sensing device of  FIGS. 8 and 9  operates by measuring resistance and then matching or determining which pathways are still active versus ones that are not which then determines the path of least resistance. This path of least resistance data may then be used to determine which sections of the impact sensing device  149  are still present and which ones that are not or are degraded, and thereby determine a plot or position of impact event damage to the impact sensing device  149 . 
       FIG. 10  shows an exemplary alternative embodiment of a multiple axis impact sensing structure or device  191  with a conductive layer  193 . A first series of first electrical contacts  197   a - 197   k , a second series of first electrical contacts  199   a - 1991 , a first series of second electrical contacts  201   a - 201   k , and a second series of second electrical contacts  203   a - 2031  are electrically coupled to the conductive layer  193 . The first series of first electrical contacts  197   a - 197   k  are illustratively applied to a left hand outer edge of the conductive layer  193 . The second series of first electrical source contacts  199   a - 1991  are illustratively applied to a top outer edge area of the conductive layer  193 . The first series of second electrical contacts  201   a - 201   k  are illustratively applied to a right hand outer edge of the conductive layer  193 . The second series of second electrical contacts  203   a - 2031  are illustratively applied to a bottom outer edge of the conductive layer  193 . The first and second series of first electrical contacts  197   a - 197   k  and  199   a - 1991 , respectively, and the first and second series of second electrical contacts  201   a - 201   k  and  203   a - 2031 , respectively, are evenly distributed along the above described outer edges of the conductive layer  193  and are in electrical contact with the conductive layer  193 . The conductive layer  193  may be manufactured from a variety of materials which are homogenous with respect to electrical conductivity (e.g., copper, aluminum, or carbon). More particularly, the conductive layer  193  may be formed of any material having suitable electrical attributes for the sensing methodology detailed herein. The illustrative embodiment impact sensing device  191  operates by sensing electrical attributes (e.g., impedance, resistivity, conductivity) between first electrical contacts  197   a - 197   k  and  199   a - 1991  and second electrical contacts  201   a - 201   k  and  203   a - 2031 . 
     Measurements from the sensing of electrical attributes by the sensing device  191  may be processed by processing system  12 , which then determines position and size of impact events  13  by a variety of calculations. More particularly, electrical attributes are illustratively processed by the measurement system  20  which then communicates with the damage detection processing system  30 . The processing system  30  may include a triangulation processor, which based on paths of least resistance or a look up table stored in memory  31 , associates position and size of damage with electrical attribute data such as resistance or conductance sensed between at least one set of first electrical contacts  197 ,  199  and any of the second electrical contacts  201 ,  203 . 
     In an exemplary embodiment of sensing device  191 , the measurement system  20  may serially or in parallel measure an electrical attribute (e.g., resistance), between first electrical contacts  197   a - 197   k  and opposing second electrical contacts  201   a - 201   k , as well as between first electrical contacts  199   a - 1991  and opposing second electrical contacts  203   a - 2031  to determine electrical attributes sensed in the electrically conductive layer  193  between the respective contacts  197 ,  199 ,  201 ,  203 . The damage detection processing system  30  determines an electrical attribute data value between one or more pairs of selected first and second electrical contacts  197  and  201 ,  199  and  203 . At least two of the electrical data values associated with two or more pairs of selected first and second electrical contacts  197  and  201 ,  199  and  203  may be used in a triangulation method by damage detection processing system  30  for identifying a damage area based on comparing a known electrical data value associated with a pre-damage state of the electrically conductive layer  193  to a post-damage event state of the electrically conductive layer  193 . Additional electrical data values associated with additional pairs of selected first and second electrical contacts  197  and  201 ,  199  and  203  may be further used by the processing system  30  in the triangulation processor to determine additional size information associated with a damage area  13 . 
     In an illustrative example, a first electrical data value associated with a post-damage state of the electrically conductive layer  193  may be sensed by the measurement system  20 , for example through a read-out bus coupled to first electrical contact  197   c  and second electrical contact  201   i . A second electrical data value associated with a post-damage state of the electrically conductive layer  193  may be sensed by the measurement system  20 , for example through a read-out bus coupled to first electrical contact  199   j  and second electrical contact  203   c . If a damage event  13  has occurred between these above reference contacts ( 197   c ,  201   i  and  199   j ,  203   c  in this example), then a higher resistance value will be detected in the electrically conductive layer  193  where the conductive layer  193  has been damaged or degraded between the sensed contact points (e.g.,  197   c ,  201   i  and  199   j ,  203   c ). In this example, if the electrically conductive layer  193  has been damaged between, for example, first electrical contact  197   c  and second electrical contact  201   i , then a resistance reading between these contacts (e.g.,  197   c ,  201   i  and  199   j ,  203   c ) will show a higher resistance value than a baseline resistance value associated with an undamaged electrically conductive layer  193 . Obtaining at least two electrical data values, where each electrical data value is associated with a linear path of least resistance between two opposing first and second electrical contacts  197 ,  199  and  201 ,  203  creates a coordinate point for determining position of a damage event  13  to the electrically conductive layer  193 . 
     The coordinate point of the damage event  13  referenced above may be determined by the damage detection processing system  30  based on a comparison of the electrical attributes or data values sensed between any two given first and second electrical contacts  197 ,  199  and  201 ,  203 , for example, by showing higher resistance thereby indicating damage as compared to a baseline resistance associated with no damage to the electrically conductive layer  193 . Higher sensed resistance data between sensed first electrical contacts  197 ,  199  and second electrical contacts  201 ,  203  may be used by processing system  30  to create a virtual impact damage plot comprising intersecting virtual damage plot lines representing damage coordinates (i.e., two sets of intersecting first and second electrical contacts  197 ,  199  and  201 ,  203  showing higher resistance across the electrically conductive layer  193 ). The processing system  30  may then plot damage to the electrically conductive layer  193  using the above reference damage coordinates and output this damage position to the user interface  50  which may then be used to determine further responses or action by either a user, for example through user interface  50 , or an output device  90 , such as a machine which is operably coupled to the processing system  30 . 
       FIG. 11  shows an exemplary alternative embodiment impact sensing structure or device  211  including an electrically conductive layer  213  having varying electrical or electromagnetic properties across the electrically conductive layer  213  sensed by means of a series of electrical contacts  215 ,  217  positioned along opposing sides. In one illustrative embodiment, the layer  213  has a gradient of resistance (e.g., high to low, or low to high from left side to right side of the layer  213 ). In other words, the layer  213  includes a gradient defined as a plane with a high material conductivity on one side, and a low material conductivity on an opposite side. Illustratively, the layer  213  may be formed of graphite, known to be a good resistive material. 
     The series of electrical contacts comprise first electrical contacts  215   a - 215   k  and second electrical contacts  217   a - 217   k  electrically coupled to the layer  213 . Illustratively, the first electrical contacts  215   a - 215   k  are electrically coupled to a left outer edge of the electrically conductive layer  213 , while the second electrical contacts  217   a - 217   k  are electrically coupled to a right outer edge of the electrically conductive layer  213 . The second electrical contacts  217   a - 217   k  are illustratively arranged equidistant from each other along the right outer edge of the electrically conductive layer  213 . The first electrical contacts  215   a - 215   k  are also illustratively arranged equidistant from each other along the left outer edge of the electrically conductive layer  213 . The measurement system  20  senses electrical attributes such as resistance or conductance between any two first and second electrical contacts  215  and  217 . The damage detection processing system  30  referenced above may determine position and size of an impact event  13  which damages or degrades the electrically conductive layer  213 . 
     With further reference to the illustrative impact sensing device  211  of  FIG. 11 , a first virtual grid line  221   a  may be determined between first electrical contact  215   a  and second electrical contact  217   k  based on a first electrical data measurement which is different from a baseline measurement previously determined between these two contacts  215   a  and  217   k . A second virtual grid line  221   b  may be determined between first electrical contact  215   b  and second electrical contact  217   j  based on a second electrical data measurement which senses an electrical attribute between these two contacts  215   b  and  217   j  which is different from a baseline measurement previously determined between these two contacts  215   b  and  217   j . Subsequent virtual grid lines  221   c - 221   k  may be determined between each successive pair of contacts  215   c - 215   k  and  217   i - 217   a.    
     In the  FIG. 11  embodiment impact sensing structure  211 , the different resistances measured across the electrically conductive layer  213  assist in correlating the size and location of the impact event damage or degradation in the electrically conductive layer  213 . In other words, the virtual grid line  221  between any pair of first and second electrical contacts  215  and  217  will have a different value due to the change in resistance across the electrically conductive layer  213 . In this embodiment, a lookup table stored in memory  31  may be used by damage detection processing system  30  to facilitate determination of position and size of impact event damage  13  in the electrically conductive layer  213 . 
       FIG. 12  is a detailed view of exemplary impact sensing structure  211  of  FIG. 11  showing a portion of the conductive layer  213  before an impact. A dashed line represents a virtual grid line  221  between first electrical contact  215   c  and second electrical contact  217   i  through the electrically conductive layer  213 . An electrical data measurement is sensed by the measurement system  20  coupled to the first and second electrical contacts  215   c  and  217   i . More particularly, the measurement system  20  senses an electrical attribute between these two electrical contacts  215   c  and  217   i . In the  FIG. 12  embodiment, there is no damage between these two electrical contacts  215   c  and  217   i , therefore the sensed electrical data measurement is not different from a baseline measurement previously determined between these two electrical contacts  215   c  and  217   i  and stored in memory  31 . As such, the processing system  12  determines no damage exists between first and second electrical contacts  215   c  and  217   i.    
       FIG. 13  is a detailed view similar to  FIG. 12  of exemplary impact sensing structure or device  211  having the conductive layer  213  after an impact event creating an impact damage area  225  in the electrically conductive layer  213 . A dashed line represents a virtual grid line  223  between first electrical contact  215   c  and second electrical contact  217   i  around the impact damage area  225  in the electrically conductive layer  213 . An electrical data measurement is sensed by the measurement system  20  coupled to the electrical contacts  215   c  and  217   i . More particularly, the measurement system  20  senses an electrical attribute between these two electrical contacts  215   c  and  217   i . In the  FIG. 13  embodiment of sensing device  211 , there is damage between these two electrical contacts  215   c  and  217   i  in the form of impact damage area  225 . As such, the sensed electrical data measurement is different from a baseline measurement previously determined between these two electrical contacts  215   c  and  217   i  ( FIG. 12 ) and the damage detection processing system  30  determines that damage exists between these two electrical contacts  215   c  and  217   i . The measurement system  20  takes additional electrical data measurements between additional pairs of first electrical contacts  215  and second electrical contacts  217  in order to create additional virtual grid lines  233  which are associated with the impact damage area  225  and are used by processing system  30  to further refine position and size information associated with the impact damage area  225 . 
     Embodiments of the sensing devices of the present disclosure may be affixed directly to the structure of interest  16  which is desired to be monitored for impact or tampering, be built into the structure of interest  16 , or be formed into structures which may be selectively attachable and detachable from a structure of interest  16 . An embodiment of the disclosure may be selectively attached or detached from a structure of interest  16  by means of couplers, such as a latching system, hooks, hook and loop fasteners (i.e., Velcro), latches, screws, adhesives, or other suitable fasteners. 
       FIGS. 14-18  shows steps associated with an exemplary method of manufacture for installing an exemplary impact sensing structure  211  as in  FIG. 11  onto a portion of a structure of interest  16 , such as a vehicle  231 . While structure of interest  16  is shown in  FIGS. 14-18  as a vehicle, and more particularly as a tank, it should be appreciated that that impact sensing structure  211  may be used on a wide variety of structures, including aircraft, ships, spacecraft, and containers. 
       FIG. 14  shows an exemplary first method of manufacture step for preparing a surface  233  needed to ensure a required adhesion of subsequent layers associated with installation of an exemplary sensing structure  211  installed onto a facing or outer surface of the vehicle  231  where detection is desired. A surface preparation step of  FIG. 14  may comprise processing which ensures adhesion or coupling with the exemplary sensing structure  211  which is to be installed in a later step. Such surface preparation may include sanding and/or attaching couplers or coupling structures, such as hook and loop fasteners (i.e., Velcro®) bolts, latches, or adhesives, to the structure of interest  231  where the coupling structures are adapted to releasably or non-releasably couple to the exemplary sensing structure  211  which is installed in a later step. 
       FIG. 15  shows an exemplary second method of manufacture step for applying an electrically isolating (i.e., non-conductive) material  235  to define a non-conductive layer associated with a later installation of an exemplary sensing structure  211 , such as that shown in  FIG. 11 , installed onto a facing of the equipment item  231  where detection is desired. Illustratively, this step comprises applying an electrically isolative base layer, for example a polymer paint, on the prepared surface  233 . The electrically isolating material  235  may be applied using a spray or painting apparatus which applies the material  235  onto the prepared surface. The isolating material  235  may illustratively be made from epoxy, polymers, including thermoplastics and thermosets, ceramic, paper, silicon, or other electrically non-conductive material suitable to having electrically conductive pathways coupled to the non-electrically conductive material. In certain illustrative embodiments, the electrically isolating material  235  may comprise MYLAR®, fiberglass, or KAPTON®. 
       FIG. 16  shows an exemplary third method of manufacturing step for applying an exemplary conductive layer  213  associated with a sensing structure, such as shown in  FIG. 11 , installed onto a facing of the equipment item  231  where detection is desired. Illustratively, conductive layer  213  may be formed of graphite as it is known to be a good variable resistive material. The conductive layer  213  may be formed of any suitable electrically conductive material, such as copper or aluminum, which may be applied using conventional circuit trace processes, such as direct depositing, vapor depositing, etching, painting, flame spraying, laminating, or gluing the conductive material onto the electrically isolating material  235 . 
       FIG. 17  shows an exemplary fourth method of manufacturing step for applying electrical interconnects, illustratively first and second electrical contacts  215   a - 215   k  and  217   a - 217   k , to the electrically conductive layer  213  associated with sensing structure  211  installed onto a facing of an equipment item  231  where detection is desired. The electrical contacts  215   a - 215   k  and  217   a - 217   k  are illustratively electrically coupled to the layer  213  through conductive epoxy and electrically coupled to the measurement system  20  through inset copper or flexible copper circuit buses. 
       FIG. 18  shows an exemplary fifth method of manufacturing step for applying an overcoat layer  237  which will provide protection and concealment of the structures previously provided in  FIGS. 14-17  associated with a sensing structure, such as shown in  FIG. 11 , installed onto a facing of the vehicle  231  where detection is desired. Illustratively, the layer  237  is formed of an electrically isolative material for preventing the sensor layer from shorting out and for protecting the sensor layer from the environment. The layer  237  may comprise a polymer paint of a color matching the exterior surface of the vehicle  231  for concealment of the sensing device  211 . 
     In further illustrative embodiment methods of manufacture, additional electrically isolative and conductive layers may be successively applied intermediate the electrically isolative layer  235  and the electrically conductive layer  213 . Each grouping of electrically isolative and conductive layers  235  and  213  may define separate sensor layer assemblies  15   a ,  15   b ,  15   c  similar to the type detailed above in connection with  FIG. 3 . 
     Additional details of an exemplary sensor data acquisition and processing system  241  are shown in  FIGS. 19 and 20  as including many of the features of the system  12  detailed above in connection with  FIG. 1 . More particularly,  FIG. 19  is a detailed block diagram of a portion of the damage detection and remediation system  10  of  FIG. 1 , showing illustrative sensor data acquisition and processing system  241  coupled to sensing device  243 , while  FIG. 20  is a detailed schematic diagram of a portion of the illustrative sensor data acquisition and processing system  241  of  FIG. 19 . Sensing device  243  may be of any type further detailed herein, for example sensing device  14 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 19 and 20 , the measurement system  20  may include a multiplexer  245  (shown as a plurality of interconnected multiplexers  245 A- 245 D in  FIG. 20 ) coupled to a sensor array or sensing device  243  and a measurement device  247 . The impact detection processing system  30  may include a micro-controller  249  coupled to the multiplexer  245  and the measurement device  247 . The micro-controller  249  is illustratively coupled to user interface  50  and memory  31 . A communication device  250  may operably couple the micro-controller  249  with the user interface  50  and/or a main computer  261 . 
       FIG. 20  shows representative sensor data acquisition and processing system  241  configured to be used in connection with illustrative sensing device  14 ,  243  of the type detailed above. A plurality of electrical connections  257  operably couple multiplexers  245 A and  245 B with sensing layer  15   a  ( FIG. 3 ), and operably couple multiplexers  245 C and  245 D with sensing layers  15   b  ( FIG. 3 ). It should be appreciated that additional multiplexers  245  may be coupled to sensing layers  15   a  and  15   b , or to at least one additional sensing layer  15   c  ( FIG. 3 ). A voltage regulator  255  may be in electrical communication with the micro-controller  249  and illustratively provides a consistent stepped-down voltage (e.g., from a 24 volt input to 5 volt output). 
     The operation of this exemplary sensor data acquisition and processing system  241  is further explained in connection with  FIGS. 19 and 20 . The sensor arrays  243  are illustratively connected to the measurement and data acquisition and processing system  241  in order to provide feedback to user interface  50 . This sensor data acquisition and processing system  241  may utilize multiplexer  245  connected to a microcontroller  249  to cycle through one, more than one, groups, or successive sensor elements on selected or every sensor array  243  or sensor array  243  layer. The multiplexer  245  is illustratively connected to measurement device  247  to check each sensor array  243 . Data from one or more sensing arrays  243  are sent back to the microcontroller  249  for network data logging and data processing, and potentially for display via the user interface  50 . 
       FIG. 21  shows an exemplary system in accordance with the disclosure which includes a plurality of data acquisition and processing systems. In this example, approximately ten impact sensor arrays  265   a - 265   j , illustratively together with associated measurement systems  20  and damage detection processing systems  30 , are coupled to an electrical bus  267 . In one illustrative embodiment, the bus  267  may comprises a CAN (Controller Area Network). The sensor arrays  265  may each comprise any one of those further detailed herein, such as impact sensing device  14 ,  149 ,  191 , or  211 . In one illustrative embodiment, these exemplary impact sensor arrays  265   a - 265   j  each include a microcontroller and a resistance measurement system. The bus  267  is coupled with a controller  263  which includes a power supply. A main computer  261  or processing system is coupled to the controller  263  which processes information sensed through the impact sensor arrays  265   a - 265   j . A human machine interface (HMI)  269  provides information on impact events to a user. 
       FIG. 22  shows an exemplary method of operation for an illustrative impact detection and remediation system  10  in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure such as, for example, that used in connection with the sensing device or panel  14  of  FIG. 3 . At step  271 , processing system  12  in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure generates panel baseline data at a specified time interval. More particularly, the measurement system  20  monitors the sensing device or panel  14  and supplies representative data to the damage detection processing system  30  which establishes the panel baseline data and stores it in memory  31 . In one illustrative embodiment, the baseline measurement data determination is based on a predetermined data value associated with a state of layer assembly  15  by taking an electrical signal measurement before the damage event  13 . Illustratively, this may be accomplished by the measurement system  20  monitoring the conductive paths defined by traces  5  (i.e., measuring portions) of layer assemblies  15   a ,  15   b ,  15   c  between respective contacts  7  and  9 , as further detailed herein. 
     At step  273 , the processing system then compares the currently generated data from the initial baseline generation produced from step  271 , if the data has changed this signals that an impact event has occurred, and the process then simultaneously moves to steps  277  and  275 . The currently generated data comprises measurements from monitoring the conductive paths defined by traces  5  (i.e., measuring portions) of layer assemblies  15   a ,  15   b ,  15   c  reported at a predetermined basis. The predetermined basis may include a fixed time interval or an input event, such as a temperature change. 
     At step  275  of  FIG. 22 , the panel  14  reporting the impact sends X, Y, Z coordinate data via a CAN (Controller Area Network) bus  267 . As further detailed herein, the X, Y, Z coordinate data may be determined by comparing different adjacent traces  5  (i.e., measuring portions), for example in different layer assemblies  15   a ,  15   b ,  15   c . It should be noted that a CAN system is one form of a communication or network system which may be used. Other communication or networking systems may be used to perform the function of facilitating control signals between systems or components. At step  277 , the panel&#39;s microcontroller or measurement system  20  requests a new baseline via the CAN bus  267  from the processing system  30 , thus resetting the baseline data to the current scenario in order to detect a new impact event. At step  279 , the CAN bus  267  may transfer the coordinate data from step  275  to the processing system  30 . At step  281 , the processing system  30  illustratively calculates data including the impact locations, sizes, time data of the damage event, and corresponding damage assessment (e.g. a category of the damage event), and sends this data to HMI (Human Machine Interface) system  269  and/or a controller  261  for an automated response such as orienting an output device  90 , such as a sensor or weapon, on an axis  21  aligned with an impact event origin area  17 . 
     The category of the damage event may include a plurality of causes of the damage event which are correlated with at least one damage event characteristic. The plurality of causes may include a small arms category (e.g. 3 mm to 8 mm projectiles), an explosively formed penetrator category, high energy ballistic impact category (e.g., micro meteoroids or space debris impacts), a structural fatigue category, a heat event category, and a .50 or larger caliber projectile category. 
     Continuing with step  285  of  FIG. 22 , a determination is made based on input from step  281  for an automatic or HMI response which then triggers additional processing steps associated with the respective automatic or HMI response. The step  285  processing system responds to inputs from step  281  based on pre-programmed conditions. At step  287 , an HMI command input for an HMI triggered event is sent via the CAN bus  267  to an HMI device after a determination at step  285  that a manual response output may be required based on determinations made at step  281 . At step  287 , data from step  281  based on the determination at step  285  is transferred onto the CAN bus  267  and sent to the HMI device  269  in order to notify a user of the potential need for the manual response output. At step  289 , the manual response output determined from step  285  is executed based on a user input directing execution of the manual response output. Note that a user may decline to execute the manual response output as well after the user has been notified of the need for a decision on whether to execute the manual response output. The HMI system  269  via the CAN bus  267  may control devices coupled directly to the CAN bus  267  such as a weapon, sensor system, a communication system, a non-lethal weapon system, a display system, or other device a user will desire to manually trigger via a manual response output signal. An alternate embodiment may have the HMI system  269  interacting via a bus system with a controller system or a cloud computing system in communication with the HMI system  269 . 
     At step  291 , an automatic response is input in the CAN bus  267  after a determination is made at step  285  that an automatic event is required based on data from step  281 . At step  293 , the automatic event from step  285  is executed based on the determination at step  285  and the automatic event data from step  291 . 
       FIG. 23  shows an alternative method of operation for an illustrative impact detection and remediation system  10  such as, for example, that used in connection with the sensing device or panel  14  of  FIG. 3 , and the data acquisition and processing system  241  of  FIGS. 19-21 . At step  301 , processing system  12  commences operation and one or more impact sensor panel baseline data is generated at specified time intervals. Impact sensor panel  14  baseline data may include resistance values for sections of the impact sensor panel such as all discrete circuits (e.g.,  5  in  FIG. 3 ) on each impact sensor panel. At step  303 , a resistance measurement system applies a voltage to electrical contacts (e.g.,  9 ) on all layers (e.g.,  15   a ,  15   b ,  15   c ) making up a panel  14 . As detailed herein, panel  14  may be formed of one or more layers  15   a ,  15   b ,  15   c . At step  305 , the resistance measurement system measures electrical resistance between all contacts (e.g.,  7 ,  9 ) on all layers (e.g.,  15   a ,  15   b ,  15   c ). At step  307 , resistance data produced by the resistance measurement system is sent to a system controller via a bus system (e.g., CAN bus  267  from  FIG. 21 ). 
     At step  309  of  FIG. 23 , a determination is made of whether the resistance measurement data acquired at step  305  is different than baseline data acquired at step  301  or stored previously. At step  311  all pairs of contacts (e.g.,  7 ,  9 ) are identified on each layer (e.g.  15   a ,  15   b ,  15   c ) where resistance data has changed from the baseline data if the determination at step  309  determines the resistance measurement data is different and resistance change data is stored associated with an identifier associated with each discrete circuit (e.g.,  5 ) between the pairs of contacts (e.g.,  7 ,  9 ). At step  323 , processing continues by identifying all layers (e.g.,  15   a ,  15   b ,  15   c ) associated with the changed resistance data associated with pairs of contacts where resistance changed occurred that was determined at step  309  then processing continues at step  325 . 
     At step  312 , one of the resistance data is selected from the resistance data stored at step  309 . At step  313 , all resistance change data associated with each discrete circuit stored at step  309  is compared to a selected resistance data associated with one of the discrete circuits selected at step  312  and a determination is made of whether the selected resistance data has the largest resistance value change from the baseline data as compared to all resistance data stored at step  309 . At step  315 , if the determination at step  312  is the selected resistance data has the largest resistance value change, then the selected resistance data is associated with a center point identifier data at step  315  indicating a center point or area of an impact event then processing continues at step  325 . If the selected resistance data is found to not to have the highest resistance change among the resistance data collected at step  309 , then processing continues at step  317 . 
     With reference to step  317  of  FIG. 23 , all resistance change data associated with each discrete circuit stored at step  309  is compared to a selected resistance data associated with one of the discrete circuits selected at step  312  and a determination is made of whether the selected resistance data has the least resistance value change from the baseline data as compared to all resistance data stored at step  309 . At step  315 , if the determination at step  312  is the selected resistance data has the least resistance value change, then the selected resistance data is associated with an edge of the impact area data at step  319  indicating an edge point or area of an impact area event in the impact sensor panel then processing continues at step  325 . If the selected resistance data is found to not to have the least resistance change among the resistance data collected at step  309 , then processing continues at step  321 . At step  321 , the selected resistance data and associated discrete circuit is associated within an impact event edge area but not a center of impact area then processing continues at step  325 . At step  325 , a calculation of position, size, angle of impact is determined from data from steps  315 ,  319 ,  321 , and  323  then processing continues at step  327 . At step  327 , a determination is made of whether any of the resistance data associated with discrete circuits determined and stored at step  309  has not been selected at step  313  and subsequently processed in steps  313 - 325 . If yes, then processing continues from step  327  at step  312 . If no, then processing from step  327  terminates at step  329 . 
       FIG. 24  shows an alternative method of operation for an illustrative impact detection and remediation system  10  such as, for example, that used in connection with the sensing device or panel  149  of  FIGS. 8 and 9 , and the data acquisition and processing system  241  of  FIGS. 19-21 . At step  331 , processing the system  12  commences operation and one or more impact sensor panel baseline data is generated at specific time intervals. Baseline data of impact sensor panel  149  may include resistance values for sections of the impact sensor panel such as all discrete circuits (e.g.,  155  and  157  in  FIG. 8 ) on each impact sensor panel. At step  333 , resistance measurement system applies a voltage to electrical contacts (e.g.,  171 ) making up panel  149 . At step  335 , the resistant measurement system measures electrical resistance between all contacts series (e.g.,  171  and  173 ). At step  337 , resistance data produced by the resistance measurement system is sent to a system controller via a bus system (e.g., CAN bus  267  from  FIG. 21 ). 
     At step  339  of  FIG. 24 , a determination is made of whether the resistance measurement data acquired at step  335  is different than baseline data acquired at step  331  or stored previously. If not, then the process returns to step  331 . If there has been a change in baseline data at step  339 , then the process continues to step  341  where all pairs of contacts (e.g.,  171  and  173 ), are identified where resistance data has changed from the baseline data. At step  342 , one of the resistance data is selected from the resistance data stored at step  341 . 
     At step  343 , all resistance change data associated with each discrete circuit stored at step  341  is compared to a selective resistance data associated with one of the discrete circuit selected at step  342  and a determination is made of whether the selected resistance data has the largest resistance value change from the baseline data as compared to all resistance data stored at step  341 . At step  345 , if the determination at step  342  is the selected resistance data has the largest resistance value change, then the selected resistance data is associated with a center point identifier data at step  345  indicating a center point or area of an impact event, processing then continues at step  353 . If the selected resistance data is found to not to have the highest resistance change among the resistance data collected at step  341 , then processing continues at step  347 . 
     With reference to step  347  of  FIG. 24 , all resistance change data associated with each discrete circuit stored at step  341  is compared to a selected resistance data associated with one of the discrete circuits selected at step  342  and a determination is made of whether the selected resistance data has the least resistance value change from the baseline data as compared to all resistance data stored at step  341 . At step  349 , if the determination at step  342  is the selected resistance data has the least resistance value change, then the selected resistance data is associated with an edge of the impact area data at step  349  indicating an edge point or area of an impact area event  13  in the impact sensor panel  149  then processing continues at step  353 . If the selected resistance data is found to not have the least resistance change among the resistance data collected at step  341 , then processing continues at step  351 . At step  351 , the selected resistance data and associated discrete circuit is associated within an impact event edge area but not a center of impact area then processing continues at step  353 . At step  353 , a calculation of position, size, angle of impact is determined from data from steps  345 ,  349 , and  351  and processing continues at step  355 . At step  355 , a determination is made of whether any of the resistance data associated with discrete circuits is determined and stored at step  341  has not been selected at step  343  and subsequently processed in steps  347 ,  349 ,  351 ,  353 . If yes, then processing continues from step  355  at step  343 . If no, then processing from step  355  terminates at step  357 . 
       FIG. 25  shows an alternative method of operation for an illustrated impact detection and remediation system  10  such as, for example, that used with the illustrative sensing device or panel  191  of  FIG. 10  and the data acquisition and processing system  241  of  FIGS. 19-21 . At step  361 , processing system  12  commences operation and one or more impact sensor panel baseline data is generated at specific time intervals. Impact sensor panel  191  baseline data may include resistance values for layer of sensor panel  191 . At step  363 , a resistance measurement system applies voltage to electrical contact series  197  and  199  making up panel  191 . As detailed herein, panel  191  may be made up of a great resistant panel. At step  365 , the resistance measurement system measures electrical resistance between electrical contact series  197 ,  199  and  201 ,  203 . At step  367 , resistance data produced by the resistance measurement system is sent to a system controller via a bus system (e.g., CAN bus  267  from  FIG. 21 ). 
     At step  369  of  FIG. 25 , a determination is made of whether the resistance measurement data acquired at step  365  is different than baseline data acquired at step  361  or stored previously. If not, then the process returns to step  361 . If there is a change in the baseline data determined at step  369 , then the process continues to step  371  where all pairs of contacts are identified where resistance data has changed from the baseline data if the determination at step  369  determines the resistance measurement data is different and resistance change data is stored associated with an identifier associated with each discrete circuit between the pairs of contacts. At step  373 , processing continues by assigning a row and column coordinate point to each pair of contacts with a resistance change. 
     At step  375 , the largest resistance change coordinate points to identify the center of the impact. At step  377 , the process creates a grid of coordinate points having changes of resistance. At step  379 , the system determines a gradient of resistance change coordinate points to identify edges of impact. Next, at step  381 , the system calculates a position and the size of impact event  13 . 
       FIG. 26  shows a further method of operation of an illustrative impact detection and remediation system  10  such as, for example, that used in connection with the illustrative sensing device or panel  211  of  FIG. 11  and the data acquisition and processing system  241  of  FIGS. 19-21 . At step  391 , processing the system  12  commences operation and one or more impact sensor panel baseline data is generated at specific time intervals. Impact sensor panel  211  baseline data may include resistance values for sections of the impact sensor panel  211  such as on layer  213 . At step  393 , a resistance measurement system applies a voltage to electrical contacts  215  making up panel  211 . As detailed herein, panel  211  may be made up of a gradient resistant layer. At step  395 , the resistant measurement system measures electrical resistance between all contacts  215  and  217 . At step  397 , resistance data produced by the resistance measurement system is sent to a system controller via a bus system (e.g., CAN bus  267  from  FIG. 21 ). 
     At step  399  of  FIG. 26 , a determination is made of whether the resistance measurement data acquired at step  395  is different than baseline data acquired at step  391  or stored previously. At step  401  all pairs of contacts  215  and  217  are identified where resistance data has changed from the baseline data if the determination step at  399  determines a resistant measurement data is different and resistance change data is stored associated with an identifier associated with each discrete circuit between the pair of contacts  215  and  217 . At step  402 , one of the resistance data is selected from the resistance data stored at step  401 . 
     At step  403 , all resistance change data associated with each discrete circuit stored at step  401  is compared to a selected resistance data associated with one of the discrete circuits selected at step  402  and a determination is made of whether the selected resistance data has the largest resistance value change from the baseline data as compared to all resistance data stored at step  401 . At step  405 , if the determination at step  403  is the selected resistance data has the largest resistance value change, then the selected resistance data is associated with a center point identifier data at step  405  indicating a center point or area of an impact event  13  then processing continues at step  413 . If the selected resistance data is found to not to have the highest resistance change among the resistance data collected at step  401 , then processing continues at step  407 . 
     With reference to step  407  of  FIG. 23 , all resistance change data associated with each discrete circuit stored at step  401  is compared to a selected resistance data associated with one of the discrete circuits selected at step  402  and a determination is made of whether the selected resistance data has the least resistance value change from the baseline data as compared to all resistance data stored at step  401 . At step  405 , if the determination at step  402  is the selected resistance data has the least resistance value change, then the selected resistance data is associated with an edge of the impact area data at step  409  indicating an edge point or area of an impact area event in the impact sensor panel then processing continues at step  413 . If the selected resistance data is found to not to have the least resistance change among the resistance data collected at step  401 , then processing continues at step  411 . At step  411 , the selected resistance data and associated discrete circuit is associated within an impact event edge area but not a center of impact area then processing continues at step  413 . At step  413 , a calculation of position, size, angle of impact is determined from data from steps  405 ,  409 , and  411  then processing continues at step  415 . At step  415 , a determination is made of whether any of the resistance data associated with discrete circuits determined and stored at step  401  has not been selected at step  403  and subsequently processed in steps  403 - 413 . If yes, then processing continues from step  415  at step  402 . If no, then processing from step  415  terminates at step  417 . 
     An embodiment of a damage control system  16  of the present disclosure may entail use of an impact sensor array  243  on a system or microelectronics device which is coupled to a controller. As is known, the controller may reconfigure the system or a microelectronics device. For example, a damage control system embodiment may include an impact event sensor array  243 , such as described herein, which couples with a damage control system. The damage control system is configured to receive a damage event input from the impact sensor system with impact event data such as, for example, coordinates and size of damage. The damage control system then may reassign functions in a damaged area of a microcontroller or control system. For example, the microcontroller may be a field programmable gate array (FPGA) which has the capacity to be reprogrammed after a damage event and still maintain functionality. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 27 and 28 , the illustrative impact detection and remediation system  10  may also be coupled with other event detection systems or devices. For example, an event detection device, illustratively an escalation of force (EOF) reduction system  421 , may include an embodiment of the impact detection and remediation system  10  coupled with an acoustic detection system  423  which is configured to detect specific sound signatures, such as a rifle shot. This illustrative EOF reduction system  421  is of particular use in a chaotic environment where multiple sound signatures exist but only one or a few of the sound signatures are significant. For example, illustrative EOF reduction system  421  may be used on a vehicle  425  forming part of a convoy maneuvering through a crowded urban area that have civilians who are not hostile to the convoy. A single person hiding in the crowd could fire a shot into the vehicle  425  in the convoy, which then may result in a number of external weapons being discharged, thereby confusing an observer or operator of the vehicle  425  as to the true source of the person firing a shot into their vehicle  425 . An embodiment of the EOF reduction system  421  with the impact sensor system  10  and acoustic detection system  423  may be used to orient a vehicle operator to the direction (along origination axis  21  ( FIG. 2 )) where actual incoming fire is originating (origin  17  ( FIG. 2 )) and thereby reduce the potential for friendly fire casualties. 
     While the following description describes the impact sensor system  10  for use in connection with vehicle  425 , as further detailed herein, the system  10  may find use in a variety of applications, including being mounted to other structures of interest  16 , such as electronic devices, aircraft, etc. Further, the illustrative vehicle  425  in the embodiment of  FIGS. 27 and 28  may be of any conventional type, such as military vehicles, law enforcement vehicles, rescue trucks, communications vehicles, and construction equipment. Illustratively, vehicle  425  may be a high mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicle (HMMWV or Humvee) including wheels  426  driven by an engine (not shown). An occupant compartment  428  including ballistic resistant windows  430  and armor plates  432  ( FIG. 27 ). 
     In  FIGS. 27 and 28 , a plurality of sensing devices or panels  265  of the type detailed above are positioned in different locations around the vehicle  425 . Each sensing device  265  may be coupled to an external or outer surface of the vehicle  425  in one of the manners further detailed herein. The combination of sensing devices  265  define an impact sensing perimeter  435  about the vehicle  425 . For example, first sensing device  265   a  is positioned on an external surface of a front passenger door, second sensing device  265   b  is positioned on an outer surface of first rear passenger door, third sensing device  265   c  is positioned on an outer surface of a first rear quarter panel, fourth sensing device  265   d  is positioned on an outer surface of a rear deck, fifth sensing device  265   e  is positioned on an outer surface of a second rear quarter panel, sixth sensing device  265   f  is positioned on an outer surface of a second rear passenger door, and seventh sensing device  265   g  is positioned on an outer surface of a front driver door. It should be appreciated that the number and locations of sensing devices  265  may vary depending upon the structure of interest, operational requirements, environmental conditions, etc. Moreover, the plurality of sensing devices  265  may be consolidated such that a substantially continuous sensing surface extends around the exterior of the vehicle  425 . As further detailed herein, a main computer  261  or processing system may be coupled to the controller  263  which processes information sensed through the impact sensing devices  265   a - 265   g.    
     The illustrative vehicle  425  includes a traversal portion, illustratively a rotatable turret  427  disposed around a center opening  429  ( FIG. 28 ). As is known, the turret  427  is configured for rotation about a vertical rotational axis  431  extending through the opening  429 . A protective structure  433  ( FIG. 27 ) may be coupled to the turret  427 . The protective structure  433  illustratively includes a plurality of ballistic windows coupled to a support structure for protecting an occupant or operator  436  within the opening  429 . A protective shield  434  may be supported by the turret  427  in spaced relation to the protective structure  433 . In the case of armed conflict, foreign internal defensive operations or riot control engagements, structure  433  may protect the operator or gunner  436  who controls a targeting device, such as a weapon  437 , illustratively a machine gun or other device such as a water cannon, high intensity laser or other anti-personnel or non-lethal personnel weapon system. A seat  438  ( FIG. 29 ) may be operably coupled to the turret  427  to rotate concurrently therewith and to support the operator  436  ( FIG. 29 ). 
     The weapon  437  is operably coupled to a weapon mount  440  which, in turn, is operably coupled to the turret  427 . A slewing mechanism  435  may adjust the horizontal (traverse or azimuth) and vertical (elevational) orientation of the weapon  437 . As is known, rotation of the weapon  437  and about the vertical rotational axis  431  within a horizontal plane (i.e., traverse movement) may be controlled by operation of a turret actuator  444 A ( FIG. 29 ). The weapon mount  440  may also pivot the weapon  437  about a horizontal axis  446  and within a vertical plane (i.e., elevational movement). A weapon mount actuator  444 B may be operably coupled to the weapon mount  440  to pivot the weapon  437  about the horizontal axis  446  ( FIG. 29 ). 
     As is known, the slewing mechanism  435  may be operated remotely from the turret  427 . Illustratively, the operator  436  may be positioned outside of the turret  427 , for example within the passenger compartment of the vehicle  425  or at a location remote from the vehicle  425 . In other illustrative embodiments, the slewing mechanism  435  may be automatically controlled by system  10  for alignment of the weapon  437  with origination axis  21 , while discharge of the weapon  437  is controlled through a triggering device manipulated by operator  436  located outside of the turret  427 . 
     With further reference to  FIGS. 27 and 28 , the illustrative acoustic detection system  423  may include an acoustic sensor or antenna  439  configured to detect soundwaves generated by an event, illustratively the firing of a projectile. The antenna  439  illustratively includes a plurality of audio inputs or microphones  442  (illustratively at least 3) configured in a known manner. More particularly, the microphones  442  are spaced apart from one another to detect and record acoustic signals or soundwaves, and time offsets of acoustic signals which are representative of the muzzle noise of the firearm and/or the soundwave emitted by a projectile. The detection system  423  is illustratively configured to process the signals and their time offsets in a manner for determining at least the direction in which the firearm of interest is located. In certain illustrative embodiments, the acoustic detection system  423  may comprise the Boomerang shooter detection system available from Raytheon BBN Technologies of Cambridge, Mass. 
     As also shown in  FIGS. 27 and 28 , additional sensors may also be used with the impact sensing devices  265  and/or acoustic sensor  439 . For example, an imaging system  448  including a plurality of video surveillance sensors or cameras  441   a ,  441   b ,  441   c ,  441   d  may be positioned proximate opposing corners of the vehicle  425 . Similarly, 360 degree video sensors or cameras  443   a  and  443   b  may be added to the vehicle  425 . Cameras  441  and  443  may be adapted to detect weapon (e.g., rifle) fire flashes. More particularly, the cameras  441  and  443  may be used to detect flash events which are cross checked against data from the impact sensing devices  265  and/or the acoustical sensor  439 . The EOF reduction system  421  may then cross correlate the information from the multiple sensor systems  265 ,  439 ,  448  thereby increasing the probability of accurate identification of hostile fire being directed towards a structure of interest, in this case vehicle  425  in a convoy. 
     Cameras  441  may include full motion video with zoom capability that may be moved or slewed to a point of origin of an impact event such as where a hostile person is directing rifle fire to a convoy vehicle  425 . These video cameras  441  with zoom capability may then be used to gather specific evidence associated with the use of hostile force by a gunman in a crowded area by means of high definition video imagery which is oriented towards a point of origin  17  of an impact event  13 . An illustrative embodiment of the system  10  may also include conflict resolution software or programming which permits it to deal with multiple impact events as well as providing instructions for focusing on higher priority significant event signatures and thus have the system  10  ignore inputs which are of lesser interest. 
     The user interface  50  may include a graphical user interface (GUI) providing information to a user to permit separate identification of different points of origin for different types of threats or impact events such as a different color in the GUI for each separate point of origin of an impact event, and a time delay which leaves an impact event indicator on for a predetermined period of time or a range of a point of origin area. A system may also be tied to a navigation system which suggests a route of egress from an area where impact events are occurring given terrain or obstacles which are in a particular area. For example, the system may have a map therewith (e.g., GOOGLE® maps) wherein the system  10  may overlay the map onto a video display of the impact events. 
     Characterization of impact event objects may be made based on multiple sensor systems. For example, a combination of an impact event sensor  265 , acoustic sensor system  439 , and a video imager system  448  may be used to correlate a source of an impact event based on a look up table having signature data associated with specific impact event originating devices or systems such as a particular type of rifle or projectile system. 
     Also, the multiple sensor variant may receive inputs from portable illumination beacons, or smart beacons  446 , which are programmed to emit wireless coded signals which imaging system  448  including imager/360 degree camera  443  may detect ( FIG. 27 ). These smart beacons  446  may be placed onto individual equipment, persons, or locations where friendly forces or equipment is located. The smart beacons  446  are illustratively capable of receiving a pulse of light in one or more frequencies and then trigger a burst signal which is not detectable by means such as humans viewing the system through night vision goggles, etc. The system  10  may interrogate the smart beacons  446  multiple times in order to ensure relative bearing and distance may be determined based on Doppler effect and changes in bearing. The smart beacons  446  may be cross referenced with other systems such as the GCCS  72 . 
     Each smart beacon  446  may be programmed/provided with a verification system which permits verification that the user/wearer is in fact a friendly force. Such a verification system may include voice recognition for a single matched user, a proximity sensor for detecting an RFID system embedded into a larger system which has identity verification systems, or a coded input mechanism which a user may occasionally be prompted to input a verification code which then will unlock the smart beacon&#39;s verification capability. 
     Each smart beacon  446  is illustratively programmable and requires a user to input a new code to continue its operation past a certain amount of time, such as 24 hours. The smart beacon  446  may also have an anti-tamper design which would prevent directly reading the smart beacon&#39;s coded information. Also, the smart beacon  446  may have a self-wipe function which could be triggered by a user before the beacon  446  could fall into undesired hands. The self wipe function could also be triggered by a failure to reset the system in a certain number of hours such as 24 hours or after a substantial impact which causes damage to the smart beacon beyond a prescribed point. 
     Illustrative user interfaces  50  may include display devices operably coupled to the turret  427 . In addition to visual indicators such as display devices, the user interface  50  may provide other sensory indicators to the operator  436 . For example, an audible damage event warning may be provided to the operator  436  upon the detection of a damage event. The audible damage event warning may also provide details on the location of the damage event and/or an orientation of the damage event on the vehicle  425 . 
     With reference now to  FIGS. 29-32 , the display devices may include a plurality of visual indicators arranged in a plurality of vertically spaced annular bands. Each annular band illustratively includes a plurality the circumferentially spaced light sources  445 , each light source  445  being oriented radially inwardly from an inner arcuate surface of the turret  427 . The light sources  445  may comprise light emitting diodes (LEDs), illustratively multi-color LEDs. 
     Activation of the light sources  445  is based upon input from the system  12  on the determined origin of the ballistic impact. More particularly, the system  12  may activate the light sources (identified by reference numbers  445   a ) based upon the relative position of the turret  427  in order to ensure that the light sources  445   a  are oriented along axis  21  toward the origin  17  of the projectiles/impact objects  19  ( FIG. 2 ). Thus, when the turret  427  rotates, the active light sources  445   a  also move to maintain the relative bearing to the calculated point of origin  17  for the projectiles/impact objects  19 . Such capability may be facilitated by operably coupling the user interface  50  into a position identifier system, such as a global positioning system (GPS), global command and control system (GCCS)  72 , inertial navigation system, etc. 
     The active light sources  445   a  may change color, light intensity, and/or flash to assist the operator in identifying proper orientation of the turret  427 . For example, the light sources  445   a  may change from red, to yellow, to green as the turret  427  is rotated into proper positioning with axis  21  of impact origin  17 . Alternatively, the light sources  445   a  may change light intensity as the turret  427  is rotated into alignment with axis  21 , or may flash at different rates as the turret  427  is rotated into alignment with axis  21 . 
     The system  12  may also activate the light sources  445 A based upon the relative elevation of the weapon  437  in order to ensure that the light sources  445   a  are oriented on the source of the projectiles/impact objects. Thus, when the weapon  437  is pivoted about axis, the active light sources  445   a  also move to maintain the relative bearing to the calculated point of origin  17  for the projectiles/impact objects  19  ( FIG. 2 ). 
     In one illustrative embodiment, different vertically spaced bands of light sources  445   a  may be illuminated to indicate desired weapon elevation along axis  21 . Alternatively, the color of the light sources may change based upon desired weapon elevation. The intensity or flashing rates of the light sources  445   a  may also change as the weapon  437  is pivoted into alignment with origination axis  21 . In a similar manner, different circumferentially or horizontally spaced columns of light sources  445   a  may be illuminated to indicate desired traverse or horizontal position of weapon about vertical axis  431 . 
     User inputs, such as right and left control grips  447   a  and  447   b  may be manipulated by the hands of an operator to move the weapon  437 . The control grips  447   a  and  447   b  may each include input buttons to control traverse and elevation of the weapon  437  by controlling actuators  444   a  and  444   b , as further detailed herein. Control grips  447   a  and  447   b  may also include conventional triggers to permit the operator  434  to fire the weapon  437 . In certain illustrative embodiments, the control grips  447   a  and  447   b  may provide a tactile damage event warning which is sent to the operator  436 . Such tactile event warning may provide an indication of a damage event alone or together with an orientation of the damage event on the vehicle  425 . For example, the control grips  447   a  and  447   b  may vibrate or shake to alert the operator  436  of a damage event. Subsequent vibrating or shaking of the right control grip  447   a  will provide an indication to the operator  436  to move the weapon  437  to the right, while subsequent vibration or shaking of the left control grip  447   b  will provide an indication to the operator  436  to move the weapon  437  to the left. 
     A dashboard  449  may be supported by the weapon mount  440  and is positioned in front of the seat  438  for supporting the control grips  447   a  and  447   b . The dashboard  449  is operably coupled to the turret  427  and is configured to rotate therewith. A heads-up display  451  may extend above the dashboard  449  and includes a transparent panel  452  having a surface upon which information is projected for view by the operator  434 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 31 and 32 , different images  459 ,  461 ,  463 ,  465 ,  467  may be projected on the display  451 . For example, images  459  and  463  may indicate to the operator  434  to change the elevation of the weapon  437  based upon the detected impact for alignment with origination axis  21 . More particularly, images  459   a  and  463   a  indicate that the weapon  437  should be raised, while images  459   b  and  463   b  indicate that the weapon should be lowered. Similarly, images  461  and  465  may indicate to the operator  434  to traverse (move the rotational position of) the weapon  437  based upon the detected impact for alignment with origination axis  21 . More particularly, images  461   a  and  465   a  indicate that the weapon should be rotated to the right, while arrows  461   b  and  465   b  indicate that the weapon should be rotated to the left. Information, such as video and/or text instructions may be projected within display window  467 . 
     In certain illustrative embodiments, display  453  is operably coupled to the human machine interface (HMI)  269 , while display  455  is operably coupled to the global command and control system (GCCS)  72 . Displays  453  and  455  may provide graphical information and/or receive input from the operator. 
     A further illustrative embodiment is shown in  FIGS. 33-35B  as including turret  427  with the seat  438  removed for clarity. Circumferentially spaced right and left indicator uprights or columns  471   a  and  471   b , respectively, are supported on opposite sides of turret opening  472  receiving weapon  437 . Each indicator upright  471   a  and  471   b  includes a plurality of display devices arranged in a plurality of laterally spaced columns. More particularly, each upright  471   a  and  471   b  illustratively includes a plurality the vertically spaced light sources  473 . The light sources  473  may comprise light emitting diodes (LEDs), illustratively multi-color LEDs. 
     Activation of the light sources  473  is based upon input from the system  12  on the determined origin of the ballistic impact. More particularly, the system  12  activates the light sources (identified by reference numbers  473   a ) based upon the relative position of the weapon  437  in order to ensure that the light sources  473   a  are oriented on the source of the projectiles/impact objects. Thus, when the elevation of the weapon  437  changes, the active light sources  473   a  also move to maintain the relative bearing to the calculated point of origin  17  for the projectiles/impact objects  19  ( FIG. 2 ). 
     Rotational orientation of the turret  427  may be indicated by changing intensity, color, or flash patterns of light sources  473   a . For example, green may indicate the proper direction in which to turn, while red means no adjustment is required. Alternatively, light intensity or flashing patterns of light sources  473   a  may indicate the proper direction in which to turn. Alternatively, additional displays may be used in combination with light sources  473  on uprights  471  to facilitate proper orientation of turret  427 . 
     User inputs, such as control grips  447  may be manipulated by the hands of an operator to rotate turret  427 , and thus the weapon  437 . Control grips  447  may also include conventional triggers to permit the operator to fire the weapon  437 . 
       FIG. 34A  shows a situation when the origin  17  of impact object is determined to be above the target alignment of the weapon  437 . As such, the light sources  473   a  on an upper end of the indicator uprights  471  are activated. As the weapon  437  is raised, the active light sources  473   a  lower toward the middle of the uprights  471 . At the proper target elevation (i.e., when the weapon  437  is aligned with origination axis  21 ), the light sources may change intensity, color, or flash to provide a clear indication to the operator that the proper target has been acquired. 
       FIG. 34B  shows a situation when the origin  17  of impact object is determined to be below the target alignment of the weapon  437 . As such, the light sources  473   a  on a lower end of the indicator uprights  471  are activated. As the weapon  437  is lowered, the active light sources  473   a  raise toward the middle of the uprights  471 . At the proper target elevation (i.e., when the weapon  437  is aligned with origination axis  21 ), the light sources  473   a  may change intensity, color, or flash to provide a clear indication to the operator that the proper target has been acquired. 
     In certain illustrative embodiments, the computer  40  may include a timer configured to run upon detection of an impact event. The timer may cause the user interface  50  to reduce the impact event LED indicators  445 ,  473  to zero brightness following a predetermined time after a particular impact event. A user may engage an interface control to display historical impact information either on the LED indicators  445 ,  447  or on a video display. The video display history may be a video type replay showing a recreation of the impact events from a specific point in time to another point in time. For example, the video display may show an overhead image of a vehicle which is taking fire and the impact sensor is detecting fire. This vehicle display may be rotatable to show points of estimated origin relative to the vehicle and probable point of origin. 
     If the system  10  includes a video imaging system  448 , having either full motion video and/or 360 degree cameras, then impact geometry and vector information may be overlaid over the video system based on plotting of coordinates and matching those coordinated to grid coordinate systems associated with the video camera and vehicle  425 . A gun camera may also be added to a user&#39;s weapon system which may capture images of where a weapon  437  is being oriented. The gun camera may be utilized with the system for providing confirmatory information on impact event point of origin  17  information. 
     As further detailed herein, a feature of the user interface  50  may be a system which indicates elevation for an impact event point of origin  17 . For example, LEDs may be run vertically along a weapon mount which flashes horizontal lines for where probable elevation of an impact event origin  17  is assessed. The weapon  437  may then be manually or automatically controlled to bring it into alignment with the axis of origin  21 . 
     Further illustrative embodiments, exemplary damage detection and remediation system  10  may be coupled with a firing mechanism for a weapon  437  and a command and control system which has a position tracking feature, a status update feature, and is internetworked with other security force units, both fixed and mobile, such as the Global Command and Control System (GCCS)  72 . When the firing mechanism is activated at the same time an impact event with matching characteristics of an attack occur then the exemplary embodiment of the damage detection and remediation system  10  may automatically post an update to the GCCS  72  that an attack is occurring in a specific location as well as clips from video systems, mounted with the weapon system, of the points of origin  17  of the attack. A panic button may be added to user interface  50  which may be used to confirm an attack which may then be posted to the GCCS  72  as a confirmation of attack in progress. 
     Another embodiment may include a damage detection and remediation system  10  which detects a pattern of attack damage or impact event which corresponds to an improvised explosive device (IED) attack which may then trigger an automatic request for assistance, with a location from a location tracking system such as the GCCS  72 , and a request for medical evacuation absent an override command being input by a user. 
     In yet other illustrative embodiments of damage detection and remediation system  10 , upon detecting damage events  13  in certain locations of the vehicle  425 , onboard computers may run diagnostic tests of various vehicle systems. For example, if the system  10  detects that a damage event  13  has occurred in the engine compartment of the vehicle  425 , then the onboard computer may run a diagnostic test of the vehicle&#39;s engine. Upon completion of the diagnostic test, the computer may transmit information regarding vehicle status to a fleet management computer at a vehicle maintenance facility. The fleet management computer may thereby keep track of damage sustain by various vehicles and schedule maintenance, as required. 
     Although the disclosure has been described in detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments, variations and modifications exist within the spirit and scope of the disclosure as described and defined in the following claims.