Marking system and method

Abstract

A system for use in identifying a user includes a portable emitter transported with the user. The emitter includes a quantum cascade laser configured to emit a thermal beam identifying a location of the user in response to a command, the thermal beam having a wavelength between approximately 2 μm and approximately 30 μm.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This is a nonprovisional application of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 473,575, filed Apr. 8, 2011, the entire disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference.STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT[0002]Not applicable.REFERENCE TO A “SEQUENCE LISTING”[0003]Not applicable.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0004]1. Field of the Invention[0005]The present disclosure relates to marking systems and, in particular, systems useful in marking a target with a thermal designation.[0006]2. Description of Related Art[0007]Manned vehicles are heavily used in various environments for reconnaissance, aerial photography, combat activities, rescue efforts, law enforcement, security exercises, and other purposes. Such vehicles may include aerial vehicles such as reconnaissance aircraft, helicopters, jets, and airplanes. Such vehicles may also include ground vehicles such as tanks, troop transports, armored assault v...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

In these environments it can be difficult for friendly forces to distinguish between friendly vehicles and unfriendly or foe vehicles, and this difficulty can be heightened under the stress of combat situations and / or other situations common in dangerous areas.

However, these known emitters are plagued by a host of debilitating drawbacks that make them inefficient or potentially dangerous for use in some dangerous environments.

Thus, friendly vehicles equipped with known emitters can easily be detected by unfriendly groups, making stealth or covert operation of such vehicles difficult, if not impossible.

In addition, most known emitters are not easily programmable or modifiable in the field, and are not configured to emit beams having a diverse range of, for example, encryption signatures, wavelengths, and / or other characteristics.

Such ease of deception can be very dangerous in certain environments.

Moreover, some known emitters, such as thermal markers or other devices emitting beams in the thermal band, may have a limited detection range.

For example, while friendly forces and vehicles may be equipped with known thermal markers for friend or foe identification, the signals emitted by these devices may not be easily detected beyond a range of several hundred meters.

This range may be relevant in a tightly confined arena of engagement, but such a limited range can put friendly forces at risk when vehicles are used.

Not being able to detect a vehicle, or determine whether or not the detected vehicle is friendly, unless and until the vehicle is within several hundred meters of, for example, an engagement arena or other area occupied by friendly forces, can put these forces at serious risk.

However, known emitters may not be suitable for use with such devices due to the deficiencies discussed above.

For example, beams emitted by known emitters may not be easily seen from great distances, thus making locating such devices difficult.

Moreover, once such emitters are deactivated or the target has moved out of the beam path, the designation and / or other marking on the target dissipates almost instantaneously, making it very difficult for friendly forces to produce a sustained thermal designation on such targets.

In addition, most known emitters are not capable of effectively thermally marking targets having an elevated temperature, such as, for example, a temperature above room temperature.

If the target is, for example, a human being, an engine, or other target having an elevated temperature, such emitters may not be useful for their intended purpose.