Threat mitigation systems and threat mitigation methods

Abstract

To provide a threat handling system and a threat handling method handling a coming flying threat by laser radiation effectively.SOLUTION: A threat handling system (1) comprises a handling device (5), a block device (6) and a determination device (50). The handling device (5) detects a coming flying threat (4) and handles the threat (4) by laser radiation. The block device (6) is installed to prevent the threat (4) from passing over a block region (20) where the power of the laser radiation is estimated to be lower than a prescribed threshold value and coming close to an object (3) to be protected. The determination device (50) determines a position of an upper end of the block device (6) on the basis of the upper end of the block region (20).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2A

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a threat response system and a threat response method, and is suitably used, for example, to deal with incoming threats. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, advancements in UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) technology, such as drones, have posed a threat to the defense of protected targets. To address such threats, a threat response system has been proposed that remotely destroys targets by propagating high-power laser beams through the atmosphere and irradiating them with them. Electrically driven high-power laser beams can continuously deal with threats as long as a power source is available, and the cost is lower compared to using artillery shells or projectiles.

[0003] On the other hand, aerial threats such as drones are likely to fly at low altitudes close to the ground to avoid detection by radar and other systems. Generally, atmospheric turbulence is greater in the air near the ground compared to the air at higher altitudes. In particular, when the ground is exposed to strong sunlight on a clear day, the degree of atmospheric turbulence in the air near the ground increases. One indicator used to measure the degree of atmospheric turbulence is the refractive index structural constant Cn 2 (Units are meters) -2 / 3 ) exists. Refractive index structural constant Cn 2 The larger the value, the greater the degree of atmospheric turbulence.

[0004] Furthermore, when atmospheric turbulence is significant, it becomes difficult to focus the laser beam, reducing its effectiveness against the target. As a result, when an aerial threat flies at low altitude near the ground, the effectiveness of the laser beam against the threat may be reduced compared to when it flies at higher altitudes.

[0005] In connection with the above, Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Publication No. 5960934) discloses an invention relating to a protective structure. The protective structure of Patent Document 1 is a means of physically protecting the object to be protected inside from attacks from above outside, and does not take into account countermeasures such as laser irradiation or the effects of atmospheric turbulence at low altitudes.

[0006] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 (Japanese Patent No. 6413057) discloses an invention relating to an unmanned aerial vehicle and a mobile object capture system. The unmanned aerial vehicle and mobile object capture system in Patent Document 2 is a means of restraining an object with a restraint net launched from an unmanned aerial vehicle, and does not take into account countermeasures such as laser irradiation or the effects of atmospheric turbulence at low altitudes.

[0007] Furthermore, Patent Document 3 (Japanese Patent Publication No. 2019-60589) discloses an air defense system. The air defense system in Patent Document 3 is a means of neutralizing an enemy aircraft by emitting laser light or the like from a target neutralization device mounted on a friendly aircraft, and does not take into account the effects of atmospheric turbulence at low altitudes.

[0008] Furthermore, Patent Document 4 (JP 2020-519843) discloses a method for intercepting unmanned aerial vehicles. The method in Patent Document 4 involves launching a net or the like from a friendly aircraft to capture the target, and does not take into account countermeasures such as laser irradiation or the effects of atmospheric turbulence at low altitudes.

[0009] Furthermore, Patent Document 5 (Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-014958) discloses a threat response system. The threat response system in Patent Document 5 deals with threats by irradiating them with laser light, but it does not take into account that the laser light is affected by atmospheric turbulence or that it hinders the threat from flying at low altitudes. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0010] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5960934 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 6413057 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2019-60589 [Patent Document 4] Special Publication No. 2020-519843 [Patent Document 5] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-014958 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0011] In light of the above circumstances, one of the objectives of this disclosure is to provide a threat response system and threat response method that efficiently deal with incoming threats by laser irradiation. Other challenges and novel features will become apparent from the description herein and the accompanying drawings. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] The following describes the means for solving the problem using the numbers used in (Modes for Carrying Out the Invention). These numbers are added to clarify the correspondence between the description in (Claims) and (Modes for Carrying Out the Invention). However, these numbers should not be used to interpret the technical scope of the invention described in (Claims).

[0013] According to one embodiment, the threat response system (1) comprises a response device (5), a blocking device (6), and a determination device (50). The response device (5) detects an incoming threat (4) and responds to the threat (4) by irradiating it with a laser. The blocking device (6) is installed to prevent the threat (4) from passing through a blocking area (20) where the laser irradiation power is presumed to be lower than a predetermined threshold, and approaching the protected object (3). The determination device (50) determines the position of the upper end of the blocking device (6) based on the upper end of the blocking area (20).

[0014] According to one embodiment, the threat countermeasure method includes determining the position of the upper end of the inhibition device (6) based on the upper end of the inhibition region (20) where the power of laser irradiation is presumed to be lower than a predetermined threshold (S1), installing the inhibition device (6) so as to prevent the incoming threat (4) from passing through the inhibition region (20) and approaching the protected object (3) (S2), detecting the threat (4) and coping with the threat (4) by laser irradiation (S4).

Effect of the Invention

[0015] According to one embodiment, an incoming threat can be efficiently coped with by laser irradiation.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a threat countermeasure system according to the related art. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2A is a diagram showing a configuration example of a threat countermeasure system according to one embodiment. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2B is a diagram showing a configuration example of a countermeasure device according to one embodiment. [Figure 2C] FIG. 2C is a diagram showing a configuration example of a determination device according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a configuration example of a threat countermeasure method according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an operation example of a threat countermeasure system according to one embodiment. [Figure 5A] FIG. 5A is a diagram for explaining a modification example of a threat countermeasure system according to one embodiment. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B is a diagram for explaining a modification example of a threat countermeasure system according to one embodiment. [Figure 6A] FIG. 6A is a diagram for explaining a modification example of a threat countermeasure system according to one embodiment. [Figure 6B] FIG. 6B is a diagram for explaining a modification example of a threat countermeasure system according to one embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows a modified example of a threat response system according to one embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows an example configuration of a threat mitigation system according to one embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows an example configuration of a threat response system according to one embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows an example configuration of a threat mitigation system according to one embodiment. [Figure 11] Figure 11 shows an example configuration of a threat mitigation system according to one embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0017] Referring to the attached drawings, the forms for implementing the threat mitigation system and threat mitigation method described herein are described below.

[0018] (Related technologies) To better understand the problem, a threat response system using related technologies will be described first. As shown in Figure 1, the threat response system 101 using related technologies includes a response device 105 installed on the ground 102. The response device 105 responds to incoming threats 104A and 104B by irradiating them with a laser in order to defend the protected object 103. At this time, the laser beam irradiated onto threat 104A passing along a relatively high altitude path 107A is focused with sufficient precision to deal with threat 104A. For example, if threat 104A is a multi-rotor drone equipped with multiple rotors, the response device 105 will respond in such a way that the rotors of threat 104A and the computer circuits that control threat 104A are heated by the energy of the focused laser beam, leading to malfunction or structural failure.

[0019] On the other hand, the air in the space relatively close to the ground 102 is easily heated by the ground 102, causing atmospheric turbulence such as heat haze, and the greater the degree of atmospheric turbulence, the more difficult it becomes to focus the laser beam. Therefore, even if an attempt is made to deal with threat 104B passing through a relatively low-altitude path 107B by laser irradiation, the power of the laser beam irradiating threat 104B may be insufficient. In other words, in order to cause dysfunction or structural damage to threat 104B, the power of the laser beam needs to reach a predetermined threshold, and if the power of the laser beam, which has not been sufficiently focused due to the effects of atmospheric turbulence, is lower than this threshold, it is difficult to deal with threat 104B by laser irradiation.

[0020] The degree of atmospheric turbulence can be measured, for example, by the refractive index structural constant Cn 2 It can be expressed as follows: Refractive index structural constant Cn 2 The larger Cn is, the greater the degree of atmospheric turbulence, the lower the degree of laser beam focus, and the weaker the laser beam's power against threat 104B. The refractive index structural constant Cn corresponds to the first threshold at which the laser beam's power is sufficient to deal with threat 104B. 2 A second threshold is defined. Given the first threshold, the second threshold can be determined and defined by calculating the power of the laser beam. In calculating the power of the laser beam, the characteristics of the threat response system 1, such as the laser beam's power, wavelength, divergence angle, and aiming accuracy, as well as the distance to the threat and atmospheric transmittance, may be used. Alternatively, the second threshold may be determined empirically from test results regarding the power of the laser beam.

[0021] (First Embodiment) As shown in Figure 2A, a threat response system 1 according to one embodiment comprises a response device 5, a blocking device 6, and a determination device 50. The response device 5 detects incoming threats 4A and 4B and responds to threat 4A flying along a path 70A that passes over the blocking device 6 by irradiating it with a laser. The blocking device 6 is positioned to prevent threats 4A and 4B from approaching the protected object 3 by passing through a blocking area 20 where the laser irradiation power is presumed to be lower than a predetermined threshold. For example, it blocks the passage of 4B flying along a path 70B below the upper end of the blocking device 6. Threat 4A moves around the blocking device 6 and, as a result, passes through a space outside the blocking area 20 and inside the range of the response device 5. The determination device 50 determines the position of the upper end of the blocking device 6 based on the upper end of the blocking area 20. Here, we will explain using an example where the area of ​​the obstruction region 20 projected onto the ground 2 is relatively large, and therefore the length of the obstruction device 6 projected onto the ground 2 is relatively long relative to the height of the obstruction device 6 in the direction perpendicular to the direction of arrival of threat 4B, and thus it is presumed that threat 4B will bypass the obstruction device 6 and fly over it from above. Hereafter, when threats 4A and 4B are not distinguished, they will be collectively referred to as threat 4.

[0022] As shown in Figure 2B, the countermeasure device 5 according to one embodiment comprises a threat detection unit 51, a control unit 52, and a laser irradiation unit 53. The threat detection unit 51 detects the threat 4 and generates and outputs a detection signal representing the location of the threat 4. The control unit 52 controls the laser irradiation unit 53 based on this detection signal. The laser irradiation unit 53 counters the threat 4 by irradiating it with a laser under the control of the control unit 52.

[0023] As shown in Figure 2C, the determination device 50 according to one embodiment comprises an acquisition unit 501, a determination unit 502, and an output unit 503. The determination device 50 may be configured as a so-called computer, for example, in which a computing unit executes a program to realize the desired processing. The acquisition unit 501 acquires a group of parameters related to the environment around the countermeasure device 5 and transmits parameter information representing the acquired group of parameters to the determination unit 502. Based on this group of parameters, the determination unit 502 determines the location where the obstruction device 6 will be installed. The output unit 503 outputs installation location information representing the location where the obstruction device 6 will be installed, so as to be communicated to the worker who will install the obstruction device 6. The determination device 50 may be separate from the countermeasure device 5, as in the example in Figure 2A, or it may be integrated with the countermeasure device 5.

[0024] Referring to the flowchart in Figure 3, one example configuration of a threat mitigation method according to one embodiment will be described. In other words, referring to the flowchart in Figure 3, one example operation of the threat mitigation system 1 according to one embodiment will be described.

[0025] When the flowchart in Figure 3 starts processing, step S1 is executed. In step S1, the decision device 50 determines the position where the obstruction device 6 will be installed.

[0026] First, the acquisition unit 501 of the determination device 50 acquires a set of parameters related to the environment surrounding the countermeasure device 5. This set of parameters includes, for example, the refractive index structural constant Cn, which indicates the degree of atmospheric turbulence in the range space through which the laser light emitted by the countermeasure device 5 propagates to the threat 4. 2 This includes the following. The acquisition unit 501 may, for example, include a group of measuring devices that measure this set of parameters, or it may include a communication device that receives signals from an external group of measuring devices that represent the set of parameters measured by an external group of measuring devices. The acquisition unit 501 transmits parameter information representing the acquired set of parameters to the determination unit 502.

[0027] Next, based on the parameter group represented by the received parameter information, the determination unit 502 of the determination device 50 specifies the position and range of the inhibition area 20 that inhibits the passage of the area by the threat 4 by the inhibition device 6. The inhibition area 20 may be determined, for example, as an area where the refractive index structure constant Cn of the atmosphere in that area is estimated to be greater than a predetermined threshold value, that is, an area where it is estimated that the power of the laser beam is lower than the predetermined threshold value because the irradiated laser beam is not sufficiently focused due to the influence of atmospheric turbulence, or this area may be included. When determining the inhibition area 20, it may be considered that the refractive index structure constant Cn changes with time, weather conditions, etc. For example, the inhibition area 20 may be determined considering the time or weather conditions when the refractive index structure constant Cn is maximum, or the inhibition area 20 may be determined considering the appearance probability of the refractive index structure constant Cn based on statistics or simulation. The determination unit 502 further determines the position where the inhibition device 6 is to be installed based on the upper end of this inhibition area 20. The position where the inhibition device 6 is installed includes the position of the upper end of the inhibition device 6. The altitude of the position of the upper end of the inhibition device 6 may be, for example, the same altitude as the upper end of the inhibition area 20, or may be at an altitude that is a predetermined distance higher than the upper end of the inhibition area 20. The lower end of the inhibition device 6 may be in contact with the ground 2, or may be separated from the ground 2 to such an extent that it inhibits the threat 4 from passing under the inhibition device 6. The position of the inhibition device 6 may be determined considering the distance from the laser irradiation unit 53 to the threat 4. Even when the refractive index structure constant Cn is large, if the distance from the laser irradiation unit 53 to the threat 4 is short, there may be a case where sufficient power to deal with the threat 4 is maintained, and there may also be a case where it is not necessary to inhibit the threat 4 with the inhibition device 6. 2 It may be determined as an area where the refractive index structure constant Cn of the atmosphere in that area is estimated to be greater than a predetermined threshold value, that is, an area where it is estimated that the power of the laser beam is lower than the predetermined threshold value because the irradiated laser beam is not sufficiently focused due to the influence of atmospheric turbulence, or this area may be included. When determining the inhibition area, it may be considered that the refractive index structure constant Cn changes with time, weather conditions, etc. For example, the inhibition area may be determined considering the time or weather conditions when the refractive index structure constant Cn is maximum, or the inhibition area may be determined considering the appearance probability of the refractive index structure constant Cn based on statistics or simulation. 2 It may be considered that the refractive index structure constant Cn changes with time, weather conditions, etc. For example, the inhibition area may be determined considering the time or weather conditions when the refractive index structure constant Cn is maximum, or the inhibition area may be determined considering the appearance probability of the refractive index structure constant Cn based on statistics or simulation. 2 It may be determined considering the time or weather conditions when the refractive index structure constant Cn is maximum, or the inhibition area may be determined considering the appearance probability of the refractive index structure constant Cn based on statistics or simulation. 2 The determination unit 502 further determines the position where the inhibition device 6 is to be installed based on the upper end of this inhibition area 20. The position where the inhibition device 6 is installed includes the position of the upper end of the inhibition device 6. The altitude of the position of the upper end of the inhibition device 6 may be, for example, the same altitude as the upper end of the inhibition area 20, or may be at an altitude that is a predetermined distance higher than the upper end of the inhibition area 20. The lower end of the inhibition device 6 may be in contact with the ground 2, or may be separated from the ground 2 to such an extent that it inhibits the threat from passing under the inhibition device 6. The position of the inhibition device 6 may be determined considering the distance from the laser irradiation unit 53 to the threat 4. Even when the refractive index structure constant Cn is large, if the distance from the laser irradiation unit 53 to the threat 4 is short, there may be a case where sufficient power to deal with the threat 4 is maintained, and there may also be a case where it is not necessary to inhibit the threat 4 with the inhibition device 6. <​​​​​​

[0029] After step S1, step S2 is performed. In step S2, the worker installs the obstruction device 6 at the position determined in step S1. The obstruction device 6 is configured to prevent the threat 4 from passing through the obstruction area 20. For example, when the threat 4 is a drone, the obstruction device 6 may be a net installed in the air. The mesh of this net is preferably narrow enough so that the drone, as the threat 4, cannot pass through. In addition, this net may be made of a material with sufficiently high transmittance to laser light in order to suppress damage to the countermeasure device 5 by laser irradiation. The obstruction device 6 may include pillars or the like for installing the net in the air.

[0030] After step S2, step S3 is executed. In step S3, the threat detection unit 51 of the countermeasure device 5 determines whether or not it has detected threat 4. The threat detection unit 51 then transmits a detection signal representing the result of the determination to the control unit 52. If the threat detection unit 51 has detected threat 4 (Yes), the detection signal includes threat location information representing the location of threat 4, and the process proceeds to step S4. Conversely, if the threat detection unit 51 has not detected threat 4 (No), the process repeats step S3. In other words, step S3 is repeated until the threat detection unit 51 detects threat 4.

[0031] As shown in Figure 4, the threat 4 flying towards the protected object 3 initially moves along a relatively low-altitude path 71A. This is because, compared to higher altitudes, threat 4 is less likely to be detected by radar and other means when flying at lower altitudes. Furthermore, compared to locations far from the ground 2, locations closer to the ground 2 experience greater atmospheric turbulence, making it more difficult to focus the laser beam. This means the laser beam's power is less effective, and consequently, threat 4 is less likely to be dealt with by laser irradiation.

[0032] However, it is presumed that the threat 4, initially flying along the relatively low-altitude path 71A, will then rise in altitude along path 71B to bypass the obstruction device 6. Furthermore, it is presumed that the threat 4 will then cross the obstruction device 6 along path 71C, descend in altitude along path 71D, and attempt to approach the protected object 3 along the relatively low-altitude path 71E. Thus, according to one embodiment of the threat countermeasure method, by installing the obstruction device 6 in an appropriate position, the altitude of the threat 4 can be raised above the upper end of the obstruction device 6, and it can be guided to an area with a low degree of atmospheric turbulence, including path 71C.

[0033] In step S4 of the flowchart in Figure 3, the laser irradiation unit 53 of the countermeasure device 5 addresses threat 4 by irradiating it with laser light. First, the control unit 52 transmits a control signal including threat location information to the laser irradiation unit 53. Next, the laser irradiation unit 53 irradiates threat 4 with laser light in accordance with the control signal. At this time, the operation of the laser irradiation unit 53 to direct the optical axis direction of the irradiating laser light toward threat 4 and the operation of focusing the laser light to the position of threat 4 may be performed automatically in accordance with the control signal. Alternatively, the operation of the laser irradiation unit 53 actually emitting the laser light may be performed under the control of an operator.

[0034] As shown in Figure 4, when threat 4 flies along path 71C, threat 4 is outside the obstruction region 20 where the degree of atmospheric turbulence is relatively high. Therefore, the laser irradiation unit 53 can neutralize threat 4 by focusing the laser beam with sufficient precision to produce a laser irradiation with a power higher than a predetermined threshold.

[0035] Furthermore, when threat 4 flies along paths 71D and 71E, even if threat 4 is within the inhibiting area 20, the distance from the laser irradiation unit 53 to threat 4 is relatively short, so the laser irradiation unit 53 can deal with threat 4 with a sufficiently powerful laser beam. In this case, some of the laser light may irradiate the inhibiting device 6, but if the transmittance of the material constituting the inhibiting device 6 to laser light is sufficiently high, damage to the inhibiting device 6 due to laser irradiation will be suppressed. In this case, in step S1 of the flowchart in Figure 3, the position where the inhibiting device 6 is installed may be determined based on the distance from the countermeasure device 5, such that the power of the laser light irradiated by the laser irradiation unit 53 of the countermeasure device 5 is greater than a predetermined threshold inside the inhibiting area 20. This threshold is, for example, the power at which the laser light is presumed to neutralize threat 4 inside the inhibiting area 20. In other words, the position at which the power of the laser light in the inhibiting area 20 exceeds the threshold may be set as the limit of the relative distance from the countermeasure device 5 to the inhibiting device 6.

[0036] Furthermore, when threat 4 flies along paths 71A and 71B, the laser irradiation unit 53 may irradiate threat 4 with a laser. In this case, threat 4 is within the obstruction area 20, the distance from the laser irradiation unit 53 to threat 4 is relatively long, and the obstruction device 6 is installed between the laser irradiation unit 53 and threat 4, so the power of the laser irradiation may be lower compared to when threat 4 flies along paths 71C, 71D, and 71E. Nevertheless, the longer threat 4 flies to approach the protected object 3, the more damage to threat 4 from the laser irradiation accumulates.

[0037] After step S4 in the flowchart of Figure 3, the process returns to step S3 to detect and address another threat 4.

[0038] Thus, the threat response system 1 and threat response method according to one embodiment can efficiently deal with incoming threats 4 by laser irradiation.

[0039] (Variation 1) In the first embodiment described above, a configuration was described in which the blocking device 6 is installed to prevent threat 4 from passing through the blocking area 20. As a variation of this configuration, a configuration in which the blocking device 6 is installed to deal with threat 4 flying in a space hidden behind an obstacle as seen from the countermeasure device 5 will be described with reference to the examples in Figures 5A and 5B. In this case, the blocking area 20 includes, for example, the space included in the blind spot behind the obstacle as seen from the countermeasure device 5.

[0040] As shown in the example in Figure 5A, when an obstacle 31 exists between the countermeasure device 5 and the threat 4, it is difficult for the countermeasure device 5 to deal with the threat 4 by laser irradiation. In the example in Figure 5A, the threat 4 flies along a relatively low-altitude path 72A, gains altitude along path 72B to bypass the obstacle 31, and then passes over the obstacle 31 along path 72C. While the threat 4 is flying along paths 72A and 72B, the threat 4 is in the blind spot of the obstacle 31 from the perspective of the countermeasure device 5, making it difficult for the countermeasure device 5 to deal with the threat 4 by laser irradiation. In other words, even if the countermeasure device 5 attempts to deal with the threat 4, which is in the blind spot of the obstacle 31, by laser irradiation, the effectiveness of the laser irradiation against the threat 4 is insufficient or zero. On the other hand, the countermeasure device 5 can deal with the threat 4 by laser irradiation when the threat 4 passes over the obstacle 31, but at this time the distance from the countermeasure device 5 to the threat 4 is relatively short, so it is not guaranteed that there will be enough time to deal with the threat 4.

[0041] Therefore, in this modified example, as shown in the example in Figure 5B, an obstruction device 6 is installed between the obstacle 31 and the threat 4. By doing so, the threat 4 flies along a relatively low-altitude path 73A, increases altitude along path 73B to bypass the obstruction device 6, and passes the obstruction device 6 along path 73C. At this time, the threat 4 flying along path 73C is not in the blind spot of the obstacle 31 from the perspective of the countermeasure device 5, and the distance from the countermeasure device 5 to the threat 4 is relatively long, so there is enough time to deal with the threat 4. In other words, in this modified example, the position of the obstruction device 6 is determined and the obstruction device 6 is installed so that the countermeasure device 5 can deal with the threat 4 with a laser beam that has enough power to exceed a predetermined height when the threat 4 passes the obstruction device 6.

[0042] (Modified version, part 2) The above modified example describes a configuration in which an obstacle 31 exists between the countermeasure device 5 and the threat 4. As another modified example of the first embodiment, a configuration in which the countermeasure device 5 installs an obstruction device 6 to deal with the threat 4 when an obstacle 32 exists in the space behind the threat 4 as seen from the countermeasure device 5 will be described with reference to the examples in Figures 6A and 6B.

[0043] As shown in the example in Figure 6A, if there is an obstacle 32 in the space behind threat 4 as seen from the countermeasure device 5, and it is undesirable to irradiate this obstacle 32 with laser light, it is difficult for the countermeasure device 5 to deal with threat 4 with laser irradiation. Here, when threat 4 moves toward the countermeasure device 5 along the path 74A between obstacle 32 and the countermeasure device 5, if the countermeasure device 5 attempts to deal with threat 4 with laser irradiation, there remains a high probability that the laser light will be irradiated onto obstacle 32. In other words, as long as threat 4 is between the countermeasure device 5 and obstacle 32, that is, as long as the countermeasure device 5 avoids irradiating threat 4 with laser light so as not to irradiate obstacle 32, the effect of laser irradiation by the countermeasure device 5 on threat 4 is zero.

[0044] Therefore, in this modified example, as shown in the example in Figure 6B, an obstruction device 6 is installed between the countermeasure device 5 and the threat 4. By doing so, the threat 4 flies along a relatively low-altitude path 75A, increases in altitude along path 75B to bypass the obstruction device 6, and passes the obstruction device 6 along path 75C. After that, the threat 4 decreases in altitude along path 75D and approaches the countermeasure device 5 along a relatively low-altitude path 75E. At this time, from the perspective of the countermeasure device 5, there are no obstacles 32 in the space behind the threat 4 flying along path 75C, so the countermeasure device 5 can deal with the threat 4 with laser irradiation without irradiating the obstacles 32 with laser light. In other words, in this modified example, the position of the obstruction device 6 is determined and the obstruction device 6 is installed so that the countermeasure device 5 can deal with the threat 4 with laser irradiation that has power exceeding a predetermined height when the threat 4 passes the obstruction device 6.

[0045] (Variation 3) In the above embodiment, the area of ​​the obstruction region 20 projected onto the ground 2 is relatively large, and the length of the obstruction device 6 projected onto the ground 2 is relatively long. Therefore, a configuration for determining the position of the obstruction device 6 was described based on the premise that the threat 4 can bypass the obstruction device 6 from above. As a modification of this configuration, a configuration for determining the position of the obstruction device 6 based on the premise that the threat 4 can bypass the obstruction device 6 from the side will be described with reference to the example in Figure 7.

[0046] As shown in the example in Figure 7, when the size of the obstruction area 20 between the protected object 3 and the threat 4 is relatively small, and the area of ​​the obstruction area 20 projected onto the ground 2 is relatively small, the length of the obstruction device 6 projected onto the ground 2 can be relatively short. In other words, the cost of installing and maintaining the obstruction device 6 can be suppressed in proportion to the size of the obstruction area 20.

[0047] However, in such cases, compared to the case where the length of the blocking device 6 projected onto the ground 2 is relatively long, it becomes easier for the incoming threat 4 to bypass the blocking device 6 by going around it from the side. At this time, as shown in the example in Figure 7, when the countermeasure device 5 deals with a threat 4 that has bypassed the blocking device 6 from the side along path 76A by irradiating it with a laser, the position of the lateral end of the blocking device 6 is determined and the blocking device 6 is installed so that the laser light does not pass through the blocking area 20.

[0048] (Modification, part 4) In the embodiments and modifications described above, the inhibitor 6 is described as a net made of a material having a relatively high transmittance to laser light. As a modification of this configuration, a case in which a different configuration is used for the inhibitor 6 will be described.

[0049] As an example, a plate-shaped object having a relatively high transmittance to laser light may be placed on the ground 2 in such a way as to obstruct the passage of threat 4 and used as an obstruction device 6. In this case, one or more pillars may be used to support the plate-shaped object. Similarly, multiple pillar-shaped objects having a relatively high transmittance to laser light may be placed on the ground 2 at intervals that obstruct the passage of threat 4 and used as an obstruction device 6.

[0050] As another example, a net, plate-shaped object, or column-shaped object made of a material that is relatively undamaged when irradiated with laser light may be installed on the ground 2 to obstruct the passage of threat 4 and used as an obstruction device 6. Specifically, barbed wire may be used as an obstruction device 6. Alternatively, a net, plate-shaped object, or column-shaped object made of a flame-retardant material that is difficult to burn when irradiated with laser light may be installed on the ground 2 to obstruct the passage of threat 4 and used as an obstruction device 6. Flame-retardant materials include, for example, polyvinyl chloride.

[0051] As yet another example, an obstruction device 6 that obstructs the passage of threat 4 by continuously moving may be used. Specifically, an air curtain generator or a fan may be installed as an obstruction device 6 to obstruct the flight of threat 4 by creating wind. Another specific example is a shutter or fan that partially seals off the area where the passage of threat 4 is to be obstructed, and this is used as an obstruction device 6. In this case, the shutter or fan moves to seal off the entire area where the passage of threat 4 is to be obstructed in a time-division manner. The movement speed of the blades of the shutter or fan is set according to the flight speed of threat 4 so that the blades of the shutter or fan arrive in the area where threat 4 does not exist before threat 4 passes through, thereby obstructing the passage of threat 4.

[0052] (Second Embodiment) In the above embodiment, the obstruction device 6 was installed so as to be fixed to the ground 2. In this embodiment, a configuration in which part or all of the obstruction device 6 is installed suspended from above will be described with reference to the examples in Figures 8 and 9.

[0053] The threat mitigation system 1 according to this embodiment, as shown in the example in Figure 8, can be obtained by making the following modifications to the threat mitigation system 1 according to the first embodiment shown in Figure 2A. Specifically, the obstruction device 6 includes a defective portion 60, and the threat mitigation system 1 further comprises another obstruction device 62 that blocks this defective portion 60, and a drone 61 that supports the obstruction device 62 while suspended from above. There may be multiple drones 61.

[0054] In this embodiment, when the size of the defect 60 in the obstruction device 6 is large enough for the threat 4 to pass inside the defect 60, an additional obstruction device 62 is installed to prevent the threat 4 from passing through the defect 60 and approaching the protected object 3. The obstruction device 62 may be suspended by a drone 61 that is hovering near the defect 60.

[0055] For example, the presence and location of the defective portion 60 of the obstruction device 6 are detected by the acquisition unit 501 of the determination device 50. At this time, the determination unit 502 of the determination device 50 may decide to block the defective portion 60 with the obstruction device 62, and the output unit 503 of the determination device 50 may control the drone 61 with the obstruction device 62 suspended from it to guide it to the location of the defective portion 60.

[0056] In the example shown in Figure 8, threat 4 cannot pass through the defective portion 60 of the blocking device 6, so it travels over the blocking device 6 from above along path 77A. At this point, the countermeasure device 5 can deal with threat 4 by irradiating it with a laser.

[0057] Thus, in the threat mitigation system 1 according to this embodiment, when the blocking device 6 is partially damaged, the threat 4 can be prevented from passing through the defective portion 60 by blocking the defective portion 60 with another blocking device 62, without having to replace or repair the blocking device 6.

[0058] In the threat response system 1 according to this embodiment, as shown in the example in Figure 9, the entire obstruction device 6 is deployed in the air by a drone 61. There may be multiple drones 61. Such a configuration is effective, as in the example in Figure 9, when the protected object 3 and the response device 5 are located on the ground 21 above a cliff, and the threat 4 flies in from the ground 22 below the cliff along a path 78A at a relatively low altitude. In particular, if the obstruction device 6 is deployed on the ground 21, its range 8 may be too close to the response device 5, and there may not be enough time for the response device 5 to deal with the threat 4 after it reaches the airspace above the ground 21. Also, if the obstruction device 6 is deployed on the ground 22, the height dimension of the obstruction device 6 may not reach the desired height. Even in such cases, the entire obstruction device 6 can be deployed in the air so that the upper end of the obstruction device 6 reaches the desired altitude.

[0059] Furthermore, by using a drone 61 to install the entire obstruction device 6 in the air, it becomes possible to install the obstruction device 6 above the surface of water, such as the sea.

[0060] Thus, in the threat mitigation system 1 and threat mitigation method according to this embodiment, the obstruction device 6 can be installed not only on flat ground but also on various terrains.

[0061] (Third embodiment) In the above embodiment, a configuration was described in which the threat detection unit 51 of the countermeasure device 5 detects the incoming threat 4. In this embodiment, a configuration in which the countermeasure device 5 can start dealing with the threat 4 more quickly by detecting the threat 4 using a remote sensor installed at a distance from the countermeasure device 5 will be described with reference to Figures 10 and 11.

[0062] The threat response system 1 according to this embodiment, as shown in the example in Figure 10, is obtained by adding an obstacle 31 to the threat response system 1 shown in Figure 2A. The obstacle 31 prevents the threat detection unit 51 of the response device 5 from detecting the threat 4 which is in the blind spot of the obstacle 31 from the perspective of the response device 5, as in the modified example of the first embodiment shown in Figures 5A and 5B. At this time, the threat 4 flies along a relatively low altitude path 79A from the ground 2, gains altitude along path 79B to bypass the obstruction device 6, and crosses the obstruction device 6 along path 79C. At this time, since the threat 4 is in the blind spot of the obstacle 31 from the perspective of the response device 5, the response device 5 may not yet be able to deal with the threat 4. Subsequently, the threat 4 descends altitude along path 79D, flies along a relatively low altitude path 79E from the ground 2, gains altitude along path 79F to bypass the obstacle 31, and crosses the obstacle 31 along path 79G. Even if the threat detection unit 51 of the countermeasure device 5 detects threat 4 at this point, it is not guaranteed that the laser irradiation by the laser irradiation unit 53 of the countermeasure device 5 will be able to deal with threat 4 in time.

[0063] Therefore, in this embodiment, as shown in the example in Figure 11, the remote sensor 9 for detecting threat 4 is installed in a location where threat 4 flying in from a space hidden behind the obstruction device 6, as seen from the countermeasure device 5, does not enter the blind spot of the obstacle 31. The remote sensor 9 may also be installed in a location closer to the obstruction device 6 than to the countermeasure device 5. When the remote sensor 9 detects threat 4, it transmits a remote detection signal indicating the location of threat 4 to the threat detection unit 51 of the countermeasure device 5. The threat detection unit 51 is equipped with a communication device that receives the remote detection signal and transmits the location of threat 4 indicated by the remote detection signal to the control unit 52. In this way, before threat 4 gets too close to the countermeasure device 5, for example, when it crosses the obstruction device 6 along path 79C, the countermeasure device 5 can take action against threat 4 by laser irradiation.

[0064] Thus, in the threat response system 1 and threat response method according to this embodiment, by providing a remote sensor 9 that detects the threat 4 from a position away from the response device 5, the presence of the threat 4 located in a place where detection by the threat detection unit 51 of the response device 5 is difficult can be detected earlier, and the threat 4 can be dealt with more efficiently. In this case, the obstruction area 20 includes, for example, the space included in the blind spot behind the obstacle 31 as seen from the response device 5.

[0065] The invention made by the inventor has been specifically described above based on embodiments, but it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to these embodiments and can be modified in various ways without departing from its essence. Furthermore, the features described in each embodiment can be freely combined within a range that is not technically contradictory. For example, in the first embodiment, the remote sensor 9 used in the third embodiment may be introduced. This can compensate for situations where the threat detection capability of the threat response system is reduced due to the influence of the jamming device 6, or when long-range threat detection is insufficient.

[0066] The threat mitigation system 1 and threat mitigation method described in each embodiment can be understood, for example, as follows:

[0067] (1) The threat response system 1 according to the first embodiment comprises a response device 5, a blocking device 6, and a determination device 50. The response device 5 detects an incoming threat 4 and responds to the threat 4 by irradiating it with a laser. The blocking device 6 is installed to prevent the threat 4 from passing through a blocking area 20 where the laser irradiation power is presumed to be lower than a predetermined threshold and approaching the protected object 3. The determination device 50 determines the position of the upper end of the blocking device 6 based on the upper end of the blocking area 20.

[0068] The threat response system 1 according to the first embodiment has the effect of being able to guide the threat 4 outside the inhibiting area 20 by the inhibiting device 6 and deal with it by laser irradiation.

[0069] (2) The threat mitigation system 1 according to the second embodiment is the threat mitigation system 1 according to the first embodiment, wherein the obstruction region 20 is the refractive index structural constant Cn 2 This includes a space that is larger than a predetermined threshold.

[0070] The threat response system 1 according to the second embodiment has the effect of being able to deal with the threat 4 by laser irradiation in a space where the laser irradiation power is sufficiently high, by guiding the threat 4 to outside the obstruction region 20 where the intensity of laser irradiation is reduced due to the degree of atmospheric turbulence.

[0071] (3) The threat response system 1 according to the third embodiment is the threat response system 1 according to the first embodiment, wherein the obstruction area 20 includes space that is in a blind spot as seen from the response device 5.

[0072] The third aspect of the threat response system 1 has the effect of being able to deal with the threat 4 by laser irradiation by guiding the threat 4 to the outside of the obstruction area 20 which is included in the blind spot as seen from the response device 5.

[0073] (4) The threat response system 1 according to the fourth embodiment is the threat response system 1 according to the first embodiment, wherein the obstruction area 20 is in front of the obstacle 32 as seen from the response device 5.

[0074] The threat response system 1 according to the fourth embodiment has the effect of being able to deal with the threat 4 by laser irradiation by guiding the threat 4 to outside the obstruction area 20 between the response device 5 and the obstacle 32 to which it is undesirable to irradiate with laser light.

[0075] (5) The threat response system 1 according to the fifth embodiment is the threat response system 1 according to the first to fourth embodiments, further comprising a drone 61 that suspends and supports the obstruction device 6.

[0076] The threat response system 1 according to the fifth embodiment has the effect of being able to install the obstruction device 6 on various terrains, not just flat ground, by suspending and supporting it with a drone 61.

[0077] (6) The threat response system 1 according to the sixth embodiment is the threat response system 1 according to the first to fourth embodiments, further comprising another blocker 62 and a drone 61. The other blocker 62 is installed to compensate for a defective portion 60 of the blocker 6. The drone 61 suspends and supports the other blocker 62.

[0078] The threat response system 1 according to the sixth embodiment has the effect of preventing the threat 4 from passing through the defective portion 60 of the inhibitory device 6 without replacing or repairing the inhibitory device 6, by supplementing the defective portion 60 of the inhibitory device 6 with another inhibitory device 62 suspended by a drone 61.

[0079] (7) The seventh aspect of the threat response system 1 is the same as the first to sixth aspects of the threat response system 1, wherein the response device 5 comprises a threat detection unit 51, a laser irradiation unit 53, and a control unit 52. The threat detection unit 51 detects a threat 4 and outputs a detection signal indicating the location of the threat 4. The laser irradiation unit 53 responds to the threat 4 by irradiating it with a laser. The control unit 52 controls the laser irradiation unit 53 based on the detection signal.

[0080] The threat response system 1 according to the seventh embodiment has the effect of being able to deal with the detected threat 4 by irradiating the location of the threat 4 with laser light.

[0081] (8) The eighth aspect of the threat response system 1 is the seventh aspect of the threat response system 1, further comprising a remote sensor 9. The remote sensor 9 is installed away from the response device 5 and detects the threat 4 and outputs a remote detection signal indicating the location of the threat 4. The control unit 52 further controls the laser irradiation unit 53 based on the remote detection signal.

[0082] The eighth aspect of the threat response system 1 has the effect that the remote sensor 9 detects a threat 4 located in a position undetectable by the response device 5, and the remote sensor 9 transmits the location of the threat 4 to the control unit 52, thereby enabling the response device 5 to deal with the threat 4 more efficiently.

[0083] (9) The threat countermeasure method according to the ninth aspect includes determining the position of the upper end of the blocking device 6 based on the upper end of the blocking region 20 in which the power of the laser irradiation is presumed to be lower than a predetermined threshold, installing the blocking device 6 so as to prevent the incoming threat 4 from passing through the blocking region 20 and approaching the protected object 3, and detecting the threat 4 and countering the threat 4 by laser irradiation.

[0084] The threat mitigation method according to the ninth aspect has the effect of guiding the threat 4 outside the inhibiting area 20 using the inhibiting device 6 and then dealing with it by laser irradiation. [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] 1. Threat response system 2, 21, 22 ground 20 Inhibition area 3. Protected objects 31, 32 Obstacles 4, 4A, 4B threat 5. Countermeasures 50 Determination device 51 Threat Detection Unit 52 Control Unit 53 Laser irradiation area 501 Acquisition Department 502 Decision Section 503 Output section 6. Inhibitor 60 Defective parts 61 Drones 62 Inhibitor (another inhibitor) Routes 70A and 70B Routes 71A, 71B, 71C, 71D, and 71E Routes 72A, 72B, and 72C Routes 73A, 73B, and 73C Route 74A Routes 75A, 75B, 75C, 75D, and 75E Route 76A Route 77A Route 78A Routes 79A, 79B, 79C, 79D, 79E, 79F, and 79G 8 ranges 9 Remote Sensors 101 Threat Response Systems 102 Ground 103 Protected objects 104A, 104B threat 105 Countermeasures device Routes 107A and 107B

Claims

1. A countermeasure device that detects incoming threats and deals with them by irradiating them with a laser, An obstruction device installed to prevent the threat from approaching the protected object by passing through an obstruction region where the power of the laser irradiation is presumed to be lower than a predetermined threshold and insufficient to deal with the threat, A determination device that determines the position of the upper end of the inhibitory device based on the upper end of the inhibitory region, Equipped with Threat response system.

2. In the threat mitigation system according to claim 1, The inhibited region includes a space where the refractive index structure constant is greater than a predetermined threshold. Threat response system.

3. In the threat mitigation system according to claim 1, The aforementioned obstruction region includes space that is in a blind spot as viewed from the countermeasurement device. Threat response system.

4. In the threat mitigation system according to claim 1, The aforementioned obstruction region is located in front of the obstacle as viewed from the countermeasure device. Threat response system.

5. In the threat mitigation system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, A drone that suspends and supports the aforementioned obstruction device. Furthermore, it is equipped with Threat response system.

6. In the threat mitigation system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, Another inhibitory device installed to compensate for the defective portion of the aforementioned inhibitory device, A drone that suspends and supports the aforementioned other obstruction device Furthermore, it is equipped with Threat response system.

7. In the threat mitigation system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, The aforementioned countermeasure device is, A threat detection unit that detects the threat and outputs a detection signal indicating the location of the threat, A laser irradiation unit that deals with the aforementioned threat by laser irradiation, A control unit that controls the laser irradiation unit based on the detection signal. Equipped with Threat response system.

8. In the threat mitigation system according to claim 7, A remote sensor installed separately from the aforementioned countermeasure device detects the threat and outputs a remote detection signal indicating the location of the threat. Furthermore, The control unit further controls the laser irradiation unit based on the remote detection signal. Threat response system.

9. The position of the upper end of the inhibiting device is determined based on the upper end of the inhibiting region where the laser irradiation power is presumed to be lower than a predetermined threshold and insufficient to address the threat, The obstruction device is installed in such a way that it prevents incoming threats from passing through the obstruction area and approaching the protected object. The aforementioned threat is detected and dealt with by laser irradiation. including Threat countermeasures.

Images