Electronic warfare system and method

Abstract

The presently disclosed subject matter relates to an electronic warfare system and method enabling the transmission of emission signals, modulated in a pre- determined modulation, between a receiver and a beacon, such that said emission signals are optionally used to determine location information associated with said beacon. The receiver and the beacon may potentially be of the same type, so emission signals transmitted therebetween also correspond to said type.

Description

[0001] ELECTRONIC WARFARE SYSTEM AND METHOD

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present invention relates to the field of electronic warfare systems and methods.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Electronic warfare is any action involving the strategic use of the electromagnetic spectrum, or of tactics related thereof, against an adversary in a military conflict (e.g., while attacking the adversary, while impeding adversary assaults, etc.). Electronic warfare may be applied from air, sea, land, and / or space, by crewed and / or uncrewed systems, and may target communication, radar, or other military and civilian assets.

[0006] Traditionally, electronic warfare is separated into three major subdivisions: (i) electronic attack (EA), (ii) electronic protection (EP), and (iii) electronic support (ES). The electronic support (ES) subdivision involves operations aimed at detecting, intercepting, identifying, locating, and / or localizing sources of intended and unintended radiated electromagnetic energy. The goal is to provide immediate recognition, prioritization, and targeting of threats.

[0007] Though ES systems are widely used and operate efficiently, these systems are aimed at only detecting signal emissions associated with defined threats. Consequently, detecting signal emissions emitted by systems that are not necessarily classified as threats requires the installation of dedicated systems.

[0008] When several systems are mounted on the same platform, practical difficulties may arise, particularly if the platform on which they are mounted cannot accommodate a large number of systems. These practical difficulties may affect the systems' ability to operate simultaneously, resulting in a reduction in efficiency.

[0009] Thus, there is a need in the art for a new electronic warfare system and method.

[0010] GENERAL DESCRIPTION

[0011] In accordance with a first aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter, there is provided an electronic warfare system comprising: a Laser Warning System (LWS), mounted on a platform, configured to receive: (a) at least one first laser emission signal configured to be received by the LWS as a threat signal, and (b) at least one second laser emission signal, modulated in a pre-determined modulation, configured to be received by the LWS as a non-threat signal; a laser beacon, located remotely from the platform, configured to emit one or more signals of the at least one second laser emission signal, modulated in the pre-determined modulation; and, a processing circuitry configured to: obtain from the LWS the one or more signals of the at least one second laser emission signal emitted by the laser beacon; and, demodulate the one or more second laser emission signals, modulated in the pre-defined determined modulation, to identify the second laser emission signals as non-threat signals.

[0012] In some cases, the processing circuitry is part of the Laser Warning System (LWS).

[0013] In some cases, the platform is either a mobile platform or a stationary platform.

[0014] In some cases, the platform is either an aerial platform, naval platform, or a ground platform.

[0015] In some cases, the first and second laser emission signals are emitted in the same spectral range.

[0016] In some cases, upon the identification of the second laser emission signals as non-threat signals, the processing circuitry is configured to perform an action.

[0017] In some cases, the action is one of: (i) providing a user of the system with an indication of the presence of the laser beacon, (ii) providing the user of the system with a distance between the LWS and the laser beacon, (iii) providing the user of the system with a direction to the laser beacon, (iv) providing the user of the system with a movement direction of the laser beacon, or any combination thereof.

[0018] In some cases, (a) the one or more signals of the at least one second laser emission signal, modulated in the pre-determined modulation, further contain location information associated with the laser beacon, and (b) upon demodulation of the one or more second laser emission signals, the processing circuitry is configured to analyze the location information so as to provide direction and distance to the laser beacon.

[0019] In accordance with a second aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter, there is provided an electronic warfare system comprising: a laser receiver, mounted on a platform, configured to receive at least one emission signal, modulated in a predetermined modulation; a laser beacon, located remotely from the platform, configured to emit one or more emission signals of the at least one emission signal, modulated in the pre-determined modulation, wherein the one or more emission signals contain location information associated with the laser beacon; and a processing circuitry configured to: obtain from the laser receiver the one or more emission signals emitted by the laser beacon; demodulate the one or more emission signals emitted by the laser beacon, modulated in the pre-determined modulation; analyze the one or more demodulated emission signals to acquire the location information associated with the laser beacon; and, based on the location information, provide direction and distance to the laser beacon.

[0020] In some cases, the platform is either a moving mobile platform or a stationary platform.

[0021] In some cases, the platform is either an aerial platform, naval platform, or a ground platform.

[0022] In some cases, the laser receiver is a Laser Warning System (LWS) capable of receiving the at least one emission signal, modulated in a pre-determined modulation, due to one or more upgrades to its firmware or software.

[0023] In some cases, the location information includes GPS data configured to enable determining a location of the laser beacon.

[0024] In some cases, the location information includes data relating to emission angle and direction of the one or more emission signals of the at least one emission signal, modulated in the pre-determined modulation, and wherein a location of the laser beacon is determined based on the emission angle and direction.

[0025] In some cases, upon acquiring the location information associated with the laser beacon, the processing circuitry is configured to transmit at least one signal toward the laser beacon, indicating that the one or more emission signals have been received.

[0026] In some cases, the at least one signal, transmitted by the processing circuitry toward the laser beacon, is configured to be received by the laser beacon using a designated receiver.

[0027] In some cases, the designated receiver is a Radio-Frequency (RF) receiver.

[0028] In accordance with a third aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter, there is provided a laser beacon capable of emitting at least one emission signal, modulated in a pre-determined modulation, containing location information associated with the laser beacon, such that a laser receiver, located remotely from the laser beacon, is capable of: receiving the at least one emission signal emitted by the laser beacon; demodulate the at least one emission signal emitted by the laser beacon, modulated in the pre-determined modulation; analyze the at least one demodulated emission signal to acquire the location information associated with the laser beacon; and, based on the location information, provide direction and distance to the laser beacon.

[0029] In some cases, the laser receiver is a Laser Warning System (LWS).

[0030] In some cases, Laser Warning System (LWS) is capable of receiving the at least one emission signal, modulated in a pre-determined modulation, due to one or more upgrades to its firmware or software.

[0031] In some cases, the location information includes GPS data configured to enable determining a location of the laser beacon.

[0032] In some cases, the location information includes data relating to emission angle and direction of the at least one emission signal, modulated in the pre-determined modulation, and wherein a location of the laser beacon is determined based on the emission angle and direction.

[0033] In accordance with a fourth aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter, there is provided an electronic warfare method comprising: obtaining, by a processing circuitry, from a Laser Warning System (LWS), one or more signals emitted by a laser beacon, modulated in a pre-determined modulation, configured to be received by the LWS as a non-threat signal; and, demodulating, by the processing circuitry, the one or more signals, modulated in the pre-determined modulation, to identify the signals as non-threat signals.

[0034] In some cases, upon the identification of the signals as non-threat signals, performing, by the processing circuitry, an action.

[0035] In some cases, the action is one of: (i) providing a user with an indication of the presence of the laser beacon, (ii) providing the user with a distance between the LWS and the laser beacon, (iii) providing the user with a direction to the laser beacon, (iv) providing the user of with a movement direction of the laser beacon, or any combination thereof.

[0036] In some cases, (a) the one or more signals, modulated in the pre-determined modulation, further contain location information associated with the laser beacon, and (b) upon demodulation of the one or more signals, analyzing, by the processing circuitry, the location information so as to provide direction and distance to the laser beacon. In accordance with a fifth aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter, there is provided an electronic warfare method comprising: obtaining, by a processing circuitry, from a laser receiver, one or more emission signals emitted by a laser beacon, modulated in a pre-determined modulation; demodulating, by the processing circuitry, the one or more emission signals emitted by the laser beacon, modulated in the predetermined modulation; analyzing, by the processing circuitry, the one or more demodulated emission signals to acquire location information associated with the laser beacon; and, based on the location information, providing, by the processing circuitry, direction and distance to the laser beacon.

[0037] In some cases, the laser receiver is a Laser Warning System (LWS) capable of receiving the emission signals, modulated in the pre-determined modulation, due to one or more upgrades to its firmware or software.

[0038] In some cases, the location information includes GPS data configured to enable determining a location of the laser beacon.

[0039] In some cases, the location information includes data relating to emission angle and direction of the one or more emission signals, modulated in the pre-determined modulation, and wherein a location of the laser beacon is determined based on the emission angle and direction.

[0040] In some cases, upon acquiring the location information associated with the laser beacon, transmitting, by the processing circuitry, at least one signal toward the laser beacon, indicating that the one or more emission signals have been received.

[0041] In some cases, the at least one signal is configured to be received by the laser beacon using a designated receiver.

[0042] In some cases, the designated receiver is a Radio-Frequency (RF) receiver.

[0043] In accordance with a sixth aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter, there is provided a non-transitory computer readable storage medium having computer readable program code embodied therewith, the computer readable program code, executable by at least one processor to perform an electronic warfare method, the method comprising: obtaining, by a processing circuitry, from a Laser Warning System (LWS), one or more signals emitted by a laser beacon, modulated in a pre-determined modulation, configured to be received by the LWS as a non-threat signal; and, demodulating, by the processing circuitry, the one or more signals, modulated in the pre-determined modulation, to identify the signals as non-threat signals. In accordance with a seventh aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter, there is provided a non-transitory computer readable storage medium having computer readable program code embodied therewith, the computer readable program code, executable by at least one processor to perform an electronic warfare method, the method comprising: obtaining, by a processing circuitry, from a laser receiver, one or more emission signals emitted by a laser beacon, modulated in a pre -determined modulation; demodulating, by the processing circuitry, the one or more emission signals emitted by the laser beacon, modulated in the pre-determined modulation; analyzing, by the processing circuitry, the one or more demodulated emission signals to acquire location information associated with the laser beacon; and, based on the location information, providing, by the processing circuitry, direction and distance to the laser beacon.

[0044] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045] In order to understand the presently disclosed subject matter and to see how it may be carried out in practice, the subject matter will now be described, by way of nonlimiting examples only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0046] Fig. 1 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary electronic warfare system, in accordance with the presently disclosed subject matter;

[0047] Fig. 2 is a block diagram schematically illustrating one example of components of an electronic warfare system, in accordance with the presently disclosed subject matter;

[0048] Fig. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a sequence of operations carried out by an electronic warfare system, in accordance with the presently disclosed subject matter; and,

[0049] Fig. 4 is a flowchart illustrating another example of a sequence of operations carried out by an electronic warfare system, in accordance with the presently disclosed subject matter.

[0050] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the presently disclosed subject matter. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the presently disclosed subject matter may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well- known methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the presently disclosed subject matter.

[0052] In the drawings and descriptions set forth, identical reference numerals indicate those components that are common to different embodiments or configurations.

[0053] Unless specifically stated otherwise, as apparent from the following discussions, it is appreciated that throughout the specification discussions utilizing terms such as “obtaining”, “performing”, “demodulating”, “providing”, “analyzing”, or the like, include action and / or processes of a computer that manipulate and / or transform data into other data, said data represented as physical quantities, e.g., such as electronic quantities, and / or said data representing the physical objects. The terms “computer”, “processor”, “processing resource”, “processing circuitry”, and “controller” should be expansively construed to cover any kind of electronic device with data processing capabilities, including, by way of non-limiting example, a personal desktop / laptop computer, a server, a computing system, a communication device, a smartphone, a tablet computer, a smart television, a processor (e.g. digital signal processor (DSP), a microcontroller, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc.), a group of multiple physical machines sharing performance of various tasks, virtual servers co-residing on a single physical machine, any other electronic computing device, and / or any combination thereof.

[0054] The operations in accordance with the teachings herein may be performed by a computer specially constructed for the desired purposes or by a general-purpose computer specially configured for the desired purpose by a computer program stored in a non-transitory computer readable storage medium. The term "non-transitory" is used herein to exclude transitory, propagating signals, but to otherwise include any volatile or non-volatile computer memory technology suitable to the application.

[0055] As used herein, the phrase "for example," "such as", "for instance" and variants thereof describe non-limiting embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter. Reference in the specification to "one case", "some cases", "other cases" or variants thereof means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment(s) is included in a least one embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter. Thus, the appearance of the phrase "one case", "some cases", "other cases" or variants thereof does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment(s).

[0056] It is appreciated that, unless specifically stated otherwise, certain features of the presently disclosed subject matter, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the presently disclosed subject matter, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination.

[0057] In embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter, fewer, more and / or different stages than those shown in Figs. 3 and 4 may be executed. In embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter one or more stages illustrated in Figs. 3 and 4 may be executed in a different order and / or one or more groups of stages may be executed simultaneously. Fig. 1 illustrate a general schematic of the system architecture in accordance with an embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter. Each module in Fig. 2 may be made up of any combination of software, hardware and / or firmware that performs the functions as defined and explained herein. The modules in Fig. 2 may be centralized in one location or dispersed over more than one location. In other embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter, the system may comprise fewer, more, and / or different modules than those shown in Fig. 2.

[0058] Any reference in the specification to a method should be applied mutatis mutandis to a system capable of executing the method and should be applied mutatis mutandis to a non-transitory computer readable medium that stores instructions that once executed by a computer result in the execution of the method.

[0059] Any reference in the specification to a system should be applied mutatis mutandis to a method that may be executed by the system and should be applied mutatis mutandis to a non-transitory computer readable medium that stores instructions that may be executed by the system.

[0060] Any reference in the specification to a non-transitory computer readable medium should be applied mutatis mutandis to a system capable of executing the instructions stored in the non-transitory computer readable medium and should be applied mutatis mutandis to method that may be executed by a computer that reads the instructions stored in the non-transitory computer readable medium. Bearing this in mind, attention is drawn to Fig. 1, showing a schematic illustration of an exemplary electronic warfare system (also interchangeably referred to herein as “system”), in accordance with the presently disclosed subject matter.

[0061] As shown in the schematic illustration, electronic warfare system 100 includes (a) a receiver (e.g., a laser receiver, etc.), denoted 102, typically mounted on a platform, either mobile or stationary (e.g., an aerial platform, such as a plane, a helicopter, etc., a naval platform, such as a vessel, etc., a ground platform, such as a vehicle, etc.), denoted 104, and (b) a beacon (e.g., a laser beacon, etc.), denoted 106, optionally associated with a given party (single or plural, not shown) seeking to communicate with said platform, configured to interact with said receiver.

[0062] Platform 104 (by virtue of being mounted thereon, also receiver 102) and the given party (by virtue of being associated thereto, also beacon 106) may initially be at a distance from one another and optionally move closer to each other as one moves in the direction of the other. In a first non-limiting example, platform 104 and the given party may initially reside in different environments (for example, one in a friendly environment (e.g., an allied territory) while the other in a hostile environment (e.g., an enemy territory), remote from said friendly environment). In a second non-limiting example, both platform 104 and the given party may reside in the same environment (e.g., a hostile environment) and be distant from one another within said environment.

[0063] Initially, attention is drawn to receiver 102. Receiver 102 may optionally be of various types and be configured to receive emitted signals corresponding to its type. In one non-limiting example, as further detailed hereinafter in relation to Fig. 3, receiver 102 may be a laser receiver configured to receive one or more laser emission signals (optionally modulated in a pre-determined modulation). In another non-limiting example, as further detailed hereinafter in relation to Fig. 4, laser receiver 102 may be, or be a component of, a Laser Warning System (LWS) configured to receive (i) one or more first laser emission signals configured to be received as threat signals, and (ii) one or more second laser emission signals, optionally modulated in a pre-determined modulation, configured to be received as non-threat signals.

[0064] In cases correlating with the latter, receiver 102, being an LWS, may be able to receive one or more emission signals of type (ii), due to one or more upgrades to its firmware and / or software. In such cases, the first and second laser emission signals, received by receiver 102, may optionally be emitted in the same spectral range and be received either simultaneously or separately (i.e., non-simultaneously).

[0065] Next, attention is drawn to beacon 106. Beacon 106 may be, for example, a laser beacon capable of emitting one or more laser emission signals, optionally modulated in a pre-determined modulation. The one or more emitted laser emission signals, or at least some thereof, may optionally include location information associated with said laser beacon.

[0066] In one non-limiting example, the location information may include GPS (Global Positioning System) data configured to enable determining the location of laser beacon 106. In another non-limiting example, additionally or alternatively to the above, the location information may include data relating to emission angle and / or direction of at least one emission signal, such that the location of laser beacon 106 might be determined based on said emission angle and / or direction.

[0067] It is to be of note that the specific examples of location information presented hereinbefore serve as mere examples not intended in any way to limit the scope of the presently disclosed subject matter, and that other types of location information enabling the determination of laser beacon's 106 location may also be applicable. In addition, it is to be of note that the location information associated with laser beacon 106 may relate to recorded data associated with previous locations of said laser beacon and not necessarily with its current location. Furthermore, it is to be of note that the location information may not be directly related to said laser beacon's location, but rather to the location(s) of an object(s) being in communication with it.

[0068] Attention is now drawn to additional components of the electronic warfare system 100.

[0069] Fig. 2 is a block diagram schematically illustrating one example of the electronic warfare system 100, in accordance with the presently disclosed subject matter.

[0070] In accordance with the presently disclosed subject matter, the electronic warfare system 100 (also interchangeably referred to herein as “system 100”) may comprise a network interface 206. The network interface 206 (e.g., a network card, a Wi-Fi client, 3G / 4G client, or any other component), enables system 100 to communicate over a network with external systems and handles inbound and outbound communications from such systems. For example, system 100 may receive, through network interface 206, pre-determined modulation(s) of one or more emission signals. System 100 may further comprise or be otherwise associated with a data repository 204 (e.g., a database, a storage system, a memory including Read Only Memory - ROM, Random Access Memory - RAM, or any other type of memory, etc.) configured to store data. Some examples of data that may be stored in the data repository 204 include:

[0071] • One or more pre-determined modulations of one or more emission signals;

[0072] • Location information associated with one or more beacons;

[0073] • Directions and distances to one or more beacons;

[0074] • One or more firmware and / or software upgrades;

[0075] • One or more performed or to be performed actions; etc.

[0076] Data repository 204 may be further configured to enable retrieval and / or update and / or deletion of the stored data. It is to be noted that in some cases, data repository 204 may be distributed, while the system 100 has access to the information stored thereon, e.g., via a wired or wireless network to which system 100 is able to connect (utilizing its network interface 206).

[0077] System 100 further comprises processing circuitry 202. Processing circuitry 202 may be one or more processing units (e.g., central processing units), microprocessors, microcontrollers (e.g., microcontroller units (MCUs)) or any other computing devices or modules, including multiple and / or parallel and / or distributed processing units, which are adapted to independently or cooperatively process data for controlling relevant system 100 resources and for enabling operations related to system’s 100 resources.

[0078] The processing circuitry 202 comprises an electronic warfare module 208, configured to perform electronic warfare processes, as further detailed herein, inter alia with reference to Figs. 3 and 4.

[0079] It is to be noted that in some cases, the processing circuitry 202 may be part of a component of system 100 (e.g., in cases where, as described hereinbefore, receiver 102 is an LWS, processing circuitry 202 may be part of said LWS). In other cases, the processing circuitry 202 may be part of a system external to system 100, which system 100 interacts with.

[0080] Turning to Fig. 3 there is shown a flowchart illustrating one example of operations carried out by the electronic warfare system 100, in accordance with the presently disclosed subject matter. By way of introduction, as described hereinbefore, electronic warfare system 100 may include (i) laser receiver 102, mounted on a platform 104, configured to receive at least one emission signal, modulated in a pre-determined modulation, and (ii) a laser beacon 106, located remotely from platform 104, configured to emit one or more emission signals of the at least one emission signal, modulated in said pre-determined modulation, optionally containing location information associated with said laser beacon.

[0081] Accordingly, the electronic warfare system 100 (also interchangeably referred to hereafter as “system 100”) may be configured to perform an electronic warfare process 300, e.g., using electronic warfare module 208.

[0082] For this purpose, system 100 obtains, from laser receiver 102, one or more emission signals emitted by laser beacon 106 (block 302).

[0083] Once obtained, system 100 demodulates the one or more emission signals (block 304) and analyzes the demodulated signals to acquire location information associated with said laser beacon (block 306).

[0084] Based on the acquired location information, system 100 provides direction and distance to laser beacon 106 (block 308).

[0085] In some cases, additionally or alternatively to the location information, the one or more emission signals, or a subset thereof, may include information pertaining to other aspects associated with the laser beacon and / or a given party related to it (i.e., not necessarily location -related). For example, the one or more emission signals may include status information, enabling identifying or determining the status of either the laser beacon, the given party related to it, or both.

[0086] It is to be of note that the status information mentioned above serves as an example, not intended in any way to limit the scope of the presently disclosed subject matter, and that other types of information may also be applicable.

[0087] In some cases, upon acquiring the location information associated with laser beacon 106, system 100 may generate transmission of at least one signal toward said laser beacon, serving as an indication to said beacon that the one or more emission signals have been received by receiver 102. In such cases, the at least one signal may be received by laser beacon 106 through a designated receiver (e.g., a Radio-Frequency (RF) receiver), located therewithin. Turning to Fig. 4 there is shown a flowchart illustrating another example of operations carried out by the electronic warfare system 100, in accordance with the presently disclosed subject matter.

[0088] By way of introduction, as described hereinbefore, electronic warfare system 100 may include (i) an LWS 102, mounted on a platform 104, configured to receive: (a) at least one first laser emission signal configured to be received as a threat signal, and (b) at least one second laser emission signal, modulated in a pre-determined modulation, configured to be received as a non-threat signal, and (ii) a laser beacon 106, located remotely from platform 104, configured to emit one or more signals of the at least one second laser emission signal, modulated in said pre-determined modulation.

[0089] Accordingly, the electronic warfare system 100 (also interchangeably referred to hereafter as “system 100”) may be configured to perform an electronic warfare process 400, e.g., using electronic warfare module 208.

[0090] For this purpose, system 100 obtains, from LWS 102, one or more signals of the at least one second laser emission signal emitted by laser beacon 106 (block 402).

[0091] Once obtained, system 100 demodulates the obtained signals to identify the second laser emission signals as non-threat signals (block 404).

[0092] In some cases, the one or more signals of the at least one second laser emission signal may further contain location information associated with laser beacon 106. In such cases, upon demodulation of the one or more second laser emission signals, system 100 may optionally analyze the location information so as to provide direction and distance to laser beacon 106.

[0093] In some cases, additionally or alternatively to the above, the one or more signals of the at least one second laser emission signal may include information pertaining to other aspects associated with the laser beacon and / or a given party related to it (i.e., not necessarily location -related). For example, the one or more emission signals may include status information, enabling identifying or determining the status of either the laser beacon, the given party related to it, or both.

[0094] It is to be of note that the status information mentioned above serves as an example, not intended in any way to limit the scope of the presently disclosed subject matter, and that other types of information may also be applicable.

[0095] In some cases, upon identification of the second laser emission signals as non- threat signals, system 100 may optionally perform an action. In such cases, the action may be, for example, one of: (i) providing a user of said system with an indication of the presence of laser beacon 106, (ii) providing the user of said system with a distance between LWS 102 and laser beacon 106, (iii) providing the user of said system with a direction to laser beacon 106, (iv) providing the user of said system with a movement direction of laser beacon 106, or any combination thereof.

[0096] It is to be noted that the actions above serve as mere examples not intended in any way to limit the scope of the presently disclosed subject matter, and that other types of actions, in combination with the actions mentioned above or alone, may also be applicable.

[0097] It is further to note that though the description above refers to LWS, the same may apply to other warning systems, such as Missile Warning System (MWS), and the like.

[0098] It is to be further noted, with reference to Figs. 3 and 4, that some of the blocks may be integrated into a consolidated block or may be broken down to a few blocks and / or other blocks may be added. It is to be further noted that some of the blocks are optional. It should be also noted that whilst the flow diagram is described also with reference to the system elements that realizes them, this is by no means binding, and the blocks may be performed by elements other than those described herein.

[0099] It is to be understood that the presently disclosed subject matter is not limited in its application to the details set forth in the description contained herein or illustrated in the drawings. The presently disclosed subject matter is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Hence, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which this disclosure is based may readily be utilized as a basis for designing other structures, methods, and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present presently disclosed subject matter.

[0100] It will also be understood that the system according to the presently disclosed subject matter may be implemented, at least partly, as a suitably programmed computer. Likewise, the presently disclosed subject matter contemplates a computer program being readable by a computer for executing the disclosed method. The presently disclosed subject matter further contemplates a machine -readable memory tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable by the machine for executing the disclosed method.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. An electronic warfare system comprising: a Laser Warning System (LWS), mounted on a platform, configured to receive: (a) at least one first laser emission signal configured to be received by said LWS as a threat signal, and (b) at least one second laser emission signal, modulated in a pre-determined modulation, configured to be received by said LWS as a non-threat signal; a laser beacon, located remotely from said platform, configured to emit one or more signals of the at least one second laser emission signal, modulated in said pre-determined modulation; and, a processing circuitry configured to: obtain from said LWS said one or more signals of the at least one second laser emission signal emitted by said laser beacon; and, demodulate said one or more second laser emission signals, modulated in the pre-determined modulation, to identify the second laser emission signals as non-threat signals.

2. The electronic warfare system of claim 1, wherein said processing circuitry is part of said Laser Warning System (LWS).

3. The electronic warfare system of claim 1, wherein said platform is either a mobile platform or a stationary platform.

4. The electronic warfare system of claim 1, wherein said platform is either an aerial platform, naval platform, or a ground platform.

5. The electronic warfare system of claim 1, wherein said first and second laser emission signals are emitted in the same spectral range.

6. The electronic warfare system of claim 1, wherein upon said identification of said second laser emission signals as non-threat signals, said processing circuitry is configured to perform an action.

7. The electronic warfare system of claim 6, wherein said action is one of: (i) providing a user of said system with an indication of the presence of said laser beacon, (ii) providing the user of said system with a distance between said LWS and said laser beacon, (iii) providing the user of said system with a direction to said laser beacon, (iv) providing the user of said system with a movement direction of said laser beacon, or any combination thereof.

8. The electronic warfare system of claim 1, wherein (a) said one or more signals of the at least one second laser emission signal, modulated in said predetermined modulation, further contain location information associated with said laser beacon, and (b) upon demodulation of said one or more second laser emission signals, said processing circuitry is configured to analyze said location information so as to provide direction and distance to said laser beacon.

9. An electronic warfare system comprising: a laser receiver, mounted on a platform, configured to receive at least one emission signal, modulated in a pre-determined modulation; a laser beacon, located remotely from said platform, configured to emit one or more emission signals of said at least one emission signal, modulated in said pre-determined modulation, wherein said one or more emission signals contain location information associated with said laser beacon; and a processing circuitry configured to: obtain from said laser receiver said one or more emission signals emitted by said laser beacon; demodulate said one or more emission signals emitted by said laser beacon, modulated in the pre-determined modulation; analyze said one or more demodulated emission signals to acquire said location information associated with said laser beacon; and,based on said location information, provide direction and distance to said laser beacon.

10. The electronic warfare system of claim 9, wherein said platform is either a mobile platform or a stationary platform.

11. The electronic warfare system of claim 9, wherein said platform is either an aerial platform, naval platform, or a ground platform.

12. The electronic warfare system of claim 9, wherein said laser receiver is a Laser Warning System (LWS) capable of receiving said at least one emission signal, modulated in a pre-determined modulation, due to one or more upgrades to its firmware or software.

13. The electronic warfare system of claim 9, wherein said location information includes GPS data configured to enable determining a location of said laser beacon.

14. The electronic warfare system of claim 9, wherein said location information includes data relating to emission angle and direction of said one or more emission signals of said at least one emission signal, modulated in said predetermined modulation, and wherein a location of said laser beacon is determined based on said emission angle and direction.

15. The electronic warfare system of claim 9, wherein upon acquiring said location information associated with said laser beacon, said processing circuitry is configured to transmit at least one signal toward said laser beacon, indicating that said one or more emission signals have been received.

16. The electronic warfare system of claim 15, wherein said at least one signal, transmitted by said processing circuitry toward said laser beacon, is configured to be received by said laser beacon using a designated receiver.

17. The electronic warfare system of claim 16, wherein said designated receiver is a Radio-Frequency (RF) receiver.

18. A laser beacon capable of emitting at least one emission signal, modulated in a pre-determined modulation, containing location information associated with said laser beacon, such that a laser receiver, located remotely from said laser beacon, is capable of: receiving said at least one emission signal emitted by said laser beacon; demodulate said at least one emission signal emitted by said laser beacon, modulated in the pre-determined modulation; analyze said at least one demodulated emission signal to acquire said location information associated with said laser beacon; and, based on said location information, provide direction and distance to said laser beacon.

19. The laser beacon of claim 18, wherein said laser receiver is a Laser Warning System (LWS).

20. The laser beacon of claim 19, wherein Laser Warning System (LWS) is capable of receiving said at least one emission signal, modulated in a pre-determined modulation, due to one or more upgrades to its firmware or software.

21. The laser beacon of claim 18, wherein said location information includes GPS data configured to enable determining a location of said laser beacon.

22. The laser beacon of claim 18, wherein said location information includes data relating to emission angle and direction of said at least one emission signal, modulated in said pre-determined modulation, and wherein a location of said laser beacon is determined based on said emission angle and direction.

23. An electronic warfare method comprising: obtaining, by a processing circuitry, from a Laser Warning System (LWS), one or more signals emitted by a laser beacon, modulated in a predetermined modulation, configured to be received by said LWS as a non-threat signal; and, demodulating, by said processing circuitry, said one or more signals, modulated in the pre-determined modulation, to identify said signals as nonthreat signals.

24. The electronic warfare method of claim 23, wherein upon said identification of said signals as non-threat signals, performing, by said processing circuitry, an action.

25. The electronic warfare method of claim 24, wherein said action is one of: (i) providing a user with an indication of the presence of said laser beacon, (ii) providing the user with a distance between said LWS and said laser beacon, (iii) providing the user with a direction to said laser beacon, (iv) providing the user of with a movement direction of said laser beacon, or any combination thereof.

26. The electronic warfare method of claim 23, wherein (a) said one or more signals, modulated in said pre-determined modulation, further contain location information associated with said laser beacon, and (b) upon demodulation of said one or more signals, analyzing, by said processing circuitry, said location information so as to provide direction and distance to said laser beacon.

27. An electronic warfare method comprising: obtaining, by a processing circuitry, from a laser receiver, one or more emission signals emitted by a laser beacon, modulated in a pre-determined modulation; demodulating, by said processing circuitry, said one or more emission signals emitted by said laser beacon, modulated in the pre-determined modulation;analyzing, by said processing circuitry, said one or more demodulated emission signals to acquire location information associated with said laser beacon; and, based on said location information, providing, by said processing circuitry, direction and distance to said laser beacon.

28. The electronic warfare method of claim 27, wherein said laser receiver is a Laser Warning System (LWS) capable of receiving said emission signals, modulated in said pre-determined modulation, due to one or more upgrades to its firmware or software.

29. The electronic warfare method of claim 27, wherein said location information includes GPS data configured to enable determining a location of said laser beacon.

30. The electronic warfare method of claim 27, wherein said location information includes data relating to emission angle and direction of said one or more emission signals, modulated in said pre-determined modulation, and wherein a location of said laser beacon is determined based on said emission angle and direction.

31. The electronic warfare method of claim 27, wherein upon acquiring said location information associated with said laser beacon, transmitting, by said processing circuitry, at least one signal toward said laser beacon, indicating that said one or more emission signals have been received.

32. The electronic warfare method of claim 31, wherein said at least one signal is configured to be received by said laser beacon using a designated receiver.

33. The electronic warfare method of claim 32, wherein said designated receiver is a Radio-Frequency (RF) receiver.

34. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium having computer readable program code embodied therewith, the computer readable program code, executable by at least one processor to perform an electronic warfare method, the method comprising: obtaining, by a processing circuitry, from a Laser Warning System (LWS), one or more signals emitted by a laser beacon, modulated in a predetermined modulation, configured to be received by said LWS as a non-threat signal; and, demodulating, by said processing circuitry, said one or more signals, modulated in the pre-determined modulation, to identify said signals as nonthreat signals.

35. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium having computer readable program code embodied therewith, the computer readable program code, executable by at least one processor to perform an electronic warfare method, the method comprising: obtaining, by a processing circuitry, from a laser receiver, one or more emission signals emitted by a laser beacon, modulated in a pre-determined modulation; demodulating, by said processing circuitry, said one or more emission signals emitted by said laser beacon, modulated in the pre-determined modulation; analyzing, by said processing circuitry, said one or more demodulated emission signals to acquire location information associated with said laser beacon; and, based on said location information, providing, by said processing circuitry, direction and distance to said laser beacon.

Images