Accelerometer-Based Device Inoperability for Anti-Diversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Leading edge technologies from the civilian market are being diverted to military applications, posing national security concerns, as existing restrictions are not effective in preventing such diversion and may erode the technological superiority of the US armed forces.
Innovation Solution
Embedding an accelerometer into electro-optic devices, such as thermal imagers and night-vision equipment, to render them inoperable when subjected to shock levels indicative of military use, combined with unique identification numbers to ensure security and prevent tampering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If restrictions are placed on the sale and use of electro-optic devices in the civilian marketplace, then diversion to military applications is reduced, but technological proliferation is hindered and off-shore sources are encouraged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the device based on detected environmental conditions. When shock levels exceed a predetermined threshold (indicating military application), the device automatically changes its operational state from functional to inoperable by erasing flash memory, thus preventing military diversion while maintaining normal civilian use
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an accelerometer as an intermediary sensing element that mediates between the device's operational state and external shock conditions. The accelerometer detects shock levels and triggers the inoperability mechanism, serving as an automatic intermediary that enforces restrictions without human intervention
2Reliability
If frame rate is limited to ≤9 Hz for general-use night vision equipment, then military adaptation is reduced, but operational effectiveness for civilian applications is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the device's operational characteristics dynamic rather than static. The frame rate and other performance parameters can operate at high levels for civilian applications, but automatically change to an inoperable state when shock thresholds are exceeded, thus achieving both high civilian productivity and military prevention
3Reliability
If requirements are put in place to render restricted units inoperable when removed from a vehicle, then military diversion is prevented, but ease of operation and legitimate use are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters based on detected shock patterns rather than location. The device remains fully operational during normal portability and use, but automatically changes to an inoperable state when shock levels indicate military application, thus maintaining ease of operation while preventing diversion
4Reliability
If accelerometers are embedded into device hardware, then defeat of the security mechanism is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the accelerometer with the device's existing hardware architecture, integrating it into the system's sensing and control infrastructure. The accelerometer is combined with the processor and flash memory system, creating a unified security mechanism that prevents defeat while managing complexity through integration
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Prevents diversion of advanced technologies into military applications by rendering them inoperable in high-shock environments, while allowing free distribution in the civilian market, thereby enhancing national security and maintaining technological superiority.
Implementation Method 1
a sensing device including an accelerometer configured to monitor acceleration of the sensing device and provide acceleration information including a value of the acceleration of the sensing device
Implementation Method 2
the IC configured to receive the acceleration information from the accelerometer and render the sensing device permanently inoperable in response to the value of the acceleration of the sensing device exceeding a threshold indicative of a military application
Data Source
AI summary
According to one aspect, embodiments herein provide a sensing device comprising an accelerometer configured to monitor acceleration of the sensing device and provide acceleration information including a value of the acceleration of the sensing device, and an Integrated Circuit (IC) coupled to the accelerometer, the IC configured to receive the acceleration information from the accelerometer and render the sensing device permanently inoperable in response to the value of the acceleration of the sensing device exceeding a threshold indicative of a military application of the sensing device.