Aircraft Window Laser Impact Localization Using Edge Light Detectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems fail to accurately determine the origin of laser beam impacts on aircraft windows, making it difficult to apprehend attackers due to the lack of precise location information, especially in low-light conditions.
Innovation Solution
Aircraft windows equipped with light detectors around their circumference to measure refracted light intensity, allowing determination of the laser beam's impact position, which can be used to calculate the beam's origin using trigonometric calculations and aircraft parameters like altitude, roll, and yaw.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If light detectors are arranged around the circumference of the window to measure refracted light intensity, then the measurement precision of the laser beam impact position is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The window system is segmented into multiple functional layers including transparent layers, electrochromic glass segments, and circumferential detector arrays. The circumference is divided into discrete detection zones with individual light detectors positioned at specific intervals, allowing localized measurement of refracted light intensity to determine impact position without requiring complete circumferential coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent layers and electrochromic glass act as intermediaries between the incoming laser beam and the light detectors. The refracted light pattern created by these intermediate layers carries position information that can be decoded by the detectors, enabling indirect measurement of impact position without direct line-of-sight detection
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the layer of dimmable electrochromic glass is dimmed upon impact of the laser beam, then the harmful effect of the laser beam on persons behind the window is reduced, but the visibility through the window is impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The electrochromic glass is divided into multiple independently controllable segments or zones. When a laser beam impacts the window, only the specific segment containing the impact point is dimmed, while other segments remain transparent. This localized dimming protects occupants in the affected area while maintaining visibility through the rest of the window
Solution Approach 2:
The system detects laser beam impact and triggers dimming of the electrochromic glass segment before the full harmful effect of the laser can reach occupants. The preliminary dimming action blocks the laser energy path, preventing damage or discomfort to persons behind the window
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
Enhances the accuracy of determining the laser beam's origin, improving the chances of identifying the perpetrator by providing precise location data.
Implementation Method 1
As light is refracted in all directions upon traveling between mediums with differing refraction indices, some of the light will travel at angles which impact the circumference of the window. Light detectors arranged around this circumference can measure the intensity of light refracted in these respective directions
Implementation Method 2
the window further comprises a layer of dimmable electrochromic glass
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a
Figure 2b
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a window (100) for an aircraft (10), the window (100) comprising a first transparent layer (110), and a first plurality of light detectors (111) arranged around a circumference of the first transparent layer (110) and configured to measure the intensity of light refracted upon entering and exiting the first transparent layer (110). Furthermore, the present invention is directed to an aircraft and a method for determining the point at which a laser beam (20) impacts a window (100) of the aircraft.