DLP Mirror Array Guidance System for Airborne Munitions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional guidance systems for airborne devices face challenges such as high cost, bandwidth consumption, and latency due to the need for scanning, which are exacerbated by weight, space, and cost constraints, especially in hostile environments like GPS-denied areas.
Innovation Solution
A digital light processing (DLP) guided system using a 1.57 μm micro laser source to generate pulsed signals with pulse repetition interval information, a controller to guide the munition, and a laser range finder with a DLP mirror array to detect reflected signals from a retroreflector, eliminating the need for scanning and reducing system size and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional beam rider systems with scanning lasers are used, then guidance functionality is achieved, but system cost and device complexity increase due to moving parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical scanning laser system with a digital micromirror device (DMD) that uses electronically controlled micro-mirrors to steer the laser beam. This substitution eliminates moving mechanical parts while maintaining the beam riding guidance functionality, thereby reducing system cost and complexity while improving reliability
2Loss of information
If scanning laser systems are used, then guidance information is transmitted, but bandwidth is consumed and latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic pulsed laser signals with variable pulse repetition intervals to encode guidance information. By modulating the pulse repetition rate according to the munition's position and desired correction, the system transmits guidance data efficiently without continuous scanning, reducing bandwidth consumption and latency
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by measuring the pulse repetition interval of returned signals from the munition and using this information to determine the munition's position and calculate necessary course corrections. This feedback mechanism enables efficient two-way communication without requiring continuous bandwidth
3Measurement precision
If airborne devices carry extensive guidance hardware, then accurate delivery is achieved, but weight and space constraints are violated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex guidance processing functionality from the airborne device and places it in the ground-based control system. The airborne device only needs to carry a simple retroreflector and receiver for pulsed signals, while the DMD-based system handles all complex beam steering and guidance calculations externally, significantly reducing the weight and space requirements on the munition
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
The DLP system provides accurate guidance with reduced latency and bandwidth consumption, achieving high reliability and precision in targeting without moving parts, enabling effective operation in hostile environments with improved resolution and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a laser source configured to generate a plurality of pulsed signals
Implementation Method 2
detect the plurality of pulsed signals returned by the retroreflector
Data Source
AI summary
The system and method for a digital light processing (DLP) guidance system having a digital light processing (DLP) mirror array at the laser source. A receiver tracks location of the air-borne object using a retro reflector on a pulse-to-pulse basis. The DLP mirror array tracks the air-borne object with a non-scanning beam and immediately provides a correction update to the controller using a pulse repetition interval (PRI) varying code. The system can be packaged in a small format, at a lower cost, and with a higher reliability.