Dual Threat Laser Warning System Using Discrete Sensor Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current integrated warning systems for military targets that combine laser and flash event detection are costly, complex, and have increased response times due to the need for separate radiation detectors and infrastructure, which can lead to inaccuracies and fatal implications in threat detection.
Innovation Solution
A dual threat warning system utilizing discrete sensors for detecting radiation parameters, including impact recognition, spectral, frequency, and angular sensors, which can differentiate between flash events and laser transmissions based on spectral and temporal characteristics, allowing for simultaneous detection and characterization of threats with reduced false alarm rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate radiation detectors are used for laser and flash event detection, then detection coverage is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a unified radiation detector that performs both laser detection and flash event detection functions. The detector uses a single sensor array capable of detecting different types of radiation events by analyzing temporal characteristics, thereby achieving multi-functionality without requiring separate detection systems for each threat type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges previously separate laser warning system (LWS) and missile warning system (MWS) detection capabilities into a single integrated warning system. By combining the detection functions into one system with unified hardware and processing, the patent reduces overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive detection coverage.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate radiation detectors are used for laser and flash event detection, then detection coverage is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a unified radiation detector that performs both laser detection and flash event detection functions. The detector uses a single sensor array capable of detecting different types of radiation events by analyzing temporal characteristics, thereby achieving multi-functionality without requiring separate detection systems for each threat type.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate radiation detectors are used for laser and flash event detection, then detection coverage is improved, but response time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges previously separate laser warning system (LWS) and missile warning system (MWS) detection capabilities into a single integrated warning system. By combining the detection functions into one system with unified hardware and processing, the patent reduces overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive detection coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary classification of radiation events by analyzing temporal characteristics immediately upon detection. This preliminary action allows the system to quickly distinguish between laser events and flash events without requiring separate detection pathways, thereby reducing response time while maintaining accurate detection coverage.
4Loss of time
If discrete sensors are used for simultaneous detection, then response time is improved, but measurement precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses high-rate temporal sampling to capture radiation events at multiple discrete time points. This periodic sampling approach enables the system to resolve the temporal characteristics of both nanosecond laser events and millisecond flash events with sufficient precision, allowing rapid response without sacrificing measurement accuracy.
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 system enables rapid and accurate identification of both flash events and laser transmissions, reducing complexity and cost while enhancing response times and minimizing false alarms, thereby improving threat detection and countermeasure implementation.
Implementation Method 1
The impact recognition sensor detects the presence of an incident laser pulse of the incoming radiation
Implementation Method 2
The spectral sensor detects if the spectral range of the incoming radiation is above or below a specified setpoint
Implementation Method 3
The frequency sensor detects if the frequency of the incoming radiation is above or below a specified setpoint
Implementation Method 4
The filter filters the incoming radiation according to at least one filtering criteria
Data Source
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AI summary
Dual threat laser warning system and method. A sensor module receives incoming radiation, which undergoes filtering according to filtering criteria. The filtered radiation is detected by an impact recognition sensor. The spectral range and frequency of the filtered radiation is detected by a spectral sensor and frequency sensor, respectively. Other sensors may further determine the azimuth/elevation angle of arrival, or intensity, of the incoming radiation. The sensors may be discrete non-matrix sensors. A processor determines if the incoming radiation results from a light flash associated with the launching of a threat, and determines if the incoming radiation results from laser radiation transmitted by a threat source, based on spectral characteristics and temporal characteristics. Activation of sensors may be triggered upon detection of incoming radiation. The threat may further be identified and characterized, such as using a temporal pulse mapping of the incoming radiation.