Dynamic Cockpit Window Darkening for Laser Threat Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
High intensity light sources, such as laser and photonic weapons, pose a threat to vehicle crew members' vision by causing distraction or permanent eye damage, necessitating a system that protects their eyes while allowing them to maintain operational duties.
Innovation Solution
A high intensity light source blocking system that includes an eye-position detection system, a transparent dynamic-darkening display, and a scene imager system, which detects the presence and direction of high intensity light sources and automatically darkens the display to prevent exposure, using technologies like LCD or electrochromic elements for rapid response and directional protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the entire cockpit window is darkened to protect crew members from high intensity light sources, then eye protection is improved, but situational awareness and operational visibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by darkening only the specific portion of the cockpit window that is threatened by high intensity light sources, rather than darkening the entire window. The system uses scene imager systems to detect the location and direction of light sources, then selectively darkens only the affected areas while leaving other portions of the window transparent, thus maintaining crew members' situational awareness while providing targeted eye protection.
2Reliability
If a traditional opaque blocking system is used to protect against high intensity light sources, then eye protection is improved, but operational duties and visibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by using transparent dynamic-darkening displays that can rapidly transition between transparent and darkened states based on detected light source intensity and direction. This dynamic response allows the system to adapt in real-time to changing threat conditions, maintaining visibility during normal operations while providing protection when high intensity light sources are detected.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses transparent dynamic-darkening displays as an intermediary between the crew members and the external environment. These displays act as a smart interface that can selectively block harmful light while maintaining transparency for normal viewing, unlike traditional opaque blocking systems that completely obstruct the view.
3Reliability
If the response time for darkening the display is increased to ensure complete protection, then eye protection is improved, but the ability to maintain operational duties deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by continuously monitoring the environment with scene imager systems to detect high intensity light sources before they can cause damage. The system is prepared in advance with pre-positioned dynamic-darkening displays that can activate immediately upon detection, eliminating the need for crew members to take protective actions after exposure has begun.
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
Effectively protects vehicle crew members' vision from high intensity light sources by dynamically darkening only the necessary areas of the cockpit windows or canopy, maintaining transparency and situational awareness while preventing damage from direct or reflected light.
Implementation Method 1
a transparent dynamic-darkening display covering at least one window in the crew member cockpit
Implementation Method 2
using technologies like LCD or electrochromic elements for rapid response and directional protection
Data Source
AI summary
A high intensity light source blocking system for a vehicle operated by a crew member within a cockpit includes an crew member position or eye-position detection system, a transparent dynamic-darkening display covering a window in the crew member cockpit, and a scene imager configured to detect a presence of a high intensity light source and an emanation direction relative to the crew member cockpit. A computing device is connected to the position or eye-position detection system, the transparent dynamic-darkening display and the scene imager, and controls the darkening of a portion of the dynamic-darkening display upon the occurrence of either the high intensity light source having an intensity value equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, or the crew member position or eye-position being subject to either a direct portion of the high intensity light source or a substantial reflection thereof off a surface within the crew member cockpit.