Helmet-Mounted Marker Synchronization via GPS Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing helmet-mounted marking systems lack synchronization of flashing signals, leading to confusion and potential misidentification on the battlefield, as these signals can be incoherent and indistinguishable from other flashing sources such as muzzle flashes.
Innovation Solution
A marker system that utilizes GPS timing signals to synchronize the flashing of multiple helmet-mounted markers, ensuring that all markers emit light emissions at precise intervals based on a shared time value received from global positioning satellites, thereby maintaining coherence and preventing fratricide.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple helmet-mounted markers emit flashing signals independently, then each marker provides visibility to co-combatants, but the flashing signals become incoherent and confusing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces GPS satellites as an intermediary time source that provides synchronized timing signals to multiple helmet-mounted markers. Each marker receives time information from the GPS satellite and uses this common reference to synchronize its flashing signals, transforming independent incoherent signals into coordinated coherent signals that improve identification accuracy while maintaining signal coherence
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by having each marker continuously receive timing updates from GPS satellites and adjust its flashing signal timing accordingly. This closed-loop synchronization ensures that all markers remain coordinated despite movement or environmental factors, resolving the contradiction between maintaining reliable identification and preserving signal coherence
2Loss of information
If helmet-mounted markers provide steady emissions, then visibility is maintained, but the ability to convey coded information and synchronize with IFF interrogations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic flashing signals instead of steady emissions to convey coded information. By varying the timing, duration, and pattern of periodic flashes synchronized to GPS time, the system can transmit identification codes and respond to IFF interrogations effectively, maintaining information transmission capability while managing signal control through time-based parameters rather than complex mechanical mechanisms
3Reliability
If flashing signals are used for identification, then visibility and recognition are improved, but confusion with muzzle flash and other battlefield signals increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses GPS satellite timing as an intermediary reference to create a synchronized signal coordination system. All friendly markers flash according to a common time reference, creating predictable coordinated patterns that distinguish them from unsynchronized enemy signals or muzzle flashes, thereby improving combatant identification reliability while reducing misidentification risks
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes different light wavelengths including visible and infrared emissions to create distinctive identification patterns. By employing specific wavelength combinations and synchronized timing patterns, the markers create unique optical signatures that differentiate friendly forces from other battlefield light sources, reducing harmful misidentification effects
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 synchronization of flashing signals enhances visibility and identification of friendly combatants, reducing confusion and the risk of misidentification, even in complex battlefield environments.
Implementation Method 1
A radio frequency receiver is interfaced to the controller and receives a radio frequency signal from one or more global positioning satellites and decodes a time value from the signal
Implementation Method 2
upon the controller initiating a flow of electric current though one or more of the emitters, the one or more of the emitters emit visible and/or infrared light
Implementation Method 3
at least one detector electrically interfaced to the controller, the at least one detector for detecting light in of a specific wavelength and converting the light to an electrical signal that is received by the controller
Data Source
AI summary
A method of synchronizing flashing of a plurality of marker systems includes within each marker system of the plurality of marker systems, receiving a signal from at least one global positioning satellite, the signal comprising a time value. Then, when initiating illumination of at least one light emitting device of the marker systems, synchronizing of the initiating illumination to the time value.