Helmet Marker IR Detection for Synchronized Combat Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Helmet-mounted marker systems face issues with non-coherent flashing signals, making it difficult to distinguish friendly from enemy combatants and muzzle flashes on the battlefield, and lack synchronization between multiple marker devices, leading to confusion and potential fratricide.
Innovation Solution
A marker system with a controller interfaced to visible and infrared emitters and detectors, capable of synchronizing flashing signals and detecting infrared radiation, including a method to determine the relative direction of the source, using a power/data inductive transfer system for power and data transmission, and integrating GPS signals for synchronization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple marker devices are mounted on helmets without synchronization, then the quantity of markers increases to improve battlefield visibility, but the signals become non-coherent and confusing, making it difficult to distinguish friendly from enemy combatants
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple marker devices into a synchronized networked system where all markers communicate and coordinate their flashing signals through a central controller or peer-to-peer communication, ensuring coherent operation across multiple devices while maintaining enhanced visibility
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where marker devices receive signals from other markers and adjust their operation accordingly, creating synchronized flashing patterns that maintain coherence even when multiple markers are active simultaneously
2Reliability
If helmet-mounted marker systems emit flashing signals for visibility, then combatant identification is improved, but the signals are confused with muzzle flash from gunfire and other battlefield lighting events
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different flashing patterns, colors, or modulation characteristics to different marker devices or different operational modes, allowing the system to emit distinctive signals that can be differentiated from muzzle flashes and other battlefield lighting events
Solution Approach 2:
The marker system utilizes different colors or wavelengths of light (including infrared) to provide distinctive identification signals that are not confused with visible muzzle flashes, enabling reliable friendly-fire prevention through spectral differentiation
3Reliability
If infrared detectors are added to detect incoming infrared radiation, then situational awareness is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The marker system is designed to perform multiple functions: emitting visible and infrared light for identification, detecting incoming infrared radiation for situational awareness, and communicating with other markers for synchronization, all within a single integrated device platform
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own infrared emitters and detectors to create a self-contained situational awareness capability, where the marker device monitors its own operational environment for incoming infrared radiation without requiring separate dedicated detection systems
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 provides coherent and synchronized visual and infrared signals to differentiate friendly from enemy combatants, reduces confusion on the battlefield, and enhances situational awareness by accurately identifying the source of incoming infrared radiation, thereby preventing fratricide and improving tactical operations.
Implementation Method 1
there is a need for a marker system to detect incoming infrared including as examples from a coded IFF signal, a laser target designator, or a range finder
Implementation Method 2
Emitters electrically interfaced to the controller include visible wavelength emitters and infrared wavelength emitters. The controller is configured to selectively initiate a flow of electric current though the visible wavelength emitters or through the infrared wavelength emitters causing the visible wavelength emitters or the infrared wavelength emitters to emit light
Data Source
AI summary
A marker system includes an enclosure with a controller therewithin. Emitters are electrically interfaced to the controller and include visible wavelength emitters and infrared wavelength emitters. The controller is configured to selectively initiate a flow of electric current though the visible wavelength emitters or through the infrared wavelength emitters causing the visible wavelength emitters or the infrared wavelength emitters to emit light and the light passes through the enclosure. There is at least one infrared detector, each of which is electrically interfaced to the controller and each of which is configured to detect infrared light that enters the enclosure. When the controller receives an electrical signal from any of the at least one infrared detector indicating reception of infrared light, the controller emits a signal to warn of the reception of infrared light (e.g., an audible signal, a vibration, a wireless signal, a wired signal).