Holographic Virtual Image Projector for Threat Diversion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current projection systems fail to effectively project a virtual image of an object with a greater light signature intensity, which is necessary to divert incoming threats away from valuable assets like satellites or aircraft.

Innovation Solution

A projector system mounted on the object projects a hologram beam onto a photographic plate with an interference pattern, creating a virtual image with a higher light signature intensity that is detected by the threat, causing it to alter its trajectory towards the virtual image instead of the actual object.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If a traditional projector system is used to project an image of an object, then the system structure is simple, but the light signature intensity of the projected image is insufficient to effectively divert incoming threats

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight signature intensityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a virtual image copy of the valuable asset using holographic projection. The projector system generates a photorealistic virtual image that replicates the visual appearance of the asset, allowing the threat to be diverted to the copy instead of the real object. This copying approach enables the virtual image to have enhanced light signature intensity while maintaining the simplicity of the overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite optical systems combining traditional projector components with holographic projection technology. The system integrates a projector, holographic plate, and optical processing elements to create a composite structure that achieves superior light signature intensity compared to conventional projectors, while managing system complexity through coordinated component design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Illumination intensity

If a holographic projection system is implemented to create a virtual image, then the light signature intensity is enhanced, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight signature intensityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The holographic projection system creates a virtual image copy of the valuable asset. By using holographic plates and optical processing, the system generates a photorealistic replica that can be projected with enhanced light signature intensity. The copying mechanism allows the virtual image to serve as an effective decoy without requiring complex real-time rendering systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent pre-configures holographic plates with interference patterns that encode the visual information of the valuable asset before engagement with the threat. This preliminary preparation of holographic data allows the projection system to quickly generate enhanced virtual images without complex real-time processing, reducing operational complexity while maintaining high light signature intensity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the virtual image is projected at greater distance from the object, then the decoy effectiveness increases, but the energy requirement increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethreat diversion effectivenessVSAvoidprojection energy
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamic control of the projection system to adjust the virtual image distance and energy output based on the threat's position and characteristics. The system can vary the projection parameters in real-time, optimizing the balance between decoy effectiveness and energy consumption. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to project virtual images at greater distances when necessary while conserving energy during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 successfully diverts incoming threats, such as guided missiles, by projecting a virtual image with a greater light signature intensity, ensuring the valuable asset remains undamaged.

Implementation Method 1

A photographic plate is provided that includes an interference pattern imprinted onto at least one surface, wherein the interference pattern manipulates the light beam to form a hologram beam

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInterference: Interference

Data Source

PatentUS8063346B2Virtual image projector
Publication Date: 2011.11.22 NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORP
  • US8063346B2 patent drawing
  • US8063346B2 patent drawing
  • US8063346B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Systems and methods are provided for projecting a virtual image of an object. A projector mounted on the object for projecting a light beam. A photographic plate is provided that includes an interference pattern imprinted onto at least one surface, wherein the interference pattern manipulates the light to form a hologram beam such that a detector detecting the hologram beam detects a virtual image of the object that has a light signature at a greater intensity than a light signature of the object.