Laser Countermeasure for Mobile Tracking Device Diversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current countermeasures for mobile tracking devices, such as infrared and laser jamming devices, are limited in effectively diverting or disabling tracking devices from approaching assets, particularly as they can be specific to certain types of tracking systems and may not function against imaging detection systems.
Innovation Solution
A countermeasure device equipped with sensor modules to detect mobile tracking devices and a continuous wave laser system that directs infrared energy to create localized sources within the tracking device's field of view, confusing its guidance system and causing it to divert away from the asset.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If infrared hot bodies (flares) are used as countermeasures, then mobile tracking devices are diverted away from the asset, but the countermeasure requires physical deployment and may not work against all tracking device types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical mechanical countermeasures (flares, hot bodies) with an optical/electromagnetic system - a laser that projects infrared energy patterns onto surfaces to create false thermal signatures. This substitution allows the system to counter both imaging and non-imaging tracking devices without requiring physical deployment of hot bodies.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of thermal signature creation from physical hot bodies to projected infrared energy patterns. By controlling the laser's output power, wavelength, and projection geometry, the system creates variable false thermal signatures that can adapt to different tracking device types and detection ranges.
2Reliability
If laser jamming devices are used, then non-imaging tracking devices are disrupted, but they are ineffective against imaging detection systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by projecting infrared energy onto environmental surfaces (ground, water, structures) to create false thermal signatures that serve as mediators between the countermeasure system and the tracking device. This allows the system to deceive both imaging systems (by creating visible false targets) and non-imaging systems (by creating false infrared signatures) simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser-based false signature system achieves universality by being effective against multiple types of tracking devices through a single mechanism. The projected infrared patterns can deceive passive infrared sensors, active infrared sensors, and visual imaging systems, making the countermeasure versatile across different detection technologies.
3Reliability
If countermeasures are deployed to create false thermal signatures, then tracking devices are misdirected, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of creating false thermal signatures from complex physical systems (flares, hot bodies) and implements it through a simpler laser-based projection system. By taking out only the core function (creating false infrared signatures) and removing the unnecessary physical deployment mechanisms, the system reduces complexity while maintaining effectiveness.
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 solution effectively diverts mobile tracking devices away from assets by creating internal sources that confuse their navigation systems, functioning against both imaging and non-imaging systems, and is demonstrated to be effective at various ranges and against multiple types of tracking devices.
Implementation Method 1
a continuous wave laser system that directs infrared energy
Implementation Method 2
directs a continuous beam of optical energy at the mobile tracking device
Data Source
AI summary
A countermeasure device for directing a mobile tracking device away from an asset is provided. The countermeasure device includes a continuous wave laser source whose output is directed at a seeker head of the mobile tracking device. The countermeasure device causes the generation of localized sources within the mobile tracking device and confuses the mobile tracking device as to the true location of the asset.