Laser Deconfliction Software for Modular Hazard-Aware Aiming

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional laser control systems are bulky, costly, and inflexible due to hardware dependencies, requiring custom interfaces and not supporting multi-axis mounts, and lack modularity in safety capabilities.

Innovation Solution

A software framework comprising a master inhibit module, centralized deconfliction process, decentralized deconfliction process, user-defined region module, and point-&-lasing cutout module, which operates independently of hardware, enabling safe laser operation through modular software modules.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional laser control systems use hardware interfaces and safety modules, then laser safety control is achieved, but system weight and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelaser safety controlVSAvoidsystem weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces hardware-based safety control mechanisms with a software framework. The deconfliction safety software modules execute safety logic and coordinate transformations in software rather than requiring dedicated hardware interfaces and safety modules, thereby reducing system weight while maintaining laser safety control functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a virtual representation of safety control functionality through software modules that replicate the behavior of traditional hardware safety systems. The deconfliction safety software acts as a digital copy of hardware safety logic, eliminating the need for physical safety modules while preserving safety functions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Ease of operation

If conventional laser control systems use custom hardware interfaces, then laser system control is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelaser system controlVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal software framework that can control multiple laser systems and support various mount configurations through a single interface. The deconfliction safety software modules are designed to work with different laser systems and multi-axis mounts without requiring custom hardware interfaces for each system, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining ease of operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the laser control system into modular software components including master inhibit module, centralized deconfliction process, decentralized deconfliction process, user-defined region module, and point-&-lasing cutout module. This segmentation allows the system to handle different control functions independently through software modules rather than requiring integrated complex hardware interfaces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If conventional laser control systems use fixed safety capabilities, then safety control is achieved, but adaptability to different configurations is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety controlVSAvoidconfiguration flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic safety control through software modules that can be enabled or disabled based on operational requirements. The deconfliction safety software allows dynamic configuration of safety features and can adapt to different laser systems and mount configurations through software parameters rather than fixed hardware design, thereby maintaining safety control while increasing adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables configuration flexibility by allowing safety parameters and control characteristics to be changed through software settings. The deconfliction safety software modules can be configured with different parameters to adapt to various laser systems and operational scenarios without requiring hardware changes, thus maintaining reliability while improving adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20250316948A1Laser Deconfliction Technique

Publication Date: 2025.10.09 THE GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AS REPRESENTED BY THE SECRETARY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

AI summary

A software framework is provided for a deconfliction safety to aim in a direction and authorize activation of a laser on a platform. The framework includes: a master inhibit module (MIM) interface, a centralized deconfliction process (CDP) module, a decentralized deconfliction process (DDP) module, a user defined region (UDR) module, and a point-&-lasing cutout (PLCO) module. The MIM interface inhibits authorization of the laser activation. The CDP module avoids aiming the laser in the direction that corresponds to a global environmental hazard. The DDP module avoids aiming the laser in the direction that corresponds to a local hazard on the platform. The UDR module for avoiding aiming the laser in the direction that corresponds to a custom limitation hazard. The PLCO module avoids the direction restricted by the environmental, local and custom hazards.