Laser Hit Detection Using Intensity Modulation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting hits in simulated combat exercises using laser beams struggle to quickly and efficiently differentiate between direct hits and narrow misses, often requiring sensitive sensors or increased laser intensity, which can violate safety regulations or increase complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
Modulating laser beam data with higher intensity pulses allows sensors to detect hits at greater distances from the beam center, using a combination of normal and high-intensity pulses that are part of the standard data transmission, reducing the need for additional time or sensors and maintaining safety compliance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If laser intensity is increased to detect near misses at greater distances, then detection range is improved, but safety regulations are violated
Solution Approach 1:
The data transmission is segmented into two intensity levels: normal intensity pulses for standard data and high-intensity pulses for near miss detection. The high-intensity pulses are transmitted only during specific time windows when near miss detection is needed, while normal intensity is used otherwise, thus extending detection range temporarily without violating continuous safety limits.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser transmitter periodically switches between normal and high intensity modes according to a predetermined pattern. High-intensity pulses are sent in periodic bursts during specific time windows within the data transmission cycle, allowing extended detection range at those moments while maintaining average intensity within safety limits over the complete cycle.
2Measurement precision
If sensor sensitivity is increased to detect lower intensity near misses, then detection capability is improved, but sensor cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of changing sensor parameters, the invention changes the laser transmitter parameter (intensity) temporarily. By transmitting high-intensity pulses during specific time windows, the signal reaches sensors with sufficient intensity to be detected by standard sensors, eliminating the need for high-sensitivity or expensive sensors while maintaining near miss detection capability.
3Measurement precision
If additional data components are transmitted for near miss detection, then detection accuracy is improved, but transmission time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges near miss detection functionality into the existing data transmission protocol. High-intensity pulses carrying near miss information are combined with normal data pulses in the same transmission stream, using the same time windows and modulation scheme. This allows simultaneous transmission of both hit detection data and near miss detection data without increasing total transmission time.
4Measurement precision
If multiple laser sources are used to detect narrow errors, then detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single laser transmitter is designed to perform multiple functions: normal data transmission, near miss detection, and narrow error detection. By using temporal modulation with high-intensity pulses during specific time windows, the same laser source achieves functionality that would traditionally require multiple laser sources, reducing system complexity and cost.
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
This approach enables faster and simpler detection of narrow misses while adhering to safety standards by using existing sensors and maintaining the total intensity within safe limits, reducing the complexity and cost associated with previous solutions.
Implementation Method 1
Data is modulated onto the laser light. This modulation is achieved by changing the intensity, in the simplest case by switching the light on and off. The transmitted data thus appears as light pulses.
Implementation Method 2
The laser light sources typically used exhibit a bell-shaped intensity distribution across their cross-section, with the maximum at the center of the beam.
Implementation Method 3
Participants in the exercises, as well as potential targets, are equipped with sensors that emit a signal upon impact with a laser beam
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~6
AI summary
Für die Simulation von Schusswaffen wird ein Laserstrahl (29) anstatt eines Schusses eingesetzt. Für die Erkennung eines nahen Vorbeischusses wird ein Hochintensitätsteil (17, 18; 42) des Datums (9), das dem Laserstrahl aufgeprägt ist, mit erhöhter Intensität (I2) ausgesendet. Wegen der glockenkurvenförmigen Intensitätsverteilung ist dieser Teil erhöhter Intensität noch in grösserem Abstand von der Strahlmitte von Sensoren (27) detektierbar. Da der Hochintensitätsteil (17, 18; 42) einen integralen Bestandteil der Daten (9) darstellt und damit keine eigene Zeit für die Übertragung benötigt, wird die Erkennung eines nahen Vorbeischusses in der gleichen Zeitspanne wie die Erkennung eines Treffers möglich. Durch die Ausnutzung der glockenkurvenförmigen Intensitätsverteilung erfolgt die Erkennung durch Sensoren (27) mit der gleichen Intensitätsschwelle (Ic) wie für das Erkennen eines vollständigen Datums (9) im Falle eines Treffers.