Laser Communication System for Non-Line-of-Sight Targeting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for communicating spatial references in urban warfare environments are often ambiguous, inaccurate, and slow, leading to communication delays and increased casualties due to the limitations of radio frequency communication in complex urban settings.
Innovation Solution
A laser communication and spatial referencing system that uses a synchronized laser transmitter and receiver to encode and decode binary data, enabling fast and reliable non-line-of-sight communication for accurate target identification and coordination of fire support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional RF communication methods are used in urban warfare, then communication can be established, but communication accuracy and speed deteriorate due to blockages and interference from urban infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces RF electromagnetic wave communication with laser beam communication. The laser transmitter emits laser beams that reflect off targeted structures, and the receiver detects these reflected beams to determine precise spatial coordinates. This optical communication method substitutes the mechanical/electromagnetic RF system, providing line-of-sight penetration through urban infrastructure blockages and eliminating radio frequency interference issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces laser beams as an intermediary carrier for spatial information transmission. Instead of direct RF communication between soldier and command, the laser beam serves as a mediator that carries targeting data through the urban environment, reflecting off structures to convey precise location information without being blocked by infrastructure.
2Loss of information
If verbal instructions are transmitted over RF communication, then target information can be communicated, but communication accuracy deteriorates due to noise and garbled transmissions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces verbal RF communication with optical laser communication. The laser transmitter encodes spatial coordinates and target information into laser beam parameters (intensity, frequency, or temporal patterns), which are then detected by the receiver with high precision. This eliminates voice transmission vulnerabilities to gunfire noise and radio interference, providing error-free information transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an optical copy of spatial information through laser transmission. The precise coordinates and target data are encoded into the laser beam's optical properties, creating a faithful replica of the spatial reference information that can be transmitted without degradation, unlike verbal communications that suffer from noise and distortion.
3Measurement precision
If iterative communication procedures are used to confirm target positions, then accuracy can be improved, but engagement time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary spatial measurement and confirmation through the laser ranging process. The laser transmitter emits beams that automatically measure distance and reflect off targeted structures, providing immediate spatial coordinates without requiring iterative verbal confirmation. The receiver directly calculates position from the laser return, eliminating the need for repeated communication cycles to verify target accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces iterative verbal confirmation procedures with direct laser-based spatial measurement. The optical system automatically determines precise target coordinates through laser ranging and reflection detection, providing immediate accuracy verification without the time-consuming back-and-forth communication required by conventional methods.
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 system allows for rapid and accurate communication of target coordinates, reducing engagement time and eliminating iterative communication procedures, thereby enhancing mission success and reducing casualties.
Implementation Method 1
a laser beam modulator encoding binary data in the laser beam at a modulation rate synchronized to the first internal clock
Implementation Method 2
a sensor coupled to the second clock for detecting radiation from the laser beam reflecting off a reflective target
Data Source
AI summary
A laser communication and spatial referencing system and related methods provides effective and secure non-line-of-sight communications. A laser communication and spatial referencing system includes a laser transmitter transmitting a pulsed laser beam encoded with binary communications data, and an imaging data receiver for receiving the pulsed laser beam reflecting off a reflective target. The imaging receiver decodes the binary communications data and determines the position of the laser beam. The laser communication and spatial referencing system may operate synchronously and/or asynchronously, and may include a display displaying a video image of area surrounding the target with the reflecting location superimposed on the image to provide visual identification of the target.