Laser Weapon Spatial Filtering for Process-Light Target Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laser weapon systems face challenges in maintaining accurate target tracking due to process light from high-energy laser irradiation overpowering tracking sensors, leading to obscured images and reduced field of view, and existing solutions like illumination lasers add complexity and are susceptible to countermeasures.
Innovation Solution
A laser weapon system that uses spatial filtering to dim process light without additional illumination, employing optical filters and devices like spatial filter elements, light modulators, and self-tinting elements to block process light, allowing precise target tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an illumination laser is used to irradiate the target with intense monochromatic light, then target tracking is enabled, but system complexity and weight increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential function of target illumination by using the laser beam itself rather than adding a separate illumination laser. The sensing device captures both the laser beam and reflected ambient light, eliminating the need for additional illumination equipment while maintaining tracking capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser beam serves dual functions: it acts as both the weapon irradiation source and the illumination source for target tracking. The sensing device is designed to detect both the laser beam and reflected ambient light, making the system more versatile and reducing overall complexity.
2Measurement precision
If an illumination laser is used for target tracking, then tracking is enabled, but the field of view is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using spatial filtering to selectively block only the laser beam region while preserving the rest of the field of view. The filter device creates a localized obstruction pattern that allows ambient light from the entire field to reach the sensor while preventing laser beam saturation.
3Measurement precision
If spectral filtering with narrow color filters is used to separate illumination reflection, then tracking is enabled, but safety standards for eye safety complicate testing and use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex spectral filtering mechanisms with a simpler spatial filtering approach using a filter device that blocks the laser beam region geometrically. This mechanical/spatial solution is easier to implement and test against safety standards compared to complex optical spectral filters.
4Measurement precision
If materials absorbent in the specific wavelength of the illumination laser are used, then tracking effectiveness is improved, but the field of view is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical path by using a filter device that creates distinct regions: one that blocks the laser beam wavelength and another that allows ambient light wavelengths to pass through. This segmentation enables selective blocking of only the harmful laser region while preserving the entire field of view for ambient light detection.
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
Enables precise target tracking and reduced system complexity by blocking process light, maintaining sensor clarity and reducing the need for additional illumination, thus enhancing the effectiveness and compactness of the laser weapon.
Implementation Method 1
the sensing device comprises a filter device which is configured to dim a process light caused by the active laser beam on the target object
Data Source
AI summary
A laser weapon including a laser alignment device configured to align an active laser beam for irradiating a target object, a sensing device configured to sense optical radiation reflected from the target object, and a control device connected to the laser alignment device and the sensing device, and configured to determine a position of the target object by the reflected optical radiation and to control the laser alignment device based on the determined position of the target object, wherein the sensing device has a filter device configured to dim a process light caused by the active laser beam on the target object.