Optronic Countermeasure System Optical Communication Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laser-based countermeasure systems are often idle and lack efficient applications for high-bandwidth communication, requiring accurate positioning and separate components for countermeasures and communication, which limits their functionality and versatility.
Innovation Solution
An optronic system for a countermeasure unit that integrates a laser beam source, detector, modulation unit, and control unit to enable optical communication with other terminals, allowing for continuous communication links without re-establishment and simultaneous countermeasure operations, using modulation formats and wavelengths that are unreconnaissable to third parties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate countermeasure unit is used for jamming/dazzling operations, then countermeasure effectiveness is improved, but communication functionality is lost and system versatility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The laser beam source is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate in countermeasure mode (jamming/dazzling) and in communication mode (optical data transmission). The control unit switches between these modes based on operational requirements, allowing a single system to replace both dedicated countermeasure units and communication systems, thereby improving versatility without sacrificing countermeasure effectiveness
2Reliability
If accurate positioning is used to maintain communication link, then communication reliability is improved, but system complexity and positioning requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The detector continuously monitors the incoming optical signal to detect communication presence and quality. This feedback information is fed to the control unit, which adjusts the laser beam direction and modulation parameters in real-time to maintain optimal communication link, eliminating the need for complex external positioning systems while ensuring communication reliability
3Use of energy by moving object
If the laser beam source operates in idle mode, then energy consumption is reduced, but available bandwidth for communication is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches the laser beam source between idle/low-power mode and active communication mode based on detected communication requirements. When an incoming communication signal is detected, the control unit activates the laser beam source with appropriate modulation to establish bidirectional optical communication, maximizing bandwidth utilization only when needed and minimizing energy consumption during idle periods
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 high-bandwidth communication and countermeasure capabilities in a single, integrated system, maintaining communication links without re-establishment and allowing for simultaneous countermeasure operations, enhancing system integration and survivability in dynamic scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
a laser beam source (12) and a directing device (14) for a laser beam (15) of the laser beam source (12)
Implementation Method 2
a detector (110) configured to detect an incoming communication in an incoming signal (25)
Implementation Method 3
a modulation unit (120) configured to demodulate the incoming signal (25) or to cause a modulation of an outgoing laser beam (15)
Data Source
AI summary
An optronic system (100) for a countermeasure unit (10) to optically communicate with another communication terminal is disclosed. The countermeasure unit (10) comprises a laser beam source (12) and a directing device (14) for a laser beam (15) of the laser beam source (12) and is configured to dazzle or to jam an object of threat (50). The optronic system (100) comprising: a detector (110), a modulation unit (120), and a control unit (130). The detector (110) is configured to detect an incoming communication in an incoming signal (25). The modulation unit (120) is configured to demodulate the incoming signal (25) or cause a modulation of an outgoing laser beam (15). The control unit (130) is configured, in response to the detected incoming communication, to control the modulation unit (120) to demodulate the incoming signal (25) or to modulate the outgoing laser beam (15) to enable an optical communication via the laser beam source (12) of the countermeasure unit (10).