Imaging Semi-Active Laser System Targeting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Semi-active laser systems (SAL) are limited in their ability to image targets due to the lack of synchronization between laser signal transmission and reception, which restricts their use in applications requiring precise target identification and tracking, and they often rely on quad cell detectors that are insufficient for accurate targeting.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that enable imaging in SAL systems by receiving a target designation from a laser source off-board, homing onto the target, and aiming the platform using a controller and flight control mechanism, incorporating a flash detector array and automatic target recognition (ATR) to process and guide the weapon to a specific aim point on the target.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a quad cell detector is used in SAL systems, then the system structure is simple, but the targeting precision and imaging capability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The detector array is divided into multiple detector elements arranged in a grid, where each detector element can independently detect the laser designation signal. This segmentation allows the system to achieve imaging capability by determining the position of the laser spot across the detector array, thereby improving targeting precision while maintaining relative structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from detecting only the intensity of the laser signal (one-dimensional detection with quad cell detectors) to detecting both the intensity and spatial position of the laser spot across the detector array (two-dimensional detection). This dimensional change enables imaging capability and precise target location without requiring complex active scanning systems.
2Measurement precision
If SAL systems are used without synchronization, then the system is simpler and can be guided to maintain receipt, but absolute range determination is impossible and imaging capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach by using the relative positions of multiple detector elements to determine range information. Instead of requiring direct synchronization or active scanning, the system uses the spatial distribution of detected signal intensity across the detector array as an intermediary to infer both target position and relative range, enabling imaging capability without complex synchronization mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If active LADAR systems are used, then imaging and ATR capabilities are achieved, but the system is destroyed when the weapon is destroyed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the imaging and ATR capabilities from the active laser transmission system by using a semi-active approach where the laser source is external to the weapon system. The weapon system only contains the receiver array, which can detect and process the reflected laser designation signals. This separation means that if the weapon is destroyed, the imaging and ATR capabilities remain intact and can be reused, significantly improving system reliability and adaptability.
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 accurate imaging and targeting of SAL systems, allowing for precise guidance and improved ATR capabilities, overcoming the limitations of conventional SAL systems by using relative range determination and ATR to center the target designation on the detector array, enhancing the system's ability to engage targets effectively.
Implementation Method 1
LADAR systems transmit laser beams and receive reflections from targets
Implementation Method 2
flash detector array to detect the reflected laser designation signal
Implementation Method 3
laser source off-board the platform from which the reflection is detected
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus image a target in a SAL system. The method includes receiving on-board a platform a target designation originating from a laser source off-board the platform; homing the platform on a target responsive to the received target designation; imaging the target from the target designation; and aiming the platform at a point on the target selected from the image. The apparatus includes a receiver capable of receiving and imaging a target designation originating from a laser source off-board the apparatus; at least one flight control mechanism; and a controller. The controller is capable of processing a received target designation and issuing navigation control guidance commands to the flight control mechanism to: home the apparatus on a target responsive to a received target designation; and aim the apparatus at a point on the target selected from the image of the target.