U.S. patent application number 11/538995 was filed with the patent office on 2008-04-10 for system, method, and apparatus for countering improvised explosive devices (ied).
Invention is credited to Tony S. Chang, Ronald L. Wilson.
Application Number | 20080083320 11/538995 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39274028 |
Filed Date | 2008-04-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080083320 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Chang; Tony S. ; et
al. |
April 10, 2008 |
System, Method, and Apparatus for Countering Improvised Explosive
Devices (IED)
Abstract
A platform for countering terrorist devices improvised explosive
devices (IEDs) that are detonated by infrared (IR) signals is used
to prematurely trigger the IEDs, and scan geographic areas from
covert positions to detect the planting of IEDs regardless of the
fusing method. An unmanned scansorial vehicle equipped with an IR
emulator can trigger IEDs to detonate as the terrorists plant them.
In addition, the surveillance capabilities of the scansorial
vehicles are used to identify insurgents that plant IEDs.
Inventors: |
Chang; Tony S.; (Arlington,
TX) ; Wilson; Ronald L.; (Fort Worth, TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BRACEWELL & GIULIANI LLP
P.O. BOX 61389
HOUSTON
TX
77208-1389
US
|
Family ID: |
39274028 |
Appl. No.: |
11/538995 |
Filed: |
October 5, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
89/1.13 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04K 3/42 20130101; F42D
5/04 20130101; F41H 11/16 20130101; F41H 13/0075 20130101; H04K
2203/34 20130101; H04K 3/92 20130101; F42B 33/06 20130101; H04K
3/65 20130101; F42C 15/42 20130101; H04K 3/45 20130101; F42D 5/02
20130101; H04K 2203/24 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
89/1.13 |
International
Class: |
F41F 5/00 20060101
F41F005/00 |
Claims
1. A system for countering improvised explosive devices (IEDs),
comprising: an unmanned scansorial vehicle for providing
surveillance by scanning a geographic area from a covert position
to detect IEDs, the unmanned scansorial vehicle being automated and
mobile to travel through the geographic area; and an emulator for
emitting communications signals to prematurely detonate IEDs, the
emulator being equipped to cycle through and repeat a range of the
communications signals to detonate IEDs at different
frequencies.
2. A system according to claim 1, wherein the communications
signals comprise beams that detonate IEDs regardless of a fusing
method of the IEDs, including IR, RF, wire, and timer.
3. A system according to claim 1, wherein the IEDs and the emulator
operate with IR communications signals.
4. A system according to claim 1, wherein the wherein the unmanned
scansorial vehicle records and provides visual images of activity
in the geographic area.
5. A system according to claim 1, wherein the wherein the unmanned
scansorial vehicle is camouflaged.
6. A system according to claim 5, wherein the unmanned scansorial
vehicle resembles power line and telecommunications equipment.
7. A system according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of
unmanned scansorial vehicles deployed throughout the geographic
area, each of which is provided electrical power and
telecommunications capabilities from a system of transmission
towers having electrical power lines and a telecommunications
network.
8. A system according to claim 7, wherein at least some of the
plurality of unmanned scansorial vehicles are mobilized to move
among the transmission towers along the electrical power lines and
the telecommunications network.
9. A system according to claim 7, wherein at least some of the
plurality of unmanned scansorial vehicles are human-deployable,
non-climbing derivative devices, and other ones of the plurality of
unmanned scansorial vehicles are placed on unmanned aerial vehicles
(UAV).
10. A system for countering improvised explosive devices (IEDs)
detonated by infrared (IR) signals, comprising: a plurality of
unmanned scansorial vehicles for providing surveillance by scanning
a geographic area from covert positions to detect IEDs, the
unmanned scansorial vehicles being automated and mobile to travel
through the geographic area, and each of the unmanned scansorial
vehicles adapted to be provided with electrical power and
telecommunications capabilities from a system of transmission
towers having electrical power lines and a telecommunications
network; and an emulator for each of the unmanned scansorial
vehicles, and each emulator emitting IR communications signals to
prematurely detonate IEDs, the emulators being equipped to cycle
through and repeat a range of the IR communications signals to
detonate IEDs at different frequencies.
11. A system according to claim 10, wherein the unmanned scansorial
vehicles record and provide visual images of activity in the
geographic area.
12. A system according to claim 10, wherein the unmanned scansorial
vehicles are camouflaged.
13. A system according to claim 10, wherein the unmanned scansorial
vehicles are configured to resemble power line equipment and common
urban area artifacts.
14. A system according to claim 10, wherein at least some of the
plurality of unmanned scansorial vehicles are mobilized to move
among the transmission towers along the electrical power lines and
the telecommunications network.
15. A system according to claim 10, wherein at least some of the
plurality of unmanned scansorial vehicles are human-deployable,
non-climbing derivative devices, and other ones of the plurality of
unmanned scansorial vehicles are placed on unmanned aerial vehicles
(UAV).
16. A method of countering improvised explosive devices (IEDs)
detonated by infrared (IR) signals, comprising: (a) providing
unmanned scansorial vehicles that are automated, mobile, and
equipped with emulators for emitting IR communications signals; (b)
deploying the unmanned scansorial vehicles in covert positions in a
geographic area, the unmanned scansorial vehicles periodically
relocating throughout the geographic area via a system of
transmission towers having electrical power lines and a
telecommunications network; (c) surveying the geographic area with
the unmanned scansorial vehicles to detect IEDs; (d) providing the
unmanned scansorial vehicles with electrical power and
telecommunications capabilities from the system of transmission
towers having electrical power lines and a telecommunications
network; (e) cycling the emulators through and repeating a range of
the IR communications signals to operate at different frequencies;
and (f) emitting IR communications signals with the emulators to
prematurely detonate IEDs.
17. A method according to claim 16, wherein step (c) comprises
records and providing visual images of activity in the geographic
area with the unmanned scansorial vehicles.
18. A method according to claim 16, further comprising camouflaging
the unmanned scansorial vehicles to resemble power line equipment
and common urban area artifacts, and mobilizing at least some of
the unmanned scansorial vehicles to move among the transmission
towers along the electrical power lines and the telecommunications
network.
19. A method according to claim 16, wherein at least some of the
unmanned scansorial vehicles are human-deployed, non-climbing
derivative devices, and other ones of the unmanned scansorial
vehicles are airborne on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV).
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Technical Field
[0002] The present invention relates in general to
counter-terrorism systems and, in particular, to an improved
system, method, and apparatus for countering terrorist devices such
as improvised explosive devices that are detonated by infrared (IR)
signals.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] An improvised explosive device (IED) is a "homemade" device
that is designed to cause death or injury by using explosives alone
or in combination with toxic chemicals, biological toxins, or
radiological material. IEDs can be produced in varying sizes,
functioning methods, containers, and delivery methods. IEDs can
utilize commercial or military explosives, homemade explosives, or
military ordnance and ordnance components.
[0005] IEDs are unique in nature because the IED builder typically
improvises with the materials at hand. Designed to defeat a
specific target or type of target, they generally become more
difficult to detect and protect against as they become more
sophisticated. IEDs fall into three types of categories:
package-type, vehicle-borne, or suicide bomb. Although IEDs can
vary widely in shape and form, IEDs share a common set of
components and comprise the following: an initiation system or
fuse, explosive fill, a detonator, a power supply for the
detonator, and a container. One example of an IED 11 is illustrated
in FIG. 1, along with a remote detonation device 13 (e.g., a
television remote control) for emitting a communications signal 15
to IED 11 is shown.
[0006] Terrorists use IEDs to kill soldiers and civilians in Iraq
and elsewhere. Current counter-measures for such devices typically
use radio frequency (RF) jamming against wireless RF transmissions
that are used to detonate the bombs. However, insurgents have
adapted their methods to use infrared (IR) techniques that cannot
be easily jammed by such methods.
[0007] When IEDs are found in an undetonated state they are
typically disarmed by bomb squads of personnel. Unfortunately, the
IEDs often detonate before they can be found or disarmed. As
described above, one option is to jam the RF signal for cell
phone-attached IEDs, but the use of IR devices by terrorists can
overcome RF jamming. It is difficult to jam IR since a direct
line-of-sight with the IED is required between the jammer and the
IED. Also, IR devices have shorter range than RF devices. Thus, an
improved solution for overcoming these problems would be
desirable.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] One embodiment of a system, method, and apparatus for
countering terrorist devices such as IEDs that are detonated by
infrared (IR) signals comprises a platform that provides (1) a
method of countering IR-triggered IEDs, and (2) a means of scanning
a geographic area from a covert position to detect the planting of
IEDs regardless of the fusing method (e.g., IR, RF, wire, timer,
etc.).
[0009] In one embodiment, an unmanned scansorial vehicle is used
for surveillance. An IR emulation device or emulator is housed in
the vehicle and generates signals (e.g., beams, etc.) that can
trigger IEDs to detonate as the terrorists plant them. Also,
through the surveillance capabilities of the scansorial vehicles,
the insurgents that planted a device can be detected by camera
recordings and playbacks, once a device is found and/or has been
detonated. To enhance covertness, the scansorial vehicles may be
camouflaged to look like power line equipment or, if on the ground,
common urban area artifacts such as fences, trash cans, etc.
[0010] Multiple surveillance vehicles such as the scansorial units
may be placed around suspected areas to provide better coverage.
Also, the covert deployment of the vehicles will not tip off the
terrorists from avoiding the area, and the vehicle can be operated
for long periods of time using power from the urban power
lines.
[0011] In other embodiments, the mobility of the vehicle is
improved to move along transmission towers, e.g., from pole to pole
along the wires. Also, to increase coverage and save cost, the
invention may be augmented with human-deployable, non-climbing
derivative devices such as automobiles, motorcycles, unmanned
ground vehicles, etc. Other types of IR emulators may be placed on
small, low-flying unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), though the
viewing angle of such a vehicle may not be as optimal as a
scansorial vehicle.
[0012] The foregoing and other objects and advantages of the
present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art, in
view of the following detailed description of the present
invention, taken in conjunction with the appended claims and the
accompanying drawings. dr
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] So that the manner in which the features and advantages of
the present invention, which will become apparent, are attained and
can be understood in more detail, more particular description of
the invention briefly summarized above may be had by reference to
the embodiments thereof that are illustrated in the appended
drawings which form a part of this specification. It is to be
noted, however, that the drawings illustrate only some embodiments
of the invention and therefore are not to be considered limiting of
its scope as the invention may admit to other equally effective
embodiments.
[0014] FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing of an improvised explosive
device and trigger device;
[0015] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of one embodiment of a unmanned
scansorial vehicle deployed on an electrical and communications
transmission tower and is constructed in accordance with the
present invention;
[0016] FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the unmanned scansorial
vehicle of FIG. 2;
[0017] FIG. 4a is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a system
of countering IEDs constructed in accordance with the present
invention;
[0018] FIG. 4b is an enlarged schematic diagram of a portion of
FIG. 4a and depicts one embodiment of a system of countering IEDs
constructed in accordance with the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a
system of countering IEDs constructed in accordance with the
present invention; and
[0020] FIG. 6 is a high level flow diagram of one embodiment of a
method of countering IEDs constructed in accordance with the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0021] Referring to FIGS. 2-4, one embodiment of system, method,
and apparatus for countering terrorist devices is shown. The
invention is well suited for detecting and prematurely detonating
improvised explosive devices (IEDs) that operate on, for example,
infrared (IR) communications signals. The invention is equally well
suited for engaging and destroying other types of IEDs that operate
on radio frequency (RF) and other signals and types of fuses (e.g.,
wire, timer, etc.).
[0022] In one embodiment, a plurality of unmanned scansorial
vehicles 21 provides surveillance of IEDs and suspected terrorists,
insurgents, and the like, by scanning a geographic area from covert
positions. The vehicles 21 detect IEDs and are automated and mobile
(e.g., robotic) to travel through and relocate in the geographic
area. The vehicles 21 are provided with electrical power and
telecommunications capabilities via, e.g., their own independent
on-board systems 27, 29, or from a system of transmission towers 31
having electrical power lines 33 and a telecommunications network
35.
[0023] In one embodiment, the vehicles 21 are parasitic, such that
power lines 33 provide a source of power, and telecommunications
network 35 provides communications links. The vehicles 21 are
mobilized (e.g., ascend, descend, transfer) to move among the
transmission towers 31 along the electrical power lines 33 and the
telecommunications network 35. The location of and transmissions
from vehicles 21 may be monitored from airborne or orbiting sources
37.
[0024] An emulator 41 is provided with and housed in each of the
unmanned scansorial vehicles 21. The emulators 41 emit IR or other
types of communications signals to prematurely detonate IEDs. The
emulators 41 are programmed and equipped to cycle through and
repeat a range of the IR communications signals and code sets to
detonate IEDs at different frequencies.
[0025] In one embodiment, the unmanned scansorial vehicles 21 have
visual recording and transmission equipment 43 to record and
provide visual images of activity in the geographic area. Such
information may be transmitted wirelessly or through the
telecommunications network 35. The unmanned scansorial vehicles 21
may be camouflaged or configured to resemble power line equipment,
or other common urban area artifacts such as fences, trash cans,
etc.
[0026] In one embodiment, at least some of the unmanned scansorial
vehicles 21 are human-deployable, non-climbing derivative devices
45 (FIG. 4b). As shown in FIG. 5, other types of the scansorial
equipment are placed on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) 51 that are
capable of independent flight, surveillance, reconnaissance, and
detonation of IEDs. Such vehicles may utilize towers 31 as
described above, or work in conjunction with a mobile nest 53 that
operates in a similar manner as vehicle 21. The mobile nest 53
itself may climb towers, engage power and communications, and
assist the UAV in take off and landing operations. Power may be
supplied (e.g., leeched) directly from an urban power grid when the
UAV 51 is perched. The UAV 51 can also selectively hibernate such
as, e.g., during a black out of the power grid.
[0027] Referring now to FIG. 6, another embodiment of the invention
comprises a method of countering IEDs. The method may utilize any
of the above referenced components, such as IR signal
communications. One embodiment of the method begins as indicated at
step 61, and comprises providing unmanned scansorial vehicles that
are automated, mobile, and equipped with emulators for emitting IR
communications signals (step 63); deploying the unmanned scansorial
vehicles in covert positions in a geographic area, the unmanned
scansorial vehicles periodically relocating throughout the
geographic area via a system of transmission towers having
electrical power lines and a telecommunications network (step 65);
surveying the geographic area with the unmanned scansorial vehicles
to detect IEDs (step 67); providing the unmanned scansorial
vehicles with electrical power and telecommunications capabilities
from the system of transmission towers having electrical power
lines and a telecommunications network (step 69); cycling the
emulators through and repeating a range of the IR communications
signals to operate at different frequencies (step 71); emitting IR
communications signals with the emulators to prematurely detonate
IEDs (step 73); before ending as indicated at step 75.
[0028] In another embodiment, the step 67 of the method may
comprise recording and providing visual images of activity in the
geographic area with the unmanned scansorial vehicles. The method
may further comprise camouflaging the unmanned scansorial vehicles
to resemble power line equipment and common urban area artifacts,
and mobilizing at least some of the unmanned scansorial vehicles to
move among the transmission towers along the electrical power lines
and the telecommunications network. In addition, the method may
comprise configuring at least some of the unmanned scansorial
vehicles are human-deployed, non-climbing derivative devices, and
other ones of the unmanned scansorial vehicles are airborne on
unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV).
[0029] While the invention has been shown or described in only some
of its forms, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art
that it is not so limited, but is susceptible to various changes
without departing from the scope of the invention.
* * * * *