U.S. patent application number 11/317484 was filed with the patent office on 2008-06-12 for forced premature detonation of improvised explosive devices via radiated electromagnetic energy.
Invention is credited to Stuart Owen Goldman, Richard E. Krock, Karl F. Rauscher, James Philip Runyon.
Application Number | 20080134869 11/317484 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39496443 |
Filed Date | 2008-06-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080134869 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Goldman; Stuart Owen ; et
al. |
June 12, 2008 |
Forced premature detonation of improvised explosive devices via
radiated electromagnetic energy
Abstract
An Improvised Explosive Device (IED) defense system is described
that forces premature detonation of IEDs by radiated
electromagnetic energy signals. Embodiments of the invention
provide for radiating electromagnetic energy signals from a
stationary or mobile platform to a stationary or mobile area
defining an "IED detonation zone." IEDs within the IED detonation
zone that are triggered by electromagnetic energy sources will
receive the radiated electromagnetic energy signals, thereby
forcing premature detonation of IEDs in the detonation zone.
Inventors: |
Goldman; Stuart Owen;
(Scottsdale, AZ) ; Krock; Richard E.; (Naperville,
IL) ; Rauscher; Karl F.; (Emmaus, PA) ;
Runyon; James Philip; (DuPage, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Lucent Technologies Inc.;Docket Administrator
Room 3J-219, 101 Crawfords Corner Road
Holmdel
NJ
07733-3030
US
|
Family ID: |
39496443 |
Appl. No.: |
11/317484 |
Filed: |
December 22, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
89/1.13 ;
102/402 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F42D 5/04 20130101; H04K
2203/14 20130101; H04K 3/65 20130101; H04K 3/68 20130101; F41H
13/0075 20130101; H04K 2203/34 20130101; F41H 13/005 20130101; H04K
3/62 20130101; H04K 3/92 20130101; H04K 2203/24 20130101; F41H
11/32 20130101; F41H 11/12 20130101; H04K 3/43 20130101; F41H
13/0068 20130101; F41H 13/0043 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
89/1.13 ;
102/402 |
International
Class: |
F41F 5/00 20060101
F41F005/00 |
Claims
1. An IED defense system for forcing premature detonation of IEDs
having a triggering mechanism responsive to electromagnetic energy
signals, the IED defense system comprising: one or more directed
electromagnetic energy platforms including energy transmitters for
radiating electromagnetic energy signals; and one or more
controllers for activating the platforms to radiate electromagnetic
energy signals within a zone defining an IED detonation zone,
thereby forcing premature detonation of IEDs having a triggering
mechanism responsive to electromagnetic energy signals within the
IED detonation zone.
2. The IED defense system of claim 1, wherein one or more of the
platforms are adapted to radiate electromagnetic energy signals
defining high intensity light beams.
3. The IED defense system of claim 1, wherein one or more of the
platforms are adapted to radiate electromagnetic energy signals
defining light beams arranged in a geographic pattern simulating
vehicle headlights.
4. The IED defense system of claim 1, wherein one or more of the
platforms are adapted to radiate electromagnetic energy signals
defining infrared energy signals.
5. The IED defense system of claim 1, further comprising one or
more reflectors adapted to receive and reflect the electromagnetic
energy signals radiated within the IED detonation zone.
6. The IED defense system of claim 1, wherein one or more of the
platforms define stationary platforms adapted to radiate
electromagnetic energy signals within a geographic zone defining a
stationary IED detonation zone.
7-10. (canceled)
11. The IED defense system of claim 1, wherein the one or more
controllers include a system controller for activating a plurality
of platforms to radiate electromagnetic energy signals within the
IED detonation zone.
12. The IED defense system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the
one or more controllers defines an independent controllers for
independently activating a corresponding at least one platform to
radiate electromagnetic energy signals within the IED detonation
zone.
13. (canceled)
14. A method for implementing an IED defense system comprising:
deploying one or more stationary platforms about a designated
geographic area defining a stationary IED detonation zone, the
stationary platforms including energy transmitters for radiating
electromagnetic energy signals within the stationary IED detonation
zone; and activating the platforms to radiate electromagnetic
energy signals within the stationary IED detonation zone, thereby
forcing premature detonation of IEDs having a triggering mechanism
responsive to electromagnetic energy signals within the stationary
IED detonation zone.
15. The method of claim 14, further comprising: deploying one or
more stationary reflectors adapted to receive and reflect the
electromagnetic energy signals radiated within the stationary IED
detonation zone.
16-17. (canceled)
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is related to U.S. Patent Application Ser.
No. [Goldman 29], titled "Forced Premature Detonation of Improvised
Explosive Devices via Heavy Vibration," Ser. No. [Goldman 30],
titled "Forced Premature Detonation of Improvised Explosive Devices
via Laser Energy," Ser. No. [Goldman 31], titled "Forced Premature
Detonation of Improvised Explosive Devices via Chemical Substances"
and Ser. No. [Goldman 33], titled "Forced Premature Detonation of
Improvised Explosive Devices via Noise Print Simulation," each
filed concurrently with the present application and assigned to the
assignee of the present invention.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates generally to counter-terrorism
methods and devices and, more particularly, to methods and devices
for triggering premature detonation of Improvised Explosive Devices
(IEDs) utilizing radiated electromagnetic energy.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] An Improvised Explosive Device (IED) is an explosive device
that is cobbled together (or "improvised") for example, from
commercial or military explosives, homemade explosives, military
ordnance and/or ordnance components, typically by terrorists,
guerrillas or commando forces for use in unconventional warfare.
IEDs may be implemented for the purpose of causing death or injury
to civilian or military personnel, to destroy or incapacitate
structural targets or simply to harass or distract an opponent.
IEDs may comprise conventional high-explosive charges alone or in
combination with toxic chemicals, biological agents or nuclear
material. IEDs may be physically placed at or near a pre-determined
target or carried by person or vehicle toward a predetermined
target or target of opportunity.
[0004] As will be appreciated, the design of construction of an IED
and the manner and tactics for which a terrorist may employ an IED
may vary depending on the available materials and sophistication of
the designer. As such, a variety of different triggering mechanisms
could be used to trigger detonation of IEDs. It is contemplated
that certain IEDs, either by design or by nature of the triggering
mechanism, may detonate responsive to exposure to radiated
electromagnetic energy of a certain type or characteristic. For
example and without limitation, electromagnetic energy sources such
as high-intensity light beams or infrared energy could be used to
trigger detonation of IEDs. It is a concern that these tactics can
be used to trigger bombings against civilian and military targets
throughout the world. Accordingly, there is a need for
precautionary measures to respond to this threat.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention provides systems and methods for
guarding against electromagnetic-energy-triggered IEDs by forcing
premature detonation of the IED at a safe distance from a
prospective target, thereby reducing the effectiveness of the IED.
Embodiments of the invention provide for radiating electromagnetic
energy signals (e.g., high-intensity light beams or infrared
energy) from a stationary or mobile platform (hereinafter "Directed
Electromagnetic Energy Platform (DEEP)) to a stationary or mobile
area defining an "IED detonation zone." IEDs within the IED
detonation zone that are triggered by electromagnetic energy
sources will receive the radiated electromagnetic energy signals,
thereby forcing premature detonation of IEDs in the detonation
zone.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] The foregoing and other advantages of the invention will
become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and
upon reference to the drawings in which:
[0007] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an IED defense system including
one or more Directed Electromagnetic Energy Platforms (DEEPs)
according to embodiments of the invention;
[0008] FIG. 2 illustrates a manner of deploying DEEPs and
reflectors about a stationary target area defining a stationary IED
detonation zone;
[0009] FIG. 3 illustrates a manner of deploying DEEPs and
reflectors about a mobile target area defining a mobile IED
detonation zone; and
[0010] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a method for implementing an IED
defense system using mobile or stationary DEEPs to force premature
detonation of IEDs within an IED detonation zone.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)
[0011] FIG. 1 shows by way of example and not limitation, an IED
defense system 100 for guarding against
electromagnetic-energy-triggered IEDs. A system controller 102
controls and coordinates operation of one or more Directed
Electromagnetic Energy Platforms 104 (DEEP.sub.1 . . . DEEP.sub.n).
The DEEPs 104 operate responsive to activation by the system
controller to radiate electromagnetic energy signals defining
respective beam patterns 106 (P.sub.1 . . . P.sub.n) within an IED
detonation zone 108. In one embodiment, the beam patterns 106
operate individually or collectively to create electromagnetic
energy coverage at multiple angles, sweeping horizontal and
vertical paths so as to cause detonation of IEDs triggered by
electromagnetic energy sources within the IED detonation zone.
Optionally, reflectors 110 may be employed to receive and reflect
the beam patterns and thereby enhance electromagnetic energy
coverage within the IED detonation zone.
[0012] The system controller 102 includes a processor 112 and
memory 114 for controlling the operation of DEEPs within the IED
defense system 100. In one embodiment, the processor executes
software routines for managing operation of the various DEEPs,
including, for example and not limitation, activating and
deactivating the DEEPs and controlling intensity and/or direction
of the beam patterns 106. The memory stores software routines for
controlling the DEEPs and information relating to the identity,
characteristics and location of the various DEEPs in the IED
defense system. Alternatively or additionally, the system
controller may 102 operate responsive to manual input from a human
operator (not shown). As will be appreciated, the system controller
102 is a functional element that may reside in a single device or
may be distributed among multiple devices and multiple locations.
For example and without limitation, the system controller
functionality may reside in a centralized platform; or controller
functionality may reside in individual DEEPs to allow for
independent operation of the DEEPs.
[0013] As shown, the system controller includes a transceiver 116
for communicating with the DEEPs 104 via wireless resources 118.
The DEEPs 104 similarly include transceivers 116 for communicating
with the system controller, or with each other, via wireless
resources 118. As will be appreciated, the wireless transceivers
may be eliminated, for example, in embodiments where controller
functionality resides within the DEEP. The wireless resources 118,
where applicable, may comprise narrowband frequency modulated
channels, wideband modulated signals, broadband modulated signals,
time division modulated slots, carrier frequencies, frequency pairs
or generally any medium for communicating information to or from
the DEEPs. The wireless resources may implement air interface
technologies including but not limited to, CDMA, TDMA, GSM, UMTS or
IEEE 802.11.
[0014] The DEEPs 104 execute control logic 120 responsive to
instructions from the system controller 102 (or where applicable,
from its own resident controller) to activate respective drivers
122 for driving respective electromagnetic energy transmitters 124.
Responsive to the control logic and drivers, the electromagnetic
energy transmitters radiate electromagnetic energy signals defining
respective beam patterns 106 (P.sub.1 . . . P.sub.n) within the IED
detonation zone 108. As will be appreciated, the nature and type of
the transmitters may be selected to produce one or more
characteristic type(s) of electromagnetic energy signals and
yielding corresponding pattern(s) that are believed to trigger
detonation of IEDS. In one embodiment, the electromagnetic energy
signals comprise high intensity light beams. In another embodiment,
the electromagnetic energy signals comprise infrared energy
signals. In yet another embodiment, the transmitters of one or more
DEEPs are arranged in a geometric configuration to produce a
particular signature pattern. For example, in an embodiment where
the electromagnetic energy signals comprise high intensity light
beams, the light beams may be arranged in a geographic
configuration to simulate the headlights of a target vehicle (e.g.,
military truck).
[0015] Generally, it is contemplated that virtually any type of
electromagnetic energy signals may be employed and at varying
intensity, frequencies or the like to produce a desired
characteristic pattern. Further, the physical location and/or
direction of the transmitters may be varied to produce beam
patterns at multiple angles and directions or to sweep different
paths, individually or collectively. Optionally, the transmitters
124 may mechanically pivot (pivoting motion denoted by arrows 126)
to effect different pointing angles and hence, different beam
patterns 106. Further, one or more reflectors 110 may be deployed
to receive and reflect the beam patterns and hence, yield
electromagnetic energy signals at still further angles and
directions so as to achieve even greater coverage within the IED
detonation zone.
[0016] As will be described in greater detail in relation to FIG. 2
and FIG. 3, the DEEPs and/or reflectors may be deployed on mobile
or stationary platforms, or some combination thereof, to effect a
mobile or stationary IED detonation zone 108. In either case, the
IED detonation zone is advantageously positioned a safe distance
from civilian or military personnel or structural targets, such
that detonation of IEDs in the zone will not cause significant
damage to persons or property. Detonation of IEDs within the zone
is referred to as a forced premature detonation since it is
instigated by the IED defense system 100 and will occur before
intended by the person or agency deploying the IED.
[0017] FIG. 2 illustrates a manner of deploying DEEPs and
reflectors about a stationary target area defining a stationary IED
detonation zone. For convenience, similar reference numerals will
be used to describe like elements in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, albeit with
"200" series reference numerals in FIG. 2 rather than "100" series.
For example, the IED detonation zone, referred to by reference
numeral 108 in FIG. 1 will be referred to by reference numeral 208
in FIG. 2.
[0018] In the embodiment of FIG. 2, a stationary IED detonation
zone 208 is defined by deploying one or more DEEPs 204 and
reflectors 210 at predetermined fixed positions about a designated
geographic area in which premature detonation of IEDs is desired.
The designated geographic area may comprise, for example, a remote
checkpoint or staging area situated a safe distance (e.g., 500 ft.)
from persons or structures that may be targeted by IEDs. When
activated, the DEEPs 204 and reflectors 210 produce electromagnetic
energy signals sweeping various angles and directions within the
IED detonation zone, substantially as described in relation to FIG.
1, so as to force premature detonation of IEDs within or entering
the zone 108. The DEEPs may be activated responsive to a system
controller (not shown in FIG. 2) or a human operator.
[0019] As shown, vehicle 230 is traveling on a transportation path
232 (e.g., a roadway) toward a prospective target or target area.
Vehicle 230 is carrying an IED that may be triggered to detonate by
electromagnetic energy signals. As the vehicle proceeds along path
232, it encounters and enters the stationary IED detonation zone
208. It is noted, although vehicle 230 is depicted as a terrestrial
vehicle navigating a terrestrial path in FIG. 2, IEDs might also be
carried by aircraft or sea craft navigating an airway or seaway,
respectively. Further, human operators may carry IEDs into the IED
detonation zone. The IED detonation zone 208 may be arranged and
constructed to accommodate any of these scenarios.
[0020] Generally, when a person or vehicle first approaches the IED
detonation zone, it is not known to be carrying an IED and even if
an IED is detected, the type of triggering device may not be known.
Accordingly, any unidentified person or vehicle entering the IED
detonation zone will at least initially be perceived as a threat.
Consequently, in one embodiment, the person or vehicle is stopped
upon entering the IED detonation zone. Optionally, a gate 234 is
utilized to facilitate stopping the person or vehicle. While the
person or vehicle is stopped, or generally at any time while the
person or vehicle is within the detonation zone 208, the DEEPs 204
may be activated to generate electromagnetic energy signals
sweeping various angles about the person or vehicle. In such
manner, any IEDs carried by the person or vehicle that are
triggered by electromagnetic energy signals are prematurely
detonated within the zone 208. An alternative implementation is
that the zone is sufficiently wide that the person or vehicle does
not need to be impeded by a gate, but will be in the zone for
sufficiently long enough time as to allow the electromagnetic
energy signals to cause premature detonation of the IED.
[0021] FIG. 3 illustrates a manner of deploying DEEPs and
reflectors about a mobile target area defining a mobile IED
detonation zone. For convenience, similar reference numerals will
be used to describe like elements in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3, albeit with
"300" series reference numerals in FIG. 3. For example, the IED
detonation zone, referred to by reference numeral 108 in FIG. 1
will be referred to by reference numeral 308 in FIG. 3.
[0022] In the embodiment of FIG. 3, one or more DEEPs 304 are
deployed on vehicles 330 traversing a transportation path (e.g.,
roadway) 332. At various points along the transportation path 332,
the vehicles 330 may encounter IEDs that are possibly triggered by
electromagnetic energy signals. The DEEPs 304, when activated,
produce a mobile IED detonation zone 308 that advances along the
transportation path 332 along with the mobile platform. The DEEPs
may be activated responsive to a system controller (not shown in
FIG. 3) or a human operator. The IED detonation zone 308 comprises
electromagnetic energy signals sweeping various angles and
directions, substantially as described in relation to FIG. 1. As
such, any IEDs on the transportation path that are encountered by
the advancing IED detonation zone 308 are likely to become
prematurely detonated if they are triggered by electromagnetic
energy signals. Advantageously, as shown, the IED detonation zone
308 is wide enough to illuminate an area that encompasses not only
the roadway itself, but an area extending beyond the sides of the
roadway so as to trigger roadside IEDs that may be several feet
from the curb.
[0023] In one implementation, the vehicles 330 comprise drone
vehicles traveling in advance of a convoy of troops. It is noted,
although vehicle 330 is depicted as a terrestrial vehicle in FIG.
3, other implementations are possible in which the vehicle 330
comprises an aircraft or sea craft navigating an airway or seaway,
respectively. Optionally, reflectors 310 may also be employed to
enhance electromagnetic energy coverage within the zone 308. The
reflectors 310 may reside on terrestrial vehicles, aircraft, sea
craft or combination thereof depending on implementation.
[0024] Now turning to FIG. 4, there is shown a flowchart for
implementing an IED defense system using mobile or stationary
DEEPs. At step 402, an authority or agency responsible for
implementing an IED defense system defines an IED detonation zone.
The IED detonation zone may define a stationary detonation zone
such as described in relation to FIG. 2 or a mobile detonation zone
traversing a transportation path such as described in relation to
FIG. 3. As will be appreciated, multiple IED detonation zones may
be defined to cover multiple geographic areas or transportation
paths as needed or desired.
[0025] At step 404, the responsible authority or agency deploys one
or more DEEPs as necessary to obtain desired electromagnetic energy
coverage within the zone.
[0026] Optionally, at step 406, the authority or agency may also
deploy one or more reflectors to enhance electromagnetic energy
coverage within the zone. For example, in the case where the IED
detonation zone defines a stationary zone, one or more DEEPs and/or
reflectors may be deployed at one or more predetermined locations
residing within or proximate to the stationary zone as necessary to
obtain desired electromagnetic energy coverage within the zone; or
in the case where the IED detonation zone defines a mobile zone,
one or more DEEPs and/or reflectors may be deployed on drones or
other suitable transport vehicles adapted to traverse a designated
transportation path. As has been noted in relation to FIG. 1, the
nature and type of the DEEPs may be selected to produce one or more
characteristic type(s) of electromagnetic energy signals and
yielding corresponding pattern(s) that are believed to trigger
detonation of IEDs. In one embodiment, the electromagnetic energy
signals comprise high intensity light beams. In another embodiment,
the electromagnetic energy signals comprise infrared energy
signals. In yet another embodiment, the transmitters of one or more
DEEPs are arranged in a headlight configuration so as to produce
simulated vehicle headlight beam(s) within the defined IED
detonation zone 108.
[0027] Sometime after the DEEPs are deployed, the DEEPs are
activated at step 408 (i.e., the energy transmitters of the DEEPs
are activated) to radiate electromagnetic energy signals within the
zone. Depending on implementation, the energy transmitters may be
operated alone or in combination to produce a characteristic type
of energy or multiple types of energy and at varying intensities,
frequencies or the like to produce a desired characteristic pattern
or patterns. The physical location and/or direction of the energy
transmitters may be varied to produce beam patterns at multiple
angles and directions or to sweep different paths, individually or
collectively.
[0028] At step 410, IED(s) within the designated stationary or
mobile zone receive the electromagnetic energy signals, causing the
IED(s) to prematurely detonate if they include triggering
mechanisms that respond to the electromagnetic energy signals.
[0029] Optionally, at step 412, the responsible authority or agency
may choose to reconfigure one or more DEEP(s) and/or reflectors to
obtain different coverage or define a different IED detonation
zone. If reconfiguration is desired, reconfiguration is
accomplished at step 414. It is contemplated that reconfiguration
may be accomplished while the DEEP(s) remain active or after they
are de-activated.
[0030] At some point when it is desired to cease electromagnetic
energy transmissions to cease within the IED detonation zone, the
DEEPs are de-activated (i.e., the energy transmitters of the DEEPs
are de-activated) at step 416.
[0031] In one embodiment, activation or de-activation of the energy
transmitters at steps 408 and 416 is implemented by software
routines executed within the system controller 102. As has been
noted, the system controller functionality may reside in a
centralized platform; or controller functionality may reside in
individual DEEPs to allow for independent operation of the DEEPs.
Alternatively or additionally, one or more DEEPs may be activated
or de-activated responsive to human control. Generally,
instructions for activating and operating the DEEPs or
de-activating the DEEPs may be implemented on any computer-readable
signal-bearing media residing within the system controller or
residing in individual DEEPs. The computer-readable signal-bearing
media may comprise, for example and without limitation, floppy
disks, magnetic tapes, CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs, hard disk drives or
electronic memory. The computer-readable signal-bearing media store
software, firmware and/or assembly language for performing one or
more functions relating to steps 408 and 416.
[0032] The present invention may be embodied in other specific
forms without departing from its spirit or essential
characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in
all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. For example,
the DEEPs may be deployed with or without a system controller 102;
and the DEEPs may be implemented alone or in combination to produce
electromagnetic energy of various types and/or characteristics that
may differ from the described embodiments. The scope of the
invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather
than by the foregoing description. All changes that come within the
meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced
within their scope.
* * * * *