U.S. patent application number 15/350477 was filed with the patent office on 2017-03-02 for encoded signal detection and display.
This patent application is currently assigned to LaserMax, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is LaserMax, Inc.. Invention is credited to Susan Houde-Walter.
Application Number | 20170059279 15/350477 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44901336 |
Filed Date | 2017-03-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170059279 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Houde-Walter; Susan |
March 2, 2017 |
ENCODED SIGNAL DETECTION AND DISPLAY
Abstract
A method of controlling a target marking system includes
emitting a beam with a beam source associated with a target marker.
The method also includes sensing movement of the target marker, and
modifying operation of the beam source based on the sensed
movement. Such modification changes a characteristic of the emitted
beam.
Inventors: |
Houde-Walter; Susan; (Rush,
NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
LaserMax, Inc. |
Rochester |
NY |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
LaserMax, Inc.
Rochester
NY
|
Family ID: |
44901336 |
Appl. No.: |
15/350477 |
Filed: |
November 14, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
12831907 |
Jul 7, 2010 |
9494385 |
|
|
15350477 |
|
|
|
|
61331199 |
May 4, 2010 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41G 7/2293 20130101;
G01J 5/0896 20130101; F41G 1/35 20130101; F41G 3/145 20130101; F41G
7/226 20130101; G01J 5/089 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F41G 1/35 20060101
F41G001/35 |
Claims
1. A method of controlling a target marking system, comprising:
emitting a beam with a beam source associated with a target marker;
sensing movement of the target marker; and modifying operation of
the beam source based on the sensed movement, wherein such
modification changes a characteristic of the emitted beam.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein sensing movement of the target
marker comprises sensing a linear movement including at least one
of a horizontal component and a vertical component.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the emitted beam is collinear
with a first axis in a plane comprising the first axis and a second
axis orthogonal to the first axis, and wherein a first component of
the sensed movement is defined along the second axis.
4. The method of claim 3, wherein a second component of the sensed
movement is defined along a third axis orthogonal to the plane.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the emitted beam is collinear
with a first axis in a plane comprising the first axis and a second
axis orthogonal to the first axis, and wherein sensing movement of
the target marker comprises sensing an angular movement about an
axis orthogonal to the emitted beam.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein sensing the angular movement
comprises sensing rotation about a third axis orthogonal to the
plane.
7. The method of claim 5, wherein sensing the angular movement
comprises sensing rotation about the second axis.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein modifying the operation of the
beam source comprises increasing a pulse rate of the emitted
beam.
9. The method of claim 8, further comprising increasing the pulse
rate based on an angular velocity of the target marker.
10. The method of claim 8, wherein the increased pulse rate is
between approximately 1 Hz and approximately 30 Hz.
11. The method of claim 8, wherein the increased pulse rate is
between approximately 1 Hz and approximately 10 Hz.
12. The method of claim 1, wherein modifying the operation of the
beam source comprises increasing a duty cycle of the beam source
while keeping a pulse width of the emitted beam constant.
13. The method of claim 1, further comprising modifying at least
one of a pulse signature and a wavelength of the emitted beam
independent of the sensed movement.
14. A method of controlling a target marking system, comprising
emitting a beam with a beam source associated with a target marker;
sensing angular movement of the target marker; and increasing a
pulse rate of the emitted beam in response to the sensed
movement.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein sensing the angular movement
comprises sensing an angular velocity of the target marker.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the pulse rate is increased
based on the sensed angular velocity.
17. The method of claim 14, further comprising sensing a decrease
in the angular velocity and decreasing the pulse rate of the
emitted beam in response to the sensed decrease.
18. A target marking system, comprising: a target marker, the
target marker comprising a beam source configured to emit a beam, a
motion sensor configured to sense movement of the target marker and
to generate a signal indicative of the sensed movement, and a
controller in communication with the beam source and the motion
sensor, the controller configured to modify operation of the beam
source in response to the signal generated by the motion sensor,
wherein such modification changes a characteristic of the emitted
beam.
19. The target marking system of claim 18, wherein the motion
sensor comprises at least one of a gyroscope and an
accelerometer.
20. The target marking system of claim 18, wherein the motion
sensor comprises a two-axis gyroscope configured to sense angular
movement of the target marker.
21. The target marking system of claim 20, wherein the signal
comprises an output voltage of the gyroscope proportional to an
angular velocity of the target marker.
22. The target marking system of claim 18, further comprising a
collimating lens positioned in a path of the emitted beam and
optically downstream of the beam source.
23. The target marking system of claim 18, further comprising a
cooler disposed in thermal contact with the beam source, wherein
the cooler is configured to reduce a temperature of the beam source
while the beam is emitted.
24. The target marking system of claim 18, wherein the beam source
comprises a quantum cascade laser.
25. The target marking system of claim 24, further comprising an
additional beam source operably connected to the controller, the
additional beam source configured to operate independent of the
signal generated by the motion sensor.
26. The target marking system of claim 18, wherein the motion
sensor comprises an image processor configured to determine
movement of a field of view.
27. The target marking system of claim 26, further comprising an
imager, wherein the field of view is a field of view of a component
of the imager.
28. A target marking system, comprising: a target marker configured
to be coupled to a firearm, the target marker comprising a beam
source configured to emit a beam, a motion sensor configured to
sense movement of the firearm and to generate a signal indicative
of the sensed movement, and a controller in communication with the
beam source and the motion sensor, the controller configured to
modify operation of the beam source in response to the signal
generated by the motion sensor, wherein such modification changes a
characteristic of the emitted beam.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Not applicable
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not applicable.
REFERENCE TO A "SEQUENCE LISTING"
[0003] Not applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] Field of the Invention
[0005] The present disclosure relates to target marking systems
and, in particular, to target marking systems responsive to sensed
movement.
[0006] Description of Related Art
[0007] Beam sources, such as quantum cascade lasers and other like
lasers, are known to be inefficient. In particular, although these
beam sources may be capable of emitting a beam of radiation in the
thermal or optical band, such beam sources generally require large
amounts of power, and produce a large amount of heat, during
operation. These inefficiencies are compounded when the beam
sources are used for extended periods of time and/or when such beam
sources are used to emit a beam at a high duty cycle. As a result,
it is difficult to use such beam sources in combat, law
enforcement, and/or other like applications since these
applications typically require the use of a portable power source,
and it is difficult to provide such beam sources with a portable
power supply having sufficient capacity for extended use.
[0008] To compensate for these difficulties, such beam sources are
typically controlled to emit a pulsed beam, thereby reducing the
average power draw and heat generation of the beam source, while
increasing the visibility of the emitted beam. It may also be
possible to reduce the pulse rate and/or the duty cycle of the beam
source, thereby further reducing the power required and heat
generated by the beam source. However, such reduced pulse rates
and/or duty cycles may not be appropriate for all applications. In
particular, when employing the beam source as a component of a
target marker, a relatively high pulse rate and/or duty cycle may
be required to mark targets while the target marker is being moved
rapidly by the user. Such rapid movement may occur when, for
example, the user sweeps the target marker from left to right upon
entering a room or other potentially dangerous environment. A high
pulse rate and/or duty cycle may also be required to mark rapidly
moving targets since, to mark such targets, the user may also be
required to sweep the target marker to maintain a mark on the
target.
[0009] The various embodiments set forth in the present disclosure
are directed toward overcoming the problems discussed above.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a
method of controlling a target marking system includes emitting a
beam with a beam source associated with a target marker. The method
also includes sensing movement of the target marker, and modifying
operation of the beam source based on the sensed movement. Such
modification changes a characteristic of the emitted beam.
[0011] In a further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure,
a method of controlling a target marking system includes emitting a
beam with a beam source associated with a target marker. The method
also includes sensing angular movement of the target marker, and
increasing a pulse rate of the emitted beam in response to the
sensed movement.
[0012] In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a
target marking system includes a target marker. The target marker
includes a beam source configured to emit a beam. The target marker
also includes a motion sensor configured to sense movement of the
target marker and to generate a signal indicative of the sensed
movement. The target marker further includes a controller in
communication with the beam source and the motion sensor. The
controller is configured to modify operation of the beam source in
response to the signal generated by the motion sensor. Such
modification changes a characteristic of the emitted beam.
[0013] In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a
target marking system includes a target marker configured to be
coupled to a firearm. The target marker includes a beam source
configured to emit a beam. The target marker also includes a motion
sensor configured to sense movement of the firearm and to generate
a signal indicative of the sensed movement. The target marker
further includes a controller in communication with the beam source
and the motion sensor. The controller is configured to modify
operation of the beam source in response to the signal generated by
the motion sensor. Such modification changes a characteristic of
the emitted beam.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING(S)
[0014] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a target marking system
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0015] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a target marker according to
an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0016] FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a target marker according to
another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0017] FIG. 4 is another view of the system shown in FIG. 1.
[0018] FIG. 5 is a further view of the system shown in FIG. 1.
[0019] FIG. 6 is an additional view of the system shown in FIG.
1.
[0020] FIG. 7 is still another view of the system shown in FIG.
1.
[0021] FIG. 8 is a schematic view of a target marking system
according to another exemplary embodiment of the present
disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0022] FIG. 1 illustrates a target marking system 10 according to
an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG.
1, an exemplary target marking system 10 may include a target
marker 14 and an imager 18. The target marker 14 and/or the imager
18 may be configured to be coupled to a firearm 12 via one or more
rails 16 of the firearm 12. In such exemplary embodiments, the
target marking system may or may not include the firearm 12.
Alternatively and/or additionally, at least one of the target
marker 14 and the imager 18 may be configured for hand-held use. In
a further exemplary embodiment, the target marker 14 and/or the
imager 18 may be mounted to a helmet, a rucksack, and/or other like
article worn by a user. In still further exemplary embodiments in
which the target marker 14 is used to emit a beam having a
wavelength distinguishable by a human eye, the imager 18 may be
omitted from the target marking system 10.
[0023] The firearm 12 may comprise any of a variety of handheld,
side, and/or small firearms known in the art. Such firearms 12
include, but are not limited to, pistols, rifles, shotguns,
automatic arms, semi-automatic arms, and bows. For example, the
target marker 14 and/or the imager 18 may be configured to mount to
any known sidearm, as well as any known dismounted crew-served
weapon, such as machine guns and the like.
[0024] The rails 16 may comprise any of a variety of clamping or
mounting mechanisms such as a Weaver-style Picatinny rail or dove
tail-style rail. As shown in FIG. 1, the firearm 12 may include one
or more rails 16 to facilitate coupling the various components of
the target marking system 10 to the firearm 12.
[0025] The target marker 14 may be, for example, any device capable
of emitting a signal in the form of one or more thermal or optical
beams, pulses, or other identifiable signal types. Such an optical
beam may have a wavelength between approximately 0.3 .mu.m and
approximately 2 .mu.m, and such a thermal beam may have a
wavelength between approximately 2 .mu.m and approximately 30
.mu.m. In addition, the signal emitted by the target marker 14 can
be a temporally modulated signal or a temporally encoded signal,
wherein the temporally encoded signal can be encrypted or
unencrypted. For ease of description, the generic term "beam" will
be used for the duration of this disclosure to refer to the various
types of signals, beams, pulses, and/or other emitted radiation
described above unless otherwise specified.
[0026] In an exemplary embodiment, the target marker 14 may emit a
beam 34 (FIG. 2) having a wavelength between approximately 0.3
.mu.m and approximately 30 .mu.m, and the beam 34 may be detected
by the imager 18 within a range of approximately 4 km or greater.
In additional exemplary embodiments, the beam 34 may be detected by
the imager 18 within a range of approximately 1 m or greater.
Although the target marker 14 and imager 18 are shown in FIG. 1 as
separate and independent components of the target marking system
10, in further exemplary embodiments, the target marker 14 may be
cooperatively or integrally connected to the imager 18 so as to
form a one-piece component of the target marking system 10.
[0027] The imager 18 may have any of a variety of components and/or
configurations useful in capturing the beam 34 and converting the
beam into a visible image. In general, the imager 18 may include at
least one of a sensor, a focusing lens, a display device, a power
supply. These components have been omitted from FIG. 1, but are
shown schematically in FIG. 8.
[0028] The sensor of the imager 18 (often referred to as a
"camera") may react to infrared radiation impinging thereon, and
may be configured to convert the impinging radiation into a visible
image. For example, the sensor may be configured to sense thermal
radiation emitted by an area of interest, and convert the emitted
radiation into a visible thermal image of the area. In such a
thermal image, hotter areas appear in a different color than cooler
areas. For example, a hotter target may appear substantially white
while a relatively cooler surrounding environment may appear
substantially black or gray. Such an exemplary sensor may comprise,
for example, a barium strontium titanate ("BST") detector developed
by the Raytheon Company of Lexington, Mass. Such an exemplary
sensor may also comprise a microbolometer with a vanadium oxide
("VOx") or an amorphous silicon ("aSi") sensing material, such as
the Thermal-Eyen.TM. X-50 sold by Morovision Night Vision, Inc., of
Laguna Hills, Calif. Such an exemplary sensor may further comprise
a focal plan array ("FPA") of independent pixels. The sensor may
send signals to the display device via one or more connections
therebetween, and such signals may include information indicative
of a field of view of the sensor, the lens, and/or of the imager 18
generally.
[0029] The focusing lens of the imager 18 may be any lens, filter,
or other known optical device configured to focus light onto the
sensor. The lens may be selected based on the desired quality of
the resulting thermal image. For example, a wider lens may have a
smaller f-number and may be capable of producing an image having
increased image quality. An exemplary focusing lens may be
constructed from Zinc Sulfide or Germanium, and such a lens may
provide a field of view up to approximately 60 degrees.
[0030] The display device of the imager 18 may comprise any
component through which the resultant thermal image is provided to
the user. In an exemplary embodiment, the display device may
comprise an active matrix liquid crystal display ("LCD"). In an
additional exemplary embodiment, the display device may comprise an
organic light emitting diode display (OLED''). The power supply of
the imager 18 may comprise any type of battery known in the art.
For example, a NiMH battery, an alkaline battery, or similar
rechargeable battery can be used in a portable imager 18.
Alternatively, a power supply of the target marker 14 may be
configured to provide power to the imager 18 via a data and/or
power connection 19. In still further exemplary embodiments, power
may be transferred between the imager 18, target marker 14, and/or
other power supplies (not shown) via the rails 16. In such
exemplary embodiments, the rails 16 may be any type of "powered
rail" known in the art. As shown in FIG. 8, the connection 19 may
also connect the display device, the sensor, and/or other
components of the imager 18 to the target marker 14. For example,
signals, data, and/or information may be transferred between
components of the imager 18 and components of the target marker 14
via the connection 19.
[0031] As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 8, an exemplary target marker 14
may comprise one or more beam sources 30, 36 known in the art
configured to emit a respective beam 34, 38 in the optical and/or
the thermal band. At least one of the beam sources 30, 36 of the
target marker 14 may comprise a laser, such as a quantum cascade
laser ("QCL") or other known laser. For ease of description, the
exemplary embodiment of FIG. 2 having a single beam source 30 will
be referred to for the duration of this disclosure unless otherwise
specified. The target marker 14 may also include a housing 20, a
controller 40, a cooler 50, a lens 60, a power supply 70, and/or a
motion sensor 42.
[0032] The housing 20 may be configured for handheld use or firearm
mounting. The housing 20 may be configured to enclose at least one
of the beam source 30, the controller 40, the cooler 50, the lens
60, the power supply 70 and the motion sensor 42. In an exemplary
embodiment, the housing 20 may enclose and/or otherwise retain all
of the target marking system components required for operation of
the beam source 30. In such exemplary embodiments, the target
marker 14 may be a self-contained portable device.
[0033] The housing 20 may include one or more apertures 21
configured to permit passage of the beam 34 out of the housing 20.
In addition, the target marker 14 may include one or more switches,
connectors, or ports 23 for controlling, activating, deactivating,
and/or powering the target marker 14. The ports 23 may comprise,
for example, an on/off switch 24, a switch or other like control 26
for selecting a mode of operation of the beam source 30, and/or a
power connector configured to assist in connecting the target
marker 14 to, for example, a powered rail 16 of the firearm 12 or
to another external power supply. In an exemplary embodiment, the
control 26 may assist in switching between a constant beam
operation of the beam source 30 and a pulsed beam operation of the
beam source 30. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 3, in exemplary
embodiments in which the target marker 14 includes more than one
beam source 30, 36, the target marker 14 may include at least one
beam source selector 28 configured to assist in selecting and/or
deselecting the one or more beam sources 30, 36 for use. Each of
the ports 23 may be connected to the controller 40 through any
known electrical connection such that power, control commands,
data, or other signals may be communicated between the ports 23 and
the controller 40.
[0034] With continued reference to FIG. 2, the housing 20 may be
formed from any of a variety of rigid material such as composites,
laminates, plastics, or metals. Such metals may include, for
example, aluminum or stainless steel. In an exemplary embodiment,
the housing 20 may be formed through an extrusion process. In
additional exemplary embodiment, the housing 20 can be machined
such as by electrical discharge machining ("EDM") or formed through
a molding process if composites, laminates, or plastics are
employed for formation of the housing 20. The housing 20 may be
substantially watertight so as to protect the components disposed
therein from water or other harmful contaminants found in rugged
environments such as combat arenas. For example, the housing 20 may
be hermetically sealed and/or may include at least one hermetically
sealed compartment therein. The beam source 30 and/or other
components of the target marker 14 may be maintained in this
hermetically sealed environment during use. In such exemplary
embodiments, the beam source 30 and/or other components of the
target marker 14 may be disposed within the hermetically sealed
compartment of the housing 20.
[0035] The housing 20 may be configured to interface with any of
the rails 16 described above, and may include one or more latches,
locks, clamps, quick release devices, and/or other known mechanisms
(not shown) commonly used to mount and/or otherwise couple like
devices to known firearms 12.
[0036] The lens 60 may comprise any known divergent, convergent,
collimating, and/or other type of lens known in the art. As shown
in FIG. 2, the lens 60 may be disposed optically downstream of the
beam source 30 and within the beam path 32 so as to condition the
beam 34 in any desirable way. The lens 60 may be disposed in the
beam path 32 such that, in one configuration, the lens 60 is
retained substantially within the housing 20. However, it is
contemplated that the lens 60 can form an interface between the
interior and the exterior of the housing 20. The lens 60 can be
configured to focus the beam 34 at a particular point. In further
exemplary embodiments, the lens 60 can be a dedicated collimator,
thereby collimating the beam 34 along the path 32. The lens 60 may
be formed of a material substantially transparent to the wavelength
of the beam emitted by the beam source 30.
[0037] In addition to the lens 60, the target marker 14 may also
include one or more windows, domes, diffraction gratings, filters,
prisms, mirrors, lenses, and/or other like optical components, or
combinations thereof, disposed optically downstream of the beam
source 30 and within the beam path 32. Due to their position along
and/or within the beam path 32, and optically downstream of the
beam source 30, the emitted beam 34 may pass through, be shaped by,
and/or otherwise optically interact with such additional optical
components before exiting the housing 20. In an exemplary
embodiment, one or more lenses 60 of the type described herein may
be positioned in the beam path 32 and optically upstream of a
window, dome, or other like optical component. The beam path 32 may
extend from the beam source 30, through a portion of the housing
20, to pass to the exterior of the housing 20.
[0038] In exemplary embodiments in which at least one of the beam
sources 30, 36 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 comprises a QCL, it is
understood that such a QCL may exhibit the electrical behavior of a
semiconductor material which can be described with the band model.
This model states that various energy ranges, or energy bands, are
available to the electrons of the semiconductor material, and that
the electrons of the semiconductor material can essentially take on
any energy value within the energy bands. Various bands can be
separated from one another by a band gap, i.e., an energy band with
energy values the electrons cannot possess. If an electron changes
from a higher energy band to a lower energy band, energy
corresponding to the difference of the energy values of the
electron before and after the change, which is also called
"transition", is released. The energy difference can be released in
form of photons. The band with the highest bound-state energy
level, which is fully filled with electrons at a temperature of
0.degree. Kelvin, i.e., the so-called valence band, and the
conduction band that is energetically above the valence band, which
is unfilled at 0.degree. Kelvin, as well as the band gap between
them are of special significance for a semiconductor material.
[0039] In the cascades of QCLs, the semiconductor materials for the
barrier layers and the quantum wells are selected such that the
lower conduction band edge of the barrier material lies higher in
energy than the lower conduction band edge of the quantum well
material. The lower conduction band edge represents the lowest
energy value that an electron can assume within the conduction
band. The energy difference between the energy of the lower
conduction band edge of the barrier material and the lower
conduction band edge of the quantum well material is also called
the conduction band discontinuity. As a result of this selection,
the electrons of the quantum wells cannot readily penetrate the
barrier layers and are therefore enclosed in the quantum wells. The
electrons can only "tunnel" through a barrier layer into an
adjacent quantum well in a quantum-mechanical process, with the
probability of the occurrence of a tunneling process depending on
the height of the conduction band discontinuity and the thickness
of the barrier layer between the two quantum wells.
[0040] In the quantum well, the behavior of the electrons enclosed
in the well is determined by quantum mechanics effects due to the
small thickness of the layer (only a few nanometers). The electrons
in an energy band of the quantum well can no longer assume any
energy value within the energy range of the band, but rather are
confined to the energy values of specific energy levels, i.e.,
sub-bands. The energetic differences between the individual
sub-bands are particularly high if the quantum well is very thin
and the conduction band discontinuity is high. The electron energy
does not change continuously, but rather jumps from one sub-band to
the next. The electron can change from one energy level to the
other energy level only if the energy increase or the energy
decrease suffered by an electron corresponds precisely to the
difference of the energy values of two sub-bands. Transitions from
one energy level to another energy level within one and the same
band are called intersubband transitions. In the cascades of the
QCL, the emission of laser radiation occurs at these intersubband
transitions. For emission of beams having wavelengths between
approximately 2.9 .mu.m and 5.3 .mu.m at room temperature, the QCL
30 as set forth in U.S. Publication No. 2005/0213627, published
Sep. 29, 2005, assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No.
11/061,726, filed Feb. 22, 2005, is hereby expressly incorporated
by reference.
[0041] In further exemplary embodiments, at least one of the beam
sources 30, 36 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 may comprise an infrared
laser (such as at 830 nm) and/or a visible laser (400 nm to 750
nm), such as a model HL6321 MG laser manufactured by Hitachi. In
further exemplary embodiments, at least one of the beam sources 30,
36 may comprise a carbon dioxide laser. Such lasers may be useful
in any of the applications discussed herein, and may be configured
for use in conjunction with any of the target marking systems 10
discussed herein. In exemplary embodiments in which the target
marker 14 includes more than one beam source 30, 36, the beam
sources 30, 36 may be operated and/or otherwise controlled
independently. For example, each of the beam sources may emit
respective beams 34, 38 having different wavelengths, pulse rates,
pulse widths, duty cycles, and/or other characteristics.
[0042] With continued reference to FIG. 2, in exemplary
embodiments, the beam source 30 can be tuned to provide an emitted
beam 34 of a specific wavelength, pulse rate, pulse width, duty
cycle, and/or other characteristic easily recognizable by friendly
and/or allied forces. Tuning of the beam 34 emitted by the beam
source 30 can be accomplished by locating a grating (not shown) in
the beam path 32. The grating can be adjustable to allow selective
transmission of a given wavelength, or fixed to transmit only a
single wavelength. Although the signature of the beam 34 emitted by
the beam source 30 may be preset, the signature, wavelength,
frequency, pulse pattern, and/or other identifiable and
distinguishable characteristics of the beam 34 may be easily
tunable in the field and/or during use. Such ease of tunability may
substantially reduce or eliminate, for example, the ability of
enemy forces to disguise foe target markers as friendly target
markers 14. In addition to the grating discussed above, it is
understood that the controller 40 may be configured to assist in
tuning and/or otherwise controlling the output of the beam source
30.
[0043] The controller 40 can be constructed to provide either
pulsed or continuous operation of the beam source 30. The pulse
rate, pulse width, duty cycle, wavelength, compliance voltage,
current, and/or other parameters associated with operation of the
beam source 30 may be selected and/or modified by the controller 40
to minimize power consumption of and heat generation by the beam
source 30. These parameters may also be selected to produce a
desirable beam signature for friend or foe identification. The
controller 40 may be located within the housing 20, and may be
operably connected to the beam source 30, the cooler 50, the motion
sensor 42, and/or the power supply 70. The controller 40 may also
be connected to the one or more ports 23 discussed above. The
controller 40 may include a pulse generator, an amplifier, a pulse
switcher, and/or other known driver components.
[0044] The controller 40 may enable operation of the beam source 30
as a pulsed laser, such as by passive, active, or controlled
switching. Although specific values depend upon the particular beam
source 30 and intended operating parameters, it is contemplated the
peak current draw of the beam source 30 during operation at a
constant pulse rate may be between approximately 1 amp and
approximately 10 amps, with an average current draw between
approximately 0.01 amps and approximately 3 amps. As the voltage
required to maintain such a pulse rate may be between approximately
9 volts and approximately 15 volts, approximately 9 W and
approximately 150 W peak power may be consumed. Operating the beam
source 30 within such parameters may result in substantial power
consumption as well as heat generation. Accordingly, in an
exemplary embodiment, the controller 40 may be configured to modify
the operation of the beam source 30 such as by reducing and/or
limiting at least one of the duty cycle and the pulse rate of the
emitted beam 34 in situations where the target marker 14 remains
substantially stationary during use. In such embodiments, the
controller 40 may also be configured to modify operation of the
beam source 30 to temporarily increase the duty cycle and/or the
pulse rate in response to movement of the target marker 14. In this
way, power consumption and heat generation may be reduced while
maintaining sufficient performance and functionality of the target
marker 14 in a range of target marking applications.
[0045] In an exemplary embodiment, the beam source 30 may be
controlled to operate at a pulse rate between approximately 1 Hz
and approximately 30 Hz, and in additional exemplary embodiments, a
desired pulse rate may be between approximately 1 Hz and
approximately 10 Hz. The pulse rate and/or the duty cycle of the
beam source 30 may be varied by the controller 40 in response to
one or more signals received from the motion sensor 42 indicative
of sensed movement. In addition, the beam source 30 may be
controlled to emit a beam 34 having a pulse width between
approximately 1 ms and approximately 500 ms. In still further
exemplary embodiments, the pulse width of the emitted beam 34 may
be less than 1 ms. In exemplary embodiments, the controller 40 may
vary the pulse rate and/or the duty cycle in response to the
signals received from the motion sensor 42 while maintaining a
constant pulse width.
[0046] The power supply 70 may include at least one battery.
Depending upon the anticipated power requirements, available space,
and weight restrictions, such batteries can be N-type, AA, or AAA
batteries. Additionally, a lithium/manganese dioxide battery such
as military battery BA-5390/U, manufactured by Ultralife Batteries
Inc. of Newark, N.Y. can be used with the target marker 14. It is
understood that any type of power supply 70, preferably portable
and sufficiently small in size for use with any of the devices
discussed herein, can be utilized. The battery-type power supply 70
can be disposable or rechargeable.
[0047] The power supply 70 may be located within or external to the
housing 20. In one configuration, the housing 20 may include a
battery compartment sized to operably retain the power supply 70.
Such a battery compartment may be substantially water-tight and/or
hermetically sealed. The battery compartment can be formed of a
weather resistant, resilient material such as plastic, and shaped
to include receptacles for receiving one or more batteries or other
power storage devices. Further, the battery compartment may be
selectively closeable or sealable to prevent water, mud, dirt,
sand, and/or other like environmental contaminants from entering
the compartment.
[0048] The power supply 70 may be operably connected to the
controller 40 and can be controlled by or utilized under driver
commands. Thus, the amount of power delivered by the power supply
70 to the beam source 30 can be controlled or varied to alter the
output of the beam source 30.
[0049] The cooler 50 may be disposed in thermal contact with the
beam source 30. The cooler 50 may be disposed within the housing
20, and may be employed to maintain the beam source 30 at a
desirable operating temperature. In an exemplary embodiment, the
cooler 50 may assist in cooling the beam source 30 to approximately
room temperature, or between approximately 65.degree. Fahrenheit
and approximately 85.degree. Fahrenheit. In additional exemplary
embodiments, the cooler 50 may be configured to cool the beam
source 30 to temperatures below room temperature, such as to
approximately 32.degree. Fahrenheit or lower. In such exemplary
embodiments, one or more barriers, seals, walls, compartments,
absorbent materials, and/or other like components may be employed
within the housing 20 proximate the beam source 30 to assist in
isolating the beam source 30 from condensation or moisture formed
on and/or by the cooler 50.
[0050] The cooler 50 can be a passive device or an active device. A
passive cooler 50 may comprise a heat sink, a phase change element,
a radiator, and/or one or more fins configured to dissipate thermal
energy from the beam source 30. As used herein, a "phase change
element" may include any element and/or material configured to
absorb heat energy and utilize the absorbed energy to change the
phase of, for example, a solid to a liquid. An active cooler 50 may
comprise a Peltier module, a Stirling device, and/or a
thermoelectric cooler.
[0051] The motion sensor 42 may comprise any device capable of
sensing movement of the target marker 14, the imager 18, and/or of
the firearm 12 to which the target marker 14 and/or the imager 18
are coupled. While the target marker 14 and/or the imager 18 are
coupled to the firearm 12, movement of the target marker 14 and/or
the imager 18 may be directly related to and/or may result from
movement of the firearm 12 by a user 48 (FIGS. 4-7). For ease of
description, however, movement of the target marker 14 shall be
described for the duration of this disclosure unless otherwise
specified. Such movement is illustrated in FIGS. 4-7.
[0052] The motion sensor 42 may be configured to sense, for
example, linear movement and/or angular movement of the target
marker 14. In exemplary embodiments, the motion sensor 42 may
comprise one or more accelerometers 46, velocitometers, and/or
other like devices configured to sense linear movement.
Additionally, and/or alternatively, the motion sensor 42 may
comprise one or more gyroscopes 44, rotation sensors, and/or other
like devices configured to sense angular movement. In further
exemplary embodiments, the motion sensor 42 may comprise one or
more image processors 47 configured to sense linear and/or angular
movement. In still further exemplary embodiments, the motion sensor
42 may comprise one or more microelectronic machines or other like
devices configured to sense the linear and/or angular movement
described herein.
[0053] In each of the embodiments described herein, the gyroscopes
44, accelerometers 46, and/or other components of the motion sensor
42 may be single, double, or triple axis devices. For example, the
motion sensor 42 may comprise a two-axis gyroscope 44 configured to
sense angular movement (rotation) of the target marker 14 about an
X-axis, and about a Y-axis orthogonal to the X-axis. Such exemplary
angular movement (rotation) about the Y-axis is illustrated by the
arrows 62, 64 shown in FIG. 6. Such exemplary angular movement
(rotation) about the X-axis is illustrated by the included angle
.theta. and the arrow 66 illustrated in FIG. 7. For example, as
illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, the emitted beam 34 may be collinear
with a Z-axis. The emitted beam 34 may be disposed in a plane
comprising the Z-axis and the X-axis perpendicular to the Z-axis.
In such an embodiment, the motion sensor 42 may sense angular
movement about at least one of the X-axis and the Y-axis.
[0054] In additional exemplary embodiments, the motion sensor 42
may comprise a two-axis accelerometer 46 configured to sense linear
movement of the target marker 14 along the Y and X axes. Such
linear movement may include at least one of a horizontal component
and a vertical component. Exemplary vertical components of such
linear movement along the Y-axis are illustrated by the arrows 52,
54 shown in FIG. 4. Exemplary horizontal components of such linear
movement along the X-axis are illustrated by the arrows 56, 58 of
FIG. 5. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the emitted
beam 34 may be collinear with a Z-axis. The emitted beam 34 may be
disposed in a plane comprising the Z-axis and the X-axis
perpendicular to the Z-axis. In such an embodiment, the motion
sensor 42 may sense linear movement along at least one of the
X-axis and the Y-axis.
[0055] Although reference is made to the X, Y, and Z axes shown in
FIGS. 4-7 for ease of description, it is understood that the motion
sensor 42 may comprise components configured to sense movement of
the target marker 14 relative to any known orthogonal or
non-orthogonal set of axes. for example, the emitted beam 34 may be
collinear with a first axis in a plane comprising the first axis
and a second axis orthogonal to the first axis. In such an
exemplary embodiment, a first component of the sensed movement may
be defined along the second axis, and a second component of the
sensed movement may be defined along a third axis orthogonal to the
plane. Alternatively and/or in addition, sensing movement of the
target marker 14 may include sensing an angular movement about an
axis orthogonal to the emitted beam 34, such as about the second
and/or third axes described above.
[0056] In exemplary embodiments in which the motion sensor 42
comprises an image processor 47, the gyroscope 44 and/or the
accelerometer 46 may be omitted. Such an exemplary embodiment is
illustrated in FIG. 8. The image processor 47 may comprise any
device or circuitry configured to detect motion based on an output
of the imager 18. Although FIG. 8 illustrates the image processor
47 as being a component of the target marker 14, in further
exemplary embodiments, the image processor 47 may be a component of
the imager 18. Such an exemplary image processor 47 may be
configured to sense movement of the target marker 14 based on a
signal generated by one or more components of the imager 18, such
as a signal sent from the sensor to the display device. For
example, the image processor 47 may be configured to determine
whether the field of view of the sensor and/or the imager 18 is
moving based on such a signal, and this signal may be sent to the
image processor 47 and/or the controller 40 via the connection 19
illustrated in FIG. 8. Although FIG. 8 illustrates the connection
19 as being connected to the controller 40, in further exemplary
embodiments, one or more connections 19 may directly connect the
imager 18 and/or its components with the image processor 47 via one
or more ports 23 of the target marker 14. Such movement of the
field of view may be indicative of movement of the target marker
14. The image processor 47 may be configured to send a signal
indicative of such movement to the controller 40, and the
controller 40 may be configured to modify operation of the beam
source 30 based on the signal generated by the image processor 47.
It is understood that any number of known algorithms may be
utilized by the image processor 47 and/or the controller 40 to
determine movement of the field of view. Such a determination may
differ from, for example, sensing movement of one or more objects
within a substantially stationary field of view in which the imager
18 and/or the target marker 14 is not moving. In still further
exemplary embodiments, the image processor 47 may comprise one or
more components of the controller 40.
[0057] As described above, the motion sensor 42 may be configured
to generate a signal indicative of the sensed movement of the
target marker 14. Such a signal may be substantially continuously
generated by the motion sensor 42, and the signal may be sent to
the controller 40 for use in modifying the operation of the beam
source 30. In exemplary embodiments comprising more than one beam
source 30, 36, each of the beam sources 30, 36 may be controlled
based on the one or more signals generated by the motion sensor 42.
Alternatively, at least one of the beam sources 30, 36 may be
configured to operate independent of the signals generated by the
motion sensor 42.
[0058] In exemplary embodiments, the controller 40 may calculate
the linear and/or angular velocity of the target marker 14 based on
this signal. In additional exemplary embodiments, the signal
generated by the motion sensor 42 may comprise a voltage or other
like signal proportional to the sensed linear and/or angular
movement. For example, the signal generated by the motion sensor 42
may comprise a voltage proportional to the linear and/or angular
velocity of the target marker 14. In such exemplary embodiments,
the motion sensor 42 may be configured to sense the angular and/or
linear velocity of the target marker 14. In further exemplary
embodiments, the controller 40 may be configured to calculate a
change in the angular and/or linear velocity (i.e., an acceleration
and/or a deceleration of the target marker 14) based on these
sensed velocities. In still further exemplary embodiments, the
motion sensor 42 may be configured to sense such acceleration
and/or deceleration. As described above with respect to FIGS. 4-7,
such sensed linear velocity may have a horizontal component and a
vertical component. Such sensed angular velocity may have one or
more angular components relative to one or more respective
axes.
[0059] The target marker 14 can be employed as, for example, a
pointer, an aiming device, and/or a designator. A pointer typically
encompasses use of the target marker 14 to identify a particular
location or entity within a group of entities. An aiming device is
typically used in conjunction with a firearm 12 or crew-served
weapon, wherein the target marker 14 provides an intended point of
impact of an associated projectile. When used as a designator, the
target marker 14 is used as or with a target-tracking beam and for
providing range data indicative of the range to the target. Thus,
"marking" encompasses aiming (aiming from one's own firearm 12),
pointing (indicating for other's weapon system), locating (for
conventional and coordinate-guided munitions) and/or designating
(for beam-guided munitions).
[0060] As described above, use of the exemplary target markers 14
described herein as either stand-alone hand-held devices, or as
devices coupled to a firearm 12, may be difficult in some
situation. For example, it may be challenging to use one or more
QCLs or other beam sources 30 described herein in a hand-held or
firearm-mounted target marker 14 due to the heat generated by such
beam sources 30, the corresponding cooling requirements for
efficient functionality, the power requirements of such beam
sources 30, and the relative ease with which such an expensive and
delicate component may be damaged by sudden jarring, mishandling,
accidental dropping, or other like movement. These and other
operating requirements specific to such beam sources 30, and QCLs
in particular, have made it difficult to utilize such beam sources
30 for the marking, identification, signaling, and/or other
operations described herein. The exemplary embodiments of the
present disclosure, however, overcome these known obstacles.
[0061] For example, the target markers 14 of the present disclosure
may be configured to modify the operation of the beam source 30
based on sensed movement of the target marker 14. Modifications to
the operation of the beam source 30 may include changes in one or
more characteristics of the emitted beam 34 such as, for example,
the wavelength, pulse rate, pulse width, and/or duty cycle. In
exemplary embodiments, the pulse rate and/or duty cycle of the beam
source 30 may be maintained at a minimum desirable level during
periods where little or no movement of the target marker 14 is
sensed. Such a minimum desirable level may correspond to, for
example, a power saving mode or other mode of operation in which a
pulsed beam 34 is emitted but the current draw and heat generation
by the beam source 30 are minimized.
[0062] Upon sensing movement of the target marker 14, the
controller 40 may increase the current and/or voltage provided to
the beam source 30, and/or may otherwise control the beam source 30
to increase the pulse rate and/or the duty cycle of the emitted
beam 34. Once movement of the target marker 14 is no longer sensed,
the pulse rate and/or the duty cycle may be reduced to the prior
minimum level. Such control may assist in reducing the overall
power requirements and heat generation of the beam source 30, while
ensuring adequate functionality of the beam source 30 when target
marking is required.
[0063] In an exemplary method of controlling the target marking
system 10, the beam source 30 may emit a pulsed beam 34 having a
wavelength in the optical and/or thermal band. The beam 34 may have
a minimum pulse rate between approximately 0.5 Hz and approximately
1 Hz and a duty cycle between approximately 5 percent and
approximately 10 percent. The motion sensor 42 may sense linear
and/or angular movement of the target marker 14, and the controller
40 may modify operation of the beam source 30 based on one or more
signals received from the motion sensor 42 indicative of such
movement. For example, the controller 40 may increase the pulse
rate of the emitted beam 34 to be between approximately 1 Hz and
approximately 30 Hz in response to the sensed movement. This pulse
rate change may be proportional, stepped, exponential, and/or based
on any other desired mathematical relationship between the signals
received from the motion sensor 42. Such signals may comprise, for
example, horizontal and/or vertical components of sensed linear
movement. Such signals may further comprise one or more angular
components of angular movement. Such signals may also comprise, for
example, a linear and/or an angular velocity (degrees/second) of
the target marker 14. Thus, the controller 40 may modify the pulse
rate and/or the duty cycle of the emitted beam 34 based on the
movement, velocity, and/or acceleration (i.e., an increase and/or
decrease in velocity) of the target marker 14, and such movement,
velocity, and/or acceleration may be sensed or calculated based on
the signals described above.
[0064] In exemplary embodiments, the change in pulse rate may be
based on an average, peak, sum, and/or any other relationship
between the horizontal and vertical components of sensed linear
movement. In still further exemplary embodiments, the change in
pulse rate may be based on a functional relationship between the
signals received from the motion sensor 42. For example, in
situations where the target marker 14 is used while the user 48 is
walking or running, it may be desirable to modify operation of the
beam source 30 based on a functional relationship where the
vertical component of the sensed linear movement is minimized and
the horizontal component of the sensed linear movement is
maximized. Such a functional relationship may reduce undesired
modifications related to the walking or running.
[0065] In exemplary embodiments, the duty cycle of the beam source
may also be increased in response to the sensed movement. For
example, the duty cycle may be increased from between approximately
5 percent and approximately 10 percent, to between approximately 25
percent and 50 percent. Such increase in the pulse rate and/or the
duty cycle may occur while the pulse width of the emitted beam 34
is kept constant. In further exemplary embodiments, the pulse
signature, encoding, encryption, wavelength, and/or other
characteristics of the emitted beam 34 may also be modified, and
such additional modifications may be independent of the sensed
movement of the target marker 14. Once movement of the target
marker 14 is no longer sensed, the controller 40 may return the
pulse rate and/or duty cycle to their original levels or to any
respective intermediate level. Such a return may be proportional,
stepped, exponential, and/or based on any of the other
relationships described above.
[0066] Other exemplary embodiments will be apparent to those
skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and
practice of the invention disclosed herein. For example, in
additional exemplary embodiments, the target marker 14 may further
comprise a temperature monitor configured to sense the temperature
of the beam source 30 and to trigger an alarm or other like signal
if the beam source 30 meets or exceeds a desired temperature
threshold. Such a temperature monitor may also be configured to
deactivate the beam source 30 and/or to reduce the pulse width and
pulse rate of the emitted beam 34 in response to meeting such a
threshold. It is intended that the specification and examples be
considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the
invention being indicated by the following claims
* * * * *