Method For Detecting a Source of an Incoming Laser

• US 20080001064A1
• Filed: 02/22/2007
• Published: 01/03/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 07/18/2003
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
• Original Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
• Inventors: Thomas, Vicraj, Rhodes, Michael, Jelinek, Jan, Zumsteg, Philip
• Application Number:
  US11/678,039
• Publication Number:
  US 20080001064A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 250/206.1
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 3/784 using a mosaic of detectors
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 3/789 using rotating or oscillating beam systems, e.g. using mirrors, prisms
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 27/14618 Containers
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 2924/00 Indexing scheme for arrangements or methods for connecting or disconnecting semiconductor or solid-state bodies as covered by H01L24/00
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 2924/0002 Not covered by any one of groups H01L24/00, H01L24/00 and H01L2224/00

Abstract

A system and method for laser source detection. An exemplary embodiment of the system includes a first array of lenses, a second array of opto devices (including light sources and light detectors), and at least one processor. By positioning the array of lenses to determine the lens position at which energy from an incoming laser is greatest on the light detectors, the approximate location of the laser source may be determined. Upon determining the source, responsive action may be taken. If the incoming laser is from a friendly party, a friendly-party notification may be provided. If the incoming laser is from an enemy, reciprocal targeting or false reflections may be employed.

Claims

1. A method for detecting a source of an incoming laser, comprising:

determining a direction of an incoming laser;

determining a wavelength of the incoming laser;

determining whether the incoming laser is from a friendly party; and

upon determining that the incoming laser is from a friendly-party, providing a friendly-party notification.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

upon determining that the incoming laser is from an enemy, targeting the source of the incoming laser.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

upon determining that the incoming laser is from an enemy, transmitting at least one laser in a plurality of different directions to create a false reflection.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein determining the direction of the incoming laser includes determining an approximate location of the source.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein determining the direction of the incoming laser further includes determining a confidence level of the determined approximate location of the source.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein determining the wavelength of the incoming laser includes utilizing different detectors sensitive to different wavelengths.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein determining whether the incoming laser is from a friendly party includes examining an optical code carried by the incoming laser.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the optical code includes an indication of the pulse repetition frequency of a laser emitter.

9. The method of claim 7, wherein the optical code is selected from the group consisting of A-Code laser codes (AGM-114K Hellfire missile) and NATO STANAG No. 3733.

10. The method of claim 2, wherein providing a friendly-party notification includes using a laser to transmit an identification code to the source.

11. The method of claim 3, wherein targeting the source of the incoming laser includes painting the source with a laser.

12. The method of claim 4, wherein the at least one laser is part of an array of semiconductor lasers disposed under a corresponding plurality of lenses positionable by actuators controlled by at least one processor.