초록 ▼

The present invention provides a laser tracking system including a laser generator for generating a beam of laser energy, a beam steerer for steering the beam of laser energy such that it moves in a search pattern, and a receiving device that receives laser energy reflected from a targeted object an

The present invention provides a laser tracking system including a laser generator for generating a beam of laser energy, a beam steerer for steering the beam of laser energy such that it moves in a search pattern, and a receiving device that receives laser energy reflected from a targeted object and that causes the beam steerer to vary the search pattern in response to the reflected laser energy. A tracking method associated with the laser tracking system includes the steps of generating a beam of laser energy, steering the beam of energy in a search pattern, detecting a hit spot formed from laser energy being reflected from a targeted object, diminishing the size of the search pattern in response to the detection of the hit spot, and focusing the diminished search pattern on a feature of the targeted object corresponding to the hit spot. The laser tracking system and associated method presented provide a number of advantages over conventional tracking systems. The laser tracking system employs closed loop methodologies allowing the system to accurately track targeted objects using continuously updated tracking data. The laser tracking system is able to seek and lock on to vulnerable features of potential targets. Further, the laser tracking system is able to maintain a desired aim point indefinitely and without operator intervention. This aim point maintenance allows an associated weapon to disable a target, despite any relative tracker-target motion during the munitions launch and flight.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A laser tracking system for tracking a target, comprising:a laser generator for generating a beam of laser energy;a beam steerer for steering said beam of laser energy, and for causing said beam of laser energy to move in a search pattern;a receiving device that receives

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A laser tracking system for tracking a target, comprising:a laser generator for generating a beam of laser energy;a beam steerer for steering said beam of laser energy, and for causing said beam of laser energy to move in a search pattern;a receiving device that receives laser energy reflected from a targeted object and that causes said beam steerer to vary said search pattern in response to said reflected laser energy, said receiving device being operable to determine an angular displacement between said reflected laser energy and a reference axis of said receiving device; anda drive device coupled to said receiving device, said drive device providing rotation of said beam steerer and said receiving device in response to drive signals generated by said receiving device.