US6043867A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Tracking system that includes means for early target detection
Assignee: Ministry of Defense
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Filing: 1998-05-04
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Granted: 2000-03-28
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Expires: 2018-05-04
Abstract
Abstract An interceptor fitted with a target tracker unit, that includes passive infrared tracker capable of sensing infrared radiation (IR) emitted from a flying target and being responsive to the sensed IR radiation, for generating a succession of Line of Sight (LOS) and/or LOS rates signals that are stored in a database. Self state means capable of providing a succession of interceptor's self state data. Electro-magnetic range finder that includes a transmitter assembly for transmitting pulsed radiations and receiver assembly for receiving reflections that surpasses adjustable detection threshold. The electro-magnetic finder is configured to operate at first detection threshold for receiving reflections of relatively low magnitude, and storing the reflections in the database. A target reflection detection module communicating with the database, for detecting target reflections from among those stored in the reflection database. Estimator that includes range-based target estimator for calculating target state estimations on the basis of detected target reflections, the LOS measurements and self stage data, thereby facilitating early steering of the interceptor for duly homing said interceptor onto the target.
Inventors
- 👤 Izhak Saban
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 12:50
CPC Classifications
F; F41; F41G; F41G7/00; F41G7/20; F41G7/22; F41G7/2246; F41G7/2226; F41G7/2273; F41G7/2293; G; G01; G01S; G01S3/00; G01S3/78; G01S3/782; G01S3/785; G01S3/786; G01S17/00; G01S17/02; G01S17/06; G01S17/08; G01S17/66
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 19
Claim 1
Independent Claim
184 words
An interceptor fitted with a target tracker unit, comprising: a passive infrared tracker capable of sensing infrared radiation (IR) emitted from a flying target and being responsive to said sensed IR radiation, for generating a succession of Line of Sight (LOS) and/or LOS rates signals that are stored in a database; self state means capable of proving a succession of an interceptor's self state data; an electro-magnetic range finder that includes a transmitter assembly for transmitting pulsed radiations and a receiver assembly for receiving reflections that surpass an adjustable detection threshold; said electro-magnetic finder being configured to operate at a first detection threshold for receiving reflections of relatively low magnitude and storing said reflections in said database; a target reflection detection module communicating with said database, for detecting target reflections from among those stored in said reflection database; an estimator that includes a range-based target estimator for calculating target state estimations on the basis of at least said detected target reflections, said LOS signals and said self state data, thereby facilitating early steering of the interceptor for duly homing said interceptor onto the target.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
184 words
An interceptor fitted with a target tracker unit, comprising: a passive infrared tracker capable of sensing infrared radiation (IR) emitted from a flying target and being responsive to said sensed IR radiation, for generating a succession of Line of Sight (LOS) and/or LOS rates signals that are stored in a database; self state means capable of proving a succession of an interceptor's self state data; an electro-magnetic range finder that includes a transmitter assembly for transmitting pulsed radiations and a receiver assembly for receiving reflections that surpass an adjustable detection threshold; said electro-magnetic finder being configured to operate at a first detection threshold for receiving reflections of relatively low magnitude and storing said reflections in said database; a target reflection detection module communicating with said database, for detecting target reflections from among those stored in said reflection database; an estimator that includes a range-based target estimator for calculating target state estimations on the basis of at least said detected target reflections, said LOS signals and said self state data, thereby facilitating early steering of the interceptor for duly homing said interceptor onto the target.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
47 words
A tracker unit according to claim 1, wherein said passive infrared tracker further includes a LOS based target state estimator, which on the basis of at least said LOS signals, is capable of generating target state estimations for use at least by said target reflection detection module.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
18 words
A tracker unit according to claim 1, wherein said target state estimations include target position and target velocity.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
16 words
A tracker unit according to claim 3, wherein said target state estimations further include target acceleration.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
25 words
A tracker unit according to claim 1, wherein said target state estimations include range and either or both of LOS measurements and LOS rates measurements.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
A tracker unit according to claim 1, wherein said self state data is provided by an on-board self state unit.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
20 words
A tracker unit according to claim 1, wherein said self state data is provided by an external self state means.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
17 words
A tracker unit according to claim 1, wherein said electro-magnetic range finder comprises a laser range finder.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
49 words
A tracker unit according to claim 1, wherein said target reflection detection module, comprises: a pattern recognition analyzer being responsive to at least said reflection database for detecting sought reflections that were scattered from the target, said detection being based on at least expected closing velocity and expected range.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
16 words
A tracker unit according to claim 9, wherein said pattern recognition analyzer utilizes the Hough technique.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
59 words
A tracker unit according to claim 9, further including a back-propagation analyzer being responsive to the detection of said sought reflections, for picking-up, from among the reflections stored in said database, previous reflections that were scattered from the target so as to obtain a series of reflection to target and to derive therefrom a series of respective ranges-to-target indications.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
18 words
A tracker unit according to claim 1, wherein said range-based target state estimator comprises a Kalman filter estimator.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
17 words
The tracker according to claim 1, wherein said range estimator is further responsive to target behavior constraints.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
21 words
The tracker unit according to claim 13, wherein said constraints include that the target flies along an essentially straight trajectory section.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
29 words
The tracker unit according to claim 1, in which said estimator further includes a kinematic target behavior model that complies with the following algorithmic expression: P(t.sub.K)=P(t.sub.K-1)+V(t.sub.K-1)·(t.sub.K =t.sub.K-1 +1/2A(t.sub.K-1)·(t.sub.K -t.sub.K-1).sup.2.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
12 words
For use in an interceptor, a tracker unit according to claim 1.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
17 words
An interceptor fitted with a tracker unit according to claim 1, adapted to intercept tactical ballistic missile.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
9 words
The interceptor of claim 17, being an air-to-air missile.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2003-03-28 | 2003-09-27 | 2004-03-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2007-03-28 | 2007-09-27 | 2008-03-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2011-03-28 | 2011-09-27 | 2012-03-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |