DE102019003325B3 - Method for operating a weapon laser system - Google Patents

Abstract

In the new method of operating a weapon laser system, the company's own troops and uninvolved third parties are to be protected from weapon laser rays that damage the eyes or the skin Target contour (33) of a target object (60) lies. The trust range (50, 50a, 50b1, 50b3) is designed such that if a sighting point (38, 38a, 38b) lies in the confidence range (50, 50a, 50b1, 50b3) when the weapon laser beam (12) is fired, then a part of the weapon laser beam (target shooting laser beam) (14) passing the target object (60) • respective exposure limit values • of stored protection zones (70), • which are each within a protection zone distance (y) from the weapon laser system (1), do not exceed, the weapon laser beam ( 12) is only fired if its sighting point (38, 38a, 38b) is within the confidence range (50, 50a, 50b1, 50b3).

Description

The invention relates to a method for operating a weapon laser system.

From the US 2010/0282942 A1 a method for operating a weapon laser system is known.

The known method uses a weapon laser system which comprises a weapon laser with a directional telescope, an illumination laser, a tracking device with a tracking sensor, and a master computer.

• • Beleuchtung eines Zielobjektes, das sich in einer Zielentfernung zum Waffenlasersystem befindet, mit dem Beleuchtungslaser,
• • Erfassung von Zielreflexionsstrahlen des Beleuchtungslasers mit dem Trackingsensor,
• • Berechnung eines Bildes des Zielobjektes mit dem Leitrechner,
• • Berechnung einer Zielkontur aus dem Bild des Zielobjektes mit dem Leitrechner,
• • Abfeuern des Waffenlaserstrahls unter Ausrichtung des Anvisierpunktes auf die Zielstruktur.

The process has the following steps:

• Illumination of a target object which is at a target distance from the weapon laser system with the illumination laser,
• Detection of target reflection beams from the illumination laser with the tracking sensor,
• Calculation of an image of the target object with the host computer,
• Calculation of a target contour from the image of the target object with the host computer,
• • Firing the weapon laser beam with the aiming point aligned with the target structure.

In the known method, the problem of endangering the eyes or the skin from a weapon laser beam is not addressed.

The aforementioned method is also from the US 2010/0283988 A1 known.

The invention is based on the US 2010/0282942 A1 or the US 2010/0283988 A1 Known methods of operating a weapon laser system based on the task of protecting your own troops and uninvolved third parties from laser beam damage to the eyes or skin.

This object is achieved according to the invention by the features of claim 1. This object is further achieved by the independent claim 12, which is directed to a computer program product.

• • Berechnung eines Vertrauensbereiches, der innerhalb der Zielkontur liegt, mit einem Algorithmus, der so ausgebildet ist, dass, wenn ein Anvisierpunkt beim Abfeuern des Waffenlaserstrahls in dem Vertrauensbereich liegt, dass dann ein am Zielobjekt vorbeigehender Teil des Waffenlaserstrahls (Zielvorbeischusslaserstrahl) jeweilige Expositionsgrenzwerte von eingespeicherten Schutzzonen, die sich jeweils in einer Schutzzonenentfernung zum Waffenlasersystem befinden, nicht überschreitet,
• • Abfeuern des Waffenlaserstrahls, wenn sein Anvisierpunkt innerhalb des Vertrauensbereiches liegt.

The advantages of the invention result in particular from the following process steps:

• • Calculation of a confidence interval that lies within the target contour, using an algorithm that is designed such that if a sighting point lies in the confidence zone when the weapon laser beam is fired, then a portion of the weapon laser beam that passes the target object (target targeting laser beam) then stores respective exposure limit values of Protection zones that are each within a protection zone distance from the weapon laser system,
• • Firing the weapon laser beam if its sighting point is within the trust range.

The fact that a weapon laser beam is only fired if its sighting point is within the trust range means that your own troops and uninvolved third parties are protected against weapon laser beams that damage the eyes or skin.

Uninvolved third parties and our own resources are protected by programming protection zones in the host computer. Programming a protection zone involves entering a direction of the protection zone and a distance from the protection zone to the weapon laser system. Protection zones can be derived from the location and outline information of your own weapon system. Protection zones can be areas that are limited in time and location, zones with a direction-dependent minimum distance to the weapon laser system or zones of certain elevation angle ranges. Protection zones can also be areas outside the operational area, areas with coordinates of our own and allied forces, areas with civilian means of transport and height corridors. Port facilities, airports or urban areas can be protection zones. Protection zone distances and exposure limit values are assigned to the protection zones. For example, a value that avoids eye or skin damage is chosen as the exposure limit value. Due to the fact that the sighting point lies within the confidence zone, a part of the weapon laser beam (target shot laser beam) that passes the target object does not exceed the exposure limit value of this protection zone.

• • jeweilige Expositionsgrenzwerte
• • von eingespeicherten Schutzzonen,
• • die sich jeweils in einer Schutzzonenentfernung zum Waffenlasersystem befinden, nicht überschreitet. Die Schritte des Unteralgorithmus sind:
• • Berechnung eines Laserstrahlintensitätsprofils bezogen auf die Zielentfernung x unter Berücksichtigung von Laserstrahldivergenzdaten und Atmosphärendaten ausgehend vom anfänglichen Laserstrahlintensitätsprofil des Waffenlaserstrahls beim Austritt aus dem Richtteleskop,
• • Berechnung des Laserstrahlintensitätsprofils des Zielvorbeischusslaserstrahls bezogen auf die Zielobjektentfernung, in dem ausgehend von dem gesamten Laserstrahlintensitätsprofil bezogen auf die Zielobjektentfernung ein Laserstrahlintensitätsprofil des auf das Zielobjekt auftreffenden Laserstrahls (Zielauftrefflaserstrahl) abgezogen wird,
• • Berechnung des Laserstrahlintensitätsprofils des Zielvorbeischusslaserstrahls bezogen auf die Schutzobjektentfernung unter Berücksichtigung von mindestens Laserstrahldivergenzdaten und Atmosphärendaten und fakultativ auch von Beugungsdaten am Zielobjekt,
• • Ermittlung der Strahlungsdichte aus dem Laserstrahlintensitätsprofil des Zielvorbeischusslaserstrahls in der Schutzobjektentfernung und Vergleich der Strahlungsdichte in Schutzobjekt-Entfernung mit einem zugehörigen Expositionsgrenzwert,
• • wenn der Expositionsgrenzwert überschritten wird, dann liegt der Berechnungspunkt außerhalb des Vertrauensbereichs,
• • wenn der Expositionsgrenzwert nicht überschritten wird, dann liegt der Berechnungspunkt innerhalb des Vertrauensbereichs.

The algorithm for calculating the confidence interval has a sub-algorithm with which it is calculated whether a calculation point is part of the confidence interval or not. The sub-algorithm ensures that if a sighting point during the firing of the weapon laser beam lies in the confidence range, then that part of the weapon laser beam that passes the target object (target passing laser beam)

• • respective exposure limit values
• • of saved protection zones,
• • which are each in a protective zone distance from the weapon laser system, does not exceed. The steps of the sub-algorithm are:
• Calculation of a laser beam intensity profile based on the target distance x, taking into account laser beam divergence data and atmospheric data, starting from the initial laser beam intensity profile of the weapon laser beam as it emerges from the directional telescope,
• Calculation of the laser beam intensity profile of the target shooting laser beam based on the target object distance, in which a laser beam intensity profile of the laser beam (target impinging laser beam) impinging on the target object is subtracted from the entire laser beam intensity profile based on the target object distance.
• Calculation of the laser beam intensity profile of the target passing laser beam based on the distance from the protected object, taking into account at least laser beam divergence data and atmospheric data, and optionally also diffraction data on the target object,
• Determination of the radiation density from the laser beam intensity profile of the target shooting laser beam in the distance from the protected object and comparison of the radiation density at the distance from the protected object with an associated exposure limit value.
• • if the exposure limit is exceeded, the calculation point is outside the confidence interval,
• • If the exposure limit is not exceeded, the calculation point is within the confidence interval.

In the aforementioned simple calculations as to whether a sighting point belongs to the confidence range or not, one starts from the initial laser beam intensity profile values of the weapon laser beam as it exits the directional telescope and uses this as a basis, including laser beam divergence data and atmospheric data, to determine whether a target shot laser beam can cause eye or skin damage. Laser beam divergence data include focus data. The change in the diameter of the laser beam based on the focusing can be calculated from the focusing data. The diameter of the laser beam is the smallest in focus and then widens with increasing distance, reducing the beam density. Atmospheric data are data about the air temperature and coefficients. This results in values of density differences in the air, which lead to the formation of thermal lenses. As a result, the laser beam also widens with increasing distance, while reducing the radiance.

The aforementioned sub-algorithm is used to increase an initially assumed confidence range (this will be discussed below) in the direction of the target contour, provided that a protection zone that has been saved or that is calculated in real time can be endangered by a shot-in laser beam. Conversely, this means that the sub-algorithm does not need to be fully executed if the laser beam intensity of the target shot laser beam is below a limit value or if, to put it simply, the weapon laser beam hits the target object completely. The sub-algorithm can then be terminated because it is then already certain that a calculation point is to be assigned to the confidence interval. Likewise, the sub-algorithm need not be fully executed if no protection zone is endangered. Then the sub-algorithm can also be terminated because it is already certain that a calculation point is to be assigned to the confidence interval. In order to check whether a protection zone is endangered or not, azimuth values and elevation values of a sighting point can be compared with the respective values of the protection zones. If there are several protection zones for a sighting point, the sub-algorithm can be run through for each protection zone. Alternatively, previously possible protection zones can be compared with one another and a critical protection zone can be selected for the sub-algorithm.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the confidence interval has an envelope which is formed from interconnected and spaced apart calculation points. This embodiment is based on the idea that it is not necessary to calculate every point within the target contour as to whether a target shot laser beam can be damaging to the eyes or the skin. Rather, one finds at the beginning that one only needs points of an envelope of the confidence range, since the target laser beam is getting smaller and smaller from the envelope to the interior of the confidence range.

According to one embodiment of the previous embodiment, an initial calculation point of an initial envelope is at a distance from the target contour that is of a radius of one predetermined laser beam intensity of the laser beam intensity profile in the target distance is derived. The design is based on the further idea that, in the case of a sighting point at which the target shot laser beam is very small, this sighting point can then be assigned to the confidence interval. This is the case when the distance between the envelope of the confidence range and the target structure is derived from a radius of a predetermined laser beam intensity of the laser beam intensity profile at the target distance.

According to one embodiment of the aforementioned embodiment, a subsequent calculation point of the initial envelope, like the previous calculation point, has a distance to the target contour which is derived from a radius of a predetermined laser beam intensity of the laser beam intensity profile in the target object distance and, moreover, is a multiple of the distance from the previous calculation point is the radius of the predetermined laser beam intensity of the laser beam intensity profile in the distance of the target object. This design is based on the idea of not having to calculate every point of the envelope of the confidence interval. Rather, the calculation effort is to be reduced by converting the envelope into an easy-to-calculate polygon with connected points.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, lateral acceleration data acquired with the tracking device and the resulting deviations between the sighting point and the beam axis of the weapon laser beam to be fired flow into the calculation of the confidence range. At high lateral accelerations, it is difficult to precisely track the axis of the weapon laser beam due to the unavoidable reaction times. Because the beam axis of the weapon laser beam cannot be brought exactly to the sighting point, the risk of a larger target-passing laser beam is increased, so that the confidence range is reduced.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, if there is no confidence interval, the laser power is reduced and the confidence interval is recalculated. The existence of a confidence zone is a prerequisite that a weapon laser beam may be fired. The laser power is therefore reduced in order to maintain or increase a range of confidence. For reasons of efficiency, however, the weapon laser beam is not fired if the reduction in laser power falls short of a successful combat value. The time at which the weapon laser beam is fired is calculated in a simple manner, taking into account a parameter of a temporal increase in the confidence interval. The laser power is increased again when there is an increasing confidence interval. In other words, the size of the confidence interval controls the laser power to be maximized.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the target contour is compared with target contours of a database. The database indicates wound areas with a high probability of being wounded. The target points of the weapon laser beam are placed in overlapping areas of wound areas and trust area. This measure increases the effectiveness of the weapon laser beam.

• 1 ein Waffenlasersystem auf einem Schiff angreifend einen vorbeifliegenden Flugkörper (Zielobjekt), wobei ein Zielvorbeischusslaserstrahl auf eine Schutzzone, die ein eigenes Schiff ist, gerichtet ist;
• 1a einen vergrößerten Ausschnitt der 1, darstellend das bestrahlte Zielobjekt;
• 2 wiederum einen vergrößerten Ausschnitt der 1, darstellend das Zielobjekt und den fokussierten und wieder konvergierenden Laserstrahl, und zusätzlich jeweils ein Laserstrahlintensitätsprofil am Richtteleskop, am Zielobjekt und an der Schutzzone,
• 3 ein Bild eines Monitors einer Trackingeinrichtung des Waffenlasersystems, darstellend den in 1 dargestellten, vorbeifliegenden Flugkörper mit dem eingezeichneten Zielauftrefflaserstrahl und Zielvorbeischusslaserstrahl;
• 4 ein Bild eines Monitors einer Trackingeinrichtung des Waffenlasersystems, darstellend den in 1 dargestellten, vorbeifliegenden Flugkörper mit eingezeichnetem, anfänglichen Vertrauensbereich, eingezeichnetem Verwundungsbereich und eingezeichnetem Überschneidungsbereich;
• 5 ein Bild eines Monitors einer Trackingeinrichtung des Waffenlasersystems, darstellend den in 1 dargestellten, jedoch in einer größeren Entfernung vorbeifliegenden Flugkörper.

Embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the drawings. Here show as simple, not to scale schematic diagrams:

• 1 a weapon laser system on a ship attacking a flying missile (target object), wherein a target passing laser beam is directed at a protection zone, which is a ship of its own;
• 1a an enlarged section of the 1 representing the irradiated target;
• 2nd again an enlarged section of the 1 , representing the target object and the focused and again converging laser beam, and additionally a laser beam intensity profile on the directional telescope, on the target object and on the protection zone,
• 3rd an image of a monitor of a tracking device of the weapon laser system, depicting the in 1 shown missile flying past with the drawn target impact laser beam and target missile laser beam;
• 4th an image of a monitor of a tracking device of the weapon laser system, depicting the in 1 the missile shown flying past with the initial trust area, the wound area and the overlap area shown;
• 5 an image of a monitor of a tracking device of the weapon laser system, depicting the in 1 shown missiles flying past but at a greater distance.

1. a) Das Verfahren verwendet ein Waffenlasersystem 1, das einen Waffenlaser 10 mit einem Richt-Teleskop 11, einen Beleuchtungslaser 20, eine Trackingeinrichtung 30 mit einem Trackingsensor 31, und einen Leitrechner 40 umfasst. Das Verfahren weist folgende Schritte auf:
2. b) Beleuchtung eines Zielobjektes 60, das sich in einer Zielentfernung x zum Waffenlasersystem 1 befindet, mit dem Beleuchtungslaser 20. Mit dem Beleuchtungslaser 20 erreicht man, dass die Kontur des Zielobjekts 60 tageslichtunabhängig in Bilddaten umgewandelt werden kann. Helligkeits- und Kontrast-Abweichungen können damit minimiert werden. Der dem Waffenlasersystem 1 zugewandte Teil des Zielobjekts 60 wird beleuchtet und kann sich dadurch vom Hintergrund, wie beispielsweise des Himmels, getrennt werden, um die Zielkontur zuverlässig berechnen zu können.
3. c) Erfassung von Zielobjektreflexionsstrahlen des Beleuchtungslasers 20 mit dem Trackingsensor 31.
4. d) Berechnung eines Bildes des Zielobjektes 60 mit dem Leitrechner 40.
5. e) Berechnung einer Zielkontur 33 (3) aus dem Bild des Zielobjektes 60 ( 1) mit dem Leitrechner 40.
6. f) Berechnung, die im Leitrechner 40 erfolgt, eines Vertrauensbereiches 50 ( 3), der innerhalb der Zielkontur 33 liegt, mit einem Algorithmus, der so ausgebildet ist, dass, wenn ein Anvisierpunkt 38 beim Abfeuern des Waffenlaserstrahls in dem Vertrauensbereich 50 liegt, dass dann ein am Zielobjekt vorbeigehender Teil des Waffenlaserstrahls (Zielvorbeischusslaserstrahl) 14 (1, 1a und 3)
   • • jeweilige Expositionsgrenzwerte
   • • von eingespeicherten Schutzzonen 70 (1),
   • • die sich jeweils in einer Schutzzonenentfernung y zum Waffenlasersystem 1 befinden,
   nicht überschreitet.
7. g) Abfeuern des Waffenlaserstrahls 12, wenn sein Anvisierpunkt 38 (3) innerhalb des Vertrauensbereiches 50 liegt.

The following is a method for operating a weapon laser system 1 ( 1 ) described. The process protects your own troops and uninvolved third parties against laser beam damage to your eyes or skin. The characteristics are:

1. a) The method uses a weapon laser system 1 which is a weapon laser 10th with a directional telescope 11 , an illumination laser 20 , a tracking device 30th with a tracking sensor 31 , and a host computer 40 includes. The process has the following steps:
2. b) Illumination of a target object 60 that is at a target distance x to the weapon laser system 1 with the illumination laser 20 . With the illumination laser 20 you achieve that the contour of the target object 60 can be converted into image data independent of daylight. Brightness and contrast deviations can thus be minimized. The weapon laser system 1 facing part of the target object 60 is illuminated and can thus be separated from the background, such as the sky, in order to be able to reliably calculate the target contour.
3. c) Detection of target object reflection rays from the illumination laser 20 with the tracking sensor 31 .
4. d) calculation of an image of the target object 60 with the host computer 40 .
5. e) Calculation of a target contour 33 ( 3rd ) from the image of the target object 60 ( 1 ) with the host computer 40 .
6. f) Calculation in the host computer 40 a trust area 50 ( 3rd ) within the target contour 33 lies with an algorithm that is designed such that when a sighting point 38 when firing the weapon laser beam in the confidence zone 50 is that a part of the weapon laser beam that passes the target object (target shot laser beam) 14 ( 1 , 1a and 3rd )
   • • respective exposure limit values
   • • of saved protection zones 70 ( 1 ),
   • • which are each within a protective zone distance y to the weapon laser system 1 are located,
   does not exceed.
7. g) firing the weapon laser beam 12th if its target point 38 ( 3rd ) within the area of trust 50 lies.

Next to the target shot laser beam 14 ( 1 ) is still the laser shadow 16 shown.

On a monitor 36 ( 1 ) of the tracking facility 30th becomes the target contour 33 ( 3rd ) of the target object 60 , the area of trust 50 and the sighting point 38 displayed.

A first protection zone 70 ( 1 ) is its own ship, which is in a protection zone distance y to the weapon laser system 1 located. The protection zone 70 is in the host computer 40 stored. The programming of this protection zone 70 included entering one direction of the protection zone 70 and a distance y the protection zone 70 to the weapon laser system 1 . The protection zone 70 is derived from the location and outline of the own ship. The programmed protection zone 70 an exposure limit is also assigned. A value that prevents damage to the eyes or skin is chosen as the exposure limit value. In deviation from this, a higher value than the exposure limit value of the eye can also be set if the own forces of the own ship have to wear laser safety glasses, for example, or have to be below deck.

A second protection zone (not shown) is a zone of a large area with a large elevation angle range and a large azimuth angle range. The second protection zone depicts a port area to be protected beyond combat operations. Since the protection zone distance to the weapon laser system is greater than that of the first protection zone with the same exposure limit value, the host computer 40 only the critical first protection zone 70 to calculate the confidence interval 50 ( 4th ) used.

• • jeweilige Expositionsgrenzwerte
• • von eingespeicherten Schutzzonen 70 (1),
• • die sich jeweils in einer Schutzzonenentfernung y zum Waffenlasersystem 1 befinden,

nicht überschreitet.The following is a sub-algorithm for calculating the confidence interval 50 ( 3rd ). The steps of the calculation are described as to whether one is within the target contour 33 lying calculation point 52 to the trust area 50 heard or not. The sub-algorithm ensures that when a sighting point 38 when firing the weapon laser beam in the confidence zone 50 is that a part of the weapon laser beam that passes the target object (target shot laser beam) 14

• • respective exposure limit values
• • of saved protection zones 70 ( 1 ),
• • which are each within a protective zone distance y to the weapon laser system 1 are located,

does not exceed.

The calculation point is considered 52 ( 3rd ), which is also the target point 38 is.

• • Berechnung eines Laserstrahlintensitätsprofils 81 (2) bezogen auf die Zielentfernung x unter Berücksichtigung von Laserstrahldivergenzdaten und Atmosphärendaten ausgehend vom anfänglichen Laserstrahlintensitätsprofil 80 des Waffenlaserstrahls 12 beim Austritt aus dem Richtteleskop 11.
• • Berechnung des Laserstrahlintensitätsprofils 82 des Zielvorbeischusslaserstrahls 14 bezogen auf die Zielobjektentfernung x, in dem ausgehend von dem gesamten Laserstrahlintensitätsprofil 81 bezogen auf die Zielobjektentfernung x ein Laserstrahlintensitätsprofil 83 des auf das Zielobjekt 60 auftreffenden Laserstrahls (Ziielauftrefflaserstrahl) 13 abgezogen wird,
• • Berechnung des Laserstrahlintensitätsprofils 84 des Zielvorbeischusslaserstrahls 14 bezogen auf die Schutzobjektentfernung y unter Berücksichtigung von Laserstrahldivergenzdaten und Atmosphärendaten. Fakultativ können auch Beugungsdaten am Zielobjekt 60 mitberücksichtigt werden. Denn im Falle eines Zielvorbeischusslaserstrahls kommt es zu Beugungseffekten an Kanten des Zielobjekts, weil das Zielobjekt für den Waffenlaserstrahl ein Hindernis darstellt.
• • Ermittlung der Strahlungsdichte aus dem Laserstrahlintensitätsprofil 84 des Zielvorbeischusslaserstrahls 14 in der Schutzobjektentfernung y und Vergleich der Strahlungsdichte in Schutzobjekt-Entfernung y mit einem zugehörigen Expositionsgrenzwert. Zweckmäßig wird hierzu das Maximum der ermittelten Strahlungsdichte mit dem Expositionsgrenzwert verglichen.
• • Wenn der Expositionsgrenzwert überschritten wird, dann liegt der Berechnungspunkt außerhalb des Vertrauensbereichs 50.
• • Wenn der Expositionsgrenzwert nicht überschritten wird, dann liegt der Berechnungspunkt 52 innerhalb des Vertrauensbereichs 50. Dies ist im vorliegenden Beispiel der Fall. Der Berechnungspunkt liegt auf der Umhüllenden 51 des Vertrauensbereichs.

The steps are:

• • Calculation of a laser beam intensity profile 81 ( 2nd ) related to the target distance x considering laser beam divergence data and atmospheric data based on the initial laser beam intensity profile 80 of the weapon laser beam 12th when leaving the directional telescope 11 .
• • Calculation of the laser beam intensity profile 82 of the target passing laser beam 14 related to the target distance x , based on the entire laser beam intensity profile 81 related to the target distance x a laser beam intensity profile 83 of the target object 60 incident laser beam (target laser beam) 13 is subtracted
• • Calculation of the laser beam intensity profile 84 of the target passing laser beam 14 related to the protected object distance y taking into account laser beam divergence data and atmospheric data. Optionally, diffraction data on the target object can also be used 60 be taken into account. Because in the case of a target passing laser beam, diffraction effects occur at the edges of the target object because the target object is an obstacle for the weapon laser beam.
• • Determination of the radiation density from the laser beam intensity profile 84 of the target passing laser beam 14 in the protected object distance y and comparison of the radiation density at the protected object distance y with an associated exposure limit value. For this purpose, the maximum of the radiation density determined is expediently compared with the exposure limit value.
• • If the exposure limit is exceeded, the calculation point is outside the confidence range 50 .
• • If the exposure limit is not exceeded, then the calculation point lies 52 within the trust area 50 . This is the case in the present example. The calculation point lies on the envelope 51 of the trust area.

The above-mentioned sub-algorithm is used, for example, to refine an initially assumed confidence interval (this will be discussed below) when a saved or real-time protection zone can be endangered by a shot-by laser beam. Conversely, this means that the sub-algorithm does not need to be fully executed if there is no “appreciable target passing laser beam” or, more precisely, if the laser beam intensity of the target impinging laser beam is below a limit value. The sub-algorithm can then be terminated because it is then already certain that a calculation point is to be assigned to the confidence interval. Likewise, the sub-algorithm need not be fully executed if no protection zone is endangered. Then the sub-algorithm can also be terminated because it is already certain that a calculation point is to be assigned to the confidence interval. In order to check whether a protection zone is endangered or not, azimuth values and elevation values of a sighting point can be compared with the respective values of the protection zones. If there are several protection zones for a sighting point, individual relevant steps of the sub-algorithm can be carried out for each protection zone. Alternatively, possible protection zones can be compared with one another and a critical protection zone can be selected for the sub-algorithm.

In order to obtain a low computation effort, a provisional confidence range is shown 50a ( 4th ) an envelope 51a on, the interconnected and spaced apart calculation points 52a and 52b is formed. Otherwise, every point would have to be within the target contour 33 be checked to see if it is the tentative trust area 50a is assignable or not. The same applies to the area of trust 50 , which is larger because it was calculated using the sub-algorithm.

The following describes how quick and easy an initial trust area is 50a ( 4th ) can be calculated in order to then be able to use the above-mentioned sub-algorithm in order to increase the confidence interval for the protection zones to be observed 50a maximize to increase control options.

An initial calculation point 52a an initial envelope 51a has a distance to the target contour 33 on that of a radius r1 ( 2nd ) a predetermined laser beam intensity of the laser beam intensity profile 81 x is derived in the target distance. The distance to the target contour 33 ( 4th ) is therefore of a radius r1 ( 2nd ) a predetermined laser beam intensity of the laser beam intensity profile 81 in the target distance x because it must be ensured that the laser beam has a predetermined laser beam intensity within the target contour 33 lies. In other words, a remainder of the target-shot laser beam must not pose a hazard. A radius r1 ( 2nd ) a predetermined laser beam intensity of the laser beam intensity profile 81 at the target distance x must therefore be calculated and as a distance to the target contour 33 ( 4th ) to be taken into account.

It continues with a subsequent calculation point 52b the initial envelope 51a like the previous calculation point 52a , a distance to the target contour 33 having a radius r1 ( 2nd ) a predetermined laser beam intensity of the laser beam intensity profile 81 x is derived in the target distance and also a distance from the previous calculation point 52a ( 4th ) that is a multiple of the radius r1 a predetermined laser beam intensity of the laser beam intensity profile 81 in the distance x of the target object 60 is. In the present case, the multiple is twice. However, larger distances can also be selected. This is repeated until the first calculation point 52a is reached, or in other words, until the initial envelope 51a can be closed. The multiple of the radius r1 a predetermined laser beam intensity of the laser beam intensity profile 81 in the distance x of the target object 60 is optimized so that the initial trust area 51a can be calculated as quickly as possible, but nevertheless the target contour as precisely as possible 33 follows and thus becomes as large as possible in order to have as many options for combating the target object. In the beginning, a few, that is, at least three calculation points, which can be calculated and updated in real time, are sufficient for a confidence interval 51a to obtain. Building on this is a refined area of trust 50 to be calculated in which the number of calculation points is higher and the distance to the target contour 33 is minimized.

Lateral acceleration data recorded with the tracking device and the resulting deviations between the sighting point 38 ( 3rd ) and beam axis 15 ( 2nd ) of the weapon laser beam to be fired 12th flow into the calculation of the confidence interval 50 ( 3rd ) a. Lateral acceleration data are made from changes in the position of the target object over time 60 calculates how they are recorded by the tracking device. The lateral acceleration data initially comprise speed components of the target object that are effective in azimuth and elevation 60 . Furthermore, the lateral acceleration data include errors in the tracking of the beam axis 15 of the weapon laser beam 12th to the sighting point 38 . These errors increase with increasing lateral accelerations due to the inertia of the imaging methods and the tracking system. High lateral accelerations therefore lead to a lack of confidence 50 reduced to avoid exceeding an exposure limit value of a protection zone.

If the calculation shows that there is no confidence interval (without reference to a specific figure), the laser power is reduced and the confidence interval is recalculated. There can be no confidence interval if the target contour of the target object is small compared to an approximately circular area of a given laser beam intensity of the laser beam intensity profile at the target distance. This can be the case for small or distant target objects. If there is no confidence zone, no weapon laser beam may be fired. A confidence interval is also reduced if high lateral accelerations of the target object have to be taken into account. The weapon laser beam is not fired if the reduction in laser power falls below a combat success rate. The time at which the weapon laser beam is fired is calculated taking into account a parameter of a temporal increase in the confidence interval. The laser power can be increased again if the confidence interval increases. This is the case, for example, when the target object comes closer or the target tracking becomes more stable because lateral accelerations of the target object decrease.

The details of the area of trust are illustrated by the 5 . The 5 shows an image of the monitor of the tracking device of the weapon laser system, again representing the target object 60 which, however, flies past at a greater distance. The 5 also shows a sighting point 38b , a target striking laser beam 13a and a target shot laser beam 14a . As shown, there are two separate, small areas of trust 50b1 and 50b3 in front. The areas of trust 50b1 and 50b3 were obtained using the sub-algorithm set out above. In the example of the 5 is a protection zone 70 ( 2nd ) to be observed. From the calculated laser beam intensity profile 84 ( 2nd ) of the target passing laser beam 14a ( 5 ) in the protected object distance y ( 2nd ) can for that in 5 shown rotationally symmetrical laser beam profile of the laser beam a radius r2 derived, the circular area within the target contour 33 must be when the protection zone 70 ( 2nd ) by the target shot laser beam 14a ( 5 ) should not be endangered. The radius r2 can consequently be the shape of the envelope 51b the area of trust within the target contour 33 determine. In addition to the previously mentioned areas of trust 50b1 and 50b3 you get an area that must not be targeted and which you have as a negative trust area 50b2 can look at. The negative trust area 50b2 would increase with distance from the target 60 get bigger, and vice versa. If one calculates with positive and negative confidence intervals, this has advantages if one takes into account the parameter of a temporal increase value of a confidence interval, for example when calculating the time at which the weapon laser beam is fired and if only a negative confidence interval would exist. The selected sighting point 38b lies exactly at the intersection between the positive confidence limits 50b1 and the negative trust area 50b2 . Because the sighting point 38b just on a point of confidence 50b1 the weapon laser beam may be fired.

To a sighting point 38a ( 4th ) will determine the target contour 33 compared with target contours of a database. The database gives wound areas 35 with a high probability of injury. The target point 38a the weapon laser beam is then in an overlap area 35a (tiled) of the wound area 35 and trust area 50 placed.

The 3rd illustrates that the proportion of the target missile laser beam 14 is relatively large. In an operation, this can be the case and permitted if the exposure limit values are large and / or the distances from the protected object y are very large. The 3rd also shows a relatively large range of trust 50 within the target contour 33 of the target object 60 . This results in many attack options combined with many areas of wounding.

If a disturbing object is located, which can be an object of a protection zone, in the sighting line of the weapon laser beam in front of the target object, the target object cannot be combated because the line of sight of the weapon laser to the target object is interrupted.

A computer program product which has a computer-readable medium comprises a program code for implementing a computer program in a computer memory of a master computer 40 ( 1 ). The computer program is designed such that the calculations of the previously shown method are carried out when the computer program is on the master computer 40 is performed.

Reference list

1

Weapon laser system

10th

Weapon laser

11

Directional telescope

12th

Weapon laser beam

13

Target impact laser beam

13a

Target laser beam in the 5 - Example

14

Target shot laser beam

14a

Target shot laser beam in the 5 - Example

15

Beam axis

16

Laser shadow

20

Lighting laser

30th

Tracking facility

31

Tracking sensor

33

Target contour

35

Wound area

35a

Overlap area

36

monitor

38

Sighting point

38a

Target point in 4th - Example

38b

Target point in 5 - Example

40

Host computer

50

Confidence zone

50a

initial range of trust

50b1, 50b2

(negative), 50b3 Areas of trust in 5 - Example

51

Enveloping

51a

initial envelope in 4th - Example

51b

Envelope in the 5 - Example

52

Calculation point

52a

Calculation point in 4th - Example

52b

further calculation point in 4th - Example

60

Target object

x

Target distance

70

Protection zone

y

Protection object removal

80

initial laser beam intensity profile

81

Laser beam intensity profile, at target distance x

r1

radius

r2

radius

82

Laser beam intensity profile of the target bypass laser beam, at target distance x

83

Laser beam intensity profile of the target impact laser beam, at target distance x

84

Laser beam intensity profile of the target bypass laser beam, in protective zone distance y

Claims (11)

Method for operating a weapon laser system (1), having the following features: a) the method uses a weapon laser system (1) which comprises a weapon laser (10) with a directional telescope (11), an illumination laser (20), a tracking device (30) with a Tracking sensor (31), and a control computer (40), the method comprising the following steps: b) Illumination of a target object (60) which is at a target distance (x) from the weapon laser system (1) with the illumination laser (20) , c) detection of target object reflection rays from the illumination laser (20) with the tracking sensor (31), d) calculation of an image of the target object (60) with the master computer (40), e) calculation of a target contour (33) from the image of the target object (60) with the host computer (40), f) calculation, which takes place in the host computer (40), a confidence interval (50, 50a, 50b1, 50b3), which within the Target contour (33) lies with an algorithm which is designed such that if a sighting point (38, 38a, 38b) lies in the confidence range (50, 50a, 50b1, 50b3) when the weapon laser beam (12) is fired, then a part of the weapon laser beam passing the target object (60), hereinafter referred to as target target laser beam (14), • respective exposure limit values • of stored protection zones (70), • which are each within a protection zone distance (y) from the weapon laser system (1), g ) Firing the weapon laser beam (12) if its sighting point (38, 38a, 38b) is within the confidence interval (50, 50a, 50b1, 50b3), h) the algorithm for calculating the confidence interval (50, 50a, 50b1, 50b3) the following sub-algorithm is used to calculate whether or not a calculation point (52) lying within the target contour (33) belongs to the confidence interval (50, 50a, 50b1, 50b3): • Calculation of a laser beam intensity profile (81) related to the target distance (x) below Consideration of laser beam divergence data and atmospheric data based on the initial laser beam intensity profile (80) of the weapon laser beam (12) when emerging from the directional telescope (11), • Calculation of a laser beam intensity profile (82) of the target shot laser beam (14) related to the target object distance (x), in the starting from a laser beam intensity profile (83) of the laser beam impinging on the target object (60), hereinafter referred to as the target impact laser beam (13), is subtracted from the entire laser beam intensity profile (81), • calculation of a laser beam intensity profile (84) of the target shooting laser beam (14) related to the protected object distance (y) under Be Consideration of laser beam divergence data and atmospheric data at the target object (60), • Calculation of the radiation density from the laser beam intensity profile (84) of the target shot laser beam (14) in the protected object distance (y) and comparison of the radiation density at the protected object distance (y) with an associated exposure limit value, • if the exposure limit is exceeded, the calculation point (52) is outside the confidence range (50, 50a, 50b1, 50b3), • if the exposure limit value is not exceeded, then the calculation point (52) is within the confidence range (50, 50a, 50b1) , 50b3). Procedure according to Claim 1 , in which the confidence range (50, 50a, 50b1, 50b3) has an envelope (51) which is formed from interconnected and spaced apart calculation points (52a, 52b). Procedure according to Claim 2 , at which an initial calculation point (52a) of an initial envelope (51a) is at a distance from the target contour (33) which is derived from a radius (r1) of a predetermined laser beam intensity of the laser beam intensity profile (81) at the target distance (x). Procedure according to Claim 3 , at which a subsequent calculation point (52b) of the initial envelope (51a), like the previous calculation point (52a), is at a distance from the target contour (33), which is from a radius (r1) of a predetermined laser beam intensity of the laser beam intensity profile (81) in the target object distance ( x) is derived and moreover has a distance from the previous calculation point (52a) which is a multiple of the radius (r1) of the predetermined laser beam intensity of the laser beam intensity profile (81) at the distance (x) of the target object (60). Procedure according to one of the Claims 1 to 4th , in which the lateral acceleration data recorded with the tracking device (30) and the resulting deviations between the sighting point (38, 38a, 38b) and the beam axis (15) of the weapon laser beam (12) to be fired flow into the calculation of the confidence range (50, 50a, 50b1, 50b3) . Procedure according to one of the Claims 1 to 5 , in which, if there is no confidence interval (50, 50a, 50b1, 50b3), the laser power is reduced and the confidence interval (50, 50a, 50b1, 50b3) is recalculated. Procedure according to Claim 6 , in which the weapon laser beam (12) is not fired if the reduction in laser power is less than a successful combat value. Procedure according to Claim 6 or 7 , at which a time of firing the weapon laser beam (12) is calculated taking into account a parameter of a temporal increase in the confidence interval (50, 50a, 50b1, 50b3). Procedure according to Claim 6 , 7 or 8th , in which the laser power is increased again if there is an increasing confidence interval (50, 50a, 50b1, 50b3). Procedure according to one of the Claims 1 to 9 , in which the target contour (33) is compared with target contours of a database and in which the database indicates wound areas (35) with a high probability of wounding, and in which the sighting point (38, 38a, 38b) of the weapon laser beam (12) is placed in an overlap area (35a) of a wound area (35) and a trust area (50, 50a, 50b1, 50b3). Computer program product comprising a computer-readable medium, comprising a program code for implementing a computer program in a computer memory of a master computer (40), such that the computer program is designed such that the calculations of the method according to one of the Claims 1 to 10th are executed when the computer program is executed on the host computer (40).

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