FR2696554A1 - Authentification device for unidentified vehicle by laser interferometer - has friendly target vehicles with reflective surface returning beam to optical filter adapted to laser frequency and associated display - Google Patents

Abstract

The vehicle is covered with a paint (6) specially adapted to the laser frequency or a series of small reflectors (7). A telemetric laser (1) sends out a beam which may be visible, ultra-red or ultra-violet. The beam is reflected back through the tuned optical filter (3) to the display which may be a simple monochrome or coloured cathode ray tube (5). The interference or non-interference that results determines the status of the vehicle. The laser would be tuned to a frequency exclusive and secret to a given user. USE/ADVANTAGE - Military vehicles, aircraft, identification of counterfeits of luxury items. Low cost, may only require modification of laser already installed.

Description

 The present invention is the S.A.I.L., Authentication System by Laser Interferometry. Device aimed at authenticating a vehicle according to its friend / indeterminate nature.

 The prior devices concerned an electronic identification system by microwave radio wave called "Identification Friend or Foe". Its main problem was related to the very high cost of its integration into the bearer of the system, preventing its extension to an entire fleet of air, land and naval vehicles. Hence the budgetary impossibility of equipping all the units which most expressly needed it.

 The device according to the invention overcomes these drawbacks. It is based in fact on the use of a laser with an initial telemetric vocation, therefore present on the majority of vehicles requiring an "I.F.F" interrogator for the execution of their missions in complete safety. The installation cost of the system is therefore reduced to a minimum, either modifications to the already installed rangefinder laser system, or the introduction of a simple laser and its associated essential peripherals.

 This system uses the property of the laser to cause optical interference in the infrared, ultraviolet or visible spectrum electromagnetic waves.

According to the mode of use
- the target vehicle of the laser must be covered with a paint or with special reflectors allowing the laser beam to cause the required interference.

 - the vehicle carrying the S.A.I.L. must be equipped with a screen to display the result of the laser shot after passing through an optical filter tuned to the specific frequency of the laser.

 - S.A.I.L. is adaptable in laser frequency and interferometry frequency for each user and this for his exclusive benefit in a concern of confidentiality of the result of the laser interrogator shot.

The attached diagrams illustrate the invention
FIG. 1 represents the diagram of the operational device.

 FIG. 2 represents the logic system interpreting the result of the interrogative laser shot.

 With reference to these diagrams, the device comprises a laser transmitter (1) which can be integrated into any telemetric system (2), an optical filter (3) tuned to the natural frequency of the laser, a display system (4) which may be a simple cathode ray tube. monochrome (5) or color.

 The interrogated vehicle, therefore undergoing laser shooting, will be covered with a device allowing the laser beam to interfere and present the user with direct and immediate information on the nature of the interrogated vehicle. It can be a specially adapted paint (6) or a series of small reflectors (7).

 The system according to the invention is particularly intended for determining the "friend" or "indeterminate" nature of a vehicle being within range of the vehicle carrying the S.A.I.L. Its main purpose is to equip military vehicles and its secondary purpose is to provide the luxury industry with a system to combat counterfeiting by allowing discreet marking of their production.

Claims (1)

 1] Device for authenticating vehicles according to the "friend" or "indeterminate" classification by the use of a laser or the adaptation of a laser telemetry system characterized in that it comprises a laser transmitter [1], a display system [4] integrating an optical filter [3] tuned to the specific frequency of the laser, a means of visual presentation of the result of the shot [5] having or not interfering with the adapted reflectors or paint [6] [7].