An interrogation device includes an emitter configured to emit an infrared (IR) inquiry signal to a target entity to determine if the target entity is a friendly entity. The interrogation device also includes a viewing device, configured to view IR signals, through which an IR response beacon signal from a target beacon of the target entity is viewed. The viewing device is configured to output a signal having a signal pattern of a response beacon signal expected from a beacon associated with the friendly entity, so that the target beacon is determined to be associated with the friendly entity if the response signal pattern of the target beacon matches the expected signal pattern in the viewing device.
An interrogation device includes an emitter configured to emit an infrared (IR) inquiry signal to a target entity to determine if the target entity is a friendly entity. The interrogation device also includes a viewing device, configured to view IR signals, through which an IR response beacon signal from a target beacon of the target entity is viewed. The viewing device is configured to output a signal having a signal pattern of a response beacon signal expected from a beacon associated with the friendly entity, so that the target beacon is determined to be associated with the friendly entity if the response signal pattern of the target beacon matches the expected signal pattern in the viewing device.
G01S 17/74 - Systems using reradiation of electromagnetic waves other than radio waves, e.g. IFF, i.e. identification of friend or foe
H04L 9/32 - Arrangements for secret or secure communicationsNetwork security protocols including means for verifying the identity or authority of a user of the system
A method for power management in a beacon includes determining a program density of a signaling program; determining an initial driving voltage using the program density; determining a current setting for an emitter using the initial driving voltage; adjusting the initial driving voltage to a start-up voltage; executing the signaling program using the start-up voltage; and adjusting the start-up voltage to a signaling voltage.
G09G 3/32 - Control arrangements or circuits, of interest only in connection with visual indicators other than cathode-ray tubes for presentation of an assembly of a number of characters, e.g. a page, by composing the assembly by combination of individual elements arranged in a matrix using controlled light sources using electroluminescent panels semiconductive, e.g. using light-emitting diodes [LED]
A method and apparatus for preventing fratricide including an emitter that emits a signaling code at a wavelength, the signaling code representing a coded message; a receiver that captures an image of a field of view including the emitter and generates image information corresponding to the captured image; a translation system that: receives the image information, and decodes the coded message from the image information; and a output device that outputs the decoded message.
A programmable infrared beacon having an electronics circuit with a microprocessor contained within a transparent housing. A number of signaling infrared light emitting diodes are provided within the housing and connected to the electronics circuit. The beacon has a number of pins for inputting programs and controls and a number of color-coded light emitting diodes within the housing indicating the inputted program. An infrared received sub-circuit is provided to receive instructions from an external source. A programmer unit is also provided to prepare and transmit programs and controls to the beacon. Synchronization and cascading among beacons is provided with synchronization and delay programs within the microprocessor. An infrared detector is also provided to allow synchronization reception among beacons. In an alternate embodiment, a radio frequency transceiver and antenna is added to each beacon.
G08B 5/00 - Visible signalling systems, e.g. personal calling systems, remote indication of seats occupied
G01K 11/30 - Measuring temperature based on physical or chemical changes not covered by group , , , or using measurement of the effect of a material on X-radiation, gamma radiation or particle radiation
G06F 15/00 - Digital computers in generalData processing equipment in general
A system comprised of a one or more rapidly flashing thermal image beacons, a plurality of sensors, a control subsystem, input means, and a power source. Each beacon being comprised of a precision machined and polished parabolic or elliptical mirror. A resistive heating element is nominally positioned at the mirror focal point. The heating element is mounted on a carriage which can be moved backwards and forwards by a microprocessor-controlled mechanism. The resulting oscillatory action creates a rapidly changing coded flashing thermal image.
