Patent ID: 12203734

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It should be noted that any language directed to a computer should be read to include any suitable combination of computing devices, including servers, interfaces, systems, databases, agents, peers, engines, controllers, or other types of computing devices operating individually or collectively. One should appreciate the computing devices comprise a processor configured to execute software instructions stored on a tangible, non-transitory computer readable storage medium (e.g., hard drive, solid state drive, RAM, flash, ROM, etc.). The software instructions preferably configure the computing device to provide the roles, responsibilities, or other functionality as discussed below with respect to the disclosed apparatus. In especially preferred embodiments, the various servers, systems, databases, or interfaces exchange data using standardized protocols or algorithms, possibly based on HTTP, HTTPS, AES, public-private key exchanges, web service APIs, known financial transaction protocols, or other electronic information exchanging methods. Data exchanges preferably are conducted over a packet-switched network, the Internet, LAN, WAN, VPN, or other type of packet switched network.

One should appreciate that the disclosed techniques provide many advantageous technical effects including the ability to covertly deploy EW assets and then activate them at a time and for a duration of an operator's choosing.

The following discussion provides many example embodiments of the inventive subject matter. Although each embodiment represents a single combination of inventive elements, the inventive subject matter is considered to include all possible combinations of the disclosed elements. Thus if one embodiment comprises elements A, B, and C, and a second embodiment comprises elements B and D, then the inventive subject matter is also considered to include other remaining combinations of A, B, C, or D, even if not explicitly disclosed.

As will be described herein, the electronic warfare “EW” packages discussed in the embodiments of the inventive subject matter can generally be categorized as a signal jammer or an intrusive disruptor. The first embodiments will discuss the signal jammer that disrupts communications by interfering or otherwise disrupting the communications signals used by devices, with the later embodiments discussing the intrusive disruptor that functions to disrupt communications by introducing a virus or other harmful code into the devices themselves.

It is contemplated that beyond disruption or jamming, the systems and methods of the inventive subject matter can include a projectile that can also perform disabling (e.g., EMP, degrading, detraction, deception, interceptions and hijacking functions.

The function of a signal jammer is to interfere between the emitter and receiver of a wireless transmission. This can be accomplished by simply adding noise to the wireless link between the devices; however, there are also more complex ways to create interference, for instance sending specific information that confuses the communication protocol on any end of the wireless link (the attack can be targeted at the emitter or receiver).

Examples of types of existing cellphone jammers can be seen as:Type A: A device that overcomes the cellphone receiving signal by emitting multiple powerful frequencies that impede the wireless communication.Type B: A device that detects when a call is being made and communicates with the base station, informing it to prohibit the call establishment. This device can, for instance, recognize emergency calls and allow them to go through.Type C: A device which operates as a beacon and inform all nearby devices to disable their ringer operation.Type D: A device that communicates directly with a nearby phone and prevents it from making or receiving calls. Emergency calls can be allowed by this device.Type E: Faraday cages, which are not relevant to the embodiments of the inventive subject matter discussed herein.Type F a device that sends energy and destroy or disables other electronic devices.

The embodiments discussed herein are principally Type A devices but can, in embodiments, also incorporate functions of some of the other types.

The type of jamming attack can be also categorized and the effectiveness of the attack can depending on the type. The most significant types of jamming attacks are:Constant: This attack simply sends random information all the time without knowing if the channel is busy or not.Deceptive: This attack sends also information all the time but it does so in a way the other emitters are tricked into thinking they should be in receive mode. A variation of this can be that a device sends incorrect data and information to have an enemy device give incorrect information (e.g., with false location data, IP addresses, etc.)Random: This attack is random in the way it activates and deactivates the signal noise.Reactive: This attack stays quiet when the other emitters are idle and once a transmission is detected then it sends noise.Reactive: This attack displays better results than the random jammer only for short distances but it is important to note this jamming method is harder to detect.

There are multiple strategies to avoid signal jamming but they are usually complex to implement and, in short, a signal jammer is hard to avoid. As was noted before, one of the main strategies to accomplish signal jamming implies adding noise to the frequency where the communication is occurring at a higher power than the original signal, since some protocols have built in mechanisms to jump between frequencies (also known as frequency hopping) when they detect problems in the communication channel (like 2G, 3G and such); some jammers emit noise at multiple frequencies, however, this approach has its own faults since some wireless protocols can use more than 50 channels and therefore the jammer has to emit every channel frequency. Another approach for type A devices is to detect the communicating frequency and emit noise at the same frequency, this way the power of the device can be focused in a specific channel (as the reactive attack approach).

Type A jammers have to emit different frequencies at a high power in order to eclipse the real communicating signal (regardless if the jammer will detect the communicating frequency) this is why some commercial jammers' battery doesn't last very long even when they emit intermittingly. This implies one of the main components will have to be a signal generator of the same frequency of the target to block; if the jammer aims to block different communication protocols that operate at different frequencies then it would require multiple generators and multiple antennas, this is why some commercial jammers have many antennas.

As said before the jammer will have to emit noise at high power, this implies the power source will have to be able to deliver enough energy to the signal generators in order to maintain the jamming attack and successfully block all attempts of reconnection. A battery powered jammer will have to take into account the duration of the attack and the dBm of the output antenna for each one of the protocols it aims to attack; this will give a good estimate of the expected battery life for such conditions.

If the jammer uses an input antenna to be able to determine the current frequency where the communication is occurring then it will have to incorporate also a filter that omits the frequency its own transmitter emits, otherwise the jammer will be locked in just the first frequency it detects and when a frequency hopping occurs the jammer wouldn't be able to recognize such change. If a jammer has an input antenna it doesn't mean it will have to use this kind of filters, it can simply emit short burst of noise and then change to receiver mode (even using the same antenna) but this strategy could prove not so effective (it would be as effective as the random attack).

The systems and methods of the inventive subject matter include an EW payload internal to a projectile that can be deployed via firearms or other suitable launchers into a desired area where the EW payload can be activated.

In embodiments of the inventive subject matter, the EW payload of a projectile can include an input antenna that enables it to perform random, deceptive, constant or reactive attacks.FIG.1is a diagrammatic overview of this embodiment of the inventive subject matter.

As seen inFIG.1, the EW delivery system100includes a projectile body110that houses the EW payload. The projectile body110can be considered to be of a sufficient size to house the EW payload. The projectile body110is of a standard size/caliber/type to be fired by existing weapons. It is contemplated that the projectile body110can be a projectile of any known bullet calibers and sizes (e.g., .50 caliber, .22 caliber, etc.), or be a projectile body of a size and dimension of a projectile larger than bullets (e.g., mortars, missiles, grenade launchers-based ordnance, etc.). For example, a desirable form factor for the projectile body110is that of a 40 mm grenade projectile that can be fired by a launcher such as a rifle-based underside launcher or dedicated grenade launcher.

The EW payload is a general term used for the collection of components that enable for the identification of local signals and/or local networks, local jamming of communication signals, interception of local communication signals, distraction and/or deception of local networks, infiltration/penetration and/or hijacking of local networks. In the embodiment shown inFIG.1, the EW payload includes an input antenna120, an RF tuner130, a processor140, an output oscillator150, and an output antenna160. The EW payload also includes a power source170(e.g., a battery) that powers the various components included herein.

FIG.2depicts a possible diagram of components needed for every frequency that is desired to block. However, not all the specified components are necessary for all applications and some of them could be used for multiple frequencies without the need of more components.

Input Antenna120: This component is not necessary if the system will only emit noise (which will be discussed further below). The input antenna120is of an appropriate length to better catch incoming transmissions of certain frequencies. This component by itself doesn't drain current. It is necessary for every frequency that is to be blocked if they are significantly distant from each other and they can be used as an additional output antenna if it connected it to the output oscillator150. In embodiments of the inventive subject matter, the system100can include more than one input antenna120so as to be able to handle multiple frequencies.

RF Tuner130: The RF tuner130is configured to receive incoming transmissions using the input antenna. In embodiments, the RF tuner130could be activated or deactivated by the processor140according to certain conditions (e.g., as schedule, etc.) or it could stay always on. There must be an RF tuner130for each input antenna120. In embodiments, the RF Tuner130and processor140can be integral to one unit.

Processor140: The processor140is the component which takes the received signal from the RF tuner130and, based on the received signal, generates another signal at the same frequency (when it passes through the output oscillator150) but with different information. The processor140can be as basic as a noise generator or it could include filters, DSP analyzers, signal generators and so on. This component could be analog or digital, but in some cases it is recommended to be analog if the jamming signal has to be emitted very fast to block the original. The number of processors140could be as many as frequencies to attack or only one for all the signals.

The system can also include an on-board memory141that stores executable instructions that the processor140is programmed to execute. The memory141can also store data related to the functions of the inventive subject matter. For example, data associated with a date/time of activation, one or more frequencies to be blocked, reporting instructions, and other data.

In embodiments of the inventive subject matter, the system100is initiated prior to launching. In other embodiments, the processor140can be programmed to activate the system100upon a certain conditions being met. For example, the system100can be activated upon detecting (via an accelerometer or other on-board sensor) that the projectile110has been launched. Other types of conditions can include determining a particular location based on on-board location hardware (such as GPS), a time trigger (e.g., initiating based on date/time, or the expiration of a timer), a combination of location and time trigger, etc.

Output Oscillator150: The output oscillator150takes the signal generated by the processor and transforms it into a coherent signal to be transmitted through the output antenna160; this component is always necessary but also could be combined with the processor140, since some integrated circuits have both capabilities. An output oscillator150is necessary for each frequency to be transmitted, however there are multi-oscillators that are very competent in a wide range of frequencies.

Output Antenna160: The Output Antenna160emits the signal. In embodiments, it can have all of the same characteristics of the input antenna120.

Power Source170: The power source170is simply the component which allows enough energy into each component so they can operate correctly. The power source170can be a battery. It is important to note that each circuit required for each frequency could inject noise to the other signal generators.

FIG.2shows an example flowchart of the operation of a projectile110, according to embodiments of the inventive subject matter.

At step210, the projectile110is launched into a target area.

At step220, the processor140detects the satisfaction of a condition that causes it to activate the system. The condition can be a firing of the projectile110(detected via an accelerometer). Other conditions can include detecting that a certain date and/or time has been reached, a certain location has been reached (based on position information received from GPS), a combination of a time and a location. In embodiments of the inventive subject matter, the processor140and other components of the projectile110can be set to a passive mode where the processor140listens for signals and activates in response to detecting a signal (via the input antenna120).

These embodiments allow for the projectile110to be launched into an area at a time prior to an anticipated use (days, weeks or months prior) such that the processor140and the other components do not become active until they are needed or desired. This preserves system resources such as battery life and reduces the chances of detection.

In embodiments of the inventive subject matter, the projectile can be activated prior to loading into a launcher, such that step220is performed by an operator prior to firing.

The operating logic executed by processor140for the system100ofFIG.1is that as soon as it is powered it begins to scan for wireless transmissions at step230. If it detects one then the processor140generates noise (or specific data) and then emits this signal through the output antenna160at step240. The processor140can include an input notch filter that tracks the output oscillator frequency and effectively omits this frequency from the input antenna, by doing so, a change in the attacked frequency can be detected and the jammer can adjust accordingly. The processor140can also turn off the RF Tuner when it is transmitting and then turn it on once it has finished, this way the RF Tuner can still be used but only operates when the jammer is “quiet”.

The signal emitted is one that can interfere with one or more of cellular communications, WiFi communications, NFC communications, Bluetooth communications or other wireless communications.

In embodiments of the inventive subject matter, the signal emitted is one that interferes with local receipt of global positioning signals from GPS or GLONASS, thus confusing location identification circuits in nearby devices or vehicles.

In embodiments of the inventive subject matter, the system can spoof signals such that other devices are deceived into connecting to the system100at which point the system100can disrupt, infiltrate or otherwise affect connected computing devices. For example, the processor140can be programmed to emit a signal in the area that mimics a previously-discovered signal. This can include mimicking a network name or address, a signal, etc.

In embodiments of the inventive subject matter, the processor140can shut the components down or go into a sleep mode after a certain pre-determined time or after it no longer detects the input signal present at step250.

In embodiments of the inventive subject matter, a projectile110can network with other similar projectiles110such that the processor(s)140are programmed to cooperate. The cooperation can include dividing the frequencies of interest among the deployed projectiles110such that a plurality of frequencies are jammed by the plurality of deployed devices.

The embodiment ofFIG.1includes an input antenna that allows the processor140to detect signals and receive data. The system300ofFIG.3is a simpler design of a signal jammer, lacking the input antenna and RF tuner ofFIG.1. The operating logic of the system300is that as soon as it is powered its processor340generates noise (or specific data) and then emits this signal through the output antenna360. The processor340can emit programmed or endless transmissions. The output of the oscillator can be used as a feedback so the processor can re-adjust its output signal and better tune the attacked frequency. The components of the system300ofFIG.3correspond to those same components of the system100ofFIG.1, except for the input antenna and RF tuner. The process ofFIG.2can apply to the system300ofFIG.3except for the steps that require an input antenna and RF tuner. Thus, instead of detecting a radio signal on site, the system300can initiate due to firing or via an accelerometer reading indicative that the projectile310has come to a stop.

In embodiments of the inventive subject matter, the housing of the projectile110can be used as the input antenna120or the output antenna160(for the embodiment ofFIG.1). Likewise, in embodiments of the inventive subject matter, the housing of the projectile310can be used as the output antenna360. This approach is discussed in Applicant's U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/487,990 titled “Ordnance Delivery System Using a Protective Housing as an Antenna”, filed Sep. 28, 2021, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

In addition to the components above, the projectiles110,310can include accelerometers or other sensors that can detect the movement of the projectile110,310, GPS equipment that can report position information to the processor140,340and other sensors.

In embodiments of the inventive subject matter, the projectiles110,310can be configured to establish a connection with a nearby computing device and upload malware to the computing device to disrupt communications or other functions. The malware deployed can include a virus, a trojan horse, a worm, ransomware, spyware, wipers, keyloggers, etc.

In embodiments of the inventive subject matter, the projectiles110,310also include communication interfaces that allow for the transmission of data (and in the case of projectile110, the receipt of data). This can include transmitting the data via the output antennas160,360or via other antennas specific to a particular protocol. Examples of suitable communication interfaces can include WiFi, Cellular, Bluetooth, NFC, etc.

In embodiments of the inventive subject matter, the projectile110,310can contain a self-destruct mechanism that can destroy or otherwise render inoperable the electronics component of the projectile110,310. The processor140,340can initiate a self-destruct sequence in response to a trigger that causes the self-destruct mechanism to activate. In these embodiments, the trigger can be the projectile110receiving a self-destruct signal from an external device and thus initiate the self-destruct sequence. In another embodiment, the trigger can be the detection of a particular frequency. In these embodiments, processor140can be programmed to initiate the self-destruct sequence in response to detecting a particular pre-determined frequency. The device ofFIG.3lacks the input antenna so it cannot receive the external command or detect the external frequency. In other embodiments, the trigger can be a preprogrammed timer or elapsed date/time such that projectile110,310can be set to self-destruct on a timer or at a specific date/time that is set/programmed prior to launch or deployment.

In embodiments, the self-destruct mechanism can include an amount of an explosive material that the processor140,340can trigger to ignite. Thus, the self-destruct sequence can be considered to be the ignition of the explosive by the processor140,340. In variations of this embodiment, the explosive material can be of a magnitude that it completely destroys the EW payload but does not penetrate outside of the projectile110,310body itself. This way, if the projectile110,310is discovered later by an enemy, the true nature of the projectile110,310is not discovered.

In embodiments, the self-destruct mechanism can include one or more chemicals that is released within the projectile that destroys or otherwise renders inoperable the electrical components contained within the projectile110,310. The chemical(s) can be stored in one or more enclosures or reservoirs within the projectile that can be punctured by a piercing mechanism that is controlled by the processor140,340. The chemical can be a corrosive chemical that damages, burns or otherwise destroys the sensitive electrical components within the projectile110,310. In embodiments of the inventive subject matter, the projectile110,310can include two or more chemicals in separate enclosures that, when they come into contact with each other after their respective enclosures are punctured, cause a chemical reaction that results in the destruction of the electronics components. The chemical reaction can a burn or other destructive reaction. Thus, the self-destruct sequence in these embodiments is the processor causing the piercing mechanism to puncture the one or more chemical reservoirs that release the chemical to perform the destructive processes discussed above.

In embodiments of the inventive subject matter, the self-destruct mechanism can be an electrical signal such as an electrical spike within the projectile110,310that damage the electronics components contained therein. In these embodiments, the processor140,340can be programmed to execute the self-destruct sequence by causing the power source170to release a surge of voltage or wattage that results in the destruction of one or more of the electronics components in the projectile110,310.

Suitable methods of data exchange for projectile-based electronics components are described in the following U.S. patent applications owned by the applicant Ser. No. 17/487,990 filed Sep. 28, 2021, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/900,226 filed Jun. 12, 2020 and issued Feb. 15, 2022, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/004,895 filed Aug. 27, 2020 and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/845,273 filed Jun. 21, 2022. All of these patent applications are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

In embodiments of the inventive subject matter, the processors140,340can be programmed to cause the emission of a short, powerful burst of signal to overwhelm nearby devices. The processors can be programmed to do this based on a timer from firing, based on receiving a signal (for projectile110), or based on an altitude (with an on-board altimeter). In these embodiments, the projectile110can be used to intercept and potentially disable a moving target. For example, upon discovering a drone flying overhead, an operator can program the projectile110,310to emit a strong signal at the approximate observed distance of the drone. This way, the signal can disable the drone as the projectile110,310is within proximity of the drone without requiring a kinetic kill.

In embodiments of the inventive subject matter, the memory141,341can store a “kill code” used for a particular machine. For example, a piece of equipment (e.g., a military vehicle, a weapons system, a car or other civilian vehicle) can a priori have a kill code programmed into its on-board computer such that if it receives the kill code, the on-board computer causes the piece of equipment to shut down.

In these embodiments, the projectile110,310is shot or otherwise delivered within communications range of the target (the piece of equipment that is to be disabled). The processor140,340begins transmitting the kill code upon the satisfaction of a certain condition (e.g., determining the projectile has stopped moving; for projectile110, detecting a radio emission associated with the piece of equipment; based on a GPS signal, etc.). In response to the kill code, the piece of equipment is disabled.

In embodiments of the inventive subject matter, the projectile110,310can contain an electromagnetic pulse (“EMP”) emitter that can emit a pulse the can disable an electronic device in the vicinity. The processor140,340can be programmed to fire the EMP emitter using similar logic to that of the deployment of the jamming signal above, as applicable: based on a received signal, based on a timer, based on a date/time, based on a location, based on a proximity to a device or vehicle, etc. (or a combination of these).

In embodiments of the inventive subject matter, the projectile110,310can be programmed to deploy a shock or surge of voltage that could be used to disable a vehicle, equipment or personnel. In these embodiments, electrically-conductive connections can be coupled between the on-board power source and the electrically-conductive housing (or an electrically-conductive portion thereof) of the projectile110,310such that the processor140,340can cause a discharge of electricity to an external body. In these embodiments, the processor140,340can be programmed to discharge the electric shock via received commands (for projectile110), via a timer, proximity, location, date/time, etc.

As used herein, and unless the context dictates otherwise, the term “coupled to” is intended to include both direct coupling (in which two elements that are coupled to each other contact each other) and indirect coupling (in which at least one additional element is located between the two elements). Therefore, the terms “coupled to” and “coupled with” are used synonymously.

It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Where the specification claims refers to at least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C . . . and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc.