LANDMINE DESTRUCTION BALL

Description

BACKGROUND

Landmines pose a significant danger in post-conflict regions, making their safe Destruction critical. Traditional methods often involve direct human interaction with the explosives, posing a substantial risk.

Wireless detonation systems, detonators, and explosive units are known, as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 9,709,373B2. In addition, electronic detonation devices with dual antennas for the blasting system and the blasting system are also known, as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 11,385,037B2. Korean Patent Application 20180018029A shows a hand grenade designed to detonate after remote impact.

SUMMARY

A landmine destruction system and method are provided to mitigate the risk of human injury by allowing remote detonation of landmines using an innovative ball-shaped explosive device controlled via a secure wireless communication system. The system relates to devices and methods for safely detonating landmines. Specifically, it pertains to a ball-shaped explosive device that can be remotely detonated using a tablet interface, providing a safer alternative to traditional landmine destruction techniques.

These and other objects of the disclosure and many of the intended advantages will become more readily apparent when reference is made to the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. This summary is not intended to identify all essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended for use in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and are intended to provide an overview or framework to understand the nature and character of the disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the Landmine Destruction Ball (LDB) view.

FIG. 2A shows the remote operation of an LDB via a controller tablet.

FIG. 2B is a block diagram of the controller components and LDB control board components.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the process of safety calibration of the LDB.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart or schematic showing the recording and transmission process.

FIG. 5 is a schematic showing the permission settings and authority delegation.

FIG. 6 is a schematic illustrating the secure communication setup.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In describing the illustrative, non-limiting embodiments of the disclosure illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents that operate in similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. Several embodiments of the disclosure are described for illustrative purposes, it being understood that the disclosure may be embodied in other forms not specifically shown in the drawings.

Turning to the drawings, FIGS. 1, 2 shows an example, non-limiting embodiment of a landmine Destruction system 10 in accordance with the present disclosure. Referring initially to FIG. 2, the system 10 can comprise a Landmine Destruction Ball (LDB) 100 and a remotely-located controller 200.

FIG. 1 shows details of the LDG 100 formed as a spherical ball, though other suitable shapes and devices can be provided. The LDB 100 includes a body 110, blasting components 140, and electronic components 150. The blasting or explosive components 140 can include an explosive 142, here shown as a plastic explosive such as C4, and a blasting cap 144. The blasting cap 144 is the trigger mechanism that initiates the explosive 142 to explode upon receiving an explode command from a remotely-located controller 200 (FIG. 2) through the control board 170. The electronic components 150 include a battery 152, wireless communication device or interface 154, control board 170, display device 178 (here shown as an on/off indicator or indicator screen), and an antenna 160.

Referring to FIG. 2B, the control board 170 can include an LDB processing device such as a processor 172, LDB memory 174, LDB input 176, LDB display 178, LDB wireless communication device 154, and/or LDB GPS 179. The processor 172 is in electronic communication with the memory 174, input 176, display 178, and wireless device 154, which can be attached to and integral with, or connected to and remote from the processor 172. Those elements can all be arranged on the control board 170, or can be separate from one another and in communication with the processor 172.

The body 110 forms a housing or enclosure and includes a spherical outer shell or casing 112, and an inner layer 114. The outer shell 112 forms the exterior structure of the ball 100, and is designed to protect internal components and withstand environmental conditions. The outer shell 112 can be any suitable material, though in one embodiment it is made of a hard, rigid, and durable plastic. The inner layer 114 also forms a durable case and is spherical, and can be any suitable material, though in one embodiment is made of metal. The metal shell 114 increases the size of the explosion of the ball by increasing the pressures caused by the C4, resulting in a larger explosion and more effective destruction of the landmine on which it is placed. The metal shrapnel can also impact the landmine, aiding in the destruction of the landmine.

The outer layer 112 surrounds and is concentric with the inner layer 114. In the embodiment shown, the outer layer 112 is thicker than the inner layer 114, though in other embodiments, the outer layer 112 can have the same thickness or be thinner than the inner layer 114. A hard plastic outer shell 112 protects the metal internal shell 114 from damage prior to use. A hard outer shell 112 also allows the ball 100 to be placed on uneven surfaces by giving the surface of the ball traction and more ease of use when handling. However, any suitable material can be utilized for the outer shell 112, including a soft plastic. And, any suitable material can be utilized for the inner shell 114, including a non-metal such as a strong rigid plastic. And, any suitable shape can be provided for the outer surface of the outer shell 112, such as with one or more flat outer surfaces.

In the embodiment shown, the body 110 includes an opening or through-hole that extends through the outer layer 112 and the inner layer 114. The outer layer 112 has an outer layer opening 116 and the inner layer 114 has an inner layer opening 118. The outer layer opening 116 aligns with the inner layer opening 118. In the embodiment shown, the outer layer opening 116 is the same size as the inner layer opening 118, though one of the openings 116, 118 can be larger than the other opening 116, 118. In other embodiments, no indicator 178, or inner and outer openings 116, 118 are provided, and the outer and inner shells 112, 114 can be a complete sphere. In other embodiments, no inner or outer openings 116, 118 are provided, and the indicator 178 can be affixed (such as by fastener or adhesive) to the outer surface of or embedded in the outer shell 112 and in wireless communication with said processing device 170.

The body 110 defines an interior space 120. The body 110 fully receives at the interior space 120 and completely surrounds, the entirety of the explosive components, including the entire explosive charge 142 and the entire blasting cap 144. The explosive charge 142 can be malleable and pressed into one side or section of the interior space 120 of the body 110. The blasting cap 144 extends partially into the explosive charge 142, and is partially exposed (outside of the explosive charge 142).

In addition, the body 110 fully receives at the interior space 120 and completely surrounds, all of the electronic components 150, except for the indicator 178 and the antenna 160. Thus, the body 110 fully receives and completely surrounds the entire battery 152, entire wireless communication device such as a radio 154, and entire control board 170 to provide protection and structural integrity. The electronic components 150 can be mounted, directly or indirectly, to the inner surface of the inner shell 114, and can be kept apart from the explosive material 142. In some embodiments, a partition or platform can be mounted to at least partially separate the explosive charge 144 from the electronic components 150, and the cap 144 can extend through the partition or platform.

The battery 152 is the sole power source for the electronic components within the ball 100, including the wireless communication device 154, control board 170, indicator 178, and antenna 160. The wireless communication device is a wireless communication interface such as, for example, a radio 154. The wireless communication device 154 facilitates secure wireless communication between the electronic components 150 and a remotely-located controller 200, such as a control device (for example, a computer or tablet).

The control board 170 is directly or indirectly in wired electronic communication with the other electronic components, including the wireless communication device 154, and the indicator 178. The control board 170 controls all operation of the LDB 100, including radio communications to/from the wireless communication device 154, systems tests, and detonation. Accordingly, the control board 170 can include an LDB processing device, such as an ASIC or processor, or other analog and/or digital electronics to control the operation of the LDB 100.

It is further noted that the battery 152, radio 154, processor control board 170, and indicator 178 are arranged in that order to balance the weight of the electronics inside of the ball so that the ball can sit and self-balance upright with the indicator screen at the top of the ball body 102 when set on the ground. In the embodiment shown, the explosive (C4) 142 is heavier than the electronic components (including the mattery 152, radio 154, indicator 178, and control board 170. Thus, the explosive 142 is positioned opposite of the indicator 178, so that the explosive 142 weights the ball to have a resting bias with the indicator at the top of the ball and the explosive 142 at the bottom half of the ball. The weight of the electronic components is also distributed at the top half of the interior space 120 so that the ball does not tilt and the indicator 178 top surface points directly upward so it is clearly visible and audible from all directions. And the indicator 178 can use indicators that can be understood from all directions, such as a green light, red light, and audible tones, but can also use numbers or text. In other embodiments, the indicator 178 can be positioned to one side. Though the explosive 142 is shown as taking about one-half of the interior space 120 of the ball body 110, the explosive 142 can take up more or less space depending on the desired explosive needed, as well as the relative weights and sizes of the electronic components. In addition, the explosive 142 being positioned at the bottom half of the inner space 120 positions the explosive 142 closer to the landmine to more efficiently destroy the landmine and minimize collateral impact. Of course, the explosive 142 can be positioned at other locations and other means can be utilized to properly position the LDB 100.

In addition, the battery 152 is positioned between the radio 154 and the control board 170, to reduce interference to the control board 170 and blasting cap 144 caused by operation of the radio 154 operation. As shown, a direct wire electronically connects the control board 170 and the radio 154, so that signals can pass to and from the radio 154 and the control board 170 to transmit and receive signals.

The antenna 160 extends from the wireless communication device 154 to enhance signal reception and transmission. As shown, the antenna 160 can be embedded into the outer shell 112. The antenna 160 has a first end that is coupled to the wireless communication device 154, and a second end that extends within the outer shell 112. The antenna 160 can extend through a small hole in the inner shell 114, as shown, or can extend through the inner shell opening 118. The small hole can extend transversely through the inner shell 118. In one embodiment, antenna 160 is surfaced mounted to the outer shell 112 once it extends through the inner shell 114. The antenna 160 passes through the outer shell 112 to provide more surface area for the antenna 160, providing better range and allowing for frequency tuning for radio and GPS. The antenna 160 does not interfere with the control board 170 because the plastic of the outer shell 112 provides electronic interference insolation to the control board 170.

As further shown, the battery 152 is directly connected to the wireless communication device 154, control board 170 and indicator 178, such as for example by an electric wire or lead, or directly to a terminal of the battery 152. In particular, the control board 170 is pressed up against the positive terminal and negative terminal of the battery. During manufacture, an insulative material 153 is placed between the control board 170 and the battery terminals. In the example embodiment shown, the insulative material 153 is a ribbon that has a first distal end that is placed between the control board 170 and the battery terminals, and a second proximal free end that extends through the openings 116, 118 to the exterior of the body 110.

When the distal end of the ribbon is between the battery 152 and the control board 118, the ribbon 153 electrically separates the battery 152 and control board 118, and prevents the battery 152 from providing power to the control board 118. Thus, the control board 118 and ball 100 are off or inactive. Once the ball 100 is delivered to the field or location where it is to be used, the user pulls the proximal end of the ribbon 153 which removes the distal end of the ribbon 153 from between the battery 152 and the control board 170. That, in turn, provides power to the control board 170, so that that control board 170 and ball 100 are on and in standby mode.

The indicator device 178 provides a visual and/or audio indication of a status of the ball system 100 to the user. The indicator 178 can include an indicator housing, one or more indicator lights that turn on/off to indicate a status, and/or a screen that can display the ball status. As shown in FIG. 1, the indicator 178 housing extends through the openings 116, 118 from the interior space 120 of the LDB 100 (inside the inner shell 114) to the outside of the LDB 100 (outside the inner shell 114 or outer shell 112. Thus, a distal end of the indicator 178 can be located inside the inner shell 114 and electronically coupled with the LDB processor 170 and battery 152. And a proximal end of the indicator 178 housing can be located outside the inner shell 114, or outside the outer shell 112, and display information to the user. For example, information is displayed on an LCD Screen. The user taps the LCD screen to wake up the device. Information displayed by the LCD screen can include, for example, ready, general error, communication error, disabled, countdown, connected to tablet, not connected to tablet, safe, armed, fault. The outer surface of the indicator 178 can be flush with or extend beyond the outer surface of the outer shell 112, or even be recessed with respect to the outer surface of the outer shell 112.

Turning to FIG. 2A, the control processing device or controller 200 can be used to simultaneously control operation of a plurality of LDBs 100 in a same field. The controller 200 is remote from the LDB 100 and controls each LDB through a wireless communication signal (dashed lines) that addresses operation of the specific one LDB 100. In some embodiments, the controller 200 is within visual sight of the LDB 100, though in other embodiments the LDB 100 can be out of sight but viewed by the user from a camera located on a drone aircraft.

As shown in FIG. 2B, the controller 200 can be a tablet that has a controller processing device 202, controller memory or storage device 204, controller input 206, controller display screen 208, and controller communication module or interface 210. In one embodiment, the input can be through the screen, which is formed as a touchscreen. The user can be positioned at a safe distance, but control the LDBs 100 by interacting with the tablet 200. The processor 202 is in electronic communication with the memory 204, input 206, display 208, and wireless device 210, which can be attached to and integral with, or connected to and remote from the processor 202.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the process of safety calibration of the LDB 100 for the user to detonate an LDB 100 at the controller 200 from a safe distance. Starting at step 302, the user selects a LDB 100 to detonate. At step 304, the controller 200 stores known landmine locations and explosive charge data in the controller memory 204. The explosive charge data includes, for example, the dimensions or size of the landmine, and the geometry or shape of the landmine, landmine type (if known), and landmine power (if known available).

Once the LDB processor 170 is turned on, it automatically synchronizes to the controller 200 through the radio 154, and the LDB information is displayed on the controller display 208. For example, the LDB memory 174 can store a unique ID or serialized number that is associated with that LDB 100. During synchronization, the LDB processor 172 transmits its unique ID to the controller processor 202 through the LDB radio 154 and the controller communication device 210. For example, when the user pulls the safety pull ribbon, the LDB turns on (or by an on/off button), and syncs the LDB to the controller.

Also during synchronization, the controller processor 202 marks the ball's location with GPS coordinates provided by the LDB GPS 179. It is noted, however, that the ball GPS 179 might lose accuracy because it is positioned inside the interior space 120. In other embodiments, the GPS 179 can be positioned at the outside of the inner shell 112 or the outer shell 114 (and power leads extending from the battery to the GPS through an opening in the shell(s)), or other devices (such as an air tag) that provide location information. In other embodiments, when the LDB 100 is manually positioned, the user can record the position of the landmine using the controller GPS 212. Or, the controller location can be a primary GPW location input and the ball GPS location can be a secondary GPS location input, and the controller processor 202 can utilize both inputs to determine the final location. The secondary GPS inputs provided by the controller are backup to the LDB GPS system if the LDB GPS struggles to find its GPS location when placed on the ground. The controller processor 202 periodically or continuously (even after synchronization) pings the ball processor 172 by sending a location request signal to the ball processor 172, in response to which the ball processor 172 obtains its location from the ball GPS 179 and sends a location response signal to the controller processor 202. The request and response are sent through radio communication for the controller processor 202 to keep in contact with the ball processor 172 and reconfirm its location by radio signal. In another embodiment, the LDB processor 172 can continuously or periodically request the ball 100 location from the GPS and broadcast its GPS location to the controller processor 202. The controller processor 202 stores the LDB data, including LDB location and unique ID (and any other information provided to the controller by the LDB or central processor) in the controller memory 204.

Accordingly, all LDBs 100 in communication with the controller 200 are displayed on the controller display 208, with its location. The display can be, for example, a map similar to shown in FIG. 2A, that indicates the location of that LDB 100 with respect to the controller 200 location, which is determined by the controller processor 202 periodically or continuously sending a location request to the controller GPS 212. Other information can also be displayed on the controller display screen 208, such as the LDB unique ID and other information provided by the LDB processor 172 (and stored in the LDB memory 174), such as size of the LDB, status of the LDB (functioning properly, ready, etc.), and whether the controller processor 202 is in communication with the LDB processor 172. The user can select which LDB to detonate by choosing the specific LDB on the screen they wish to detonate. The screen 208 provides a detailed map of where each LDB is in the field, allowing them to ensure they choose the correct LDB.

Explosive charge data, and especially landmine data (including for example, landmine location, type, size, shape, explosive power (if known)) can be determined or accessed in multiple ways, including visual, various types of metal detectors, drone or robot imaging (e.g., identification in a lookup table), and ground-penetrating radar. The explosive charge data or landmine data is then transmitted to the controller processor 202, and stored in the controller memory 204. The LDB 100 can then be placed next to the landmine, either manually or remotely. For example, the LDB 100 can be a mobile device and the controller processor 202 can transmit the landmine location to the LDB 100, which then moves to a position at or adjacent to the landmine based on the LDB's current location from the LDB GPS 179. Or, the LDB 100 can be manually placed by using the controller GPS 212 to identify the landmine location.

When the user finds a landmine they wish to explode, the user annotates on the controller display 208 what type of landmine it is from a list of commonly used landmines, how many there are in a specific location, and the GPS location of the landmine. That information is stored in the controller memory 204. Once the user explodes the LDB and eliminates the landmine, the location of the explosion is recorded to include the destruction of the landmine and LDB on the controller, with the LDB being recorded as destroyed once the user sends the command to detonate.

At step 306, based on the explosive charge data stored in the controller memory 204, the controller processing device 202 determines the safe standoff distance for the user. Here, the controller processing device 202 can utilize any suitable technique, such as for example, the United Nations provides calculations for the safe removal of unexploded ordinance derived from the Hopkinson-Cranz Scaling Law. The Hopkinson-Cranz Scaling Law, also known as the Hopkinson Scaling Law, is a principle used in explosive engineering and shock wave physics to relate the effects of different explosive charges. It allows for the comparison of the effects of explosions of different sizes and at different distances. The law is based on the concepts of geometric similarity and dimensional analysis. One concept of the Hopkinson-Cranz Scaling Law is geometric similarity. Here, the law assumes that the physical phenomena (such as pressure, impulse, and displacement) produced by an explosion are similar if the explosive events are geometrically similar. This means that if you have two charges that are geometrically similar (same shape and relative dimensions), the resulting blast waves will be similar in form.

Another concept is dimensional analysis. Here, the law uses dimensional analysis to relate the size of the explosive charge, the distance from the explosion, and the effects of the explosion (like overpressure, impulse, etc.). The key variables involved are the mass of the explosive charge and the distance from the charge where the effects are being measured.

The basic form of the Hopkinson-Cranz Scaling Law formula is: Z=RW1/3Z=W1/3R, where ZZ is the scaled distance, RR is the actual distance from the center of the explosion, and WW is the mass of the explosive charge (usually in kilograms). The Scaled Distance (Z) is a dimensionless parameter that allows for the comparison of different explosive scenarios. It normalizes the distance from the explosion by considering the size of the explosive charge. By making distance dimensionless, you can compare distances across different scales or systems without being affected by the units used to measure them (Common in Fluid Mechanics/Heat Transfer). For two different explosive charges, if the scaled distances ZZ are the same, the blast effects (such as pressure and impulse) at these distances will be similar. This means you can predict the effects of a larger explosion by scaling up the results from a smaller test explosion.

The law is used extensively in military and industrial contexts where explosive testing and experiments are conducted. Small-scale tests can be performed, and the results can be scaled up to predict the effects of larger charges. In safety and risk assessment engineering, the law helps in assessing the safe distances required to protect structures and personnel from explosive hazards. In the design of protective structures, engineers use the law to design blast-resistant structures by understanding how different sizes of explosions will impact buildings and barriers.

Accordingly, the controller processing device 202 uses the explosive charge data stored in the controller memory 204 to determine a safe standoff distance for the user, step 306. At step 308, the controller processing device 202 notifies the user of the safe distance, such as for example by displaying the distance on the controller display device 208. In one embodiment, the controller 200 can be provided with a controller location module 212, such as a Global Positioning System (GPS). The controller processing device 202 can receive the current location of controller 200 from the GPS 212 and determine if the user is at a safe distance from the explosive. The controller processing device 202 can then indicate to the user if the user is at a safe distance or not and can indicate the safe distance on the controller display device 208, such as by annotating a map.

At step 310, once the controller processing device 202 determines that the user is at a safe distance, the controller processing device 202 enables the user to initiate detonation of the selected LDB 100. Once the user selects to initiate detonation, the controller processing device 202 transmits a wireless detonate control signal to the LDB 100, via the controller wireless communication module 210.

Turning to FIG. 4, at step 402, the LDB 100 receives the detonate control signal at the LDB antenna 160, which passes the signal to the wireless communication device 154, which in turn passes the detonate control signal to the LDB processing device 172. The LDB processing device 172 sends a detonate signal to the blasting cap 144, which detonates the explosive 142. In some embodiments, the LDB processor 172 and/or controller processor 202 can implement a countdown prior to detonation, and that countdown can be indicated at the LDB indicator 178, such as, for example, by an audible tone that gets faster or a numerical countdown announcement or numerical display. Other alerts can be made by the indicator 178, such as a warning to clear the area, that is indicated as soon as the LDB 100 is turned on.

At step 404, upon detonation, the controller processing device 202 records the exact location of the explosion in the controller memory 204. This information can be automatically transmitted, step 406, from the controller processing device 202 to national databases, step 408, aiding in the documentation and analysis of demining efforts.

FIG. 5 is a schematic showing the permission settings and authority delegation operation 500. Many countries have regulations on who can use explosives to remove landmines and unexploded ordinances and tight restrictions on areas where they can be used. A permission architecture allows for remote authorities to observe and approve the use of explosives to remove unexploded ordinance and landmines for locations that are tightly restricted.

Operation begins at step 550, where the user finds a landmine 552. As noted above, landmine locations are known and seen in multiple ways, including visual, various types of metal detectors, drone imaging, and ground-penetrating radar. The user then places the LDB 100 near the landmine, step 554, and moves to a safe location, step 556. This can be done manually by placing the LDB next to or on top of a landmine by hand, dropping it from an unmanned aerial vehicle (i.e., drone), or placed by a robotic hand. The user selects the desired LDB 100 on the controller processing device 202, and the controller processing device 202 determines a stand distance, step 560.

At step 562, the controller processing device 202 then transmits an authorization request signal to a central processing device 510 at a central authority. The authorization request signal can include operator data, such as the name of the user, and explosive charge data, such as for example the location of the LDB, standoff, and landmine explosive power. The central authority reviews the location (and optionally the other explosive charge data), step 512. It determines if the user is authorized to initiate the explosion based on the location of the LDB 200. However, other data can also be used, such as the name and position/rank of the user, time of day, weather conditions, etc.

At step 514, the central processing device transmits an authorization response signal to controller 200, indicating whether or not the explosion is authorized. The control processing device 202 receives, at step 564, the authorization response signal. If the explosion is not authorized, then the control processing device 202 does not activate an option for the user to initiate the explosion, and the user can select a different LDB, steps 552-558, or shut down. If the explosion is authorized, the controller processing device 202 enables an option or the user to initiate the explosion, and the user can choose to detonate the LDB, step 566, as in FIGS. 3, 4.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating secure communication setup operation 600, and showing secure communications between the controller processing device 202 of the controller 200, and the LDB processing device 170 of the LDB 100. Also referring to FIG. 2B, the controller 200 has a secure controller communication interface 210, and the LDB 100 has a secure LDB communication interface 154. The controller communication interface 210 encrypts data (such as control and GPS signals, or explosive charge data) from the controller processing device 202 and transmits the secure key 602 and encrypted data 606 to the LDB 100. As shown, the controller communication interface 210 encrypts the data 606 and sends the encrypted data 606 to the LDB communication module 154. At the same time, the controller interface 210 creates a secure key 602, cryptographically sends the key 604, and the cryptography key 608 is received by the LDB secure communication module 154. Once the secure communication module of the LDB 154, receive both the secure key 608 and the encrypted data 606, and uses the secure key 608 to decrypt the encrypted data 606. The LDB communication module 154 receives the encrypted data 606, 608 and decrypts the encrypted data 606, 608, for example using a decryption key. The decrypted data is then sent to the LDB processing device 170 for processing.

It is noted that the encryption process is also used for communications from the LDB processing device 172 to the controller processing device 202. That is, the signals transmitted by the LDB processing device 172 are encrypted at the LDB encryption device 154. That encrypted data is received at the controller communication device 210, which decrypts the data and forwards it to the processing device 202 for processing. The data encryption process can also be used for communications between the controller processor and the central processor 510, which can be transmitted over different signals such as satellite communication.

CONCLUSION

Accordingly, the Landmine Destruction Ball (LDB) is a spherical device designed for the safe and efficient Destruction of landmines. The device is remotely operated via a tablet, ensuring user safety by minimizing direct interaction with the landmine. The system includes several key components and features, including ball design, remote operation, safety calibration, data recording and transmission, multi-device coordination, permission settings, and secure communications.

Ball design includes that the LDB 100 is a spherical device containing an explosive charge sufficient to detonate nearby landmines. The LDB 100 is spherical for placing the item in different terrain, the shape allows for less unintended movement of the device once it is placed on the ground, also it allows a robotic arm to easily pickup and place the device. The LDB 100 is a robust, spherical device measuring 4-8 inches in diameter, and most preferably 4 inches, which allows for an adequate amount of explosive charge 142, room for electronics, and easy hand carry (portable) of the device, such as less than about 10 pounds, though other suitable weights can be utilized. It will readily be apparent that other suitable sizes can be provided within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. It houses a controlled explosive charge capable of detonating nearby landmines. The ball is constructed from durable materials to withstand environmental conditions and ensure safe handling. The wireless devices can use any suitable signals, such as infrared, Bluetooth, or radio frequency (RF), with ranges that can be about 0.5-1 km, though higher or lower ranges can be provided (e.g., satellite communications).

Remote operation includes that users can operate the LDB from a safe distance using a tablet controller 200. The controller display interface 208 allows the selection and detonation of specific LDBs, ensuring precise control over the Destruction process. The LDB 100 is controlled through a dedicated controller tablet 200. The user selects the specific ball intended for detonation, and the system calculates the safe standoff distance based on the explosive's yield and the known landmine locations. The user then retreats to the calculated safe distance and initiates the detonation through the tablet.

Safety calibration includes that the controller processing device 202 calculates the minimal required standoff distance based on the explosive power of the LDB and the known locations of landmines, ensuring the user's safety during operation. The controller processing device 202 integrates a safety calibration feature that calculates the minimum safe distance required for the user during detonation. This calculation considers the explosive charge within the LDB and the proximity of detected landmines, ensuring the user's protection.

Multi-device coordination includes that the LDB system supports the programming of multiple balls within a field, allowing for the synchronized detonation of several devices. The LDB system allows for the deployment and programming of multiple balls within a minefield. Users can coordinate the detonation of several devices simultaneously or in a specific sequence, optimizing the demining process. For example, this is done by synchronizing multiple LDBs 100 to the control tablet 200, and then selecting those LDB on the control tablet to be triggered simultaneously or in a desired sequence. The multiple LDBs 100 can be instructed to detonate at a certain time to account for any transmission delays, or to detonate upon receipt of the detonation signal.

Permission settings includes that the controller processing device 202 has a permission architecture that enables authorities to monitor the locations of LDBs, authorize detonation locations, and delegate trigger authority to users. This feature allows for enhanced control and expedited clearance in areas with strict detonation protocols. The controller processor 202 includes a sophisticated permission architecture. Authorities can monitor the locations of deployed LDBs 100 in real time, authorize specific detonation sites, and delegate trigger authority to field operators.

This is done by permission settings on the controller processor 202. Authorities at the central processing device 510 can put boundaries on where an LDB 100 can be used by putting geo-fences on locations where control tablets 200 will allow LDB to be triggered. The control tablets 200 allow for a cellular service connection that enables real-time information to be broadcasted to higher authorities. For example, the controller processor 202 can periodically or continuously transmit controller data to the central processor 510, or can send the controller data at the time the user wishes to detonate an LDB, step 562. The controller data can include, for example, the controller location from the controller GPS 212, unique controller ID, LDB name or ID, weather conditions, time of day, country requirements, and/or LDB location that have been synced to that control processor 202 and stored in the controller memory 204, and user information such as the user's name, ID, orders, country details, and rank who will trigger the LDBs. Each user is given a user ID to associate them with specific permissions on when and where they can trigger LDBs and if they require authorization before triggering LDBs. This system enhances control over explosive devices and expedites landmine clearance operations in controlled environments.

If the central processor 510 has set a geo-fence or other restriction, the central processor 510 can approve or deny authorization, step 564. For example, a restriction might be that only certain types of landmines can be detonated, in which case the authorization request, step 562, would include the type of each LDB. Another restriction might be the time of day or weather conditions, which data can either be provided by the controller processor 202 or retrieved by the central processor 510. Another restriction might be a geo-fence restriction, where landmines in certain geographical locations are not permitted to be detonated. If the central processor determines that the LDBs 100 are in a restricted geographical location, then authorization is denied. In other embodiments, the central processor 510 can periodically or continuously transmit authorization data to all controller processors 202. That authorization data can indicate all restrictions, and the controller processor 202 can then self-permit by comparing its LDB and controller data to the restrictions.

Secure communication includes that the controller processing device 202 employs symmetric cryptography to ensure secure communication between the ball 100 and the controlling tablet 200, preventing unauthorized access and manipulation. To prevent unauthorized access and ensure the integrity of operations, the LDB utilizes symmetric cryptography for secure communication between the ball and the tablet. This encryption method ensures that commands and data are protected from interception and tampering.

The Landmine Destruction Ball 100 is designed to be a safer alternative to traditional explosives used to denote landmines. The ball is placed near the landmine the user intends to detonate; the user moves to a safe distance and selects on a tablet the correct ball they wish to explode. The tablet will calibrate the minimal required standoff from the explosive ball and the known landmine locations to ensure the safety of the user. The ball's explosion location is recorded in the graphic user interface (GUI) and can be transmitted to country databases. The GUI has a topographical map showing the current terrain of where the user is located, where the user or authorities have identified landmines, and where LDB has been placed and triggered. The ball can be programmed to explode with multiple balls in a field. The software design allows for permission settings that will enable authorities from a distance to see the ball's location in a field before detonation, authorize the denotation location, and hand over the trigger authority to the user. This permission architecture allows for greater control over explosives if desired and faster removal of landmines in locations requiring strict control of denotation devices. The LDB can be portable for placement by a user or a mobile transport device, such as an unmanned robot. In certain embodiments, the LDB can be mobile with movement devices (e.g., motor, wheels, tracks) and the remote controller processor 202 can control movement of said LDB 100 via the LDB processor 170 which can operate the movement devices.

One or more processing devices are configured to implement the system and method of the present disclosure, including the LDB processing device 172, the controller processing device 202, and/or a central processing device at the central authority. Unless noted elsewhere, all of the operations can be conducted at a single processing device or shared between multiple processing devices. It is noted that the processing device can be any suitable device or one or more of a suitable device, such as a computer, server, mainframe, processor, microprocessor, controller, PC, tablet, smartphone, or the like. The processing devices can configured in combination with other suitable components, such as a display device (monitor, LED screen, digital screen, etc.), memory or storage device, input device (touchscreen, keyboard, pointing device such as a mouse), wireless module (for RF, Bluetooth, infrared, WiFi, etc.). The information may be stored on a computer medium such as a computer hard drive, on a CD ROM disk or on any other appropriate data storage device, which can be located at or in communication with the processing device. The processing device is configured to conduct the entire process automatically, and without any manual interaction. Accordingly, unless indicated otherwise the process can occur substantially in real-time without any delays or manual action, and dynamically.

It is noted that the drawings may illustrate, and the description and claims may use several geometric or relational terms and directional or positioning terms, such as spherical, remote, and end. Those terms are merely for convenience to facilitate the description based on the embodiments shown in the figures, and are not intended to limit the disclosure. Thus, it should be recognized that the disclosure can be described in other ways without those geometric, relational, directional or positioning terms. In addition, the geometric or relational terms may not be exact. And, other suitable geometries and relationships can be provided without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

The foregoing description and drawings should be considered as illustrative only of the principles of the disclosure. The disclosure may be configured in a variety of shapes and sizes and is not intended to be limited by the embodiment.

Though the system and method has been described for use to detonate landmines, other suitable uses can be made. For example, the controller 200 can be used to safely remove landmines without being exploded, such as unexploded ordinances. The system can also be used for mining operations, to detonate explosives simultaneously or sequentially.

As used herein, when an element or feature is described as being “configured,” that element or feature is structurally arranged or formed to accomplish the stated purpose. As used with respect to a processing device (e.g., computer), the term “configured,” “configured with,” or “configured to” means that the processing device is structurally arranged or ordered (e.g., by supplying, arranging or connecting a specific set of internal or external components or modules, for example that perform certain operations) to accomplish the stated purpose or task.

The foregoing description and drawings should be considered as illustrative only of the principles of the disclosure, which may be configured in a variety of shapes and sizes and is not intended to be limited by the embodiment herein described. Numerous applications of the disclosure will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, it is not desired to limit the disclosure to the specific examples disclosed or the exact construction and operation shown and described. Rather, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the disclosure.