Abstract: Systems and methods prevent friendly fire using infrared object recognition. An IR projector projects a beam of IR radiation at a first wavelength onto the object and an IR detector, having a field of view of the object, detects IR fluorescence from the object, where a wavelength of the fluorescence is a function of the first wavelength. The system includes a memory for storing software having machine readable instructions that, when executed by a processor, perform the steps of: (a) controlling the IR projector to generate IR at the first wavelength; (b) controlling the IR detector to capture the object fluorescence; and (c) identifying the object as friendly or non-friendly based upon the object fluorescence. The system further includes an inhibitor for preventing firing of a gun or missile when the object is identified as friendly.

Abstract: Systems and methods authenticate an object using IR. IR is projected at a first wavelength onto the object and a first image of the object is captured during the projection of the IR. The object is authenticated by processing the first image to detect IR fluorescence from an IR fluorescing material incorporated into the object in response to the projected IR, where presence of the IR fluorescence within the first image indicates authentication of the object.

Abstract: Systems and methods prevent friendly fire using infrared object recognition. An IR projector projects a beam of IR radiation at a first wavelength onto the object and an IR detector, having a field of view of the object, detects IR fluorescence from the object, where a wavelength of the fluorescence is a function of the first wavelength. The system includes a memory for storing software having machine readable instructions that, when executed by a processor, perform the steps of: (a) controlling the IR projector to generate IR at the first wavelength; (b) controlling the IR detector to capture the object fluorescence; and (c) identifying the object as friendly or non-friendly based upon the object fluorescence. The system further includes an inhibitor for preventing firing of a gun or missile when the object is identified as friendly.

Abstract: Systems and methods authenticate an object using IR. IR is projected at a first wavelength onto the object and a first image of the object is captured during the projection of the IR. The object is authenticated by processing the first image to detect IR fluorescence from an IR fluorescing material incorporated into the object in response to the projected IR, where presence of the IR fluorescence within the first image indicates authentication of the object.