Aircraft Light Source Detection via Ground-Based Spectral Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft pilots face challenges in identifying and locating sources of bright light or gunfire from the ground, which can be hazardous, and existing technologies lack effective onboard capabilities for civilian aircraft to detect and respond to such threats.
Innovation Solution
A bright light source detection and location system on an aircraft, utilizing cameras and processors to perform spectral analysis, filter images, and determine the source's location, which can also be implemented at airports for enhanced accuracy and reduced weight on the aircraft.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an onboard processor is installed on the aircraft to detect and locate light sources, then the capability to detect threats is improved, but the weight of the aircraft increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a ground-based processor as an intermediary that receives images from aircraft-mounted cameras and performs the complex spectral analysis and location determination. This mediator approach allows the aircraft to have only lightweight camera equipment while the heavy processing equipment remains on the ground, resolving the contradiction between detection capability and aircraft weight.
2Measurement precision
If spectral analysis is performed to identify laser light, then the precision of threat identification is improved, but the complexity of the detection system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ground-based processor serves as an intermediary that performs the complex spectral analysis algorithms on images captured by simple aircraft cameras. This separates the simple data collection function (performed by the aircraft) from the complex data analysis function (performed by the ground station), thereby achieving high measurement precision without increasing onboard system complexity.
3Measurement precision
If multiple cameras are installed on the aircraft to improve location accuracy, then the precision of source location is improved, but the weight and complexity of the aircraft equipment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a hybrid approach where a single camera on the aircraft provides partial data collection, and the ground-based processor performs excessive analysis by testing multiple potential source locations and calculating probabilities. This partial onboard action combined with excessive ground-based analysis achieves high location precision without the weight penalty of multiple onboard cameras.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively identifies and locates laser sources and muzzle flashes, providing timely information to authorities, improving safety and enabling swift action against potential threats.
Implementation Method 1
capturing at least one image of light directed at the aircraft from a light source
Implementation Method 2
The camera may have a polarizing filter or a wavelength filter that removes part of the electromagnetic spectrum
Implementation Method 3
The processor may look for narrow spikes in the intensity of frequencies associated with lasers such as in the red to infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for a light source detection system, comprising an aircraft carrying at least one camera. The system includes a database for storing information about the aircraft's motion, direction, and position and ground location information, such as the onboard navigation system database or an remotely accessible database. The system also includes a processor that accesses the database and is connected to the camera. The processor uses image analysis and processing techniques to determine the ground location corresponding to the light source from an image of that light captured by the camera. It determines the path traveled by that light and estimates its location as being a pre-selected distance vertically above the ground along the path traveled by the light to the aircraft when the image of the light was captured.