Coherent Fiber Array Dome Detection Spherical Coordinates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical sensor packages are inefficient in capturing radiometric events in spherical coordinates and require bulky scanning devices for wide field of view, limiting their effectiveness in tracking radiometric events like gunfire and rocket-propelled grenades.
Innovation Solution
A coherent fiber array with a dome-shaped detection surface and a planar output surface is used to detect and transfer optical energy, retaining directionality and allowing for the use of a focal plane array to create images and process radiometric events in spherical coordinates without the need for scanning devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If flat focal plane arrays are used to detect radiometric events, then the sensor can capture events in rectilinear coordinates, but it is inefficient in capturing events in spherical coordinates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a curved focal plane array with a spherical detection surface that matches the spherical coordinate system of radiometric events. This curvature allows direct mapping of spherical coordinates (azimuth, elevation, range) to the detector surface, eliminating the inefficiency of using flat arrays for spherical coordinate detection while maintaining measurement precision.
2Adaptability or versatility
If scanning devices are used to obtain wide field of view and wide elevation angle, then the sensor can cover large angular ranges, but the sensor package becomes big and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection task into multiple static sensor elements arranged in a curved focal plane array, each detecting a specific angular direction. This segmentation eliminates the need for a single large scanning device, achieving wide field of view coverage through multiple fixed detectors rather than one movable scanner, thus reducing weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical scanning system (pan-tilt units with moving parts) with a static curved focal plane array that achieves the same wide angular coverage through its geometric configuration. This substitution eliminates heavy mechanical components while maintaining adaptability for tracking radiometric events across large angular ranges.
3Measurement precision
If aperture size is increased to improve detection capability, then the sensor can detect radiometric events more effectively, but the sensor package size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional flat detector to a three-dimensional curved focal plane array that utilizes spherical geometry. This dimensional change allows the sensor to achieve enhanced detection capability by distributing detector elements across a curved surface that matches the angular distribution of incoming radiometric events, improving detection efficiency without proportionally increasing the sensor package footprint.
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
This solution enables efficient detection and tracking of radiometric events with a compact, lightweight sensor package that can cover 360-degree azimuth and 90-120 degree elevation views, identifying the origin, trajectory, and velocity of events without the need for gimbal systems or other scanning devices.
Implementation Method 1
a coherent fiber array with a dome-shaped detection surface and a planar output surface is used to detect and transfer optical energy
Implementation Method 2
a focal plane array to create images and process radiometric events
Data Source
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AI summary
A coherent fiber array (310) is used to optically detect a radiometric event. The coherent fiber array has a dome-shaped detection surface (340) and a planar output surface (350). Optical energy from the radiometric event is detected at the dome-shaped detection surface and transferred to the output surface. The coherent fiber array retains directionality of the radiometric event while transferring the optical energy from the detection surface to the output surface.