Computational Shear Speckle Holography for Buried Object Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current shearography systems require multiple passes over a target surface with varying adjustments to detect buried objects of different sizes, limiting their capability and increasing the risk of missing objects, especially in constrained environments like combat zones.
Innovation Solution
The method allows for the computation and testing of multiple shear sizes from a single data set in a single pass, using image processing to generate shear image sets with different shear lengths, enabling optimal detection of objects without physical hardware adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple shear lengths are used to detect objects of varying sizes, then detection accuracy is improved, but the number of passes required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by capturing all necessary specklegram images with different shear values during a single pass over the target surface. The system pre-captures multiple shear configurations (e.g., shear values of 1, 2, 4, 8 pixels) in one scanning operation, eliminating the need for multiple separate passes. This allows post-processing analysis to evaluate objects at their optimal shear lengths without requiring repeated field operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-dimension approach (one shear value per pass) to a multi-dimensional approach by capturing specklegrams with multiple shear values simultaneously during one pass. The system varies shear parameters across different images captured in the same pass, effectively adding a dimensional layer of parameter variation without increasing the number of passes required.
2Measurement precision
If hardware adjustments are made for each shear length, then optimal detection is achieved, but system complexity and operation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing a programmable shear mechanism that can dynamically adjust shear values through software control rather than fixed hardware configurations. The system uses a spatial light modulator or digital processor to dynamically vary shear parameters between captures, allowing rapid switching between different shear values without mechanical reconfiguration. This dynamic approach enables multiple shear lengths to be achieved from a single hardware setup.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical hardware adjustments with digital/image processing methods to achieve different shear values. Instead of physically reconfiguring optical components for each shear length, the system captures images with varying shear parameters and processes them computationally. This substitution of mechanical systems with digital processing eliminates the need for complex hardware adjustments while maintaining the ability to detect objects at optimal shear lengths.
3Reliability
If multiple passes are conducted to ensure detection of all objects, then detection reliability is improved, but the risk to operators in combat zones increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by capturing all necessary data for detecting objects of varying sizes during a single pass. The system pre-captures multiple shear configurations in one scanning operation, ensuring that objects of different dimensions are recorded at their optimal shear values. This preliminary capture of comprehensive data eliminates the need for repeated passes, thereby reducing operator exposure time and safety risks in combat zones while maintaining high detection reliability.
4Ease of operation
If a single shear length is used, then the system is simpler to operate, but objects of different sizes may be missed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single shearography system that can perform multiple detection functions across different object sizes. The system captures specklegrams with multiple shear values during one pass, enabling it to universally detect objects ranging from small to large dimensions using a single operational configuration. This multi-functional capability allows the system to handle diverse detection requirements without requiring separate specialized setups for different object sizes.
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 approach enhances target detection accuracy by ensuring all objects are detected at their optimal shear length, reducing the need for multiple passes and improving shape analysis, while maintaining high accuracy in detecting buried threats.
Implementation Method 1
The interference pattern is created by using a reference image of the test object and shearing that image to create a double image. Superimposing those two images upon each other provides an interference image (specklegram)
Implementation Method 2
reflecting a target illumination beam off of a target surface via a transmitter optical component of a shearography system
Data Source
AI summary
A method of producing a pair of simultaneous artificial specklegram images. The method includes steps of: reflecting a target illumination beam off of a target surface via a transmitter optical component of a shearography system; directing a first reference beam from the transmitter optical component to a receiving optical component of the shearography system; directing a second reference beam from the transmitter optical component to the receiving optical component; receiving a reflected beam from the target surface with the receiving optical component; interfering the reflected beam with the first reference beam and the second reference beam; communicating a first data set relating to the pair of simultaneous artificial specklegram images from the receiving optical component to a processor; and processing the first data set to generate the pair of simultaneous artificial specklegram images.