Dual-Filter Infrared Imaging for Buried IED Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current detection systems for improvised explosive devices (IEDs) using LWIR hyperspectral imaging face limitations in providing thorough integrated thermal imagery and are susceptible to noise due to narrow bandwidth and low signal-to-noise ratio, especially when detecting buried IEDs, and suffer from registration errors when used on-the-move.
Innovation Solution
A dual-filter infrared system that includes a Modified Integrated Thermal (MIT) band filter and a sub-band filter, such as a Reference or Reststrahlen band filter, to acquire and differencing data within thermal detection bandwidths, improving signal-to-noise ratio and reducing registration issues through simultaneous or sequential data collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If LWIR hyperspectral imaging is used to detect Reststrahlen signature, then spectral detection capability is improved, but signal-to-noise ratio deteriorates due to narrow bandwidth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the LWIR spectrum into multiple discrete bands (Reststrahlen band, Reference band, and Integrated Thermal band) using separate filters. This allows each band to be optimized for its specific detection purpose while maintaining overall signal quality. The segmentation enables simultaneous spectral specificity and adequate signal-to-noise ratio by distributing the detection task across multiple optimized bands rather than relying on a single narrow hyperspectral band.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges data from multiple spectral bands (Reststrahlen band, Reference band, and Integrated Thermal band) through computational algorithms to enhance the overall detection capability. By combining the strengths of each band—spectral specificity from the Reststrahlen band, baseline reference from the Reference band, and thermal information from the Integrated Thermal band—the system achieves both high measurement precision and reliable signal-to-noise ratio.
2Adaptability or versatility
If broadband imaging is used to provide integrated thermal imagery, then situational awareness is improved, but detection precision for buried IEDs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the thermal detection function into specialized bands: the Reststrahlen band for detecting buried IEDs through spectral signatures, the Reference band for baseline thermal comparison, and the Integrated Thermal band for overall thermal imagery. This segmentation allows each band to be optimized for its specific detection precision requirement while the combined system provides comprehensive situational awareness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different spectral bands to different detection tasks within the same field of view. The Reststrahlen band provides enhanced spectral detection precision for buried objects, while the Integrated Thermal band provides broad thermal coverage for situational awareness. Each region of the spectrum is allocated to its most effective detection purpose, optimizing both precision and versatility simultaneously.
3Device complexity
If sequential filtering is used to acquire multiple spectral bands, then device complexity is reduced, but registration errors increase when moving
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-calibrating the relative positioning and timing of sequential filter acquisitions. Reference markers and synchronization mechanisms are established before movement occurs, allowing the system to compensate for motion during the sequential filtering process. This preliminary preparation reduces registration errors while maintaining relatively simple filter sequencing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor the relative positioning during sequential filter acquisition and adjust the registration process accordingly. By comparing reference band images with Reststrahlen band images and calculating displacement vectors, the system feedback-corrects registration errors caused by movement, maintaining measurement precision despite the sequential filtering approach.
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
Enhances the detection of anomalies by improving signal-to-noise ratio and reducing registration errors, enabling effective identification of buried IEDs and other subsurface anomalies both stationary and on-the-move, with increased resolution and situational awareness.
Implementation Method 1
an image sensor configured to receive scattered light from a scene in a thermal infrared spectral region
Implementation Method 2
a Modified Integrated Thermal (MIT) band filter to acquire MIT band data within a thermal detection bandwidth
Implementation Method 3
the emissivity signature of silicates in soil, known as the Reststrahlen effect, is found in the long wave infrared (LWIR) spectrum, roughly between 8.2 μm and 9.4 μm
Implementation Method 4
a sub-band filter to acquire a first sub-band data within a first sub-band bandwidth which is within the thermal detection bandwidth
Data Source
AI summary
A system including a sensor to receive scattered light from a scene in a thermal infrared spectral region, a Modified Integrated Thermal (MIT) band filter to acquire MIT band data within a thermal detection bandwidth, a sub-band filter to acquire a first sub-band data within a first sub-band bandwidth which is within the thermal detection bandwidth. The sub-band filter is a Reference band filter to capture Reference band data or a Reststrahlen band filter to capture Reststrahlen band data. The system also includes one or more processors configured to perform differencing of the MIT band data and the first sub-band data to compute a second sub-band data. The computed second sub-band data is Reference band data when the sub-band filter is the Reststrahlen band filter or the computed second sub-band data is Reststrahlen band data when the sub-band filter is the Reference band filter. A method and a computer software product are also disclosed.