Eye-Safe Raman Standoff Detection via SWIR and LWIR Intermediary
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spectroscopic imaging technologies face challenges in rapidly detecting chemical, biological, and explosive threats at a standoff distance due to laser safety concerns and the need for efficient, eye-safe methods.
Innovation Solution
The development of a Raman standoff (Raman-ST) sensor system utilizing fiber array spectral translator (FAST) hyperspectral imaging technology, combined with short-wave infrared (SWIR) and long-wave infrared (LWIR) data, for wide-area surveillance and threat detection, which includes eye-safe features like motion detectors and a laser kill switch.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If Raman spectroscopy uses a laser beam to probe samples, then detection capability is improved, but laser safety hazards to operators and bystanders worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary monitoring system consisting of motion detectors and LWIR cameras that act as mediators between the laser probing system and human subjects. This intermediary system detects human presence and automatically controls the laser shutter to prevent exposure, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining detection capability and ensuring laser safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback control mechanism where motion detectors continuously monitor the environment, and when human presence is detected, the system automatically triggers the laser shutter to close. This feedback loop ensures that the laser is only active when safe, maintaining both detection precision and safety without requiring manual intervention.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If spectroscopic imaging is performed at standoff distance, then safety is improved, but detection speed and efficiency worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple spectroscopic techniques (Raman spectroscopy, SWIR imaging, and LWIR imaging) into a single integrated standoff detection system. By combining these methods, the system achieves both safe standoff operation and rapid detection capability, as each technique complements the others to provide comprehensive threat identification without requiring close proximity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional detection system that can simultaneously perform wide-area surveillance, targeted spectroscopic analysis, and human presence monitoring. This universal system handles multiple functions including threat detection, safety monitoring, and automated control, thereby maintaining high detection speed while operating safely at standoff distances.
3Area of stationary object
If wide-area surveillance is conducted, then coverage area is improved, but detection precision of specific threats worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the surveillance process into two distinct phases: wide-area surveillance using SWIR and LWIR imaging to identify potential threats, followed by targeted Raman spectroscopic analysis of specific regions of interest. This segmentation allows the system to maintain both broad coverage and high detection precision by applying different detection methods appropriate to each phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by using different detection modalities for different spatial scales. Wide-area surveillance uses imaging techniques optimized for coverage, while targeted threat analysis uses Raman spectroscopy optimized for precision. The system dynamically adjusts the detection method based on the spatial context, ensuring optimal performance at each scale.
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
Enables rapid, selective, and spatially-independent detection of threats with high eye-safety, allowing for the identification of explosives and other hazardous materials within complex mixtures, while minimizing laser hazards to operators and bystanders.
Implementation Method 1
Raman spectroscopy requires probing a sample with a laser beam
Implementation Method 2
Spectroscopic devices operate over a range of wavelengths due to the operation ranges of the detectors or tunable filters possible. This enables analysis in the Ultraviolet (UV), visible (VIS), near infrared (NIR), short-wave infrared (SWIR), mid infrared (MIR), long wave infrared (LWIR) wavelengths
Implementation Method 3
Raman spectroscopy requires probing a sample with a laser beam
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides for a system and method for detecting and identifying unknown targets. At least one region of interest comprising an unknown target in a sample scene may be targeted using SWIR spectroscopic techniques. A region of interest may be surveyed to thereby determine whether or not a human is present. This surveying may be achieved my assessing LWIR data, data acquired from motion sensors, and combinations thereof. If no human is present in a region of interest, the region may be interrogated using Raman spectroscopic techniques to thereby obtain a Raman data set representative of the region of interest. This Raman data set may be assessed to thereby identify said unknown target. This assessment may be achieved by comparing the Raman data set to a reference data sets in a reference database, where each reference data set is associated with a known target.