Flash Localization Using Complementary Photodiode Sensors
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current muzzle flash detection systems are complex and costly due to the need for real-time fast video processing and accurate direction determination, which is challenging with existing imaging solutions and sensor configurations.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a flash detection device with multiple sensor modules, each equipped with a photodiode and an angular efficiency attenuator, which attenuates light based on a predetermined angular efficiency profile to derive the source angle without offsetting sensor orientations, thereby maintaining a larger field of view and improving accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensor modules with offset orientations are used to determine source direction, then measurement precision improves, but field of view decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by giving each sensor module a specific angular efficiency profile tailored to its orientation. Instead of using identical sensors with offset orientations (which reduces field of view), each sensor has a customized efficiency profile that compensates for its specific angular position, allowing accurate source direction determination while maintaining a larger overall field of view through the combination of all sensors.
2Measurement precision
If complex lens design is used to generate controlled angular efficiency profiles, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameters of the optical system by introducing angular efficiency profiles as a controllable parameter. Instead of relying on complex lens designs, the system uses sensors with specific angular efficiency characteristics (defined by parameters such as peak angle and width) to achieve accurate source direction determination. This simplifies the overall device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
3Speed
If real-time fast video processing is performed with matrix cameras, then detection speed improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of flash detection from complex video processing systems. Instead of using matrix cameras that require real-time fast video processing, the invention uses a simplified system with multiple photodiode-based sensors that directly measure light intensity. This extraction of the core detection function eliminates the need for complex video processing hardware and software, reducing device complexity and cost while maintaining detection speed.
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 allows for accurate determination of the muzzle flash direction with reduced complexity and cost, as it normalizes the distance effect and enhances the optical collection area, enabling improved detection capabilities and longer range detection.
Implementation Method 1
each of the sensor modules comprises at least a photodiode for detecting an irradiance emitted by a source
Implementation Method 2
the first sensor module comprises at least an angular efficiency attenuator configured for attenuating the irradiance received by the photodiode according to a predetermined angular efficiency profile
Data Source
AI summary
A flash detection device comprises at least a first and a second sensor module, wherein each of the sensor modules comprises at least a photodiode for detecting an irradiance emitted by a source, and the first sensor module comprises at least an angular efficiency attenuator configured for attenuating the irradiance received by the photodiode according to a predetermined angular efficiency profile, wherein the at least first and second sensor modules are configured for collecting light from substantially the same field of view, and the angular efficiency attenuator of the first sensor module causes the first and second sensor modules to have complementary predetermined angular efficiency profiles, so that, for angles of view within a common field of view of the first and second sensor modules, a combination of irradiance measurements of the first and second sensor modules enables to derive an irradiance source angle of the source.