FLIR B-Kit Infrared Sensor With Segmented Opto-Mechanical Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional FLIR kits lack the ability to detect and identify threats at very long ranges and have a narrower field of view, limiting their effectiveness in short acquisition times, and upgrading existing systems is expensive and does not provide the highest performance due to single spectral band limitations in space-constrained installations.
Innovation Solution
The development of a FLIR B-kit that includes refractive opto-mechanical modules and backward-compatible electronics, providing extended identification range and an ultrawide field of view, with an afocal optical assembly that offers multiple selectable fields of view, including ultranarrow, narrow, medium, wide, and ultrawide options, and is designed to fit within existing Second Generation FLIR HTI B-kit modules for retrofitting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional FLIR kits are used, then the system fits within existing footprint and maintains compatibility, but the detection range and identification range are limited and do not provide ultrawide field of view
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is divided into separate interchangeable FOV cells (ultranarrow, narrow, medium, wide, ultrawide) that can be independently selected and replaced. Each FOV cell contains specific optical elements (lenses, mirrors) configured for a particular field of view, allowing the system to achieve multiple fields of view without redesigning the entire optical system. This segmentation enables extended detection range through ultranarrow FOV cells while maintaining compatibility with existing sensor housings and electronics.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system is designed with universal mounting interfaces and standardized optical paths that can accommodate different FOV cells. The same sensor housing, detector, and electronics module can support multiple FOV configurations by simply changing the FOV cell insert. This multi-functionality allows a single platform to serve both extended range surveillance (ultranarrow FOV) and wide area monitoring (ultrawide FOV) capabilities.
2Measurement precision
If the field of view is narrowed to extend detection range, then identification range improves, but acquisition time increases and situational awareness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables dynamic switching between different FOV cells based on operational requirements. The FOV cell selector mechanism allows rapid reconfiguration from ultranarrow FOV (for extended range identification) to ultrawide FOV (for rapid acquisition and situational awareness). This dynamic adaptability means the system can optimize for identification range when threats are detected at distance, then quickly switch to wider FOV modes for rapid acquisition of multiple targets or broader situational assessment.
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 significantly enhances detection, recognition, and identification ranges while maintaining compatibility with existing systems, effectively doubling acquisition range and providing improved sensor resolution and field of view, making it suitable for advanced battlefield surveillance.
Implementation Method 1
an afocal optical assembly including an input aperture configured to receive infrared electromagnetic radiation from a distant object, a focus cell
Implementation Method 2
a receiver assembly including a detector optically coupled to the focus cell and configured to receive the infrared electromagnetic radiation from the focus cell and to provide an image of the distant object
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
An infrared imaging sensor compatible with 2nd Generation Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) Horizontal Technology Integration (HTI) B-Kit based sensors. In one example, the infrared imaging sensor includes a set of refractive opto-mechanical modules, including an afocal optical module, a receiver assembly, and backward- and forward- compatible electronics modules. The afocal optical module is configured to provide a plurality of different fields of view for the infrared imaging sensor. In one example, the sensor is configured for MWIR and LWIR imagery.