Free-Space Sensor Network for Multi-Platform Target Fusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sensing systems are limited by their reliance on single-platform, point-to-point architectures that restrict sensing capabilities, especially in tactical battle-spaces with obscurations or short horizons, and lack the ability to combine diverse sensor information from multiple locations for comprehensive target characterization.
Innovation Solution
A free-space sensor network comprising geographically distributed sensors of different types, a networking apparatus for combining sensed information, and communication links enabling the sharing of combined data with target information devices, allowing for real-time, multi-perspective target information dissemination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If sensors are placed on a single platform in point-to-point architecture, then hardware configuration is simplified, but sensing capability and target identification are severely limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the sensing function across multiple geographically distributed platforms rather than concentrating all sensors on a single platform. Each platform performs sensing independently, and results are combined through a networking apparatus, enabling diverse sensing capabilities while maintaining manageable hardware configuration at each node.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from two-dimensional point-to-point sensing on a single platform to three-dimensional geographically distributed sensing across multiple platforms. This spatial distribution enables comprehensive target characterization from multiple perspectives and locations simultaneously.
2Device complexity
If imaging sensors view target from one vantage point, then device configuration is simple, but only two-dimensional images are produced which are insufficient in environments with obscurations or short horizons
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing function is segmented across multiple geographically distributed platforms, each providing a unique vantage point. This distribution of sensing locations enables three-dimensional target reconstruction and overcomes limitations of single-point imaging, particularly in environments with obscurations or short horizons.
3Ease of manufacture
If basic sensor fusion is used with same-type sensors, then system implementation is straightforward, but comprehensive target characterization cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The networking apparatus is designed to handle and process multiple types of sensor data (acoustic, electromagnetic, optical, etc.) from different platforms. This universal processing capability enables comprehensive target characterization by integrating diverse sensor information while maintaining straightforward system implementation through standardized data fusion protocols.
4Device complexity
If sensor information is processed locally on platform, then processing is simple, but connection to fully processed data from other sources is impossible
Solution Approach 1:
A networking apparatus acts as an intermediary between distributed sensing platforms. Each platform performs local sensing and preliminary processing, then transmits data to the networking apparatus which performs comprehensive data fusion and integrates information from all sources. This intermediary architecture enables both simple local processing and comprehensive global data integration.
Data Source
AI summary
A free-space network may include: a plurality of geographically distributed free-space sensors for sensing at least one target; a networking apparatus for combining sensed information regarding at least one target from the geographically distributed free-space sensors; a target information device for communicating to at least one user combined sensed information regarding at least one target, from the geographically distributed free-space sensors, as provided by the networking apparatus; and at least one communication link connecting in free-space the geographically distributed sensors, the networking apparatus, and the target information device.