Imaging System Pulse Detection for Search and Rescue
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In search and rescue missions, especially in expansive or rugged environments, conventional imaging systems struggle to reliably detect and locate individuals equipped with emergency locator beacons due to faint or obscured pulsed light signals, leading to prolonged search times and potential harm to the individuals in need of assistance.
Innovation Solution
An imaging method and system that uses a pulsed light source and associates a symbol with its location in the image, enhancing the visibility of the signal by overlaying it spatially within the image, even when the pulsed light source occupies few pixels and is not readily discernable to the human eye, incorporating frequency data and lookup tables to identify and distinguish multiple locator devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional imaging systems are used to detect pulsed light sources, then the system structure remains simple, but the detection reliability deteriorates because faint pulsed light signals are not readily discernable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an image enhancement system that acts as an intermediary between the imaging system and the observer. This system processes the captured image to detect pulsed light sources and overlays symbolic indicators at their locations, making faint signals discernable without modifying the original imaging hardware
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a symbolic copy or representation of the pulsed light source location by overlaying symbols on the image. Instead of directly enhancing the faint light signal itself, the system creates a visual copy (symbol) that represents the location and characteristics of the pulsed light source, making it easily identifiable
2Reliability
If the pulsed light source signal strength is increased to improve detectability, then the light source becomes more discernable, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses partial action by detecting only the specific characteristic of pulsed light rather than requiring the full light signal to be strong. The image enhancement system can detect pulsed light sources even when they occupy 5 or fewer pixels in the image, using frequency analysis and temporal patterns rather than requiring high signal strength
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from light intensity to light pulse frequency and temporal patterns. By analyzing the pulsing characteristics rather than the absolute light level, the system can detect weak signals that would be imperceptible if only intensity-based detection were used
3Loss of information
If multiple locator devices are distinguished by frequency to improve identification, then the ability to distinguish multiple devices improves, but the processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection task by frequency bands, analyzing different frequency ranges separately to identify different locator devices. Each frequency corresponds to a specific device type or status, and the system processes these segmented frequency components independently before combining the results
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary frequency analysis and device identification before the main image display and enhancement process. By pre-processing the signal to identify frequency characteristics and associate them with specific device types, the system reduces the complexity of the subsequent visualization and decision-making steps
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
The system effectively augments the indication of pulsed light sources, making them more discernable and facilitating quicker location of individuals in need, even in challenging environments, by integrating map overlays, gimbal directional data, and aircraft positional information for enhanced image enhancement and search efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The array may be an image and pulse detection array that receives non-pulsed and pulsed illumination from a scene and generates image and pulse frequency data
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging method includes imaging a scene having a pulsed light source and associating a symbol with the light source. The image is enhanced by inserting a symbol into the image indicative of location of the pulsed light source in the scene. The symbol overlays the image in spatial registration with the location of the pulsed light source in the scene to augment indication of the location provided by the pulsed light source. Imaging systems are also described.