Imaging Sensor Pulsed Radiation Source Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional cameras used for detecting pulsed radiation sources require separate analog sensors, which increase weight, power consumption, and have limited field-of-view, making them inefficient for military applications.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing an imaging sensor to detect and process image data for pulsed radiation sources, allowing for increased field-of-view, reduced weight, and lower energy consumption, while enabling the tracking of multiple sources simultaneously.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate analog sensor is used to detect pulsed radiation sources, then detection capability is achieved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the pulsed radiation source detection function with the existing imaging sensor system. Instead of using a separate analog sensor, the imaging sensor captures images that are processed to detect pulsed radiation sources, thereby eliminating the need for additional separate sensors and reducing overall system weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging sensor serves multiple functions: it captures visual images for observation and simultaneously detects pulsed radiation sources through image processing. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated separate sensors, reducing weight while maintaining detection capability.
2Reliability
If a separate analog sensor is used to detect pulsed radiation sources, then detection capability is achieved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection function is merged with the imaging sensor's existing operation. The same imaging sensor that captures visual information also processes to detect pulsed radiation sources, eliminating the need for separate power-consuming analog sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging sensor performs both visual imaging and pulsed radiation source detection, consolidating multiple functions into a single sensor system. This reduces total power consumption by eliminating the separate power supply needed for dedicated analog detection sensors.
3Reliability
If a single sensor with narrow field-of-view is used, then detection of one laser is achieved, but adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a single-point detection approach to a two-dimensional imaging approach. The imaging sensor captures a full scene image, providing spatial information across the entire field-of-view, which enables detection of multiple pulsed radiation sources simultaneously at different locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging sensor array is segmented into multiple pixels that can independently detect radiation sources at different spatial locations. This segmentation allows the system to detect and track multiple pulsed radiation sources simultaneously across the entire field-of-view, rather than being limited to a single point.
4Device complexity
If a single sensor is used, then simplicity is maintained, but productivity decreases due to limited tracking capability
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging sensor is divided into multiple independent detection elements (pixels) that can simultaneously detect multiple pulsed radiation sources. This segmentation enables parallel detection and tracking of multiple sources, significantly improving productivity without requiring complex separate sensor systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses two-dimensional imaging data to track multiple pulsed radiation sources simultaneously, rather than sequential detection with a single sensor. This dimensional approach allows concurrent detection of multiple sources at different spatial coordinates, enhancing tracking capability and productivity.
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 determines the characteristics of pulsed radiation sources, such as pulse repetition frequency codes, with optimized frame rates and wait times, enhancing operational efficiency and accuracy in military settings.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging sensor for sensing pulsed radiation sources
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for identifying a pulsed radiation source may include an imaging sensor having a frame rate that is less than a pulse repetition frequency (PRF) of the pulsed radiation source. A processing unit may be in communication with the imaging sensor, and be configured to (i) process a sequence of image data of a scene captured by the imaging sensor to determine whether radiation of the pulsed radiation source is detected, (ii) determine a PRF code of the pulsed radiation source from possible multiple different PRF codes based on the processed sequence of image data, and (iii) notify a user of the PRF code or information associated with the PRF code.