Infrared Illuminator Pulsed Control for Drone Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems fail to reliably detect and identify flying objects, such as drones, in monitoring spaces under poor light conditions, such as at night, in fog, or under heavy cloud cover.
Innovation Solution
A device equipped with a camera arrangement that includes an infrared illuminator and an infrared image sensor, allowing for the detection and identification of objects through infrared radiation, with features like pulsed operation of the illuminator for energy efficiency and improved signal-to-noise ratio, and the use of a control unit for operating modes that adjust radiation power based on detection and identification needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If infrared radiation is emitted continuously to improve detection reliability in poor light conditions, then detection reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The infrared illuminator operates in pulsed mode rather than continuously, emitting infrared radiation in periodic intervals that are synchronized with the camera's measurement cycle. This periodic operation maintains detection reliability during active measurement periods while significantly reducing average energy consumption during non-measurement periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The infrared illuminator is activated in advance of the camera measurement cycle to pre-illuminate the monitoring space with infrared radiation. This preliminary action ensures that when the camera captures images, the infrared illumination is already established, optimizing detection conditions without requiring continuous high-power operation.
2Measurement precision
If infrared radiation power is increased to improve detection range and signal-to-noise ratio, then detection range and signal-to-noise ratio are improved, but thermal load increases
Solution Approach 1:
By operating the infrared illuminator in pulsed mode synchronized with the camera measurement cycle, the system delivers high radiation power only during brief measurement intervals. This periodic high-power operation achieves the necessary signal-to-noise ratio and detection range while allowing thermal dissipation during non-operational periods, thereby controlling overall thermal load.
Solution Approach 2:
The infrared illuminator's radiation power is dynamically adjusted based on operational requirements. During measurement cycles, high power is delivered to maximize signal quality; during non-measurement periods, power is reduced or eliminated. This dynamic operation maintains measurement precision while managing thermal load through variable power output.
3Measurement precision
If infrared illuminator operates at high radiation power to improve detection accuracy, then detection accuracy is improved, but energy outlay increases
Solution Approach 1:
The infrared illuminator is synchronized with the camera measurement cycle, operating at high radiation power only during measurement periods when detection accuracy is critical. During non-measurement periods, the illuminator operates at low or zero power, significantly reducing average energy outlay while maintaining detection accuracy when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The infrared illuminator activates in advance of the measurement cycle to prepare the monitoring space with adequate infrared illumination. This preliminary action ensures detection accuracy is achieved during the measurement window without requiring sustained high-power operation throughout all time periods, thereby reducing overall energy outlay.
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
Enables reliable detection and identification of flying objects in various conditions, including poor light, with energy savings and reduced thermal loads, while maintaining high detection accuracy and range.
Implementation Method 1
the camera arrangement contains infrared illuminator for emitting infrared radiation into the monitoring space
Implementation Method 2
at least one camera with an infrared image sensor
Data Source
AI summary
In order to detect flying objects, a camera configuration is used for video monitoring of a monitoring space, and a control unit is used for controlling the camera configuration and evaluating the video frames recorded by the camera configuration. The camera configuration has an infrared illuminator for the monitoring space and at least one camera with an infrared image sensor. The infrared illuminator is preferably operated in a pulsed fashion synchronously with a measurement cycle of the camera.