Multi-Spectral Infrared Sensor Array for Wildfire Geo-Location

The patent replaces complex opto-mechanical servo systems with a push-broom scanning architecture that uses no moving parts. The imaging sensor array directly captures ground-track data while the aircraft's natural motion provides the scanning function, eliminating mechanical failure points while maintaining fire detection capability.

The patent uses multiple imaging sensor arrays (MWIR, LWIR, visible spectrum) that simultaneously capture identical ground scenes. These parallel sensor copies provide redundant detection capability and allow cross-validation of fire signatures, improving reliability without adding mechanical complexity.

The patent eliminates opto-mechanical servos entirely, replacing them with a static push-broom sensor array. This substitution dramatically simplifies manufacturing by removing precision mechanical components and reduces servicing requirements since there are no moving parts to wear or fail.

The patent employs a multi-spectral sensor system where the same push-broom architecture handles multiple wavelength bands (MWIR, LWIR, visible). This universal approach consolidates what would otherwise require separate specialized systems, simplifying both manufacturing and field servicing.

The patent replaces the single complex scanning mirror with multiple static imaging sensor arrays oriented at different angles. Each sensor array captures data for its specific wavelength band simultaneously, achieving perfect band-to-band registration without mechanical scanning components.

The patent transitions from temporal scanning (sequential line-by-line acquisition) to spatial parallelism (simultaneous full-field capture). Multiple sensor arrays capture all wavelength bands across the entire ground swath at the same time, eliminating the need for complex temporal-spatial registration algorithms.

The patent implements automated fire detection and location systems that process imagery and identify fire pixels without human intervention. The system self-calibrates using the known geometry of the push-broom scanner and aircraft position data, automatically computing precise ground coordinates for detected fires.

The patent uses feedback from multiple wavelength bands (MWIR, LWIR, visible) to automatically validate and refine fire pixel locations. The system cross-correlates thermal signatures across bands and uses the geometric relationships between simultaneous sensor captures to precisely determine ground-track coordinates without manual interpretation.