Integrated Optical Detection Subsystem for Vehicle Sighting Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optics detection systems are costly, large, and power-intensive, and they complicate vehicle-mounted systems by requiring separate installations, leading to increased size, weight, and production costs, as well as longer search times due to the 'step-stare' search method.
Innovation Solution
An integrated optics detection subsystem within an electro-optical sighting system that includes an optical module, video processor, and controller, allowing for a compact, efficient detection of retro-reflected beams using an interrogation beam and a movable backscan mirror to sweep and hold images stationary for processing, thereby reducing size, weight, power consumption, and complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate optics detection systems are installed on vehicles, then detection capability is provided, but system size, weight, and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the optics detection system with the electro-optical sighting system by integrating the interrogator source, receiver, and processing electronics into a shared platform. The detection system utilizes the sighting system's optical path, power supply, and control mechanisms, eliminating the need for separate installation and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The electro-optical sighting system is designed to perform multiple functions: both wide-area searching/sighting and optics detection. The interrogator source and receiver can operate in conjunction with the sighting system's existing components, allowing a single system to fulfill both surveillance and detection roles without requiring dedicated separate installations.
2Reliability
If separate optics detection systems are installed on vehicles, then detection capability is provided, but size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system shares physical components with the electro-optical sighting system including the optical path, mounting structure, power supply, and control electronics. By merging these systems rather than installing separate detection equipment, the overall weight added to the vehicle is minimized while maintaining full detection capability.
3Reliability
If separate optics detection systems are installed on vehicles, then detection capability is provided, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system utilizes the electro-optical sighting system's power supply, processing electronics, and control mechanisms. By sharing these power-intensive components rather than having separate dedicated systems, the overall power consumption is reduced while maintaining detection capability throughout the operational period.
4Reliability
If step-stare search method is used, then detection is performed, but search time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous sweeping of the interrogation beam across the search area rather than using discrete step-stare positions. The backscan mirror continuously deflects the beam in a sweeping motion, allowing uninterrupted detection coverage and eliminating the time losses associated with repositioning and re-acquiring targets between discrete search positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static step-stare positioning to dynamic continuous sweeping. The backscan mirror is actively controlled to continuously move the interrogation beam across the field of view, creating a dynamic search pattern that covers the entire area without interruption, thereby reducing total search time while maintaining detection effectiveness.
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
This integration improves system layout, reduces size, weight, and power consumption, enhances search time, and simplifies rooftop or tower-mounted systems, providing improved performance and deconfliction while maintaining or improving detection capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
The light forms an image at the focal plane of the O/EO device (either a human eye's retina or the electro-optical transducer). Such O/EO devices act as retro-reflectors, namely reflectors wherein incident rays and reflected rays are parallel for any angle of incidence within the field of view of the device.
Implementation Method 2
an interrogator source configured to generate and emit an interrogation beam, an OD receiver configured to image a reflection of the interrogation beam
Data Source
AI summary
An optical detection system integrated within an electro-optical sighting and/or scanning system and a method to perform a rapid wide area search are disclosed. In one example, an integrated optics detection subsystem is configured with one-the-move processing methods to perform the optics defeat functions to during a wide area search or sector scan performed by the host electro-optical sighting system.