LADAR-Guided Intruder Capture for Real-Time Drone Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
LADAR devices face precision and latency issues, making them unsuitable for surveillance and homeland security applications, particularly in detecting and tracking small UAVs and drones, and there is a need for a method to safely capture intruding entities without using explosives or ballistic projectiles.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a LADAR device for periodic scanning, signal processing, and image analysis to detect and track intruders, with a camera system and capturing platform to generate real-time tracking parameters and defeat instructions for capturing devices, such as autonomous airborne vehicles equipped with netting, to safely incapacitate intruders.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If LADAR device is used for detecting and tracking intruders, then real-time tracking capability is achieved, but precision and latency issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the detection task into multiple specialized components: LADAR for initial detection and range measurement, optical camera for visual identification and tracking, and signal processing unit for data fusion. Each component optimizes for its specific function, allowing the overall system to achieve both real-time performance and precision.
Solution Approach 2:
A signal processing unit acts as an intermediary between the LADAR device and the camera system, fusing data from both sources. This mediator processes LADAR range data and camera image data together to generate accurate tracking parameters, resolving the precision-latency tradeoff through coordinated multi-sensor processing.
2Area of stationary object
If LADAR device scans specified volume periodically, then intruder detection coverage is improved, but detection latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The LADAR device performs periodic scanning of the specified volume at optimized intervals, balancing coverage completeness with latency constraints. The periodic scanning is coordinated with camera triggering to ensure that when an intruder is detected, both LADAR and camera data are available with minimal time delay.
Solution Approach 2:
The LADAR device continuously scans and maintains awareness of the specified volume before an intruder event occurs. This preliminary detection action allows the system to be ready to immediately trigger the camera and processing chain when an intruder is identified, reducing overall detection latency.
3Measurement precision
If camera is directed based on orientation parameters to capture intruder images, then tracking precision is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the LADAR orientation data with camera control in a unified tracking loop. The orientation parameters from LADAR directly guide camera pointing, and image analysis feedback refines the tracking. This merging of sensor data and control functions achieves high tracking precision while managing complexity through integrated processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by analyzing captured images to confirm intruder detection and refine tracking parameters. The image analysis results feed back to adjust camera orientation and LADAR scanning focus, creating a closed-loop system that improves precision while automating complex coordination tasks.
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 provides precise and real-time tracking and capture of intruders, enhancing security by allowing for safe and non-destructive neutralization of threats within a specified volume, improving upon the limitations of existing LADAR technologies.
Implementation Method 1
The term 'laser detection and ranging' (LADAR) or 'light detection and ranging' (LiDAR) is referred herein as a device that measures distance to a target by illuminating that target with light such as a pulsed laser light, and measuring the reflected pulses with a sensor
Implementation Method 2
collecting at a detection and tracking unit reflections of the laser beam arriving from objects within the specified volume
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a system for detecting and positioning an intruder within a specified volume are provided herein. The method may include the following steps: periodically scanning using a laser detection and ranging (LADAR) device directing a laser beam, within the specified volume; collecting reflections of the laser beam arriving from objects within the volume; converting the reflections to LADAR signal indicative of spatiotemporal presence of objects within the volume; applying signal processing algorithms to the LADAR signals, to determine a presence of an intruder and respective orientation parameters, based on predefined criteria; directing a camera based on the orientation parameters associated with the intruder for continuously capturing images of the intruder; and analyzing the images by a computer processor and instructing the camera to track the intruder based on the analysis, to yield real-time tracking parameters of the intruder.