Multifunction Detector for Simultaneous Object Location and Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing active imaging systems require separate components for detecting object location and range, which can be cumbersome and inefficient, as they often use distinct optics and detectors for each function.
Innovation Solution
A multifunction detector with an optical receiving path, focal plane array, read-out integrated circuit, and processor that operates in multiple modes to process signals in different frequency bands for both location and range detection using a single optical beam, allowing for simultaneous location and range determination within a field of regard.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate components (distinct optics and detectors) are used for detecting object location and range, then detection functions are specialized, but device complexity increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate detection functions for object location and range into a single integrated detector that uses a common optical path. The detector includes multiple detection elements that can simultaneously perform both location detection (azimuth and elevation) and range detection by processing reflected energy from a single transmitted optical beam, thereby reducing the number of separate components while maintaining specialized detection capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated detector is designed with multi-functionality to perform both location and range detection using a common optical path. The detector can operate in multiple modes: detecting reflected energy for location determination and detecting returned energy from transmitted optical beams for range determination, making a single device universal for both detection functions
2Device complexity
If a single optical path is used for both location and range detection, then device complexity is reduced, but signal processing difficulty increases due to different frequency bands
Solution Approach 1:
The detector is segmented into multiple detection elements with specialized functions. Some detection elements are optimized for detecting location information (azimuth and elevation) while others are optimized for range detection. This segmentation allows the single optical path to handle different frequency bands and detection modes simultaneously by directing signals to appropriate processing channels
Solution Approach 2:
The detector can change its operational parameters to adapt to different detection modes. By adjusting detection sensitivity, frequency band filtering, and signal processing parameters, the single optical path can effectively handle both location detection (using narrower frequency bands) and range detection (using wider frequency bands) without significant processing difficulty
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 efficient and integrated detection of object location and range using a single optical path, reducing complexity and improving detection accuracy by processing signals in narrower and wider frequency bands for location and range determination respectively.
Implementation Method 1
receiving energy reflected from an object within the field of regard via a first optical receiving path
Implementation Method 2
a focal plane array in communication with the optical receiving path; a processor programmed to respond to outputs of the focal plane array and read-out integrated circuit in a first mode to process signals in a first frequency band
Data Source
AI summary
A multifunction detector for detecting energy reflected from the surface, the detector comprising: a focal plane array in communication with the optical receiving path; and an optical receiving path; a read-only integrated circuit in communication with the optical receiving path, integrated with a focal plane array; and a processor programmed to operate the focal plane array and read-out integrated circuit in a first mode to process signals in a first frequency band, and in a second mode to process signals in a second, wider frequency band.