Neuromorphic Camera Defocus for Wide-Field Laser Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser warning systems (LWS) face challenges in achieving a wide field-of-view, high angular resolution, and precise laser beam origin detection while minimizing system size and power consumption, and are prone to false alarms from bright events.
Innovation Solution
A neuromorphic camera coupled with a fisheye lens in slight defocus is used to enhance laser detection, utilizing a pixelated sensor to spread the laser beam across multiple pixels, allowing for precise localization and reduced power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a camera-based LWS is used to achieve higher angular resolution, then the angular resolution is improved, but the device size and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sensor array into multiple pixel elements that independently detect laser beam positions. Each pixel acts as an independent detection unit, allowing the system to achieve high angular resolution through spatial segmentation of the detection function across multiple small elements rather than requiring a single large aperture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical aperture-based optical systems with a pixelated sensor array that uses electronic detection and processing. The angular resolution is achieved through digital image processing and centroid calculation of pixel responses rather than through mechanical aperture geometry, enabling compact device size while maintaining high resolution.
2Measurement precision
If a camera-based LWS is used to achieve higher angular resolution, then the angular resolution is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs event-driven or frame-based periodic processing where the sensor array is activated at specific intervals to capture laser beam positions. Rather than continuous operation, the system processes images or events only when laser threats are detected or at scheduled intervals, significantly reducing power consumption while maintaining high angular resolution through periodic high-precision measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The pixelated sensor array performs self-processing by automatically calculating centroid positions and detecting beam characteristics directly at the pixel level without requiring complex external processing hardware. This self-service capability reduces the power consumption of auxiliary processing systems while maintaining high angular resolution through distributed computational operations across the sensor array.
3Reliability
If the aperture size is increased to improve sensitivity, then the sensitivity is improved, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameter from physical aperture size to pixel response characteristics. By adjusting parameters such as pixel size, pixel spacing, and signal processing thresholds, the system achieves high sensitivity without requiring a large physical aperture. The sensitivity is optimized through parameter tuning of the pixelated sensor array rather than through mechanical aperture enlargement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes mechanical aperture-based sensitivity enhancement with electronic signal processing techniques. Instead of relying on a large physical aperture to gather enough light, the system uses pixelated sensor arrays with sophisticated electronic processing to achieve high sensitivity, thereby maintaining compact device size while improving detection capability.
4Area of stationary object
If a wide field-of-view is implemented to cover more areas, then the field-of-view is improved, but the angular resolution may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the field-of-view versus angular resolution trade-off by adding a temporal dimension to the detection process. Through multiple sequential images or event streams captured at different times, the system can track laser beam positions across the entire field-of-view while maintaining high angular resolution through consistent spatial sampling. This temporal multiplexing allows wide coverage without sacrificing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the field-of-view coverage into multiple discrete pixel regions, each maintaining high spatial resolution. By dividing the entire field-of-view into a grid of resolution-preserving pixel elements, the system achieves wide coverage while each segment maintains fine angular resolution. The segmentation allows independent optimization of each pixel region's resolution characteristics.
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 neuromorphic LWS achieves high resolution and sensitivity in laser threat detection with a low power draw, providing accurate laser beam localization and reducing false alarms.
Implementation Method 1
neuromorphic camera... pixelated sensor... detecting a laser beam
Implementation Method 2
lens coupled to the neuromorphic camera along an optical path in slight defocus... spread an incoming beam across multiple pixels
Data Source
AI summary
A target located method and apparatus for the detection of lasers directed at the target using neuromorphic cameras which improve the detection by use of defocus.