Object Orientation Detection via Illumination Reflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting the orientation of approaching missiles, particularly in high-traffic aircraft scenarios, face challenges in distinguishing the missile from its background due to the high modulation rate of exhaust plumes and fluctuating ambient light, which complicates the assessment of threat potential and timely countermeasure initiation.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the recording of an object using a camera at least twice, with differing illumination in each image, followed by image subtraction to emphasize the object's alignment using illumination reflection data, and achieving rapid image capture to minimize background changes, allowing for precise determination of the object's orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If image subtraction is performed to separate the object from background, then object detection reliability is improved, but the requirement for rapid image capture increases to minimize background changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic illumination of the object with a light source between successive image captures. This periodic action creates consistent, distinguishable illumination patterns in the object across multiple images, enabling reliable background subtraction while maintaining rapid capture rates. The illumination is activated only during specific intervals to highlight the object without requiring extended capture times.
2Productivity
If the frame rate is increased to capture rapid background changes, then the ability to distinguish object from background improves, but the complexity of the imaging system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a light source as an intermediary element that actively illuminates the object between image captures. This mediator creates artificial, controllable illumination that enhances object visibility without requiring extremely high frame rates. The light source acts as a bridge that allows standard frame rates to achieve the necessary contrast for reliable object-background separation.
3Measurement precision
If ambient light suppression is implemented to reduce noise, then measurement precision improves, but the need for synchronized illumination and imaging increases system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent activates the light source in advance of each image capture, creating a predetermined illumination pattern before the object is imaged. This preliminary illumination action ensures that the object is consistently lit with known characteristics prior to capture, enabling precise measurement of orientation while simplifying synchronization requirements. The illumination timing is pre-planned rather than requiring complex real-time coordination.
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 approach effectively separates the object from its background, enabling quick and reliable assessment of the missile's orientation and potential threat, facilitating timely countermeasures by emphasizing the object's illumination reflection and reducing noise from fluctuating background signals.
Implementation Method 1
the object is recorded using a camera at least twice and the object is recorded differently illuminated in one of the images than in the other image
Implementation Method 2
the images are subtracted from each other and using the image data of the illumination reflection obtained from the subtraction determines the alignment of the object
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for determining the orientation of an object (16). To determine a threat potential emanating from the object (16) to a vehicle (2), it is proposed that the object (16) be recorded at least twice using a camera (8), and that the object (16) be photographed under different lighting conditions in one of the images (20) than in the other image (20), that the images (20) be subtracted from each other, and that the orientation of the object (16) be determined using the image data of the lighting reflection obtained from the subtraction.