Optical-Acoustic Event Tracking for Mobile Projectile Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting and tracking moving objects, such as projectiles, lack the ability to accurately determine their location, path, and impact point using a combination of optical and acoustic signals, especially when the detection system is in motion.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an optical sensor arrangement and an acoustic sensor arrangement, along with a control unit, processes optical and acoustic input data to determine the location and path of moving objects by correlating time differences between signals and system movement, utilizing pre-stored data on projectile characteristics and signatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a detection system uses only optical or only acoustic signals to detect moving objects, then the system complexity is lower, but the measurement precision and reliability of object location and path determination are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines optical sensors (cameras) and acoustic sensors (microphones) into a single detection system. The control unit receives both optical input data and acoustic input data, processes them together, and uses the complementary information from both signal types to determine event location with higher precision than either sensor type could achieve alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system is designed to handle multiple types of signals (optical and acoustic) and multiple types of events (projectile launches, explosions, vehicle movements) using a unified architecture. The control unit processes different signal types through a common workflow of detection, correlation, and location determination, making the system versatile across various detection scenarios.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the detection system remains stationary, then the system structure is simpler, but the adaptability to mobile detection scenarios is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic compensation for system movement by using location sensors (such as GPS) to track the detection system's position and orientation over time. The control unit uses this movement data to correct the calculated event locations, allowing the system to accurately detect events even when the platform is moving, thereby enabling mobile detection capabilities.
3Reliability
If the system processes only single-type signals, then the processing speed is faster, but the reliability of event detection and location determination is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit pre-establishes correlation criteria for matching optical and acoustic signals. When signals are received, the system quickly correlates them based on these pre-defined criteria (such as time synchronization windows and spatial coherence), enabling rapid processing of multi-type signals without requiring complex real-time analysis, thus maintaining reliability while minimizing processing time loss.
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 accurate detection and tracking of moving objects, including projectiles, by determining their location and expected impact points, even when the detection system is in motion, through combined optical and acoustic signal processing.
Implementation Method 1
one or more sensors configured for detecting electromagnetic radiation in selected wavelength range
Implementation Method 2
an array of two or more microphones configured for collecting acoustic signals
Implementation Method 3
Detection of object's distance using time difference between collected signals that travel in different speeds
Data Source
AI summary
A method and respective system are described, suitable for detecting location and/or path of event. The method comprises obtaining input data comprising optical input data from at least one optical sensor arrangement and acoustic input data from an acoustic sensor arrangement. Processing the input data to detect a first signal indicative of selected events in at least one of the optical input data and acoustic input data, and in response to detecting an event registering a time of collection of the first signal and determining an estimated location of the event. Processing input data of other one of the optical and acoustic input data to determine input signal indicative of a second signal associated with the event. Determining time of collection of the second signal and determining a time difference between time of collection of the event. Utilizing the time difference to determine event location.