Optical Detection System for Short-Range Threat Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current threat detection systems, particularly panoramic radar, are unreliable for short-range applications less than 100 meters, failing to provide sufficient precision or warning time for countermeasures against rocket-propelled grenades and anti-tank missiles, and are economically unviable due to high costs of bolometric imaging sensors.
Innovation Solution
An optical detection system using an image detector array sensitive to near-infrared, visible, or near-ultraviolet radiation with a panoramic field of view, processing system capable of identifying flash events, and integration with a radar detection system for comprehensive threat detection and countermeasure activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If panoramic radar is used for threat detection, then long-range detection capability is provided, but detection reliability deteriorates at short ranges less than 100 meters
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into two specialized subsystems: a radar-based detection subsystem for long-range detection and an optical detection subsystem for short-range detection. Each subsystem operates optimally in its designated range, with the radar covering beyond 100 meters and the optical system covering up to 100 meters, eliminating the reliability problem at short ranges while maintaining long-range capability.
2Reliability
If bolometric imaging sensors are used for short-range optical detection, then detection capability is achieved, but system cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive bolometric imaging sensors with relatively low-cost near-infrared image detector arrays that utilize mature silicon semiconductor technology. This substitution dramatically reduces the cost per sensor, making large-scale installation economically viable while maintaining effective short-range detection capability through the detector array's sensitivity to the thermal radiation signature of incoming projectiles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from bolometric sensing (which requires expensive specialized sensors) to near-infrared detection using standard silicon-based image detector arrays. This parameter change leverages existing mature semiconductor technology, reducing sensor cost while maintaining detection effectiveness through the array's ability to detect the thermal radiation of incoming threats in the near-infrared wavelength range.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple bolometric sensors are used to cover panoramic field of view, then detection coverage is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from using multiple discrete bolometric sensors to a two-dimensional near-infrared image detector array. This dimensional change allows the system to cover a panoramic field of view with a single integrated sensor component rather than multiple separate sensors, reducing system complexity while maintaining comprehensive angular coverage through the array's pixel matrix structure.
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 optical detection system provides effective threat detection at short ranges with reduced costs, combining with radar for long-range coverage, enabling timely and precise countermeasure deployment against incoming projectiles.
Implementation Method 1
an image detector array sensitive to radiation in at least one range of wavelengths of near-infrared, visible or near-ultraviolet radiation
Implementation Method 2
an optical arrangement for focusing on to the image detector array a substantially panoramic field of view
Implementation Method 3
the optical arrangement includes a band-pass spectral filter for selectively focusing on to the image detector array incident radiation in a first band of wavelengths
Data Source
AI summary
An optical detection system for detecting launch of an offensive projectile. The detection system includes an image detector array, an optical arrangement for focusing on to the image detector array, and a processing system associated with the image detector array. The processing system is configured to derive a series of frames from the image detector, to process the series of frames to identify a flash event and to generate and output that indicates a direction of the flash event.