Target Detection Using Scattered Light Intensity Transitions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing target detection systems face difficulties in detecting stealth targets due to the extremely small intensity of light reflected by these targets, making it challenging to accurately determine their position using light-based methods.
Innovation Solution
A target detection system comprising a transmitting apparatus and a receiving apparatus separated in the air, utilizing inspection light and reference light to detect scattered light and determine the target position based on the over-time transition of scattered light intensity, with the receiving apparatus including a photodetector and circuitry to process the light signals and determine the target position from the time difference between the scattered light and reference light reception times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If light-based detection methods are used to detect stealth targets, then the detection capability is improved, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to extremely small reflected light intensity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces scattered light as an intermediary to detect stealth targets. Instead of directly detecting the extremely weak light reflected from the stealth target, the system detects scattered light that occurs along the transmission path between the transmitter and receiver. This scattered light serves as a mediator that provides detectable signals for position determination without requiring direct detection of the target's reflected light.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct optical detection of reflected light with a time-difference-based detection method. By measuring the time difference between transmission of inspection light and reception of scattered light, the system determines target position without relying on the intensity of reflected light, thus substituting intensity-based optical detection with time-based measurement.
2Reliability
If the intensity threshold for scattered light detection is set low to detect stealth targets, then the detection sensitivity is improved, but false detection increases due to noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback through time difference measurement to verify detected scattered light signals. By comparing the measured time difference against expected values based on geometric relationships between transmitter, receiver, and target position, the system can verify whether detected signals are genuine scattered light from stealth targets or noise, thus reducing false detections while maintaining sensitivity.
3Area of stationary object
If the transmitting apparatus and receiving apparatus are separated to improve detection coverage, then the detection area is expanded, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the separated transmitting and receiving apparatus universally applicable by enabling them to function independently yet cooperatively. The transmitting apparatus can transmit inspection light for multiple potential target positions, and the receiving apparatus can detect scattered light from various directions, making the separated configuration universally applicable to different stealth target positions while expanding detection coverage.
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 of stealth targets by distinguishing the target position through the analysis of scattered light intensity transitions, effectively overcoming the challenge of low reflected light intensity from stealth targets.
Implementation Method 1
The photodetector is configured to receive light and detect scattered light and the reference light from the received light
Implementation Method 2
The inspection light transmitter is configured to transmit inspection light
Implementation Method 3
The target position determination determines, as a position of a target, a position, on the transmission path, corresponding to a first-transition time. The first-transition time is a time at which the intensity of the scattered light becomes equal to or smaller than the first transition. The target position determination is performed on the basis of a time difference between the first-transition time and a reception time of the reference light
Data Source
AI summary
A target detection system includes a receiving apparatus separated from a transmitting apparatus configured to transmit inspection light and reference light. The receiving apparatus includes a photodetector, a scattered light processor, and a target detector. The photodetector is configured to receive light and detect scattered light and the reference light from the received light. The scattered light is scattered in a transmission path of the inspection light. The target detector is configured to perform target position determination. The target position determination determines, as a position of a target, a position, on the transmission path, corresponding to a first-transition time. The first-transition time is a time at which intensity of the scattered light becomes equal to or smaller than a first transition. The target position determination is performed on the basis of a time difference between the first-transition time and a reception time of the reference light.