Single-Pupil Imaging System for Threat Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current threat detection systems for vehicles and military platforms are inadequate due to high costs and complexity, failing to provide comprehensive protection against diverse threats from all directions, and lack effective means to initiate timely responses to neutralize threats.
Innovation Solution
A method using a single-pupil imaging system with both visible-near IR and SWIR detectors, capable of high-resolution vision day and night, for detecting and classifying threats by determining duration, temperature, intensity, and luminance attributes, and embedding distance information for robust classification and potential response initiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple distributed cameras are used to ensure 360° coverage, then threat detection coverage is improved, but system cost and integration complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple detection functions (visible imaging, SWIR imaging, thermal detection) into a single integrated detector unit. This single detector captures data across multiple spectral bands simultaneously, eliminating the need for multiple separate camera systems while maintaining comprehensive 360° threat detection coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The detector is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both a visible imaging device, SWIR imaging device, and thermal detection device. This universal detector handles diverse threat types (ballistic threats, chemical threats, thermal signatures) through a single platform, reducing system complexity while improving reliability.
2Reliability
If advanced threat detection equipment is installed, then protection capability is improved, but unit cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple detection technologies into a single detector, the patent reduces the overall system cost while maintaining advanced protection capabilities. The shared hardware platform eliminates redundant components and reduces integration costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-functional detector provides comprehensive protection against various threat types through a single affordable unit, making advanced protection capabilities accessible without the prohibitive costs of multiple specialized systems.
3Loss of information
If threat detection is performed, then threat awareness is improved, but response initiation capability deteriorates due to lack of integrated response systems
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges detection and response functions into an integrated platform. The detector not only identifies threats but also provides data to initiate appropriate response actions, creating a seamless detect-respond cycle that improves both threat awareness and response capability.
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 threat classification and initiation of adaptive responses, ensuring crew and platform survival by providing real-time, cost-effective, and comprehensive threat detection and neutralization capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a single-pupil imaging system... equipped with several detectors including a visible-near IR detector and a SWIR detector
Implementation Method 2
the VisPIR detector makes it possible to ensure the basic function of high-resolution vision day and night
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2F
Figure 3a~3c
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for detecting and classifying events of a scene by means of a single-lens imaging system provided with a VisPIR detector in the 0.6 μm-1.1 μm band and a SWIR detector. Said method includes the steps of acquiring consecutive and synchronized 2D VisPIR and SWIR images, displaying the VisPIR images, and processing said images. Said processing involves comparing the SWIR images such as to determine, for each pixel, the variation in the illumination level from one SWIR image to another, and the peak value of said SWIR illumination levels. If said variation in SWIR illumination level is greater than a threshold, an event associated with said pixel is then detected, and the date, temporal shape, and duration thereof are determined; the coordinates of the corresponding pixel, for which the variation in illumination level from one VisPIR image to another and the peak value of said VisPIR illumination levels are calculated, are determined in the VisPIR images; said variations in SWIR and VisPIR illumination levels and the peak values thereof for estimating a temperature of the event are compared; the distance from the corresponding point of the scene for calculating the intensity of the event on the basis of the SWIR and VisPIR illumination levels is estimated, and on the basis of said distance, the total energy of the event is estimated on the basis of the temporal shape and strength thereof; the event is classified according to the duration, temperature, intensity, and power thereof; and the previous steps are repeated for another pixel from the SWIR images.