Explosive Detection via Thermal and RF Signal Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Thermal imaging cameras, such as forward looking infrared receivers, have only moderate success in detecting improvised explosive devices, with a detection rate of about 47% when used alone, necessitating the development of a more effective detection system.
Innovation Solution
An explosive device detection system that combines the signals from a thermal imaging camera and a radio frequency receiver, using a signal processing circuit to align thermal and electromagnetic energy for enhanced detection, including communication devices like cellular phones and walkie-talkies, even when they are not actively transmitting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a thermal imaging camera is used alone to detect explosive devices, then the detection system is simple, but the detection probability is low (about 47%)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a thermal imaging camera and a radio frequency receiver into an integrated detection system. The thermal imaging camera detects thermal signatures while the radio frequency receiver detects electromagnetic signals from communication devices. By merging these two detection modalities, the system achieves higher detection probability (improving reliability) compared to using either device alone, while the integrated design manages the complexity through coordinated operation of both sensors.
2Reliability
If multiple detection methods are combined to improve detection probability, then the detection reliability increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into distinct functional modules: a thermal imaging camera for thermal signature detection and a radio frequency receiver for electromagnetic signal detection. Each module operates independently with its own signal processing chain, allowing the system to maintain high detection probability through multiple detection methods while managing complexity through modular architecture. The segmentation enables independent optimization of each detection modality.
3Measurement precision
If a radio frequency receiver is added to detect electromagnetic energy, then the ability to detect communication devices improves, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The signal processing circuit acts as an intermediary that receives and processes signals from both the thermal imaging camera and the radio frequency receiver. It aligns the thermal and electromagnetic signals in time and space, correlates detections from both sensors, and produces integrated detection outputs. This intermediary component enables the system to leverage the complementary strengths of both sensors for improved detection precision while managing the complexity through coordinated signal processing.
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 system significantly increases the probability of detecting explosive devices by integrating thermal and electromagnetic signals, allowing for the detection of communication devices that utilize spread spectrum techniques, providing a higher detection rate than standalone thermal imaging cameras.
Implementation Method 1
Thermal imaging cameras are designed to detect thermal energy that is generated by heat generating objects. A forward looking infrared receiver (FLIR) is one type of thermal imaging camera that is configured to create an electrical signal using this thermal energy.
Implementation Method 2
The radio frequency receiver may be capable of detecting electro-magnetic energy from a field of view in order to further discriminate infrared energy provided by the thermal imaging device.
Data Source
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AI summary
In one embodiment of the disclosure, an explosive device detection system includes a thermal imaging camera and at least one radio frequency receiver that is coupled to a signal processing circuit. The thermal imaging camera is operable to produce a first electrical signal indicative of thermal energy radiated by an explosive device. The at least one radio frequency receiver is operable to produce at least one second electrical signal indicative of electro-magnetic energy emitted by the explosive device. The signal processing circuit is configured to combine the first electrical signal and the at least one second electrical signal on a display such that the explosive device is aligned on the display.