Threat Launch Detection Using Temporal Detectors and Single Sensing Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional threat launch detection systems are ineffective in reliably detecting short-burn threats due to intensive processing requirements and insufficient sampling rates, leading to false detections and inability to accurately analyze short-burn threats like RPGs and tank shells.
Innovation Solution
A threat launch detection system utilizing temporal threat detectors with single sensing elements and suitable optics, coupled with processing circuitry that analyzes detection signals over time to identify short-burn threats, and combines with conventional sensor arrays for precise location identification and countermeasure implementation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If conventional sensor arrays with small focal length optics are used to provide a wide field of view, then the field of view increases, but the number of sensor arrays needed increases and processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the detection task into two specialized components: temporal threat detectors with single sensing elements that provide wide field of view for early threat detection, and sensor arrays that provide precise spatial localization. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function rather than requiring multiple general-purpose sensor arrays
Solution Approach 2:
The temporal threat detectors act as intermediaries between the wide field of view requirement and the precise detection requirement. These single-element detectors with suitable optics provide the wide field of view and trigger further analysis only when threats are detected, reducing the need for continuous high-rate processing of all sensor array data
2Reliability
If sensor arrays capture images at high rates to detect short-burn threats, then detection capability improves, but processing requirements become excessively intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The temporal threat detectors perform preliminary detection at lower sampling rates to identify potential threats before triggering high-rate sensor array processing. This preliminary action filters out non-threat events and reduces the overall processing burden while maintaining detection capability for short-burn threats
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic sampling at different rates: temporal threat detectors operate continuously at moderate rates to monitor for threats, while sensor arrays switch to high-rate capture only when temporal detectors indicate a potential threat, creating a periodic high-activity pattern rather than continuous high-rate processing
3Reliability
If conventional processing analyzes successive frames to detect threats, then threat detection is achieved, but false detections increase and short-burn threats are missed
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different processing qualities to different detection tasks: temporal threat detectors use simple threshold-based detection optimized for sensitivity to short-burn events, while sensor arrays provide detailed spatial analysis for confirmation. This local quality differentiation reduces false detections by not applying the same processing to all detection needs
4Area of stationary object
If multiple sensor arrays are deployed to cover the required field of view, then detection coverage improves, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the detection function into wide-field temporal detectors that require only one per sector and detailed sensor arrays that are activated only when needed. This segmentation dramatically reduces the total number of sensors required while maintaining comprehensive detection coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The temporal threat detectors serve multiple functions: they provide wide field of view monitoring, trigger high-rate sensor array processing only when threats are detected, and reduce the overall data processing burden. This multi-functionality reduces the need for dedicated sensors for each function
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 effectively detects short-burn threats with improved sensitivity and dynamic range, reducing false alarms and enabling timely countermeasures, while reducing processing demands and the number of sensors needed, thus enhancing detection capabilities for military vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
a single sensing element operable to sense radiation from various types of short-burn threats that occur within a field of view of the detector
Data Source
AI summary
A threat launch detection system includes at least one temporal threat detector, each temporal threat detector including a single sensing element operable to sense radiation from various types of short-burn threats that occur within a field of view of the detector. The single sensing element generates a detection signal in response to the sensed radiation. A processing circuit is coupled to each temporal threat detector and is operable to analyze the detection signal from each detector as a function of time to detect the occurrence of a short-burn threat within the field of view of any of the temporal threat detectors. Each temporal threat detector may be a prism-coupled compound parabolic concentrator (PCCP).