METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR DETECTING A TARGET

• US 20100283852A1
• Filed: 11/14/2007
• Published: 11/11/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 11/14/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Raytheon Company (Rtx Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Raytheon Company (Rtx Corporation)
• Inventors: Caber, Timothy E.
• Granted Patent: US 8,885,044 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 348/144
• CPC Class Codes: F41G 7/007 Preparatory measures taken before the launching of the guided missiles
• CPC Class Codes: F41G 7/2206 using a remote control station
• CPC Class Codes: F41G 7/2253 Passive homing systems, i.e. comprising a receiver and do not requiring an active illumination of the target
• CPC Class Codes: F41G 7/2286 using radio waves
• CPC Class Codes: F41G 7/2293 using electromagnetic waves other than radio waves
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 3/784 using a mosaic of detectors

Abstract

An exemplary apparatus providing an improved detection system is disclosed as having: a sensor array adapted to detect radiation emanating from a potential target and a missile guidance system for controlling a missile'"'"'s trajectory. Disclosed features and specifications may be variously controlled, adapted or otherwise optionally modified to improve and/or modify the performance characteristics of the detection system. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention generally provide a detection system for use as, for example, a target detection system for a missile guidance system.

Claims

1. A detection device, comprising:

a sensor array having a plurality of sensor pixels, wherein;

said sensor array has an approximately known field of vision; and

each of said plurality of said sensor pixels has an approximately known field of vision; and

a computing device coupled to said sensory array, wherein said computing device is configured to;

record data generated by said sensor array; and

identify at least two data points describing approximately the same portion of a scene; and

a translating device that is coupled to said sensor array and configured to scan said field of vision of said sensor array across said scene at an approximately known rate.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein said sensor array comprises an electro-optical sensor array.

3. The device of claim 1, further comprising a filter coupled to at least one of said sensor array and said computing device, wherein said filter is configured to:

retrieve data generated by at least one sensor pixel of said sensor array;

retrieve data generated by at least one other sensor pixel of said sensor array; and

modify said data retrieved from at least one sensor pixel.

4. The device of claim 1, further comprising multiple sensor arrays coupled to said computing device.

5. The device of claim 1, further comprising a projectile, wherein said sensor array is coupled to said projectile.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein said translating device is configured to rotate said sensor array about an axis.

7. A method of detection, said method comprising the steps of:

scanning a field of vision of a sensor array across a scene, wherein said sensor array has an approximately known field of vision and comprises a plurality of sensor pixels, wherein each of said plurality of sensor pixels has an approximately known field of vision; and

retrieving data from said sensor array; and

analyzing said data to;

identify data points that describe approximately the same portion of said scene; and

analyzing said identified data points to characterize said portion of said scene.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein said sensor array comprises an electro-optical sensor array.

9. The method of claim 7, further comprising the steps of:

filtering said data, wherein said step of filtering said data comprises the steps of;

retrieving data generated by at least one sensor pixel of said sensor array;

retrieving data generated by at least one other sensor pixel of said sensor array; and

modifying said data retrieved from at least one sensor pixel.

10. The method of claim 7, wherein said sensor array comprises a plurality of sensor arrays.

11. The method of claim 7, wherein said sensor array is coupled to a projectile.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein said step of scanning said field of vision of said sensor array across a scene is achieved primarily via projectile motion.

13. The method of claim 7, wherein the step of scanning said field of vision of said sensor array is achieved via rotation of said sensor array.

14. A method of detection comprising the steps of scanning a sensor array across a scene, wherein:

said sensor array has an approximately known field of vision and comprises a plurality of sensor pixels, wherein each of said plurality of sensor pixels has an approximately known field of vision, and said step of scanning a sensor across a scene comprises;

providing an uncertainty volume, said uncertainty volume having an approximately known boundary;

aligning a boundary of said field of vision of said sensor array with a first portion of said boundary of said uncertainty volume;

scanning said field of vision of said sensor array substantially across said uncertainty volume at an approximately known scan rate; and

retrieving data generated by said sensor pixels of said sensor array; and

identifying data points that describe approximately the same portion of said scene; and

analyzing said identified data points to characterize said portion of said scene.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising the steps of:

filtering said data, wherein said step of filtering said data comprises the steps of;

retrieving data generated by at least one sensor pixel of said sensor array;

retrieving data generated by at least one other sensor pixel of said sensor array; and

modifying said data retrieved from at least one sensor pixel.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein said sensor array comprises a plurality of sensor arrays.

17. The method of claim 14, wherein the step of scanning said field of vision of said sensor array is achieved via rotation of said sensor array.