Electro-optical sensor system for use in observing objects

• US 5,534,697 A
• Filed: 09/02/1994
• Issued: 07/09/1996
• Est. Priority Date: 09/02/1994
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Rockwell International Corporation
• Original Assignee: Rockwell International Corporation
• Inventors: Davis, John E., Creekmore, Veron R.
• Primary Examiner(s): Hannaher, Constantine
• Application Number:
  US08/300,246
• Time in Patent Office: 676 Days
• Field of Search: 250/332
• US Class Current: 250/332
• CPC Class Codes: G01J 2005/0077 Imaging
• CPC Class Codes: G01J 5/007 for earth observation
• CPC Class Codes: G01J 5/061 by controlling the temperature of the apparatus or parts thereof, e.g. using cooling means or thermostats
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 3/784 using a mosaic of detectors
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 17/005 for forest fires, e.g. detecting fires spread over a large or outdoors area fire fighting forest fires A62C3/02
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 17/12 Actuation by presence of radiation or particles, e.g. of infrared radiation or of ions

Abstract

An electro-optical sensor system for use in observing objects. A staring sensor is provided which includes a staring array of mid-wave infrared (IR) detectors for providing real-time observations of objects. A preprocessor system is connected to the staring sensor for providing temporal filtration of the real-time observations. A remote control is provided for controlling the temporal filtration.

Claims

1. An electro-optical sensor system for use in observing objects, comprising:

a) a staring sensor comprising a staring array of photon detectors for providing real-time observations of objects, said staring sensor for viewing a total azimuth perspective with a relatively narrow elevation perspective;

b) a preprocessor system connected to said staring sensor for providing temporal filtration of said real-time observations; and

,

c) a remote control for controlling said temporal filtration.

2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a sensor mount fixedly attached to said staring sensor.

3. The system of claim 1, further comprising a sensor mount comprising a gimbal set for supporting said staring sensor.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein said gimbal set comprises a 2-axis gimbal set.

5. The system of claim 3 wherein said gimbal set comprises a 3-axis gimbal set.

6. The system of claim 1, further comprising an ancillary tracking sensor connected to said staring sensor for enhancing spatial resolution and sensitivity of said real-time observations.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein said preprocessor system comprises means for varying the aggregation and differencing of said real-time observations.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein said preprocessor provides temporal filtration in which sub-frames are summed to gain sensitivity while an adjacent region can difference frames to enhance contrast thereby providing the capability of discriminating fires, fire trends, man-made materials and equipment, and natural objects, including animals.

9. The system of claim 1, further including a data interpretation and discrimination module for receiving data from said preprocessor system, interpreting and discriminating said data and disseminating resultant data to said remote control.

10. The electro-optical sensor system of claim 1, wherein said staring array of photon detectors comprises mid-wave infrared (IR) detectors.