Image detection and identification device

An imaging device for detecting and identifying a light emitting event, the device comprising:

• first and second imaging lenses parallel to each other for receiving emitted event light therethrough;
• a first dispersive element in series with the first imaging lens and disposable between the light emitting event and the first imaging lens dispersing emitted event light onto the imaging lens;
• and
• c) a focal plane array in series with the first and second imaging lens for receiving the emitted event light traveling through the lenses, the focal plane array comprising sets of detectors operative to receive the emitted event light imaged by the first and second lenses and correlate the received emitted event light via a frame subtraction processing.

An imaging device for detecting and identifying a light emitting event, the device comprising:

• first and second imaging lenses parallel to each other for receiving emitted event light therethrough;
• first and second dispersive elements in series with respective first and second imaging lenses, the first and second dispersive elements having a different spectral spreading, the first and second dispersive elements being disposable between the light emitting event and the first imaging lens for dispersing emitted event light onto the first and second imaging lenses;
• and
• a focal plane array in series with the first and second imaging lenses for receiving the emitted event light imaged by the first and second lenses.

A method of detecting and identifying a light emitting event of interest, the method comprising the steps of:

• a) dispersing the emitted event light through first and second dispersive elements having different spectral spreading;
• b) focusing the dispersed emitted event light through first and second imaging lenses;
• c) receiving the dispersed and focused light on a single focal plane array such that light dispersed and focused through at least one of the first and second dispersive elements is below a saturation point of the single focal plane array;
• d) processing the received light via a processor;
• and
• e) indicating the detection and identification of the light emitting event of interest with an output device.

A method of detecting and identifying a light emitting event of interest, the method comprising the steps of:

• a) dispersing the emitted event light;
• b) focusing the dispersed emitted event light through at least two lenses;
• c) receiving the dispersed and focused light on a single focal plane array;
• d) processing the received light via a processor;
• e) indicating the detection and identification of the light emitting event of interest;
• f) detecting the light emitting event via a frame subtraction process;
• g) distinguishing whether detected light from the lighted emitting event is of interest;
• and
• h) identifying a type of light emitting event.

A method of detecting and identifying a light emitting event of interest, the method comprising the steps of:

• a) dispersing the emitted event light;
• b) focusing the dispersed emitted event light through at least two lenses;
• c) receiving the dispersed and focused light on a single focal plane array;
• d) processing the received light via a processor;
• e) indicating the detection and identification of the light emitting event of interest;
• f) detecting the light emitting event via a frame subtraction process;
• g) distinguishing whether detected light from the lighted emitting event is of interest by comparing a ratio defined by two adjacent bands of the dispersed light to known of events of interest;
• and
• h) identifying a type of light emitting event.

An imaging device for detecting and identifying a light emitting event, the device comprising:

• first and second imaging lenses disposed physically parallel and adjacent to each other for receiving emitted event light therethrough;
• a first dispersive element adjacent the first imaging lens and disposable between the light emitting event and the first imaging lens for dispersing emitted event light onto the first imaging lens;
• and
• a focal plane array in series with the first and second imaging lenses for receiving the emitted event light imaged by the first and second lenses to detect and identify the event.