US 8,526,671 B2Granted

Threat detection sensor

AssigneeLockheed Martin Corporation

InventorsMichael Warren, Max Amon, Robert F. Sandh, Jr.

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Abstract

The systems and methods disclosed herein address issues of cost and weight that prevent other threat detection systems intended to detect and identify locations of incoming munitions fire such as RPGs, anti-tank missiles, and other such weapons, from being used more broadly. Systems and methods disclosed herein relate, in part, to a portable, optical sensor that has a 360-degree horizontal field of view and a selectable vertical field of view that can cover up to 90 degrees. Variations of systems and methods discussed herein are meant for use and transport by an individual or group of individuals, and do not require significant support electronics or power supplies in excess of a typical car-battery in size and weight. Other embodiments may be vehicle mounted, or may be further enhanced to work with other detection or response systems.

Claims14

Dependent claims

A sensor for detecting a firing of a munition towards said sensor from any line-of-sight location with a 360-degree circle surrounding said sensor;

the sensor comprising:
a cylindrical window, said cylindrical window having a 360-degree horizontal field of view to receive an electro-optical signal in a 360degree radius;
refractive optics to capture and condense the received electro-optical signal, at least part of said refractive optics being disposed within an inner wall of a cylinder defined by said cylindrical window, said refractive optics including
a reflector device to redirect the received electro-optical signal;
and
a series of refracting and focusing elements;
a filter unit to remove all but a wavelength range generated by combustion of a chemical contained in a munition propellant from said condensed electro-optical signal;
a relay device to transmit the filtered electro-optical signal to an image sensor;
an image sensor to detect said relayed electro-optical signal and transmit corresponding detection data to subsequent alarm, display, targeting, or processing devices;
and
a reflector deforming device that allows the reflector to be made longer or shorter and wider or narrower, thereby adjusting a vertical field of view of said sensor.

8 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.