Optics: measuring and testing – Angle measuring or angular axial alignment – Apex of angle at observing or detecting station
Patent
1997-09-26
2000-02-29
Buczinski, Stephen C.
Optics: measuring and testing
Angle measuring or angular axial alignment
Apex of angle at observing or detecting station
250332, 250334, 35613906, 3561415, G01B 1126, H01L 2500, G02B 2610
Patent
active
060316055
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
The present invention relates to an arrangement for the detection of targets, comprising a detector unit rotatable about an at least vertical search axis, provided with focusing means and a detector of the line array type for cyclically generating a two-dimensional image representing the surroundings of the arrangement, and a target extractor connected to the detector for generating directions of detected potential targets.
An arrangement of this type is known from EP-B 0.205.794. The aim of the target extractor is to reduce the number of false alarms generated by a detector unit. Without the use of a target extractor, a detector unit will usually generate thousands of false alarms per revolution. If the target extractor possesses all features known in the art, this number can be reduced to only a few false alarms per revolution. By incorporating several detectors in the detector unit and by subsequently combinating the images generated by these detectors, the number of false alarms can still be further reduced.
The present invention is likewise aimed at reducing the number of false alarms, namely by subjecting the individual detected potential targets to a closer examination. It is thereto characterized in that the arrangement furthermore comprises optical verification means for verifying the detected potential targets, which means are controlled on the basis of data generated by the target extractor.
In a favourable embodiment of the invention, the verification means form an integral part of the detector unit, but are incapable of rotation. They are characterized in that an optical axis of the optical verification means at least substantially coincides with the search axis. In an advantageous realisation, the detector unit is positioned such that it is arranged for rotating around a hollow search axis, the optical verification means being contained in the hollow search axis.
A further advantageous embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the optical verification means comprise an optical window provided in a wall section of the hollow search axis that projects beyond the detector unit, and in that the optical verification means comprise a mirror, contained in the hollow search axis, an azimuth direction and an elevation direction of which can, on the basis of data generated by the target extractor, be adjusted in such a way that radiation emanating from a selected potential target is passed on at least substantially parallel to the search axis.
A still further favourable embodiment of the invention has the advantage that the optical window is flat and is characterized in that the optical window can, on the basis of data generated by the target extractor, be adjusted in azimuth direction in such a way that its azimuth direction at least substantially corresponds with the mirror's azimuth direction.
It is now possible to provide the optical verification means with various optical means which can be accommodated in the hollow search axis.
In a first favourable embodiment, the optical verification means comprise an optical detector of the staring array type. Such a detector is highly suitable for verifying a potential target, since it generally allows longer integration periods and has a higher angular resolution than a rotary line array selected for volume search.
In a second favourable embodiment, the optical verification means comprise a laser range-finder which, besides a target verification, also yields a target range.
In a third favourable embodiment, the optical verification means comprise a CW Doppler laser detector which, besides a target verification, moreover yields a target velocity and at least an indication of the range.
An exceptionally favourable embodiment of the apparatus is characterized in that means are provided for optionally placing, in operating conditions, a detector of the staring array type, a laser range-finder or a CW Doppler laser detector in the hollow search axis. This renders it possible to select and position the optimal verification means depending on the operat
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Buczinski Stephen C.
Hollandse Signaalapparaten B.V.
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