Detecting and locating lasers pointed at aircraft

摘要

The present invention provides various apparatus and methods for detecting laser beams, locating their origin, recording these events, and alerting law enforcement agencies as the event unfolds. The apparatus includes at least two communicably coupled camera systems coupled to one or more image processors. A method for detecting the laser beam includes the use of optical, temporal and two-dimensional spatial image filtering. A method for computing the location of the laser beam consists of performing geometric computations using triangulation techniques and physical surveying of the cameras. A method for communicating the location of the laser beam in real-time includes the use of wired or wireless communications means, including the coordination with local air traffic control information.

主权项

1. An electro-optical method for detecting the presence of one or more laser beams pointed skyward comprising the steps of:
providing a first apparatus for acquiring a first electronic image of a first scene or first region, the first apparatus comprising a first image detector camera configured to acquire an image of the first scene facing the first camera, and at least one communicably coupled digital image computing processors; acquiring the first electronic image of the first scene using the first image detector camera; modifying the first electronic image based on one or more image improvement parameters using the one or more communicably coupled digital image processors to generate a modified first image; and determining the existence or non-existence of a thin straight line within the modified first image to determine the presence of the one or more laser beams.