Methods and apparatus for detecting a target

摘要

An exemplary apparatus providing an improved detection system is disclosed as having: a sensor array adapted to detect radiation emanating from a potential target and a missile guidance system for controlling a missile's trajectory. Disclosed features and specifications may be variously controlled, adapted or otherwise optionally modified to improve and/or modify the performance characteristics of the detection system. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention generally provide a detection system for use as, for example, a target detection system for a missile guidance system.

主权项

1. A detection device, comprising:
a sensor array having a plurality of sensor pixels; wherein:
said sensor array has an approximately known field of vision; andeach of said plurality of said sensor pixels has an approximately known field of vision; a computing device coupled to said sensory array, wherein said computing device is configured to: receive a possible target volume associated with a volume of space in which a target may be present; record data generated by said sensor array; identify a number of the plurality of sensor pixels that indicate a presence of a target in approximately the same portion of a scene within possible target volume based on an approximately known rate of scan of said field of vision; and determine whether the target is present within the possible target volume based on whether the number of the plurality of sensor pixels that indicates a presence of the target in approximately the same portion of the scene exceeds a threshold value, wherein the threshold value is dynamic and alterable during flight of a projectile associated with said sensor array; and a translating device that is coupled to said sensor array and configured to scan said field of vision of said sensor array across said scene at the approximately known rate; a filter coupled to at least one of said sensor and said computing device, wherein said filter is configured to: retrieve data generated by at least one sensor pixel of said sensor array; retrieve data generated by at least one other sensor pixel of said sensor array; and modify said data retrieved from at least one sensor pixel.