Target-designation detection used to shutter camera images for locating target
US9857145B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 28, 2016 |
| Grant date | Jan 2, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 21, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04N23/20
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Apparatus and associated methods relate to a seeker for a Semi-Active Laser (SAL) guided missile. The seeker has a Short-Wave InfraRed (SWIR) camera and a Pulse Timing Logic (PTL) detector. The PTL detector has a SWIR photo detector axially aligned with a lens stack of the SWIR camera. The SWIR photo detector is configured to detect a sequence of SWIR pulses generated by a SAL target designator and reflected by a designated target. The PTL detector has a pulse timer configured to identify a sequence pattern of the detected sequence of SWIR pulses, and to predict a timing of a next SWIR pulse in the identified sequence pattern so as to synchronize exposure of the SWIR camera to capture a next image of the designated target at the predicted timing of the next SWIR pulse. Such exposure timing can advantageously improve the signal to noise ratio of the next image.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.