EP2612101B1 - Device and method for producing an effective fog wall or fog cloud - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to an apparatus and method for creating an effective fog cloud to protect a platform or target from a threat. Environmental factors such as wind strength, wind direction etc. as well as the fact of a moving platform / target are considered. However, this information / parameter need not be extra measured and not known. Rather, the entirety of this information is determined / derived in or out of the cloud of fog itself. Considered are the quality and quantity, that is, the density and homogeneity of the smoke screen. In evaluation of this information, then this wall or cloud can be stabilized or expanded accordingly by targeted Verschuß other fog generating means.

Mist systems for the protection of specially military platforms, especially of land vehicles have been in use for a long time. With the help of such fog systems, the line of sight of the enemy is to be interrupted to the target, thereby affecting the enemy target acquisition, target tracking and weapon guidance.

That's how it describes DE 199 51 767 A1 a method of providing a decoy and decoys. Also the DE 196 17 701 C2 discloses such a stored method. A launching device for the shooting of a plurality of active bodies of the DE 199 10 074 B4 be removed. The device deals with a device for protecting ships from end-phase guided missiles DE 103 46 001 B4 , Among other things, this is characterized by the fact that some environmental data are taken into account, which are taken into account when designing the cloud of protection. An object protection system is also the subject of DE 10 2004 005 105 A1 , A light ammunition magazine is with the DE 10 2006 004 954 A1 published while the DE 10 2005 054 275 A1 another self-protection system shows. A missile for generating a smoke screen is further from the DE 296 06 669 U1 known.

In addition to umbilical generators, mortar systems are used in particular, with multiple mists being fired simultaneously from dice. These mist pots contain mist-active substances which cause a Sichtllnienunterbrechung by scattering and / or reflection and / or absorption and / or emission (overexposure). As a solvent mainly pyrotechnic substances such as hetachloroethane, red phosphorus and carbon and metal dusts, such as brass dust, are used. Depending on the fog means the visual line interruption takes place in the visible and / or in the infrared regions.

From the EP 0 588 015 B is also a one-sided transparent infrared nebulas known, which is formed by a curtain of infrared emitting particles, the own thermal imaging device is not or only slightly disturbed while maintaining a sufficient camouflage effect. This is achieved by a special composition of the particles. In order to minimize the influence of this wall on the own thermal imaging device, the device optics are strongly dimmed, whereby a large depth of focus is achieved.

A method for generating a one-sided in the infrared spectral transparent camouflage gives the DE 199 14 033 A1 at. Here, a known pyrotechnic Tarnnebel is spread with pyrotechnic scattering particles and irradiated this two-component mist from the side of the applicator with an IR radiation source.

The EP 0 597 233 A1 discloses a method of providing a three-dimensional dummy body. By means of a computer-controlled, essentially continuous monitoring of the three-dimensional false cell to be built, effective masses are spatially or temporally offset at the location of the dummy target body to be decomposed so that the target signature of the object to be protected is simulated in deceptive similarity to imaging target-seeking heads. The control of the output (shot sequence, weft direction) is carried out by a computer system in conjunction with the digital evaluation of a thermal imager. On the basis of the thermal image, the computer independently checks the original fidelity and compensates for defects in the pattern (by wind drift or extinguishment of the active masses) by purposeful continuous approaching of the decoy target. The thermal image is monitored pixel by pixel over the entire thermal image, with each pixel acting as a quasi-point radiometer. Using digital image processing, the associated pixel index (brightness value), which is proportional to the radiation density, is obtained for each pixel. From the image coordinates, the computer can determine the firing coordinates as well as the type of ammunition for the next firing sequence.

The US Pat. No. 6,782,826 B1 deals with a decoy. Imaging agents disclosed therein may be, for example, explosive substance, flammable substance, incandescent or luminescent material, or other materials that provide a good visible temporary image, radar image, and / or a thermal imitation of a target. The firing of the projectiles may preferably be controlled by a microprocessor to allow accurate firing of the projectiles at the selected speed. A screen previews the image to be formed, giving the viewer the ability to "print" the desired or random pattern in the air.

The object of the invention is to provide a device and an optimized method for producing a one-sided transparent mist, whereby an optimal privacy of an object is realized.

The object is achieved by the features of claim 1, the system and the patent claim 6 relating to the method. Advantageous embodiments are listed in the respective subclaims.

The effectiveness of a fog system or fog cloud is dependent on the environmental parameters on site, such as wind speed. Wind direction and relative humidity, etc. Such parameters are disregarded due to the non-predeterminable values. The fog is often driven by the action of the wind not only from the line of sight, but also the fog cloud accordingly defibrated, so that gaps. Also, the proper motion and the spontaneous use of the fog system in 360 ° are not considered. Similar influences arise in calm weather, however, driving the vehicle. Again, it may happen that the line of sight is briefly interrupted by the fog. In addition, the effectiveness of, for example, an infrared nebula is dependent on the density of the infrared emitting particles. Due to environmental and systemic effects temporal and spatial inhomogeneities of the wall arise, which leads to a restriction or to a loss of effectiveness.

The invention is therefore based on the idea to create multi-spectral fog walls, in which the threat direction, threat distance, wind direction, wind speed, direction of travel and speed in the temporal and spatial application of the visual and infrared line-of-sight are taken into account. Among other things, the charm of the idea lies in the fact that these information / parameters are not measured separately or even need to be known. Rather, quality and quantity, that is, the density and homogeneity of the cloud of fog (s) are determined. In addition, friend-side transparent smoke walls can be generated that do not disturb a private thermal imaging device while maintaining a sufficient camouflage effect. This ensures that the platform, such as a vehicle, by the homogeneously distributed infrared radiating particles and a one-sided transparent infrared effectiveness is created, but these are protected against wind attack and vehicle independent of an enemy attack.

The measurement of the cloud of fog for density and homogeneity and thus the effectiveness of the fog wall in the vicinity of the line of sight is accomplished in the visible range, for example by a TV camera. For the infrared areas, a thermal imaging device is used. With the aid of digital image processing, the recorded image in the visual area is examined as to whether it has the white reflection typical of the red phosphorus fog in the vicinity of the line of sight. In the infrared range, the image of the heating device is analyzed for a homogeneous, one-sided infrared-effective particle density.

For this purpose, the device or the system consists at least of a combination of sensors and digital image and data processing and at least one fog-thrower, which can be linked to a TV camera, a thermal imaging device and at least one UV sensor. The images of both devices are evaluated in an image and data processing, wherein in evaluation of this information, the fog wall is stabilized or extended, if certain criteria such as density and / or homogeneity are exceeded. One or the Nebeleinsatzrechner determined in evaluation of the fog wall or cloud of fog further spreading fog media through the at least one launcher. To extend the system functionality, a wind sensor can be integrated, its information for better alignment of the projector and thus the formation of the smoke screen can be used. This creates a good smoke screen for the viewing area as well as a sufficient infrared effect in the fog wall.

With the help of the system and the method, it is now possible in principle that even during the journey of the platform / target / object - for example, in reconnaissance and / or convoy - a fog measure extremely fast acting applied and this spontaneous, dense fog wall from the friend view Help a thermal imaging device can be penetrated. By stored algorithms, these images of the thermal imaging device can be optimized so far that they create a sufficiently good friend view without changing the device optics. Thus, the system creates an advantage even in confusing battlefield situations. By a corresponding sensor system feedback, it is also possible to maintain stable and durable this effect of one-sided transparency. The rapid introduction of suitable countermeasures under protection is another advantage.

The method for generating a line of sight interruption is now independent of wind and travel. It is created in the visible wavelength range opaque in the infrared areas but a residual transmission fog cloud. This is achieved (manipulated) by a clever choice or selection and coordination of the fog substance itself, the fog concentration and the thickness of the fog wall, as well as the infrared particles during fog burn. Disturbance variables are largely eliminated by the digital image processing of a thermal image and the thermal image is thus "friend-friendly" optimized.

Fig. 1

eine schematische Darstellung der wesentlichen Baugruppen des Systems,

Fig. 2

eine Darstellung einer Sichtlinienunterbrechung durch visuellen Nebel und Infrarot strahlende Partikel,

Fig. 3

eine Darstellung des teilweisen Verlustes der Sichtlinienunterbrechung des visuellen Nebels,

Fig. 4

eine Darstellung der Wiederherstellung der visuellen Nebelwirkung,

Fig. 5

eine Darstellung der Analyse und Optimierung der Infrarotpartikel,

Fig. 6a/b

eine Darstellung des durch Infrarot-Partikel gestörten Wärmebildes aus Sicht "Freundseite" sowie nach deren Optimierung,

Fig. 7.

eine Prinzipdarstellung einer Vorrichtung zum Ausbringen von Wirkmitteln,

Fig. 8

eine Darstellung der Abhängigkeit des Massen-Absorptionskoeffizienten von der Wellenlänge,

Fig. 9

eine Darstellung der Abhängigkeit der Transemission von der Nebelkonzentration und von der Nebeldicke.

Reference to an embodiment with drawing, the invention will be explained in more detail. It shows:

Fig. 1

a schematic representation of the main components of the system,

Fig. 2

an illustration of visual line interruption by visual fog and infrared radiating particles,

Fig. 3

a representation of the partial loss of line-of-sight visual fog;

Fig. 4

a representation of the restoration of the visual fog effect,

Fig. 5

a presentation of the analysis and optimization of the infrared particles,

Fig. 6a / b

a representation of the infrared image disturbed thermal image from the "friend side" view and after their optimization,

Fig. 7.

a schematic diagram of a device for dispensing active agents,

Fig. 8

a representation of the dependence of the mass absorption coefficient on the wavelength,

Fig. 9

a representation of the dependence of the transemission of the fog concentration and the fog thickness.

In Fig. 1 is a system or a device, comprising at least one Nebelwerfer 2, a computer 3 and at least one thermal imaging device 5, shown. Further assemblies are a camera 4 and / or UV sensors 6 and preferably a wind sensor 7. Preferably, in the computer 3, here a so-called Nebeleinsatzrechner, takes place a digital image and data processing of the images of the camera 4 and / or the thermal imaging device 5, wherein For this purpose, a separate module can be integrated. In the image and data processing are deposited algorithms for the analysis of the fog effectiveness (quality, quantity). With the help of the wind sensor 7, the wind direction and the wind force can be determined.

The system 1 further comprises a monitor 8 for imaging the sensor image of the TV camera 4 and preferably a further monitor 9 for imaging the sensor image of the thermal imaging device 5 for a viewer. - The integration of the monitors 8, 9 is optional, the method for determining an optimal fog wall 11 + 13 thereof independently. - All modules of the system 1 are functionally connected to each other electrically.

In a preferred embodiment, a sensor 12 observing the environment, for example a laser detector, and the camera 4, the thermal imaging device 5 and the UV sensor 6 are installed directly on the projector 2. As a result, the fog cloud 11 in the visible range and 13 jets (throwing equipment) 2 producing transparent infrared fog and the sensors 4 - 6 are always aligned in the same direction.

Starting from the observation of the environment ( Fig. 2 ) to be protected, possibly also moving platform 14, a smoke screen 11 + 13 is established upon detection of a threat. This is done conventionally by Verschuß of preferably in the air separable cartridges with an active mass, consisting of preferably red phosphorus and other infrared active particles / substances / platelets - means - etc. (not shown in detail). As a result, the large-scale visual cloud of fog 11 is applied to interrupt the line of sight of the enemy in no time. The launcher 2 has a sufficient number of fog cartridges, which he can deploy simultaneously and / or sequentially in any timing. By means of the infrared-active agent, the particle cloud 13 necessary for the unilaterally transparent infrared mist is simultaneously generated with a corresponding configuration.

After deploying the cloud of mist 11 + 13, the efficiency of the smoke screen 11 + 13 in the vicinity of the line of sight is monitored by means of the intelligent sensor systems 4 - 6, the density and homogeneity are measured. The image in the visual area is obtained by means of TV camera 4 and given to the image and data unit in the computer 3. With the aid of the algorithms stored in this unit, this image is analyzed to determine whether the visual field in the vicinity of the line of sight has the white reflection typical for the red phosphorus fog. In the infrared range, the field of view is scanned in the vicinity of the line of sight 10 by means of thermal imaging device 4 and this analyzed in the image and data processing unit to a homogeneous, one-sided infrared effective particle density. However, the method can also be started manually, for example if an observer detects a weakening of the smoke screen 11, 13. If density and homogeneity are given, no further measures are instructed.

If, however, a situation like in Fig. 3 determined determined by the computer 3 other measures. This can be the targeted firing of additional fog cartridges through the fog lamp 2 in the determined no longer interrupted line of sight area 10 (FIG. Fig. 4 ) and / or increasing the concentration in the entire cloud of fog 11 + 13 in general ( Fig. 5 ) be. The instructing can also be done by a, the monitors 8, 9 viewing person 12, ie manually.

Alternatively but also in addition, the data of the wind sensor 7 are included in the evaluation. By measuring the relative wind, also as a vector of wind and absolute wind, the computer 3 is supplied with additional information, so that the extent, position and drift of the cloud of fog 13 can be calculated and this is taken into account in the alignment of the launcher 2.

The optimized particle density of the infrared mist wall 13 ensures that the line of sight 10 for enemy thermal imaging devices is completely interrupted. With the help of your own thermal imaging device 5, from the viewpoint of the platform to be protected, there is a residual information of the generic page. Although this is significantly disturbed by the infrared particles ( Fig. 6a ), but can be improved by means of complex image-optimizing methods and algorithms. Thus it is possible to eliminate the disturbing particles as far as possible and thus to produce an almost interference-free enemy image on the monitor 9 ( Fig. 6b ). The processing of the image can be realized for example by a histogram optimization filter, a median filter and / or a mask filter.

Fig. 7 shows the device 1 for generating the one-sided transparent mist consisting of the fog generator or the throwing machine 2 for the purpose of bringing fog generating active bodies, the thermal imaging device 5 and the computer or computer 3 with the digital image processing. Another component of the device 1 may be an additional weapon station 20.

The litter 2 is used to create or create the specific fog wall or the mist-the cloud of mist 11, 13 - with wavelength-dependent transmission properties. The thermal imaging device 5 has the specific filtering, wherein the spectral sensitivity of the thermal imaging device 3 is highest where the transmission properties of the mist also has a maximum.

• Selektive Transmissionseigenschaften (wird beispielhaft am Beispiel eines Rotphosphornebels dargestellt) = RP-Nebel weist einen selektiven Massenextinktionskoeffizienten auf. Dieser Koeffizient ist für den sichtbaren Bereich deutlich höher als für die Infrarot- Bereiche. Gemäß Lambert-Beer-Gesetz ist somit die Transmission dieses Nebels in den Infrarotbereichen deutlich höher als im sichtbaren Bereich. $${\mathrm{\tau }}_{\left(\mathrm{\lambda }\right)}={\mathrm{e}}^{\left(-\mathrm{\alpha }*\mathrm{c}*\mathrm{d}\right)}$$
  
  wobei
  • α - Massenextinktionskoeffizient [m²/g]
  • c - Nebelkonzentration
  • d - Dicke der Nebelwand
  sind. Fig. 8 zeigt die Zusammenhänge dieser Größen.
• Konzentration und Dicke der Nebelwand = Durch Erhöhung der Nebelkonzentration c lässt sich, ebenso wir durch Erhöhung der Dicke der Nebelwand d die Transmissionseigenschaft der Nebelwand steuern. Hierbei ist zu berücksichtigen, dass durch die Umwelteffekte wie Luftfeuchte, Wind etc. die Transmissionseigenschaften der Nebelwolke 6 häufig starken zeitlichen Schwankungen unterliegen.
• Clutter- und Überstrahlungseffekte = Bei der Generierung der Nebelwand entstehen zusätzlich durch Nebelzerlegung und Nebelabbrand gezielt Wärmeeffekte, die zu zeitlich und / oder räumlich inhomogenen Strahlungseffekten führen, welche das Wärmebild sowohl feind- als auch freundseitig stören.

By throwing plant 2 or the ejected active body, the selective smoke wall 11, 13 is generated, the properties of which are essentially defined by the following parameters:

• Selective transmission properties (exemplified by the example of a red phosphorus mist) = RP fog has a selective mass extinction coefficient. This coefficient is significantly higher for the visible range than for the infrared ranges. According to Lambert-Beer's law, the transmission of this fog is thus significantly higher in the infrared ranges than in the visible range. $${\mathrm{\tau }}_{\left(\mathrm{\lambda }\right)}={\mathrm{e}}^{\left(-\mathrm{\alpha }*\mathrm{c}*\mathrm{d}\right)}$$
  
  in which
  • α - mass extinction coefficient [m ² / g]
  • c - fog concentration
  • d - thickness of the smoke screen
  are. Fig. 8 shows the relationships of these quantities.
• Concentration and thickness of the smoke screen = By increasing the fog concentration c, we can control the transmission property of the fog wall by increasing the thickness of the fog wall d. It should be noted that due to the environmental effects such as humidity, wind, etc., the transmission properties of the cloud of fog 6 are often subject to strong temporal variations.
• Cluttering and overexposure effects = In the generation of the smoke screen, additional heat effects are produced by fog decomposition and fog burn, which lead to temporally and / or spatially inhomogeneous radiation effects, which disturb the thermal image both enemy and friend.

Now, based on these considerations and on the choice of fog substance, the fog concentration (c ₁ , c ₂ , c ₃ ), the thickness of the fog wall (d ₁ , d ₂ , d ₃ ) and the generation of infrared particles possible fog which is opaque in the visible wavelength range but has a residual transmission in the infrared ranges (eg c ₃ * d ₃ ), see Fig. 9 ,

This residual transmission may be subject to temporal and spatial fluctuations and be additionally disturbed by disturbances such as Überstrahlungseffekten the fog burn. This can be corrected by the digital image processing of the thermal image of the thermal imaging camera 5 in the computer 3 by optimizing the image, so that the parasitic effects are eliminated "friendly". In particular, by means of digital image processing in the computer 3, the sensitivity of the thermal image is adjusted by digital adaptation of range and level to the transmission and emission properties and the elimination of temporal and spatial variations in the transmission by measuring stable reference targets within the thermal image. Furthermore, the "friend-side" elimination of over-radiation effects caused by the infrared particles by applying specific algorithms such as masking filters, cloning filters, median filters, Poisson Hole Filing etc.

Claims (15)

1. Device (1) for protecting a platform, comprising

   - at least one launcher (2) for producing an effective smoke screen or smoke cloud (11, 13), the launcher (2) being designed to produce both a visible smoke and an infrared smoke that is transparent on one side,

   - a thermal imager (5), producing an image of the density and homogeneity of the infrared smoke screen or smoke cloud (13) that is transparent on one side,

   - a camera (4), producing an image of the density and homogeneity of the visible smoke screen or smoke cloud (11),

   - a computer (3) for image and data processing, wherein

   - the computer (3) is electrically connected to the at least one launcher (2), the thermal imager (5) and the camera (4),

   - the computer (3) is designed to evaluate the images of the camera (4) and of the thermal imager (5),

   - algorithms for analysing the effectiveness of the smoke screen or smoke cloud (11, 13) are stored in the computer (3), and

   - the device is designed to stabilize and/or extend the smoke screen or smoke cloud (11, 13) appropriately in the visible range and in the infrared range in the evaluation of this information by specific firing of further smoke-producing means from the at least one launcher (2).
2. Device according to Claim 1, characterized in that it incorporates at least one wind sensor (7), which is connected to the computer (3).
3. Device according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it incorporates a UV sensor (6), which is connected to the computer (3).
4. Device according to Claim 3, characterized in that it incorporates a sensor (12) observing the surroundings, for example a laser warner, which like the camera (4), the thermal imager (5) and the UV sensor (6) is installed directly on the launcher (2).
5. Device according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that monitors (8, 9) are connected to the computer (3).
6. Method for producing an effective smoke screen or smoke cloud (11, 13), comprising the steps of:

   - producing a visible smoke and an infrared smoke that is transparent on one side by means of at least one launcher (2);

   - depicting the density and homogeneity of the infrared smoke screen or smoke cloud (13) that is transparent on one side, in particular in the vicinity of a line of sight (10), in an image by means of a thermal imager (5),

   - analysing the image with the aid of algorithms stored in the computer (3), the infrared smoke screen (13) being analysed for a homogeneous particle density that is effective in the infrared range on one side,

   - measuring a visible smoke screen (11) and depicting the density and homogeneity of the visible smoke screen or smoke cloud (11), in particular in the vicinity of a line of sight (10), in an image by means of a camera (4),

   - analysing the image with the aid of algorithms stored in a computer (3), it being checked whether the field of view in the vicinity of the line of sight (10) has the white reflection typical of red phosphorus smoke and

   - stabilizing and/or extending the smoke screen or smoke cloud (11, 13) in the visible range and in the infrared range in the evaluation of these analyses by specific firing of further smoke-producing means from the at least one launcher (2).
7. Method according to Claim 6, characterized in that a threat direction, threat range, wind direction, wind speed, driving direction and driving speed are taken into account in the dispensing of the visual and infrared line-of-sight interruption over time and space.
8. Method according to Claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, by measuring the relative wind, including as a vector comprising the relative wind and absolute wind, by the wind sensor (7), the computer (3) determines the extent, position and drift of the smoke cloud (13) while taking this information into account, and this is taken into account in the alignment of the launcher (2).
9. Method according to one of Claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the measures are only ordered if the smoke screen (11, 13) is not dense and homogeneous.
10. Method according to one of Claims 6 to 9, characterized in that disturbing infrared particles in the image on the monitor (8, 9) are eliminated to the greatest extent by means of complex image processing, by editing the image for example by a histogram optimization filter, a median filter and/or a mask filter, in order in this way to produce a virtually disturbance-free image on the monitor (8, 9).
11. Method according to one of Claims 6 to 10, characterized in that a smoke cloud (11, 13) that is opaque in the visible wavelength range but has a residual transmittance in the infrared ranges is created by a specific choice of the smoke substance (a), the smoke concentration (c₁, c₂, c₃) and the thickness of the smoke screen (d₁, d₂, d₃) and also of the infrared particles in the smoke burn-off.
12. Method according to one of Claims 6 to 11, characterized in that disturbances of the smoke cloud (11, 13) are eliminated to the greatest extent on the "friendly side" in a computer (5) by the digital image processing of the thermal image of the thermal camera (5), this being performed by setting the sensitivity of the thermal image.
13. Method according to one of Claims 6 to 12, characterized in that an elimination of variations of the transmission over time and space is performed by measuring stable reference target points within the thermal image.
14. Method according to one of Claims 6 to 13, characterized in that an elimination of blooming effects, caused in particular by infrared particles, on the "friendly side" is performed by applying specific algorithms such as masking filters, cloning filters, median filters, Poisson hole filling, etc.
15. Method according to one of Claims 6 to 14, characterized in that the thermal imager (5) has specific filtering, the spectral sensitivity of the thermal imaging camera (5) being at the greatest where the transmission properties of the smoke are likewise at a maximum.

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