RU2427006C2 - Long range electro-optical module "focus-d" - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: physics.

SUBSTANCE: electro-optical module has an instrument unit mounted on a platform. The platform is mounted on a rotary support which can rotate in the azimuthal and elevation planes. The housing of the instrument unit contains a cooled long range thermal imager and a colour video camera. The thermal imager has sensitivity of 0.025 K and a narrow field of vision of 0.45×0.6 degrees. The rotary support is connected to the instrument unit by a cable and includes azimuthal and elevation drives connected to a controller.

EFFECT: longer target recognition range.

6 cl, 2 dwg

Description

The invention relates to electronic devices and is a passive combined system of hidden round-the-clock surveillance of ground and / or surface conditions at a distance of up to 20 km within line of sight, including the detection and recognition of objects from a remote operator’s workplace.

A well-known ground transportation complex for detecting and recognizing objects, including two electronic sensors, one of which combines a thermal imager, a video camera and a laser range finder (RU 67529, class B60R 27/00, published July 24, 2007).

The well-known complex is characterized by a relatively small range of target recognition, namely, for a target of the type "man" it is characterized by a range of 3.3-5 km.

Over the sensors of the known complex, covers are designed to close the hatches in the roof of the car body in the inoperative position of the complex and serve to protect the sensors from bad weather in the working (extended outside the car body roof) position of the complex. Since the equipment of the complex is mainly located inside the car body, special requirements are not imposed on it related to the protection of equipment from low ambient temperatures.

The technical result of the invention consists in increasing the range of target recognition both in the presence and in the absence of optical visibility, i.e. both day and night, while the recognition range, for example, of a person is 7.5 km, i.e. in comparison with the analogue, it is increased by 1.5-2 times.

In addition, the proposed optoelectronic module, in contrast to the analogue, is intended for installation in open areas, at heights providing a direct line of sight to observation objects. In this regard, the need arose for its protection from the harmful effects of the environment, in particular at ambient temperatures up to minus 40 ° C.

The named technical result is achieved in the invention using the following set of features.

Optoelectronic module (OEM) contains an instrument block (PB) mounted on a platform mounted on a rotary support device (OPU) made with the possibility of rotation in two planes: azimuthal and elevation. In the PB case there is a cooled thermal imager for detecting and recognizing objects at night and a color video camera for detecting and recognizing objects in the afternoon. The control gear is connected to the power supply unit via a cable and includes azimuthal and elevation drives connected to the controller.

The long range of the thermal imager is achieved through the use of a cooled matrix detector with high sensitivity (0.025K) and narrow-field optics (narrow field of view 0.45 × 0.6 degrees).

OEM is made with the possibility of rotation of the movable part of the slewing ring in azimuth - circular, in elevation - in the range of ± 35 degrees with speeds up to 60 degrees per second.

A cooled thermal imager and a color video camera are installed on a supporting platform, under which a heating element can be located.

OEM made with the possibility of continuous continuous viewing.

The PB case is equipped with a protective peak.

The module is configured to connect to at least one processor unit having an input device for converting an analog video signal to digital.

The combination in one system of optoelectronic devices (thermal imager and video camera), operating in different spectral ranges, allows to detect and recognize objects (targets) both day and night.

The field of view is one of the main characteristics of OEM. It characterizes the angular dimensions of that part of the terrain, within which you can simultaneously observe the target without rebuilding the product and without rotating its module. The smaller the field of view, the greater the range of detection and recognition of targets (with other similar characteristics of the device). The object detection range increased in comparison with the analogue was achieved by using narrow-field optics in the thermal imager (field of view up to 0.45 × 0.6 degrees) together with a highly sensitive matrix detector.

OEM allows you to perform autonomous work when connected to processor units (computers) that have an analog video to digital signal conversion device at the input of the AWM Favorite OEM software version 1.2 loaded into it.

OEM software allows the combination of the following operating modes:

- manual control using standard computer controls (keyboard, Mouse, track-ball, joystick);

- the mode of automated creation of panoramic images with 10 control points and work in this mode according to control points;

- mode of software scanning of terrain along trajectories predefined by the operator;

- motion detector mode with an alarm when a moving object appears either in the entire field of view of the module, or in several (up to five) special areas of increased attention;

- the mode of automatic or manual documentation of the situation in the form of recordings of single still pictures or continuous videos;

- adjustment mode of the thermal imager according to the temperature features of the observed area;

- automatic tracking of moving objects in the video image.

Structurally and electrically, the module can interface with other means of observation, for example, radar stations, and collaborate with them by receiving target designation commands over the Ethernet network.

The normal functioning of OEM is possible within the line of sight. The most effective application of this module is provided on an open, mainly flat terrain (on land) or on the sea coast. The more difficult the terrain, the smaller the value of such a parameter as the opening ratio, and the use of the module becomes less effective.

The proposed module has the following ranges of detection and recognition of objects in normal atmospheric transparency:

- detection of a target like "man" day and night - 5-7.5 km;

- detection of a “car” type target day and night - 6-9 km;

recognition range of large targets (buildings, large ships, aircraft) - at least 20 km.

Note. Normal atmospheric transparency is understood to mean an air medium whose state at sea level is characterized by a pressure of 1.033 kg / cm ² , a density of 0.125 kg × s ² / m ⁴ , a temperature of 15 ° C and an average transparency coefficient of 0.85, determined by the Bouguer method.

OPU module allows you to change the position of the optical axis within:

- in azimuth - circular (n × 360 °) or sector, programmed;

- in elevation ± 35 degrees.

The accuracy of conjugation of the optical axes of the module devices is no worse than 0.1 degrees.

OEM equipment consumes power of not more than 100 W at a supply voltage of 24 V at positive ambient temperatures and not more than 350 W at negative temperatures (taking into account the operation of the heating system).

The mass of the module (without a drop cable) is not more than 45 kg.

Preparation time for work at positive ambient temperatures:

- for observation during the day using a video camera - not more than 1 min;

- for observation at night using a thermal imager - no more than 8 minutes.

The continuous operation time of the Focus-D module is unlimited.

The invention is illustrated by drawings, where Fig. 1 schematically shows an optoelectronic module (general view); figure 2 - slewing ring device module in figure 1.

The optoelectronic module (OEM) shown in FIG. 1 consists of an instrument unit (PB) 1 having a protective visor 2. On the front panel of the PB 1 case there is a thermal imager lens 3 and a video camera lens 4. These devices themselves are located inside the body of the said block. PB 1 is installed on the platform 5 (figure 2), rigidly connected with a rotary support device (OPU) 6, while the housing 7 of the latter has a base 8 for attaching the OPU to external devices, equipped with an output connector 9. Connectors 10 are made on the housing of the OPU 10 and 11 for connecting a thermal imager and a video camera, respectively. PB 1 is connected to the OPU 6 cable.

PB 1, located on the OPU 6, has the ability to rotate in two planes (azimuthal and elevation) within the allowable rotation angles. As a result of rotation, the optical axes of the observation devices move in space and have the ability to occupy the position required to detect or recognize targets. Turn in the azimuthal and elevation planes is carried out by automatically controlling the control gear 6 from the operator’s workplace.

The accuracy of the readings of the angle sensors OPU - 0.1 °.

OEM operation in the temperature range from minus 32 ° C to minus 40 ° C is provided by the heating system.

The design provides rotation of the moving part of the control gear in azimuth - circular, in elevation - in the range of ± 35 degrees with speeds up to 60 degrees per second. The operating values of the sectors of rotation and speed can be set programmatically.

Management of the OPU and optoelectronic devices OEM is carried out by cable. OEM can be equipped with cables: 5 meters long (for work in the immediate vicinity of the workplace) or 50 meters long (for work when placed on towers). If necessary, the cable length can be increased up to 100 meters.

Description and operation of the components of the product

1. Slewing ring (OPU)

The controller board connected to elevation and azimuthal drives is located in the housing of the OPU 6.

Technical characteristics of the control system are given in table 1.

Table 1 Name of characteristic Value The limits of the sector of rotation in azimuth, degrees 360 The limits of the sector of rotation in elevation, degrees ± 35 Range of rotation speeds in azimuth, ° / s 0,03 ... 65 Range of rotation speeds in elevation, ° / s 0,03 ... 30 Own weight, kg, no more 14.0 Load capacity kg 36.0 Control interface Ethernet 10Mbit, TCP / IP Instrument control interfaces, 1xRS232; 1xRS232 / 485; placed on the payroll 3xRS232 / 422 The accuracy of the azimuth angle, degrees 0.1 Supply voltage, V 24.0 (19 ... 28) Operating temperature range (without switching on from minus 32 heating systems), ° С up to plus 55 Range of limiting temperatures, ° С from minus 40 up to plus 70 Degree of enclosure protection IP 65 Moisture resistant MIL-STD 810 F test 507.4 (+ 20 ° С / + 60 ° С, 95%) Resistance to vibration MIL-STD 810 C test 514.5-VIII acceleration 1.5 g frequency 5-80 Hz Impact resistance MIL-STD 810 F test 516.5-I acceleration 20 g duration 11 ms Electromagnetic compatibility MIL-STD-461E (tests CE102); CS101 (30Hz ÷ 50kHz); CS114 (10kHz ÷ 30MHz); RE102 (2MHz ÷ 18GHz); RS103 (30MHz ÷ 4.2GHz) The presence of a video multiplexer (inputs / outputs) 2 inputs × 2 outputs

2. Instrument block (PB)

PB 1 is a sealed case with a protective peak 2. In the case of unit 1 are located: a day-to-day video camera based on a CCD matrix, a cooled 3rd generation thermal imager, a heating element of the heating system and a cable network.

Surveillance devices - a thermal imager and a video camera are located and fixed on a reference platform (not shown).

The support platform with the devices (after disconnecting the cables, access to which is provided with the rear panel removed) is pushed forward together with the front panel of unit 1, providing easy access to these devices.

The cable network provides an electrical connection between the devices and the feedthrough connector located on the rear panel of the instrument unit housing.

All devices are installed with connectors to the rear panel of the instrument unit.

A heating element of a heating system with a power of 120 W (not shown) is fixed on the lower surface of the support platform.

The lower and upper panels of the PB are removable and are attached to its body using a threaded connection (screws).

3. Camcorder

The camcorder is used to observe objects in the afternoon. The camcorder generates a color analog video signal of the PAL standard and outputs it through the video multiplexer to the output connector of the RAM, which is the OEM output.

The technical characteristics of the camcorder are given in table 2.

table 2 Name of characteristic Value Matrix 1/4 "Super HAD Video standard PAL Number of pixels 800,000 Minimum working illumination, 1x 2.0 Signal to noise ratio, dB fifty The amplitude of the output signal to the load 75 Ω, V 1,0 Focal length mm 3,5 ... 91 Maximum angle of view, ° 42 Minimum angle of view, ° 1,6 Control interface RS 232 Supply voltage, V 12 dc Current consumption, mA 250 Operating temperature range (without turning on the heating system), ° С minus 32 ... + 50 Range of limiting temperatures, ° С minus 40 ... + 60 Degree of protection IP 65 Moisture resistance,% 98 non-condensing

4. The thermal imager

A thermal imaging device (thermal imager) is used to detect and recognize objects in the absence of optical visibility at night, as well as in difficult weather conditions. One of the most advanced cooled 3rd generation thermal imaging devices based on the matrix MCT detector, which has a high temperature sensitivity and a narrow field of view, allowing to provide a target recognition range of more than 5 km, is used in OEM. The technical characteristics of the thermal imager are shown in table 3.

Table 3 Name of characteristic Value Matrix size, pixels: 640 × 512 Fields of view, hail 0.95 × 1.2 3.8 × 4.7 12.5 × 15.3 Degree of enclosure protection IP 66 Operating temperature range without turning on the heating system, ° С minus 32 ... plus 55 Impact resistance 30 g, 11 ms Vibration resistance MIL STD 1810F
method 514.5 Availability and multiplicity of digital ZOOM Yes, multiplicity = 2 Range, µm 3.7 ... 4.8 Video Output Standard PAL, NTSC Detector type MST Temperature sensitivity, K 0,025 Sharing interface RS 232 Cooling system Stirling Overall dimensions, mm 205 x 206 x 458 Weight kg 12.5

The thermal imager is equipped with a three-focal optical system, which forms three fields of view, which when digital zoom is turned on, reach values in a wide field of 7.7 × 6.3, an average of 2.4 × 1.9 and a narrow 0.6 × 0.45 degrees.

The detection and recognition ranges of a “human” type target at night, indicated above, were obtained with a minimum field of view, an atmospheric transparency coefficient of 0.82, a temperature contrast of the target relative to the background of 2K, and a target size of 1.8 × 0.5 m.

The “Focus-D” module incorporates a software package that allows, in particular, digital stabilization of video or thermal imaging images. This mode allows you to keep a stable image on the monitor screen at slow angular vibrations of the support on which the module can be placed. Also, OEM software allows you to control the position of the instrument unit and, accordingly, the position of the optical axes of the thermal imager and video camera, allowing you to direct their field of view to the required point in space. In addition, OEM allows you to create and display panoramic images on a special field at the top of the monitor screen when working with a video camera or thermal imager, which can then be used as auxiliary information for quickly aiming OEMs at individual panorama control points.

After deployment, the Focus-D optoelectronic module is by default set to work with the video camera. To switch to the imager operation mode, click on the corresponding electronic key.

To ensure maximum efficiency of using OEM, it is installed in open areas at heights that provide the greatest direct line of sight to objects.

To detect targets with a height of at least 1 meter, the line of sight ranges are:

- with a module installation height of 5 meters - at least 13 km;

- with a module installation height of 10 meters - at least 17 km;

- with a module installation height of 15 meters - at least 20 km.

Installing the module at heights greater than those indicated does not lead to an increase in tactical characteristics.

OEMs are secured with an OPU bolted joint to a strong metal support base selected by the user for OEM installation.

The module is mounted using four bolts with a diameter of M8, located at an angle of 90 ° at a diameter of 110 mm.

After fastening the module to the lower output connector 9 (Fig.2), the RAM connect an external cable.

The counterpart of the cable must be connected in accordance with the marking on the cable:

- to a video capture device;

- to the Ethernet input of the computer (processor unit);

- to a 24V DC power supply with a power of at least 300 W.

Claims (6)

1. The optoelectronic module containing the instrument unit mounted on a platform mounted on a rotary support device that can rotate in two planes: azimuthal and elevation, while a cooled thermal imager with a sensitivity range of 0.025K is located in the housing of the instrument unit and a narrow field of view of 0.45 × 0.6 degrees and a color video camera, and the slewing device is connected to the instrument unit via a cable and includes an azimuthal and elevation prism related to the controller iwody. 2. The module according to claim 1, characterized in that it is configured to rotate the movable part of the slewing ring in azimuth — circularly, in elevation — in the range of ± 35 degrees with speeds of up to 60 degrees per second. 3. The module according to claim 1, characterized in that the cooled thermal imager and color video camera are installed on a supporting platform, under which the heating element is located. 4. The module according to claim 1, characterized in that it is configured to operate in a continuous circular view. 5. The module according to claim 1, characterized in that the housing of the instrument unit is equipped with a protective visor. 6. The module according to claim 1, characterized in that it is configured to connect to at least one processor unit having an input device for converting an analog video signal to digital.

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