US5001650A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Method and apparatus for search and tracking
Assignee: Raytheon Co
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Filing: 1989-04-10
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Granted: 1991-03-19
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Expires: 2009-04-10
Abstract
Abstract A method and apparatus for search and tracking multiple targets in an object space. The apparatus (10) includes a targeting FLIR unit (12) operating in imaging mode. The targeting FLIR unit (12) is operable to generate an output in response to the observations of the multiple targets. The apparatus (10) also includes an infrared search and tracking electronics unit (48) for allowing the apparatus (10) to detect and track the multiple targets in response to the output of the targeting FLIR unit (12).
Inventors
- 👤 W. Leon Francis
- 👤 Paul T. Gray
- 👤 Walter G. Margerum
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 04:12
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01S; G01S3/00; G01S3/78; G01S3/782; G01S3/785; G01S3/786; G01S3/7864
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 33
Claim 1
Independent Claim
68 words
An apparatus for each search and simultaneously tracking multiple moving and nonmoving targets in an object space comprising: a targeting FLIR unit operating in imaging mode, said targeting FLIR unit generating an electrical output in response to observations of said multiple moving and nonmoving targets; and means for detecting and tracking said multiple moving and nonmoving targets in response to said electrical output of said targeting FLIR unit.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
68 words
An apparatus for each search and simultaneously tracking multiple moving and nonmoving targets in an object space comprising: a targeting FLIR unit operating in imaging mode, said targeting FLIR unit generating an electrical output in response to observations of said multiple moving and nonmoving targets; and means for detecting and tracking said multiple moving and nonmoving targets in response to said electrical output of said targeting FLIR unit.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said means for detecting and tracking said multiple targets comprises a signal processor and a data processor.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
40 words
The apparatus of claim 2, wherein each of said targets forms at least one observation, and wherein said signal processor comprises: means for generating an adaptive threshold; and means for limiting the number of observations processed by said data processor.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 3, wherein said signal processor comprises means for compensating for multiple exceedances of said adaptive threshold from the same target.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
35 words
The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said data processor comprises: means for generating tracks from the output of said signal processor; and means for classifying said tracks into target tracks, tentative tracks, and clutter tracks.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said data processor further comprises means for assigning new observations to existing tracks.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said data processor further comprises means for eliminating ghosts generated by said targeting FLIR unit.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
30 words
The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said data processor comprises means for deleting observations of said targets which are generated by overscan of said targets by said targeting FLIR unit.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
197 words
An apparatus for allowing an operator to continuously search and track a plurality of targets moving in an object space comprising: a targeting FLIR unit operating in imaging mode, said targeting FLIR unit operable to generate a first output in response to observations of said plurality of targets; a system electronics unit for controlling the operation of said targeting FLIR unit; a monitor for displaying a portion of said object space to said operator, said monitor electrically communicating with said system electronics unit; a signal processor electrically communicating with said system electronics unit; and a data processor electrically communicating with said signal processor and said systems electronics unit, said data processor comprising: means for forming tracks from the first output of said targeting FLIR unit, means for assigning said observations to established tracks operable to generate a second output, means for filtering the output of said means for assigning observations to established tracks, means for classifying said tracks into target tracks, tentative tracks, and clutter tracks, means for eliminating ghosts generated by said targeting FLIR unit, and means for deleting observations of said targets which are generated by overscan of said targets by said targeting FLIR unit.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
197 words
An apparatus for allowing an operator to continuously search and track a plurality of targets moving in an object space comprising: a targeting FLIR unit operating in imaging mode, said targeting FLIR unit operable to generate a first output in response to observations of said plurality of targets; a system electronics unit for controlling the operation of said targeting FLIR unit; a monitor for displaying a portion of said object space to said operator, said monitor electrically communicating with said system electronics unit; a signal processor electrically communicating with said system electronics unit; and a data processor electrically communicating with said signal processor and said systems electronics unit, said data processor comprising: means for forming tracks from the first output of said targeting FLIR unit, means for assigning said observations to established tracks operable to generate a second output, means for filtering the output of said means for assigning observations to established tracks, means for classifying said tracks into target tracks, tentative tracks, and clutter tracks, means for eliminating ghosts generated by said targeting FLIR unit, and means for deleting observations of said targets which are generated by overscan of said targets by said targeting FLIR unit.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
52 words
The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said signal processor comprises: means for generating an adaptive threshold operable to reduce the possibility that said apparatus will identify natural backgrounds as targets; and means for generating a clutter map threshold operable to limit the number of observations which are processed by said data processor.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
59 words
The apparatus of claim 10, wherein means for generating an adaptive threshold comprise: a target filter operable to generate a third output; a guard filter operable to generate a fourth output; and means for determining whether said third output of said target filter exceeds both said clutter map threshold as well as said fourth output of said guard filter.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
91 words
The apparatus of claim 11, wherein said means for generating a clutter map threshold is operable to: calculate the number of observations which exceed a predetermined threshold; determine whether the number of observations which exceed said predetermined threshold is within a desired band; raise said threshold if the number of observations which exceed said predetermined threshold is greater than the upper limit of said desired band; and lower said predetermined threshold if the number of observations which exceed said predetermined threshold is less than the lower limit of said desired band.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 12, wherein said signal processor further comprises means for compensating for multiple exceedances of said adapative threshold from the same target.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said means for forming tracks comprises a track acquisition algorithm.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 14, wherein said means for assigning observations to established tracks comprises a track association algorithm.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 15, wherein said means for filtering comprises a track filter algorithm.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 16, wherein said means for classifying said tracks comprises a track classification algorithm.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 17, wherein said means for eliminating ghosts comprises a vidicon ghost logic algorithm.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 18, wherein said means for deleting observations comprises a FLIR overscan logic algorithm.
Claim 22
Independent Claim
66 words
A method for searching and simultaneously tracking a plurality of moving and nonmoving targets in an object space comprising: sensing said targets using a targeting FLIR unit operating in an imaging mode, said targeting FLIR unit operable to operable an electrical output; and processing said electrical output from said targeting FLIR unit to allow search and simultaneously tracking of said plurality of moving and nonmoving targets.
Claim 23
Independent Claim
66 words
A method for searching and simultaneously tracking a plurality of moving and nonmoving targets in an object space comprising: sensing said targets using a targeting FLIR unit operating in an imaging mode, said targeting FLIR unit operable to operable an electrical output; and processing said electrical output from said targeting FLIR unit to allow search and simultaneously tracking of said plurality of moving and nonmoving targets.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 20, wherein said step of processing the output from said targeting FLIR unit further comprises the step of executing an adaptive threshold algorithm.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 21, wherein said step of processing the output of said targeting FLIR unit further comprises the step of executing a clutter map threshold algorithm.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 22, wherein said step of processing the output of said targeting FLIR unit further comprises the step of executing a peak detection algorithm.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 23, wherein said step of processing the output of said targeting FLIR futher comprises the step of executing a track association algorithm.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 24, wherein said step of processing the output of said targeting FLIR unit further comprises the step of executing a track classification algorithm.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 25, wherein said step of processing the output of said targeting FLIR unit further comprises the step of executing a track acquisition algorithm.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 26, wherein said step of processing the output of said targeting FLIR unit further comprises the step of executing an observation acceptance function.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 27, wherein said step of processing the output of said targeting FLIR unit comprises the step of executing a vidicon ghost logic algorithm.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 28, wherein said step of processing the output of said targeting FLIR unit further comprises the step of executing a FLIR overscan logic algorithm.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 20, wherein said step of sensing said targets using a targeting FLIR unit comprises the step of panning said targeting FLIR unit.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1994-03-18 | 1994-09-17 | 1995-03-19 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1998-03-18 | 1998-09-17 | 1999-03-19 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2002-03-18 | 2002-09-17 | 2003-03-19 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |