阅读说明：本技术 利用激光探测与测距设备探测及定位入侵者的方法和系统 (method and system for detecting and locating intruders using laser detection and ranging device ) 是由 亚克果实 于 2017-06-08 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明提供了一种用于在拱顶所限定的特定空域内探测并定位入侵者的方法和系统。方法包括如下步骤：在拱顶限定的特定空域内,使用激光检测和测距(LADAR)装置引导激光束周期性扫描；采集来自拱顶内多个物体的激光束反射；将反射信号转换成LADAR信号,指示拱顶内物体的时空存在；对LADAR信号施加信号处理算法,从而基于预定标准确定入侵者的存在和相应的方位参数；根据与入侵者相关的多个方位参数引导摄像机,以连续捕获入侵者的多副图像；并由计算机处理器对图像进行分析,在分析的基础上指示摄像机对入侵者进行跟踪,得到入侵者的实时跟踪参数。(The present invention provides a method and system for detecting and locating intruders within a specific airspace defined by a vault. The method comprises the following steps: directing a periodic scan of the laser beam using a laser detection and ranging (LADAR) device within a specific airspace defined by the vault; collecting reflections of the laser beam from a plurality of objects within the vault; converting the reflected signal into a LADAR signal indicating the spatiotemporal presence of objects within the vault; applying a signal processing algorithm to the LADAR signals to determine the presence of an intruder and corresponding orientation parameters based on predetermined criteria; directing the camera to continuously capture a plurality of images of the intruder according to a plurality of orientation parameters associated with the intruder; and the computer processor analyzes the image, and instructs the camera to track the intruder on the basis of analysis to obtain real-time tracking parameters of the intruder.)

1. A system for detecting and locating intruders within a defined airspace defined by a vault, the system comprising:

A laser detection and ranging LADAR apparatus comprising at least one laser emitter and at least one laser sensor, the LADAR apparatus configured to:

Periodically scanning the specific airspace defined by the vault with a laser beam;

Collecting a plurality of reflections of the laser beam from a plurality of objects within the vault;

Converting the reflections into lidar signals indicative of spatiotemporal presence of a plurality of objects within the vault;

A computer processor configured to apply a signal processing algorithm to the LADAR signals to determine the presence of an intruder and corresponding orientation parameters based on predetermined criteria; and

A TV camera configured to receive the orientation parameters associated with the intruder and to continuously capture a plurality of the intruder images,

wherein the computer processor is configured to receive the image and instruct the camera to track the intruder based on analysis of the image to obtain real-time tracking parameters of the intruder.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the computer processor is configured to apply at least one denoising filter to the LADAR signal prior to determining the presence of an intruder.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the camera is a gimbal camera, wherein the system further comprises a drive configured to mechanically control a pan-tilt-control (PTZ) parameter of the camera based on a plurality of the orientation parameters.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the predetermined criteria for determining the presence of an intruder in the particular bearing parameters comprises an integrated level of two LADAR signals measured at different times for a plurality of particular bearing parameters.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the analysis of the image comprises analyzing movement characteristics and appearance of the intruder.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the movement characteristics comprise: at least one of a speed, an acceleration, and a heading vector, and the appearance comprises: at least one of shape, color, and size.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the orientation parameters comprise an orientation of the LADAR line of sight when the LADAR line of sight intersects an object determined to be an intruder.

8. The system of claim 7, the real-time tracking parameters being at least an order of magnitude more accurate than the orientation parameters.

9. The system of claim 1, further comprising a control unit configured to direct the external entity based on the tracking parameters.

10. The system of claim 1, further comprising a display, wherein the computer processor is configured to present on the display a plurality of intruder images that the intruder continuously captures while being tracked.

11. A method of detecting and locating an intruder within a defined airspace defined by a vault, the method comprising:

directing a periodic scan of a laser beam using a laser detection and ranging LADAR apparatus within a particular airspace defined by the vault;

Collecting laser beam reflections from a plurality of objects within the vault;

Converting the reflected signals to LADAR signals indicating the spatiotemporal presence of objects within the vault;

Applying a signal processing algorithm to the LADAR signals to determine the presence of an intruder and corresponding orientation parameters based on predetermined criteria;

Directing a camera to continuously capture a plurality of images of the intruder in accordance with a plurality of the orientation parameters associated with the intruder; and are

And analyzing the image by a computer processor, and indicating a camera to track the intruder on the basis of analysis to obtain the real-time tracking parameters of the intruder.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising applying at least one denoising filter to the LADAR signal prior to determining the presence of the intruder.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein the camera is a gimbal camera, the method further comprising mechanically controlling pan-tilt-control (PTZ) parameters of the camera based on the orientation parameters.

14. The method of claim 11, wherein the predetermined criteria for determining the presence of an intruder in the particular bearing parameters comprises an integrated criticism of two LADAR signals measured at different times for a plurality of particular bearing parameters.

15. The method of claim 11, wherein the analysis of the image comprises analyzing movement characteristics and appearance of the intruder.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the movement characteristics comprise: at least one of a speed, an acceleration, and a heading vector, and the appearance comprises: at least one of shape, color, and size.

17. The method of claim 11, wherein the orientation parameters comprise an orientation of the LADAR line of sight when the LADAR line of sight intersects an object determined to be an intruder.

18. The method of claim 17, the real-time tracking parameters being at least an order of magnitude more accurate than the bearing parameters.

19. The method of claim 11, further comprising directing an external entity based on the tracking parameters.

20. The method of claim 1, further comprising presenting, via a display, a plurality of intruder images that the intruder continuously captures while being tracked.

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to detection and tracking systems, and more particularly to such systems utilizing laser detection and ranging devices.

Background

Before setting forth the background of the invention, it may be helpful to define certain terms that will be used hereinafter.

The term "laser detection and ranging" (LADAR) or "light detection and ranging" (LiDAR) is referred to in this specification as a device that measures distance to a target by illuminating the target with light (e.g., a pulsed laser) and measuring the reflected pulse with a sensor. Whereby multiple laser return time and wavelength differences can be used to digitally characterize the target.

although various LADAR devices are increasingly available for commercial use, they still suffer from accuracy and latency issues that make them unsuitable for surveillance and homeland security purposes.

It would therefore be advantageous to find a way to effectively utilize LADAR characteristics for detection and tracking applications.

Disclosure of Invention

Various embodiments of the present invention provide a method and system for detecting and locating intruders within a particular airspace defined by a vault (dome). The method may comprise the steps of: periodically scanning within a specific airspace defined by the vault using a laser detection and ranging (LADAR) device that directs a laser beam; collecting a plurality of reflections of the laser beam from a plurality of objects within the vault airspace; the plurality of reflected laser beams are converted to LADAR signals indicative of the spatiotemporal presence of a plurality of objects within vault airspace. Applying a signal processing algorithm to the LADAR signals to determine the presence of an intruder and corresponding orientation parameters based on predetermined criteria; guiding the camera according to the orientation parameters related to the intruder to continuously capture a plurality of intruder images; the images are analyzed by a computer processor, and the intruder is tracked by the camera according to the analysis instruction, so that a plurality of real-time tracking parameters of the intruder are obtained.

Drawings

The subject matter regarded as the invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. The invention, however, both as to organization and method of operation, together with further objects, features, and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a non-limiting exemplary architecture of a system in accordance with various embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a detailed block diagram illustrating a non-limiting example of an implementation of a system in accordance with various embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an aspect of one of many embodiments according to the invention; and is

FIG. 4 is a high-level flow diagram illustrating a non-limiting exemplary method in accordance with various embodiments of the invention.

It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements shown in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity. Further, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements.

Detailed Description

In the following description, various aspects of the present invention will be described. For purposes of explanation, specific configurations and details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without the specific details presented in the present description. In addition, many well-known features may be omitted or simplified in order not to obscure the description of the present invention and to facilitate its understanding.

Unless specifically stated otherwise, as apparent from the following discussions, it is appreciated that throughout the specification discussions utilizing terms such as "processing," "calculating," "determining," or the like, refer to the action and/or processes of a computer or computing system, or similar electronic computing device. A computer or computing system operates, or similar electronic computing device, to manipulate and/or transform data represented as physical quantities (e.g., electronic, quantities within the computing system's registers and/or memories) into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within the computing system's registers, memories or various other such information storage, transmission or display devices.

FIG. 1 is a non-limiting, exemplary architectural block diagram illustrating a system in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. The system 100 shows a laser detection and ranging (LADAR) device 112 configured for detection and location of intruders within a particular airspace defined by the dome 10 of radius R. The LADAR apparatus 112 includes at least one laser emitter and at least one laser sensor (not shown here).

During operation, LADAR device 114 may be configured to: the specific airspace defined by dome 10 is periodically scanned by the laser beam and reflections of the laser beam from multiple objects, such as object 30 and object 20, within dome 10 are collected. LADAR device 114 may be further configured to convert the reflections into LADAR signals indicating the spatiotemporal presence of objects, such as objects 30 and 20, within vault 10. LADAR device 114 may be configured to ignore any reflections from objects outside of vault 10, which may be accomplished by calibrating LADAR device 114 to obtain a maximum range set to radius R.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the system 100 may further comprise a computer processor 110 operatively connected to the LADAR device 114, wherein the computer processor 110 may be configured to implement a signal processing algorithm on the plurality of LADAR signals to determine the presence of the intruder 20 and the corresponding plurality of orientation parameters based on a predetermined standard or innocuous object 30. It should be noted that objects beyond the vault 10, such as object 40, are considered irrelevant due to their location, but may become relevant once inside the vault 10.

The purpose of LADAR device 114 is to illuminate threatening foreign objects, but other objects, such as buildings, that were previously present, are not foreign threats, but are considered ambient noise. Obviously, the ambient noise is uncorrelated and is therefore filtered. The task of the processing means is to filter the ambient noise by running a dedicated filtering computer program, which is executed by a computer, wherein the computer program is stored in a non-transitory computer readable medium. It can thus be said that the filtering program embodied in the computer readable medium is dedicated to detecting the relevant object 100 among many objects entering the hemispherical dome area scanned by LADAR device 114, the relevant object 100 having a threat level that constitutes a threat 100. According to some embodiments of the invention, an algorithm implemented by the computer readable code described above may use these parameters to calculate the threshold. It is done in an adaptive mode, which filters out moving vegetation and other changes in the vicinity.

according to some embodiments of the present invention, system 100 further comprises a television camera 114 configured to receive a plurality of orientation parameters associated with intruder 30 and to continuously capture images of intruder 20, wherein computer processor 110 is configured to receive the images and instruct camera 114 to track intruder 20 based on analyzing the images resulting in real-time tracking parameters 120 of intruder 20. These real-time tracking parameters 120 may be used in a number of other systems not shown herein.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, the computer processor 100 may be configured to apply at least one denoising filter to the plurality of LADAR signals prior to determining the presence of the intruder 30.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the camera is a gimbal camera, and wherein the system further comprises a drive configured to mechanically control a pan-tilt-control (PTZ) parameter of the camera based on a plurality of the orientation parameters.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the predetermined criteria for determining the presence of an intruder in the particular bearing parameter comprises the integrated levels of two LADAR signals measured at different times for a plurality of the particular bearing parameters.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the image analysis includes analyzing movement characteristics and appearance of the intruder.

According to some embodiments of the invention, wherein the movement characteristics comprise: at least one of velocity, acceleration and heading vector, and wherein the appearance comprises: at least one of shape, color, and size.

according to some embodiments of the invention, the orientation parameters include an orientation of the LADAR line of sight when the LADAR line of sight intersects an object determined to be an intruder.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the real-time tracking parameters are at least an order of magnitude more accurate than the orientation parameters.

According to some embodiments of the invention, a control unit is included that is configured to direct the external entity based on the tracking parameters.

According to some embodiments of the invention, a display is included, wherein the computer processor is configured to present on the display a plurality of intruder images that are continuously captured by an intruder as it is being tracked.

FIG. 2 is a detailed block diagram for illustrating a non-limiting implementation example of a system according to an embodiment of the invention. System 200 shows a non-limiting implementation example of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention in more detail. Reflections 210 (not shown here) from objects within the vault are received at the LADAR device 112 and converted into a plurality of corresponding LADAR signals that are filtered out by a de-noising module 230 that may be implemented by the computer processor 110. The filtered signal is then applied to a decision function implemented by the detection module 240, which may be implemented by the computer processor 110, wherein the decision function is used to decide whether the reflection belongs to an intruder. In the case where the reflection belongs to an intruder, pan-tilt-control (PTZ) parameters 242 relating to the intruder's direction are applied to the actuator 116, the actuator 116 is mechanically coupled to the camera 114, and the camera 114 is correspondingly oriented and begins capturing images of the intruder. These images are passed to an image analysis module 250, which may be implemented by the computer processor 110, where further image recognition and image enhancement is performed. Tracking parameters 252 are then derived in real time so that the camera 114 tracks intruders in real time while the image analysis module 250 keeps track of intruders in real time.

A plurality of tracking parameters may be communicated to the control unit 260 for use by an external entity (not shown here). Further, the image analysis module 250 may provide the operator 60 with the enhanced image presented thereon via the display 270, and the operator 60 may then provide his/her input to the control unit 260 via the user interface 280.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a composition table 300 in accordance with an aspect of various embodiments of the invention. Plot 300 shows LADAR signal strength versus spatial position (e.g., azimuth) at two different times. The difference between the two signals, as shown in area 310, includes the height of the step function and the size of the object, which both indicate that it is an intruder, while in areas 320 and 300 the two signals do not differ sufficiently in energy due to the object being too far away, too small, moving slowly, or any other predetermined criteria.

FIG. 4 is a high-level flow chart illustrating a non-limiting exemplary method 400. The method 400 of detecting and locating an intruder within a specific airspace defined by a vault may include the steps of: 410, directing a periodic scan of the laser beam using a laser detection and ranging (LADAR) device within a specific airspace defined by the vault; 420, collecting laser beam reflections from a plurality of objects within the vault; converting the reflected signal into a LADAR signal indicating the spatiotemporal presence of objects within the vault; 430 applying signal processing algorithms to the LADAR signals to determine the presence of an intruder and corresponding orientation parameters based on predetermined criteria; directing 440 the camera to continuously capture a plurality of images of the intruder according to the intruder-related orientation parameters; 450, the image is analyzed by the computer processor, and the camera is instructed to track the intruder on the basis of the analysis, so as to obtain the real-time tracking parameters of the intruder.

To implement the method 400 according to various embodiments of the invention, a computer processor receives instructions and data from a read-only memory or a random access memory or both. At least one of the above steps is performed by at least one processor associated with a computer. The essential elements of a computer are a processor for executing instructions and one or more memories for storing instructions and data. Generally, a computer will also include, or be operatively coupled to communicate with, one or more mass storage devices for storing data files. Memory modules suitable for tangibly embodying computer program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory, including by way of example semiconductor memory devices (e.g., EPROM, EEPROM), and flash memory devices, as well as magneto-optical memory devices.

As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, certain aspects of the present invention may be embodied as a system, method or computer program product. Accordingly, certain aspects of the present invention may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment (including firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.) or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects that may all generally be referred to herein as a "circuit," module "or" system. Additionally, certain aspects of the present invention may take the form of a computer program product, which is embodied on one or more computer-readable media, and the computer-readable program code is embodied on the computer-readable media.

Any combination of one or more computer-readable media may be used. The computer readable medium may be a computer readable signal medium or a computer readable storage medium. A computer readable storage medium may be, for example, but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of the computer readable storage medium would include the following: an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a Random Access Memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. In the context of this specification, a computer readable storage medium may be any tangible medium that can contain, or store a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

A computer readable signal medium includes a propagated data signal with computer readable program code embodied therein, for example, in baseband or as part of a carrier wave. The propagated signal may take any form, including, but not limited to, electro-magnetic, optical, or any suitable combination thereof. A computer readable signal medium may be any computer readable medium that is different from a computer readable storage medium and that can communicate, propagate, or transport a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

Program code embodied on a computer readable medium may be transmitted using any appropriate medium, including but not limited to wireless, wireline, optical fiber cable, radio frequency, etc., or any suitable combination of the foregoing.

computer program code for carrying out operations for aspects of the present invention may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including an object oriented programming language such as Java, Simaltalk, C + + or the like and conventional programming languages, such as the "C" programming language or similar programming languages. The program code may execute entirely on the user's computer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the user's computer, partly on a remote computer or entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer through any type of network, including a Local Area Network (LAN) or a Wide Area Network (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet service provider).

aspects of the present invention are described above with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or partial illustrations of methods, apparatus (systems) and computer program products according to embodiments of the invention. It will be understood that each portion of the flowchart illustrations and/or partial diagrams, and various combinations of portions of the flowchart illustrations and/or partial diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or portion of the diagram.

These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable medium that can direct a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other devices to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable medium produce an article of manufacture including instructions which implement the function/act specified in the flowchart and/or portion of the figure.

the computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other devices to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, other programmable apparatus or other devices to produce a computer implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide processes for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or portion of the diagram.

the above-described flow diagrams and illustrations illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of the systems and methods

The foregoing flowcharts and diagrams illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each element in the flowchart or partial block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of code, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). It should also be noted that, in some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the section may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two components shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the components may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be noted that each portion of the partial figures and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of portions in the partial figures and/or flowchart illustration, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems which perform the specified functions or acts, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.

In the above description, one embodiment is an example of an implementation of the invention. Various appearances of "one embodiment," "an embodiment," or "some embodiments" are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiments.

Although various features of the invention may be described in the context of a single embodiment, these features may also be provided separately or in any suitable combination. Conversely, while the invention may be described in the context of separate embodiments for clarity, the invention may also be implemented in a single embodiment.

Reference in the specification to "some embodiments," "an embodiment," "one embodiment," or "other embodiments" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiments is included in at least some embodiments, but not necessarily all embodiments, of the inventions.

it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely for the purpose of description.

The principles and uses of the present teachings may be better understood with reference to the following description, accompanying drawings, and examples.

It is to be understood that the details described herein are not to be interpreted as limiting the application of the invention.

Further, it is to be understood that the invention may be carried out or practiced in various ways and that the invention may be implemented in embodiments other than those outlined in the description above.

It will be understood that the terms "comprises," comprising, "" includes "and" consisting of … …, and grammatical variants thereof, do not preclude the addition of one or more components, features, steps or integers or groups thereof, and that the terms are to be construed as specifying components, features, steps or integers.

If the specification or claims refer to "an additional" element, that does not preclude there being more than one of the additional element.

It should be understood that where the claims or specification refer to "a" or "an" element, such reference is not to be construed as indicating the presence of only one of the element.

It will be understood that where the specification states a component, feature, structure, or characteristic "may", "might", "could", or "could" be included, that particular component, feature, structure, or characteristic is not required to be included.

Where applicable, although state diagrams, flowcharts, or both may be used to describe embodiments, the invention is not limited to those diagrams or to corresponding descriptions. For example, flow need not move through each illustrated block or state, or in exactly the same order as illustrated and described. The methods of the present invention may be implemented by performing or completing manually, automatically, or a combination thereof, selected steps or tasks.

The term "method" may refer to manners, means, techniques and procedures for accomplishing a given task including, but not limited to, those manners, means, techniques and procedures either known or readily developed by those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains based on known manners, means, techniques and procedures.

The descriptions, examples, methods and materials presented in the claims and the specification are not to be construed as limiting but merely illustrative.

Unless defined otherwise, the meanings of technical and scientific terms used herein are to be commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs.

The invention may be implemented in the testing or practice with methods and materials identical or similar to those described herein.

any publications (including patents, patent applications, and articles) cited or referred to in this specification are herein incorporated in their entirety by reference into the specification, to the same extent as if each individual publication was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein. Furthermore, citation or identification of any reference in the description of some embodiments of the invention shall not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art to the present invention.

While the invention has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather as exemplifications of some of the preferred embodiments. Other possible variations, modifications, and applications are also within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should not be limited by what has been described so far, but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.