Passive infrared bullet detection and tracking

Patent · Wed Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1997

OSTI ID:870798

Karr, Thomas J ^[1]

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1. Alamo, CA

An apparatus and method for passively detecting a projectile such as, for example, a bullet using a passive infrared detector. A passive infrared detector is focused onto a region in which a projectile is expected to be located. Successive images of infrared radiation in the region are recorded. Background infrared radiation present in the region is suppressed such that second successive images of infrared radiation generated by the projectile as the projectile passes through the region are produced. A projectile path calculator determines the path and other aspects of the projectile by using the second successive images of infrared radiation generated by the projectile. The present invention, in certain embodiments, also determines the origin of the path of the projectile and takes a photograph of the area surrounding the origin and/or fires at least one projectile at the area surrounding the origin of the path of the projectile.

• Research Organization: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-48
• Assignee: Regents of University of California (Oakland, CA)
• Patent Number(s): US 5596509
• OSTI ID: 870798
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

passive
infrared
bullet
detection
tracking
apparatus
method
passively
detecting
projectile
example
detector
focused
region
expected
located
successive
images
radiation
recorded
background
suppressed
generated
passes
produced
path
calculator
determines
aspects
embodiments
origin
takes
photograph
surrounding
fires
infrared detector
radiation generated
infrared radiation
passive infrared
successive images
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