Passive infrared bullet detection and tracking

Patent · Wed Jan 01 04:00:00 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
• 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

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