IR sensors and imagers in networked operations

Rainer Breiter; Wolfgang Cabanski

doi:10.1117/12.603492

31 May 2005 IR sensors and imagers in networked operations

Rainer Breiter, Wolfgang Cabanski

Proceedings Volume 5783, Infrared Technology and Applications XXXI; (2005) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.603492
Event: Defense and Security, 2005, Orlando, Florida, United States

Abstract

"Network-centric Warfare" is a common slogan describing an overall concept of networked operation of sensors, information and weapons to gain command and control superiority. Referring to IR sensors, integration and fusion of different channels like day/night or SAR images or the ability to spread image data among various users are typical requirements. Looking for concrete implementations the German Army future infantryman IdZ is an example where a group of ten soldiers build a unit with every soldier equipped with a personal digital assistant (PDA) for information display, day photo camera and a high performance thermal imager for every unit. The challenge to allow networked operation among such a unit is bringing information together and distribution over a capable network. So also AIM's thermal reconnaissance and targeting sight HuntIR which was selected for the IdZ program provides this capabilities by an optional wireless interface. Besides the global approach of Network-centric Warfare network technology can also be an interesting solution for digital image data distribution and signal processing behind the FPA replacing analog video networks or specific point to point interfaces. The resulting architecture can provide capabilities of data fusion from e.g. IR dual-band or IR multicolor sensors. AIM has participated in a German/UK collaboration program to produce a demonstrator for day/IR video distribution via Gigabit Ethernet for vehicle applications. In this study Ethernet technology was chosen for network implementation and a set of electronics was developed for capturing video data of IR and day imagers and Gigabit Ethernet video distribution. The demonstrator setup follows the requirements of current and future vehicles having a set of day and night imager cameras and a crew station with several members. Replacing the analog video path by a digital video network also makes it easy to implement embedded training by simply feeding the network with simulation data. The paper addresses the special capabilities, requirements and design considerations of IR sensors and imagers in applications like thermal weapon sights and UAVs for networked operating infantry forces.

Citation Download Citation

Rainer Breiter and Wolfgang Cabanski "IR sensors and imagers in networked operations", Proc. SPIE 5783, Infrared Technology and Applications XXXI, (31 May 2005); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.603492

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