EP0833122A1 - Homing seeker head of a flying body - Google Patents

Homing seeker head of a flying body Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0833122A1
EP0833122A1 EP97402097A EP97402097A EP0833122A1 EP 0833122 A1 EP0833122 A1 EP 0833122A1 EP 97402097 A EP97402097 A EP 97402097A EP 97402097 A EP97402097 A EP 97402097A EP 0833122 A1 EP0833122 A1 EP 0833122A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
photosensitive
light
target
seeker
seeker according
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Granted
Application number
EP97402097A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0833122B1 (en
Inventor
Jacques Roze Des Ordons
Jean-Pierre Merle
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Aerospatiale Matra
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Airbus Group SAS
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Publication of EP0833122A1 publication Critical patent/EP0833122A1/en
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    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F41—WEAPONS
    • F41G—WEAPON SIGHTS; AIMING
    • F41G7/00—Direction control systems for self-propelled missiles
    • F41G7/20—Direction control systems for self-propelled missiles based on continuous observation of target position
    • F41G7/22—Homing guidance systems
    • F41G7/226—Semi-active homing systems, i.e. comprising a receiver and involving auxiliary illuminating means, e.g. using auxiliary guiding missiles
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F41—WEAPONS
    • F41G—WEAPON SIGHTS; AIMING
    • F41G7/00—Direction control systems for self-propelled missiles
    • F41G7/20—Direction control systems for self-propelled missiles based on continuous observation of target position
    • F41G7/22—Homing guidance systems
    • F41G7/2273—Homing guidance systems characterised by the type of waves
    • F41G7/2293—Homing guidance systems characterised by the type of waves using electromagnetic waves other than radio waves

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a seeker mounted on a flying body, and intended to determine orders to guide said body flying towards a target.
  • a laser illuminator for example a laser rifle, which emits flashes of light corresponding to pulses short, time-coded and frequency-illuminated lights determined (s), on said target so as to illuminate it.
  • the seeker detects the flashes of light that are reflected by the target and it determines their direction of reflection which corresponds to the direction of the target, which then allows to calculate the guidance orders of said body steering wheel.
  • the seeker uses a reduced field sensor, which is mounted on a platform of orientation and stabilization of the line of sight of said sensor.
  • the object of the present invention is to remedy these drawbacks. It concerns a cost-effective seeker, allowing to guide, in a simple and precise way, a body flying towards a target.
  • said photosensitive detector which includes a matrix of specified photosensitive sensors below, and which thus presents a large field susceptible to cover the entire target detection area and optically discriminate different parts of said area detection, said photosensitive detector can be mounted at fixed position on the flying body, which avoids having to set up an orientation and stabilization platform and therefore overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks.
  • said photosensitive detector is a detector charge transfer device type matrix (DTC in French or CCD "Charge Coupled Devices" in English).
  • said identification system of flashes of light includes a photosensitive diode likely to detect light flashes from said scene located at the front of the flying body and means likely to determine, among said luminous flashes detected, those from the designated target, which allows to obtain a simple, precise and little identification system expensive.
  • said detection system target has a shutter that closes the field of vision of the target location system, said shutter being controlled so as to release said field of vision each time once a light burst from said target is expected, which avoids putting said locating system target in continuous service and helps protect it against damaging light beams when it is not not in use.
  • said identification system of light flashes is likely to detect a characteristic illumination variation, which is greater to a predefined variation, of at least one of said sensors photosensitive.
  • said identification system of flashes of light monitors the electric current consumed by each of said photosensitive sensors, any increase of said electrical current consumed, which is greater than a predefined increase, indicating a variation in illumination feature.
  • said identification system of light flashes monitors the binary state of said sensors photosensitive, any change from binary state to a state representing the detection of a luminous flash indicating a characteristic lighting variation.
  • said system identification of flashes of light includes a first shift register network capable of transmitting the binary state of all the photosensitive sensors of the photosensitive detector.
  • said location system advantageously makes it possible to locate on the matrix of the photosensitive detector the position of each photosensitive sensor which detects a light burst.
  • said location system comprises a second network of shift registers, allowing transmit the binary state in serial according to a predefined order of all photosensitive sensors, the order of each photosensitive sensor in the transmission series being representative of its position on the matrix.
  • said location system advantageously comprises a calculation means making it possible to determine a central position from the localized positions of all the photosensitive sensors having detected a light burst.
  • Figure 1 schematically illustrates a seeker according to the invention and mounted on a flying body.
  • Figure 2 shows a first embodiment of a detection system of a seeker according to the invention.
  • Figure 3 shows a second embodiment of a detection system of a seeker according to the invention.
  • Figure 4 shows schematically a photosensitive detector of said second embodiment.
  • Figure 5 illustrates, as a function of time, the operations produced in accordance with the invention, by a system of detection of a seeker.
  • Figure 6 schematically shows a photosensitive sensor of the photosensitive detector of figure 4.
  • Figure 7 illustrates the processing of an electrical signal by a processing means of the photosensitive sensor of the figure 6.
  • the seeker 1 according to the invention is mounted on a flying body M, for example a missile, of which only schematically represented the front part in FIG. 1.
  • said target C is illuminated by means of a illuminator not shown, by EL light flashes corresponding to short, coded pulses, emitted generally at constant and predefined time intervals, as assumed in this example.
  • the SD1 or SD2 target detection system identifies among all the light beams received said EL light flashes from target C, i.e. reflected by this last after its illumination, and it determines the direction.
  • said target can also emit itself said light flashes to indicate to the flying body the direction to follow to reach it.
  • the above-mentioned elements SI1, SL1, D1 and 6 correspond to the essential elements of a first embodiment SD1 of the detection system, shown in Figure 2, while the elements SI2, SL2, D2 and 7 correspond to those of a second embodiment SD2 shown in FIG. 3.
  • the photosensitive detector D1 or D2 is fixed, seefinder A does not require stabilization platform (which is complex and expensive), as is the case for known seekers.
  • Said SI1 system transmits the electrical signals generated by the photosensitive diode 10 to the calculation unit 9 by a link 12.
  • said calculation unit 9 is likely to identify said target C, in the manner described below with reference to the second embodiment in Figure 3.
  • the detection system SD1 also includes a shutter 13 which is mounted at the front of the SL1 system on the line of sight AV so as to block the detector's field of vision photosensitive D1.
  • said shutter 13 closes, in operation normal, said field of vision and it only releases it when the computing unit 9 announces to him, via a link 14, that a target C has been identified by the system SI1.
  • said field of vision is released when EL light burst from target C is expected to so the photosensitive detector D1 can then detect this EL light burst and the SD1 system can deduce the location of target C.
  • the detection system SD2 is a unique system, in which the SI2 identification system and the location SL2 both include said detector photosensitive D2, as specified below with reference to Figure 4.
  • Said detection system SD2 comprises, in addition to said photosensitive detector D2 and of said focusing means 7, a central unit 15 which is connected by a link 16 to the photosensitive detector D2, which controls the elements essentials of said photosensitive detector D2, represented on Figure 4 and specified below, which includes the case appropriate some of these elements and who receives and processes the results generated by them.
  • the photosensitive detector D2 includes photosensitive sensors H arranged as a matrix.
  • Said photosensitive sensors H are interconnected in rows L1, L2, L3, L4, L5 and in columns C1, C2, C3, C4.
  • said identification system SI2 detects any variation in the illumination of one of said sensors photosensitive H, which is greater than a predefined value and which is characteristic of the illumination of said sensor photosensitive H by an EL luminous brightness.
  • said identification system SI2 monitors the binary state specified below of all said photosensitive sensors H also specified below, so any changes state, state 0 (or state not illuminated by a flash EL light) to state 1 (or state illuminated by a flash EL), is considered as a variation of illumination characteristic, i.e. is representative of the EL light flash detection.
  • system identification is trained to monitor the electric current consumed by each of said sensors photosensitive H, any increase in said electric current consumed, which is greater than a predefined increase, then indicating a characteristic variation in illumination.
  • said identification system SI2 includes plus a means 27 connected by a link 28 to the means 26, for identify said target C which reflects flashes of light EL at constant and predefined time intervals T.
  • said location system SL2 comprises, according to the invention, a network 29 of shift registers connected respectively to columns C1, C2, C3 and C4 of photosensitive detector D2 by links 30 to 33, said network 29 making it possible to transmit in series, in an order preset, the binary state of all photosensitive sensors H, the order of each photosensitive sensor H in the transmission series being representative of its position on said matrix.
  • the localization system SL2 further comprises, according to the invention, a means of calculation 35 linked by a link 36 to the network 29 and determining a central position from localized positions of all photosensitive sensors H which have detected a EL light burst.
  • FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating, as a function of time t , the different stages of such a process of identification and localization of a target C by means of the detection system SD2.
  • the identification system SI2 upon detection, is on standby and the SL2 location system is out of service.
  • the different illuminations Il to I6 have been detected as a function of time t respectively at times tl to t6, by the photosensitive detector D2 and corresponding to light flashes EL received.
  • the identification has been illustrated, by means of the SI2 identification system, among all the illuminations I1 to I6 detected, of those coming from the target C, i.e. those that are separated by a time T.
  • the durations T1 between t1 and t2 and T3 between t2 and t3 are less than T, and since, on the other hand, the duration T2 between t1 and t3 is greater than T, the couples I1 / I2, I1 / I3 and I2 / I3 do not correspond to two illuminations reflected by target C.
  • the duration between times t2 and t4 is equal to T, of course taking into account the margins of error possible.
  • FIG. 6 one of the photosensitive sensors has been represented. H used in the D2 compliant photosensitive detector to the invention.
  • the photosensitive sensor H allows thus, in particular, to detect pulses with low intensity, emitted or reflected by a target C located at great distance from said photosensitive sensor H and therefore from said flying body M.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • Aiming, Guidance, Guns With A Light Source, Armor, Camouflage, And Targets (AREA)
  • Length Measuring Devices By Optical Means (AREA)
  • Photometry And Measurement Of Optical Pulse Characteristics (AREA)
  • Golf Clubs (AREA)
  • Chair Legs, Seat Parts, And Backrests (AREA)
  • Photovoltaic Devices (AREA)
  • Magnetic Heads (AREA)
  • Electronic Switches (AREA)
  • Transition And Organic Metals Composition Catalysts For Addition Polymerization (AREA)
  • Road Signs Or Road Markings (AREA)
  • Escalators And Moving Walkways (AREA)
  • Optical Radar Systems And Details Thereof (AREA)
  • Radar Systems Or Details Thereof (AREA)
  • Geophysics And Detection Of Objects (AREA)

Abstract

The seeker system has a Charge Coupled Device (D1) array forming a matrix detector of reflected light. Laser light is directed towards a target and reflected back towards the seeker. The matrix detector is attached to an identifiaction system (SI1) to detect target signals. The seeker is mounted on the front of a moving body, and the field of view covers the detection zone. Light rays are focussed (6) onto the matrix detector.

Description

La présente invention concerne un autodirecteur monté sur un corps volant, et destiné à déterminer des ordres pour guider ledit corps volant vers une cible.The present invention relates to a seeker mounted on a flying body, and intended to determine orders to guide said body flying towards a target.

La présente invention s'applique plus précisément à un autodirecteur du type comprenant notamment :

  • un système de détection de cible ;
  • une source d'informations inertielles ; et
  • une unité centrale de traitements d'informations déterminant lesdits ordres de guidage.
The present invention applies more precisely to a seeker of the type comprising in particular:
  • a target detection system;
  • a source of inertial information; and
  • a central information processing unit determining said guidance orders.

On sait que, pour guider un corps volant, par exemple depuis un avion, un hélicoptère ou un poste terrestre, vers une cible, au moyen d'un tel autodirecteur, il est usuel de pointer un illuminateur laser, par exemple un fusil laser, qui émet des éclats lumineux correspondant à des impulsions lumineuses brèves, codées temporellement et à fréquence(s) déterminée(s), sur ladite cible de manière à l'illuminer. L'autodirecteur détecte les éclats lumineux qui sont réfléchis par la cible et il détermine leur direction de réflexion qui correspond à la direction de la cible, ce qui permet alors de calculer les ordres de guidage dudit corps volant.We know that, to guide a flying body, for example from an airplane, helicopter or land post, to a target, by means of such a seeker, it is usual to point a laser illuminator, for example a laser rifle, which emits flashes of light corresponding to pulses short, time-coded and frequency-illuminated lights determined (s), on said target so as to illuminate it. The seeker detects the flashes of light that are reflected by the target and it determines their direction of reflection which corresponds to the direction of the target, which then allows to calculate the guidance orders of said body steering wheel.

De façon connue, pour réaliser la détection et la localisation d'une cible ainsi illuminée, l'autodirecteur utilise un capteur à champ réduit, qui est monté sur une plate-forme d'orientation et de stabilisation de la ligne de visée dudit capteur.In a known manner, to carry out detection and localization of a target thus illuminated, the seeker uses a reduced field sensor, which is mounted on a platform of orientation and stabilization of the line of sight of said sensor.

Une telle solution usuelle présente de nombreux inconvénients, notamment :

  • sa mise en oeuvre est complexe ;
  • il est nécessaire de déterminer, de façon extrêmement précise, la position de ladite plate-forme par rapport à un référentiel de référence du corps volant ; et
  • sa réalisation est très coûteuse.
Such a conventional solution has many drawbacks, in particular:
  • its implementation is complex;
  • it is necessary to determine, in an extremely precise manner, the position of said platform with respect to a reference frame of reference of the flying body; and
  • its realization is very expensive.

La présente invention a pour objet de remédier à ces inconvénients. Elle concerne un autodirecteur à coût réduit, permettant de guider, de façon simple et précise, un corps volant vers une cible.The object of the present invention is to remedy these drawbacks. It concerns a cost-effective seeker, allowing to guide, in a simple and precise way, a body flying towards a target.

A cette fin, l'autodirecteur du type rappelé ci-dessus est remarquable, selon l'invention, en ce que ledit système de détection de cible comporte :

  • un système d'identification d'éclats lumineux provenant de la cible ; et
  • un système de localisation de la cible, qui comporte :
    • un détecteur photosensible monté à poste fixe sur le corps volant et comprenant une matrice de capteurs photosensibles ; et
    • un moyen de focalisation qui projette sur ladite matrice du détecteur photosensible l'image de la scène située à l'avant du corps volant.
To this end, the seeker of the type recalled above is remarkable, according to the invention, in that said target detection system comprises:
  • a system for identifying flashes of light from the target; and
  • a target location system, which includes:
    • a photosensitive detector mounted at a fixed position on the steering wheel and comprising a matrix of photosensitive sensors; and
    • focusing means which projects onto said matrix of the photosensitive detector the image of the scene located at the front of the flying body.

Ainsi, grâce à l'utilisation d'un détecteur photosensible qui comprend une matrice de capteurs photosensibles précisés ci-dessous, et qui présente ainsi un grand champ susceptible de couvrir toute la zone de détection de la cible et de discriminer optiquement différentes parties de ladite zone de détection, on peut monter ledit détecteur photosensible à poste fixe sur le corps volant, ce qui évite d'avoir à agencer une plate-forme d'orientation et de stabilisation et permet par conséquent de remédier aux inconvénients précités.So, thanks to the use of a photosensitive detector which includes a matrix of specified photosensitive sensors below, and which thus presents a large field susceptible to cover the entire target detection area and optically discriminate different parts of said area detection, said photosensitive detector can be mounted at fixed position on the flying body, which avoids having to set up an orientation and stabilization platform and therefore overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks.

Dans un premier mode de réalisation avantageux de l'invention, ledit détecteur photosensible est un détecteur matriciel du type à dispositif à transfert de charge (DTC en français ou CCD "Charge Coupled Devices" en anglais).In a first advantageous embodiment of the invention, said photosensitive detector is a detector charge transfer device type matrix (DTC in French or CCD "Charge Coupled Devices" in English).

Dans ce cas, de façon avantageuse, ledit système d'identification d'éclats lumineux comporte une diode photosensible susceptible de détecter les éclats lumineux provenant de ladite scène située à l'avant du corps volant et des moyens susceptibles de déterminer, parmi lesdits éclats lumineux détectés, ceux provenant de la cible désignée, ce qui permet d'obtenir un système d'identification simple, précis et peu coûteux.In this case, advantageously, said identification system of flashes of light includes a photosensitive diode likely to detect light flashes from said scene located at the front of the flying body and means likely to determine, among said luminous flashes detected, those from the designated target, which allows to obtain a simple, precise and little identification system expensive.

En outre, de façon avantageuse, ledit système de détection de cible comporte un obturateur obturant le champ de vision du système de localisation de cible, ledit obturateur étant commandé de manière à libérer ledit champ de vision à chaque fois qu'un éclat lumineux provenant de ladite cible est attendu, ce qui évite de mettre ledit système de localisation de cible en service en continu et permet de le protéger contre des faisceaux lumineux dommageables lorsqu'il n'est pas en service.In addition, advantageously, said detection system target has a shutter that closes the field of vision of the target location system, said shutter being controlled so as to release said field of vision each time once a light burst from said target is expected, which avoids putting said locating system target in continuous service and helps protect it against damaging light beams when it is not not in use.

Par ailleurs, dans un second mode de réalisation particulièrement avantageux de l'invention :

  • ledit système d'identification d'éclats lumineux comprend également ledit détecteur photosensible ; et
  • ledit détecteur photosensible comporte des capteurs photosensibles munis respectivement de diodes photosensibles susceptibles de transformer l'énergie lumineuse reçue en un signal électrique.
Furthermore, in a second particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention:
  • said light burst identification system also comprises said photosensitive detector; and
  • said photosensitive detector comprises photosensitive sensors provided respectively with photosensitive diodes capable of transforming the light energy received into an electrical signal.

Dans ce second mode de réalisation, de façon avantageuse, chacun desdits capteurs photosensibles comporte, en plus de ladite diode photosensible, un moyen de traitement des signaux électriques engendrés par ladite diode photosensible, ledit moyen de traitement comprenant un circuit électrique dérivateur qui :

  • d'une part, renforce les signaux électriques présentant un temps de montée rapide et correspondant à un éclat lumineux reçu par la diode photosensible ; et
  • d'autre part, atténue les signaux électriques présentant une variation temporelle lente et correspondant à des illuminations faiblement variables en intensité, de ladite diode photosensible.
In this second embodiment, advantageously, each of said photosensitive sensors comprises, in addition to said photosensitive diode, means for processing the electrical signals generated by said photosensitive diode, said processing means comprising a shunt electrical circuit which:
  • on the one hand, reinforces the electrical signals having a rapid rise time and corresponding to a light burst received by the photosensitive diode; and
  • on the other hand, attenuates the electrical signals having a slow temporal variation and corresponding to illuminations slightly variable in intensity, of said photosensitive diode.

De plus, avantageusement :

  • chacun desdits capteurs photosensibles comporte un moyen de binarisation permettant de déterminer un état binaire dudit capteur photosensible, en fonction du signal formé par ledit moyen de traitement de signaux électriques ; et
  • chacun desdits capteurs photosensibles comporte un moyen de mémorisation permettant d'enregistrer ledit état binaire.
In addition, advantageously:
  • each of said photosensitive sensors comprises a binarization means making it possible to determine a binary state of said photosensitive sensor, as a function of the signal formed by said means for processing electrical signals; and
  • each of said photosensitive sensors includes a storage means making it possible to record said binary state.

Par ailleurs, de façon avantageuse, ledit système d'identification d'éclats lumineux est susceptible de détecter une variation d'éclairement caractéristique, qui est supérieure à une variation prédéfinie, d'au moins un desdits capteurs photosensibles.Furthermore, advantageously, said identification system of light flashes is likely to detect a characteristic illumination variation, which is greater to a predefined variation, of at least one of said sensors photosensitive.

Dans une première variante, ledit système d'identification d'éclats lumineux surveille le courant électrique consommé par chacun desdits capteurs photosensibles, toute augmentation dudit courant électrique consommé, qui est supérieure à une augmentation prédéfinie, indiquant une variation d'éclairement caractéristique.In a first variant, said identification system of flashes of light monitors the electric current consumed by each of said photosensitive sensors, any increase of said electrical current consumed, which is greater than a predefined increase, indicating a variation in illumination feature.

Dans une seconde variante, ledit système d'identification d'éclats lumineux surveille l'état binaire desdits capteurs photosensibles, tout changement de l'état binaire vers un état représentant la détection d'un éclat lumineux indiquant une variation d'éclairement caractéristique.In a second variant, said identification system of light flashes monitors the binary state of said sensors photosensitive, any change from binary state to a state representing the detection of a luminous flash indicating a characteristic lighting variation.

De préférence, dans cette seconde variante, ledit système d'identification d'éclats lumineux comporte un premier réseau de registres à décalage, susceptible de transmettre l'état binaire de tous les capteurs photosensibles du détecteur photosensible.Preferably, in this second variant, said system identification of flashes of light includes a first shift register network capable of transmitting the binary state of all the photosensitive sensors of the photosensitive detector.

Par ailleurs, dans ledit second mode de réalisation, ledit système de localisation permet avantageusement de localiser sur la matrice du détecteur photosensible la position de chaque capteur photosensible qui détecte un éclat lumineux.Furthermore, in said second embodiment, said location system advantageously makes it possible to locate on the matrix of the photosensitive detector the position of each photosensitive sensor which detects a light burst.

De façon avantageuse, ledit système de localisation comporte un second réseau de registres à décalage, permettant de transmettre en série selon un ordre prédéfini l'état binaire de tous les capteurs photosensibles, l'ordre de chaque capteur photosensible dans la série de transmission étant représentatif de sa position sur la matrice.Advantageously, said location system comprises a second network of shift registers, allowing transmit the binary state in serial according to a predefined order of all photosensitive sensors, the order of each photosensitive sensor in the transmission series being representative of its position on the matrix.

En outre, pour préciser la localisation dans le cas où des éclats lumineux sont détectés par plusieurs capteurs photosensibles, ledit système de localisation comporte avantageusement un moyen de calcul permettant de déterminer une position centrale à partir des positions localisées de tous les capteurs photosensibles ayant détecté un éclat lumineux.In addition, to specify the location in the event that flashes of light are detected by several photosensitive sensors, said location system advantageously comprises a calculation means making it possible to determine a central position from the localized positions of all the photosensitive sensors having detected a light burst.

De plus, dans une mise en oeuvre avantageuse, ledit système de localisation :

  • détermine l'intensité du signal engendré par le moyen de traitement de chacun des capteurs photosensibles ayant détecté un éclat lumineux ;
  • détermine la position de chacun desdits capteurs photosensibles ayant détecté un éclat lumineux ; et
  • calcule, à partir des intensités et des positions ainsi déterminées, le barycentre correspondant qui représente la localisation recherchée.
In addition, in an advantageous implementation, said location system:
  • determines the intensity of the signal generated by the processing means of each of the photosensitive sensors having detected a light burst;
  • determines the position of each of said photosensitive sensors having detected a light flash; and
  • calculates, from the intensities and positions thus determined, the corresponding barycenter which represents the desired location.

Les figures du dessin annexé feront bien comprendre comment l'invention peut être réalisée. Sur ces figures, des références identiques désignent des éléments semblables.The figures in the accompanying drawing will make it clear how the invention can be realized. In these figures, references identical denote similar elements.

La figure 1 illustre schématiquement un autodirecteur conforme à l'invention et monté sur un corps volant.Figure 1 schematically illustrates a seeker according to the invention and mounted on a flying body.

La figure 2 montre un premier mode de réalisation d'un système de détection d'un autodirecteur conforme à l'invention.Figure 2 shows a first embodiment of a detection system of a seeker according to the invention.

La figure 3 montre un second mode de réalisation d'un système de détection d'un autodirecteur conforme à l'invention.Figure 3 shows a second embodiment of a detection system of a seeker according to the invention.

La figure 4 montre schématiquement un détecteur photosensible dudit second mode de réalisation.Figure 4 shows schematically a photosensitive detector of said second embodiment.

La figure 5 illustre, en fonction du temps, les opérations réalisées conformément à l'invention, par un système de détection d'un autodirecteur.Figure 5 illustrates, as a function of time, the operations produced in accordance with the invention, by a system of detection of a seeker.

La figure 6 montre schématiquement un capteur photosensible du détecteur photosensible de la figure 4.Figure 6 schematically shows a photosensitive sensor of the photosensitive detector of figure 4.

La figure 7 illustre le traitement d'un signal électrique par un moyen de traitement du capteur photosensible de la figure 6.Figure 7 illustrates the processing of an electrical signal by a processing means of the photosensitive sensor of the figure 6.

L'autodirecteur 1 conforme à l'invention est monté sur un corps volant M, par exemple un missile, dont on a uniquement représenté schématiquement la partie avant sur la figure 1. The seeker 1 according to the invention is mounted on a flying body M, for example a missile, of which only schematically represented the front part in FIG. 1.

De façon connue, ledit autodirecteur 1, qui est destiné à déterminer des ordres pour le guidage dudit corps volant M vers une cible C, comprend notamment :

  • un système de détection de cible SD1 ou SD2 ;
  • une source d'informations inertielles 2 ; et
  • une unité centrale 3 de traitement d'informations qui est reliée audit système SD1 ou SD2 et à ladite source 2, respectivement par l'intermédiaire de liaisons 4 et 5, et qui détermine lesdits ordres de guidage.
In known manner, said seeker 1, which is intended to determine orders for guiding said flying body M towards a target C, comprises in particular:
  • a target detection system SD1 or SD2;
  • a source of inertial information 2; and
  • a central information processing unit 3 which is connected to said system SD1 or SD2 and to said source 2, respectively via links 4 and 5, and which determines said guidance orders.

De façon connue, on illumine ladite cible C, au moyen d'un illuminateur non représenté, par des éclats lumineux EL correspondant à des impulsions brèves et codées, émises généralement à intervalles de temps constants et prédéfinis, comme supposé dans le présent exemple.In known manner, said target C is illuminated by means of a illuminator not shown, by EL light flashes corresponding to short, coded pulses, emitted generally at constant and predefined time intervals, as assumed in this example.

Pour pouvoir réaliser le guidage du corps volant M, le système de détection de cible SD1 ou SD2 identifie parmi tous les faisceaux lumineux reçus lesdits éclats lumineux EL provenant de la cible C, c'est-à-dire réfléchis par cette dernière suite à son illumination, et il en détermine la direction.To be able to guide the flying body M, the SD1 or SD2 target detection system identifies among all the light beams received said EL light flashes from target C, i.e. reflected by this last after its illumination, and it determines the direction.

Bien entendu, dans le cadre de la présente invention, dans un mode d'utilisation et de réalisation particulier non représenté, ladite cible peut également émettre elle-même lesdits éclats lumineux pour indiquer au corps volant la direction à suivre pour l'atteindre.Of course, in the context of the present invention, in a particular mode of use and embodiment not represented, said target can also emit itself said light flashes to indicate to the flying body the direction to follow to reach it.

Selon l'invention, pour localiser la cible C, ledit système de détection SD1 ou SD2 comporte :

  • un système d'identification SI1 ou SI2 d'éclats lumineux EL provenant de la cible C et émis à intervalles de temps constants et prédéfinis ; et
  • un système de localisation de cible SL1 ou SL2 qui comporte :
    • un détecteur photosensible D1 ou D2 monté à poste fixe sur le corps volant M et comprenant une matrice de capteurs photosensibles ; et
    • un moyen de focalisation 6 ou 7, qui projette sur ledit détecteur photosensible D1 ou D2 l'image de la scène située à l'avant du corps volant M et centrée par rapport à un axe de visée AV de l'autodirecteur 1.
According to the invention, to locate the target C, said detection system SD1 or SD2 comprises:
  • an identification system SI1 or SI2 of EL light flashes coming from the target C and emitted at constant and predefined time intervals; and
  • a target location system SL1 or SL2 which comprises:
    • a photosensitive detector D1 or D2 mounted at a fixed position on the flying body M and comprising a matrix of photosensitive sensors; and
    • a focusing means 6 or 7, which projects onto said photosensitive detector D1 or D2 the image of the scene located at the front of the flying body M and centered with respect to an aiming axis AV of the seeker 1.

Les éléments SI1, SL1, D1 et 6 précités correspondent aux éléments essentiels d'un premier mode de réalisation SD1 du système de détection, représenté sur la figure 2, tandis que les éléments SI2, SL2, D2 et 7 correspondent à ceux d'un second mode de réalisation SD2 représenté sur la figure 3.The above-mentioned elements SI1, SL1, D1 and 6 correspond to the essential elements of a first embodiment SD1 of the detection system, shown in Figure 2, while the elements SI2, SL2, D2 and 7 correspond to those of a second embodiment SD2 shown in FIG. 3.

Ainsi, comme grâce à l'invention le détecteur photosensible D1 ou D2 est fixe, l'autodirecteur A ne nécessite pas de plate-forme de stabilisation (qui est complexe et coûteuse), comme cela est le cas pour les autodirecteurs connus.Thus, as thanks to the invention the photosensitive detector D1 or D2 is fixed, seefinder A does not require stabilization platform (which is complex and expensive), as is the case for known seekers.

Dans le premier mode de réalisation SD1 de la figure 2 :

  • le détecteur photosensible D1 est un détecteur matriciel, du type à dispositif à transfert de charge, qui est relié par une liaison 8 à une unité de calcul 9 qui localise la cible C à partir des informations reçues dudit détecteur photosensible D1 ; et
  • le système d'identification SI1 d'éclats lumineux EL comporte une diode photosensible 10, qui transforme l'énergie lumineuse reçue en un signal électrique, et un moyen de focalisation 11 qui adresse à ladite diode photosensible 10 les éclats lumineux EL provenant de la scène vue par le détecteur D1 et centrée par rapport à l'axe de visée AV de l'autodirecteur 1.
In the first embodiment SD1 of FIG. 2:
  • the photosensitive detector D1 is a matrix detector, of the charge transfer device type, which is connected by a link 8 to a calculation unit 9 which locates the target C from information received from said photosensitive detector D1; and
  • the identification system SI1 of light flashes EL comprises a photosensitive diode 10, which transforms the light energy received into an electrical signal, and a focusing means 11 which addresses to said photosensitive diode 10 the light flashes EL coming from the scene seen by the detector D1 and centered with respect to the line of sight AV of the seeker 1.

Ledit système SI1 transmet les signaux électriques engendrés par la diode photosensible 10 à l'unité de calcul 9 par une liaison 12. Said SI1 system transmits the electrical signals generated by the photosensitive diode 10 to the calculation unit 9 by a link 12.

A partir de ces signaux, ladite unité de calcul 9 est susceptible d'identifier ladite cible C, de la manière décrite ci-dessous en référence au second mode de réalisation de la figure 3.From these signals, said calculation unit 9 is likely to identify said target C, in the manner described below with reference to the second embodiment in Figure 3.

Le système de détection SD1 comporte, de plus, un obturateur 13 qui est monté à l'avant du système SL1 sur l'axe de visée AV de manière à obturer le champ de vision du détecteur photosensible D1.The detection system SD1 also includes a shutter 13 which is mounted at the front of the SL1 system on the line of sight AV so as to block the detector's field of vision photosensitive D1.

De préférence, ledit obturateur 13 obture, en fonctionnement normal, ledit champ de vision et il ne le libère que lorsque l'unité de calcul 9 lui annonce, par l'intermédiaire d'une liaison 14, qu'une cible C a été identifiée par le système SI1.Preferably, said shutter 13 closes, in operation normal, said field of vision and it only releases it when the computing unit 9 announces to him, via a link 14, that a target C has been identified by the system SI1.

Plus précisément, ledit champ de vision est libéré lorsqu'un éclat lumineux EL provenant de la cible C est attendu de sorte que le détecteur photosensible D1 peut alors détecter cet éclat lumineux EL et le système SD1 peut en déduire la localisation de la cible C.More specifically, said field of vision is released when EL light burst from target C is expected to so the photosensitive detector D1 can then detect this EL light burst and the SD1 system can deduce the location of target C.

Dans le second mode de réalisation représenté sur la figure 3, le système de détection SD2 est un système unique, dans lequel le système d'identification SI2 et le système de localisation SL2 comprennent tous deux ledit détecteur photosensible D2, tel que précisé ci-dessous en référence à la figure 4.In the second embodiment shown in the figure 3, the detection system SD2 is a unique system, in which the SI2 identification system and the location SL2 both include said detector photosensitive D2, as specified below with reference to Figure 4.

Ledit système de détection SD2 comporte, en plus dudit détecteur photosensible D2 et dudit moyen de focalisation 7, une unité centrale 15 qui est reliée par une liaison 16 au détecteur photosensible D2, qui commande les éléments essentiels dudit détecteur photosensible D2, représentés sur la figure 4 et précisés ci-dessous, qui comprend le cas échéant certains de ces éléments et qui reçoit et traite les résultats engendrés par ces derniers.Said detection system SD2 comprises, in addition to said photosensitive detector D2 and of said focusing means 7, a central unit 15 which is connected by a link 16 to the photosensitive detector D2, which controls the elements essentials of said photosensitive detector D2, represented on Figure 4 and specified below, which includes the case appropriate some of these elements and who receives and processes the results generated by them.

Comme on peut le voir sur la figure 4, le détecteur photosensible D2 comporte des capteurs photosensibles H agencés sous forme de matrice.As can be seen in Figure 4, the photosensitive detector D2 includes photosensitive sensors H arranged as a matrix.

Lesdits capteurs photosensibles H sont reliés entre eux en lignes L1, L2, L3, L4, L5 et en colonnes C1, C2, C3, C4.Said photosensitive sensors H are interconnected in rows L1, L2, L3, L4, L5 and in columns C1, C2, C3, C4.

Selon l'invention, ledit système d'identification SI2 détecte toute variation d'éclairement d'un desdits capteurs photosensibles H, qui est supérieure à une valeur prédéfinie et qui est caractéristique de l'illumination dudit capteur photosensible H par un éclat lumineux EL.According to the invention, said identification system SI2 detects any variation in the illumination of one of said sensors photosensitive H, which is greater than a predefined value and which is characteristic of the illumination of said sensor photosensitive H by an EL luminous brightness.

Dans le mode de réalisation représenté sur la figure 4, ledit système d'identification SI2 surveille l'état binaire précisé ci-dessous de tous lesdits capteurs photosensibles H également précisés ci-dessous, de sorte que tout changement d'état, de l'état 0 (ou état non illuminé par un éclat lumineux EL) vers l'état 1 (ou état illuminé par un éclat lumineux EL), est considéré comme une variation d'éclairement caractéristique, c'est-à-dire est représentatif de la détection d'un éclat lumineux EL.In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, said identification system SI2 monitors the binary state specified below of all said photosensitive sensors H also specified below, so any changes state, state 0 (or state not illuminated by a flash EL light) to state 1 (or state illuminated by a flash EL), is considered as a variation of illumination characteristic, i.e. is representative of the EL light flash detection.

Pour ce faire, ledit système d'identification SI2 comporte :

  • un réseau 18 de registres à décalage, reliés respectivement aux lignes L1, L2, L3, L4 et L5 par des liaisons 20 à 24, ledit réseau 18 permettant de communiquer, par une liaison 25, ligne par ligne, l'état binaire de chacun des capteurs photosensibles H ; et
  • un moyen 26 d'évaluation de l'état binaire des capteurs photosensibles H, relié à la liaison 25 et permettant d'extraire les états 1 représentatifs d'une détection d'éclats lumineux EL.
To do this, said identification system SI2 comprises:
  • a network 18 of shift registers, connected respectively to lines L1, L2, L3, L4 and L5 by links 20 to 24, said network 18 making it possible to communicate, by a link 25, line by line, the binary state of each photosensitive sensors H; and
  • means 26 for evaluating the binary state of the photosensitive sensors H, connected to the link 25 and making it possible to extract the states 1 representative of a detection of light flashes EL.

Dans un autre mode de réalisation non représenté, le système d'identification est formé de manière à surveiller le courant électrique consommé par chacun desdits capteurs photosensibles H, toute augmentation dudit courant électrique consommé, qui est supérieure à une augmentation prédéfinie, indiquant alors une variation d'éclairement caractéristique.In another embodiment not shown, the system identification is trained to monitor the electric current consumed by each of said sensors photosensitive H, any increase in said electric current consumed, which is greater than a predefined increase, then indicating a characteristic variation in illumination.

En outre, ledit système d'identification SI2 comporte de plus un moyen 27 relié par une liaison 28 au moyen 26, pour identifier ladite cible C qui réfléchit des éclats lumineux EL à intervalles de temps T constants et prédéfinis.In addition, said identification system SI2 includes plus a means 27 connected by a link 28 to the means 26, for identify said target C which reflects flashes of light EL at constant and predefined time intervals T.

A cet effet, ledit moyen 27 :

  • enregistre toute variation d'éclairement caractéristique ;
  • mesure l'intervalle de temps entre deux variations d'éclairement caractéristiques successives détectées ;
  • compare l'intervalle de temps ainsi mesuré audit intervalle de temps T prédéfini ; et
  • identifie ou non la cible C en fonction de cette comparaison, comme on le verra ci-dessous en référence à la figure 5.
To this end, said means 27:
  • records any variation in characteristic illumination;
  • measures the time interval between two successive characteristic variations in illumination detected;
  • compares the time interval thus measured with said predefined time interval T; and
  • identify or not identify the target C as a function of this comparison, as will be seen below with reference to FIG. 5.

Par ailleurs, ledit système de localisation SL2 comporte, selon l'invention, un réseau 29 de registres à décalage reliés respectivement aux colonnes C1, C2, C3 et C4 du détecteur photosensible D2 par des liaisons 30 à 33, ledit réseau 29 permettant de transmettre en série, selon un ordre prédéfini, l'état binaire de tous les capteurs photosensibles H, l'ordre de chaque capteur photosensible H dans la série de transmission étant représentatif de sa position sur ladite matrice.Furthermore, said location system SL2 comprises, according to the invention, a network 29 of shift registers connected respectively to columns C1, C2, C3 and C4 of photosensitive detector D2 by links 30 to 33, said network 29 making it possible to transmit in series, in an order preset, the binary state of all photosensitive sensors H, the order of each photosensitive sensor H in the transmission series being representative of its position on said matrix.

Ainsi, on est en mesure de localiser la position de tout capteur photosensible H présentant un état 1. So we are able to locate the position of everything photosensitive sensor H having a state 1.

Bien entendu, il est possible qu'un seul éclat lumineux EL de diamètre important mette plusieurs capteurs photosensibles H dans leur état 1. Aussi, pour pouvoir réaliser dans un tel cas une localisation précise, le système de localisation SL2 comporte de plus, selon l'invention, un moyen de calcul 35 relié par une liaison 36 au réseau 29 et déterminant une position centrale à partir des positions localisées de tous les capteurs photosensibles H qui ont détecté un éclat lumineux EL.Of course, it is possible that only one EL light flash large diameter puts several photosensitive sensors H in their state 1. Also, to be able to realize in such a case a precise localization, the localization system SL2 further comprises, according to the invention, a means of calculation 35 linked by a link 36 to the network 29 and determining a central position from localized positions of all photosensitive sensors H which have detected a EL light burst.

Par ailleurs, dans un mode de réalisation particulièrement avantageux, le système de localisation SL2 comporte, de plus, un moyen de calcul 37 :

  • qui reçoit :
    • par la liaison 36 dédoublée, la position de tous les capteurs photosensibles H ayant détecté un éclat lumineux EL ; et
    • par une liaison 38, l'intensité du signal Vs engendré par un moyen de traitement précisé ci-dessous de chacun desdits capteurs photosensibles H ayant détecté un éclat lumineux EL ; et
    - qui calcule, à partir des intensités et des positions ainsi reçues, le barycentre correspondant qui représente la localisation recherchée.
Furthermore, in a particularly advantageous embodiment, the location system SL2 also comprises a calculation means 37:
  • Who receives :
    • by the split link 36, the position of all the photosensitive sensors H having detected an EL light flash; and
    • by a link 38, the intensity of the signal Vs generated by a processing means specified below of each of said photosensitive sensors H having detected a light burst EL; and
    - which calculates, from the intensities and positions thus received, the corresponding barycenter which represents the location sought.

La figure 5 est un schéma illustrant, en fonction du temps t, les différentes étapes d'un tel processus d'identification et de localisation d'une cible C au moyen du système de détection SD2.FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating, as a function of time t , the different stages of such a process of identification and localization of a target C by means of the detection system SD2.

De préférence, lors de la détection, le système d'identification SI2 est en veille et le système de localisation SL2 est hors service.Preferably, upon detection, the identification system SI2 is on standby and the SL2 location system is out of service.

Sur une ligne P1 de la figure 5, on a représenté les différentes illuminations Il à I6 détectées en fonction du temps t respectivement à des instants tl à t6, par le détecteur photosensible D2 et correspondant à des éclats lumineux EL reçus.On a line P1 in FIG. 5, the different illuminations Il to I6 have been detected as a function of time t respectively at times tl to t6, by the photosensitive detector D2 and corresponding to light flashes EL received.

Sur une ligne P2, on a illustré l'identification, au moyen du système d'identification SI2, parmi toutes les illuminations I1 à I6 détectées, de celles qui proviennent de la cible C, c'est-à-dire celles qui sont séparées d'un temps T. Comme, d'une part, les durées T1 entre t1 et t2 et T3 entre t2 et t3 sont inférieures à T, et comme, d'autre part, la durée T2 entre t1 et t3 est supérieure à T, les couples I1/I2, I1/I3 et I2/I3 ne correspondent pas à deux illuminations successives réfléchies par la cible C.On a line P2, the identification has been illustrated, by means of the SI2 identification system, among all the illuminations I1 to I6 detected, of those coming from the target C, i.e. those that are separated by a time T. As, on the one hand, the durations T1 between t1 and t2 and T3 between t2 and t3 are less than T, and since, on the other hand, the duration T2 between t1 and t3 is greater than T, the couples I1 / I2, I1 / I3 and I2 / I3 do not correspond to two illuminations reflected by target C.

En revanche, la durée entre les instants t2 et t4 est égale à T, en tenant bien entendu compte des marges d'erreurs possibles. En ayant ainsi identifié un couple d'illuminations I2 et I4 réfléchies par la cible C, on peut prévoir les instants t5, t6, ... des prochaines illuminations I5, I6, ... réfléchies par ladite cible C, à des durées T, 2T, ... après t4, à une marge d'erreurs ME près.On the other hand, the duration between times t2 and t4 is equal to T, of course taking into account the margins of error possible. Having thus identified a couple of illuminations I2 and I4 reflected by target C, we can predict the instants t5, t6, ... of the next illuminations I5, I6, ... reflected by said target C, at durations T, 2T, ... after t4, to within a margin of error ME.

On peut alors activer le système de localisation SI2, pendant des fenêtres temporelles Fe, auxdits instants t5, t6, ..., pour que ce dernier localise la cible C, de la manière décrite précédemment.We can then activate the SI2 localization system, during time windows Fe, at said instants t5, t6, ..., so that the latter locates the target C, from the as previously described.

Sur la figure 6, on a représenté l'un des capteurs photosensibles H utilisés dans le détecteur photosensible D2 conforme à l'invention.In FIG. 6, one of the photosensitive sensors has been represented. H used in the D2 compliant photosensitive detector to the invention.

Selon l'invention, ledit capteur photosensible H comporte :

  • une diode photosensible 40 qui est reliée, d'une part, à une tension positive +V et, d'autre part, à la masse Ma par l'intermédiaire d'une résistance R1, et qui est susceptible de transformer l'énergie lumineuse reçue en un signal électrique ; et
  • un moyen 41 de traitement des signaux électriques engendrés par la diode photosensible 40.
According to the invention, said photosensitive sensor H comprises:
  • a photosensitive diode 40 which is connected, on the one hand, to a positive voltage + V and, on the other hand, to the ground Ma via a resistor R1, and which is capable of transforming the light energy received as an electrical signal; and
  • a means 41 for processing the electrical signals generated by the photosensitive diode 40.

Ledit moyen 41 est réalisé sous forme d'un circuit électrique dérivateur, de type connu, comportant :

  • un amplificateur différentiel 42, dont l'entrée non inverseuse (+) est reliée à un point de connexion 43 situé entre la diode photosensible 40 et la résistance R1 et dont l'entrée inverseuse (-) est reliée à la masse Ma par l'intermédiaire d'une capacité Ca ; et
  • une résistance R2 reliée, d'une part, à un point de connexion 44 entre la capacité Ca et l'entrée inverseuse (-) et, d'autre part, à la sortie 45 de l'amplificateur différentiel 42.
Said means 41 is produced in the form of a differentiated electrical circuit, of known type, comprising:
  • a differential amplifier 42, whose non-inverting input (+) is connected to a connection point 43 located between the photosensitive diode 40 and the resistor R1 and whose inverting input (-) is connected to ground Ma by the intermediate of Ca capacity; and
  • a resistor R2 connected, on the one hand, to a connection point 44 between the capacitor Ca and the inverting input (-) and, on the other hand, to the output 45 of the differential amplifier 42.

Lors de l'illumination de la diode photosensible 40, ledit moyen de traitement 41 transforme le signal électrique engendré par ladite diode photosensible 40 et représenté sous forme d'une tension Ve sur les figures 6 et 7, en un signal traité et représenté sous forme d'une tension Vs. Comme on peut le voir sur la figure 7, en comparant les schémas illustrant respectivement les variations desdites tensions Ve et Vs, en fonction du temps t, le traitement du moyen de traitement 41 est tel que :

  • d'une part, il renforce les signaux électriques I présentant un temps de montée rapide et correspondant à un éclat lumineux EL détecté par la diode photosensible 40. Il met également en évidence les variations s1 et s2 relativement brusques du bruit de fond lumineux F ; et
  • d'autre part, il atténue les signaux électriques présentant une variation temporelle réduite et correspondant à des illuminations faiblement variables en intensité, c'est-à-dire essentiellement ledit bruit de fond lumineux F.
When the photosensitive diode 40 is illuminated, said processing means 41 transforms the electrical signal generated by said photosensitive diode 40 and represented in the form of a voltage Ve in FIGS. 6 and 7, into a processed signal and represented in the form of a voltage Vs. As can be seen in FIG. 7, by comparing the diagrams respectively illustrating the variations of said voltages Ve and Vs, as a function of time t , the processing of the processing means 41 is such that:
  • on the one hand, it reinforces the electrical signals I having a rapid rise time and corresponding to a light burst EL detected by the photosensitive diode 40. It also highlights the relatively sudden variations s1 and s2 of the light background noise F; and
  • on the other hand, it attenuates the electrical signals having a reduced temporal variation and corresponding to illuminations that are slightly variable in intensity, that is to say essentially said light background noise F.

Ainsi, grâce à l'invention, on est en mesure de mettre en évidence des impulsions brèves dans le bruit de fond lumineux F, ce qui permet de détecter, de façon précise, des éclats lumineux EL d'intensité réduite par rapport audit bruit de fond lumineux F. Le capteur photosensible H permet ainsi, notamment, de détecter des impulsions à faible intensité, émises ou réfléchies par une cible C située à grande distance dudit capteur photosensible H et donc dudit corps volant M.Thus, thanks to the invention, we are able to put in evidence of short pulses in light background noise F, which makes it possible to precisely detect EL light flashes of reduced intensity compared to said bright background noise F. The photosensitive sensor H allows thus, in particular, to detect pulses with low intensity, emitted or reflected by a target C located at great distance from said photosensitive sensor H and therefore from said flying body M.

Selon l'invention, ledit capteur photosensible H comporte de plus, tel que représenté schématiquement sur la figure 6 :

  • un moyen de binarisation 46 qui est relié par une liaison 47 à la sortie 45 de l'amplificateur différentiel 42 et qui compare ladite tension Vs à ladite sortie 45 à une tension de référence Vo et attribue, en fonction du résultat, un état binaire 0 (si Vs est inférieure à Vo) ou 1 (si Vs est supérieure à Vo) audit capteur photosensible H ; et
  • un moyen de mémorisation 48 qui est relié au moyen de binarisation 46 par une liaison 49, qui enregistre l'état binaire déterminé par ce dernier et qui peut transmettre cette information par l'intermédiaire d'une liaison 50.
According to the invention, said photosensitive sensor H further comprises, as shown diagrammatically in FIG. 6:
  • binarization means 46 which is connected by a link 47 to the output 45 of the differential amplifier 42 and which compares said voltage Vs to said output 45 with a reference voltage Vo and assigns, as a function of the result, a binary state 0 (if Vs is less than Vo) or 1 (if Vs is greater than Vo) to said photosensitive sensor H; and
  • a storage means 48 which is connected to the binarization means 46 by a link 49, which records the binary state determined by the latter and which can transmit this information via a link 50.

Claims (17)

Autodirecteur monté sur un corps volant (M), destiné à déterminer des ordres pour guider ledit corps volant (M) vers une cible (C) qui émet des éclats lumineux (EL) et comprenant notamment : un système de détection de cible (SD1, SD2) ; une source d'informations inertielles (2) ; et une unité centrale (3) de traitements d'informations déterminant lesdits ordres de guidage, caractérisé en ce que ledit système de détection de cible (SD1, SD2) comporte : un système d'identification (SI1, SI2) d'éclats lumineux (EL) provenant de la cible (C) ; et un système de localisation de cible (SL1, SL2), qui comporte : un détecteur photosensible (D1, D2) monté à poste fixe sur le corps volant (M), présentant un champ susceptible de couvrir une zone de détection prédéterminée de la cible (C) et comprenant une matrice de capteurs photosensibles (H) ; et un moyen de focalisation (6, 7) qui projette sur ladite matrice du détecteur photosensible (D1, D2) l'image de la scène située à l'avant du corps volant (M). Seeker mounted on a flying body (M), intended to determine orders to guide said flying body (M) towards a target (C) which emits light flashes (EL) and comprising in particular: a target detection system (SD1, SD2); a source of inertial information (2); and a central unit (3) for processing information determining said guidance orders, characterized in that said target detection system (SD1, SD2) comprises: an identification system (SI1, SI2) of light flashes (EL) coming from the target (C); and a target location system (SL1, SL2), which comprises: a photosensitive detector (D1, D2) fixedly mounted on the flying body (M), having a field capable of covering a predetermined target detection area (C) and comprising a matrix of photosensitive sensors (H); and focusing means (6, 7) which projects onto said matrix of the photosensitive detector (D1, D2) the image of the scene located in front of the flying body (M). Autodirecteur selon la revendication 1,
caractérisé en ce que ledit détecteur photosensible (D1) est un détecteur matriciel du type à dispositif à transfert de charge.Seeker according to claim 1,
characterized in that said photosensitive detector (D1) is a matrix detector of the charge transfer device type. Autodirecteur selon l'une des revendications 1 ou 2, caractérisé en ce que ledit système d'identification (SI1) d'éclats lumineux (EL) comporte une diode photosensible (10) susceptible de détecter les éclats lumineux (EL) provenant de ladite scène située à l'avant du corps volant (M) et des moyens (9) susceptibles de déterminer, parmi lesdits éclats lumineux (EL) détectés, ceux provenant de la cible (C). Seeker according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that said identification system (SI1) of light flashes (EL) comprises a photosensitive diode (10) likely to detect light bursts (EL) from of said scene located in front of the flying body (M) and means (9) capable of determining, among said fragments light (EL) detected, those coming from the target (C). Autodirecteur selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 3,
caractérisé en ce que ledit système de détection de cible (SD1) comporte un obturateur (13) obturant le champ de vision du système de localisation de cible (SL1), ledit obturateur (13) étant commandé de manière à libérer ledit champ de vision à chaque fois qu'un éclat lumineux (EL) provenant de ladite cible (C) est attendu.Seeker according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
characterized in that said target detection system (SD1) comprises a shutter (13) closing the field of vision of the target location system (SL1), said shutter (13) being controlled so as to release said field of vision at each time a light burst (EL) from said target (C) is expected. Autodirecteur selon la revendication 1,
caractérisé en ce que ledit système d'identification (SI2) d'éclats lumineux (EL) comporte ledit détecteur photosensible (D2).Seeker according to claim 1,
characterized in that said light burst identification system (SI2) (EL) comprises said photosensitive detector (D2). Autodirecteur selon l'une des revendications 1 ou 5, caractérisé en ce que ledit détecteur photosensible (D2) comporte des capteurs photosensibles (H) munis respectivement de diodes photosensibles (40) susceptibles de transformer l'énergie lumineuse reçue en un signal électrique.Seeker according to one of claims 1 or 5, characterized in that said photosensitive detector (D2) includes photosensitive sensors (H) provided respectively photosensitive diodes (40) capable of transforming the light energy received in an electrical signal. Autodirecteur selon la revendication 6,
caractérisé en ce que chacun desdits capteurs photosensibles (H) comporte, en plus de ladite diode photosensible (40), un moyen (41) de traitement des signaux électriques engendrés par ladite diode photosensible (40), ledit moyen de traitement (41) comprenant un circuit électrique dérivateur qui : d'une part, renforce les signaux électriques présentant un temps de montée rapide et correspondant à un éclat lumineux (EL) reçu par la diode photosensible (40) ; et d'autre part, atténue les signaux électriques présentant une variation temporelle lente et correspondant à des illuminations faiblement variables en intensité, de ladite diode photosensible (40). Seeker according to claim 6,
characterized in that each of said photosensitive sensors (H) comprises, in addition to said photosensitive diode (40), means (41) for processing the electrical signals generated by said photosensitive diode (40), said processing means (41) comprising a diverter electrical circuit which: on the one hand, reinforces the electrical signals having a rapid rise time and corresponding to a light burst (EL) received by the photosensitive diode (40); and on the other hand, attenuates the electrical signals having a slow temporal variation and corresponding to illuminations slightly variable in intensity, of said photosensitive diode (40). Autodirecteur selon la revendication 7,
caractérisé en ce que chacun desdits capteurs photosensibles (H) comporte un moyen de binarisation (46) permettant de déterminer un état binaire dudit capteur photosensible (H), en fonction du signal formé par ledit moyen (41) de traitement de signaux électriques.Seeker according to claim 7,
characterized in that each of said photosensitive sensors (H) comprises binarization means (46) making it possible to determine a binary state of said photosensitive sensor (H), as a function of the signal formed by said means (41) for processing electrical signals. Autodirecteur selon la revendication 8,
caractérisé en ce que chacun desdits capteurs photosensibles (H) comporte un moyen de mémorisation (48) permettant d'enregistrer ledit état binaire.Seeker according to claim 8,
characterized in that each of said photosensitive sensors (H) comprises a storage means (48) making it possible to record said binary state. Autodirecteur selon l'une quelconque des revendications 6 à 9,
caractérisé en ce que ledit système d'identification (SI2) d'éclats lumineux (EL) est susceptible de détecter une variation d'éclairement caractéristique, qui est supérieure à une variation prédéfinie, d'au moins un desdits capteurs photosensibles (H).Seeker according to any one of claims 6 to 9,
characterized in that said system of identification (SI2) of light flashes (EL) is capable of detecting a characteristic variation in illumination, which is greater than a predefined variation, of at least one of said photosensitive sensors (H). Autodirecteur selon la revendication 10,
caractérisé en ce que ledit système d'identification d'éclats lumineux (EL) surveille le courant électrique consommé par chacun desdits capteurs photosensibles, toute augmentation dudit courant électrique consommé, qui est supérieure à une augmentation prédéfinie, indiquant une variation d'éclairement caractéristique.Seeker according to claim 10,
characterized in that said light burst (EL) identification system monitors the electric current consumed by each of said photosensitive sensors, any increase in said electric current consumed, which is greater than a predefined increase, indicating a characteristic variation in illumination. Autodirecteur selon les revendications 10, et 8 ou 9, caractérisé en ce que ledit système d'identification (SI2) d'éclats lumineux (EL) surveille l'état binaire desdits capteurs photosensibles (H), tout changement de l'état binaire vers un état représentant la détection d'un éclat lumineux (EL) indiquant une variation d'éclairement caractéristique. Seeker according to claims 10, and 8 or 9, characterized in that said identification system (SI2) of light flashes (EL) monitors the binary state of said photosensitive sensors (H), any change in state binary to a state representing the detection of a flake luminous (EL) indicating a characteristic variation in illumination. Autodirecteur selon la revendication 12,
caractérisé en ce que ledit système d'identification (SI2) d'éclats lumineux (EL) comporte un premier réseau (18) de registres à décalage, susceptible de transmettre l'état binaire de tous les capteurs photosensibles (H) du détecteur photosensible (D2).Seeker according to claim 12,
characterized in that said system of identification (SI2) of light flashes (EL) comprises a first network (18) of shift registers, capable of transmitting the binary state of all the photosensitive sensors (H) of the photosensitive detector ( D2). Autodirecteur selon l'une quelconque des revendications 6 à 13,
caractérisé en ce que ledit système de localisation (SL2) permet de localiser sur la matrice du détecteur photosensible (D2) la position de chaque capteur photosensible (H) qui détecte un éclat lumineux (EL).Seeker according to any one of claims 6 to 13,
characterized in that said localization system (SL2) makes it possible to locate on the matrix of the photosensitive detector (D2) the position of each photosensitive sensor (H) which detects a light burst (EL). Autodirecteur selon les revendications 14, et 8 ou 9, caractérisé en ce que ledit système de localisation (SL2) comporte un second réseau (29) de registres à décalage, permettant de transmettre en série selon un ordre prédéfini l'état binaire de tous les capteurs photosensibles (H), l'ordre de chaque capteur photosensible (H) dans la série de transmission étant représentatif de sa position sur la matrice.Seeker according to claims 14, and 8 or 9, characterized in that said location system (SL2) comprises a second network (29) of shift registers, allowing to transmit in series according to a predefined order the binary state of all the photosensitive sensors (H), the order of each photosensitive sensor (H) in the series of transmission being representative of its position on the matrix. Autodirecteur selon l'une des revendications 14 ou 15, caractérisé en ce que ledit système de localisation (SL2) comporte un moyen de calcul (35) permettant de déterminer une position centrale à partir des positions localisées de tous les capteurs photosensibles (H) ayant détecté un éclat lumineux (EL).Seeker according to one of claims 14 or 15, characterized in that said location system (SL2) includes a calculation means (35) for determining a central position from the localized positions of all photosensitive sensors (H) having detected a flash bright (EL). Autodirecteur selon la revendication 14,
caractérisé en ce que ledit système de localisation (SL2) : détermine l'intensité du signal engendré par le moyen de traitement (41) de chacun des capteurs photosensibles (H) ayant détecté un éclat lumineux (EL) ; détermine la position de chacun desdits capteurs photosensibles (H) ayant détecté un éclat lumineux (EL) ; et calcule, à partir des intensités et des positions ainsi déterminées, le barycentre correspondant qui représente la localisation recherchée. Seeker according to claim 14,
characterized in that said location system (SL2): determines the intensity of the signal generated by the processing means (41) of each of the photosensitive sensors (H) having detected a light burst (EL); determines the position of each of said photosensitive sensors (H) having detected a light burst (EL); and calculates, from the intensities and positions thus determined, the corresponding barycenter which represents the desired location.
EP97402097A 1996-09-25 1997-09-10 Homing seeker head of a flying body Expired - Lifetime EP0833122B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9611657 1996-09-25
FR9611657A FR2753785B1 (en) 1996-09-25 1996-09-25 SELF-DIRECTING A FLYING BODY

Publications (2)

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EP0833122A1 true EP0833122A1 (en) 1998-04-01
EP0833122B1 EP0833122B1 (en) 2003-12-17

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US (1) US6003810A (en)
EP (1) EP0833122B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE256852T1 (en)
DE (1) DE69726812T2 (en)
ES (1) ES2210473T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2753785B1 (en)
IL (1) IL121804A (en)
NO (1) NO317325B1 (en)

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
NO974383D0 (en) 1997-09-23
EP0833122B1 (en) 2003-12-17
IL121804A0 (en) 1998-02-22
DE69726812D1 (en) 2004-01-29
US6003810A (en) 1999-12-21
NO317325B1 (en) 2004-10-11
FR2753785B1 (en) 1998-11-13
ATE256852T1 (en) 2004-01-15
ES2210473T3 (en) 2004-07-01
DE69726812T2 (en) 2004-11-04
IL121804A (en) 2000-02-17
NO974383L (en) 1998-03-26
FR2753785A1 (en) 1998-03-27

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