The invention relates to an optronic system. The present invention also relates to a platform equipped with such an optronic system.

In the field of observation and protection of vehicle, it is known to use a short observation device with another long-range observation device.

For this, the short distance observation device includes hemispheric vision equipment installed on a vehicle.

Such equipment provides an operator of the vehicle information on the environment outside the vehicle. Among these information, it is in particular provided in real-time images through 360 ° with an elevation between 75 ° and -15 °, each point is referenced accurately.

In some cases, the equipment is also adapted to provide moving target detection information (sometimes referred to under the acronym DCM), detection information of the laser warning (sometimes referred to LAD acronym) and detection information from start missiles (sometimes referred to as DDM acronym).

In an attempt to better cover the entire vehicle environment without masking area, several vision equipment are usually arranged on the periphery of the vehicle. This means that should a merger images from each device to render a single image to the operator.

However, such a fusion is difficult to perform in real time and involves, by construction, parallax problems and problems related to the presence of blind zones that are particularly troublesome when the equipment also provide moving target detection information, detection and laser warning of missile launch detection.

In addition, during the movement of the vehicle, the melting is even more difficult since it is also suitable to compensate the distortion introduced by such a movement of an image. In particular, when the vehicle turns, the movement causes a blur on images to compensate.

There is therefore a need for an optronic system capable of providing the above information on the environment of a platform which is easy implementation.

For this, the present description discloses a system for optronic platform, the optronic system comprising a rotatable support about a first axis, the support defining an interior volume. The optoelectronic system includes an optronic observation head of a part of the environment of the platform, the optronic head being mounted for rotation about a second axis, the second axis being perpendicular to the

The first axis optronic system comprises a hemispherical viewing device having a sensor with an optical system having a field at least hemispherical, the sensor being adapted to capture images of a part of the environment of the platform, and a computer adapted to process images that the sensor is suitable for picking up, the computer being in the interior volume and the sensor being integral with the support.

According to particular embodiments, the optoelectronic system comprises one or more of the following features, (s) alone or according to all technically possible combinations:

- the sensor is positioned on a mechanical interface, mechanical interface being fixed on the support.

- the support comprises two lateral arms and a base, the mechanical interface being secured to each side arm.

- the computer is arranged to provide moving target detection information, detection information of the laser warning and detection information from missiles.

- the optronic system is provided with a separate protective shield support.

- the optronic system is provided with a cleaning device of the hemispherical vision device, the cleaning device comprising a spray nozzle, the spray nozzle being positioned on the shield.

- the computer is adapted to operate at a rate greater than 1 Gigabit per second.

- the sensor comprises a matrix located in the focal plane of the optical system detector, display means of images processed by the sensor, the detector matrix being at video rate and comprising LxC pixels, with L and C> 2000, each pixel being correlated double sampling and able to provide a conversion charge voltage, and 2 C D converting elements (or CAN) in parallel, each conversion element itself comprising a first ADC to output low and high gain and a second ADC output to high level and low gain, the optical system having a focal controlled depending on the elevation angle, the focal length being the longest in the equatorial plane, and has a numerical aperture between 0.9 and 1, 6the computer comprising means for correcting non-uniformities of the detector by means of tables corrections adjusted according to the temperature and the exposure time of the detector, means for weighted summation of several neighboring pixels, the

means of dynamic adaptation of the captured image to the dynamics of the scene of the image dynamic range compressing means sensed based on temporal noise detector, with increasing the illumination of the scene, means of dynamic adaptation of the captured image to the dynamic display means and / or that of the eye.

- the computer comprises means for controlling the exposure time, gain, and the frame rate of the detector as a function of environmental conditions, means for stabilizing the image according to the movements of the system or display means , means for detecting regions of the newly unmasked scene to detect and track events or movements in the scene, to embed in the image displayed information from other interfaces.

- the optical system comprises a plurality of targets having a less extensive field a hemispherical field.

- the sensor comprises a plurality of detectors each provided with a lens, all optics forming the optical system.

The present description also relates to a platform having an optronic system as described above.

Next individual embodiments, the platform comprises one or more of the following features, (s) alone or according to all technically possible combinations:

- the optronic system is unique.

- the platform presents a wall, the support being positioned on the wall.

- the platform is a vehicle having a turret, the support being positioned on the turret.

Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from reading the following description of embodiments of the invention, given by way of example only, with reference to the drawings, which are:

- Figure 1 is a diagrammatic view of a vehicle provided with an example of optronic system, and

- Figure 2 is a diagrammatic side view of the optronic system of Figure 1. 1 shows a vehicle 10.

The vehicle 10 is a land vehicle.

For example, the vehicle 10 is a military-type vehicle such as a tank.

Such a vehicle 10 is adapted to comprise a plurality of arms and to protect at least one operator installed within the vehicle 10.

In the example described, the vehicle 10 is provided with a turret 12 on which is positioned a portion of an electro-optical system 14.

For example, the turret 12 is further provided with a gun shooting 16.

The vehicle 10 comprises a wall 18 delimiting an inner space 20 of an outer space 22.

Specifically, in the military context, the interior space 20 is the space to secure since it is the space in which it will evolve or operators while the exterior space 22 is the theater of operations wherein the safety is more difficult to achieve depending on the relevant environment.

The wall 18 is made of a sufficiently resistant material to form a shield of the vehicle 10, the vehicle 10 must withstand fire.

The optoelectronic system 14 is described in more detail with reference to Figure 2. For convenience, it is defined directions.

A direction normal to the wall 18 is represented by a Y axis in Figure 2. This direction corresponds to the field direction and will be referred to as Y direction field in the following description.

It is also defined a first transverse direction in the plane of Figure 2, the first transversal direction being perpendicular to the field direction. This direction is symbolized by an X axis in Figure 2. This direction corresponds to the direction of the site and will be referred to management site X in the following description.

It is also defined a second transversal direction symbolized by an axis Z in Fig 2. The second transversal direction Z is perpendicular to the direction Y of deposit and to site direction X.

The optronic system 14 comprises an optronic head 24, a support 26 and a hemispherical vision device 28.

Optronic head 24 is an optronic observation head 24 of a part of the environment of the external space 22 of the vehicle 10.

Optronic head 24 comprises, for example, own cameras to capture visible light, black and white and / or color, infrared cameras, rangefinders, or pointers. Video and data collected by the optronic head 24 are transmitted to the vehicle 10 by means of analog and / or digital.

In this sense, the optronic head 24 is a head 24 optronics indirect vision, that is to say an optronic head 24 providing a vision via a screen which requires the operation of all the elements involved in the visualization of the scene on the screen.

The support 26 is positioned on the turret 12.

The support 26 is movable about a first axis Y1, the first axis Y1 parallel to the field direction Y.

The support 26 is intended to hold the mobile 24 optronic head with respect to a second axis X2. Optronic 24 is rotatably mounted on the head support 26 about the second axis X2.

In the example illustrated, the second axis X2 is parallel to the direction in elevation X. The support 26 comprises a wall that allows to delimit an interior volume 30. The support 26 comprises two side arms 32, 34 and a base 36.

The two side arms 32, 34 and the base 36 are arranged to form a part substantially U-shaped

In the particular example of Figure 2, the two side arms 32, 34 are identical.

Each of the two side arms 32, 34 is located on either side of the optronic head 24 to maintain the head 24 optronics.

Each of the side arms 32, 34 extends mainly along the field direction Y.

The wall of each side arm 32, 34 is made of aluminum-based alloy or any other material.

For each of the lateral arms 32, 34, there is defined an interior volume 30 called side volume 38.

In the example shown, each side arm 32, 34 has a substantially parallelepipedal shape.

The base 36 has two portions: a central portion 40 connecting the two side arms 32, 34 and an interface portion 42 with the wall 18.

The central portion 40 is recessed so that a central volume 44 may also be defined for the central portion 40.

In this case, the interior of the holder 26 is therefore the sum of the volumes side 38 and the central volume 44.

The interfacing portion 42 is a mechanical interface with, as the case of Figure 2, a cylinder shape with a central recessed portion 40, the interfacing portion 42 defining an inner volume 46.

The interfacing portion 42 supports an interface 48 delimiting the interior volume 46. The shape of the interface is chosen so as to adapt to the shape of the head 24 optronics.

The volume defined by the sum of the internal volume 46 of the interface 42 and the central volume 44 of the central portion 40 includes motors, resolvers for controlling the motors, and an electrical rotary joint and / or an optical fiber adapted to transmit signals or data between the optronic head 24 and the vehicle 10.

The motors are adapted to cause a rotational movement of the support 26 relative to the wall 18 about the first axis Y1.

The interfacing portion 42 is, according to the embodiments, fixed or lifting. In the case of Figure 2, the interfacing portion 42 is fixed.

The hemispherical vision device 28 includes a mechanical interface 50, a sensor 52, a computer 54, a display unit 56 and a man-machine interface 58.

The mechanical interface 50 is secured to the rotary support 26.

The mechanical interface 50 is secured to the rotary support 26.

In the example, the mechanical interface 50 is secured to each side arm 32, 34.

According to the example of Figure 2, the mechanical interface 50 comprises five parts: a first end portion 60, a first intermediate portion 62, a middle portion 64, a second intermediate portion 66 and a second end portion 68 .

The first intermediate part 62 connects the first end portion 60 to the middle portion 64 while the second intermediate portion 66 connects the second end portion 68 to the middle portion 64.

Each end portion is connected to a side arm 32, 34 respective.

The sensor 52 is adapted to capture images of a part of the environment of the vehicle 10.

The sensor 52 is fixed to the median portion 64 of the mechanical interface 50 by holding bars. The bars are not shown in the figures for the sake of clarity of the figures.

For example, the sensor 52 is fixed by three retaining bars.

In the example described, the holding bars are equally spaced at 120 °.

The middle part 64 being integral with the support 26, the sensor 52 is secured to the support 26.

The sensor 52 corresponds to the highest point of the optronic system 14. The distance between the sensor 52 and the wall 18 along the Z axis is used to define the height of the optoelectronic system 14. In the example described, the height of optronic system 14 is less than 1 meter.

The sensor 52 comprises an optical system 72 and a hemispherical field detector 74.

Alternatively, the sensor 52 comprises a plurality of detector 74 each provided with a lens, all optics forming an optical system 72 in hemispherical field.

In the illustrated case, the optical system 72 has a field covering a greater angular area than or equal to a hemisphere whose axis is oriented toward the zenith.

For this reason, the optical system 72 is called optical system 72 to "hemispherical field." This expression, it is understood that the scope of the optical system 72 is greater than or equal to a hemisphere. The term "hemispherical field above" is sometimes used to refer to this concept.

The optical system 72 has a large opening.

The optical system 72 is variable resolution in the field.

According to a particular embodiment, the optical system 72 has significant distortions to offer resolutions increased in certain angular areas, for example in the equatorial plane, to increase the range of optics.

For example, the optical system 72 includes a fisheye lens, fisheye shortcut (English fish eye meaning "fish eye") or objective hypergone with a focal length of 4.5 mm (millimeters) and 12 pixels per degree. The optical system 72 then comprises one or two purposes as previously described to cover a 360 degree field.

According to another example, the optical system 72 comprises a plurality of targets having a less extensive field a hemispherical field. Illustratively, the optical system 72 is a set of three fisheye lenses, each lens having a focal length of 8 mm and 21 pixels per degree of 120 °.

In yet another example, the optical system 72 is an optical very high distortion to cover a 360 ° field, with a radial variable resolution following the elevation angle may range from 20-22 pixels / 0 or more and resolution radial.

The detector 74 is an array of photodetectors for defining pixels.

The detector 74 is located in the focal plane of the optical system 72.

For example, the detector 74 is a CMOS matrix 4T (4 transistors in the pixel) or more, operating at 25Hz, low noise (less than 2 electrons) and wide dynamic range (greater than 80dB).

Each pixel is correlated double sampling and conversion-voltage loads is performed in each pixel, thus ensuring that the detector 74 a very low noise level and high instantaneous dynamic.

In addition, control of the exposure time (or integration), for periods of less than 10 ps for durations of 40 ms, for example, allows the detector 74 to operate the day and night. In night atmosphere at a very low level, it is possible to increase the exposure time, for example 100 ms and reduce the frame rate, for example at 10 Hz to improve the ratio of the image signal to noise returned.

The calculator 54 is adapted to process images that the sensor 52 is suitable for picking up for information on the environment of the vehicle 10.

Typically, the computer 54 is adapted to process data having a size of several Gigabits per second.

Thus, the computer 54 is able to operate at a rate greater or equal to 1 Gigabit per second.

In the example described, of the information that the computer 54 is adapted to obtain, there is the moving target detection information, detection information of the laser alert and missile launch detection information.

The computer 54 is in the interior volume.

Specifically, the computer 54 is in the interior of the base 36, so positioned before the rotary joint.

The display unit 56 is adapted to display images processed by the computer 54.

The display unit 56 is positioned in the inner space 20.

The man-machine interface 58 allows an operator to control the hemispheric vision device 28.

The man-machine interface 58 is positioned in the inner space 20.

According to the example of Figure 2, the display unit 56 and the man-machine interface 58 are merged.

The operation of the optronics system 14 will be described.

In operation, the optoelectronic system 14 has several functions: firstly, through the optronic head 24, the optoelectronic system 14 allows to observe a portion of the scene using different cameras may produce images in different spectral bands through different cameras, such as in the spectrum

visible, and infrared (radiation whose wavelength is between 800 nanometers and 14 microns). The cameras include the ability to produce images in the following areas: PIR, SWIR, IR2 (wavelength between 3 microns and 5 microns) and IR3 (wavelength between 7.5 microns and 14 microns).

When the operator controls a rotation about the first axis Y1 of the support 26 now optronic head 24, the support 26 rotates and the observer can observe a different part of the scene.

On the other hand, thanks to hemispherical vision device 28, the computer 54 has additional information on the surroundings of the vehicle 10. In this case, the computer 54 is adapted to provide real time images through 360 ° with an elevation between 75 ° and 15 ° (or more in elevation above and less in elevation below) every point is referenced accurately. The computer 54 is also adapted to provide moving target detection information, detection information of the laser warning and detection information from missiles.

The specific positioning of the hemispheric vision device 28 makes it possible the hemispherical vision device 28 without masking to observe the surroundings of the vehicle 10. In particular, the hemispherical vision device 28 is the highest point of the vehicle 10, which limit masking by other elements of the vehicle 10.

Moreover, such positioning helps to cover off-axis illumination, resulting in improved laser warning detection.

Positioning on the rotary bracket 26 also provides stabilization in rotation of the sensor 52 (mechanical servo field). The phenomenon of movement of the image due to the rotational movement of the vehicle 10 or the turret 12 is greatly reduced.

The optronic 14 proposed system comprises a single device hemispherical vision 28, which avoids positioning a plurality of hemispherical vision devices.

This results in increased on the vehicle 10 and a gain in weight.

In addition, it avoids the difficulty of having to merge images from hemispheric vision devices.

The optronic system 14 comprises a single computer 54, which simplifies the transfer of information. In particular, all the information is centralized in one place. Simplifying the transfer of information implies a decrease in connections to be made, which also results in a gain in weight for the vehicle 10.

The optronic system 14 is thus able to operate with a high refresh rate.

The computer 54 has, in addition, access to additional information that is the positioning of the rotary support 26, which allows to optimize the quality of information provided by the optoelectronic system 14.

The positioning of the computer 54 also greatly reduces the thermal signature of 14 optronic system.

Positioning on the rotary bracket 26 also gives a possibility to rotate the optical system 72 to make visible areas of the environment which would be obscured by the sensor holding bars 52.

The ability to rotate the azimuth sensor 52 makes it possible to consider other embodiments utilizing such a possibility.

For example, a slow deposit the rotary bracket 26 rotation allows to consider super-resolution techniques on an axis for hemispherical viewing device 28.

This will further increase the quality of information provided by the computer 54.

According to another example, the optoelectronic system 14 is provided with a separate protective shield of the rotary support 26.

The shield is a protective shield protecting the optical system 72 just leaving the optical system 72 without dimming. The shield of protection to protect against fragments created by an explosion or against the bullets. Note that the shield also reduces the thermal signature of 14 optronic system.

To this shield, it is still possible according to a particular embodiment to operate the rotation of the optics. Thus, the optoelectronic system 14 is provided with a cleaning device of the hemispherical vision system, the cleaning device comprising a spray nozzle, the spray nozzle being positioned on the shield.

The spray nozzle is fixed and adapted to send a jet of water for example.

Alternatively, the spray nozzle is adapted to send an air jet.

Cleaning the optical system 72 is made by rotation of the support.

Other embodiments are also possible for the proposed 14 optronic system.

According to one embodiment, the optical system 72 includes a single fisheye lens. This simplifies connections and use of simpler picture treatments.

According to another embodiment, the optical system 72 includes a plurality of optical dissociated.

In addition, the optoelectronic system 14 is able to operate on a plurality of spectral bands, such as in the visible spectrum and in the infrared (radiation whose wavelength is between 800 nanometers and 14 microns). For example, the optoelectronic system 14 operates on the following spectral bands: PIR, SWIR, IR2 (wavelength between 3 microns and 5 microns) and IR3 (wavelength between 7.5 microns and 14 microns). For this, the optoelectronic system 14 comprises, for example, a sensor 52 operating on a first spectral band and optronic head 24 running on a second spectral band, the second spectral band being distinct from the first spectral band.

In yet another embodiment, the optoelectronic system 14 includes both of the components to ensure the passive and active imaging imaging.

In each of the shown embodiments, the optoelectronic system 14 is adapted to provide information about the environment of the vehicle 10, including real-time image 360 ​​with an elevation between 75 ° and 15 ° (or more) every point of which is referenced with precise, moving target detection information, detection information of the laser alert and missile launch detection information. The optronic system 14 is, moreover, easy implementation.

The proposed 14 optronic system can be used on non-armored vehicles, ships, helicopters, airplanes or buildings. All of the above examples is designated by the generic term "platform".

In general, the platform comprises a wall 18 which is positioned on the support 26. When the platform includes a portion of the wall 18 corresponding to the highest point to the platform, the support 26 is advantageously positioned on said wall portion 18 to receive the most clear as possible field of view. In the example described, the wall portion corresponding to the turret 12.

The present invention covers all technically possible combinations of the embodiments which have been presented earlier.

CLAIMS

1. - optronic system (14) platform, the optoelectronic system (14) comprising:

- a support (26) rotatable about a first axis (Y1), the support (26) defining an interior volume (30),

- an optronic head (24) for observing a part of the environment of the platform, the optronic head (24) being rotatably mounted about a second axis (X2), the second axis (X2) being perpendicular to the first axis (Y1), - a hemispherical vision device (28) comprising a sensor (52) with an optical system (72) having at least one field hemispherical, the sensor (52) being adapted to capture images of a part of the environment of the platform, and a calculator (54) adapted to process images that the sensor (52) is adapted to capture, the computer (54) being in the interior (30) and the sensor (52 ) being integral with the support (26).

2. - Optronic system according to claim 1, wherein the sensor (52) is positioned on a mechanical interface (50), the mechanical interface (50) being fixed on the support (26).

3. - Optronic system according to claim 2, wherein the support (26) comprises two lateral arms (32, 34) and a base (36), the mechanical interface (50) being secured to each side arm (32, 34 ).

4.- Optronic system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the computer (54) is arranged to provide moving target detection information, detection information of the laser warning and detection information from missile.

5.- Optronic system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the optoelectronic system (14) is provided with a separate protective shield support (26).

6.- optronic system according to claim 5, wherein the optoelectronic system (14) is provided with a cleaning device of the vision device

hemispherical (28), the cleaning device comprising a spray nozzle, the spray nozzle being positioned on the shield.

7. - Optronic system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the computer (54) is adapted to operate at a rate greater than 1 Gigabit per second.

8. - Optronic system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the optical system (72) comprises a plurality of targets having a less extensive field a hemispherical field.

9. - Optronic system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, the sensor (52) comprises a plurality of detectors (74) each provided with a lens, all optics forming the optical system (72).

10. - Platform comprising an optronic system (14) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

January 1. - Platform according to claim 10, wherein the optoelectronic system (14) is unique.

12. - A platform according to claim 10 or 1 1, the platform is a vehicle (10) having a turret (12), the support (26) being positioned on the turret (12).