METHOD AND SYSTEM OF DETECTING, MONITORING AND DEFINING PARAMETERS FOR FLYING OR STATIONARY OBJECTS IN AIRSPACE AND OUTER SPACE

Field of the invention The present method and system of detecting and monitoring flying or stationary objects allow to define: presence, position, height, distance and relative movement direction (Rv and v) of every flying object located between the celestial bodies that form a matrix of celestial cells (CCs) of the celestial sphere (CS) and the planet where the observer is located or the system installed.

Background of the invention Devices and systems of detection known in the art generally comprise electromagnetic energy package transmission devices, which move according to the irradiation lobe and, when they receive the reflected wave, process that information defining the presence of an object, azimuth, distance and direction of its relative movement. These devices are usually known as RADAR. There are other types of devices with particular applications, such as the RADIO ALTIMETER. These are DOPPLER devices that define some data according to the frequency or phase variation with which they initially received the energy package. All these equipments have some limitations: beam direction, limited detection range, high frequency operation, periodic service, sensitivity to adverse weather conditions, disturbance of electromagnetic spectrum, specific functions, no-definition of the elevation mark, use of big appendixes and aerials, need of preventive maintenance, moderate accuracy of obtained data, reduced scanned area, detection of the scanning beam, easy recognition of presence, etc. Alternatives to overcome limitations and inconvenient of traditional systems have been disclosed in several documents. Patent US 5,410,143, entitled "Space target detecting and tracking system utilizing starlight occlusion", issued on April 24, 1995, exclusively discloses the use of visible light from stars mentioned in astronomical catalogs. In contrast, our "method and system" (MSDSDPOV) uses the full radiation of the CS that is possible to be detected. The MSDSDPOV also subdivides the CS in a CCs of convenient and proper shape and size, inside which selected celestial bodies can be incorporated, attributing them particular space-temporal coordinates and a characteristic spectrum of radiation that can be obtained by self measure or from data provided by other sources of public information. Patent US 5,410,143 exclusively discloses the use of a sensor which severely reduces the ability of detection and scanning, which are limited by the solid angle of the lens. Moreover, this limitation not only prevents tracking the object but also defining additional flight parameters. In contrast, the MSDSDPOV uses a group of detectors that form a "compound eye", which allows permanent, total and simultaneous observation of the CS up to a particular skyline, and the definition of position and all flight parameters of an object. Patent US 5,410,143 is only intended for observations in which visibility is ideal such as the light night vision obtained in a rocket outside the Earth's atmosphere and inside the Earth's cone of shadow. In contrast, the MSDSDPOV is capable of detecting objects at every time with all types of vision such as light day vision (LDV) and light night vision (LNV) and at any location, even in severely adverse vision conditions, due to its sensibility, methods, and systems of filtration and processing data. Patent US 5,410,143 does not define the height of an object. In contrast, the MSDSDPOV establishes the position in three dimensions and consequently its height, plus other parameters that give the final classification of the flying object (FO). Patent US 5,410,143 only discloses the possibility of incorporating its system to ballistic vehicles with support from conventional earth equipment to assist it with the detection function. In contrast, the MSDSDPOV accomplishes all functions at every time and from everywhere by itself, even in movable platforms and without support from equipment not belonging to the system. Patent US 5,410,143 is exclusively based on the use of stars' visible light contained in astronomical catalogs. In contrast, the MSDSDPOV uses a new concept of CS consistent in considering it as a universal source of wide-spectrum radiation subdivided into cells of convenient shape and size, and with a characteristic spectrum of radiation resulting from the physical properties of a group of radiant celestial bodies which form the CS with all phenomena associated with emission, absorption, diffusion, diffraction, interference, etc. The associated MSDSDPOV consists of a high resolution light receiver that, among other characteristics, comprises a wider covered area, simultaneous detection in the whole area, passive methods and systems, no-disturbance of the electromagnetic spectrum, maximum range given by the observer's vision, low maintenance, permanent operation, high accuracy in defining the object parameters, more parameters analyzed, possibility of defining the object height (h), and many other characteristics. The MSDSDPOV can be used simultaneously with its principal function in the following areas: Scientific applications for verifying the movement of tectonic plates, following continental drifts, scanning celestial bodies with uncertain paths, and secondarily detecting seismic activity; Atmospheric applications for registering and updating the abundance and variation of elements in the atmosphere that influence on earth's life, and supporting for collecting weather information for statistic purposes; Commercial applications for controlling air traffic in air corridors, TMA, airports and aerodromes; guiding airplanes in the final approximation phase in conditions of reduced visibility by fog ("under limit" condition); supporting for weather or seismic stations; and intrusion detection; and National defense for monitoring known or unknown satellite orbits, controlling aerial space within the covered area; detecting, controlling and defining UFO's parameters; and detecting ice slides in the proximity of polar caps. In order to make the proper election of the "photon detector sensor", it is important to take into account, some parameters, provided that treatment of the observed signal depends on the efficiency of those parameters. Among said parameters we have the "Quantum Efficiency", which defines the minimum threshold of electrons activated by the presence of a photon. This mathematical function illustrated on Figure (14) controls sensibility of the photon detector sensor; equation that to be ideal must be an optimum relationship among "distribution of radiation density in the cell", "size of the cell", "spectral type" and "quantum efficiency". According to the "quantum efficiency" the celestial bodies to be observed by the sensors and the data recorded at the processor are selected basically considering its "spectral type" defined in Fig. 9, in which the ideal magnitude level starts with the highest magnitude (-1 mv) and ends with the apparently lowest magnitude (+ 20mv or less). Other photon detector sensor parameter to take into account is "refreshing time", which is defined by the shortest period of time in which the sensor is unable to detect the following photon of a particular cell, and also by the apparent speed of the "flying object".

Summary of the Invention In one embodiment, the present invention comprises a method of detecting, monitoring and defining parameters for flying or stationary objects in airspace and outer space, the method comprising the steps of: a) organizing the celestial sphere as a group of cells that includes the majority of celestial bodies visible in the celestial sphere; b) providing at least two passive and high resolution photon detector sensors, wherein a situation line is defined between a cell and a photon detector sensor; c) scanning the cells of the celestial sphere with the high resolution photon detector sensors; d) sending the registered information to a processor; e) filtering any existing noise to obtain a pure signal; and if the photon detector sensors are eclipsed by a flying or stationary object producing a cut of at least two situation lines f) defining position (PSN), height (h) and distance (d) of the object by solving the cut of said at least two situation lines with graphic and analytic methods of solving equations; and g) defining speed (s), course (c), relative movement direction (RMD) and celestial coordinates (RA, Dec) by repeating the steps c), d), e) and f). The MSDSDPOV organizes the whole celestial sphere as a group or net of cells extensive and dense which includes all celestial bodies visible in the celestial sphere, such as planets, stars, nebulas, and other bodies (whose exact position is perfectly known). These cells can have any shape or size desired according to convenience of each case. Space-temporal coordinates, absorption, diffusion or emission spectrum and other physical magnitudes are assigned to each cell that contains a corresponding part of the totality of celestial bodies in the celestial sphere. When one or more cells are eclipsed by any flying or stationary object interposed between the cell(s) and the detector system, the cell characteristics will vary allowing to define a situation or marking line from the detector sensor toward the cell(s). The existence of an object, its position and the direction of the relative movement are defined by triangulation and cross section of one or more marking or reference lines. Further to the processing of these data, on every time (t) it is obtained: height (h), direction and path of the relative movement (DRM), space coordinates (RA and Dec), speed (v), course (Rv), distance (d) and its "classification" as consequence of studying the behavior traced by the flying or stationary object and the parameters found.

Brief description of the drawings

The Figures mentioned in the text are included to clarify and support the mentioned concepts. Figure 1 shows the basic detection diagram consisting of the presence/detection of a Detectable Flying Object (DFO) 4 interposed on the line of sight or situation 2 between. one or many cells of the celestial sphere (3n) and sensor systems (1n) located on any planet 12 (Earth, etc) or a generic base. A cell 5 is a generic cell in which the celestial sphere (CE) is subdivided. Figure 2 is similar to Figure 1, but shows the possible existence of means 6 (absorbent, radiant, etc) which is interposed in the detection line 2 introducing "noise" in the signal. This problem can be solved with a filtration method and system. Figure 3A shows the same concepts as Figure 2, but including a detector cell or ommatidium 8 in detail which forms a sensor system or "compound eye" formed by a collector, photo sensitive elements and associated electronics. Figure 3B is similar to Figure 3a but includes the possible presence of disturbance means 6. Figure 4A shows the basic structure of the photosonic detection system consistent of an arrangement of cells or ommatidium 8 in the shape of dome which forms a "compound eye" 7 that allows the simultaneous and omnidirectional observation of the Celestial Sphere. Figure 4B is a schematic cross section of the "compound eye" indicated on Figure 4A detailing the line of sight 2 of a detector cell 8 and a solid angle 9 defined between the radial sides of detector cell 8. Figure 4C shows the basic structure of a cell or ommatidium 8 including its generic concentration system 10 (optic, etc), an incident radiation beam 2 and an incident radiation sensitive system 11. Figure 5 shows a block diagram of the system and method for obtaining information from the photon sensors. The information comes from the celestial sphere cells and is analyzed and handled for making a decision. Figure 6 shows the basic detection system of the present invention, wherein an eclipse takes place and consequently. The sensor shows a variation if the Detectable Flying Object (DFO) interposes itself on the situation line between the Cn cell of the celestial sphere and the Sn sensor. Triangulation for defining DFO's flying parameters becomes easier by means of including more than one interlaced-type detection system for crossing information. A basic flow diagram for handling information is also included. Figure 7 shows the traffic of signals between the different blocks of the MSDSDPOV that basically rules the system. Figure 8 shows a detailed information flow diagram with acceptance and rejection criteria for signals coming from the sensor system. Figure 9 shows a star distribution according to absolute magnitude, temperature and luminosity measured in units of solar illumination Lo. Figure 10 shows another aspect of the stellar density estimation in number of stars per cubic kiloParsec according to the absolute magnitude. Figure 11 shows the logarithmic distributive function of N stars versus the visual magnitude thereof. Figure 12 shows the star density distribution in number of stars per cell of one- square-degree amplitude according to the visual magnitude and galactic latitude. Figure 13 shows the medium absorption spectrum, in height, of electromagnetic radiation in the terrestrial atmosphere versus the radiation wave longitude. Figure 14 represents the graphics of quantum efficiency (QE) of a typical CCD sensor versus the radiation wavelength (λ). QE measures the number of electrons produced by each incident photon on the sensor. Figures 15a, 15b and 15c show the filtration basic diagram of a signal coming from a celestial cell usually disturbed by absorption of interposed means and various noises. (St) represents a signal as it arrives to the detection system. (S1) represents a pure signal coming from an undisturbed celestial cell. (S2) represents a diminution of the cell intensity caused by an eclipse produced by the passage of a Flying Object during a time period Δt. (S3) represents an already filtered signal able to be analyzed by the rest of the system.

Detailed description of the Invention The principle of detecting, monitoring and defining parameters for flying or stationary objects in airspace and outer space is based on the following: Figure 1 shows the celestial sphere permanently observed by two or more passive and high resolution "photon detector sensors" with their essential components formed by "photoelectric sensors" capable to convert the luminous signals coming from the celestial cells 3a, 3b and 3c into electrical signals, also called photomultipliers, position sensing detector (PSD), charge coupled device (CCD), which instantaneously and simultaneously register all stellar bodies of the space that directly or indirectly irradiate energy (Fig. 4). Figure 1 also shows that when a flying or stationary object 4 appears in the celestial sphere, the cells 3a, 3b and 3c are eclipsed modifying its radiation intensity. Figure 5 shows an information processor that, associated to the detector sensors and in real time, stores all parameters of known celestial bodies and data of flying or stationary objects in its memory such as: luminous intensity, absolute or apparent magnitude, spectral type (Fig. 9), current space position, etc. Figure 15 shows the information processor that also processes all atmospheric noise information which disturbs the stored stellar body signals, for example: solar radiation and its direct consequence during daily periods, mainly known as "sky light", adverse weather conditions (fog, electric storms, etc.), artificial pollution (smog, sprays, etc.). The atmospheric noise is neutralized by means of a physical-mathematical filtration process shown in Fig. 15a, 15b and 15c, which defines the noise by means of analyzing and measuring it by more than one method. One of these methods is the passive recognition of the statistical origin of the background noise signal with respect to the signal of causal nature of the eclipsing object. An active method is the use of a laser signal from an optic radar (Fig. 5), which uses a luminous radiation telemeter method that is also used as optional calibrator of the detection system. Figure 4a shows that the "photon detector sensor" takes the ideal condition, that is "Light Night Vision" (LNV), as base for analyzing the matrix of celestial cells. Figure 2 shows the "Day Vision" (DV) condition formed by solar light, sky light and atmospheric noise, which is the most difficult visibility condition. The DV condition is reduced to the LNV condition by means of the filtration described in Fig. 15. In this condition, any flying or stationary object (FO) or unidentified flying object (UFO) eclipses one or more celestial cells (Figs. 3a, 3b) because it is opaque to the refraction. Thus, a "situation line" 2 is formed (Fig. 1, 2, 3a, 3b) which connects the object with the observation base and the photon detector sensors 1a, 1b and 1c (Fig. 1, 2) and defines the two ends of the situation line segment 2, in which the origin and end correspond to the positions of the celestial cell and the observer respectively. Thus, the object 4 (FO or UFO) is located in one of the intermediate points of said situation segment (Fig. 1 , 2, 3a, 3b). The cross section of two or more of these segments 2 (Fig. 1, 2) defines the position of. the detected flying or stationary object in the space 4 by graphic and analytic methods of solving equations. In function of the variable time (t), the remaining parameters and space-temporal coordinates (h, d, v, Rv, DRM, AS, δ, etc.) are precisely calculated. If the eclipse is detected by only one photon detector sensor, only one position segment is obtained which allows to detect the presence of the object and its parameters with less precision by means of successive registrations, a quantitative analysis and solution of equations. The sequential description of the MSDSDPOV can be developed in the following way: The principle of detection basically consists in detecting spectral characteristic variations of luminous sources known as celestial cells because of the interposition of an opaque body that eclipse those sources during its passage by the line of sight between the celestial cell and the detector. In order to accomplish this purpose, it is considered that the totality of the Celestial Sphere may be structured as an extended and dense group of cells 5 (Fig. 1) of different shapes and sizes depending on each case. Space-temporal coordinates and spectral characteristics are assigned to every cell. The number assigned to every cell depends on integrating these characteristics from all celestial bodies. These celestial cells are permanently observed by one or more MSDSDPOV 1a, 1b, 1c (Fig. 1)" located on a planet 12 (Fig.1), which may be the Earth or any other platform. The ideal case of vision, which it is called "light night vision" LNV (Fig. 1), is that in which does not exist means interposed in the line of sight such as clouds, pollution, sky daylight or others. The undesired case of vision, which it is called "day vision" DV (Fig.2), is that in which a group of agents mask the signal making detection and identification very difficult in the line of sight 2. In order to solve this problem a filtration technique is applied, which consists of identifying the disturbing phenomena by their statistical or causal nature (Fig. 15). Once the signal has reached the sensors, a series of steps detailetHn Fig. 5 are developed in the MSDSDPOV for analyzing and treating it. This will finally lead to make a decision. The sensors signals converge at a Control Unit (5.1) where a first preparation is received to continue to a first analysis area of a signal with noise (5.2). The next step is to initiate a filtration process (5.3) with data provided by a "Cell Pattern" (5.4) and eventually by information provided by an Optional Optic Radar. A Cell Matrix (5.4) provides data for the filtration because it has all the EC data updated and in condition of LNV with no DFO. The filtrated signal in LNV conditions is processed in a Comparison step (5.5) in which historical information from a Data Base (5.6) and from the Cell Matrix (5.4) is involved. An Aiert Signal (5.7) is generated from the result of this process if the MSDSDPOV detects a DFO presence. In this case the data for defining relevant parameters (5.8) are study allowing it to sort (5.9) a DFO into Identified (5.10) or Unidentified (5.11). In both cases, a Link with the MSDSDPOV Network Stations is established (5.12) for later triangulation and other functions. Figures 6, 7 and 8 shows the data handling. The "MSDSDPOV Basic Action Flow Diagrams" are self explanatory and help to understand the general diagram of Figure 5. The different signals involved in Fig. 7 are: FDO for a constant electronic sweeping performed by photosensitive sensors; FD1 for an acceptance of the sensoring-state of the logical electronic signal necessary to achieve ATF (automatic target following); FD2 for the sending of light intensity parameters received from each sensitive photocell; FD3 for a response accepting the parameters sent; FD4 for the sending of the light intensity reference of each cell in the celestial sphere; FD5 for the reception of signal (reference acceptance); FD6 for the passing of detectable object through the field of cells slightly eclipsing the luminous signal of reference. Detected flying object showing sufficient light diminution is considered of interest; FD7 for the reception, by the microprocessor, of the signal sent that is going to be processed; FD8 for the-passing of detectable objects through the field of cells slightly eclipsing the luminous signal of reference. Any detected flying object showing the minimum level of light diminution is considered uninteresting; FD9 for the reception, by the microprocessor, of the minimum signal sent showing $ that it is uninteresting. Figures 9, 10, 11 and 12 show astronomic data of public domain that intervene together with other data the system provides during its observations in forming the Matrix of Celestial Cells. This is the new way of observing the QE, which can be used, among other uses, in detecting DFO with the MSDSDPOV, provided that it not only collect historic 0 data but also compare the current data of the celestial cells with the data collected regularly and continuously in predefined periods of time. Many filtration factors have been considered for handling "noise" that affects the LNV signal such as: atmospheric absorption whose absorption spectrum is known (Fig. 13); nature of the phenomena "sky daylight" and "urban lights" background by Tyndall 5 effect; presence of the sun and moon in the QE and others. The basic detector system is a "compound eye" that consists of an arrangement of detector cells or "ommatidium" (8) (Fig. 4a, 4b, 4c) in the shape of dome, which allows a wide solid vision angle only limited by a particular skyline defined by the geographical conditions of the place where the observation base is installed. 0 Each detector cell 8 is also made of a radiation concentrating element 10 that allows to enlarge the density of the incident radiant energy flow providing better detection conditions; and a photosensitive element 11 that generates an electrical signal whose characteristics depend on the radiation spectral characteristics and on those proper of the photo detector, which are expressed by Quantum Efficiency QE (λ) versus wavelength λ of 5 the incident radiation (Fig. 14). The cell distribution of the "compound eye" 7 (Fig. 4a) is made in such a way that the vision solid angles of the cells 9 (Fig. 4b) may be freely changed in order for the cells to overlap with each other, which causes the two useful effects of generating additional information and not leaving blind points.