Lucid Technology - Overview
Lucid Dimensions is developing Spherical Sensor Configurations (SSC) for detecting and tracking signals in three dimensions. Spherical Sensor Configurations offer distinct advantages over contemporary imaging systems, significantly enhancing three-dimensional (3D) situational awareness. Sensor systems utilizing a spherical geometry as a foundation can be designed for a variety of applications. A singular ring of sensors provides a basic device that can monitor sources in a 2 dimensional plane. These systems calculate extremely accurate angular directions to signal sources. More sophisticated systems with full spherical sensor placement can be designed for monitoring multiple targets in any spatial orientation. Systems with full spherical coverage also offer the ability to determine source distribution size. Information generated from the systems can be integrated with contemporary imaging systems for further target identification. SSC systems revolutionize remote sensing providing high-speed information for time critical scenarios. Full spherical SSC systems offer a 4 Pi steradian Field of Regard (FOR) for complete situational awareness.
The underlying concept of the innovation is based upon fundamental properties of signal transmission and its reception on a spherical surface. The technology exploits the principle that a source of light will illuminate one hemisphere of a spherical object (similar to the earth/sun system). The significance of this concept lies in the consistent and mathematically predictable position of the illuminated hemisphere relative to the light source. Harnessing this concept, a spherical receiver can be constructed with strategically placed sensors to determine the position of the illuminated hemisphere and subsequently the three-dimensional direction of the source. Lucid Dimensions is currently exploring the SSC system for use in detecting and tracking infrared heat signatures.