Recently, a group of researchers from the University of Central Florida demonstrates a new detection technique. This alternative detection and tracking technique is based on Optical noise creates by a moving target hidden in scattering media.
Basically, optical noise detection technique is suitable for advanced real-time remote sensing in different military applications. Especially this technique is advantageous over the tracking of aircraft and vehicles traveling through dense fog. In addition, optical noise detections have crucial applications in the biomedical sector like the detection of fast moving particles.
Apart from optical noise, there is several the detection techniques use to detect an object at beyond visual range. Among those, one of most reliable detection technique is Light Detection and Ranging or LIDAR. It requires line of sight contact between the object and the sensor for detection.
However, this LIDAR detection process has a certain limitation. If something in the line of sight scatters and randomizes the light then the technique will impotent. It's implied that the technique has limitation for an object hidden in light scattered objects like a dense cloud, fog etc. However, this problem could overcome in optical noise technique. According to research lead Aristide Dogariu, this process uses random light instead of coherent light to illuminate the object.
Dogariu's team used a small object within the plastic box that is designed to scatter light. A beam of coherent light targeted on this box that creates secondary light source inside it. When target object scattered this light which further deflected while passing through the scattering wall. This light is detected by the detector and then distinguishes optical noise with natural noise using the statistical method. In this regard, the Optical society of America shared a detailed study in their journal OSA publishing.
Moreover, this process detects more precisely when the target within the box is starting to move. This is because the optical noise from the moving object is more detectable. According to Science Daily, this optical noise process follows the motion of the target's center of mass. So the method efficiently senses position for all degrees of freedom from left-right, up-down and diagonal sides.
Additionally, the main drawback of optical noise method is about the limited information, which is provided from the object. That's why, when it detects the speed and direction of the object it may detect the size. However, it can't detect the color, shape, and materials at the same time.
