Method of determining optimal detection beam locations using reflective

Abstract

A method of defining a sensing system for detecting the presence of an object in a volume of space under surveillance by determining the optimal placement of a plurality of energy beams which are projected into the volume which comprises the steps of (A) placing the object at a preselected position within the space; (B) directing a plurality of sample beams of energy, which have a predetermined orientation, from a source onto the object; (C) detecting the reflections of the sample beam energy from points on the object by energy detectors; (D) recording the preselected position of the object, the predetermined orientation of sample beams, and the detection status of the energy detectors; (E) changing the equatorial and azimuthal angles of each of the beams and repeating steps (B), (C) and (D); (F) moving the source of the sample beams relative to the object; (G) repeating steps (B) through (F) to produce spatial maps of the locations at which the object is positioned when each of the energy detectors detect reflected sample beam energy; and (H) using the spatial maps so produced to select the optimal orientation of a set of energy beams which will maximize the detection probability of an object located in the volume of space under surveillance. This method is repeated for a plurality of different vehicles.