Unmanned vehicle based detection of chemical warfare agents
Inventors
Beshay, Manal • Jensen, Janet L • Cress, James M
Assignees
Intelligent Optical Systems Inc • United States Department of the Army
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Publication Number
US-11193928-B2
Publication Date
2021-12-07
Expiration Date
2039-02-22
Abstract
An unmanned vehicle operated autonomously or by remotely piloting incorporates an onboard camera which is affixed with clear tape coated with a chemical colorimetric sensor dye sensitive to chemical warfare agents. Chemical warfare agents are detected by visual review or autonomous measurement of sensor color changes while the unmanned vehicle travels through a region suspected of having chemical warfare agents present. In various implementations, the sensor output color changes may be visually monitored by a vehicle operator viewing the camera image from a remote location. In various embodiments, the detection of chemical warfare agents may be confirmed by processing the coated tape with a calibrated opto-electronic reader.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to an unmanned vehicle based detection system for chemical warfare agents and toxic industrial chemicals using a transparent polymer substrate affixed to an onboard camera lens. This substrate is coated with colorimetric indicators that change color upon exposure to target chemical warfare agents (CWAs), enabling visual or autonomous colorimetric detection as the vehicle traverses regions suspected of contamination. The system employs chemical sensor claddings immobilized on adhesive-backed substrates and integrated onto unmanned aerial or ground vehicle cameras to passively monitor airborne toxins via visual image changes or opto-electronic analysis.
The problem being solved addresses the significant challenges in detecting CWAs safely and effectively in operational environments. Traditional detection methods, such as M8 and M9 test papers, have limitations including instability under real-world conditions, poor selectivity, frequent false positives, and dependency on direct human interaction. More complex devices like electronic noses are bulky, require power supplies, and are not easily integrated into unmanned platforms. The invention overcomes these issues by providing a lightweight, power-free, passive sensor integrated directly onto an unmanned vehicle's camera system, enabling near real-time, remote, and unattended detection of multiple CWAs and toxic industrial chemicals under varied environmental conditions.
Claims Coverage
The patent includes three independent claims covering an unmanned vehicle system, a method for passive detection of chemical warfare agents, and an unmanned vehicle with a colorimetric indicator attached to the onboard camera lens. Each claim delineates unique inventive features related to sensor construction, mounting, and detection capabilities.
Passive detection system with affixed transparent polymer substrate on camera lens
A system comprising an unmanned vehicle with an onboard camera whose lens is affixed with a transparent polymer substrate coated with at least one colorimetric indicator that changes color upon exposure to target chemical warfare agents, thereby enabling passive detection through visual or camera-based monitoring.
Remote and autonomous chemical agent detection method via colorimetric indicators
A method involving operating an unmanned vehicle in a suspect environment with a transparent polymer substrate immobilizing colorimetric indicators affixed to an onboard camera lens, discerning color changes through the camera's transmitted light to detect chemical warfare agents, optionally employing free volume enhancer additives and opto-electronic confirmation devices.
Unmanned vehicle with integrated colorimetric indicator on camera lens for CWA detection
An unmanned vehicle featuring an onboard camera with a lens carrying at least one colorimetric indicator immobilized on transparent polymer tape affixed to the lens, which changes color upon exposure to chemical warfare agents, indicating their presence near the vehicle.
Together, the independent claims protect the novel integration of chemically functionalized transparent substrates on unmanned vehicle cameras for passive, visual, and automated detection of chemical warfare agents, covering systems, methods, and unmanned vehicle configurations adapted for this purpose.
Stated Advantages
Provides a lightweight, power-free, passive sensing solution integrated onto unmanned vehicle cameras, eliminating the need for additional hardware, power, or complex data processing systems.
Enhances stability and specificity over traditional M8 and M9 test papers, reducing false positives and improving reliability under varied environmental conditions, including low humidity.
Enables autonomous or remotely piloted unmanned vehicle operation with real-time or near real-time detection and visual monitoring of chemical warfare agents.
Offers flexible deployment adaptable to multiple unmanned aerial and ground vehicle platforms without hardware interface requirements.
Documented Applications
Detection and identification of airborne chemical warfare agents and toxic industrial chemicals in conflict or hazardous areas using unmanned aerial systems (UAS) or unmanned ground systems (UGS).
Military field operations and reconnaissance missions where real-time monitoring of chemical threats is critical, including integration with small drones such as the Black Hornet or DJI Phantom for remote sensing.
First responder applications for rapid and reliable identification of chemical hazards in emergency or terrorist attack scenarios without exposing personnel directly.
Use of opto-electronic readers for unattended verification and quantification of detected chemical agents.
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