Prototype of real-time single photon avalanche diode-based muzzle flash detector

The need for accurate detection of hostile gun fire location is emphasized in modern low intensity conflicts. Ground forces that work inside densely populated areas cannot rely on soldier alone for the task of identifying friend and foe. An instinctive retaliation of hostile gunfire before the exact source was located may lead to unwanted casualties among the civilians or friendly fire. Muzzle flash detection system will aid in the friend and foe identification task and allow a fast and efficient reaction from the soldier, especially during the daylight, when the muzzle-flash does not contrast with the background and is hardly detectable by human's eye. A new CMOS Single Photon Avalanche Diode (SPAD) imager has been developed at Technion-Israel Institute of Technology and has been reported in the open literature. This paper presents work in progress on prototype of SPAD-based muzzle flash detection system, focusing on the complementary part that controls the imager on-line in real time using FPGA and novel efficient computing architecture.