SubscribeWithin the Defense Division, 01dB-Metravib uses all its knowledge to detect and localise potential or real threat on the battlefield using acoustics and vibration techniques with PILARw and PIVOT SYSTEMS
Boosted by a French requirement in 1995 during the Bosnian conflict in Sarajevo on "sniper alley" , the company has mainly focused on the detection of small calibre gun shot and the company is now the worldwide leader in this area.
To fulfil the customers needs, 01dB-Metravib has developed complementary know-how, like optics or robotics, to enlarge the features of the core systems.
To date gunshot detection and localisation is yielded from ground based and vehicle mounted from COTS, combat proven systems. The R&D and Product teams provides a continuous effort to improve the performance of the existing systems and to new platform of detection (individual soldier, helicopter, drone, robot...).
The company provides turn key systems and associated services worldwide.
PILARw system
The PILARw system consists of 3 main components that are combined to create a number of different configurations each with specific features:
- A foldable Acoustic Sensor Array (ASA) with embedded sensors and electronics
- A Data Interface Acquisition Module (DIAM) which processes the signal of the array(s) in real time
- A rugged or military standard PC (Laptop) to control the system and visualise the results using ShotGuard, the PILARw operating software.
PILARw is declined in two configurations:
- Ground based
- Vehicle mounted
Because the specificity of each application requires specialised settings - such as background noise reduction for vehicle-mounted applications - the DIAM includes several software-tuned algorithms. This system architecture allows for the customisation of the system for further applications.
Whatever the current hardware configuration: Stationary versus mobile, one or several arrays, the one interface, ShotGuard, is used for setting up and operating the system. ShotGuard contains all possible arrangements so that a simple selection of the current configuration brings up the appropriate interface on screen and plugs in the right process. Training and operating costs are thus minimised.
From the detection of acoustic waves of the passing bullet (Shock Wave) and the firing weapon (Muzzle Blast) the system yields and records, using patented signal-processing algorithms:
- Bearing
- Elevation
- Range
- Bullet trajectory
PILARw can operate in harsh environments including urban, tropical, snow-covered areas and situations involving loud background noise such as that created by a vehicle.
PIVOT system
The PIVOT (Pilar Versatile Observation Turret) is a rapid deployable man-portable system composed of a pan-and-tilt turret equipped with a day / dawn camera driven by a control unit with a high resolution and high brightness LCD display. PIVOT can be used a a stand alone surveillance system or in combination with PILARw. In the later case, PIVOT will rotate and tilt according to the PILARw information in the proper direction to provide an image of the shot origin in real-time.
