Anamorphic Focal Array for Orthogonal Oblique Imaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current Wide Area Large Format (WALF) imaging systems using bundled arrays of fixed cameras struggle to capture orthogonal views of oblique coverage areas effectively, especially in hostile environments, as they are optimized for nadir imaging and require expensive and time-consuming image processing to correct distortions.

Innovation Solution

An imaging system with a focal array of photosensitive elements at different focal lengths, configured to simulate orthogonal views by positioning elements in multiple layers with varying focal lengths, and equipped with rotating members to adjust the field-of-view and light path, allowing for real-time imaging without the need for distorted lenses or complex processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If bundled arrays of fixed cameras are used for WALF imaging, then the system is optimized for nadir imaging, but it cannot effectively capture orthogonal views of oblique coverage areas

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapability to capture orthogonal viewsVSAvoidimage quality for oblique areas

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The imaging system is segmented into multiple photosensitive elements positioned at different focal lengths from the lens. Each element captures a specific portion of the oblique coverage area, allowing the system to construct orthogonal views by combining these segmented images. This segmentation enables effective capture of orthogonal views that a single fixed camera cannot achieve.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a new dimension by positioning photosensitive elements at different focal lengths (creating a multi-layered focal array). This dimensional arrangement allows the system to capture images at multiple focal planes simultaneously, enabling the construction of orthogonal projections from oblique coverage areas without requiring distorted lenses or complex post-processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If distorted lenses are used to achieve orthogonal views from oblique angles, then the image format can be corrected, but the system becomes more complex and processing becomes more expensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveorthogonal view capabilityVSAvoidlens and processing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using distorted lenses to correct oblique images (the conventional approach), the patent inverts the approach by using multiple photosensitive elements at different focal lengths to directly capture orthogonal views. This inversion eliminates the need for distorted lenses and complex image processing algorithms, simplifying both the device and processing requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates multiple copies of the photosensitive element at different focal lengths within the focal array. Each copy captures the same scene at a different focal plane, and these copies are combined to produce the orthogonal view. This copying approach avoids the need for complex distorted lenses while achieving the desired image format correction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Reliability

If bundled arrays capture imagery at oblique angles from safer distances, then the aircraft can operate in hostile environments, but the resolution becomes non-uniform across the coverage area

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational safety in hostile environmentsVSAvoidresolution uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by positioning photosensitive elements at different focal lengths to optimize for different regions of the oblique coverage area. Each element captures a specific portion of the scene with appropriate focal length, ensuring uniform resolution across the entire coverage area. This local optimization allows the aircraft to operate safely at oblique angles while maintaining consistent image quality throughout the imaged region.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The system provides uniform resolution and range-invariant orthogonal projections, enabling efficient imaging of oblique coverage areas from safer vantage points with improved image quality and reduced processing costs, suitable for real-time applications.

Implementation Method 1

The plurality of photosensitive elements may include at least one first photosensitive element arranged in a first layer and positioned at a distance from a first lens substantially equal to the focal length of the first lens

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFocusing: Focusing

Implementation Method 2

an imaging system includes a focal array including a plurality of photosensitive elements disposed at different focal lengths from at least one lens to output an image

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric Effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS7949241B2Anamorphic focal array

Publication Date: 2011.05.24 RAYTHEON CO

AI summary

An imaging system includes an offset focal array including a plurality of photosensitive elements disposed at different focal lengths from at least one lens to output an image simulating an orthogonal view of an oblique coverage area. In further embodiments, the photosensitive elements are arranged in layers positioned substantially equal to the focal lengths of one or more focusing lenses.