Annular Mirror Optical Control for Satellite Imaging Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-resolution imaging optical systems, particularly those on satellites, face challenges in maintaining optical quality and line-of-sight stability due to drifts in wave surface quality and vibratory instabilities, which require frequent calibration and operational disruptions.
Innovation Solution
An optical control device with a quasi-point emitting source and a reflective element with an annular shape is used to generate a control image, allowing for identification of optical defects and misalignments without disrupting the system's operation, using a sensor to analyze changes in the control image over time, and active control means to correct defects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If frequent calibration images are acquired to monitor wave surface evolution, then measurement precision of optical quality is improved, but productivity is worsened due to operational disruptions and stoppages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by continuously capturing calibration images in the background during normal imaging operations. The calibration process is prepared and executed in advance without requiring system stoppages, allowing wave surface monitoring to occur proactively rather than reactively. This enables the system to maintain measurement capability while preserving operational continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves continuity of useful action by designing a calibration system that operates simultaneously with nominal imaging operations. The mobile head mirror and calibration target are integrated into the optical path in such a way that calibration images can be acquired without interrupting the main imaging function, ensuring both calibration and operational actions continue uninterrupted.
2Measurement precision
If a mobile head mirror is used for auto-calibration, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity is worsened due to additional moving parts and programming requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the mobile head mirror to serve multiple functions: it acts as both a calibration target reflector and a component that can be positioned to enable different calibration configurations. The same hardware element performs both calibration and operational functions, reducing the need for separate dedicated components and simplifying the overall system architecture.
3Ease of operation
If the annular reflective element is positioned upstream of the imaging system, then ease of operation is improved by enabling calibration during operation, but manufacturing precision is worsened due to alignment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by designing the reflective element and calibration target to automatically align with the optical path when the mobile head mirror is positioned in its calibration configuration. The system self-adjusts through the mechanical design of the mobile head assembly, which guides the reflective element into the correct position and orientation without requiring manual alignment procedures or complex adjustment mechanisms.
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
Enables continuous monitoring and correction of optical defects and line-of-sight misalignments without requiring specific programming or additional moving parts, maintaining image quality and stability with reduced operational constraints.
Implementation Method 1
a reflective element with a flat surface, the element being arranged upstream of the imaging system considering the direction of propagation of the light rays coming from the scene
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an optical control device for an optical imaging system (101) having a focal plane (Pf), an optical axis (z), an entrance pupil, the system forming an image of a scene substantially at infinity on at least one image detector (D) disposed substantially in the focal plane (Pf), the device comprising: -at least one quasi-point source (S) disposed at the periphery of the detector (D) and substantially in the focal plane (Pf), -a reflective element (10) having a flat surface, -the element (10) being disposed upstream of said imaging system (101) considering the direction of propagation of the light rays coming from the scene, and at a position and inclination such that a control image (11) of the source (S) produced by the optical system (101) and reflected by the reflective element (10) is disposed substantially in the focal plane (Pf) on a detection element (D,C) connected to means for analyzing the control image (11) enabling the identification of possible optical defects, the reflective element (10) having an annular shape so as to allow light rays from the scene to pass through the entrance pupil.