Bistatic Laser Imaging for Near- and Far-Range Surface Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laser imaging systems face challenges in effectively imaging both near-range and far-range objects due to overpowering of near-range emissions and limited focus of backscattered light, particularly in monostatic and bistatic arrangements.
Innovation Solution
A bistatic laser imaging system with a diverging laser beam and separate apertures for transmission and reception, using a detector to generate digital images and a processor to create mapping data, allowing for imaging of surfaces and volumetric scatterers, including underwater environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a monostatic arrangement is used with shared aperture for transmitting and receiving, then device complexity is reduced, but near-range emissions overpower far-range emissions and imaging precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the system into separate transmitting and receiving apertures (bistatic arrangement), physically segmenting the functions to eliminate the interference problem where near-range emissions overpower far-range emissions in monostatic configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The receiving function is extracted from the transmitting aperture and placed in a separate receiving aperture, allowing independent optimization of transmission and reception optics without the constraints of a shared aperture system
2Measurement precision
If focusing optics are configured for limited range span, then imaging precision for specific ranges is improved, but the ability to image both near and far range objects deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic focusing capabilities where the receiver can adjust its focus to different ranges, allowing the system to alternately image near-range and far-range objects with high precision rather than being fixed to a limited range span
Solution Approach 2:
The bistatic arrangement introduces spatial separation between transmitter and receiver, creating additional geometric dimensions that enable extended range coverage while maintaining focusing precision through appropriate optical configuration
3Measurement precision
If near-range emissions are received with high intensity, then detection sensitivity for near objects is improved, but far-range emission detection deteriorates due to overpowering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the receiving function to a separate aperture positioned to receive backscattered light from different spatial paths, effectively separating the detection of near-range and far-range emissions to prevent overpowering and preserve far-range signal information
Solution Approach 2:
The separate receiving aperture acts as an intermediary that selectively collects backscattered light from specific ranges, mediating between the transmitted emissions and the detector to prevent near-range emissions from overpowering far-range signals
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 high-resolution imaging and mapping of surfaces with depth and material type detection, capable of generating digital elevation maps and 3D images of objects, particularly in environments with volumetric scattering, using low-power diode lasers for extended scanning times.
Implementation Method 1
a laser that is operable to diverge laser light to a surface
Implementation Method 2
laser light returned from the surface
Implementation Method 3
the focusing optics for the receiver are typically configured so that near range emissions do not come to focus
Implementation Method 4
a detector in optical communication with the imaging element to generate one or more digital images of the returned laser light
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, an imaging system includes a laser operable to diverge laser light to a surface. An imaging element is configured in a bistatic arrangement with respect to the laser and is operable to image laser light returns from the surface. A detector is in optical communication with the imaging element to generate one or more digital images of the laser light returns. And, a processor generates mapping data of the surface from the one or more digital images.