Configurable Diagonal TDI Array Imaging for Scan Smear Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current TDI image sensors face challenges in producing high-resolution images due to scan smear and limited sensitivity, especially when the scene moves relative to the detector, and are restricted to normal orthogonal scanning, which limits their effectiveness in varying scan geometries and rates.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a configurable TDI array with a controller capable of operating in shift and accumulate modes, allowing diagonal scan geometry and selectable scan rates, enabling the generation of high-resolution images by up-sampling and interpolating data from a single row of detectors angled relative to scene motion, and allowing simultaneous acquisition from multiple sensors with non-parallel orientations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the number of TDI detector elements is increased to improve system sensitivity, then sensitivity increases, but it becomes increasingly difficult to restrict an object in the scene to travel within a single TDI row, resulting in blurry pictures and reduced manufacturing precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic configuration of TDI array parameters including adjustable diagonal scan geometry, configurable scan rates, and adaptable integration times. The system can dynamically adjust the number of active TDI rows and configure the detector array geometry to match varying scene velocities and mission requirements, allowing optimal sensitivity while maintaining image clarity through adaptive parameter adjustment rather than fixed high-row configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables parameter changes by allowing configuration of scan geometry angles, scan rates, and integration times to optimize performance for different mission scenarios. By changing these parameters dynamically, the system can achieve high sensitivity without the blurring effects that occur when objects move across multiple TDI rows in fixed-geometry systems
2Measurement precision
If scan rate is reduced to improve image quality resolution and in-scan MTF, then resolution improves, but data acquisition time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic scan rate configuration that allows the system to adjust between high-speed scanning for broad area coverage and lower scan rates for high-resolution imaging of specific regions. The diagonal scan geometry combined with configurable scan rates enables the system to optimize the balance between resolution and acquisition speed based on mission requirements, rather than being constrained to fixed orthogonal scan patterns
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from traditional orthogonal scanning to diagonal scan geometry, introducing an angular dimension to the scan pattern. This dimensional change allows the system to achieve improved in-scan MTF and resolution while maintaining higher effective scan rates through geometric optimization, effectively decoupling the trade-off between resolution and productivity
3Ease of operation
If traditional orthogonal scanning is used to simplify system operation, then ease of operation is maintained, but adaptability to varying scan geometries and rates is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal TDI array configuration that can operate in multiple scan geometries (orthogonal, diagonal, and intermediate angles) and support variable scan rates through programmable control. The system maintains ease of operation through automated configuration modes while providing full adaptability to different mission requirements, allowing a single system to perform multiple scanning functions without complex mechanical reconfiguration
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables dynamic reconfiguration of scan geometry and rates through software control, allowing the detector array to adapt to varying mission requirements. The configurable diagonal scan geometry with adjustable angles and rates provides versatility while maintaining operational simplicity through programmable automation, eliminating the need for physical reconfiguration
4Measurement precision
If diagonal scan geometry is implemented to reduce scan smear and enhance resolution, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases due to configurable parameters and control requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic parameter configuration where the controller automatically adjusts diagonal scan geometry parameters, scan rates, and integration times based on mission requirements and scene characteristics. This dynamic approach enhances spatial resolution through optimized diagonal scanning while reducing operational complexity through automated parameter adjustment, eliminating the need for manual configuration of multiple parameters
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables parameter changes through programmable control that allows configuration of scan geometry angles, scan rates, and integration times. By providing automated parameter optimization and pre-configured modes, the system achieves high spatial resolution through diagonal scanning while managing complexity through software-based parameter management rather than hardware reconfiguration
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
This approach reduces scan smear, enhances spatial resolution, and enables dynamic image creation with user-selectable pixel resolution in various regions, improving signal-to-noise ratio and allowing for broader area coverage with reduced time, even in non-orthogonal scan geometries and rates.
Implementation Method 1
Each unit cell is configured to store charge and generate an associated digital value based on photons detected by an associated projected detector
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are image data acquisition methods and systems that utilizes selective temporal co-adding of detector integration samples to construct improved high-resolution output imagery for arrays with selectable line rates. Configurable TDI arrays are used to construct output imagery of various resolutions dependent upon array commanding, the acquisition geometry, and temporal sampling. The image acquisition techniques may be applied to any optical sensor system and to optical systems with multiple sensors at various relative rotations which enable simultaneous image acquisitions of two or more sensors. Acquired image data may be up-sampled onto a multitude of image grids of various resolution.