Conversion-Layer Sensor Assembly for NVIS-Safe Optical Tracking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Optical tracking systems using near-infrared (NIR) light interfere with night vision imaging systems (NVIS) due to wavelength overlap, leading to oversaturation and sub-optimal performance, while high-resolution sensors for short-wave infrared (SWIR) are costly.

Innovation Solution

A system with a light emitter and sensor assembly that includes a conversion layer to up-convert or down-convert light wavelengths outside the NVIS-compatible range, using SWIR or ultraviolet (UV) light, allowing image capture by standard image sensors without interfering with NVIS.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If NIR light is used for optical tracking, then tracking functionality is achieved, but interference with NVIS occurs causing oversaturation and washed-out environment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetracking functionalityVSAvoidNVIS interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the wavelength parameter of the light used for tracking from the traditional NIR range to either SWIR (above NVIS-compatible wavelengths) or UV (below NVIS-compatible wavelengths). This parameter change allows the tracking system to operate without interfering with NVIS, as these wavelength ranges do not overlap with the NVIS-compatible spectrum.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a conversion layer as an intermediary component between the light emitter and the image sensor. This conversion layer converts SWIR or UV light into visible or NIR wavelengths that the image sensor can detect, enabling the use of non-interfering wavelengths while maintaining compatibility with standard sensors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If SWIR light is used for tracking to avoid NVIS interference, then NVIS compatibility is improved, but sensor cost increases and resolution decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveNVIS interferenceVSAvoidsensor cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The conversion layer acts as an intermediary that enables the use of inexpensive standard image sensors by converting SWIR or UV light into wavelengths these sensors can detect. This eliminates the need for costly specialized SWIR sensors while maintaining NVIS compatibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operational wavelength parameter to SWIR or UV for the light emitter, then uses the conversion layer to transform these wavelengths into the visible/NIR range that standard sensors are optimized for, achieving both NVIS compatibility and cost-effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-affected harmful factors

If SWIR sensors are used to avoid NVIS interference, then tracking without NVIS interference is achieved, but image resolution becomes low

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveNVIS interferenceVSAvoidimage resolution

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The conversion layer serves as an intermediary that transforms SWIR or UV light into visible or NIR wavelengths, allowing standard high-resolution image sensors to be used. This maintains image resolution while avoiding NVIS interference through the use of alternative wavelength ranges.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 effective tracking without interfering with NVIS, utilizing less expensive sensors and improving resolution by converting light to visible wavelengths, enhancing tracking capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

The conversion layer receives the emitted light to up-convert or down-convert the emitted light to converted light with a wavelength within the given range of wavelengths associated with the image sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUp-conversion: Second Harmonic Generation

Implementation Method 2

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDown-conversion: Photoluminescence

Data Source

PatentEP4502701B1System including light emitter and sensor assembly having conversion layer

Publication Date: 2025.11.19 ROCKWELL COLLINS INC

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AI summary

The system may include at least one a light emitter (202) configured to emit light over a range of wavelengths onto an environment and at least one sensor assembly (204). The range of wavelengths emitted by the light emitter (202) may be of wavelengths that are above or below wavelengths used by a night vision imaging system. The sensor assembly (204) may include an image sensor (304) and conversion layer (302). The image sensor (304) may capture images of the environment illuminated by the light emitters (202) and sense light in a given range of wavelengths. The conversion layer (302) may receive the emitted light and convert the emitted light to converted light with a wavelength within the given range of wavelengths associated with the image sensor (304). The image sensor (304) may be further configured to receive the converted light from the conversion layer (302), capture an image of the light emitter (202) and output image data associated with the captured image.