Cycloidal Prism Scanning for Large Image Fields
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera technologies face challenges in recording large image fields at high resolution without incurring high costs or experiencing unwanted torque effects and increased energy consumption, particularly when using step-scan mechanisms on movable platforms.
Innovation Solution
The method employs continuously rotating refractive prisms to create a cycloidal scan pattern in the form of an astroid, with reversal points at the vertexes of the astroid pattern to maintain unsharpness below pixel size, reducing energy consumption and eliminating periodic torque effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a step-scan mechanism is used to record a large image field, then the image field can be assembled from smaller images, but unwanted torque effects occur which unfavorably affect alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a static step-scan mechanism to a dynamic continuous scanning system using rotating prisms. The optical axis is continuously moved along a cycloidal or astroid scan pattern rather than moving in discrete steps, eliminating the periodic starting and stopping that causes torque effects on movable platforms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic rotation of the prisms to create a continuous scanning motion. The cycloidal or astroid scan pattern is generated through periodic rotation at specific velocity ratios, allowing the optical axis to continuously sweep across the field without abrupt starts and stops that generate harmful torque.
2Area of stationary object
If a step-scan mechanism is used to record a large image field, then the image field can be assembled from smaller images, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous scanning through continuous rotation of the prisms, eliminating the repeated acceleration and deceleration inherent in step-scan mechanisms. The useful action of scanning continues uninterrupted along a cycloidal or astroid path, reducing energy consumption by avoiding periodic motor engagement and disengagement.
3Ease of operation
If continuously rotating prisms are used to create a cycloidal scan pattern, then electronic triggering is simplified and energy consumption is reduced, but the scan pattern complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the large image field into multiple smaller partial images captured at different positions along the cycloidal or astroid scan pattern. Each partial image is recorded during a specific phase of the periodic scan, and the segments are later assembled to form the complete large-scale image, simplifying the electronic triggering requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the traditional linear or rectangular scan pattern into a cycloidal or astroid pattern that utilizes both horizontal and vertical dimensions in a periodic manner. This dimensional transformation allows continuous rotation to generate a two-dimensional scan coverage, simplifying the mechanical control while maintaining comprehensive field coverage.
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 simplifies electronic triggering, reduces heat dissipation, and prevents unwanted torque effects, enabling efficient image field enlargement with reduced energy consumption, especially suitable for applications like missile homing heads.
Implementation Method 1
The method is characterized in that a cycloidal scan pattern, which is in the form of an astroid, is formed with the aid of at least two continuously rotating refractive prisms
Data Source
AI summary
A method of enlarging an image field of a camera by combining partial images. This method includes continuously rotating at least two refractive prisms such that an optical axis of the at least two prisms scans in a cycloidal pattern. Furthermore the method includes capturing and combining a plurality of partial images. Finally, the cycloidal pattern is formed as an astroid pattern with a plurality of vertexes. The partial images are generated at the time of the reversal movement during the scanning in the astroid pattern, which limits unsharpness in the images kept to less than the size of a pixel.