Digital Micromirror Array Beam Steering for Compact Optical Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical systems face limitations in noisy environments and SWaP constraints, struggling to provide high-quality real-time images in low light conditions, especially when used on moving platforms.
Innovation Solution
A compact, adaptive optical sensor system utilizing a digital micromirror array and an electronically controlled dynamic field stop, enabled by advanced beamsteering micromirror arrays, which reduces system size and complexity while maintaining signal lock in challenging conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical gimbal is used to steer the optical beam, then the system achieves stable imaging in benign environments, but the system size, weight, and power consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical gimbal system with an electronically controlled digital micromirror array (DMD) for beam steering. The DMD uses individual micromirror elements that can be tilted independently via electronic control signals, eliminating the need for heavy mechanical gimbals while achieving comparable or superior steering precision and responsiveness.
2Reliability
If a mechanical gimbal is used to steer the optical beam, then the system achieves stable imaging in benign environments, but the system complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical gimbal system is replaced with an electronically controlled digital micromirror array (DMD) for beam steering. The DMD uses individual micromirror elements that can be tilted independently via electronic control signals, eliminating the need for heavy mechanical gimbals while achieving comparable or superior steering precision and responsiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs an electronically controlled dynamic field stop that can adjust the aperture size and shape in real-time based on imaging conditions. This electronic parameter control replaces complex mechanical adjustments, allowing dynamic optimization of the optical path and signal-to-noise ratio without additional mechanical complexity.
3Productivity
If individual micro-scanners are used for rapid scanning, then the system handles high noise environments better, but the aperture size is reduced leading to poor low light performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical beam into multiple discrete segments, with each micromirror element in the DMD handling a specific portion of the beam. This segmentation allows independent control of each beam segment, enabling rapid electronic scanning while maintaining the collective aperture area needed for light collection. The segmented approach permits parallel processing of multiple beam directions simultaneously.
4Volume of moving object
If present day non-gimballed optics are used, then the system is more compact, but the steering range and resolution are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical beam into multiple discrete segments, with each micromirror element in the DMD handling a specific portion of the beam. This segmentation allows independent control of each beam segment, enabling rapid electronic scanning while maintaining the collective aperture area needed for light collection. The segmented approach permits parallel processing of multiple beam directions simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional mechanical gimbal rotation to two-dimensional electronic control of micromirror tilts. Each micromirror element can be tilted independently in both horizontal and vertical dimensions, providing superior steering resolution and range within a compact form factor. This dimensional expansion allows precise control of beam direction without mechanical complexity.
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 achieves reliable high-resolution, real-time imaging in noisy and low-light environments with reduced size, weight, and power consumption, suitable for use on various mobile platforms.
Implementation Method 1
The micromirror elements may be electronically controlled so as to be aimed in a desired direction to image a desired area, and may also operate to receive and reflect light emanating from the desired area
Implementation Method 2
The aperture control system may be configured to receive light reflected from the digital micromirror array and to pass a predetermined subportion of the received light therethrough
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an imaging system which may make use of an electronic controller, a digital micromirror array, an aperture control system and a detector to image a desired scene. The digital micromirror array has a plurality of micromirror elements responsive to control signals generated by the electronic controller for electronically aiming the micromirror elements in a desired direction to image the desired area, and for receiving and reflecting light emanating from the desired area. The aperture control system receives light reflected from the digital micromirror array and passes a predetermined subportion of the received light therethrough. The detector is responsive to the predetermined subportion of light.