Dual-Axis Steering Mirror Line of Sight Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
High precision image capture devices face challenges in reducing blur and distortions due to relative motion between the imaging platform and the region of interest, especially in multispectral systems where stability is critical across multiple line scans or time-delayed integration sensors.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a dual-axis fast steering mirror that rotates according to a sawtooth motion profile to compensate for relative motion, with integration periods and snapback segments to capture clear images, and using real-time feedback from motion sensors to adjust for deviations and misalignments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the imaging platform moves along a path to capture images of a region of interest, then productivity is improved by covering more area, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to blur and distortions caused by relative motion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic motion profile for the steering mirror that adapts to the imaging platform's motion. The mirror rotates about two axes with time-varying angular positions, allowing the system to maintain image stability while the platform moves along its path, thus resolving the contradiction between productivity and image clarity
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses real-time feedback from position information about the imaging platform's orientation to adjust the steering mirror's motion profile. This feedback mechanism allows the mirror to compensate for platform motion dynamically, maintaining manufacturing precision (image clarity) while allowing productivity (platform movement) to continue
2Manufacturing precision
If the steering mirror rotates quickly to compensate for platform motion, then manufacturing precision is improved by reducing blur, but device complexity increases due to the dual-axis rotation mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The dual-axis steering mirror serves multiple functions: it compensates for platform motion, maintains line-of-sight stability, and enables flexible image capture angles. By consolidating these functions into a single dual-axis mechanism rather than multiple separate systems, the patent reduces overall device complexity while maintaining manufacturing precision
3Manufacturing precision
If the integration period is extended to capture clear images during motion compensation, then manufacturing precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to longer exposure periods
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic motion profiles with alternating ramp segments and snapback segments. During ramp segments, the mirror smoothly compensates for platform motion allowing extended integration periods. During snapback segments, the mirror quickly returns to initial position. This periodic action pattern allows sufficient integration time for high signal-to-noise ratio while minimizing total time loss through efficient snapback transitions
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods of capturing imagery are provided. In particular, an imaging platform can be configured to capture imagery using a dual-axis steering mirror and one or more image capture devices. The line of sight angle of the imaging platform can be controlled by controlling the motion of the steering mirror in accordance with a motion profile. In example embodiments, the motion profile can correspond to a sawtooth wave. The imaging platform can further include one or more position sensors used to determine a position and/or orientation of the imaging platform along a path on which the imaging platform travels. The motion of the steering mirror can then be controlled to rotate about a first axis and a second axis to compensate for line of sight errors based at least in part on the determined position and/or orientation.