Dual-Field-of-View Optical System Using Beamsplitter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dual-field-of-view electro-optical sensor systems require multiple sensors and optics, leading to increased size, weight, power, and cost, and suffer from delays and loss of target tracking when switching between narrow and wide fields-of-view.
Innovation Solution
A dual-field-of-view optical system that uses a single imaging sensor and shared optics, employing a field-of-view selection mechanism such as a shutter or beamsplitter to simultaneously collect and process both narrow and wide fields-of-view without obscuring the primary field-of-view, allowing for temporally multiplexed imaging and display of both views.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If multiple sensors and optics are used to provide both narrow and wide fields-of-view simultaneously, then both fields-of-view can be viewed without switching delays, but the system size, weight, power, and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple fields-of-view (narrow and wide) onto a single sensor by using optical elements such as beamsplitters or mirrors to direct light from different angular ranges to the same detector. This merging approach eliminates the need for separate sensor systems while maintaining simultaneous viewing capability, thus reducing system complexity, size, weight, and power consumption while avoiding switching delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes a single sensor serve multiple functions by enabling it to detect both narrow field-of-view (high magnification) and wide field-of-view (situational awareness) simultaneously through optical path combining. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated sensors for each field-of-view, reducing the overall system SWaP-C while maintaining both viewing modes without switching.
2Device complexity
If a single sensor is used for both narrow and wide fields-of-view, then system size, weight, and power are reduced, but the bandwidth required to maintain full motion video streams increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs temporal multiplexing where the single sensor alternately captures images for narrow and wide fields-of-view in rapid succession, with each field-of-view being imaged for a portion of the total integration time. This periodic action allows the sensor to service multiple fields-of-view sequentially at high speed, reducing the instantaneous bandwidth requirement compared to simultaneously processing two full-motion video streams from separate sensors, while still providing both views to the operator.
3Device complexity
If manual switching between wide and narrow fields-of-view is implemented, then system complexity is reduced, but target tracking is lost during switching causing delay and requiring reacquisition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges narrow and wide field-of-view optical paths to a single sensor, enabling simultaneous capture of both fields. This allows the operator to view both narrow (for target identification) and wide (for situational awareness and tracking) fields concurrently without switching, thereby maintaining continuous target tracking while providing access to both fields-of-view. The system can display both views simultaneously or allow rapid switching without loss of target acquisition.
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
Enables simultaneous viewing of multiple fields-of-view with a single sensor, reducing system size, weight, and power consumption while maintaining high-quality video streams and preventing target loss during switching.
Implementation Method 1
employing a field-of-view selection mechanism such as a shutter or beamsplitter to simultaneously collect and process both narrow and wide fields-of-view
Data Source
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Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A dual-field-of-view (FOV) optical imaging system having a primary FOV and a simultaneously viewable secondary FOV. One example of the system includes an imaging sensor, primary and secondary FOV objective optics configured to receive and output electromagnetic radiation corresponding to the primary FOV and secondary FOV, respectively, imager optics, and a field-of-view selection mechanism disposed between the secondary FOV objective optics and the imager optics and configured to selectively pass the second FOV to the imager optics, the imaging sensor being configured to produce primary FOV image frames and combined image frames that include imagery from both the primary and secondary fields-of-view.