Electro-Optical Spatial Resolution via Deep-Learned ESF Correction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for measuring the modulation transfer function (MTF) in electro-optical systems are adversely affected by micro-vibrations, leading to inaccurate results due to over-fitting or under-fitting issues when using traditional line fitting methods like hyperbolic tangent or cubic spline, which cannot effectively mitigate the influence of vibrations.

Innovation Solution

Employing deep learning techniques to process raw edge spread function (ESF) data, utilizing a deep learning model to correct ESF curves, followed by differentiation to obtain line spread function (LSF) and Fourier transformation to derive the MTF, thereby reducing the impact of micro-vibrations on measurement accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If traditional line fitting methods (hyperbolic tangent, cubic spline) are used to correct ESF data, then the measurement process can be simplified, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to over-fitting or under-fitting that cannot effectively remove micro-vibration noise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement process complexityVSAvoidMTF measurement precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mathematical fitting methods (hyperbolic tangent, cubic spline) with a deep learning-based neural network model to correct ESF data. The neural network learns to denoise and correct ESF curves by training on synthetic data generated with known vibration characteristics, enabling effective removal of micro-vibration noise while avoiding the over-fitting and under-fitting problems of conventional fitting methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If all equipment is stopped and personnel controlled to minimize micro-vibrations during measurement, then measurement precision improves, but the measurement time and operational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveESF acquisition qualityVSAvoidmeasurement time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful effect of micro-vibrations into a beneficial training opportunity. Instead of eliminating vibrations through equipment shutdown, the system uses synthetic ESF data generated with simulated vibration characteristics to train neural network models. This allows the system to learn to correct vibrational noise patterns, transforming the measurement challenge into an effective noise removal solution without requiring vibration-free conditions during actual measurements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Measurement precision

If deep learning models are trained on synthetic ESF data with simulated vibrations, then the ability to remove vibration influence improves, but the device complexity and training requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration removal capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-training neural network models on synthetic ESF data generated with simulated vibration characteristics before actual measurements are taken. The training process creates a library of corrected ESF curves that can be quickly applied to real measurements. This preliminary training phase establishes the foundation for effective vibration removal without requiring complex real-time processing during actual measurements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12412277B2Apparatus, method, and computer program for measuring spatial resolution of electro-optical system
Publication Date: 2025.09.09 KOREA AEROSPACE RES INST
  • US12412277B2 patent drawing
  • US12412277B2 patent drawing
  • US12412277B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Provided are an apparatus, method, and computer program for measuring spatial resolution of electro-optical system, by which the influence of edge spread function (ESF) by micro-vibrations is mitigated by using deep learning techniques. The method of measuring spatial resolution of electro-optical system includes obtaining raw ESF data from an edge image obtained by using the electro-optical system, obtaining a corrected ESF curve by inputting the raw ESF data to a deep learning model, obtaining a line spread function (LSF) curve by differentiating the corrected ESF curve, obtaining a modulation transfer function (MTF) curve by Fourier-transforming the LSF curve; and obtaining a MTF value from the MTF curve.