Event Multiplexer for Independent Aerial Image Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prior positioning systems for aerial imaging can only record the time and position of sensor capture for one or two independent sensors, limiting the ability to independently actuate multiple cameras and requiring separate systems for additional sensors.
Innovation Solution
An image capture system with an event multiplexer system that includes multiple image capture devices, a monitoring system, and a computer system, allowing for independent actuation and recording of time and position data for each sensor, using satellite signals and inertial measurement units to geo-reference images accurately.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If prior positioning systems are used with only one or two ports, then the system complexity is low, but the quantity of sensors that can be independently actuated is limited to one or two
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the sensor management function into separate modules: the event multiplexer handles signal routing for multiple cameras, the GPS receiver handles positioning, and the inertial measurement unit handles motion data. This segmentation allows each component to manage a specific aspect, enabling support for multiple sensors without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The event multiplexer serves multiple functions: it receives trigger signals from multiple camera event channels, determines the order of events, identifies which camera captured each image, and outputs synchronized signals to the GPS receiver. This multi-functionality allows a single device to manage multiple sensors independently, increasing sensor quantity without requiring separate positioning systems for each camera.
2Productivity
If one or two independent sensors are used, then the device complexity is low, but the productivity of aerial imaging system is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The event multiplexer acts as an intermediary between multiple camera sensors and the GPS receiver. It receives event signals from multiple camera event channels, processes them to determine event order and camera identification, and outputs a single synchronized signal to the GPS receiver. This intermediary approach enables the system to handle multiple sensors independently while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure, thereby increasing aerial imaging productivity without proportionally increasing device complexity.
3Ease of operation
If multiple cameras are actuated simultaneously using industry standard method, then the system complexity is low, but the ability to independently control each camera is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static simultaneous actuation to dynamic independent control. The event multiplexer dynamically routes event signals from different camera channels based on which camera actually captures an image, allowing each camera to be actuated independently at different times. This dynamic approach enables independent camera control while the multiplexer adapts its signal routing in real-time based on camera activity, managing complexity through adaptive signal management rather than fixed simultaneous operation.
Data Source
AI summary
An image capture system for capturing images of an object, such as the Earth. The image capture system includes a moving platform, at least two image capture devices, a position system, an event multiplexer and a computer system. The image capture devices are mounted to the moving platform. Each image capture device has a sensor for capturing an image and an event channel providing an event signal indicating the capturing of an image by the sensor. The position system records data indicative of a position as a function of time related to the moving platform. The event multiplexer has at least two image capture inputs and at least one output port. Each image capture input receives event signals from the event channel of one of the image capture devices. The event multiplexer outputs information indicative of an order of events indicated by the event signals, and identification of image capture devices providing the event signals. The computer system receives and stores the information indicative of the order of events indicated by the event signals, and identification of image capture devices providing the event signals.