Galilean Monocentric Multiscale Camera Volume Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current gigapixel imaging systems are limited by high cost, complexity, and computational challenges, with prior art MMS systems adopting Keplerian designs that result in larger volumes and vignetting issues due to overlapping microcamera fields of view.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a monocentric multiscale gigapixel imaging system using a Galilean architecture with co-boresighted cameras, which interleaves fields of view to eliminate overlaps and reduce system volume, enabling a smaller, more compact design with improved image quality and reduced vignetting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If Keplerian design is used for MMS system, then overlapping microcamera fields of view can be achieved, but system volume increases and vignetting occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage qualityVSAvoidsystem volume

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional Keplerian design approach by adopting a Galilean design where the objective lens has a negative focal length. This inversion eliminates the intermediate image surface and allows microcameras to be positioned without overlapping fields of view, reducing system volume by up to 10× while maintaining complete field coverage without vignetting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Area of stationary object

If Keplerian design is used for MMS system, then microcamera fields of view can cover the required area, but vignetting issues occur due to overlapping fields

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefield of view coverageVSAvoidvignetting

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By inverting to Galilean design with negative focal length objective, the patent eliminates the overlapping field of view geometry that causes vignetting. The microcameras are positioned to interleave their fields of view without overlap, achieving complete area coverage while eliminating the harmful vignetting effect entirely.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Measurement precision

If prior art MMS systems are used, then gigapixel imaging can be achieved, but cost and complexity are high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging resolutionVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent simplifies the system by inverting to Galilean design, which eliminates the intermediate image surface and reduces the number of optical components required. This reduces device complexity and cost while maintaining gigapixel imaging capability through the monocentric multiscale architecture with co-boresighted microcameras.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the imaging system into multiple microcameras with different fields of view that interleave to capture the complete scene. This segmentation approach achieves gigapixel resolution without requiring a single complex high-resolution sensor, thereby reducing overall system complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11523051B2Co-boresighted monocentric multiscale (MMS) camera exhibiting Galilean multiscale design

Publication Date: 2022.12.06 TRANSFORMATIVE OPTICS CORP

AI summary

Disclosed are systems, methods, and structures for monocentric multiscale gigapixel imaging systems and cameras employing a Galilean architecture wherein adjacent subimages do not overlap while advantageously producing a reduced system volume, improved relative illumination and image quality as compared with prior art systems.