Hyperacuity Optical Edge Detection for Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical detection systems for high-resolution imaging and obstacle detection are bulky, expensive, and require significant power and processing resources, limiting their effectiveness in applications such as autonomous robotics and aircraft stabilization.
Innovation Solution
A hyperacuity-type optical detection method using periodic positional scanning of optical sensors by relative translation, which measures time differences in signals to determine the angular position of a substantially rectilinear contrast edge, inspired by the human vestibulo-ocular reflex for precise and efficient tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a sensor with high density of pixels is used to obtain very high resolution image, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The detection field is segmented into multiple angular positions through periodic scanning, with each position detected by a simple photodiode pair rather than requiring a high-density pixel array. The continuous scanning process divides the measurement task across time and angular positions, achieving high precision edge detection without complex sensors
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor assembly performs periodic rotational scanning at variable speed, sampling the contrast edge position at different angular positions during each rotation cycle. This periodic action enables hyperacuity-type detection by measuring temporal variations in photodiode signals across multiple scanning cycles, achieving precision beyond the physical spacing of individual photodiodes
2Measurement precision
If image sensor is moved by displacement micro-steps to achieve high resolution, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of discrete micro-step movements, the system uses continuous periodic rotational scanning of the sensor assembly. The contrast edge position is determined by analyzing the temporal pattern of photodiode signals during each rotation cycle, eliminating the need for precision micro-positioning mechanisms and complex image reconstruction algorithms
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical micro-positioning system is replaced by a rotational scanning mechanism with photodiode-based angular position sensing. The contrast edge location is determined through optical signal processing of photodiode outputs rather than through mechanical displacement measurement, simplifying the mechanical requirements while maintaining high precision
3Reliability
If radar systems with millimeter waves are used to detect obstacles at great distance, then detection range is improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts only the essential function of obstacle detection by using simple photodiode pairs to detect contrast edges in the visual spectrum. By focusing on edge detection rather than full imaging or electromagnetic wave transmission, the system achieves effective obstacle detection with minimal hardware complexity, avoiding the need for radar-like sophisticated systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses inexpensive photodiode components rather than expensive radar transmitters and receivers. While the detection range is limited compared to radar, the extreme simplicity and low cost of photodiode-based optical detection makes it suitable for applications where long range is not critical but system complexity must be minimized
4Reliability
If scanning laser is used to detect cable at short distance, then detection capability is achieved, but device bulk and mass increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the core detection function from the bulky scanning laser system by using a stationary photodiode pair that detects contrast edges optically. By eliminating the scanning mechanism and laser source, the system reduces mass dramatically while maintaining cable detection capability through simple optical sensing of edge contrast
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical scanning laser system is replaced by a stationary optical sensor assembly. The rotational scanning of the sensor assembly substitutes for the linear scanning of the laser beam, and photodiode-based optical detection replaces laser-based active illumination and detection, significantly reducing system mass while preserving detection functionality
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
The solution significantly reduces the bulk, mass, and power consumption of detection devices while enhancing scanning reliability, enabling precise detection and tracking of thin obstacles and maintaining stable sighting directions, comparable to human vision, with applications in robotics, aircraft stabilization, and obstacle detection.
Implementation Method 1
a first and a second optical sensor (D1, D2) placed substantially in the image focal plane of this lens
Data Source
AI summary
Method and device for the detection of an essentially rectilinear contrast edge (E) in a direction, whereby a periodic sweep (Ω) of global visual angle (Δψ) of the optical sensors, by translation (S) in another direction transverse to the first direction, is carried out. The translation provides a periodic sweep of non-uniform angular speed (ψ) during a part of the period of sweeping and a measurement of a time difference (t) from the signals provided by the sensors (D1, D2), depending on the angular position of the contrast edge (E) with relation to a reference direction (OY12) within the global visual angle (Δψ) from the sweep law (Ω), the reference direction being connected to a specific value for the time difference (t). The above is of application to spatial stabilization of a sight line and the fine following and fixing of an object with at least one contrast edge.