Imager with Integrated Asynchronous Laser Pulse Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Passive imaging devices require separate optical paths for detecting laser pulses and imaging signals, leading to increased packaging volume, necessitating a solution to combine these signals along a single optical path.
Innovation Solution
An imaging and asynchronous laser pulse detector (ALPD) device with a detector generating electrical signals indicative of optical signal frequencies, utilizing a high pass filter circuit for high-frequency laser pulses and a low pass filter circuit for low-frequency imaging signals, allowing electrical isolation and simultaneous detection without interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate optical paths are used for laser pulse detection and imaging signal detection, then detection reliability is improved, but packaging volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the separate optical paths for laser pulse detection and imaging signal detection into a single shared optical path. The detector receives both laser pulses and imaging signals through the same optical pathway, eliminating the need for separate optical components and reducing packaging volume while maintaining detection capabilities through frequency-based signal separation in the electrical domain.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces frequency-based filtering as an intermediary mechanism to separate laser pulse signals from imaging signals after they are combined in the detector. The high-pass filter and low-pass filter act as intermediaries that selectively pass different frequency components, enabling reliable separation of the two signal types despite sharing the same optical path.
2Volume of stationary object
If a single optical path is used for both laser pulse and imaging signal detection, then packaging volume is reduced, but signal interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the frequency parameter of the detected signals to differentiate between laser pulses and imaging signals. By detecting laser pulses as high-frequency signals and imaging signals as low-frequency signals, the system can process both signals through the same optical path while preventing interference through frequency-based separation in the subsequent electrical signal processing stages.
Solution Approach 2:
Frequency-based filtering serves as an intermediary mechanism that prevents signal interference after the optical signals are converted to electrical signals. The high-pass filter removes low-frequency imaging signals from the laser pulse detection path, while the low-pass filter removes high-frequency laser pulse components from the imaging signal path, thereby eliminating cross-interference.
3Reliability
If high pass filter and low pass filter circuits are used to separate signals, then signal isolation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical or optical signal separation mechanisms with electronic filtering circuits. Instead of using separate optical paths with physical isolation, the system uses high-pass and low-pass filter circuits to separate signals in the electrical domain after detection, simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining effective signal isolation.
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 the co-location of laser spot and image on a single optical path, allowing continuous viewing of a scene without laser signal obstruction, with high AC and DC attenuation minimizing laser pulse interference in the image.
Implementation Method 1
a detector configured to generate an electrical signal in response to receiving an optical signal, wherein a frequency of the electrical signal is indicative of a frequency of the optical signal
Implementation Method 2
a first detection/readout circuit which is sensitive to specific frequency signal range
Implementation Method 3
a second detection readout circuit that is sensitive to a different selected frequency range
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging and asynchronous laser pulse detector (ALPD) device, imaging cell of the imaging and ALPD device and method of use is disclosed. A detector generates an electrical signal in response to receiving an optical signal, wherein a frequency of the electrical signal is indicative of a frequency of the optical signal. A first detection/readout circuit is sensitive to a first frequency range, and a second detection/readout circuit is sensitive to a second frequency range. The first detection/readout circuit allows the electrical signal to pass from the first detection/readout circuit to the second detection/readout circuit.