Integrated Optical Boresighting Target for Multi-Wavelength Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical targets are limited to single wavelengths and either emit or detect light, making them inadequate for aligning modern optical sensor systems that operate across multiple wavelength regions, such as visible, near-infrared, and thermal infrared, and pose safety hazards due to the complexity and error-prone nature of mechanical adjustments.
Innovation Solution
An integrated optical boresighting target (IOBT) system that radiates and detects illuminating signals across a broad wavelength range, using a pinhole aperture and phosphor screens to function as both a light source and detector, eliminating the need for mechanical changes and reducing alignment errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple optical targets with various emission and detection capabilities are used for boresighting, then the alignment capability across multiple wavelength regions is improved, but the mechanical insertion process becomes more complex and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical targets with different emission and detection capabilities into a single integrated optical target assembly. This assembly includes multiple light sources (laser, LED, incandescent) and detectors (photodiode, phototransistor, thermopile) that can be selectively activated, eliminating the need for separate mechanical insertions of multiple targets while maintaining versatility across wavelength regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated optical target is designed to perform multiple functions: it can emit light at various wavelengths (visible, near-IR, thermal-IR), detect light at different wavelengths, and serve as a reference target for boresighting. This multi-functionality is achieved by incorporating multiple emitters and detectors within a single target structure that can be electronically controlled.
2Manufacturing precision
If precise mechanical insertions are made for optical targets, then the alignment accuracy is improved, but the time consumption and risk of damage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical insertion and adjustment system with an electronically controlled system. The integrated optical target is positioned once in a precise location, and then different optical functions are activated electronically through control circuits that select which light sources and detectors to use, eliminating repeated mechanical manipulations.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical target is pre-positioned in a precise location during installation, and then remains stationary throughout the boresighting process. The precision is achieved once during setup, and subsequent operations use electronic control to select different functional modes without requiring further mechanical adjustments.
3Manufacturing precision
If mechanical adjustments are made for optical target alignment, then the alignment precision is improved, but the risk of accidental bumping and damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates mechanical adjustment mechanisms by using a fixed, integrated optical target design. Once installed, the target requires no mechanical manipulation during boresighting operations. The system uses electronic control to activate different light sources and detectors, completely removing the risk of accidental bumping that could misalign optical components or expose operators to laser hazards.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated optical target is designed to be self-contained and self-configuring. It includes built-in control logic that automatically selects the appropriate light sources and detectors based on the boresighting requirements, eliminating the need for external mechanical adjustments and reducing the risk of human error.
4Ease of operation
If a single optical target is used for boresighting, then the mechanical operation is simplified, but the capability to align multi-wavelength sensor systems is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated optical target incorporates multiple light sources emitting at different wavelengths (visible LED, near-IR laser, thermal-IR incandescent) and multiple detectors sensitive to different wavelength ranges within a single device. This allows the target to provide alignment references for multi-wavelength sensor systems while maintaining simple mechanical operation as a single unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple functional components (different wavelength light sources, different type detectors, and structural elements) into a single integrated target assembly. This consolidation maintains operational simplicity while providing the full spectrum of alignment capabilities needed for modern multi-wavelength optical sensor systems.
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 IOBT system enables precise and repeatable alignment of optical sensor systems without mechanical adjustments, reducing the risk of damage and safety hazards, while allowing for flexible operation across multiple wavelengths and emitter/detector roles.
Implementation Method 1
The target includes a phosphor screen that converts ultraviolet light to visible light
Implementation Method 2
The target includes a pinhole aperture that transmits light from the system under test
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
In some embodiments, the method for boresighting a system under test (SUT) involves radiating, by the SUT, an illuminating signal(s) to a target, where the illuminating signal(s) is radiated onto an external screen of the target. The method further involves detecting, by an external detector(s), the illuminating signal(s) radiated onto the external screen to produce an external detector measurement. Also, the method involves aligning the SUT by using the external detector measurement. In addition, the method involves radiating, by the SUT, the illuminating signal(s) to the target, where the illuminating signal(s) is radiated through an opening located on a side of the target and onto an internal screen of the target. Additionally, the method involves detecting, by an internal detector(s) of the target, the illuminating signal(s) radiated onto the internal screen to produce an internal detector measurement. Further, the method involves aligning the SUT by using the internal detector measurement.