Micromirror Array Spatial Isolation for Multi-Sensor Energy Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for analyzing energy associated with a region of interest in a scene require multiple sensors, which occupy substantial space and increase costs, particularly in aircraft applications where space is limited.
Innovation Solution
A multiple sensor system utilizing a micromirror array to direct energy from a region of interest to multiple sensors, allowing for spatial isolation and analysis without affecting the resolution or frame rate of a primary sensor, enabling efficient energy distribution to various sensors like ranging, spectral, or image sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used to analyze energy from different spectral ranges and measurement principles, then measurement precision and information quality are improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the scene into regions of interest (ROIs) and uses a micromirror array to segment and direct energy from different ROIs to different sensors. Each micromirror can be independently controlled to redirect energy from specific spatial locations to appropriate sensors, allowing multiple sensors to analyze different portions of the scene simultaneously without requiring all sensors to view the entire scene.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a spatial dimension to sensor deployment by using a micromirror array positioned between the scene and sensors. The micromirrors create multiple optical paths that direct energy from different spatial locations to different sensors, effectively allowing sensors to be positioned in a multi-dimensional arrangement rather than requiring all sensors to be co-located with unobstructed views of the entire scene.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors with corresponding lens systems are deployed, then measurement precision is improved, but the area occupied and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The micromirror array serves multiple functions: it acts as a beam splitter, a spatial selector, and a director for multiple sensors simultaneously. A single micromirror array can direct energy from different ROIs to multiple different sensors, allowing one optical component to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate lens systems and mounting structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The micromirror array acts as an intermediary component between the scene and the sensors. Instead of requiring direct line-of-sight from each sensor to the scene, the micromirror array mediates the energy transfer, redirecting energy from ROIs to appropriate sensors. This intermediary allows for more flexible and compact system packaging.
3Loss of information
If energy from ROI is directed to additional sensors, then information quality is improved, but loss of time may occur due to wait periods in frame processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent operates the micromirror array during the wait period between frame integrations. While the primary sensor is integrating photons for the next frame, the micromirror array redirects energy from ROIs to secondary sensors. This periodic operation during idle time ensures that no useful measurement time is lost and that information gathering from multiple sensors occurs without extending the overall frame period.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous useful action by utilizing the wait period productively. Instead of leaving the secondary sensors idle, the micromirror array continuously redirects energy to these sensors during the wait period, ensuring that all sensors are actively gathering information throughout the frame period without interruption to the primary sensor's integration process.
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
This solution minimizes space requirements and reduces costs by allowing for real-time full motion video processing while enabling detailed analysis of energy from regions of interest, facilitating efficient energy distribution to multiple sensors without interrupting primary sensor operations.
Implementation Method 1
A first subset of micromirrors in a micromirror array that is directed toward the scene is identified. The first subset of micromirrors receives energy from the first ROI. At least one micromirror in the first subset is controlled to move from a primary position of the at least one micromirror to a first tilt position of the at least one micromirror to reflect the energy from the first ROI toward a second sensor
Data Source
AI summary
Mechanisms for spatially isolating a region of interest (ROI) in a scene. A first sensor generates sensor data that quantifies energy received from a scene within a field of view (FOV) of the first sensor to generate a real-time FOV full motion video. A processor analyzes the sensor data to identify a first ROI during a wait period of a frame period of the first sensor. A first subset of micromirrors in a micromirror array that is directed toward the scene is identified. The first subset of micromirrors receives energy from the first ROI. A micromirror in the first subset is controlled to move from a primary position of the at least one micromirror to a first tilt position of the micromirror to reflect the energy from the first ROI toward a second sensor, the first ROI being spatially isolated from the real-time FOV full motion video.