Movable Pixelated Filter Array for Missile Seeker Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fixed-in-place pixelated filter arrays in imaging systems reduce signal strength and transmittance, making them unsuitable for sensitive applications where high signal strength is necessary, such as in missile seekers, and they permanently reduce signal strength and range.
Innovation Solution
A movable pixelated filter array integrated with a shutter mechanism and data reduction algorithms that allow the filter array to be moved into and out of the optical path, compensating for axial and lateral misalignment, enabling high-transmittance or filtering modes as needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed-in-place pixelated filter arrays are used, then filtering capability is provided, but system transmittance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The filter array is made movable relative to the detector array through a shutter mechanism, allowing the system to dynamically switch between filtering mode (filter array in optical path) and high-transmittance mode (filter array moved away). This resolves the contradiction by making the filtering capability conditional rather than permanent, enabling the system to maintain high transmittance when filtering is not needed while providing filtering capability when required.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed-in-place pixelated filter arrays are used, then filtering capability is provided, but signal strength is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By making the filter array movable, the system can dynamically adjust whether filters are present in the optical path. When high signal strength is needed, the filter array is moved away from the optical path, allowing maximum light to reach the detector. When filtering is required, the array is positioned to provide spectral or polarization filtering. This resolves the contradiction between having filtering capability and maintaining signal strength.
3Loss of energy
If movable filter array is used, then high-transmittance mode is enabled, but alignment precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical alignment mechanisms with a computational approach. A data reduction algorithm processes the detector signals to compensate for misalignment between the filter array and detector array. Instead of requiring precise mechanical alignment, the system uses computational methods to correct for alignment errors, thereby reducing manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining the ability to operate in high-transmittance mode.
Data Source
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AI summary
An optical imaging system and method including a movable pixelated filter array, a shutter mechanism to which the pixelated filter array is attached, and a controller configured to implement a data reduction algorithm. The shutter mechanism is configured to move the pixelated filter array into and out of the optical path, and the data reduction algorithm allows the controller to account for axial and/or lateral misalignment of the filter array relative to the imaging detector array or its conjugate. In certain examples, the controller is further configured to use the data reduction algorithms also to perform wavefront sensing, for example to estimate wavefront error.