Multi-Channel Imaging Device Unit Cell Architecture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current FLIR sensors require multiple units for simultaneous capture of multi-spectral and polarimetric imagery, leading to increased weight, manufacturing complexity, and cost due to small filter patterns at the pixel pitch dimension, which is undesirable for applications requiring high-resolution imagery with minimal components.
Innovation Solution
A compact multi-channel imaging device with a focal plane array and lens array configured into unit cells, each dedicated to an image channel, allowing for broadband panchromatic, multi-spectral, and polarimetric content in a single package, utilizing sub-pixel shifts for high-resolution imagery and reducing filter size and complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple FLIR sensors are used for simultaneous capture of multi-spectral and polarimetric imagery, then imaging capability is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging device divides the focal plane array into multiple unit cells, each dedicated to a specific spectral channel. Each unit cell contains a subset of pixels arranged to define a unit cell image area, with corresponding filters applied to specific unit cells to enable simultaneous multi-spectral and polarimetric imaging through a single sensor array, eliminating the need for multiple separate sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spatial dimension by arranging unit cells in a two-dimensional array where each unit cell captures a complete image. By filtering specific unit cells for different spectral channels and combining these images through sub-pixel shifting and registration, the system achieves multi-spectral capability in a single sensor package, resolving the weight-versus-capability contradiction.
2Adaptability or versatility
If small filter patterns are used at the pixel pitch dimension, then spectral filtering is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of applying complex small filter patterns at the pixel level, the patent segments the focal plane array into unit cells and applies filters to entire unit cells or groups of unit cells. This segmentation approach simplifies manufacturing by using larger, more manageable filter areas that are easier to fabricate and align, while still achieving the desired spectral filtering capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies filtering selectively to specific unit cells based on their spectral channel requirements. Each unit cell or group of unit cells receives appropriate filters (e.g., long-wave infrared, mid-wave infrared, visible, ultraviolet) tailored to its function, optimizing spectral discrimination while simplifying the overall filtering architecture compared to pixel-level filtering.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple FLIR sensors are used for simultaneous capture of multi-spectral and polarimetric imagery, then imaging capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple imaging functions (multi-spectral, polarimetric, panchromatic) into a single FLIR sensor by organizing pixels into unit cells with dedicated filters. This consolidation integrates what would traditionally require multiple separate sensors into one unified device, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining simultaneous multi-channel imaging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging device achieves multi-functionality by configuring different unit cells to handle different spectral channels and polarimetric modes within a single sensor array. The same physical sensor performs multiple imaging functions simultaneously through the unit cell architecture and selective filtering, eliminating the need for multiple specialized sensors.
4Measurement precision
If unit cells are used with sub-pixel shifts, then high-resolution imagery is achieved, but image processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements sub-pixel shifts at the optical level through the physical arrangement of unit cells and their corresponding filters, creating offset images before detection. This preliminary spatial encoding of high-resolution information in the optical domain simplifies subsequent processing, as the resolution enhancement is partially achieved through the physical configuration rather than requiring complex computational algorithms.
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 high-resolution imagery with reduced weight and manufacturing costs by combining images from unit cells with sub-pixel shifts, enhancing object discrimination and range estimation while maintaining low noise attributes.
Implementation Method 1
a lens array comprising a plurality of lens elements configured to image a scene onto the plurality of unit cell image areas
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of unit cell filters corresponding to the plurality of unit cells is configured to filter radiation corresponding to the scene such that each unit cell is dedicated to an image channel
Implementation Method 3
The pixels of infrared FPAs, for example, are formed of a material that is sensitive to infrared radiation... which then generate a signal such as a voltage that corresponds to the level of infrared light detected
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-channel imaging device is provided. The multi-channel imaging device comprises a focal plane array comprising an array of pixels configured to detect radiation in a predetermined wavelength band. Subsets of the array of pixels are arranged to define a plurality of unit cell image areas. The multi-channel imaging device also comprises a lens array comprising a plurality of lens elements configured to image a scene onto the plurality of unit cell image areas. The lens elements and the unit cell image areas define a plurality of unit cells comprising at least one lens element and at least one unit cell image area. Each of the plurality of unit cells is configured to create a complete image of the scene. Additionally, a plurality of unit cell filters corresponding to the plurality of unit cells is configured to filter radiation such that each unit cell is dedicated to an image channel is also provided.