Multi-Wavelength Sensor Fusion for Degraded Visual Environments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Imaging and ranging sensors face performance degradation in degraded visual environments due to factors like dust and fog, requiring a versatile sensing system capable of operating effectively across different conditions.
Innovation Solution
A sensing system comprising multiple imaging radio frequency and optical receivers, beam combiners, an optical detector array, read-out integrated circuit, and processing circuit, which combines and processes optical and radio frequency signals to form images and measure time of flight, allowing operation in various wavelength ranges and environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If optical sensors operate in the visible or short-wavelength infrared spectrum, then resolution is improved, but performance is degraded by dust or fog
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is designed to detect multiple wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation (visible light, infrared, and radio frequency) using a single integrated sensor platform. This multi-functionality allows the system to switch between different sensing modes depending on environmental conditions, maintaining both high resolution and reliability across varied scenarios including degraded visual environments with dust or fog.
2Reliability
If radio frequency and long-wavelength infrared sensors are used, then performance is less easily degraded by dust or fog, but resolution is inferior
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensing capabilities (optical detection for visible and infrared wavelengths, and radio frequency detection) into a single integrated sensor system. This merging allows the system to simultaneously access the penetration advantages of longer wavelengths and the resolution advantages of shorter wavelengths, resolving the trade-off between reliability and measurement precision.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single sensor type is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different environmental conditions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system integrates multiple detection capabilities (optical and radio frequency sensing across various wavelengths) within a single universal platform. This design achieves high adaptability to different environmental conditions while managing complexity through integrated architecture, allowing the system to automatically select appropriate sensing modes based on environmental conditions.
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 reliable imaging and ranging in degraded visual environments by combining and processing signals from multiple sources, enhancing sensor performance and adaptability across different conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the first optical beam combiner being configured to combine: an optical signal of the first imaging radio frequency receiver, and an optical signal of the second imaging radio frequency receiver
Data Source
AI summary
A sensing system. In some embodiments, the system includes a first imaging radio frequency receiver, a second imaging radio frequency receiver, a first optical beam combiner, a first imaging optical receiver, a second optical beam combiner, and an optical detector array. The first optical beam combiner may be configured to combine optical signals of the imaging radio frequency receivers. The second optical beam combiner may be configured to combine the optical signals of the imaging radio frequency receivers, and the optical signal of the first imaging optical receiver.