Multisensor Imaging Device Antenna Panel Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional imaging systems on mobile carriers, such as aircraft, consist of separate radiofrequency and optronic systems with different capture ranges and angles, requiring complex data registration to merge image data, which can lead to errors in fusion.
Innovation Solution
An integrated multi-sensor support panel with a radiating surface containing both radiofrequency and optical sensors, allowing for co-located capture fields without the need for data registration, utilizing a planar antenna structure with optical sensors positioned to preserve the antenna pattern and provide digital image data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate radiofrequency and optronic systems are used, then each system can operate independently with its own capture range and angles, but complex data registration is required to merge image data which can lead to errors in fusion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines radiofrequency sensors and optical sensors into a single integrated multi-sensor support panel with a common radiating surface. This merging eliminates the need for complex data registration between separate systems, as all sensors share the same physical location and capture fields, thereby improving data fusion accuracy while reducing registration complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated support panel serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both a radiofrequency antenna array and a mounting structure for optical sensors. This multi-functionality allows different sensor types to operate from a single platform with co-located capture fields, resolving the contradiction between system independence and data fusion simplicity.
2Measurement precision
If optical sensors are positioned on the radiating surface, then co-located capture fields are achieved without registration, but the antenna pattern may be disturbed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by strategically positioning optical sensors at specific locations on the radiating surface where they do not interfere with the antenna pattern. The support panel structure provides localized mounting positions that maintain both capture field alignment and antenna performance, allowing optical sensors to be integrated without disturbing the overall antenna radiation characteristics.
3Productivity
If multiple sensor types are integrated on the same panel, then data exploitation efficiency is improved without registration, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-sensor support panel is designed as a universal platform that accommodates both radiofrequency and optical sensors simultaneously. This unified structure improves data exploitation efficiency by providing co-located capture fields that eliminate registration requirements, while the standardized panel design actually reduces overall system complexity compared to managing multiple separate sensor platforms.
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 efficient exploitation of data from multiple sensors without registration, reducing computational complexity and improving data fusion accuracy, allowing for enhanced surveillance and scene reconstruction.
Implementation Method 1
a radiofrequency module making it possible to perform a radar function
Implementation Method 2
a radiating surface comprising a plurality of radiating elements forming an antenna array
Implementation Method 3
a plurality of optical sensors positioned on said multi-sensor support panel and distributed between the radiating elements, said optical sensors being capable of providing digital images
Implementation Method 4
a second type of photographic sensors capable of operating in the field of electromagnetic waves of the infrared domain
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an imaging device (1) to be incorporated into a mobile carrier. Said imaging device (1) comprises a multisensor support panel (4) comprising a radiation surface comprising a plurality of radiating elements forming an antenna array, said radiating elements being associated with a radiofrequency module (24) allowing a radar function to be performed, and a plurality of optical sensors positioned on said multisensor support panel (4) and distributed between the radiating elements according to a pre-determined mode of distribution, said optical sensors being able to supply digital images.