Multi-Spectral Sensor Stationary Optics Motion Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hyperspectral and multispectral imaging systems used in aerial reconnaissance and surveillance face challenges due to complex opto-mechanical implementations that increase size, weight, and cost, particularly in compensating for mobile platform motion during image capture, leading to image smearing.
Innovation Solution
A multi-spectral sensor system mounted on a mobile platform with a stationary optics assembly and a motion controller that moves the image capturing system along orthogonal axes to compensate for platform motion, using a Y-axis translation stage and image detector array to scan spectral regions and capture pixel values, thereby eliminating image smearing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a scan mirror or gimbal is used to perform forward motion compensation, then image smearing is mitigated, but device complexity, size, weight, and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving the optics to track the scene (conventional FMC approach), this patent moves the detector array in the opposite direction to achieve the same compensation effect. The detector array is translated across the stationary optics assembly, inverting the traditional approach where optics move and detectors remain stationary.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex opto-mechanical systems (scan mirrors, gimbals) with a simpler translation stage mechanism that moves the detector array. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical scanning components while achieving the same forward motion compensation function.
2Reliability
If the entire system is moved over the scene (pushbroom method), then forward motion compensation is achieved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the FMC function into separate components: the optics assembly remains stationary while the detector array is independently translated. This segmentation allows the compensation function to be achieved through a simple linear translation stage rather than moving the entire complex opto-mechanical system.
Solution Approach 2:
The translation stage acts as an intermediary mechanism between the stationary optics and the detector array, enabling precise control of detector position to achieve FMC without requiring the entire system to move mechanically.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-spectral sensor system and methods are disclosed. One aspect of the invention comprises a multi-spectral sensor system mountable to a mobile platform. The system may comprise an image capturing system, a first translation stage affixed to the image capturing system and a stationary optics assembly. The system may further comprise a motion controller configured to move the first translation stage and image capturing system across the stationary optics along a traveling direction opposite of a traveling direction of the mobile platform and at substantially the same rate as the mobile platform is moving during a stare operation.