Non-Mechanical Beamsteering for Active Pushbroom Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional active optical systems face challenges in achieving rapid imaging scans while maintaining reduced weight, size, and power consumption, especially in dynamic environments, due to the complexity and power requirements of mechanical beamsteering optics.
Innovation Solution
An active imaging system utilizing a non-mechanical beamsteering device, such as a liquid crystal waveguide, to direct electromagnetic radiation based on detected motion, coupled with a focal plane array and control circuitry to selectively illuminate and image edge regions of the instantaneous field-of-view, reducing the need for mechanical components and optimizing power usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If mechanical beamsteering optics are used to achieve rapid imaging scans, then imaging speed is improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical beamsteering optics with a non-mechanical beamsteering device that uses electronic control to direct electromagnetic radiation. This substitution eliminates moving parts while maintaining the ability to perform rapid imaging scans, thereby reducing device complexity and power consumption while preserving imaging speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the beamsteering system by using electronically controllable beam direction instead of mechanical movement. This allows for rapid changes in beam direction through electrical signal adjustment rather than physical repositioning, achieving high imaging scan speed without mechanical complexity.
2Speed
If mechanical beamsteering optics are used for rapid imaging scans, then imaging speed is improved, but weight and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces heavy mechanical beamsteering components with a lightweight non-mechanical beamsteering device. This electronic beam direction control system eliminates the need for motors, gears, and other mechanical parts, significantly reducing the weight of the imaging system while maintaining rapid scanning capability.
3Area of stationary object
If mechanical beamsteering optics are used to image the entire instantaneous field-of-view, then coverage area is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by selectively illuminating and imaging only the leading edge region of the instantaneous field-of-view rather than the entire scene. This localized approach reduces the power required for electromagnetic radiation emission and detection while still providing useful imaging data from the most critical region in the direction of motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses partial action by imaging only a portion (the leading edge) of the complete instantaneous field-of-view. This selective imaging approach provides sufficient information for motion compensation and scene mapping without the power consumption required to image the entire scene, achieving energy efficiency while maintaining functional effectiveness.
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 rapid imaging scans with reduced weight, size, and power consumption, while maintaining high imaging efficiency and accuracy, even in motion-intensive environments, by dynamically adjusting the beam direction in response to detected motion.
Implementation Method 1
an active imaging system which includes solid-state active optical elements for active scanning applications
Implementation Method 2
a non-mechanical beamsteering device which directs illumination over a desired extent of a scene
Implementation Method 3
The scene is imaged by sensing reflections of the laser radiation at a detector
Implementation Method 4
the charge within the pixel is accumulated at a capacitive element, which produces a voltage proportional to the accumulated charge
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects and embodiments are generally directed to active imaging systems and methods. In one example, an active imaging system includes a positioning system configured to detect a direction of motion of the imaging system relative to a scene, an optical source positioned to emit electromagnetic radiation, a non-mechanical beamsteering device positioned to receive the electromagnetic radiation from the optical source and configured to scan the electromagnetic radiation over at least a first portion of the scene within an instantaneous field-of-view of an optical receiver, and the optical receiver positioned to receive reflections of the electromagnetic radiation from at least the first portion of the scene within the instantaneous field-of-view, wherein the first portion of the scene is within a first edge region of the instantaneous field-of-view of the optical receiver, the first edge region being in the direction of motion of the imaging system.