Optical Alignment Using Rotating Prism-Pairs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional multi-sensor electro-optical systems face challenges in aligning sensors due to complex and power-intensive processing requirements, inaccuracies in mechanical alignment, and difficulties in maintaining alignment during rugged outdoor use, especially when dealing with multi-spectral inputs like infrared and visible sensors.
Innovation Solution
The use of optical elements, specifically rotating prism-pairs, to align sensors by deflecting incoming electromagnetic radiation and correct for angular misalignment, reducing the need for complex digital registration techniques and mechanical adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex digital image processing techniques are used to align multi-sensor images, then alignment accuracy can be improved, but power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex digital image processing (computational method) with optical elements such as prisms and mirrors (physical/optical method) to achieve sensor alignment. The optical elements physically redirect light paths to compensate for angular misalignments between sensors, eliminating the need for power-intensive digital registration processing while maintaining alignment accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If mechanical alignment methods are used to adjust sensor positions, then initial alignment can be achieved, but alignment is lost over time during rugged use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical alignment adjustment mechanisms with optical compensation elements. Instead of relying on mechanically positioned sensors that drift during rugged use, the system uses prisms and mirrors that can be rotated or adjusted to dynamically compensate for misalignments, maintaining registration accuracy without mechanical repositioning of the sensors themselves.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustment capability through rotatable optical elements (prisms and mirrors) that can be repositioned to compensate for alignment drift. This dynamic optical compensation mechanism allows the system to adapt to changes in sensor positioning during rugged outdoor use, maintaining alignment stability where fixed mechanical mounting would fail.
3Measurement precision
If multiple optical components are mechanically aligned to eliminate angular errors, then initial alignment accuracy can be improved, but system complexity and difficulty of re-alignment increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple alignment functions into integrated optical elements. Instead of requiring separate mechanical adjustment mechanisms for each sensor's angular alignment, the system uses prisms and mirrors that simultaneously correct for multiple angular errors (pitch, yaw, roll) across multiple sensors, reducing the number of independent adjustment components needed.
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
This approach minimizes power consumption, preserves image quality, allows for quick realignment, and simplifies system complexity by enabling precise angular alignment without the need for extensive mechanical adjustments, enhancing the portability and accuracy of multi-sensor fusion systems.
Implementation Method 1
The use of optical elements, specifically rotating prism-pairs, to align sensors by deflecting incoming electromagnetic radiation
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments include methods, systems, and apparatus for optically aligning multiple sensors in a multi-sensor electro-optical (EO) system. Various embodiments include ways of aligning these sensors using a combination of optical elements.