Optical Azimuth Sensor Infrared Imaging Daylight

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems are unable to effectively observe celestial bodies during daylight or under cloudy conditions due to intense background light scattering, which obscures the visibility of stars and other celestial objects.

Innovation Solution

The Optical Azimuth Sensor (OAS) utilizes a compact, low-power optical system with a miniature wide-field spectrally optimized imager that images the sky onto a high-performance focal plane array, filtering out shorter wavelengths to reduce background scatter and enhance the visibility of celestial objects by imaging at longer infrared wavelengths, allowing for accurate azimuth measurement during daylight and hazy conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If optical sensors image celestial bodies at visible wavelengths, then image resolution and detail are improved, but background light scattering from the atmosphere obscures celestial objects during daylight and cloudy conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecelestial body detection accuracyVSAvoidatmospheric light scattering

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the operational wavelength parameter from visible light to infrared wavelengths. The optical sensor system detects celestial bodies by imaging at infrared wavelengths where atmospheric scattering is reduced, allowing observation during daylight and cloudy conditions when visible light imaging is obscured by atmospheric scatter

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from two-dimensional visible light imaging to infrared wavelength imaging, effectively moving to a different spectral dimension. This dimensional change in the electromagnetic spectrum allows the sensor to bypass atmospheric scattering effects that plague visible light observation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Duration of action of moving object

If conventional optical systems operate during daylight, then observation time is extended, but intense background light from the sun and atmosphere reduces contrast and visibility of celestial objects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobservation timeVSAvoidbackground light intensity

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the spectral parameter from visible to infrared, enabling operation during daylight hours when background visible light is intense. The infrared sensor detects thermal radiation from celestial bodies at wavelengths where daytime atmospheric emission is lower, extending usable observation time to include daytime and cloudy conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful effect of atmospheric scattering in visible light into a beneficial situation by operating in infrared where the atmosphere is more transparent. The same atmospheric conditions that cause visible light scatter become less problematic at infrared wavelengths, allowing daytime operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Use of energy by moving object

If optical sensors are made compact and low-power, then device portability and energy efficiency are improved, but sensor performance and detection sensitivity may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidazimuth measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical scanning systems with a stationary infrared focal plane array sensor. The infrared sensor captures images in a single stationary position, eliminating the need for heavy mechanical rotation and scanning mechanisms, thereby reducing power consumption and device size while maintaining measurement precision through digital image processing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses periodic image sampling at different time points to track celestial body movement. By taking multiple images over time and processing them computationally, the system achieves accurate azimuth measurement without requiring continuous mechanical scanning, reducing both power consumption and mechanical complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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

The OAS achieves high accuracy and precision in measuring azimuth angles with minimal setup time, low power consumption, and insensitivity to magnetic interference and electronic jamming, enabling effective celestial navigation even in bright daylight and through moderate cloud cover.

Implementation Method 1

imaging at longer infrared wavelengths, allowing for accurate azimuth measurement during daylight and hazy conditions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInfrared Radiation: Infrared Radiation

Implementation Method 2

filtering out shorter wavelengths to reduce background scatter and enhance the visibility of celestial objects

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFilter (optical): Filter (optical)

Implementation Method 3

intense background light scattering, which obscures the visibility of stars and other celestial objects

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectScattering: Scattering

Data Source

PatentUS11566944B1Optical angular measurement sensors

Publication Date: 2023.01.31 WAVEFRONT RESEARCH INC

AI summary

Systems that enable observing celestial bodies during daylight or in under cloudy conditions.