Configurable Optical Baffling for Multi-FOV Sensors

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is no known configurable sunshade for multiple camera sensors that provides three or more different field-of-view configurations, limiting the ability to adjust the light exposure for various camera sensors simultaneously.

Innovation Solution

A configurable optical baffling system with an outer and inner housing, each independently rotatable, allowing for multiple positions to block or allow light to specific camera sensors, enabling different field-of-view configurations by rotating the housings and using a flat fold mirror to direct light from a single look direction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional shutters are used to block light from reaching imaging sensors, then light exposure can be controlled for single sensors, but multiple camera sensors cannot achieve multiple field-of-view configurations simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefield-of-view configurationVSAvoidshutter system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sunshade is divided into multiple independently controllable segments, each capable of being positioned to block or allow light to specific camera sensors. This segmentation enables different field-of-view configurations for multiple sensors simultaneously without requiring a complete shutter system for each sensor.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sunshade segments are made dynamically positionable through rotational movement, allowing the system to switch between different field-of-view configurations. The dynamic positioning capability enables adaptability for multiple sensors while maintaining a single, relatively simple mechanical structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If a single opening shutter is used to control light exposure, then the structure remains simple, but multiple field-of-view configurations for different sensor combinations cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor configuration capabilityVSAvoidlight exposure adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of providing complete independent control for each sensor (excessive action), the invention uses a partial control approach where a single rotatable sunshade with segmented openings provides sufficient control for multiple sensor configurations. This partial action maintains ease of operation while achieving the required adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple independent shutters are provided for each camera sensor to achieve multiple field-of-view configurations, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefield-of-view configurabilityVSAvoidshutter mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple sunshade segments that could independently control each sensor are merged into a single integrated rotatable structure. This merging reduces the number of independent mechanisms from multiple shutters to one unified system, significantly reducing device complexity while maintaining the ability to provide multiple field-of-view configurations for different sensor combinations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 multiple field-of-view configurations for camera sensors, from completely blocked to wide angles, enhancing the flexibility and precision of light exposure for various camera sensor setups.

Implementation Method 1

a reflecting end has a flat fold mirror that is configured to reflect light from the outer boresight opening in towards the inner housing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS10511782B2Configurable optical baffling for use with multiple-field-of-view optical sensor system

Publication Date: 2019.12.17 THE CHARLES STARK DRAPER LABORATORY INC

AI summary

A configurable optical baffling includes an outer housing positioned above a fixed platform and has an outer opening. An inner housing is layered below the outer housing and above the fixed platform and has inner openings and inner shaded sections. The outer opening includes an elongated sensing boresight having a longitudinal boresight axis and opposing ends. An outer boresight opening end is open to the light from the scene, and a reflecting end has a flat fold mirror that is configured to reflect light from the outer boresight opening in towards the inner housing so that the optical baffling is configured to receive light from the scene solely from a single look direction along the boresight axis, the single look direction being changeable by rotation of the outer housing.