Optical Correlator with Integrated Image Production and Capture Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical correlators face challenges with slow image loading times and large physical size due to spatial separation between image production and capture devices, leading to extended correlation result times and increased size.
Innovation Solution
An optical correlator design where the image production and capture devices are integrated on a common substrate and disposed in a common plane, such as the focal plane of a curved or planar mirror, allowing for a folded architecture that reduces size and enhances correlation speed by minimizing spatial offset and using ferroelectric liquid crystal or nematic liquid crystal spatial light modulators for efficient image processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If image production and capture devices are spatially separated in traditional optical correlators, then the correlation processing can be performed, but the physical size increases and correlation speed decreases due to extended data transfer paths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the image production device and image capture device into a single integrated unit on the same substrate. This merging eliminates the spatial separation between these devices, reducing the physical footprint of the correlator while maintaining the necessary functional separation for optical processing. The integration directly addresses the contradiction by reducing physical size without compromising correlation speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a folded optical architecture that uses reflection from a curved or planar mirror to redirect light paths. This dimensional manipulation allows the optical processing to occur in a compact space by folding the light path back onto itself, effectively reducing the physical length of the correlator while maintaining the optical processing distance needed for Fourier transformation.
2Loss of time
If image production and capture devices are spatially separated, then optical processing can be performed, but the time to convey Fourier transform information back to the image production device extends the correlation result time
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the image capture device on the same substrate as the image production device, the patent eliminates the need to convey Fourier transform information back to a spatially separated image production device. This integration removes the data transfer time component from the correlation process, directly reducing the total correlation result time while maintaining functional separation for optical processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The folded optical architecture enables continuous optical processing by redirecting light paths through mirrors, allowing the Fourier transformation and correlation operations to proceed without interruption or repeated data transfer cycles. This continuous action reduces the time loss associated with back-and-forth data conveyance between spatially separated devices.
3Speed
If ferroelectric liquid crystal devices are used to mitigate slow image loading times, then image loading speed improves, but the device complexity and manufacturing challenges increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs liquid crystal spatial light modulators that serve multiple functions: they act as both the image production device and are integrated with the image capture device. This multi-functionality allows the use of liquid crystal technology for its fast response characteristics while simplifying the overall device architecture, thereby improving image loading speed without proportionally increasing manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
By integrating the liquid crystal spatial light modulator with the image capture device on the same substrate, the patent reduces the number of discrete components that need to be manufactured and assembled. This integration maintains the fast image loading capabilities of liquid crystal devices while reducing overall manufacturing complexity compared to using separate ferroelectric liquid crystal devices for image production.
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 design reduces the physical size of the correlator and increases correlation speed by integrating image production and capture devices, minimizing manufacturing costs and handling issues while maintaining identical operating conditions.
Implementation Method 1
an optical device for providing a Fourier transform of image information on the image production device at the image capture device
Implementation Method 2
the image production and capture devices are disposed in a common plane, such as the focal plane of a curved or planar mirror
Implementation Method 3
using ferroelectric liquid crystal or nematic liquid crystal spatial light modulators for efficient image processing
Data Source
AI summary
An optical correlator includes an image production device and an image capture device disposed in a common plane. An optical device such as a lens or mirror provides a Fourier transform of image information from the image production device onto the image capture device. An advantage of embodiments of the invention is its small size.