Optical Multiplexer for Pushbroom Imaging Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current imaging systems, particularly pushbroom imagers, face inefficiencies in optical data collection due to limited utilization of focal plane arrays, leading to compromised spatial resolution and increased acquisition time and cost, as they often underutilize the spectral dimension and require larger optical components to accommodate more spatial pixels.
Innovation Solution
An optical multiplexer system that creates a 'virtual' focal plane array by directing optical data from multiple fields of view through a common optical train onto adjacent sections of a focal plane sensor array, allowing for increased across-track pixels and efficient use of existing sensor arrays, thereby improving spatial resolution and swath width without the need for larger optical components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a narrow slit is used in pushbroom imaging to pass only a narrow portion of the field of view, then spectral resolution is improved, but the across-track swath width is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the field of view into multiple discrete fields of view (FOVs), each with its own slit and optical path. This segmentation allows each slit to maintain narrow dimensions for high spectral resolution while multiple FOVs collectively cover a wide across-track swath, resolving the contradiction between narrow slit requirements and wide swath needs.
2Measurement precision
If the number of across-track pixels is increased to improve spatial resolution, then manufacturing cost and optical component size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single two-dimensional focal plane array to a three-dimensional multiplexed array structure where multiple FOVs are mapped to adjacent sections of the FPA. This dimensional expansion allows the system to achieve higher effective spatial resolution across the swath without requiring a single large-format sensor, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.
3Area of stationary object
If a single focal plane array is used to cover a wide swath, then optical component size must increase, but this increases system complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple narrow FOV optical paths into a single common optical train that feeds into adjacent sections of a focal plane array. This combining approach allows wide swath coverage through multiple FOVs while using smaller, more manageable optical components compared to a single large-format system.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate imaging systems are used to cover different fields of view, then imaging functionality is improved, but system complexity and acquisition time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal optical train that serves multiple FOVs simultaneously, with each FOV having its own beam deflection system but sharing common optical elements. This multi-functional design provides enhanced imaging functionality across multiple fields of view while reducing overall system complexity compared to entirely separate imaging systems.
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 enhances spatial resolution, increases swath width, and enables efficient data collection from multiple fields of view, reducing the physical size and cost of optical components while maintaining signal quality, thus improving the overall efficiency of optical data collection.
Implementation Method 1
at least one beam deflection system for operatively receiving optical data from at least a second field of view
Implementation Method 2
an optical train for focusing the optical data from the above optical paths onto adjacent sections of a focal plane sensor array
Data Source
Figure 1A~1(C)
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention describes an optical multiplexer for increasing optical data collection efficiency across at least two fields of view. The optical multiplexer includes a first optical path for operatively receiving optical data from a first field of view and at least one beam deflection system for operatively receiving optical data from at least a second field of view. The optical multiplexer also includes an optical train for focusing the optical data passing through the optical train onto adjacent sections of a focal plane array. The invention provides improvements including expanded across-track swaths, higher spatial resolution, imaging of real-time references on every frame, coincident imaging along separate paths, stereo imaging and other increases in imaging functionality.