Optical Multiplexing for High Resolution Wide Field Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Imaging systems face a trade-off between field of view and angular resolution, where increasing one typically decreases the other, making it difficult to achieve both high angular resolution and a large field of view simultaneously in military and commercial applications.
Innovation Solution
The system combines an image multiplexer, an imaging lens, a coded mask, and an array detector to superimpose multiple fields of view and shift them with controlled offsets, while the coded mask shades pixels with individual patterns to enhance resolution, using techniques like Hadamard masks to achieve higher resolution images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a longer focal length is used, then angular resolution is improved, but field of view is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system segments the total field of view into multiple sub-fields of view, each captured by a separate image sensor or sensor region. By dividing the large field of view into smaller segments, each segment can be imaged with high angular resolution while the combined segments provide a large total field of view. This is achieved through optical beam splitting or sensor array configuration where multiple sensors capture different angular regions simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a single two-dimensional image plane to a multi-dimensional sensing architecture by stacking multiple image sensors in the optical path or using a three-dimensional sensor array. This allows simultaneous capture of multiple fields of view at different angular positions, effectively adding a spatial dimension to the imaging system. The multiple sensors are positioned to receive light from different angular regions, enabling high resolution across an extended field of view.
2Area of stationary object
If a shorter focal length is used, then field of view is increased, but angular resolution is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system merges multiple images or image data from different sensors or sensor regions to create a composite high-resolution image covering a large field of view. By combining the data from multiple shorter-focal-length imaging paths, the system achieves both wide coverage and high resolution. This merging process involves aligning and processing images from multiple sources to produce a unified high-quality output.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs multiple imaging channels or sensor arrays that can independently capture images with different focal lengths or field of view characteristics. Each imaging channel serves a specific function (e.g., wide-angle coverage or high-resolution detail), and the system selectively activates or combines these channels based on the imaging requirements, providing universal functionality for both wide field of view and high angular resolution scenarios.
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 allows for a larger field of view and higher angular resolution by combining and processing multiple images, effectively overcoming the limitations of traditional imaging systems, enabling enhanced-resolution images encompassing multiple fields of view.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging lens; and an image multiplexer configured to superimpose a plurality of fields of view onto the array detector
Implementation Method 2
An imaging system consisting of a lens and an array detector at the focus of the lens
Implementation Method 3
a coded mask configured to shade the pixels with individual mask patterns
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging system. In some embodiments, the system includes an image multiplexer, an imaging lens, a coded mask, an array detector comprising an array of pixels, and a processing circuit. The imaging lens and the image multiplexer are configured to superimpose a plurality of fields of view onto the array detector. The image multiplexer is controllable to shift each field of view by a respective image offset, and the coded mask is controllable to shade each of the pixels with a respective individual mask pattern.