Optical Sighting Generators for Imaging System Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current imaging systems on mobile carriers, such as aircraft, face challenges in dynamic image correction due to vibrations, allowing only partial correction without compensating for absolute position deviations, especially when targets are not uniformly distributed.
Innovation Solution
A calibration device comprising optical sighting generators secured to the support panel, which includes an emitter and an optical system with a conversion unit, such as a prism or hologram, to generate and project an optical sighting pattern that is recorded by optical sensors to calibrate the system, aligning the antenna and optical sensor axes, and calculating deformations for precise dynamic calibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dynamic correction is implemented during motion, then image stabilization is improved, but system complexity increases due to additional calibration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-calibrating system where the optical sighting generators and support panel work together to automatically provide reference patterns during operation. The system serves itself by using its own structural elements (support panel) as the calibration medium, eliminating the need for external calibration equipment or complex manual calibration procedures. This reduces system complexity while maintaining dynamic correction capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The support panel serves multiple functions: it is both a structural component of the imaging system and a calibration medium for dynamic correction. The optical sighting generators serve dual purposes of system calibration and providing reference patterns for vibration compensation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated calibration systems, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If optical sighting generators are added to the support panel, then calibration precision is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates the optical sighting generators and their alignment features into the support panel during the preliminary manufacturing stage. By pre-aligning the generators with the panel's reference axes and pre-positioning them at specific locations, the complex alignment requirements are resolved during manufacturing rather than requiring post-assembly calibration. This preliminary action simplifies the overall manufacturing process while maintaining high calibration precision.
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 dynamic correction and harmonization of the imaging system, achieving hyper-resolution calibration that corrects for vibrations and position errors, ensuring accurate image alignment and precision even during flight, enhancing applications like obstacle avoidance and landing assistance.
Implementation Method 1
each generator comprises an emitter capable of emitting optical radiation
Implementation Method 2
an optical system comprising a conversion unit able to obtain an optical sighting from the optical radiation emitted by the emitter
Implementation Method 3
optical sensors able to provide images and arranged on the support panel
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a calibration device of an imaging system for a moving carrier, the imaging system including: a support panel; an antenna array comprising radiating elements positioned on the support panel; and optical sensors capable of providing images and positioned on the support panel. The calibration device includes at least one optical pattern generator, each generator being secured to the support panel.