Optoelectronics System Wavelength Hopping Sensor Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Night vision devices (NVDs) face challenges in protecting both analog and digital sensors from the negative effects of sudden, intense radiation exposure, which can impair the user's ability to see and reduce the lifespan of the sensors due to the need to lower light gain and resolution.
Innovation Solution
A pulse data generator employs a wavelength hopping algorithm to control the operation of optoelectronic systems, generating pulses that adjust the operation of flash devices and sensor controllers to mitigate the effects of intense radiation, ensuring the system's protection and maintaining image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If voltage is reduced to protect the sensor from bright radiation, then sensor protection is improved, but light gain and resolution deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using pulsed illumination instead of continuous light sources. The illumination is delivered in controlled pulses with specific duration and intensity, allowing the sensor to be protected during non-pulse periods while maintaining imaging capability during pulse periods. This temporal separation resolves the contradiction between protection and performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-programming the illumination schedule using wavelength hopping algorithms and cryptographic keys. The system prepares and communicates pulse timing and wavelength information before actual illumination occurs, allowing the sensor to be properly protected in advance while maintaining optimal imaging conditions when illumination is delivered.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If voltage is reduced to protect the sensor from bright radiation, then sensor lifespan is improved, but image quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic pulsed illumination to limit total exposure duration while maintaining peak image quality during active illumination periods. The sensor operates at full performance during brief pulse intervals and is protected during intervals between pulses, thereby extending lifespan without sacrificing image quality when imaging is required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operational parameters by dynamically adjusting illumination wavelength and pulse timing based on pre-programmed sequences. This allows the system to optimize both sensor protection and image quality by varying parameters rather than maintaining fixed reduced-voltage operation that would degrade image quality.
3Reliability
If wavelength hopping algorithm is used to control illumination, then sensor protection from intense radiation is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary communication layer that transmits pre-programmed wavelength hopping sequences and cryptographic keys between devices. This intermediary mechanism simplifies the control complexity by using standardized communication protocols rather than requiring complex real-time control algorithms, thereby protecting the sensor while managing system complexity.
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 solution effectively counters the detrimental effects of bright radiation flashes while providing protection to both analog and digital sensors, ensuring continuous image visibility and extended sensor lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
Light energy comprised of photons and found in a small amount of light such as moonlight or starlight may be converted by the IIT into electrical energy comprised of electrons
Implementation Method 2
an automatic brightness control has been developed to reduce a voltage applied to a microchannel plate of the IIT
Data Source
AI summary
Methods performed by an optoelectronic system are disclosed. A first method may be performed by a pulse data generator configured to acquire time from a clock; determine pulse data representative of a sequence of duration times and/or wavelength ranges as a function of, in part, a wavelength hopping algorithm; and determine and generate an output for controlling an operation of at least one optoelectronic system. A second method may be performed by a sensor controller configured to acquire the pulse data; and generate an output for controlling an operation of an optoelectronic system employed to produce an image viewable to a viewer. A third method may be performed by an image generator configured to acquire the pulse data; acquire digital data from an optoelectronic system; and generate image data representative of an image represented in data acquired from the optoelectronic system as a function of the pulse data.