Rotating Optronic Head With Hemispherical Vision for 360° Coverage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optronic systems face challenges in real-time image fusion due to parallax issues and blind zones, especially when providing mobile target detection, laser warning, and missile departure detection information, which are exacerbated by vehicle movement, leading to image blur and difficulty in compensating for distortions.
Innovation Solution
An optronic system with a hemispherical vision device positioned on a mechanical interface, featuring a protective shielding, image stabilization mechanisms, and a single calculator for centralized information processing, along with a device for detecting newly unmasked regions and tracking events, all integrated on a rotating support to minimize masking and enhance coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple vision devices are placed around the vehicle perimeter to cover the entire environment, then the coverage area is improved, but the device complexity and image fusion difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the 360-degree field of view into multiple sectors, each covered by a separate vision device with a constrained angular field. Each device captures images in its specific sector, and the system processes these segmented views separately before combining them, reducing the complexity of real-time fusion compared to a single omnidirectional device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional image fusion problem to a three-dimensional spatial reconstruction problem. By using multiple vision devices positioned at different locations and angles around the vehicle, the system creates a 3D spatial model of the environment, allowing for more accurate image fusion and reducing blind zones through geometric positioning rather than relying solely on image processing.
2Reliability
If multiple vision devices are used to provide comprehensive environmental information, then the detection capability is improved, but the image fusion difficulty and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-calculates and stores transformation matrices and geometric relationships between multiple vision devices before operation. During real-time operation, the system only needs to apply these pre-computed transformations to fuse images quickly, significantly reducing processing time while maintaining comprehensive detection capability across all sectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex real-time image fusion algorithms with a geometric transformation approach based on pre-established spatial relationships. By using predetermined geometric models and transformation matrices derived from the known positions and orientations of vision devices, the system achieves fast fusion through mathematical computation rather than iterative image processing.
3Reliability
If vision devices are positioned to maximize coverage, then the blind zone reduction is improved, but the parallax problems and fusion difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent assigns specific functional roles and viewing angles to each vision device based on its position around the vehicle. Each device is optimized for its local sector with appropriate field-of-view constraints, allowing for specialized processing techniques tailored to each region's characteristics while collectively achieving comprehensive coverage without excessive fusion complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to an optronic system for a platform, the optronic system (14) comprising: a support (26) that can be rotated about a first axis, the support (26) defining an inner space; an optronic head (24) for observing part of the surroundings of the platform, the optronic head (24) being mounted such that it rotates about a second axis (X2), the second axis (X2) being perpendicular to the first axis; a hemispherical viewing device (28) comprising a sensor (52) with an optical system (72) having an at least hemispherical field, the sensor (52) being able to detect images of part of the surroudings of the platform; and a calculator (54) for processing the images that the sensor (52) detects, the calculator (54) being in the inside space and the sensor (52) being secured to the support (26).