Optronic System High-Frequency Motion Compensation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current image stabilization techniques in optronic systems, such as cameras and gyro-stabilized systems, are ineffective in compensating for high-frequency movements, leading to sharpness issues in images, particularly in systems requiring high precision like binoculars or cameras with telephoto lenses.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a method and device that utilizes a multi-element photodiode to detect and compensate for high-frequency movements by redirecting a portion of the light beam towards a high-frequency optical sensor, allowing for precise measurement and compensation of pixel movements using a conversion matrix, enabling effective motion compensation at high frequencies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional image stabilization techniques are used, then low- and medium-frequency movements are compensated, but high-frequency movements are not compensated leading to image sharpness issues

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage sharpnessVSAvoidfrequency range compensation
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the motion compensation task into two distinct parts: low- and medium-frequency compensation handled by conventional image stabilization techniques, and high-frequency compensation handled by a separate photodiode-based detection system. This segmentation allows each subsystem to optimize for its specific frequency range, resolving the contradiction between maintaining image sharpness and achieving broad frequency range compensation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If high-precision motion sensors are introduced to detect high-frequency movements, then high-frequency compensation is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehigh-frequency movement detectionVSAvoidsensor system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a photodiode as an intermediary device that indirectly detects high-frequency movements by measuring changes in light intensity caused by lens displacement. Instead of directly measuring high-frequency mechanical motion with complex sensors, the photodiode converts optical changes into electrical signals, providing high-frequency detection capability while keeping the system simple and cost-effective.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If the optronic system is treated as a rigid structure, then global motion is detected, but local micromovements causing high-frequency blur are not detected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocal micromovement detectionVSAvoidstructural model simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by focusing the detection system specifically on local micromovements of the lens rather than treating the entire optronic system as a rigid structure. The photodiode is positioned to monitor only the local displacement of the lens element, enabling detection of high-frequency micromovements while maintaining a simple overall structural model that doesn't require complex multi-body dynamics analysis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 enables the detection and compensation of very small high-frequency movements, improving image quality and precision by directly linking pixel movements to angular movements, thereby enhancing the overall image stabilization capabilities of optronic systems.

Implementation Method 1

a sensor, in this case a photodiode, makes it possible to detect, with a simple device, high-frequency movements

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric Effect: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

by varying the optical path followed by a light beam representing a scene to a light-sensitive surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight propagation: Light

Data Source

PatentEP3170303B1Method for processing high-frequency movements in an optronic system, optronic system, computer program product and storage means
Publication Date: 2021.01.13 SAFRAN ELECTRONICS & DEFENSE SAS
  • EP3170303B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~2
  • EP3170303B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3170303B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Method for processing high-frequency movements in an optronic system comprising an image sensor operating with a first acquisition frequency, each image obtained by the image sensor being representative of a scene, the method comprising a step (401) of obtaining values of signals representative of a movement of said scene from a high-frequency movement sensor operating with a second acquisition frequency higher than the first acquisition frequency, a step (402) of determining values representative of a movement of an image during acquisition by the image sensor from values of the signals representative of the movement of said scene, and a step (403) of transmitting the values representative of the movement of the image during acquisition by the image sensor to a movement-compensating device in order for said movement-compensating device to be able to compensate the movement of the image during acquisition by the image sensor.