Overhead Imaging Sensor Layout for High-Resolution Multispectral Video
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional overhead imagery collection methods are expensive and complex, limiting the capture of high-resolution multispectral and panchromatic images due to stability requirements, mechanical complexities, and increased costs associated with multiple sensor systems.
Innovation Solution
A fast framing two-dimensional staring sensor with spectral filter strips and a panchromatic sensor, allowing for efficient acquisition and processing of high-resolution images using overlapped sensors and multi-frame enhancement techniques, reducing the need for precise platform stability and complex mechanical systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional methodologies are used for collecting overhead imagery, then image quality and resolution can be maintained, but cost and system complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensor functions into a single integrated sensor system that captures both panchromatic and multispectral data simultaneously. This merging eliminates the need for separate sensor systems, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high-resolution imaging capabilities through the unified sensor architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system is designed with multi-functionality, capable of capturing panchromatic imagery, multispectral imagery, and video data through a single sensor platform. This universal design reduces the number of specialized systems needed, lowering complexity while preserving measurement precision across multiple imaging modes.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensor systems are used for high-resolution imaging, then image quality improves, but cost increases prohibitively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges panchromatic and multispectral sensing capabilities into a single sensor system, eliminating the need for multiple separate sensor systems. This consolidation maintains high image quality through integrated capture while significantly reducing the cost associated with deploying and maintaining multiple independent sensor systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system provides universal functionality by capturing both high-resolution panchromatic and multispectral data simultaneously, replacing the need for multiple specialized systems. This multi-functionality reduces overall system cost while preserving image quality across different imaging modes.
3Measurement precision
If mechanical systems are used for sensor positioning, then imaging precision can be achieved, but system complexity and reliability issues increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical positioning systems with a stationary sensor array that captures images through temporal sampling as the platform moves. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical positioning mechanisms while maintaining imaging precision through the fast-framing capability and image registration algorithms that account for platform motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic fast-framing capture at fixed intervals, leveraging the natural motion of the imaging platform to achieve spatial sampling without mechanical positioning. This periodic imaging approach maintains precision by capturing multiple frames that are subsequently registered and combined, replacing the need for continuous mechanical adjustment.
4Productivity
If fast-framing sensors are used, then video capture capability is achieved, but data processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system segments the imaging function into distinct panchromatic and multispectral channels, allowing independent processing of video and still image data. This segmentation enables efficient handling of fast-framing video capture by processing different spectral bands separately, reducing overall processing complexity while maintaining high productivity.
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 cost-effective, high-resolution multispectral and panchromatic image capture with reduced complexity, providing efficient image processing and video capabilities without the limitations of traditional systems.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor may include a spectral filter strip for each color channel, where each spectral filter strip may span across the entire staring sensor
Implementation Method 2
The staring sensor may include a two-dimensional array of photodetectors
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Examples of an imaging sensor include a two-dimensional staring sensor with spectral filter strips for multispectral overhead imaging. The sensor may also include a panchromatic sensor with block or strip filters. The sensor may be used to collect multispectral color image data at a sampling resolution from overhead imaging platforms such as airplanes or satellites. The sensor can be used to provide video images. If a panchromatic sensor is included, the sensor may be used to collect panchromatic image data. Examples of methods for processing the image date include using the panchromatic image data to perform multi-frame enhancement or panchromatic sharpening on spectral images to improve their quality and resolution.