Panoramic Multi-Scale Imager Curved Sensor Array
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional panoramic imaging systems face challenges such as significant image distortion, limited angular resolution, and inefficiencies in capturing wide fields of view, particularly when attempting to image 360° views onto planar sensing regions.
Innovation Solution
A multi-scale imaging system employing a primary mirror, such as a hyperboloidal mirror, to form a single-aperture, segmented focal plane imaging system, with a plurality of cameras arranged at the curved image field, each equipped with a secondary lens and focal plane array, allowing for independent aberration correction, focus control, and overlapping image coverage to avoid data gaps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a convex mirror is used to compress wide field-of-view onto planar sensor, then panoramic coverage is achieved, but angular resolution is significantly reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the panoramic imaging system into multiple segmented focal planes, each captured by a separate camera. Instead of using a single convex mirror that compresses the entire field onto one planar sensor (causing resolution loss), the system segments the field-of-view into multiple regions, with each region imaged by its own camera at a different angular position. This segmentation allows each sensor to capture high-resolution images of its specific region without the severe compression artifacts that would affect a single planar sensor covering the entire panorama.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional planar sensor arrangement to a three-dimensional curved sensor array. Multiple cameras are positioned at different spatial locations around the optical axis, creating a curved focal plane configuration. This dimensional change allows the system to maintain angular resolution by placing sensors at optimal positions in 3D space, rather than forcing all sensors onto a flat plane where resolution would be compromised by the mirror's compression.
2Measurement precision
If multiple cameras are arranged at curved image field, then image coverage and resolution are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs identical camera modules for each segmented focal plane position. Each camera unit is a universal, self-contained module with the same optical and sensor specifications, designed to capture images at its specific angular position. This universality simplifies the overall system architecture by using repeated, standardized components rather than custom-designed unique elements for each position, making the system more manageable despite having multiple cameras.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple identical camera modules into a unified panoramic imaging system with coordinated control. The cameras are synchronized to capture images simultaneously, and their data is processed together to form the complete panoramic image. This merging approach allows the system to achieve high angular resolution through multiple sensors while managing complexity through integrated control and processing architecture.
3Device complexity
If conventional camera is used for panoramic imaging, then system simplicity is maintained, but field-of-view is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the panoramic field-of-view into multiple discrete regions, each captured by a separate camera. Instead of attempting to capture the entire panorama with a single conventional camera (which would require extreme wide-angle lenses causing distortion), the system divides the scene into angular segments that can be imaged with standard lenses, maintaining image quality while achieving comprehensive coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent arranges multiple cameras in a curved configuration around the optical axis, creating a spherical or cylindrical focal plane arrangement. This curved geometry naturally accommodates the panoramic field-of-view by positioning sensors at different angular locations, allowing the system to capture 360-degree or near-360-degree views without the distortion problems of planar wide-angle imaging.
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 approach enhances image coverage, corrects aberrations, and enables high-bandwidth image capture, resulting in improved resolution and efficiency for panoramic imaging systems.
Implementation Method 1
A multi-scale imaging system employing a primary mirror, such as a hyperboloidal mirror, to form a single-aperture, segmented focal plane imaging system
Implementation Method 2
The objective lens then forms an image based on this light at a curved image field
Implementation Method 3
Each secondary lens relays a portion of the curved image field to form a sub-image that extends over a plurality of detector pixels of its respective focal plane array
Data Source
AI summary
A panoramic imager comprising a mirror and a multi-scale imaging system is presented. The multi-scale imaging system comprises an objective lens and a plurality of cameras that is arranged in a non-planar arrangement at the image field of the objective lens. The objective lens reduces a first aberration introduced by the mirror, and each camera further reduces any residual first aberration. As a result, panoramic imagers of the present invention can provide improved image quality and higher resolution than panoramic imagers of the prior art.