Reimaging Optical Sensor Alignment Tool
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electro-optical systems face challenges in maintaining accurate alignment of imaging sensors over time due to environmental conditions, thermal fluctuations, and vibrational forces, requiring frequent adjustments and disengagement from the target for alignment, which is inefficient and impractical during operational use.
Innovation Solution
A reimaging optical system with an alignment object positioned at an intermediate image plane that superimposes an alignment tool on images from one or more imaging sensors, allowing for real-time sensor-to-sensor alignment and correction of misalignments without disengaging from the target, using a controller to perform alignment processes based on the alignment tool's position in the images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional targeting boards are used for alignment, then sensor alignment can be detected and adjusted, but the system must disengage from the target and alignment is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment tool serves multiple functions: it acts as both a targeting reference and an alignment reference simultaneously. The tool is designed with features visible to multiple sensors (visible light camera, infrared sensor, laser designator) allowing one object to perform alignment functions for all sensors without requiring separate targeting and alignment procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment tool acts as an intermediary object placed on the target that mediates between the multiple sensors and the target itself. By providing a common reference feature on the target, it enables all sensors to self-align to the same point without requiring external alignment equipment or disengagement from the target
2Reliability
If alignment adjustments are made frequently, then alignment accuracy is maintained, but operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-alignment where each sensor automatically aligns itself to the alignment tool on the target using its own imaging capabilities. The controller automatically processes images from multiple sensors and adjusts their alignment based on detected positions of alignment features, eliminating the need for manual intervention and allowing continuous operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the positions of alignment tool features in images from multiple sensors and provides feedback to the controller. The controller automatically adjusts sensor alignment based on this feedback, enabling real-time correction of misalignments without interrupting operations. This closed-loop feedback mechanism maintains alignment stability while preserving operational continuity
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensors are used for multi-spectral imaging, then target detection capability is enhanced, but alignment complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment tool is designed as a universal reference visible to all sensor types (visible spectrum cameras, infrared sensors, laser designators). It incorporates multiple types of features (visible markings, infrared-emitting elements, retroreflective materials) that can serve as alignment references for different spectral bands simultaneously, simplifying the alignment process across multi-spectral sensors
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment tool employs asymmetric design with distinct features optimized for different sensor types positioned in specific locations. This asymmetric configuration allows each sensor type to detect specific features most suitable for its spectral range, reducing the complexity of finding common alignment features across all sensors
Data Source
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Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
System and method for sensor alignment. In one example, a reimaging optical system includes reimaging foreoptics positioned to receive and reimage incident electromagnetic radiation to produce an intermediate image plane and output an optical beam of the received incident electromagnetic radiation, an imaging optical apparatus positioned to receive the optical beam and focus the electromagnetic radiation of the optical beam onto a first focal plane, a first imaging sensor positioned at the first focal plane and configured to produce a first image responsive to receiving the electromagnetic radiation of the optical beam, an alignment object selectively positioned at the intermediate image plane and configured to superimpose an alignment tool upon the first image, and a controller coupled to the first imaging sensor and configured to perform an alignment process for the first imaging sensor based on at least a position of the alignment tool in the first image.