Mechanical Scanning Imaging System with Flexure-Based Sparse Detector Array
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Solution Overview
Problem
Imaging systems face challenges in achieving high pixel resolution due to the larger size of detector elements or associated circuitry, particularly in applications like low-light, IR, UV, and LiDAR imaging, where dense detector arrays are impractical.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical scanning mechanism using flexures to position a sparse array of detectors relative to an imaging lens, allowing for high-resolution image generation by scanning the detectors or lens in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis, thereby filling in gaps between detector elements and achieving higher pixel density.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a dense detector array is used to achieve high pixel resolution, then image resolution is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase due to the large number of detector elements and associated circuitry
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging function is segmented between a small number of physical detector elements and a scanning mechanism. Instead of having all detectors present simultaneously, the system divides the imaging task across time and space by sequentially positioning a sparse detector array at different locations in the focal plane through mechanical scanning, thereby achieving high-resolution imaging with fewer detectors
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static dense detector array to a dynamic sparse detector array with scanning capability. The detector array is mechanically scanned across the focal plane using flexures and driving mechanisms, allowing a small number of detectors to access multiple spatial positions dynamically, thus achieving high pixel density without requiring a large number of physical detectors
2Reliability
If the size of each detector element is increased to improve signal detection capability, then detection sensitivity is improved, but pixel density decreases making high-resolution imaging difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system adds the temporal dimension and mechanical scanning dimension to resolve the contradiction. By scanning the detector array across the focal plane in addition to the spatial dimensions, the system allows large detector elements to access multiple image positions over time, effectively increasing pixel density without reducing individual detector size, thus maintaining both detection sensitivity and imaging resolution
3Ease of manufacture
If a sparse detector array is used to reduce device complexity, then manufacturing ease is improved, but image resolution deteriorates due to gaps between detector elements
Solution Approach 1:
The sparse detector array is made dynamic through mechanical scanning. The flexure-based scanning mechanism enables the sparse array to sequentially access multiple positions in the focal plane, filling in the gaps that would otherwise exist in a static sparse array. This dynamic positioning allows the system to achieve high effective pixel density while maintaining the manufacturing simplicity of a sparse detector array
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 enables the creation of high-resolution images with fewer detection elements, effectively increasing pixel density and resolution in applications where dense detector arrays are not feasible, such as in low-light, IR, UV, and LiDAR imaging.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging lens fixedly attached to the base... The detector is configured to detect light focused by the imaging lens and incident thereon
Implementation Method 2
a first set of flexures flexibly attaching the board to the base... configured to scan the board via the first set of flexures
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging system includes a base, an imaging lens fixedly attached to the base, a board, a first set of flexures flexibly attaching the board to the base, and a detector mounted on the board and positioned at an image plane of the imaging lens. The imaging system further includes a driving mechanism configured to scan the board via the first set of flexures in a plane substantially perpendicular to an optical axis of the imaging lens, thereby scanning the detector to a plurality of image positions in the image plane. The imaging system further includes electronic circuitry configured to read out a respective electrical signal output by the detector as the detector is scanned to each respective image position of the plurality of image positions in the image plane, and generate an image based on the electrical signals read out from the detector at the plurality of image positions.