Secondary Optical Systems for Extended Angle-of-View in Digital Macro Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large-format digital macro-images obtained using single or multiple optical systems with parallel axes face challenges of high cost, difficulty in management, and limited angle-of-view, resulting in poor resolution and limited detail, especially when viewing large objects or expansive terrains.
Innovation Solution
The use of secondary optical systems with electro-optical detector arrays and optical mirrors or prisms, arranged to extend the angular angle-of-view of primary optical systems, allowing sub-images to enhance the image in multiple directions, thereby increasing the angle-of-view beyond the capability of the primary system alone.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple optical systems with parallel optical axes are used to obtain large-format digital macro-images, then the resolution is improved, but the angle-of-view is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs optical systems with non-parallel optical axes, specifically using asymmetric angle arrangements (e.g., ±45 degrees from the central axis) to extend the angle-of-view. This asymmetric configuration allows multiple optical systems to capture overlapping fields of view that collectively provide a broader angular coverage while maintaining high resolution through the multi-system approach.
2Ease of operation
If a single large optical system is used to obtain large-format digital macro-images, then the system is simpler to manage, but the angle-of-view and resolution are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging function into multiple separate optical systems, each with its own detector array and optical path. This segmentation allows each individual system to be optimized for high-resolution imaging while the collective arrangement of multiple systems provides both improved overall resolution and extended angle-of-view coverage.
3Measurement precision
If multiple optical systems with parallel optical axes are used, then the resolution is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical systems into a unified imaging apparatus where the systems are integrated with common support structures, synchronization mechanisms, and data processing pipelines. This merging approach manages the inherent complexity by creating a coordinated multi-system architecture that functions as a unified whole, reducing operational complexity despite the increased number of optical components.
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 the angle-of-view of digital images, improving resolution and detail capture without increasing operational effort or cost, and allows for stereoscopic observation and improved photogrammetric analysis.
Implementation Method 1
a specific set of optical mirrors or optical prisms, arranged in such a way that the secondary optical systems extend the angular angle-of-view
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses and methods for enhancing a “primary” large format, digital, macro-image with “secondary” image data are provided. The secondary image data is collected utilizing one or more secondary optical systems having at least one electro-optical detector array (e.g., a CCD array) and a specific set of optical mirrors or optical prisms, arranged in such a way that the secondary optical systems extend the angular angle-of-view of the primary optical system and the resultant digital image in at least two opposing directions, for instance, in the left and right and/or fore and aft directions. The primary image data and the secondary image data may be distinct and/or may include portions that overlap with one another. Further, the primary image data and the secondary image data may be collected at the same or different resolutions. The collected primary image data and secondary image data are utilized to generate a single output image.