Secondary Optical Systems for Wide-Angle 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 such as high costs, 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 of the image 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 angular arrangements (e.g., ±30 degrees from the central axis) to capture images from multiple directions. This asymmetric configuration expands the overall angle-of-view while maintaining high resolution, directly resolving the contradiction between resolution and angle-of-view limitations of parallel-axis systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a two-dimensional parallel-axis arrangement to a three-dimensional angular distribution of optical axes. By distributing optical systems in multiple directions (fore-aft, left-right, and vertical angles) around the object, the system captures images from multiple spatial dimensions, thereby expanding the angle-of-view without compromising resolution.
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 distance required to view the object results in poor resolution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a single large optical system into multiple smaller optical systems (typically 3-9 systems) arranged around the object. Each smaller system maintains manageable size and ease of operation, while the collective array achieves high resolution by capturing images from multiple close-proximity angles, eliminating the need for a single distant large system.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the imaging capabilities of multiple smaller optical systems to achieve the resolution and coverage of a single large system. By combining images from multiple systems positioned close to the object, the system attains high resolution while maintaining operational simplicity, as each individual system remains small and manageable.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple optical systems are used to increase the angle-of-view, then the visibility of vertical surfaces is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs identical, standardized optical systems for all positions in the array, where each system performs the same imaging function. This universal approach simplifies the overall system architecture, as the same hardware design is replicated multiple times rather than requiring specialized components for different functions, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining expanded angle-of-view capability.
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 large-format digital images, improving stereo-geometry, redundancy for automated analysis, and visibility of vertical surfaces without adding operational effort or cost, while maintaining geometric and radiometric rigidity.
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 field-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.