Sensor Dithering Eccentric Cam Bellows Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor dither mechanisms face challenges in accurately tracking the line-of-sight (LOS) during tilting, leading to errors due to temperature variations and wear, especially as imaging systems strive for higher resolutions, as they often rely on expensive position sensors and do not utilize precision position measurement systems attached to the moving sensor components.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a support member with concentric metal bellows and an eccentric cam that constrains rotational motion while allowing angular motion, coupled with a position measurement system to track the tilt motion of the sensor housing relative to the eccentric cam, ensuring accurate and repeatable LOS tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single optical component is dithered to improve resolution, then imaging resolution is improved, but accurate tracking of the dithered line-of-sight becomes difficult due to temperature variations and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive mechanical position sensors with a position measurement system that utilizes the existing dither mechanism's motion characteristics. The system substitutes direct mechanical measurement with a computational approach that tracks the dithered line-of-sight by measuring the position of the dithered component relative to the housing and calculating the LOS position based on known dither angles and geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual model or representation of the line-of-sight position by measuring the dithered component's position and using geometric relationships to calculate the LOS position. Instead of directly measuring the LOS, the system copies the motion information from the dithered component and transforms it into LOS position data through computational geometry.
2Measurement precision
If expensive position sensors are used to measure dithered part movement, then tracking accuracy is improved, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, complex position sensors with a simpler, more economical position measurement system that uses readily available sensors and computational methods. The solution trades the high cost and complexity of dedicated position sensors for a more affordable sensor combined with software-based tracking that achieves comparable or superior accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the position measurement system multi-functional by using it to track both the dithered component's position and, through computational transformation, the line-of-sight position. The same measurement system serves multiple purposes: monitoring component position, calculating LOS position, and potentially guiding correction mechanisms, thereby eliminating the need for separate expensive sensors.
3Measurement precision
If the line-of-sight is tilted to achieve higher resolution, then imaging capability is improved, but repeatable movement of the LOS becomes difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback system that continuously measures the dithered component's position, calculates the resulting line-of-sight position, and uses this information to maintain accurate and repeatable LOS movement. The system monitors the actual position and adjusts or corrects the motion to ensure repeatable tracking, compensating for variations caused by temperature or wear.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments include a dither system comprising a support member to support a sensor housing having a common line-of-sight (LOS). A first metal bellows is coupled to the support member and being concentric to the sensor housing to constrain rotational motion of the sensor housing and allow angular motion. An eccentric cam comprising: an outer circumference having an axis coaxial with an axis of the first bellows and an inner circumference including an axis laterally offset from the axis of the first bellow. The eccentric cam drives tilt motion of the sensor housing and LOS. A second metal bellows is coaxial to the inner circumference of the eccentric cam and being concentric to the sensor housing. A position measurement system coupled to the sensor housing tracks the tilt motion of the sensor housing with respect to the angular motion of the eccentric cam. A system and method are also provided.