Shared Sensor Binocular Optics for Forward Acuity and Peripheral Awareness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional binocular optical systems for pilots and drivers compromise peripheral vision to maximize forward visual acuity, due to limitations in sensor arrays, displays, and optics, leading to suboptimal performance in conveying imagery for situational awareness.
Innovation Solution
A binocular vision system utilizing a single sensor shared between multiple optical components, with one portion configured for uncompressed forward vision and another for compressed peripheral vision, processed to create a combined image stream that balances field of view and visual acuity, reducing electronics cost and weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional binocular optical systems minimize peripheral view to maximize forward visual acuity, then forward visual acuity is improved, but peripheral situational awareness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor array is divided into multiple portions, with at least two portions mapped to different optical components. One optical component provides compressed periphery view while another provides uncompressed forward view, allowing simultaneous optimization of both peripheral awareness and forward acuity through segmented sensor mapping
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the sensor array are assigned different mapping configurations - peripheral regions use compressed mapping while central regions use uncompressed mapping. This local differentiation allows each region to be optimized for its specific function, providing high acuity where needed and broad coverage where situational awareness is prioritized
2Loss of information
If sensor arrays and optical components are increased to improve peripheral view, then peripheral situational awareness is improved, but system weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single sensor array performs multiple functions by mapping different portions to different optical components. The same sensor hardware provides both compressed periphery view and uncompressed forward view simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate sensor arrays for each function and reducing overall system weight
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple optical components are merged with a single shared sensor array. The optical components process different fields of view (compressed and uncompressed) that are combined through the processor, integrating multiple viewing functions into one unified system rather than requiring separate complete optical-sensor assemblies
3Loss of information
If multiple separate sensor arrays are used to provide both compressed periphery view and uncompressed forward view, then visual coverage is improved, but electronics cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single sensor array is designed to serve multiple viewing functions simultaneously through differential mapping configurations. The same physical sensor hardware provides both compressed periphery view and uncompressed forward view, reducing electronics complexity by eliminating redundant sensor assemblies while maintaining comprehensive visual coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor array is segmented into multiple portions with different mapping configurations, allowing a single sensor to function as multiple specialized sensors. This segmentation enables comprehensive visual coverage through different optical paths while using one unified sensor platform, reducing overall electronic system complexity
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
The system provides enhanced situational awareness by maintaining high acuity in the forward direction while offering sufficient detail in the periphery for motion detection, reducing unnecessary computational power and cost, and aligning with human visual capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a first optical component that is configured to focus radiation from a scene for a peripheral view
Data Source
AI summary
Improved binocular vision system having a high resolution, uncompressed image in the forward facing direction and compressed images on the left and right side periphery. The binocular vision system utilizes a shared sensor between multiple optics to reduce the cost and weight of the device. The system maps multiple optics to portions of sensor arrays such that the compression on the periphery is in the azimuth only and thus more closely matches human vision.