Step-Stare Imaging System Using Rotating Shutter Apertures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current imaging systems face challenges in achieving a wide field of regard with high sensitivity and resolution while maintaining cost-effectiveness and compact size, especially under diverse environmental conditions and varying illumination sources.
Innovation Solution
A step-stare wide field imaging system with a stationary imager and a shutter unit that rotates to align with multiple apertures, using beam splitters and illumination sources to sequentially capture images from different fields of view, allowing for concurrent illumination and image processing to enhance visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple apertures are used to expand field of regard, then field of regard coverage is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The field of regard is segmented into multiple discrete fields of view, each accessible through a separate aperture. The shutter unit segments the optical path by selectively blocking or opening each aperture in sequence, allowing the single imager to capture multiple FOVs without requiring simultaneous complex multi-aperture optics.
Solution Approach 2:
The shutter unit performs preliminary action by pre-positioning itself to align with specific apertures before image capture. This sequential pre-positioning allows the system to prepare each field of view in advance, directing light from the appropriate aperture to the imager without requiring complex real-time switching mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If detector format is enlarged to widen field of view, then field of view coverage is improved, but system dimensions increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a static large-format detector, the system employs dynamic aperture switching with a shutter unit that sequentially opens different apertures. This dynamic approach allows a single imager to capture multiple fields of view by changing which aperture is open, effectively widening the field of regard without increasing detector size or system volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds the temporal dimension to field of view coverage by sequentially capturing different FOVs at different time instances. Rather than capturing all FOVs simultaneously with a large detector, the shutter unit enables time-multiplexed imaging, where each aperture is activated in sequence to provide comprehensive angular coverage without increasing spatial dimensions.
3Measurement precision
If pixel dimensions are reduced to improve angular resolution, then angular resolution is improved, but detector sensitivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the angular field into multiple discrete fields of view, each captured through a dedicated aperture. This segmentation allows each aperture to be optimized for its specific angular range, and the single imager can maintain larger pixel dimensions for sensitivity while still achieving high angular resolution through the multi-aperture configuration and sequential capture approach.
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
Enables efficient and cost-effective wide field coverage with high sensitivity during day and night, reducing system size and power consumption, and effectively combining images from multiple fields of view for robust imaging performance.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of stationary beam splitters arranged within the enclosure such that light that enters the enclosure through each of the apertures is directed to the imager
Implementation Method 2
an illumination source that is configured to illuminate each field of view of the plurality of fields of view
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging system includes a stationary imager. An opaque enclosure includes a plurality of apertures at different locations on the enclosure and a plurality of stationary beam splitters arranged within the enclosure such that light that enters the enclosure through each of the apertures is directed to the imager. A shutter unit includes an opaque surface that includes at least one window. The shutter unit is rotatable relative to the enclosure such the window is sequentially aligned with each of the apertures to enable light from a field of view to enter the enclosure through that aperture, the opaque surface preventing light from concurrently entering the enclosure through more than one of the apertures.