Undedicated Optical Component Image Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging systems face challenges in achieving clear images due to platform motions and inherent resolution limitations, particularly in shared-aperture systems where dedicated stabilization components are costly and space-intensive, requiring multiple components for multi-band image correction.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an undedicated optical component, such as a mirror or lens, that undergoes corrective motion to stabilize images upstream, eliminating the need for separate stabilization components by utilizing a positioner to adjust its position and orientation, suitable for integration into shared-aperture imaging systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If dedicated stabilization components are added to correct image data, then image resolution and stability are improved, but device complexity, cost, and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing optical components (mirrors, lenses) perform dual functions: their primary optical function and image stabilization. By configuring these components to undergo corrective motions controlled by positioners, they stabilize image data without requiring dedicated stabilization components, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining image resolution
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the stabilization function with existing optical components by making them movable. Instead of adding separate stabilization components, the existing mirrors or lenses are equipped with positioners that enable them to perform both their original optical function and image stabilization through controlled motions
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple dedicated stabilization components are used for multi-band image correction, then image stabilization across multiple wavelength bands is improved, but expense and space requirements compound
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables single optical components to handle multiple wavelength bands by making them movable rather than dedicated to specific bands. This universal approach allows one mirror or lens to correct image data across visible, infrared, and other wavelength bands simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate stabilization components for each band and reducing overall space requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple stabilization functions into single optical components. By making existing mirrors or lenses movable with positioners, one component can perform stabilization for multiple bands that would traditionally require separate dedicated components, thus reducing the total volume and number of stabilization components needed
3Reliability
If dedicated stabilization components are added downstream from the imaging system, then image stabilization is achieved, but the system requires additional expense and space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the stabilization function into existing upstream optical components rather than adding downstream components. By making mirrors or lenses movable with positioners, the system achieves stabilization using components already present in the optical path, eliminating the need for additional dedicated stabilization components and reducing overall system cost
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes existing optical components perform dual functions: their primary optical function and image stabilization. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated stabilization components downstream, reducing system cost while maintaining reliable image stabilization across multiple wavelength bands
Data Source
AI summary
Imaging systems in which an undedicated optical component—i.e., a component that would be present in the system even in the absence of image stabilization—is configured to undergo corrective motion and/or other correction of image data, and thus to function as a stabilization component. The stabilization component may be a mirror and/or a lens, and a positioner may be provided to tilt, rotate, and/or otherwise precisely adjust the position and orientation of the stabilization component to improve image resolution, compensate for platform motions such as platform vibration, and/or improve image tracking. Because an undedicated optical component functions as the stabilization component, the stabilization occurs upstream, rather than downstream, from separation (if any) of the incoming image data into two or more beams. As a result, only one stabilization component is required regardless of whether the system is configured to split the image data into multiple data channels, and imaging systems as described herein therefore may be particularly well-suited for integration into a shared-aperture imaging system. In some embodiments, the coefficients of thermal expansion of selected system components—including optics, optical support structures, and/or positioners—may be substantially the same or closely matched.