Abstract:
Systems and methods of acquiring large field of view, high-resolution image data are discussed herein. Techniques and devices relate operation and composition of systems for acquiring large field of view, high-resolution image data. Such systems may include a first sensor chip assembly (SCA) in an interlaced focal plane array (FPA), the first SCA having a length, a width, and a resolution; a second SCA in the FPA, the second SCA having the same length, width, and resolution; and a field of view (FOV) adjustment device that moves the FOV of the FPA so that it can observe different scenes. In some such systems, the first and second SCAs are arranged relative to each-other in a first spaced array extending along a first dimension of the FPA such that there is an intentional gap between the first and second FPAs along the first dimension.

Description:
PRIORITY 
       [0001]    The present application claims benefit of priority from U.S. Provisional Application 61/387,803, filed in the United States Patent and Trademark Office on Sep. 29, 2010, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    In the area of visual/optical surveillance, one of the primary objectives is to efficiently scan a wide area of coverage, with sufficiently high resolution to enable detection, recognition, and identification of objects from airborne and/or elevated surveillance platforms. Prior attempts to address this issue focused on solutions such as continuous scan TDI (Time Delay &amp; Integration) systems, large, monolithic focal plane arrays (FPAs), and two-axis scan mirrors to allow for a greater range of view. 
         [0003]    Continuous scan TDI systems cannot cover a large area with good resolution and/or ground sample distance (GSD) and quick revisit rates. Large, monolithic FPAs or buttable FPAs are expensive and difficult to produce in sufficient size/quantity and have limited ground coverage areas. Two-axis scan mirrors are slow, expensive, and prone to failure and/or alignment problems. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    A multiplicity of smaller staring Sensor Chip Assemblies (SCAs) can be arranged into a larger multi-SCA Focal Plane Array to overcome the scaling problem of extending staring FPA technology for extremely high resolution systems. In conventional approaches involving extremely large SCA, it is difficult accomplish close-butting of SCAs to effectively form a large continuous-image staring FPA. Also fast 2-dimensional step-staring approaches of smaller single SCAs do not scale effectively for such systems. Furthermore, they are difficult to manufacture in the desired size/scale. Here the multiple SCAs are not close butted but spaced apart so that their images overlap when stepped, creating an effective large array. Related techniques and technologies in this field of endeavor are discussed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/230,100, filed on Aug. 22, 2008, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
         [0005]    Further scope of applicability of the methods and systems described herein will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred variations, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the overall concepts will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0006]    The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description given hereinbelow and the accompanying drawings which are given by way of illustration only, and thus are not limitative of the present invention, and wherein: 
           [0007]      FIG. 1   a  depicts an embodiment of a variation of a monolithic FPA replacement solution as described herein; 
           [0008]      FIG. 1   b  depicts another embodiment of a variation of a monolithic FPA replacement solution as described herein; 
           [0009]      FIG. 1   c  depicts another embodiment of a variation of a monolithic FPA replacement solution as described herein; 
           [0010]      FIG. 2   a  depicts an example of a step-stare imaging approach as described herein; 
           [0011]      FIG. 2   b  depicts another example of a step-stare imaging approach as described herein; 
           [0012]      FIG. 2   c  depicts another example of a step-stare imaging approach as described herein; 
           [0013]      FIG. 2   d  depicts another example of a step-stare imaging approach as described herein; 
           [0014]      FIG. 2   e  depicts another example of a step-stare imaging approach as described herein; 
           [0015]      FIG. 3   a  depicts another embodiment of a variation of a monolithic FPA replacement solution as described herein; 
           [0016]      FIG. 3   b  depicts another embodiment of a variation of a monolithic FPA replacement solution as described herein; 
           [0017]      FIG. 3   c  depicts another embodiment of a variation of a monolithic FPA replacement solution as described herein; 
           [0018]      FIG. 3   d  depicts another embodiment of a variation of a monolithic FPA replacement solution as described herein; 
           [0019]      FIG. 3   e  depicts another example of a step-stare imaging approach as described herein; 
           [0020]      FIG. 3   f  depicts another example of a step-stare imaging approach as described herein; and 
           [0021]      FIG. 3   g  depicts another example of a step-stare imaging approach as described herein; 
           [0022]      FIG. 3   h  depicts another example of a step-stare imaging approach as described herein. 
       
    
    
       [0023]    The drawings will be described in detail in the course of the detailed description. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0024]    The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numbers in different drawings identify the same or similar elements. Also, the following detailed description does not limit the concepts discussed herein. Instead, the scopes of the methods and systems disclosed herein are defined by the appended claims and equivalents thereof. 
         [0025]    A new approach to address the issue of high-resolution, wide-area coverage employs a single-axis scan mirror with interlaced (or “segmented”) focal-plane arrays (FPAs). Variations of the FPAs can be wide enough to cover the field-of-view (FOV) in one dimension or can be extended further with multiple cameras. 
         [0026]    To cover the second dimension, monolithic FPAs can be replaced with lower-cost interlaced multi-SCA FPAs and a single-axis scanning mirror. In some variations, the wide SCAs can also be segmented, requiring a small overlap between neighboring pixels. In further variations, the SCAs may be include nBn FPAs type detectors of the type discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,687,871 granted to Shimon Maimon on Mar. 30, 2010, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
         [0027]    A variation of an overall device may include a compact cooler, a series of segmented arrays in a dewar, conventional optics of an appropriate focal-length to produce the desired GSD, and a rapid-stepping one-axis mirror. 
         [0028]    Other configuration and overall device type variations may be employed depending on desired resolution, scanning speed, overall coverage area, power consumption, weight, and operating environment considerations. Some variations may use different forms of cooling such as rechargeable or replaceable total-loss cooling systems. Further variations may use two, four, or more multi-SCA FPAs or may use staggered or partially overlapping multi-SCA FPA arrangements. Yet further variations may use a mirror having different stepping characteristics, or one with continuous and smooth range of motion. One particular variant may combine a fast large-step actuator or motor and a fast small-step actuator or motor such that large and small steps alternate. In one particular approach, an initial small step in a first direction may be accomplished with a fast-moving toggle device such that a subsequent small step will be in the other direction on the axis. 
         [0029]    For use in moving vehicle systems (e.g. satellites), an alternate variation is to use the scan mirror with a small step to fill in the gaps between the SCAs in a multi-SCA FPA making a dual-step-composite image and allow for vehicle motion to scan this composite frame-stepping assembly over a continuous swath of ground surface. 
         [0030]    Yet further variations may involve rotating the entire imaging assembly or mechanically shifting the relative positions of the SCAs to fill gaps in the image. Yet further variations may use a combination of vehicle motion and sampling rate (either pre-configured or dynamically adjusted) to fill gaps in the image data. 
         [0031]    Image capture in a variation of an FPA system of the type discussed herein may operate by combining image data across vertically-interlaced time slots to produce a scanned frame having an area coverage many times greater than the area coverage than device&#39;s pixel count could normally achieve. For example, a device having four segmented FPAs made up of four interlaced SCAs that performs image capture over six time slots will generate a scanned frame at 6 times the area coverage of the dewar itself. 
         [0032]    In some the embodiments, the gap sizes and mirror step sizes are chosen to allow adjacent image regions to be overlapped to some extent (usually 5 to 10%, but sometimes over 90%) to compensate for lens distortion, line-of-site movement between steps, and other effects that may prevent or impede perfect alignment of the pixels between steps. The individual images from each step in such overlapping embodiments may then be aligned to fractional pixel accuracy by warping the images to align together. These “warping” or “stitching” parameters can be based on real-time, image-based features detected within the overlap regions of adjacent sub-images or by a one-time calibration of sub-image-stitching parameters with image calibration instruments. 
         [0033]    The resolution and coverage area improvements may also be combined with significant cost savings. In a variation using 6 SCAs, each having a 10 micron pitch, with an (approximately) SCA-sized gap between the SCAs in the spaced array, with 4 similar dewars arranged horizontally and each stepped 4 times vertically, a 600+ megapixel image can be produced. 
         [0034]    Variations of such a solution may produce varying types of image output depending on factors such as integration time and image frame rate. Integration times may range from 0.1 to over 30 ms and frame rates may range from 10 to 60 Hz, but higher or lower integration times and frame rates may be employed. 
         [0035]    In one embodiment, each spaced array may be made of 6×8.5 Mpix (1200×7100 pixel array) SCAs. Comparable performance from a staring or butted FPA solution would require an array of at least two 20 Mpix staring FPAs with a 2-dimensional step pattern costing much more than the 6 SCAs due to their exponentially lower yields of very large FPAs. 
         [0036]    Furthermore, each large SCA in a spaced array may itself instead be an interlaced array FPA made up of yet smaller SCAs. In some variations, each FPA in a spaced array may be made of a series of small SCAs placed next to each-other. In one variant, similarly-sized smaller SCAs may be arranged into a strip-type array. 
         [0037]    Each SCA in such an arrangement may be an inexpensive, low-resolution and/or low-cost device that is interlaced or otherwise configured to work in conjunction with the other SCAs in the array, and the composite strip FPA is then configured to work with other strip FPAs (composite or not) in the spaced array. 
         [0038]    In one variation of a monolithic FPA replacement solution, shown in  FIG. 1   a , a dewar or other cooling/containment unit  1001  that would otherwise hold a monolithic, high-resolution FPA may be equipped with an array  1020  of interlaced lower-resolution SCAs (or in some variations, FPAs themselves made of yet smaller interlaced SCAs)  1010 . Because the SCAs are interlaced, they may be implemented with a common-read out circuit and/or with inter-connected or otherwise shared read-out components. The interlaced FPA array  1020  may be paired with a single-axis scanning mirror (not shown). 
         [0039]    In one particular such arrangement, shown in  FIG. 1   b , an array of SCAs  1070  having either 8 micron or 10 micron pixels may replace a monolithic FPA otherwise disposed inside a dewar flange  1080 . Three such SCAs  1070 , each being approximately 3 inches across  1040  and half an inch high  1060  may replace a 20 mega-pixel staring FPA. In some variations, the SCAs  1070  may have a common read-out circuit or with inter-connected or otherwise shared red-out components. In other variations, each FPA may be read out separately (either sequentially or simultaneously) and the images from each FPA may be “stitched” together in a downstream hardware or software system (or combination thereof) to create a composite image of the entire scene. 
         [0040]    Such an arrangement allows for step-stare scanning similar to what a monolithic FPA could accomplish by adding a small mirror step between large mirror steps so that a given scene is imaged twice in order to fill gaps in the detection array  1020 . An example of a step-stare imaging approach to capture a scene is shown in  FIG. 2   a . In the approach shown, a first SCA in an array captures a first image for a first scene  2050 . At the same time, a second SCA in the array captures a second image for the first scene  2001 . The scanning mirror is then stepped  2010  while the first two images of scene A are read-out, and the first and second SCAs of the array capture third and fourth images of scene A  2020 ,  2040  after the mirror is stepped. The third and fourth images are then combined  2030  or “painted in” to the gaps between the first and second images to form a cohesive image of the scene. 
         [0041]      FIG. 1   c  shows a variation of an FPA array disposed in a dewar and mated to a single-axis mirror. As can be seen in the figure, the FPA array  1130  is disposed inside a dewar assembly  1110  that is connected to a compact cooler. The optical aperture of the dewar is then aimed down towards a single-axis mirror  1120 . In the embodiment shown, the mirror  1120  is a rapid stepping mirror with 5 one-axis steps. Other variations may use a continuous-drive mirror or may use a mirror with more or fewer steps. Variations employing a continuous-drive mirror may allow for faster collection of the image. In other variations, the number of steps may be determined by the field-of-regard (FOR) to be covered, the field-of-view (FOV) of each SCA, and the time needed to collect the image for each SCA. 
         [0042]      FIG. 2   b  illustrates the step-stare approach with an interlaced FPA over time. In the first time slot  2100 , an initial set of images is captured by the interlaced FPA. The scanning mirror is then stepped a small amount to move the array so that it covers those scene portions missing from the first time slot image  2100 . The second time slot image  2110  then “fills in” the missing scene portion. The scanning mirror is then stepped a large amount to an entirely new scene portion  2120  where the process of image capture, small step, and image capture is repeated. Eventually, completed mosaic image  2130  may be output as a single frame of video based on the scene portions captured and combined from the interlaced FPA array over a series of step-stare operations. 
         [0043]    An example of a step-stare imaging approach with different step sizes to capture and combine multiple scenes is shown in  FIG. 2   c . In the variation shown, a first SCA in a first array captures a first image for a first scene  2450 . At the same time, a second SCA in the first array captures a second image for the first scene  2401 . 
         [0044]    The scanning mirror is then incrementally stepped  2410  while the images the first and second scenes are read-out, and the first and second SCAs of the first array capture third and fourth images of the first scene  2440 ,  2420  after the mirror is incrementally stepped  2410 . The third and fourth images of the first scene may be “painted in” to the gaps left by the first and second images of the first scene as described with respect to  FIG. 2   b . After the third and fourth images of the first scene are acquired, the scanning mirror is stepped a larger amount  2415  to observe a new scene. 
         [0045]    As with the first scene, the first and second SCAs of the array FPA acquire first and second images  2470   2480  of the second scene. The mirror is then incrementally stepped  2425  and the SCAs capture third and fourth  2460   2490  images of the second scene. The third and fourth images of the second scene may be “painted in” to the gaps left by the first and second images of the second scene as described with respect to  FIG. 2   b . The painted-in images may then be combined  2430  to form a composite image of the overall scene. In some variations, the painting-in aspects may be part of the overall scene image combination  2430  process. 
         [0046]    The variation in  FIG. 2   b  relates to a single array FPA stepped through a series of image capture operations. The variation in  FIG. 2   d  depicts an image capture process associated with multiple array FPAs performing simultaneous step-stare operations in conjunction with a shared reflective element or with commonly controlled reflective elements. In some variations, the reflective element may be a single-axis scanning mirror large enough to accommodate two (or more) dewars, each containing an interlaced array FPA as described herein. In other variations, the reflective element may be sized to only accommodate a single dewar. In yet other variations, the reflective element may be replaced by a refractive scanning element such as, for example, a Risley scanner. In even further variations, a reflective element may be omitted entirely and the array FPA(s) or dewar(s) may be mounted on or associated with an articulated platform such that the FPA(s) directly observe(s) a scene. 
         [0047]    In the variation shown, an array FPA takes an initial image at a first scene portion  2210 , then incrementally steps the FOV of the array FPA to take a fill-in image of a second portion  2220 , and then makes a larger adjustment to the FOV of the array FPA to take an initial  2230  and incrementally stepped fill-in image  2240  again. The second array FPA performs the exact same series of steps  2250  and its image data may be simultaneously read-out and integrated with the image data from the first array FPA. In one variation, each SCA of the array FPAs may be read out independently, with images from each SCA assembled/combined in a downstream software or hardware system to create a composite image of the entire scene. The number of overlapping pixels may be determined by the scan-mirror step angles (and dewar alignments in multiple dewar configurations). In some variations, the overlapping pixels may be determined in hardware to increase operating speed and reduce computational load. 
         [0048]    In yet further variations, a FOV-adjustment or FOV-moving element like a mirror or a refractive element may be coupled with an articulated platform that enables motion in at least one additional axis. Some variations may combines one or more array FPAs, equipped with one or more single-axis mirrors, with a gimbaled platform that moves the mirrors in multiple degrees of freedom, including rotation around an axis perpendicular to the mirrors&#39; axis of rotation. One such variation is depicted in  FIG. 2   e.    
         [0049]      FIG. 2   e  shows a step-stare imaging pattern for a multi-camera and/or multi-FPA array imaging solution deployed in an aircraft. In the embodiment shown, three cameras, each having at least one array FPA as described herein, are either operated from a shared single-axis mirror or from three synchronized/commonly actuated mirrors. The stepping pattern and/or rotational range of the mirror(s), combined with the number and arrangement of cameras, can then determine an overall imaging field of regard that can be acquired within a particular time period. Also, as shown, increases in distance from an imaged scene (caused by changes in altitude in the case of an airplane) cause a larger scene area to be imaged. 
         [0050]      FIG. 3   a  shows an embodiment of an array FPA as described herein. As shown, an array FPA  3060  may be positioned within a dewar  3010 . An array of FPA-bearing dewars  3020 ,  3030 ,  3050 ,  3040  may then be arranged to share a common single-axis reflective element (not shown) for image data collection as discussed above with respect to  FIG. 2   d.    
         [0051]    In some variations, the individual SCA strips in an array FPA  3070  may themselves be composed of smaller individual SCA elements arranged in a lengthwise array layout. Such a variation is shown in  FIG. 3   b . In such a variation, an FPA array strip  3090  may be made of individual, closely-spaced SCA elements  3080 . Further variations may employ small-element arrays in various formations. Such a variation is shown in  FIG. 3   c.    
         [0052]    In  FIG. 3   c , the dewar or other cooling enclosure  3110  may be filled with an array of staggered or spaced individual SCA elements  3120  to create an n×n element array. The SCA elements may be arranged into staggered rows  3130  that have both a vertical and horizontal offset, or may be arranged anywhere  3140  within the cooling enclosure  3110  to create particular imaging patterns or to allow for particular step-stare approaches or variations thereon. 
         [0053]    Yet further variations may include sparse array FPAs that are configured to work with stepping or painting-in operations in two dimensions. Such a variation is shown in  FIG. 3   d . In  FIG. 3   d , the dewar or other cooling enclosure  3210  may be filled with a sparse array of spaced individual SCA elements  3220  to create an nxm element array having regularly spaced rows  3230  and columns  3240 . Such a sparse array may require stepping in both the array row and column directions in order to fill gaps in the image data collected by the individual SCA elements  3220 . Advantages of such a sparse array include significantly reduced cost and reduced image acquisition time due to the size of the individual SCA elements. 
         [0054]    A step-stare pattern for such a sparse array FPA may include not only individual small steps alternating with large steps in a single axis, as shown in  FIG. 2   b , but may include a series of small steps in one or two axes as shown in  FIG. 3   e . In the pattern shown, an initial position  3310  of sparse array elements may be stepped either in a first axis  3320  or a second axis  3330 . In one variation, starting at an initial position  3310 , a step in a first axis direction  3360  may be followed by a step in a second axis direction  3350  and then a step in a different direction  3340  in the first axis. In some variations, the last small step  3340  may be followed by a large step  3370  in one or both axes to create a new initial position  3310  for subsequent small-step operations. 
         [0055]    Some variations of stepping approaches may employ a number and arrangement or sequence of steps intended to cause the overall area imaged by an individual SCA element to overlap at least partially with the overall area imaged by at least one adjacent SCA element. Some variations of steps may be configured to cause self-overlap, other variations of steps may be configured to image directly adjacent SCA-sized areas. 
         [0056]    In further variations, different types of single-axis or multi-axis multi-step image acquisition patterns may be employed. Depending on array layout, sparseness, FOR requirements, and potential other application-related or usage-related factors, the number, sequence, and direction of small and large steps may be varied as needed or desired to paint-in gaps in the array. 
         [0057]    A variation of a multi-axis multi-step image acquisition pattern associated with a two-dimensional SCA array is shown in  FIG. 3   f . In the variation shown, an initial position of an SCA array  3410  captures a first set of image data of a portion of an overall scene to be imaged. The FOV of the SCA array is then adjusted by a small step along a first axis  3420  to capture a second set of image data. The FOV of the SCA array is then adjusted by a small step along in a second axis  3430  to capture a third set of image data and then once more by a small step along the first axis  3440  to capture a fourth set of image data. The image data sets are combined to generate a first image portion  3400 . 
         [0058]    After completing the series of small steps  3410 ,  3420 ,  3430 ,  3440 , the FOV of the SCA array is adjusted by a large step  3450  to being small-step imaging  3460 ,  3470 ,  3480  of a subsequent portion of the overall scene to be imaged. The small-step imaging results in a second image portion that is combined with the first image portion to create an image of the overall scene  3490 . The FOV of the SCA array is then re-set and the small-step, large-step imaging sequence is carried out for a subsequent overall scene. 
         [0059]    The particular order and sequence of axis directions in  FIG. 3   f  is meant to be illustrative and not limiting. Other variations may employ two or more steps in a particular axis direction, and may vary the order, timing, and direction of small and large steps based on SCA array layout and size, and characteristics of the scenes to be imaged and the particular requirements of the imaging application. A more complicated variation of a step-stare pattern is depicted in  FIG. 3   g.    
         [0060]    In the variation shown, an SCA array starting at an initial position relative to an overall scene  3610  may go through multi-axis, multi-direction small steps  3620 ,  3630 ,  3640  to cover a scene portion (in this case a quadrant). Such a small step sequence may be followed by a large step along a first axis  3650  to a new initial position in a subsequent scene portion (in this case the next quadrant) which is imaged using another multi-axis, multi-direction sequence of small steps  3660 ,  3670 ,  3680 . 
         [0061]    In some variations, such a small step sequence may then be followed by a large step along a second axis  3710  to a subsequent initial position in a subsequent scene portion (in this case the next quadrant) where another small step sequence  3720 ,  3730 ,  3740  is carried out. A final large step  3750  in the first axis direction and a final small step sequence  3760 ,  3770 ,  3780  may complete the step-stare imaging sequence. The individual image portions may be combined into an overall image of the scene, and the FOV of the SCA array may be re-set to image a subsequent scene. 
         [0062]    A variation using multiple small steps in an axis direction is shown in  FIG. 3   h .  FIG. 3   h  depicts only the small step operations, but such a sequence, or variations thereof, may readily be applied to large step operations as well. The sequence shown is for a sparse SCA array and requires two small steps  3820 ,  3830  in one axis direction from an initial starting position  3810 , followed by a small step in another axis direction  3840 , two small steps  3850 ,  3860  along the first axis, a step along the second axis  3870 , and two more steps along the first axis  3880 ,  3890 . Other variations may include multiple steps along a first axis followed by multiple steps along a second axis. Yet further variations may vary small step and large step numbers, axes, and axis directions in many ways depending on SCA array shape, density, size, and the requirements of the imaging application. 
         [0063]    The concept being thus described, it will be obvious that the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as departure from the spirit and scope of the concept, and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.