Image stabilization and tracking system

• US 9,402,028 B2
• Filed: 03/15/2012
• Issued: 07/26/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 03/15/2012
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
• Original Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
• Inventors: Dopilka, David J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Pe, Geepy
• Assistant Examiner(s): SULLIVAN, TYLER
• Application Number:
  US13/421,345
• Publication Number:
  US 20130242112A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,594 Days
• Field of Search: 348/169, 396/55
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 27/648 for automatically maintaining a reference alignment, e.g. in self-levelling surveying instruments surveying instruments per se G01C
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/6811 based on the image signal
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/6812 based on additional sensors, e.g. acceleration sensors
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/687 by shifting the lens or sensor position

Abstract

An image stabilization and tracking system includes a primary imaging detector, a stabilization and tracking detector, an image processing and correction command control, and an adaptive optic device. The primary imaging detector is configured to detect, within a field of view, images of a primary object in an optic image. The stabilization and tracking detector is disposed outside of the field of view, and is configured to detect images of a tracking object in the optic image. The image processing and correction command control is coupled to receive the images of, and is configured to detect relative movement of, the tracking object. The adaptive optic device is coupled to receive correction commands and is configured, in response thereto, to move and thereby vary a position of the optic image.

Claims

1. An image stabilization and tracking camera having an optical system axis, comprising:

an imaging optic disposed on the optical system axis, the imaging optic adapted to receive electromagnetic radiation and configured, upon receipt thereof, to form an optic image;

a primary imaging detector disposed on the optical system axis, the primary imaging detector having a field of view and configured to detect, within the field of view, images of a primary object in the optic image;

a stabilization and tracking detector disposed outside of the field of view of the primary imaging detector and disposed symmetrically around the optical system axis, the stabilization and tracking detector configured to detect images of a tracking object in the optic image;

an optic filter disposed between the primary imaging detector and the stabilization and tracking detector and on the optical axis, the optic filter configured to filter a portion of the optic image;

an image processing and correction command control coupled to receive the images of the tracking object from the stabilization and tracking detector, the image processing and correction command control configured to detect relative movement of the tracking object and supply correction commands;

an adaptive optic device coupled to receive the correction commands and configured, in response thereto, to move and thereby vary a position of the optic image;

and a decoupling focal reducer disposed between the adaptive optic device and the stabilization and tracking detector and on the optical axis, the decoupling focal reducer configured to provide (i) a first focal length within the field of view of the primary imaging detector and (ii) a second focal length outside the field of view of the primary imaging detector, the second focal length different than the first focal length.

2. The camera of claim 1, wherein the stabilization and tracking detector is configured such that the images of the tracking object are outside the field of view.

3. The camera of claim 1, wherein the stabilization and tracking detector is configured such that the images of the tracking object are within the field of view.

4. The camera of claim 3, wherein the tracking object is also the primary object.

5. The camera of claim 1, wherein the adaptive optic device is selected from the group consisting of an optically transmissive device and an optically reflective device.

6. The camera of claim 1, wherein the adaptive optic device comprises:

an actuator coupled to receive the correction commands and configured, in response thereto, to supply a drive force; and

an optic device coupled to receive the drive force and configured, upon receipt thereof, to move and thereby vary the position of the optic image.

7. An image stabilization and tracking camera having an optical system axis, comprising:

an imaging optic disposed on the optical system axis, the imaging optic adapted to receive electromagnetic radiation and configured, upon receipt thereof, to form an optic image;

a multiple degree-of-freedom platform adapted to receive positioning commands and configured, upon receipt thereof, to move;

a primary imaging detector disposed on the optical system axis, the primary imaging detector having a field of view and configured to detect, within the field of view, images of a primary object in the optic image;

a plurality of stabilization and tracking detectors mounted on the multiple degree-of-freedom platform and disposed outside of the field of view of the primary imaging detector and disposed symmetrically around the optical system axis, each stabilization and tracking detector configured to detect images of one or more tracking objects in the optic image;

an image processing and correction command control coupled to receive the images of the one or more tracking objects from the stabilization and tracking detectors, the image processing and correction command controller configured to detect relative movement of one of the tracking objects and supply (i) the positioning commands to the multiple degree-of-freedom platform and (ii) correction commands;

an adaptive optic device coupled to receive the correction commands and configured, in response thereto, to move and thereby vary a position of the optic image;

an optic filter disposed between the primary imaging detector and the plurality of stabilization and tracking detectors and on the optical axis, the optic filter configured to filter a portion of the optic image; and

a decoupling focal reducer disposed between the adaptive optic device and the stabilization and tracking detectors and on the optical axis, the decoupling focal reducer configured to provide (i) a first focal length within the field of view of the primary imaging detector and (ii) a second focal length outside the field of view of the primary imaging detector.