Multiaperture Optical Systems

We will develop an omni-directional imaging and machine vision system that samples the visual field using an “array of arrays” approach. Each individual optical aperture images a section of the visual field using an imager and an optics assembly. Each optical aperture has a dedicated microprocessor for driving the imager and performing front-end image processing algorithms such as optical flow computation and feature detection. A central “master processor unit” acquires the information from the individual apertures and stitches together a composite image. The system is designed to be thin and flexible so that it can wrap around and physically conform to the shape of an underlying base structure. This system will support target acquisition and visual navigation capabilities for guided munitions and small UAVs. The system and its components will be inexpensive to manufacture on a large scale.