Why Optical Imagery Isn’t Just About the Camera
When we set out to develop a high-performance optical imaging system, we start where many do – testing commercial off-the-shelf cameras. The idea was simple: find a camera with the right specifications and integrate it into an aerial platform. But as we quickly learned, optical imaging for aerial applications is much more than just choosing a camera.
The Challenges of Commercial Cameras
During our testing, we cycled through several commercial cameras, each with its own set of issues. One camera had positioning and timing inconsistencies, leading to shutter speeds that didn’t sync properly with our system. Others simply weren’t designed for aerial use—colors appeared distorted, and image quality suffered.
One particularly frustrating issue was the rolling shutter effect. Rolling shutters expose the sensor in a sweeping motion rather than all at once, which can cause distortions in fast-moving environments—exactly the kind of setting we work in. This led us to a fundamental question: Had we underestimated the impact of rolling shutter in high-speed aerial imaging?
To solve this, we turned to global shutter technology. Unlike rolling shutters, a global shutter exposes all pixels in a frame simultaneously, eliminating motion and ensuring crisp, undistorted images even at high speeds. This advancement proved critical for capturing accurate, high-quality aerial imagery in our fast-moving operations.
Understanding the Impact of Vibration
To dig deeper, we isolated variables and ran structured tests. One of our key experiments focused on vibration, a constant challenge in aerial platforms. We wanted to understand whether the rolling shutter effect was primarily caused by aircraft movement or if it was inherent to the camera itself. To find out, we purchased a motor to induce vibration in a controlled environment. This allowed us to systematically analyze how vibration, bit rate, and shutter speed interacted.
We also recreated rolling shutter issues indoors using fluorescent lighting. By capturing images under these lights, which flicker at a predictable rate, we could actually count the bands appearing in our images. This gave us precise data on how long the rolling shutter took to cycle through an exposure. The results confirmed our suspicions: rolling shutter artifacts would always be a problem without high-end components and careful system design.
Our findings align with research on the impact of vibration on aerial imaging, which highlights how even minor vibrations can introduce blurring, distortions, and misalignment in captured imagery. These studies emphasize the importance of vibration isolation techniques, including active stabilization systems and precision mounting solutions, to mitigate these effects and preserve image clarity in high-speed aerial environments.
The Importance of Precision Engineering
Our experiments reinforced the need for a well-integrated system, not just a good camera. The best results come from a combination of precise positioning, high-speed data transmission, and effective vibration isolation. Two-way communication between the camera and flight system ensures perfect timing, while advanced stabilization and shutter synchronization eliminate distortion.
Through a process of careful trial and error, along with structured testing methods, we uncovered that the attainment of high-quality optical imagery is not solely dependent on selecting the best camera. It necessitates a holistic approach that involves meticulously engineering the entire imaging system around the camera itself. Factors such as lighting conditions, lens quality, sensor capabilities, and image processing techniques play crucial roles in refining image quality.
For more information on how GNO-SYS can help with your next optical imagery project, reach out to us.
