Spectral camera

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention provides a spectrum camera. The spectrum camera comprises a spectrum image module, a focusing module, an exposure module and a controller; the spectral image module, the focusing module and the exposure module carry out communication interaction based on the controller; the spectral image module comprises a shell, a lens, an array optical filter, an array lens and an image sensor, at the moment, the lens, the array optical filter, the array lens and the image sensor are all contained in the shell and are stacked in the length direction of the shell, so that the space of the shell in the length direction is fully utilized, and the image sensor is arranged in the shell; according to the spectral image module, the space utilization rate of the spectral image module is improved, miniaturization design of the spectral image module is facilitated, meanwhile, the shell is provided with a light through hole, the light through hole is used for allowing light to pass through, and the light entering through the light through hole sequentially acts on the lens, the array optical filter, the array lens and the image sensor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the technical field of spectral cameras, and more particularly, to a spectral camera. Background Art

[0002] With the development of technology, spectral cameras, as industrial equipment, can capture the spectral information of objects within different wavelength ranges. Among them, a spectral camera disperses the light entering the system into various wavelengths, thereby capturing the spectral information of an object in different bands. Through this process, the spectral camera can non-invasively obtain the spectral data of the object, providing a basis for subsequent analysis and processing.

[0003] In the prior art, a spectral camera is provided with a spectral imaging module, which is composed of multiple optical components, such as lenses, array filters, array lenses, image sensors, and light conductors. The array filter and the array lens are arranged side by side, and light is conducted through the light conductor. At this time, the lenses, array filters, array lenses, and image sensors occupy a large space in the spectral imaging module, affecting the miniaturization design of the spectral image module. Summary of the Invention

[0004] An embodiment of the present application provides a spectral camera, which at least to a certain extent enables the lens, array filter, array lens, and image sensor to be accommodated in the housing and stacked along the length direction of the housing, so as to make full use of the space of the housing in the length direction, improve the space utilization rate of the spectral image module, and facilitate the miniaturization design of the spectral image module. At the same time, the housing is provided with a light passing hole for allowing light to pass through, and the light entering through the light passing hole acts on the lens, array filter, array lens, and image sensor in sequence.

[0005] Other features and advantages of the present application will become apparent through the following detailed description, or will be partially learned through the practice of the present application.

[0006] According to one aspect of the embodiments of the present application, there is provided a spectral camera, including a spectral image module, a focusing module, an exposure module, and a controller; the spectral image module, the focusing module, and the exposure module communicate and interact based on the controller;

[0007] The spectral image module includes a housing, a lens, an array filter, an array lens, and an image sensor; the lens, the array filter, the array lens, and the image sensor are all accommodated in the housing and stacked along the length direction of the housing;

[0008] The housing is provided with a light passing hole, and the light passing hole is used to allow light to pass through. The light entering through the light passing hole acts on the lens, the array filter, the array lens, and the image sensor in sequence.

[0009] Optionally, the housing is provided with a receiving cavity, and the receiving cavity houses the lens, the array filter, the array lens, and the image sensor;

[0010] The light passing hole communicates with the receiving cavity, extends along the length direction of the housing, and is arranged relative to the lens.

[0011] Optionally, the intensity of the required light is adjusted based on the size of the light passing hole; the light entering through the light passing hole is projected onto the lens, and the lens focuses the light on the focal point. The converged light passes through the array filter and the array lens in sequence, and the array filter and the array lens work together.

[0012] Optionally, the array filter allows light in a specific wavelength range to pass through. Each filter in the array filter corresponds to a channel, and each channel corresponds to an image sensor pixel to determine the light intensity in the specific wavelength range.

[0013] Optionally, based on the adjustment of the parameters of the filter and the lens, the focusing positions of lights with different wavelengths on the optical path are modified.

[0014] Optionally, when the spectral camera is started, the power module of the spectral camera is triggered. The power module provides power to the spectral image module, the focusing module, the exposure module, and the controller in the startup state;

[0015] The controller is started, and the spectral image module, the focusing module, and the exposure module are initialized.

[0016] Optionally, the user sets the shooting parameters through the display screen of the spectral camera and adjusts the focal length based on the shooting parameters;

[0017] Wherein, the focusing module detects the scene clarity, and the exposure module measures the light intensity. The spectral image module starts to collect multi - band spectral image data after receiving the signals from the autofocus and exposure modules.

[0018] Optionally, the image data collected by the spectral image module is obtained; image processing is performed on the image data to determine the calibrated image data;

[0019] The calibrated image data is transmitted to other devices through the communication module or saved in the storage module 50, and at the same time, the calibrated image data is presented on the display screen of the spectral camera.

[0020] Optionally, the focusing module includes a focusing sensor, which detects the scene sharpness and controls the position of the hyperspectral imaging module to ensure a clear image is obtained.

[0021] Optionally, the exposure module includes a photosensitive element, a control circuit, and a photometric sensor. The photometric sensor is used to measure the light intensity; the exposure module automatically adjusts the shutter speed, aperture size, and ISO sensitivity of the camera to ensure proper exposure.

[0022] In the technical solutions provided by some embodiments of the present application, the spectral image module, the focusing module, and the exposure module communicate and interact based on a controller; the spectral image module includes a housing, a lens, an array filter, an array lens, and an image sensor. At this time, the lens, the array filter, the array lens, and the image sensor are all accommodated in the housing and are stacked along the length direction of the housing, so as to make full use of the space in the length direction of the housing, improve the space utilization rate of the spectral image module, and facilitate the miniaturization design of the spectral image module. At the same time, the housing is provided with a light passing hole, and the light passing hole is used to allow light to pass through. The light entering through the light passing hole acts on the lens, the array filter, the array lens, and the image sensor in sequence.

[0023] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are only exemplary and explanatory, and cannot limit the present application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The drawings herein are incorporated into the specification and form a part of the specification, showing embodiments consistent with the present application, and are used together with the specification to explain the principles of the present application. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are only some embodiments of the present application. For those of ordinary skill in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative efforts. In the drawings:

[0025] Figure 1 Shows a schematic diagram of the spectral image module of a spectral camera according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0026] Figure 2 Shows an actual schematic diagram of the spectral image module of a spectral camera according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0027] Figure 3 Shows a schematic diagram of a spectral camera according to an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0028] The flowcharts shown in the accompanying drawings are merely illustrative and not necessarily include all content and operations / steps, nor are they necessarily executed in the described order. For example, some operations / steps can be decomposed, while some operations / steps can be combined or partially combined. Therefore, the actual execution order may change according to the actual situation.

[0029] Please refer to the attached Figures 1 to 3 In an embodiment of the present application, there is provided a spectral camera. As an industrial device, the spectral camera can capture spectral information of an object within different wavelength ranges. In the embodiment of the present application, the spectral camera includes a spectral image module 10, a focusing module 20, an exposure module 30, and a controller 40. Among them, the spectral image module 10, the focusing module 20, and the exposure module 30 communicate and interact based on the controller 40.

[0030] At this time, the spectral image module 10, the focusing module 20, and the exposure module 30 interact based on the same communication network based on the controller 40, and conduct signals for the purpose of controlling the spectral image module 10, the focusing module 20, and the exposure module 30 based on the controller 40. At this time, the control module can be a type of host computer.

[0031] In the spectral image module 10, the spectral image module 10 includes a housing 11, a lens 12, an array filter 13, an array lens 14, and an image sensor 15; the lens 12, the array filter 13, the array lens 14, and the image sensor 15 are all accommodated in the housing 11 and are stacked along the length direction of the housing 11.

[0032] At this time, the housing 11 serves as the housing of the spectral image module 10 and accommodates the lens 12, the array filter 13, the array lens 14, and the image sensor 15. At this time, the lens 12, the array filter 13, the array lens 14, and the image sensor 15 are all built into the housing 11 to facilitate the use of the internal space of the housing 11. Moreover, the lens 12, the array filter 13, the array lens 14, and the image sensor 15 are stacked along the length direction of the housing 11 to make full use of the space of the housing 11 in the length direction, improve the space utilization rate of the spectral image module 10, and facilitate the miniaturization design of the spectral image module 10. At the same time, the housing 11 is provided with a light passing hole 112, and the light passing hole 112 is used to allow light to pass through. The light entering through the light passing hole 112 acts on the lens 12, the array filter 13, the array lens 14, and the image sensor 15 in sequence.

[0033] In an embodiment of the present application, the housing 11 may be a rectangular housing. The housing 11 is provided with a receiving cavity 111, and the receiving cavity 111 houses a lens 12, an array filter 13, an array lens 14, and an image sensor 15. At this time, the lens 12, the array filter 13, the array lens 14, and the image sensor 15 are stacked along the length direction of the housing 11, so as to make full use of the space of the housing 11 in the length direction and improve the space utilization rate of the spectral image module 10.

[0034] Moreover, through innovative compact integration design, two major challenges of traditional hyperspectral equipment have been successfully addressed: bulky volume and complex multi-component structure. By cleverly integrating key optical components, such as the lens 12, the array filter 13, the array lens 14, and the image sensor 15, etc., into a single housing 11, the module has achieved significant miniaturization. This not only makes the equipment lighter and more convenient to carry to various workplaces, but also reduces the risk of component loss and damage and improves the durability of the equipment.

[0035] Secondly, the spectral image module 10 has been deeply optimized in optical design and is equipped with a high-resolution sensor. This enables the module to capture minute features and details in the spectrum, providing excellent accuracy and resolution. In addition, the low-power design and real-time performance of the module endow it with the ability for wide applications. It can not only extend the working time of the equipment and reduce energy consumption, but also collect, process, and transmit spectral data in real time in situations where quick decisions are required. In summary, the innovative design of the spectral image module 10 not only makes hyperspectral technology more portable and adaptable, but also improves data quality and acquisition speed, providing broader possibilities for applications in multiple fields.

[0036] Secondly, the housing 11 is provided with a light passing hole 112, and the light passing hole 112 is used to allow light to pass through. The light entering through the light passing hole 112 acts on the lens 12, the array filter 13, the array lens 14, and the image sensor 15 in sequence. Optionally, the light passing hole 112 communicates with the receiving cavity 111, extends along the length direction of the housing 11, and is arranged relative to the lens 12.

[0037] External light passes through the light passing hole 112 and is restricted by the size of the light passing hole 112. At this time, the intensity of the required light is adjusted based on the size of the light passing hole 112; the light entering through the light passing hole 112 is projected onto the lens 12, and the lens 12 focuses the light to the focal point. The converged light passes through the array filter 13 and the array lens 14 in sequence, and the array filter 13 and the array lens 14 work together.

[0038] At this time, the size of the light passing hole 112 can be adjusted according to the required light intensity to meet specific requirements. After the light intensity passes through the light passing hole 112, it enters the lens 12. The task of the lens 12 in the optical system is to focus the light onto the focal point, thereby forming a clear image, improving the quality and clarity of the image, and ensuring the measurement accuracy of the module.

[0039] Therefore, the array filter 13 allows light within a specific wavelength range to pass through. Each filter in the array filter 13 corresponds to a channel, and each channel corresponds to a pixel of the image sensor 15 to determine the light intensity within a specific wavelength range. Based on the adjustment of the parameters of the filter and the lens 12, the focusing position of light of different wavelengths on the optical path is modified.

[0040] The converged light passes through the 4×4 array filter 13 and the 4×4 array lens 14 in sequence. The array filter 13 and the array lens 14 work together to achieve multi-channel spectral data acquisition. The array filter 13 allows light within a specific wavelength range to pass through. Each filter corresponds to a channel, and each channel corresponds to a pixel of the image sensor 15 to measure the light intensity within a specific wavelength range. The array lens 14 helps to further adjust and focus the light passing through the filter, enhance the weak light intensity, expand the wavelength detection range, reduce the shift between wavelengths, and ensure that light of different wavelength ranges is accurately aligned on the sensor. By adjusting the parameters of the filter and the lens 12, the focusing position of light of different wavelengths on the optical path can be modified, thereby creating a high-quality hyperspectral image. The task of the image sensor 15 is to convert the captured optical signal into a digital signal, making it suitable for storage, analysis, and utilization. It usually has high resolution and fast response time and can provide real-time and accurate image data. These components work together to enable the spectral camera module to efficiently capture multi-channel spectral information and provide a reliable data basis for various application scenarios.

[0041] In addition, when the spectral camera is started, the power module 80 of the spectral camera is triggered. The power module 80 provides power to the spectral image module 10, the focusing module 20, the exposure module 30, and the controller 40 in the startup state; the controller 40 is started, and the spectral image module 10, the focusing module 20, and the exposure module 30 are initialized. The user sets the shooting parameters through the display screen of the spectral camera and adjusts the focal length based on the shooting parameters; the focusing module 20 detects the scene clarity, and the exposure module 30 measures the light intensity. After receiving the signals from the autofocus and exposure module 30, the spectral image module 10 starts to collect multi-band spectral image data.

[0042] When a user uses a micro multi - spectral camera, different modules need to work in coordination to achieve image shooting, processing, and storage. The specific workflow is as follows: when the user starts the micro multi - spectral camera, they first press the power button. After receiving the signal, the power module starts and provides the required power for other modules. Subsequently, the single - chip microcomputer is initialized and started, and initializes each module, including the hyperspectral image module, focusing module 20, exposure module 30, communication module 70, storage module 50, display screen 60, etc.

[0043] The user sets the shooting parameters through the camera buttons or the display screen 60 and adjusts the focal length to ensure image clarity. Then, the focusing module 20 detects the scene clarity, and the exposure module 30 measures the light intensity. After receiving the signals from the autofocus and exposure module 30, the hyperspectral image module starts to collect multi - band spectral image data.

[0044] After receiving the data collected by the hyperspectral image module, the single - chip microcomputer performs operations such as pre - processing, image calibration, and denoising to obtain high - quality image data. The processed image data can be transmitted to other devices through the communication module 70 or saved in the storage module 50. The image is displayed in real - time on the display screen 60, and the user can evaluate and adjust the shooting parameters based on the displayed image to complete high - quality image shooting.

[0045] When designing a micro multi - spectral camera, each module plays a key role. The hyperspectral imaging module is the core component of the camera. It includes a light - passing hole 112, a lens 12, an array filter 13, an array lens 14, and an image sensor 15. Its function is to analyze the spectral characteristics of the target object and collect multi - band spectral data. Optionally, the image sensor 15 can be a CMOS sensor.

[0046] The power module consists of a battery and a power management circuit, providing stable power for the entire camera system to ensure that each module works properly. Optionally, the focusing module 20 includes a focusing sensor. The focusing sensor ensures a clear image by detecting the scene clarity and controlling the position of the hyperspectral imaging module. The exposure module 30 consists of a photosensitive element, a control circuit, and a light - measuring sensor. The light - measuring sensor is used to measure the light intensity; the exposure module 30 automatically adjusts the camera's shutter speed, aperture size, and ISO sensitivity to ensure proper exposure.

[0047] Specifically, the focusing module 20 includes a focusing sensor. It ensures a clear image by detecting the scene clarity and controlling the position of the hyperspectral imaging module. The exposure module 30 is another important module. It consists of a photosensitive element, a control circuit, and a light - measuring sensor. By measuring the light intensity with the light - measuring sensor, the exposure module 30 can automatically adjust the camera's shutter speed, aperture size, and ISO sensitivity to ensure proper exposure.

[0048] The communication module 70 is mainly composed of a communication chip, an antenna, and a radio frequency front-end module. It allows the camera to communicate with other devices and transmit image data. Usually, wireless technologies such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are used to achieve this communication. The single-chip microcomputer is the control center of the entire system. It consists of a microprocessor, a memory, and input / output interfaces, and is responsible for controlling and coordinating the work of each module, processing image data, and handling the user interface and user interaction. The storage module 50 is mainly composed of storage chips and is used to store the processed image data. The storage can be in the form of an internal memory card, an external storage device, or cloud storage for subsequent processing, transmission, or reading. Finally, the display screen 60 is an important interface for users to interact with the camera, and there are mainly two types: LCD and OLED. Users can observe the shooting results, adjust parameters, and operate the camera through the display screen 60. The above modules work together to ensure the stable operation of the micro multi-spectral camera, providing high-quality image shooting and excellent subsequent processing capabilities.

[0049] At this time, the image data collected by the spectral image acquisition module 10 is obtained; image processing is performed on the image data to determine the calibrated image data; the calibrated image data is transmitted to other devices through the communication module 70 or saved in the storage module 50, and at the same time, the calibrated image data is presented on the display screen 60 of the spectral camera.

[0050] The present invention introduces a focusing module 20 and an exposure module 30, and realizes intelligent focusing and exposure control through sensors, significantly improving the image clarity and quality, and completely solving the inconvenience and errors brought by manual adjustment. At the same time, with the help of the single-chip microcomputer and corresponding image processing algorithms, the collected spectral data is processed in real time, solving the problems of data processing and analysis, and laying a foundation for subsequent image applications. This micro multi-spectral camera adopts a modular design, endowing the system with flexibility and customizability, being able to meet the specific needs of different fields, solving the problem of insufficient application flexibility, and providing an innovative solution for practical applications in multiple fields.

[0051] In the technical solutions provided by some embodiments of the present application, the spectral image module 10, the focusing module 20, and the exposure module 30 communicate and interact based on the controller 40; the spectral image module 10 includes a housing 11, a lens 12, an array filter 13, an array lens 14, and an image sensor 15. At this time, the lens 12, the array filter 13, the array lens 14, and the image sensor 15 are all accommodated in the housing 11 and are stacked along the length direction of the housing 11, so as to make full use of the space of the housing 11 in the length direction, improve the space utilization rate of the spectral image module 10, and facilitate the miniaturization design of the spectral image module 10. At the same time, the housing 11 is provided with a light passing hole 112, and the light passing hole 112 is used to allow light to pass through. The light entering through the light passing hole 112 acts on the lens 12, the array filter 13, the array lens 14, and the image sensor 15 in sequence.

[0052] Through innovative designs of miniaturization and integration, the spectral camera module has successfully reduced the size of the device, integrated multiple key components into a single housing 11, and significantly improved the portability of the device. At the same time, hyperspectral technology has extremely high requirements for data accuracy and resolution because it needs to capture minute spectral features and provide detailed spectral information. The micro camera module has significantly improved the accuracy and resolution of data through optical optimization and the use of high-resolution sensors. Additionally, traditional hyperspectral devices are usually expensive, which limits their use in a wide range of applications. However, the spectral camera module has adopted an affordable manufacturing process, reduced costs, and achieved a more cost-effective hyperspectral data acquisition solution. This makes hyperspectral technology more affordable and applicable to a wider range of fields. In summary, the implementation of the spectral camera module has solved multiple problems of traditional hyperspectral devices, including portability, integration, and cost, etc., and has produced significant technical effects.

[0053] The spectral camera adopts advanced hyperspectral imaging technology, which can efficiently collect a large amount of narrow-band spectral data, cover a wide spectral wavelength range, achieve high resolution and spectral resolution, and obtain rich spectral information. With the help of advanced image data processing technology and machine learning algorithms, the collected spectral data is deeply analyzed and processed to achieve instant data processing, mine more spectral features and information, and provide strong support for real-time application scenarios. The camera is equipped with an autofocus and automatic exposure module 30, which eliminates the cumbersome steps of manual adjustment of the focal length and exposure parameters by the user, greatly simplifying the operation process. When shooting dynamic or rapidly changing scenes, the autofocus module 20 can respond quickly, saving the time consumed by manual focusing and improving the shooting efficiency. The automatic exposure module 30 can adjust the exposure parameters in real time to ensure that each image can be shot in the best state under different light conditions, obtaining clear and accurate images to meet diverse shooting needs. To further enhance flexibility, the camera is designed with a modular structure, allowing users to customize and replace modules according to specific application requirements. This design enables users to select suitable modules according to different tasks to achieve personalized customization and meet the requirements of specific fields.

[0054] In the technical solutions provided by some embodiments of the present application, the spectral image module 10, the focusing module 20, and the exposure module 30 communicate and interact based on the controller 40; the spectral image module 10 includes a housing 11, a lens 12, an array filter 13, an array lens 14, and an image sensor 15. At this time, the lens 12, the array filter 13, the array lens 14, and the image sensor 15 are all accommodated in the housing 11 and are stacked along the length direction of the housing 11, so as to make full use of the space of the housing 11 in the length direction, improve the space utilization rate of the spectral image module 10, and facilitate the miniaturization design of the spectral image module 10. At the same time, the housing 11 is provided with a light passing hole 112, and the light passing hole 112 is used to allow light to pass through. The light entering through the light passing hole 112 acts on the lens 12, the array filter 13, the array lens 14, and the image sensor 15 in sequence.

[0055] In the above embodiments, the descriptions of the various embodiments have their own emphases. For the parts not detailed in a certain embodiment, reference can be made to the relevant descriptions of other embodiments.

[0056] In the description of the present application, the terms "second", "second" are only used for descriptive purposes and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the quantity of the indicated technical features. Thus, the features defined with "second", "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more features.

[0057] In this article, specific examples are used to elaborate on the principles and implementation manners of this application. The descriptions of the above embodiments are only used to help understand the method and its core idea of this application. At the same time, for those skilled in the art, according to the idea of this application, there will be changes in the specific implementation manners and application scopes. In summary, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation to this application.

Claims

1. A spectral camera, characterized in that: It includes a spectral imaging module, a focusing module, an exposure module, and a controller; the spectral imaging module, the focusing module, and the exposure module communicate and interact based on the controller; The spectral imaging module comprises a housing, a lens, an array filter, an array lens and an image sensor; the lens, the array filter, the array lens and the image sensor are all accommodated in the housing and are stacked and arranged along the length direction of the housing; The housing is provided with a light-through hole, and the light-through hole is used to allow light to pass through. The light entering through the light-through hole acts on the lens, the array filter, the array lens and the image sensor in sequence.

2. The spectral camera according to claim 1, characterized in that: The housing is provided with a housing cavity, and the housing cavity accommodates the lens, the array filter, the array lens and the image sensor; The light-through hole is connected to the accommodating cavity, extends along the length direction of the housing, and is arranged relative to the lens.

3. The spectral camera according to claim 2, characterized in that: The intensity of the required light is adjusted based on the size of the light hole; the light entering through the light hole is projected onto the lens, and the lens focuses the light to a focal point. The converged light passes through the array filter and the array lens in sequence, and the array filter and the array lens work in coordination.

4. The spectral camera according to claim 3, characterized in that: The array filter allows light within a specific wavelength range to pass through, each filter in the array filter corresponds to a channel, and each channel corresponds to a pixel of the image sensor to determine the light intensity within the specific wavelength range.

5. The spectral camera according to claim 4, characterized in that: Based on the adjustment of the parameters of the filter and the lens, the focusing positions of the light rays of different wavelengths on the optical path are modified.

6. The spectral camera according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the spectral camera is started, a power module of the spectral camera is triggered, and the power module provides power to the spectral imaging module, the focusing module, the exposure module and the controller in a started state; The controller is started, and the spectral imaging module, the focusing module, and the exposure module are initialized.

7. The spectral camera according to claim 6, characterized in that: The user sets shooting parameters through the display screen of the spectral camera and adjusts the focal length based on the shooting parameters; The focusing module detects the scene definition, and the exposure module measures the light intensity. The spectral image module starts to collect multi-band spectral image data after receiving the signals from the auto-focus and exposure modules.

8. The spectral camera according to claim 7, characterized in that: Acquire image data collected by the spectral imaging module; perform image processing on the image data to determine calibrated image data; The calibrated image data is transmitted to other devices through the communication module or stored in the storage module 50 , and the calibrated image data is displayed on the display screen of the spectral camera.

9. The spectral camera according to claim 1, characterized in that: The focus module includes a focus sensor, which ensures that a clear image is obtained by detecting scene clarity and controlling the position of the hyperspectral camera module.

10. The spectral camera according to claim 1, characterized in that: The exposure module includes a photosensitive element, a control circuit and a light metering sensor, and the light metering sensor is used to measure the light intensity; the exposure module automatically adjusts the shutter speed, aperture size and ISO sensitivity of the camera to ensure proper exposure.

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