Active Hyperspectral Imaging System with Multispectral Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hyperspectral imagers are large, complex, and costly, making them unsuitable for handheld or portable applications and impractical for many use cases due to their size, weight, power consumption, and high cost.
Innovation Solution
A hyperspectral imaging system utilizing multiple active electromagnetic radiation sources in conjunction with a multispectral imager, which captures multiple frames by varying the wavelengths of the radiation sources, allowing for the determination of hyperspectral reflectance spectra through processing the collected frames with known spectral characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional hyperspectral imagers are used to achieve high spectral resolution, then spectral measurement precision is improved, but device size, weight, and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the spectral imaging function into multiple discrete wavelength channels, each captured by a separate detector element. By dividing the spectral range into multiple bands and capturing them simultaneously across spatial dimensions, the system achieves high spectral resolution without requiring complex mechanical scanning components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical scanning components (such as moving mirrors, rotating filters, or sliding apertures) with a fixed focal plane array that captures multiple spectral bands simultaneously. This substitution of mechanical systems with electronic/detector-based solutions eliminates moving parts, reducing device size, weight, and complexity while maintaining spectral measurement capability.
2Measurement precision
If conventional hyperspectral imagers are used to achieve high spectral resolution, then spectral measurement precision is improved, but device weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces heavy mechanical scanning components with a lightweight fixed focal plane array detector. By eliminating moving mirrors, rotating filter wheels, and associated mechanical structures, the system achieves high spectral resolution with significantly reduced weight, enabling portable and handheld applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The spectral detection function is segmented across multiple detector elements in a focal plane array, allowing simultaneous capture of multiple spectral bands without mechanical movement. This segmentation approach distributes the measurement function across stationary components, eliminating the need for heavy mechanical structures while maintaining spectral resolution.
3Measurement precision
If conventional hyperspectral imagers are used to achieve high spectral resolution, then spectral measurement precision is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces bulky mechanical scanning systems with a compact fixed focal plane array. By substituting mechanical components that require space for movement and adjustment with stationary detector elements, the system achieves high spectral resolution in a compact form factor suitable for portable applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple spectral detection functions into a single integrated focal plane array detector. By combining the spectral discrimination and spatial imaging functions into one unified detector component, the system eliminates the need for separate mechanical scanning subsystems, significantly reducing overall device volume while maintaining spectral resolution.
4Measurement precision
If conventional hyperspectral imagers are used to achieve high spectral resolution, then spectral measurement precision is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces power-intensive mechanical scanning components with a passive fixed focal plane array. By eliminating motors, actuators, and control systems required for mechanical movement, the system achieves high spectral resolution with dramatically reduced power consumption, enabling battery-operated portable devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent eliminates periodic mechanical scanning actions that consume power by using a fixed detector array that captures all spectral bands simultaneously. By replacing sequential mechanical scanning with parallel electronic detection, the system removes the need for continuous motor operation and periodic component movement, significantly reducing power requirements.
5Measurement precision
If conventional hyperspectral imagers are used to achieve high spectral resolution, then spectral measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive precision mechanical components (such as calibrated moving mirrors, precision filter wheels, and alignment mechanisms) with a fixed focal plane array detector. By substituting mechanical systems with electronic/detector-based solutions, the system achieves high spectral resolution with simpler manufacturing processes and lower component costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the spectral detection function across multiple detector elements that can be manufactured using standard semiconductor fabrication processes. By dividing the spectral measurement function into discrete detector channels rather than requiring precision mechanical assembly, the system benefits from economies of scale and standardized manufacturing, reducing overall production cost.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables portable, affordable, and cost-effective hyperspectral imaging with reduced size, weight, and power consumption, providing high spatial and spectral resolution equivalent to complex systems in a low-cost, handheld form factor.
Implementation Method 1
The array of filters includes multiple filter types, each having a different spectral response
Implementation Method 2
an array of detection elements (also referred to herein as pixel elements or pixels) that generate a signal proportional to the amount of incident radiation
Data Source
AI summary
A system for generating reflectance values for a target that includes a plurality of electromagnetic radiation sources for irradiating the target, an imager for generating a plurality of digital representations of the target that includes an array of filter elements for filtering electromagnetic radiation reflected by the target through an array of filter elements, and a detector for detecting the filtered electromagnetic radiation at an array of detection elements. The system includes processors for determining a set of reflectance values for a portion of the target based on a first digital representation of the target generated in response to irradiation of the target with radiation of a first wavelength band and a second digital representation of the target generated in response to irradiation of the target with radiation of a second wavelength band.