Active Hyperspectral Imaging With Supercontinuum Strip Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hyperspectral imaging methods in mining environments are limited by the need for solar illumination, which constrains data collection to fair weather conditions, and existing artificial light sources, such as halogen and narrow-band LEDs, are restricted to close-range use and have energy inefficiencies, making accurate material classification in low light and dusty conditions challenging.
Innovation Solution
An imaging system utilizing a supercontinuum laser as an illumination source, combined with a hyperspectral camera and alignment mechanism, to generate a linear strip of light for accurate material classification up to 20 meters away, even in dark and dusty conditions, overcoming the limitations of traditional light sources by providing broadband illumination and controlled scattering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If passive hyperspectral imaging using natural sunlight is used, then material classification can be achieved under normal conditions, but data collection is constrained to fair weather daytime conditions and requires peak solar angles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an active illumination source (laser) as an intermediary between the sensor and the target. This laser source provides controlled broadband illumination that replaces reliance on natural sunlight, enabling consistent hyperspectral imaging under all weather and lighting conditions including darkness, dust, and smoke.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the illumination parameter from passive natural sunlight to active laser illumination. This parameter change enables operation independent of solar angles, weather conditions, and time of day, significantly improving adaptability while maintaining reliable data collection.
2Illumination intensity
If halogen illumination sources are used for active imaging, then broadband illumination is provided, but the sources are limited to close-range use within a few meters and consume significant energy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical halogen lamp system with a laser-based illumination system. This substitution enables broadband illumination to be projected over much longer distances (20+ meters) while consuming less energy, overcoming the close-range limitation of halogen sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the illumination source parameter from halogen to laser, which fundamentally alters the beam propagation characteristics. The laser provides collimated broadband light that maintains intensity over long distances, extending the effective range from a few meters to 20+ meters.
3Illumination intensity
If halogen illumination sources are used, then broadband illumination is provided, but these sources generate heat and consume significantly more energy than non-incandescent sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the inefficient halogen incandescent system with a laser-based system. This substitution dramatically reduces energy consumption while maintaining broadband illumination capability, as lasers are inherently more energy-efficient than incandescent sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the energy conversion parameter from inefficient thermal radiation (halogen) to efficient stimulated emission (laser). This parameter change reduces energy consumption and eliminates excessive heat generation while preserving the broadband spectral output needed for hyperspectral imaging.
4Use of energy by stationary object
If narrow-band LED illumination sources are used, then energy efficiency is improved, but the spectral coverage is limited to narrow bands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a laser source that provides universal broadband coverage across the visible and near-infrared spectrum. This single illumination source performs the function of multiple narrow-band LEDs combined, enabling complete spectral coverage while maintaining energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the spectral bandwidth parameter from narrow (LED) to broadband (laser). This parameter change achieves full spectral coverage necessary for comprehensive material classification while the laser maintains high energy efficiency comparable to or better than LED sources.
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
Enables high-resolution, efficient, and accurate material classification of rocks and minerals in mining environments, enhancing ore production and reducing waste throughput by allowing imaging in various lighting conditions and environments.
Implementation Method 1
an illumination source configured to generate a supercontinuum light beam
Implementation Method 2
a light shaping mechanism configured to transform the supercontinuum light beam into a linear strip of light
Implementation Method 3
so that a back scattered light, resulting from a scattering of the linear strip of light from a target, has an intensity above a given minimum for each of the first and second light sensors
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging system includes an imager having first and second light sensors, the first light sensor being configured to record light in a first wavelength range and the second light sensor being configured to record light in a second wavelength range, an alignment mechanism configured to be attached to the imager, an illumination source configured to generate a supercontinuum light beam, and a light shaping mechanism configured to transform the supercontinuum light beam into a linear strip of light. The alignment mechanism is configured to adjust a position of the light shaping mechanism so that a back scattered light, resulting from a scattering of the linear strip of light from a target, has an intensity above a given minimum for each of the first and second light sensors.