Adaptive Scanning Spectrometer System for High-Resolution 3D Imaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional spectrometer systems are limited by their inability to dynamically adapt to varying conditions within a scanned area, leading to inefficiencies in data collection and potential loss of critical information, as they require manual intervention to adjust scanning parameters when detecting items of interest.

Innovation Solution

A scanning spectrometer system with a gimbal system providing two degrees of freedom, equipped with a spectrometer and camera communicatively coupled to a processing unit, which automatically selects and switches to optimized scanning modes based on detected items of interest, enabling adaptive scanning and high-resolution data collection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional spectrometer systems operate with fixed scanning parameters in pre-defined mode, then device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but adaptability to varying conditions deteriorates and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to varying conditionsVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts scanning parameters (scanning pattern, scanning speed, scanning rate) based on real-time detection of items of interest. The flight controller automatically switches between different imaging modes (e.g., from wide-area scanning to focused inspection mode) without manual intervention, making the system adaptable to varying conditions while maintaining manageable complexity through automated decision-making algorithms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual intervention is used to adjust scanning parameters when detecting items of interest, then adaptability is improved, but loss of time increases and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to detect and analyze specific itemsVSAvoidtime delay for manual parameter adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements a feedback loop where the spectrometer continuously monitors the scanned area, detects items of interest, and automatically triggers parameter adjustments. The flight controller receives spectral data, identifies anomalies or specific items, and immediately switches to appropriate imaging modes without human intervention, eliminating time delays while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-adjustment of scanning parameters through automated algorithms embedded in the flight controller. When an item of interest is detected, the system autonomously selects and applies the appropriate scanning mode from predefined options, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating dependency on manual operator intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If manual intervention is required to change scanning modes, then adaptability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates and device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to switch scanning modesVSAvoidoperational simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The flight controller automatically manages mode switching based on detection results. Operators simply initiate a scan and the system handles all parameter adjustments autonomously, maintaining ease of operation while achieving high adaptability through intelligent automated decision-making.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Device complexity

If conventional systems use fixed scanning parameters, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates for items of interest

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescanning parameter managementVSAvoidspectral data quality of items of interest

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from static fixed parameters to dynamic adaptive parameters. When items of interest are detected, the flight controller automatically switches to high-resolution scanning modes with optimized parameters for detailed spectral analysis, ensuring measurement precision is maximized for critical items while maintaining system simplicity through automated management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20250093201A1Affordable high spectral-resolution 3D imaging leveraging robotic scanning spectroscopy combined with semantic slam

Publication Date: 2025.03.20 THE ARIZONA BOARD OF REGENTS ON BEHALF OF THE UNIV OF ARIZONA

AI summary

A method of adaptively scanning a selected area that includes selecting an imaging mode, performing a scan of the selected area using the imaging mode, detecting an item of interest, automatically selecting a new imaging mode in response to detecting the item of interest, and performing a scan of the item of interest using the new imaging mode. The imaging mode may determine at least one of a scanning pattern, a scanning speed, and a scanning rate. Spectral data and image data may be gathered and used to detect the item of interest. The method may also include providing a scanning spectrometer system that has a gimbal system configured to provide at least two degrees of freedom to the scanning spectrometer system. The gimbal system may have a spectrometer and a camera each mounted on the gimbal system and configured to gather the spectral data and the image data, respectively.