Chromatic Lens Multispectral Imaging Wavelength Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multispectral imaging systems require complex and costly dispersive units, such as tunable MEMS-based Fabry-Perot filters, to separate wavelengths for multispectral image capture, which are not easily adaptable for use in camera phones or other existing imaging systems.
Innovation Solution
A chromatic lens with a large back image distance is integrated into a conventional achromatic camera lens system to create a quasi-collimating optical system that separates wavelengths and projects them onto a pixelated detector, enabling multispectral image formation without the need for complex dispersive units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional dispersive units (diffraction gratings, prisms, MEMS-based Fabry-Perot filters) are used to separate wavelengths for multispectral imaging, then wavelength separation capability is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the wavelength separation function from complex dispersive units and implements it through a simple achromatic lens combined with a pixelated detector. The lens naturally focuses different wavelengths at different positions along the optical axis, eliminating the need for sophisticated dispersive components while maintaining wavelength separation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces expensive, complex dispersive units with inexpensive, readily available achromatic lenses. This substitution dramatically reduces manufacturing cost and device complexity while achieving the same wavelength separation function through the lens's inherent chromatic aberration properties.
2Measurement precision
If tunable MEMS-based Fabry-Perot filters are used for wavelength separation, then spectral resolution is improved, but ease of manufacture and adaptability to camera phones deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The achromatic lens serves multiple functions: it acts as both the imaging lens and the dispersive element. By utilizing the lens's natural chromatic aberration, the system achieves wavelength separation without requiring additional specialized components, making it universally applicable to standard camera modules including camera phones.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes the inherent chromatic aberration of the achromatic lens to achieve wavelength separation without requiring external dispersive components. The lens's optical properties naturally provide the spectral resolution needed, eliminating the need for complex MEMS filters and simplifying manufacturing and adaptation to mobile devices.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a chromatic lens with large back image distance is used in a quasi-collimating configuration, then multispectral image formation capability is achieved, but the optical path length and device size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the axial dimension (depth) to separate wavelengths by focusing them at different positions along the optical axis. This approach converts the wavelength separation problem from a lateral spatial problem into a longitudinal one, enabling compact implementation while maintaining multispectral imaging capability through the quasi-collimating lens configuration.
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 configuration allows for efficient multispectral imaging by separating wavelengths and forming images on a detector, enhancing spectral resolution and fidelity across a range of wavelengths, while being easier and less expensive to design and manufacture than traditional chromatic camera lenses.
Implementation Method 1
a quasi-collimating lens capable of receiving light from the object and separating wavelengths of the light. Each wavelength is projected in a direction corresponding to one of a plurality of intermediate image locations
Implementation Method 2
An achromatic imaging lens is disposed to receive the projected wavelengths of light corresponding to the intermediate image locations from the quasi-collimating lens
Data Source
AI summary
A camera system for providing multispectral imaging of an object, the camera system having a longitudinal axis. The camera system comprises a quasi-collimating lens capable of receiving light from the object and separating wavelengths of the light. Each wavelength is projected to one of a plurality of intermediate image locations which are separated along the longitudinal axis. The system also comprises an achromatic imaging lens to receive the projected wavelengths of light from the quasi-collimating lens, and a pixelated detector positioned to receive the light from the achromatic imaging lens. The achromatic imaging lens and the pixelated detector are movable relative to one another in the direction of the longitudinal axis. The system is configured such that the projected wavelengths of light each form a corresponding image, the images formed on the detector when different distances within the range are achieved.