Coded Spectral Imager Resolving Resolution and SNR Tradeoffs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional hyperspectral imaging systems face a tradeoff between spectral resolution and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), limiting their ability to generate high-resolution datacubes while maximizing SNR, especially in low-light conditions or when resources are limited.

Innovation Solution

The proposed spectral imaging system employs an optical element, a filter configured to transmit multiple spectral wavebands simultaneously, and a detector to measure intensities, along with a processor that generates spectral images, allowing for high throughput and improved SNR without sacrificing spectral resolution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional hyperspectral devices divide the whole spectrum into tens or hundreds of bands to obtain high resolution datacubes, then spectral resolution is improved, but signal to noise ratio (SNR) deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespectral resolutionVSAvoidsignal to noise ratio

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The spectrum is divided into multiple discrete wavebands using a filter array, where each filter transmits a specific waveband. This segmentation allows simultaneous measurement of multiple spectral bands while maintaining adequate signal intensity in each band, resolving the contradiction between spectral resolution and SNR.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple spectral wavebands are transmitted simultaneously through the filter array to the detector, combining multiple measurements in one exposure. This multiplexing approach improves SNR by collecting photons from multiple bands concurrently rather than sequentially, while still maintaining spectral resolution through the discrete filter design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Measurement precision

If conventional hyperspectral devices use narrow spectral bands to achieve high spectral resolution, then spectral resolution is improved, but light throughput decreases leading to lower SNR

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespectral resolutionVSAvoidlight throughput

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The spectral range is segmented into multiple discrete wavebands, each transmitted by a specific filter. This allows each filter to be optimized for its designated waveband, maintaining adequate bandwidth for sufficient light throughput while achieving spectral resolution through the discrete filtering approach.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple spectral wavebands are measured simultaneously in a single exposure, maintaining continuous photon collection across all bands. This eliminates the sequential measurement process that would otherwise require repeated exposures, maximizing light throughput while maintaining spectral resolution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Measurement precision

If conventional hyperspectral devices perform sequential spectral scanning to achieve high resolution, then spectral resolution is improved, but measurement time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespectral resolutionVSAvoidmeasurement time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple spectral waveband measurements are merged into a single simultaneous exposure through the filter array. This eliminates sequential scanning by capturing multiple spectral bands concurrently, achieving spectral resolution without increasing measurement time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The filter array provides periodic spectral sampling across the spectrum, with each filter representing a discrete sampling point. This periodic structure enables simultaneous measurement of multiple spectral bands, replacing sequential scanning while maintaining spectral resolution through the regular sampling pattern.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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 the collection of high-resolution spectral images with enhanced SNR, suitable for applications like persistent surveillance and low-light conditions, by leveraging multiplexing and post-processing techniques to improve data quality.

Implementation Method 1

a filter configured to provide a plurality of spectral filter profiles. The filter also transmits multiple spectral wavebands of the electromagnetic energy substantially simultaneously (i.e., at or about the same time) through at least one of the spectral profiles

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpectral filtering: Filter (optical)

Implementation Method 2

a detector configured to measure intensities of the multiple spectral wavebands

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS9719856B2Coded spectral imager

Publication Date: 2017.08.01 ARETE ASSOCIATES INC

AI summary

Embodiments herein provide for imaging objects. In one embodiment, a spectral imaging system includes an optical element configured to receive electromagnetic energy of a two-dimensional scene and a filter configured to provide a plurality of spectral filter profiles. The filter also transmits multiple spectral wavebands of the electromagnetic energy substantially simultaneously through at least one of the spectral profiles. The spectral imaging system also includes a detector configured to measure intensities of the multiple spectral wavebands, and a processor configured to generate a spectral image of the scene based on the measured intensities.