Composite Optical Filter Layout for Vibration-Free Wavelength Capture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical filters, such as filter wheels, introduce physical vibrations and misalignments when switching between different wavelengths, leading to inaccurate image capture and potential damage to image sensors due to unwanted and harmful light exposure.

Innovation Solution

A composite optical filter is designed with a communal filter on one side of a substrate and an array of individual filters on the other, blocking unwanted wavelengths and passing desired wavelengths directly to the image sensor, eliminating the need for mechanical switching and reducing the risk of harmful light exposure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a filter wheel is used to switch between different wavelengths, then multiple wavelengths can be filtered, but physical vibrations and misalignments occur leading to inaccurate image capture

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewavelength filtering capabilityVSAvoidimage capture accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The filter wheel is segmented into multiple individual filters, each optimized for specific wavelength ranges. By dividing the single rotating filter wheel into separate filter elements, the system eliminates the need for mechanical rotation while maintaining multi-wavelength filtering capability through direct mounting of individual filters on the sensor array.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical filter wheel rotation system is replaced with a static array of individual filters. This substitution eliminates mechanical vibrations and misalignments caused by rotation, while still enabling wavelength-specific filtering through the spatial arrangement of different filter elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a filter wheel is used to switch between different wavelengths, then multiple wavelengths can be filtered, but harmful light exposure may damage image sensors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewavelength filtering capabilityVSAvoidimage sensor damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The filtering function is segmented into multiple specialized filters, with some filters specifically designed to block harmful wavelengths (such as UV or IR) while allowing desired wavelengths to pass. This segmentation enables targeted protection of the image sensor from harmful light exposure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Harmful light wavelengths are converted from a potential damage source into a protected element by using specific filters that block these wavelengths. The filters transform the harmful light into blocked radiation, preventing sensor damage while maintaining the beneficial wavelengths for imaging.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Adaptability or versatility

If filter wheels are used for wavelength switching, then multiple wavelengths can be captured, but computational resources increase for composite image generation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-wavelength capture capabilityVSAvoidcomputational resource consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The imaging system is segmented into multiple sensor arrays, with each sensor dedicated to capturing a specific wavelength range. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex composite image generation algorithms, as each sensor directly captures its designated wavelength without requiring post-processing combination of multiple images.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The wavelength-specific filtering and capture are performed in advance through the physical arrangement of filters and sensors, rather than through computational processing after image capture. This preliminary physical separation of wavelengths reduces the computational burden by eliminating the need for complex image fusion and alignment algorithms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary 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 design provides accurate, single-image capture with reduced physical disturbances and computational resources, while minimizing filter bending and cracking risks, enhancing measurement and analysis accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

An optical filter is a device that selectively transmits, reflects, and/or absorbs light, incident on the optical filter, based on wavelength

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical filtering: Filter (optical)

Data Source

PatentUS12560749B2Communal optical filter and other optical filters on substrate

Publication Date: 2026.02.24 VIAVI SOLUTIONS INC(US)

AI summary

A composite optical filter may include a substrate, a communal optical filter, one or more first optical filters, and one or more second optical filters. The communal optical filter may be formed on a first surface of the substrate. The one or more first optical filters may be formed on one or more first portions of a second surface of the substrate and may be configured to pass light associated with a first wavelength. The one or more second optical filters may be formed on one or more second portions of the second surface of the substrate and may be configured to pass light associated with a second wavelength.