Dichroic Prism Imaging Layout for Accurate Two-Wavelength Ratios
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging devices face challenges in accurately determining intensity ratios between different wavelength ranges due to curvature aberration, peripheral darkening, and the need for multiple image sensors and control circuits, which complicates temperature measurement and image alignment.
Innovation Solution
The imaging device employs a dichroic prism to separate light beams into different wavelength ranges and adjusts their directions to form symmetric images on the sensor, using a simple configuration that includes a dichroic prism and an optical path adjusting element to align the light beams with the imaging optical system, reducing aberrations and allowing for natural orientation imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple image sensors and control circuits are used to obtain images in different wavelength ranges, then the capability to perform two-color thermography and fluorescence imaging is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple imaging functions (two-color thermography and fluorescence imaging) into a single image sensor by using a dichroic prism to separate light beams into different wavelength ranges that are then imaged at different positions on the same sensor. This eliminates the need for multiple separate sensors and control circuits, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The image sensor is designed to perform multiple functions by capturing images in different wavelength ranges simultaneously. The dichroic prism directs different wavelength ranges to different regions of the same sensor, enabling the sensor to function as both a thermal imaging sensor and a fluorescence imaging sensor, thus achieving multi-functionality without increasing device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If light beams from different wavelength ranges are imaged at different positions on the sensor, then the ability to measure intensity ratios is improved, but curvature aberration and peripheral darkening occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a dichroic prism to create asymmetric optical paths for different wavelength ranges, directing them to different positions on the image sensor. This asymmetric arrangement allows for separate imaging regions that can be optimized for their respective wavelength ranges, improving intensity ratio measurement accuracy while managing aberrations through proper optical design.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a dichroic prism is used to separate light beams into different wavelength ranges, then the ability to obtain images with different optical characteristics is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional optical components
Solution Approach 1:
The dichroic prism is integrated into the existing imaging optical system rather than being used as a separate component. By combining the wavelength separation function with the imaging function, the patent achieves multi-wavelength imaging capability without significantly increasing overall device complexity. The prism works in conjunction with the imaging optical system to direct different wavelength ranges to different regions of the same sensor.
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 enables accurate measurement of intensity ratios between wavelength ranges by minimizing aberrations and simplifying the setup, facilitating efficient temperature estimation and fluorescence imaging without the need for multiple sensors or complex alignments.
Implementation Method 1
a first optical element that separates a light beam from a subject into a first light beam and a second light beam having optical characteristics different from optical characteristics of the first light beam
Implementation Method 2
an imaging optical system on which the first light beam and the second light beam are incident at different angles from each other, the imaging optical system forming a first image by imaging the first light beam and forming a second image by imaging the second light beam
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging device includes a first optical element that separates a light beam from a subject into a first light beam and a second light beam having optical characteristics different from those of the first light beam, an imaging optical system on which the first light beam and the second light beam are incident at different angles from each other, the imaging optical system forming a first image by imaging the first light beam and forming a second image by imaging the second light beam, and an image sensor including an imaging surface. The first image and the second image are formed at different positions on the imaging surface. The first image and the second image are formed symmetrically on the imaging surface with respect to a plane that intersects the imaging surface.