Dual Camera Module for Simultaneous Imaging and Spectral Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera apparatuses struggle to miniaturize while maintaining high measurement accuracy for simultaneous image and spectrum acquisition, particularly in applications like spectrometer inspectors where alignment is crucial.
Innovation Solution
A dual camera apparatus comprising a first camera for acquiring entire images and a second camera with a built-in or external light source, optical elements, and an image sensor to record spectrum information, utilizing a beam splitter, polarizers, and spectral filters to concentrate and polarize light for precise spectral measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a spectrometer inspector with on-axis light source alignment is used, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device size cannot be miniaturized
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two separate camera modules: a first camera for capturing images and a second camera for acquiring spectrum information. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently, enabling miniaturization while maintaining measurement accuracy through specialized optical paths for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
A light guide module acts as an intermediary component between the light source and the second camera's image sensor. This light guide efficiently transfers light from the light source to the subject and reflects it to the image sensor, enabling compact integration of the spectral measurement function without requiring complex alignment mechanisms.
2Loss of information
If scanning equipment is combined with spectroscopic image sensor, then spectrum information is acquired, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical scanning systems with a stationary second camera equipped with a light guide module and spectral filters. This substitution eliminates moving parts and complex alignment mechanisms while still enabling spectrum information acquisition through optical filtering and light guiding techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The second camera module is designed to perform multiple functions: capturing images and acquiring spectrum information using the same image sensor and optical path. By making the camera universal for both imaging and spectral analysis, the device complexity is reduced compared to separate specialized systems.
3Productivity
If different filters are placed directly on image pixels, then snapshot spectrum measurement is achieved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide module serves as an intermediary that collects light from the light source, directs it to the subject, and reflects the reflected light to the image sensor. This intermediary structure simplifies the optical path and reduces the precision requirements for filter placement compared to direct-on-pixel filter approaches.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the spectral filtering function from the image sensor pixels themselves and implements it through separate spectral filters in the optical path of the second camera. This extraction allows for more relaxed manufacturing tolerances while still achieving snapshot spectrum measurement capability.
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
Enables the simultaneous acquisition and display of images and spectrum information, facilitating miniaturization while maintaining high measurement accuracy, as demonstrated by applications in medical devices and mobile phones.
Implementation Method 1
an optical element configured to concentrate light emitted from the first light source onto a portion of a region of the subject
Implementation Method 2
a beam splitter on-axially disposed with the first light source
Implementation Method 3
a linear polarizer disposed between the pinhole and the beam splitter
Implementation Method 4
a phase delay plate for changing a polarization direction of the linearly polarized light emitted from the beam splitter
Implementation Method 5
a spectrum filter disposed between the beam splitter and the image sensor
Implementation Method 6
a lens configured to concentrate light passing through the pinhole on the portion of the region of the subject
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a dual camera apparatus, an electronic apparatus including the same, and a method of operating the same are disclosed. The dual camera apparatus includes a first camera that acquires an entire image of a subject; and a second camera different than the first camera. The second camera includes a first light source, an optical element concentrates light emitted from the first light source onto a portion of a region of the subject and an image sensor that records spectrum information with respect to the portion of the region of the subject.