eSWIR Thermal Imaging System for Object Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current infrared imaging systems face challenges in effectively identifying objects using reflected illumination in mid wavelength infrared (MWIR) or long wavelength infrared (LWIR) bands due to poor reflectance at these wavelengths, limiting their ability to image both emissive heat and reflected light simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
An imaging system that detects wavelengths in both MWIR or LWIR and extended short wave infrared (eSWIR) bands, using a light source to illuminate objects with eSWIR light and an identify circuit to classify objects based on spectral characteristics of reflected light, allowing for identification of objects through reflection or absorption in the eSWIR range, which can enhance emissive heat emission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If standard thermal imaging systems are used to detect MWIR or LWIR wavelengths, then emissive heat can be imaged, but reflected light illumination is ineffective due to poor reflectance at these wavelengths
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system is segmented into multiple detection channels: one for MWIR/LWIR thermal emission detection and another for eSWIR reflected light detection. This allows each wavelength band to be optimized for its specific function (thermal imaging vs. reflected light imaging), resolving the contradiction between imaging emissive heat and reflected light simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging system is designed to perform multiple functions using a single integrated platform: it can detect both thermal emission in MWIR/LWIR bands and reflected light in eSWIR band. The detector array and optical system are configured to handle multiple wavelength bands, enabling the system to identify objects through both emissive and reflective characteristics
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single wavelength band detector is used, then the system is simpler, but it cannot simultaneously image both emissive heat and reflected light
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple wavelength band detection capabilities are merged into a single detector array system. The detector is designed to detect photons across multiple infrared wavelength bands (eSWIR, MWIR, LWIR) simultaneously, combining what would traditionally require separate imaging systems into one unified device
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds spectral dimensionality by detecting multiple wavelength bands simultaneously. Instead of using separate physical systems for different wavelength bands, the invention extends detection into the spectral domain, allowing multi-wavelength imaging through a single detector array with appropriate optical filtering and wavelength selection
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 imaging of emissive heat and reflected light, improving object identification by utilizing specific wavelengths not commonly used, thereby overcoming limitations of standard thermal imaging systems and enhancing detection capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
spectral characteristics of light returned from the object detected by the detector
Implementation Method 2
identification of objects through reflection or absorption in the eSWIR range
Implementation Method 3
infrared imaging up to 2.5 μm images reflected light from an object and infrared imaging above 3.0 μm images emitted light from an object
Implementation Method 4
detector configured to detect wavelengths in a first infrared wavelength band and a second infrared wavelength band
Data Source
AI summary
An infrared imaging system includes a detector configured to detect wavelengths in a first infrared wavelength band and a second infrared wavelength band, shorter than the first infrared wavelength band, a light source configured to output light in the second infrared wavelength band to an object, and an identify circuit configured to identify the object based on spectral characteristics of light returned from the object detected by the detector. The second infrared wavelength band is an extended short wavelength infrared band.