Fiber Array Spectral Translator Super Resolution via Interpolation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing Fiber Array Spectral Translator (FAST) systems face issues with misalignment and calibration, leading to shifted and unresolved images when the linear array end is input into a photon detector, resulting in peaks not being aligned with those of a known calibrated sample, and insufficient resolution in the resulting images.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of calibration and image reconstruction methods that involve collecting photons from a sample using a fiber array spectral translator, delivering them to a photon detector, interpolating between detector rows to form interpolated rows, and using a microprocessor to arrange the output to achieve a super-resolution image, including spatial and spectral calibration to align peaks and improve resolution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If photons are delivered directly from the fiber array to the photon detector without interpolation, then the acquisition process is simple and fast, but the image resolution is insufficient and peaks are not aligned with calibrated samples

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage resolutionVSAvoidprocessing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing interpolation between detector rows before final image reconstruction. This pre-processing step creates additional interpolated rows that enhance resolution and enable proper alignment with calibrated sample peaks, resolving the contradiction between simple acquisition and high resolution

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary processing step where software interpolation algorithms act as a mediator between the raw detector output and the final reconstructed image. This intermediary layer generates additional resolution information and enables peak alignment without requiring hardware modifications

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If the linear array end is directly input into the photon detector without calibration, then the system operation is simple, but the peaks are not aligned with those of a known calibrated sample

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespectral accuracyVSAvoidsystem operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by implementing calibration procedures that establish the correct mapping between detector rows and spectral peaks before actual sample analysis. This pre-calibration step ensures peak alignment with known standards while keeping the operational process straightforward

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses feedback mechanisms where the known spectral characteristics of calibrated samples are compared with detector output, and the system adjusts the mapping accordingly. This feedback loop ensures accurate peak alignment while maintaining ease of operation through automated correction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Manufacturing precision

If no interpolation is performed between detector rows, then the data processing is straightforward, but the resulting image lacks the necessary resolution

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage resolutionVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing interpolation between detector rows as a pre-processing step before final image reconstruction. This approach generates the necessary resolution enhancement while organizing the processing workflow to minimize overall time loss

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial action by performing interpolation only between detector rows rather than processing the entire dataset at maximum resolution. This selective approach achieves the necessary image resolution while avoiding excessive processing time on all data points

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive 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 acquisition of super-resolution images by correcting misalignments and enhancing the resolution of images, allowing for precise alignment and improved spectral accuracy, thereby overcoming the limitations of prior art in FAST systems.

Implementation Method 1

A fiber array spectral translator ('FAST') system when used in conjunction with a photon detector allows massively parallel acquisition of full-spectral images

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical fiber transmission: Optical Fibre

Implementation Method 2

The linear array is useful for interfacing with a photon detector, such as a charge-coupled device ('CCD')

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS7764371B2System and method for super resolution of a sample in a fiber array spectral translator system
Publication Date: 2010.07.27 CHEMIMAGE TECH LLC
  • US7764371B2 patent drawing
  • US7764371B2 patent drawing
  • US7764371B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The disclosure relates generally to methods and apparatus for obtaining a super resolution image of a sample using a fiber array spectral translator system. In one embodiment includes collecting photons from a sample at a first end of a fiber array spectral translator; delivering the photons from a second end of the fiber array spectral translator into a multiple detector rows of a photon detector; interpolating between the multiple detector rows to thereby form interpolated rows; and arranging an output of the multiple detector rows and the interpolated rows so as to obtain a super resolution image of the sample.