Multi-Spectral Filter Alignment for Focal Plane Array
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional imaging systems face challenges in capturing accurate spectral data of small objects or features, leading to decreased spectral resolution when images are captured from a distance, as they often rely on a limited number of pixels, which cannot recreate an accurate spectrum effectively.
Innovation Solution
An image capture device with a filter device and focal plane array that captures multiple images with different bandpass filters aligned to the same spatial region, allowing for the generation of a multi-spectral composite image with improved spectral resolution by ensuring detectors sample the same space with varying bandwidth filters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If images are captured from a distance using conventional video camera filters, then the imaging system can determine color characteristics of objects, but spectral resolution decreases when objects are small or captured from distance
Solution Approach 1:
The filter device is segmented into multiple discrete bandpass filters arranged in a grid pattern, each filter capturing a specific frequency range. This segmentation allows the system to capture multiple spectral images of the same spatial region with different frequency ranges, thereby improving spectral resolution without requiring the object to be large or close
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a spectral dimension to the conventional spatial imaging by incorporating multiple bandpass filters with distinct frequency ranges. This transforms the imaging system from capturing only spatial information to capturing both spatial and spectral information simultaneously, enabling accurate spectral measurement of small or distant objects
2Measurement precision
If multiple images are captured with different bandpass filters, then spectral resolution is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple filters and alignment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple bandpass filters are merged into a single filter device array that can be selectively positioned over detectors. The filters are integrated with the focal plane array structure, allowing the system to capture multiple spectral images through a unified device rather than requiring separate imaging systems for each filter
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the existing focal plane array detectors and controller infrastructure to support the multi-filter operation. The controller automatically manages filter positioning and image capture coordination, leveraging the existing system's capabilities rather than requiring entirely new control mechanisms
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 enhances spectral resolution by capturing multiple images with similar alignments and different filter configurations, resulting in a composite image with higher accuracy and detail, particularly useful for capturing features that are small or distant.
Implementation Method 1
The filter device includes at least a first bandpass filter having a first frequency range and a second bandpass filter having a second frequency range that is distinct from the first frequency range
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes capturing, with an image capture device, a first image of a scene while a portion of the scene has a first alignment with a first detector of a focal plane array and a first bandpass filter is between the portion of the scene and the first detector. The method includes, in response to determining that the portion of the scene has a second alignment with a second detector of the focal plane array, the second alignment substantially matching the first alignment, and that a second bandpass filter having a second frequency range that is distinct from a first frequency range of the first bandpass filter is between the portion of the scene and the second detector, initiating storage of a second image of the scene, the second image captured while the portion of the scene has the second alignment with the second detector.