Portable Hyperspectral Camera Using Sequential LED Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hyperspectral cameras face challenges with mechanical movement and high costs due to the need for tunable spectral filters and large image sensors, and struggle to capture UV and IR spectral bands effectively under indoor conditions.
Innovation Solution
A hyperspectral camera system utilizing a plurality of semiconductor light sources that sequentially blink to provide multiple wavelengths, combined with an image sensor and optical filters to selectively restrict light, eliminating the need for mechanical spectral filters and enabling UV to IR spectral band capture under indoor conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical spectral filters or tunable spectral filters are used to acquire images using different wavelengths, then spectral imaging capability is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase due to mechanical movement components or expensive tunable filters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the spectral imaging function into multiple fixed wavelength bands, each captured by a separate sensor or sensor array. This segmentation eliminates the need for mechanical spectral filters or tunable filters, as each segment captures a specific wavelength range simultaneously, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining spectral imaging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from temporal spectral scanning (using mechanical filters over time) to spatial spectral encoding (using multiple sensors or subpixels arranged in specific patterns). By adding a spatial dimension to spectral capture, the system achieves spectral imaging without mechanical movement, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If the number of spectral bands is increased in non-scanning snapshot method, then spectral resolution is improved, but image sensor size and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a hierarchical sensor structure where multiple sensor arrays with different spectral sensitivities are nested or overlaid on the same substrate. This allows multiple spectral bands to be captured using a compact integrated sensor design, achieving high spectral resolution without proportionally increasing the overall sensor area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs image sensors with pixels that can detect multiple wavelength ranges or uses a small set of sensors that can be configured for different spectral bands. This multi-functionality allows the same sensor hardware to achieve high spectral resolution across multiple bands without requiring a separate dedicated sensor for each wavelength, thereby controlling sensor size and cost.
3Illumination intensity
If incandescent light bulbs or compact fluorescent lamps are used as light sources, then wide spectral range or high visible spectral content is achieved, but UV and IR spectral band capture becomes extremely difficult due to lack of UV and IR contents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces specialized light sources or illumination systems that emit UV and IR wavelengths as intermediaries between the light source and the subject. These intermediary illumination components supplement the visible light from conventional sources, enabling the capture of UV and IR spectral bands that would otherwise be unavailable with standard lighting.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs multiple light sources with different spectral characteristics (including UV and IR emitting LEDs or lasers) to change the illumination parameters. By selecting and combining light sources with appropriate wavelength outputs, the system achieves comprehensive spectral coverage from UV through visible to IR bands, overcoming the limitations of single-type conventional light sources.
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 results in a portable, low-cost hyperspectral camera capable of capturing high-quality spectral images without the need for expensive tunable filters, even under low indoor lighting, improving accuracy and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of semiconductor light sources (110) that sequentially blink to provide a plurality of wavelengths
Implementation Method 2
at least one optical filter (130) provided in front of the image sensor (120) to selectively restrict the light entering the image sensor (120)
Data Source
AI summary
A hyperspectral camera apparatus is disclosed. The disclosed hyperspectral camera includes a plurality of semiconductor light sources to illuminate the subject with different wavelengths of light, an image sensor to acquire the image of the subject illuminated by the semiconductor light sources, and at least one optical filter provided in front of the image sensor to selectively transmit particular wavelengths of light onto the sensor.