Hyperspectral Element Series Sub-Filters for Compact High-Resolution Imaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current hyperspectral imaging technologies face challenges in achieving high resolution and miniaturization, with scanning methods providing high resolution but being bulky and time-consuming, while non-scanning snapshot methods offer miniaturization but compromise on spectral image resolution.

Innovation Solution

A hyperspectral element comprising a multi-filter and multi-detector system with sub-filters and sub-detectors arranged in series, including refractive index films, reflective layers, and nanostructures, which generate channel signals for a spectroscopic processor to provide information on wavelength light intensities, and a micro lens for light collection, enabling high-resolution and broadband characteristics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a scanning method is used for hyperspectral imaging, then high spectral resolution is achieved, but the device becomes bulky and measurement time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespectral resolutionVSAvoiddevice size
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The imaging device is segmented into multiple pixel units, each equipped with sub-filters for different wavelength bands. This segmentation allows parallel spectral measurement across multiple pixels without requiring mechanical scanning, thereby achieving high spectral resolution while maintaining a compact form factor.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a single-pixel scanning approach to a multi-pixel parallel architecture. By adding the spatial dimension of multiple pixels, each with dedicated spectral filtering capabilities, the system achieves spectral resolution without mechanical movement, eliminating the bulk associated with scanning mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Device complexity

If a non-scanning snapshot method is used for hyperspectral imaging, then miniaturization is achieved, but spectral image resolution deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidspectral image resolution
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

Each pixel is segmented into multiple sub-pixels or detection regions, each responsible for detecting specific wavelength bands. This segmentation enables spectral discrimination at the pixel level without requiring complex optical path sharing, thereby maintaining high spectral resolution in a miniaturized snapshot configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The multi-filter structure integrates multiple spectral filtering functions within a single compact pixel unit. Each pixel can simultaneously or sequentially detect multiple wavelength bands through the stacked sub-filters, providing universal spectral detection capability without increasing overall device size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If multiple optical devices are integrated in an image sensor, then spectral detection capability is improved, but the sensor becomes bulky and heavy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespectral detection capabilityVSAvoidsensor weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple filtering layers and detection elements are nested vertically within each pixel column. The sub-filters are stacked in series, with each layer detecting specific wavelength bands. This nested arrangement consolidates multiple optical functions into a compact vertical structure, significantly reducing the sensor's footprint and weight while maintaining comprehensive spectral detection capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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

The solution enables high-resolution hyperspectral imaging with broadband capabilities, improving upon existing technologies by providing a compact and efficient system that maintains high spectral resolution and miniaturization.

Implementation Method 1

Each of the first sub filter and the second sub filter may include first refractive index films and second refractive index films that are alternately stacked, and the first refractive index layers may have different refractive indexes than the second refractive index layers

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 2

Each of the first sub filter and the second sub filter may include: a first reflective layer; a second reflective layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

A hyperspectral element comprising a multi-filter and multi-detector system with sub-filters and sub-detectors arranged in series, including refractive index films, reflective layers, and nanostructures, which generate channel signals for a spectroscopic processor to provide information on wavelength light intensities, and a micro lens for light collection

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFocusing: Focusing

Implementation Method 4

the nanostructure layer may include a plurality of nano rods, and the plurality of nano rods may be asymmetrically arranged

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiffraction: Diffraction

Implementation Method 5

the nanostructure layer may include a plurality of nano holes, and the plurality of nano holes may be asymmetrically arranged

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScattering: Scattering

Implementation Method 6

a multi detector including a first sub detector that detects light having a first wavelength band and generates a first channel signal, and a second sub detector that detects light having a second wavelength band and generates a second channel signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric Effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3985366B1Hyperspectral element, hyperspectral sensor including the same, and hyperspectral image generating apparatus
Publication Date: 2024.12.04 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3985366B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3985366B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3985366B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A hyperspectral element includes (1) a multi filter including: a first sub filter through which first wavelength light having a first wavelength passes; and a second sub filter through which second wavelength light having a second wavelength passes, the second wavelength being different from the first wavelength; and (2) a multi detector configured to detect the first wavelength light and the second wavelength light, wherein the first sub filter and the second sub filter may be arranged in series in an optical path of incident light which is incident onto the multi filter.