Hyperspectral Filter Array Spacing to Suppress Fringe Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hyperspectral imaging devices face issues with degraded imaging characteristics due to light interference between the filter array and image sensor, leading to fringe patterns and increased manufacturing costs when the filter array is fabricated on top of the image sensor.
Innovation Solution
A light detecting device with a filter array and image sensor arrangement where the distance between the light-emitting and light-detecting surfaces varies for each filter, suppressing fringe patterns and allowing for low-cost manufacturing by avoiding direct fabrication on the image sensor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the filter array is fabricated on top of the image sensor, then the device can be manufactured, but light interference occurs causing fringe patterns and degraded imaging characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vertical spacing dimension between the filter array and image sensor, moving from direct contact (zero distance) to a separated arrangement with variable distances. This dimensional change eliminates the light interference pathway that causes fringe patterns while maintaining manufacturability through the spaced configuration.
2Volume of moving object
If the filter array is fabricated on top of the image sensor, then the device structure is compact, but manufacturing costs increase due to complex fabrication processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the device into distinct modular components: the filter array and the image sensor are separated by a spacing structure. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using standard processes, reducing fabrication complexity and cost while maintaining a compact overall structure through controlled spacing.
3Device complexity
If uniform distance is maintained between filter and image sensor, then the structure is simple, but fringe patterns appear due to light interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric variable spacing between the filter array and image sensor, where different filters have different distances to the image sensor. This asymmetric configuration disrupts the uniform light interference pathways that produce fringe patterns, while the spacing structure itself remains relatively simple and does not significantly increase overall device complexity.
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 proposed arrangement improves imaging characteristics by reducing fringe patterns and lowers manufacturing costs while enabling the acquisition of multi-wavelength images with reduced reconstruction errors.
Implementation Method 1
each of the filters having a light-incident surface and a light-emitting surface, the filters including multiple types of filters having mutually different transmission spectra
Implementation Method 2
an image sensor having a light-detecting surface facing the light-emitting surface, the image sensor being provided with light-detecting elements arranged two-dimensionally on the light-detecting surface
Data Source
AI summary
A light detecting device is provided with: a filter array including filters arranged two-dimensionally, each of the filters having a light-incident surface and a light-emitting surface, the filters including multiple types of filters having mutually different transmission spectra; and an image sensor having a light-detecting surface facing the light-emitting surface, the image sensor being provided with light-detecting elements arranged two-dimensionally on the light-detecting surface, wherein the distance between the light-emitting surface and the light-detecting surface is different for each of the filters.