Hyperspectral Illuminator LED Array Dichroic Filters

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hyperspectral illumination systems are large, complex, expensive, and inefficient, providing insufficient light output, which limits their effectiveness in real-time or near real-time assessment and monitoring of objects, such as human tissues.

Innovation Solution

A hyperspectral illuminator system utilizing an LED array with multiple collimators and dichroic filters to generate and focus light into narrow beams, which are then mixed into a uniform pattern for efficient illumination, reducing system size and cost while enhancing light output.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If a 500 W Xenon lamp is used for illumination, then the light source can be turned on and off quickly, but the system becomes large, complex, expensive, and provides insufficient light output

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight outputVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The illumination system is divided into multiple independent LED modules, each emitting at specific wavelengths. Each module contains its own collimator and filter assembly, allowing independent optimization of each wavelength channel while contributing to the overall illumination output.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/Xenon lamp illumination system with an LED-based optical system. LEDs provide faster switching, higher efficiency, and longer lifetime while enabling precise spectral control through wavelength-selective filters and collimators.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Illumination intensity

If a 500 W Xenon lamp is used for illumination, then the light source can be turned on and off quickly, but the system becomes expensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight outputVSAvoidsystem cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses multiple inexpensive LED components and wavelength-selective filters instead of expensive Xenon lamps. While individual components have shorter lifetimes, the modular design allows easy replacement and the overall system cost is significantly reduced.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operating parameters by using LEDs at specific wavelengths rather than broad-spectrum Xenon lamps. This allows optimization of each wavelength channel independently, improving cost-efficiency while maintaining or enhancing the required illumination output for hyperspectral imaging.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Illumination intensity

If a 500 W Xenon lamp is used for illumination, then the light source can be turned on and off quickly, but the system provides insufficient light output

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovebrightnessVSAvoidillumination efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple LED modules emitting at different wavelengths into a single integrated illumination system. The light from all modules is combined through optical elements to provide comprehensive spectral coverage with enhanced total output compared to a single Xenon lamp.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses periodic switching of LED modules to provide illumination synchronized with camera exposure. This allows efficient use of the light source by activating only when needed, improving overall system productivity while maintaining the ability to provide high-intensity illumination during active measurement periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic 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

The system achieves significant reduction in size and cost while providing more than eight times the brightness of existing systems, enabling effective analysis of tissue types and chemical signatures with improved signal-to-noise ratio and real-time imaging capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

an LED array for generating light of a predefined spectrum

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight Emitting Diode: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

multiple collimators. Each of the multiple collimators may be associated with one an LED of the LED array and focus the light into beams

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCollimation: Lens

Implementation Method 3

multiple dichroic filters. The dichroic filters filter the beams

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDichroic filtering: Dichroic Filter

Data Source

PatentUS8792098B2System and method for hyperspectral illumination

Publication Date: 2014.07.29 MICROLIN LLC

AI summary

A system and method for a hyperspectral illuminator. The hyperspectral illuminator includes an LED array for generating light of a predefined spectra. The hyperspectral illuminator further includes multiple collimators. Each of the multiple collimators is associated with one an LED of the LED array and focus the light into beams. The hyperspectral illuminator further includes multiple dichroic filters. The dichroic filters filter the beams. The hyperspectral illuminator further includes one or more integrator lenses for mixing the filtered beams into a uniform pattern for projection on to a target.