Hyperspectral Imager Environmental Enclosure and Multi-Exposure Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hyperspectral imaging in harsh environments faces challenges such as exposure to environmental extremes, significant defects in captured images due to shadow effects and directional reflection variations, and the need for extensive post-processing to enhance image features.
Innovation Solution
A compact hyperspectral imager with an environmental enclosure for temperature and dust isolation, equipped with a thermo electric cooler unit for temperature stabilization, and an electronic control system for managing the imager's components. Additionally, a method for luminance processing involves iteratively adjusting exposure levels based on saturation proportion and comparison with reference spectra, and a probabilistic model for classifying hyperspectral imagery using non-stationary observation angle dependent covariance functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If hyperspectral imaging is performed in harsh environments, then the ability to capture images in extreme conditions is improved, but image quality deteriorates due to environmental extremes, shadow effects, and directional reflection variations
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the imaging task into multiple exposures at different exposure levels. Instead of attempting to capture the complete dynamic range in a single exposure, the patent divides the capture process into multiple sequential exposures, each optimized for different luminance ranges. This segmentation allows the system to operate in harsh environments while maintaining image quality by combining information from multiple specialized exposures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action through multiple sequential exposures at different exposure levels. The imaging system repeatedly captures the same scene with varying exposure parameters, then combines these periodic captures to produce a final image with enhanced dynamic range and quality. This periodic multi-exposure approach resolves the contradiction between environmental adaptability and image quality.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple processing steps are applied to enhance image features, then image quality is improved, but processing time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing exposure optimization and image combination operations during the data acquisition phase rather than as post-processing steps. The system pre-calculates optimal exposure levels and combines images in real-time or near-real-time, reducing the need for extensive post-processing. This preliminary processing maintains high image quality while minimizing additional processing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging system performs self-service by automatically selecting exposure levels and combining images without requiring extensive manual post-processing intervention. The system autonomously optimizes the multi-exposure capture and combination process, reducing both processing time and complexity while maintaining enhanced image quality.
3Loss of information
If exposure level is increased to capture more luminance information, then dynamic range is improved, but saturation of spectral channels increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the luminance capture across multiple exposures with different exposure levels. Instead of using a single high exposure that would saturate spectral channels, the system divides the luminance capture task into multiple exposures ranging from low to high levels. Each exposure captures a different portion of the luminance range, and the combination of these segmented exposures recovers the complete dynamic range without channel saturation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamics by varying the exposure level across multiple captures rather than using a fixed exposure. The exposure parameter is dynamically adjusted for each capture in the sequence, allowing the system to adaptively sample different portions of the luminance range. This dynamic approach enables recovery of high luminance information while avoiding saturation in any single spectral channel.
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-quality hyperspectral image capture and processing in harsh environments, providing improved image quality and automated processing results, and facilitating accurate classification of geological features.
Implementation Method 1
a thermo electric cooler unit attached to the environmental enclosure for cooling the enclosure, thereby maintaining the enclosure at a substantially stable temperature during operations
Data Source
AI summary
A compact hyperspectral imager adapted to operate in harsh environments and to conduct post acquisition signal processing to provide automated and improved hyperspectral processing results is disclosed. The processing includes luminance and brightness processing of captured hyperspectral images, hyperspectral image classification and inverse rendering to produce luminance invariance image processing.