Hyperspectral Imaging via Sequential Monochromatic Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for hyperspectral and multispectral imaging are hindered by the need for complex equipment, calibration efforts, and reduced spectral image quality, leading to slow data acquisition and inability to capture moving scenes.
Innovation Solution
A method using monochromatic electromagnetic radiation from multiple sources with sequential emission and detection, allowing for spectrally resolved evaluation without a spectroscope or interferometer, enabling two-dimensional spatially and spectrally resolved image acquisition with high frequency and large field of view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If broadband illumination followed by spectral decomposition using a spectroscope or interferometer is used, then high spectral resolution is achieved, but device complexity increases and data acquisition time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the spectral acquisition process into multiple sequential measurements at different wavelengths. Instead of using a single complex spectroscope to capture all wavelengths simultaneously, the system segments the spectrum into discrete wavelength components and measures them sequentially using monochromatic light sources, thereby simplifying the optical path while maintaining spectral resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic switching between multiple monochromatic light sources, each emitting at a specific wavelength. By sequentially activating different light sources in a periodic manner and synchronizing the detector measurements with the source activation, the system achieves spectral decomposition without requiring a spectroscope or interferometer, thus reducing device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If a spectroscope or interferometer is integrated into the camera for spectral decomposition, then spectral image quality is improved, but hardware complexity and calibration efforts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the spectral decomposition function from the camera hardware by removing the spectroscope or interferometer integration. Instead, spectral information is obtained through sequential illumination with monochromatic light sources, separating the illumination function from the detection function and thereby simplifying the camera hardware while maintaining spectral imaging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical spectral decomposition system (spectroscope or interferometer) with an electronic control system that sequentially activates multiple monochromatic light sources. This substitution eliminates complex optical components and their associated calibration requirements, reducing hardware complexity while preserving spectral resolution.
3Measurement precision
If pushbroom method with spectroscope is used for hyperspectral data acquisition, then high spectral resolution is achieved, but data acquisition time increases and moving scenes cannot be captured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic switching of monochromatic light sources to illuminate the entire scene simultaneously at different wavelengths. By synchronizing the detector with the periodic source activation, the system captures spectral information from all pixels at each wavelength without requiring mechanical scanning, thereby maintaining spectral resolution while enabling capture of moving scenes and improving data acquisition speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary spectral separation by using monochromatic light sources that emit at specific wavelengths before the light interacts with the sample. This preliminary wavelength selection eliminates the need for post-acquisition spectral decomposition through mechanical scanning, allowing simultaneous capture of the entire scene at each wavelength and improving productivity.
4Productivity
If snapshot method with Fabry-Perot filter matrix is used, then multispectral data acquisition is achieved, but spectral and spatial resolution are limited and manufacturing variations affect quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter by sequentially activating monochromatic light sources with different wavelengths rather than using a fixed filter matrix. This approach allows for higher spectral resolution by selecting specific wavelengths with narrow bandwidths and maintains high spatial resolution by using a standard 2D detector without sub-pixel filter structures, thereby overcoming the resolution limitations of the snapshot method.
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 allows for fast, flexible, and high-resolution hyperspectral imaging without additional hardware, enabling efficient quality control and monitoring of samples with reduced data processing and equipment costs.
Implementation Method 1
The intensity of the electromagnetic radiation scattered and/or reflected by the sample, which is specific for the wavelength λi, is detected by at least one detector
Implementation Method 2
The intensity of the electromagnetic radiation scattered and/or reflected by the sample, which is specific for the wavelength λi, is detected by at least one detector
Data Source
AI summary
In the method for optical monitoring and/or determination of properties on samples, monochromatic electromagnetic radiation with a predetermined wavelength is sequentially directed from several radiation sources onto a sample influenced by an electronic evaluation unit. The respective intensity specific to the wavelength of the electromagnetic radiation scattered and/or reflected by the sample is detected by at least one detector and fed to the electronic evaluation unit for spectrally resolved evaluation in order to use it to monitor and/or determine properties of the respective sample.