Multi Field of View Hyperspectral Imaging Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hyperspectral imaging systems have limited spatial field coverage in short wave infrared (SWIR) and long-wavelength infrared (LWIR) applications due to the limited number of pixels in detectors, leading to the need for multiple systems aligned side-by-side, which is costly, space-consuming, and power-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A multi-field of view hyperspectral imaging device that uses multiple fore optics and a single spectrometer to cover extended fields of view, with innovative slit designs and diffraction grating configurations to optimize detector usage and reduce equipment costs and power requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If multiple conventional hyperspectral imaging systems are aligned side-by-side to improve spatial field coverage, then the spatial field coverage is improved, but the cost, space requirements, and power consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple fore optics (first fore optic and second fore optic) with different fields of view into a single hyperspectral imaging system that shares a common spectrometer and detector. This merging approach allows the system to achieve extended spatial field coverage equivalent to multiple separate systems while using only one spectrometer and detector assembly, thereby reducing cost, space requirements, and power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The single spectrometer and detector assembly is designed to handle multiple fields of view from different fore optics simultaneously. The system achieves multi-functionality by processing images from both the first fore optic (first field of view) and second fore optic (second field of view) through the same optical path, making the system versatile enough to replace multiple specialized systems.
2Area of moving object
If multiple conventional hyperspectral imaging systems are used to improve spatial field coverage, then the spatial field coverage is improved, but the equipment cost increases due to multiple detectors and spectrometers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple detectors and spectrometers into a single shared spectrometer and detector assembly. The first fore optic and second fore optic both feed into the same spectrometer (102) which uses a single detector (112), eliminating the need for multiple expensive detector-spectrometer combinations while maintaining extended spatial field coverage.
3Area of moving object
If multiple conventional hyperspectral imaging systems are deployed to improve spatial field coverage, then the spatial field coverage is improved, but the power consumption increases due to multiple coolers and spectrometers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates the power-consuming components (spectrometers and coolers) into a single shared system. By having both fore optics use the same spectrometer (102) and detector (112) assembly, the system requires only one cooler and one spectrometer power supply, significantly reducing overall power consumption while maintaining the capability to image across extended spatial fields.
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 enhances spatial field coverage while reducing equipment costs and power consumption by leveraging available detector area and improving optical performance, making it suitable for SWIR and LWIR applications.
Implementation Method 1
a diffraction grating 118 receives the trimmed beam 122 and diffracts and reflects the diffracted beam 124
Implementation Method 2
a first mirror 116 (spherical mirror 116) which reflects the trimmed beam 122 towards the diffraction grating 118
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
A multi field of view hyperspectral imaging device (300) and method for using the same are described herein. In one embodiment, the multi field of view hyperspectral imaging device comprises multiple fore optics (308, 310), multiple fold mirrors (312, 314), a slit including multiple openings (318, 320), a spectrometer (302), and a 2 - dimensional detector.