Single-Sensor Hyperspectral Imaging Device Using Spectral Filter Array
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical hyperspectral imaging instruments are costly due to complex optics and computational requirements, and suffer from poor temporal and spatial resolution, as well as low optical throughput, limiting their effectiveness for medical diagnostics.
Innovation Solution
A single-sensor hyperspectral imaging device using a photo-sensor array with a spectral filter array, where each photo-sensor is filtered by a unique spectral pass-band filter element, allowing for the generation of a hyperspectral data cube with improved spatial resolution and reduced complexity, enabling efficient medical diagnostics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex optics and computational processing are used to capture images at multiple spectral bands, then spectral resolution is improved, but device cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spectral filter array is divided into multiple filter types, each with a unique spectral pass-band. Each photo-sensor is assigned to a specific filter-type, creating segmented groups that capture different spectral bands simultaneously. This segmentation enables spectral resolution improvement without requiring complex sequential optical systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from sequential spectral capture to simultaneous spectral capture by adding a spatial dimension through the filter array. Multiple spectral bands are captured in a single exposure by distributing different filter-types across the photo-sensor array, converting a temporal problem into a spatial solution.
2Measurement precision
If complex optics and computational requirements are used to generate hyperspectral data cube, then spectral accuracy is improved, but temporal resolution deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The spectral filter array is pre-configured with multiple filter-types distributed across the photo-sensor array before image capture. This preliminary arrangement enables simultaneous capture of multiple spectral bands in a single exposure, eliminating the need for sequential filtering and computational assembly, thus improving temporal resolution while maintaining spectral accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If multiple images at different spectral bands are captured sequentially, then spectral detail is improved, but spatial resolution and optical throughput deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the capture of multiple spectral bands into a single simultaneous exposure by using a photo-sensor array where each sensor is filtered by a unique spectral pass-band filter. This combining approach captures all spectral information in one shot, preventing spatial misalignment and maintaining high spatial resolution while preserving detailed spectral information.
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 device achieves improved spatial resolution and reduced costs by using a single exposure to generate multiple images at different spectral bands, enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of medical diagnostics while minimizing complexity and optical throughput issues.
Implementation Method 1
Each filter element is arranged to filter light received by a respective one or more of the photo-sensors. Each filter element is one of a plurality of filter-types. Each filter-type characterized by a unique spectral pass-band.
Implementation Method 2
A photo-sensor array including a plurality of photo-sensors. Each photo-sensor provides a respective output.
Data Source
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AI summary
A hyperspectral imaging device comprising a photo-sensor array including a plurality of photo-sensors, each providing a respective output, is provided. The device comprises a spectral filter array having a plurality of filter elements, each filter element arranged to filter light received by a respective one or more of the photo-sensors. Each filter element is one of a plurality of filter-types. Each filter-type characterized by a unique spectral pass-band. The device comprises an interface module to select a plurality of subsets of photo-sensor outputs. Each such subset is associated with a single respective filter-type. The device comprises a control module that generates a hyperspectral data cube from the subsets of photo-sensor outputs by generating a plurality of images. Each such image is produced from a single corresponding subset of photo-sensor outputs in the plurality of photo-sensor outputs and so is associated with a corresponding filter-type in the plurality of filter-types.