Hyperspectral Ranging With Interferometric 3D Spectral Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing remote sensing technologies, such as hyperspectral imaging and lidar, struggle to provide combined 3D spatial and spectral information due to limitations in spectral contrast, alignment difficulties, and high costs associated with expanding wavelength capabilities, leading to challenges in object identification and measurement accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing an optical source, interferometer, and detector to modulate and detect light for simultaneous imaging, spectral sensing, and ranging, achieving resolution orders of magnitude finer than the native time resolution through phase recovery algorithms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If hyperspectral imaging is used to obtain spectral information, then spectral resolution is improved, but spatial 3D information is lost (only 2D spatial information is provided)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines hyperspectral imaging and LIDAR into a single integrated system that simultaneously captures both spectral and 3D spatial information. The system uses a focal plane array detector that records both the spectral content and the time-of-flight data for each pixel, merging the capabilities of two previously separate sensing methods into one unified platform.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional sensing system that performs both hyperspectral imaging and LIDAR ranging using a single detector array. Each pixel in the focal plane array simultaneously measures spectral intensity and time-of-flight, enabling the system to provide comprehensive spatial-spectral characterization without requiring separate hardware systems.
2Measurement precision
If LIDAR is used to obtain 3D spatial information, then spatial resolution is improved, but spectral contrast is lost (monochromatic output)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges LIDAR time-of-flight ranging with hyperspectral detection by using a focal plane array that simultaneously measures both the arrival time and spectral content of reflected photons. This integration allows the system to maintain the 3D spatial capabilities of LIDAR while adding full spectral information that was previously missing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms a traditional monochromatic LIDAR system into a multi-functional instrument that provides both precise 3D spatial mapping and spectral analysis. The focal plane array detector serves dual purposes: measuring time-of-flight for depth information and detecting spectral signatures for material identification.
3Loss of information
If data fusion is used to combine hyperspectral imaging and LIDAR data, then both spectral and 3D spatial information are obtained, but computational complexity and registration errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for complex post-processing data fusion by combining both sensing functions into a single simultaneous measurement process. The focal plane array detector captures spectral and time-of-flight data for each pixel at the same moment, removing the registration and synchronization challenges that plague separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs both spectral and spatial measurements simultaneously during data acquisition rather than sequentially. By capturing all information in a single integrated measurement process, the system avoids the need for complex subsequent data alignment and fusion operations.
4Measurement precision
If narrow-band optical filtering is used to remove ambient lighting contributions, then spectral measurement accuracy is improved, but system complexity and cost increase when duplicating across multiple channels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a single focal plane array detector that simultaneously handles multiple spectral channels without requiring separate filtering systems for each wavelength. The detector inherently distinguishes between different spectral components, eliminating the need to duplicate complex optical filtering hardware across multiple sensing channels.
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
Enables rapid, accurate measurement of spectral and spatial properties of a scene, providing unambiguous object recognition and identification with adjustable spectral resolution and high-range accuracy, overcoming alignment and cost barriers.
Implementation Method 1
measuring reflected radiation at a distance
Implementation Method 2
an interferometer configured to modulate the light prior to emission on the target scene
Implementation Method 3
a detector configured to detect the light emitted on the target scene
Implementation Method 4
measures the time for the reflected light to return to the receiver to determine the variable distance
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for remote sensing in a plurality of dimensions simultaneously are provided. The plurality of dimensions include imaging, spectral sensing, and ranging at a range resolution that is orders of magnitude finer than the native time resolution of a detector used in the system.