Compact Hyperspectral Sensor Using Beam Splitters and Bandpass Filters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hyperspectral imaging devices face challenges due to high costs, complex optics, and poor temporal and spatial resolution, limiting their clinical application.
Innovation Solution
A compact hyperspectral imaging device using a plurality of photo-sensors and dual bandpass filters, along with beam splitters and light sources operating in multiple modes, to concurrently capture images at multiple wavelengths, reducing complexity and cost while improving resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional hyperspectral imaging instruments use complex optics and computational processing to resolve images at multiple spectral bands, then spectral resolution and imaging capability are improved, but device complexity, cost, and processing time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging system into multiple independent photo-sensor chips, with each chip equipped with specific bandpass filters to capture specific spectral bands. This segmentation allows parallel acquisition of multiple spectral bands without requiring complex sequential optical switching or processing systems, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining spectral resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a single lens system that serves multiple functions by directing light to multiple photo-sensor chips simultaneously. Each photo-sensor chip is designed to be multi-functional, capable of capturing different spectral bands through integrated bandpass filters, eliminating the need for separate optical paths or specialized components for each spectral band.
2Measurement precision
If conventional hyperspectral imaging instruments use complex optics and computational assembly to process data into a hyperspectral data cube, then spectral analysis capability is improved, but temporal resolution and imaging speed deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-configures multiple photo-sensor chips with specific bandpass filters to capture multiple spectral bands simultaneously in a single exposure. This preliminary arrangement of optical paths and sensors eliminates the need for time-consuming sequential capture and computational assembly of spectral data, thereby dramatically improving imaging speed while preserving spectral analysis capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous simultaneous capture of multiple spectral bands through parallel optical paths leading to multiple photo-sensor chips. This continuous parallel acquisition eliminates interruptions and processing delays associated with sequential methods, maintaining high temporal resolution while providing complete spectral information.
3Measurement precision
If conventional hyperspectral imaging instruments use complex optical systems to resolve images at multiple spectral bands, then spectral imaging capability is improved, but optical throughput and signal quality decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the spectral imaging function across multiple photo-sensor chips, each optimized for specific spectral bands. This segmentation allows each sensor to receive direct light from the object through dedicated optical paths with minimal filtering and reflection losses, maximizing optical throughput for each spectral band while collectively providing comprehensive spectral coverage.
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 faster, more accurate, and cost-effective hyperspectral imaging by simultaneously capturing multiple spectral bands, enhancing clinical utility and portability.
Implementation Method 1
Each respective beam splitter is configured to split the light received by the lens into at least two optical paths
Implementation Method 2
each respective dual bandpass filter is configured to allow a different respective spectral band to pass through the respective dual bandpass filter
Implementation Method 3
a plurality of photo-sensors... Each respective optical path in the plurality of optical paths is configured to direct light to a corresponding photo-sensor
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are methods and systems for concurrent imaging at multiple wavelengths. In one aspect, a hyperspectral/multispectral imaging device includes a lens configured to receive light backscattered by an object, a plurality of photo-sensors, a plurality of bandpass filters covering respective photo-sensors, where each bandpass filter is configured to allow a different respective spectral band to pass through the filter, and a plurality of beam splitters in optical communication with the lens and the photo-sensors, where each beam splitter splits the light received by the lens into a plurality of optical paths, each path configured to direct light to a corresponding photo-sensor through the bandpass filter corresponding to the respective photo-sensor.