Hyperspectral Sensor Miniaturization via Chromatic Dispersion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Hyperspectral imaging devices face challenges in miniaturization due to mechanical configurations required for scanning and have long measurement times and lowered image resolution when using existing methods.

Innovation Solution

A miniaturized hyperspectral image sensor is developed by integrating a dispersion optical device with a solid-state imaging device and an image processor that uses chromatic dispersion and advanced optimization algorithms to reconstruct hyperspectral images from dispersed RGB data, allowing for spatial alignment and spectral information extraction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a mechanical scanning configuration is used for hyperspectral imaging, then spectral measurement capability is achieved, but device size and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespectral measurement capabilityVSAvoidmechanical configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical scanning systems with a fixed optical system comprising a solid-state imaging device and a dispersion optical device. The imaging device includes a light receiving unit and a spectral analysis unit that simultaneously captures spatial and spectral information without mechanical movement, thereby eliminating the complexity of mechanical scanning configurations while maintaining spectral measurement capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the light receiving function and spectral analysis function into a single integrated solid-state imaging device. The dispersion optical device is positioned within the imaging device to disperse light onto different pixel regions, combining what were previously separate mechanical scanning components into one unified system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Loss of time

If a snapshot method with band pass filter array is used, then measurement time is reduced, but image resolution is lowered

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement timeVSAvoidimage resolution

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the pixel array of the solid-state imaging device into multiple regions, where each region is assigned to detect specific wavelength bands. The dispersion optical device directs light of different wavelengths to different pixel regions, enabling simultaneous capture of spectral information across the entire image without using mechanical scanning or sequential filtering, thus maintaining high resolution while achieving snapshot measurement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Measurement precision

If point scan or line scan method is used, then spectral information is obtained, but apparatus size cannot be miniaturized

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespectral informationVSAvoidapparatus size

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical scanning systems with a fixed optical system comprising a solid-state imaging device and a dispersion optical device. The imaging device includes a light receiving unit and a spectral analysis unit that simultaneously capture spatial and spectral information without mechanical movement, thereby eliminating the complexity of mechanical scanning configurations while maintaining spectral measurement capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent nests the dispersion optical device within the solid-state imaging device structure. The dispersion optical device is positioned inside the imaging device to disperse light onto different pixel regions, allowing the spectral analysis function to be integrated within the compact imaging device volume, enabling miniaturization while maintaining spectral measurement capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 enables the miniaturization of hyperspectral image sensors and pickup apparatuses while maintaining high image resolution, allowing for efficient one-shot hyperspectral image capture with improved spatial and spectral alignment.

Implementation Method 1

The dispersion optical device is configured to cause chromatic dispersion and focus incident light on the solid-state imaging device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChromatic dispersion: Dispersion (of waves)

Implementation Method 2

a solid-state imaging device configured to obtain a dispersed image having an edge separated for each wavelength when chromatic dispersion is caused by the dispersion optical device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3812721B1Hyperspectral image pickup apparatus providing a hyperspectral image from a RGB image

Publication Date: 2023.07.05 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

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Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C~2D

AI summary

Provided is a hyperspectral image sensor including a solid-state imaging device including a plurality of pixels disposed two-dimensionally, and configured to sense light, and a dispersion optical device disposed to face the solid-state imaging device at an interval, and configured to cause chromatic dispersion of incident light such that the incident light is separated based on wavelengths of the incident light and is incident on different positions, respectively, on a light sensing surface of the solid-state imaging device.