Hyperspectral Sensor Ambient Light Detector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-spectral camera systems for detecting reflectance in environmental monitoring face errors due to varying incident light conditions, inaccurate reference signal calculations, and mechanical limitations, particularly in large area scans and hard-to-reach terrains.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a multi-spectral camera and an incident light optical detection device, where the optical path for radiation interception is identical for both the camera and the detection device, using interference-type selective filters and a lenticular focusing optical system to ensure accurate reflectance measurements by filtering only orthogonally incident radiation, and an optical diffuser to eliminate directionality, allowing for efficient and reliable reflectance detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a white target is used to measure incident radiation for reflectance calculation, then a reference image can be obtained, but the incident light may vary from zone to zone (e.g., due to clouds) causing reflectance calculation errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the incident light detection function directly into the camera sensor by using the same sensor to detect both the white target (for reference) and the scene. This merging eliminates the need for separate reference measurements and ensures that incident light variations are captured at the exact same location and time as the reflectance measurement, resolving the inconsistency problem caused by spatial and temporal variations in incident light.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple large size targets are used to cover large area shoots, then incident radiation can be measured, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the camera sensor itself serve the dual purpose of detecting both the white target and the scene, eliminating the need for multiple large physical targets. The sensor 'services' itself by using its own detection capability to measure incident radiation through the white target, thereby reducing the complexity and cost associated with deploying multiple large targets across large areas.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the camera is mounted on a movable pivoting support to compensate for oscillations, then image stability improves, but mechanical obstructions and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the white target serve multiple functions: it acts as both the reference object for incident radiation measurement and as a stability reference for the imaging system. By detecting the white target's position and characteristics, the system can compensate for oscillations and maintain stability without requiring complex mechanical pivoting supports, thereby reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining image stability.
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 apparatus provides improved accuracy in reflectance measurements by minimizing errors related to incident light variations and mechanical obstructions, enabling efficient and reliable detection across different spectral bands with a simplified and cost-effective design.
Implementation Method 1
Each selective filter selects a given spectral band (in case of mono-band filter) or a series of spectral bands (in case of multi-band filter) of the electromagnetic radiation
Implementation Method 2
a lenticular focusing optical system to ensure accurate reflectance measurements by filtering only orthogonally incident radiation
Implementation Method 3
an optical diffuser to eliminate directionality
Implementation Method 4
using interference-type selective filters
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
An apparatus (1) for detecting reflectance by means of images, which apparatus (1) comprises: a vehicle (2) carrying a multi-spectral camera (5) mounted on it, provided with multiple first selective filters (6) optically coupled with corresponding first optical sensors (7); and an optical detection device (10) of the incident radiation mounted on the vehicle (2). The optical detection device (10) comprises: multiple second selective filters (11); a second optical sensor (12) optically coupled with second selective filters (11); and a focusing lenticular optical system (14), which is interposed between the second selective filters (11) and the second optical sensor (12), and is arranged to project the radiations coming from the second selective filters (11) onto the sensitive surface (13) of the second optical sensor (12).