Hyperspectral Image Sensor Parallel Sub-Region Scanning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Hyperspectral imaging technologies using point scan or line scan methods face reduced scan speed due to the need for achieving an adequate signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), limiting their application in capturing detailed spectral information efficiently.

Innovation Solution

A hyperspectral image sensor system that includes an optical irradiator, a detector with a spectrum filter, and a processor, which generates hyperspectral images by irradiating light to a partial region, splitting detection light into sub-spectrum signals for different wavelengths, and merging sub-hyperspectral images to produce a full hyperspectral image, allowing for high-speed scanning without compromising resolution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If point scan method or line scan method is used to obtain hyperspectral images, then signal-to-noise ratio can be achieved, but scan speed is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal-to-noise ratioVSAvoidscan speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The imaging area is divided into multiple sub-regions, and multiple detectors are arranged corresponding to these sub-regions. Each detector simultaneously captures spectral information from its corresponding sub-region, enabling parallel acquisition of hyperspectral data from multiple areas, thus improving scan speed while maintaining signal-to-noise ratio

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple detectors are combined into a single imaging system, with each detector contributing spectral data from different sub-regions. The processor integrates data from all detectors to generate complete hyperspectral images, achieving both high scan speed and high signal-to-noise ratio through combined parallel detection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Productivity

If scan speed is increased to improve productivity, then scan time is reduced, but signal-to-noise ratio deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescan speedVSAvoidsignal-to-noise ratio
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The imaging area is divided into multiple sub-regions that can be scanned simultaneously by multiple detectors. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high scan speed by capturing multiple regions in parallel, while each individual detector accumulates sufficient signal for high signal-to-noise ratio

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple detectors operate continuously and simultaneously to capture spectral information from different sub-regions. This continuous parallel detection eliminates the need to slow down scanning to accumulate sufficient signal, maintaining both high productivity and high signal-to-noise ratio

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Reliability

If multiple detectors are arranged to increase pixel area and improve signal-to-noise ratio, then device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal-to-noise ratioVSAvoiddetector arrangement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The detection system is segmented into multiple independent detectors, each handling a specific sub-region. This segmentation simplifies the design of individual detectors while achieving high signal-to-noise ratio through combined parallel operation, and allows modular arrangement that can be adapted to different imaging requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple detectors perform the same spectral detection function simultaneously for different sub-regions. This multi-functional arrangement achieves high signal-to-noise ratio through combined detection capability while using identical detector designs, reducing overall system complexity through standardization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This approach enhances the signal-to-noise ratio and enables high-speed scanning while maintaining resolution, overcoming the limitations of traditional methods by increasing the pixel area and reducing scan time and steps.

Implementation Method 1

an optical irradiator configured to irradiate light to a partial region of an object; an optical detector configured to receive detection light generated in the partial region in response to the irradiated light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight irradiation and detection light generation: Fluorescence

Implementation Method 2

a spectrum filter configured to receive the detection light and output a plurality of sub-spectrum filter signals for each sub-region

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpectral filtering: Filter (optical)

Data Source

PatentEP4170302B1Hyperspectral image sensor and operating method thereof
Publication Date: 2024.12.25 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4170302B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4170302B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4170302B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A hyperspectral image sensor includes an optical irradiator configured to irradiate light to a partial region of an object, an optical detector configured to receive detection light generated in the partial region in response to the irradiated light and generate spectrum signals, each of the spectrum signals corresponding to a respective sub-region of a plurality of sub-regions included in the partial region, and a processor configured to generate a hyperspectral image of the partial region based on the spectrum signals.