Image Capturing Device Spectral Measurement Lens Array
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image capturing devices face challenges in accurately measuring the spectral information of moving objects due to the need for multiple wavelength changes, which increases processing time and reduces accuracy.
Innovation Solution
An image capturing device with an optical system, a filter having multiple spectral characteristics near the diaphragm, and a lens array with micro-lenses arranged in a two-dimensional surface, allowing simultaneous formation of spectral images on a sensor, enabling instantaneous two-dimensional spectral reflectance measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a linear spectrometer scans the object to measure spectral information, then measurement precision can be improved, but processing time increases and accuracy decreases for moving objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional scanning approach to a two-dimensional simultaneous measurement approach by using a lens array to capture spectral information across multiple wavelengths at the same time, eliminating the time-consuming scanning process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple wavelength measurements into a single captured image by using a lens array where each lens focuses light of a specific wavelength onto corresponding sensor elements, allowing simultaneous acquisition of spectral data across all wavelengths
2Loss of information
If a wavelength variable filter is used to change wavelength range for multi-band imaging, then spectral information can be obtained, but the number of required images increases and processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple wavelength measurements into a single captured image by using a lens array where each lens focuses light of a specific wavelength onto corresponding sensor elements, eliminating the need for multiple separate images
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the spectral information into separate spatial locations on the sensor array, with each sensor element or group of elements corresponding to a specific wavelength range, allowing simultaneous capture of all spectral bands in one image
3Measurement precision
If sequential wavelength changes are performed to obtain spectral images, then spectral reflectance can be measured, but measurement speed decreases and accuracy suffers for moving objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple wavelength measurements into a single captured image by using a lens array where each lens focuses light of a specific wavelength onto corresponding sensor elements, enabling simultaneous acquisition of spectral data across all wavelengths
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous spectral measurement without interruption by capturing all wavelength information simultaneously in a single shot, eliminating the discontinuous nature of sequential scanning and maintaining accurate measurement of moving objects
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 configuration allows for accurate and efficient measurement of spectral reflectance across multiple wavelengths without the need for sequential wavelength changes, improving robustness against noise and maintaining high accuracy even with moving objects.
Implementation Method 1
an optical system that focuses lights from an object to generate optical information
Implementation Method 2
a filter provided near a diaphragm position of the optical system, the filter having a plurality of types of spectral characteristics
Implementation Method 3
a sensor that converts the optical information of the object to electronic data
Implementation Method 4
a lens array having a plurality of lenses being arranged in substantially parallel in a direction of a two-dimensional surface of the sensor
Data Source
AI summary
The image capturing device includes an optical system that focuses lights from an object to generate optical information, a filter provided near a diaphragm position of the optical system, the filter having a plurality of types of spectral characteristics, a sensor that converts the optical information of the object to electronic data, the sensor providing a plurality of spectral transmittance values that sequentially and spatially change, and a lens array having a plurality of lenses being arranged in substantially parallel in a direction of a two-dimensional surface of the sensor.