Imaging Apparatus Signal Processing Circuit Multi-Wavelength Reconstruction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hyper spectrum cameras using compressive sensing suffer from resolution degradation due to coma aberration caused by spectral elements like prisms, leading to defective data sets where larger volumes of desired data cannot be obtained from smaller acquired data.
Innovation Solution
An imaging apparatus with an encoding device that modulates light intensity by different wavelength characteristics, using spectral filters or light sources with varying transmittances or intensities, and a signal processing circuit to generate multiple images from fewer acquired signals, avoiding spectral elements that cause aberration and enabling efficient data reconstruction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If spectral elements like prisms are used to disperse light in hyper spectrum cameras, then multi-wavelength information can be acquired, but coma aberration occurs leading to resolution degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the spectral element (prism) from the optical system entirely. Instead of using a prism to disperse light, the invention uses a spectral filter array directly on the sensor to select wavelengths, thereby eliminating the source of coma aberration while still achieving multi-wavelength imaging capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical dispersion system (prism-based light path separation) with a filtering system (spectral filter array). This substitution eliminates the need for light path manipulation that causes aberration, achieving wavelength separation through selective filtration instead
2Quantity of substance
If compressive sensing is used to reconstruct multi-wavelength images from multiplexed data, then data volume is reduced, but the system becomes complex and may produce defective data sets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs wavelength selection in advance by placing spectral filters on the sensor before light detection. This preliminary action separates wavelengths at the detection stage rather than requiring complex post-processing reconstruction, simplifying the overall system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates multiple images for different wavelength regions by using multiple spectral filter arrays, each capturing a specific wavelength band. This approach generates separate image copies for each wavelength region without requiring complex mathematical reconstruction algorithms
3Measurement precision
If multiple spectral filters are used to capture different wavelength regions, then spectral information is improved, but the number of required signals increases beyond available sensor outputs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple spectral filter arrays into a single integrated imaging system where each filter array corresponds to a specific wavelength region. Multiple wavelength regions are captured simultaneously in a single shot by merging the functionality of multiple filters into one coordinated system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a spectral dimension to the spatial image by incorporating wavelength information into the image data structure. Each pixel contains not only spatial information but also spectral characteristics, enabling multi-wavelength imaging without requiring separate physical sensors for each wavelength
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 maintains high spatial resolution and reduces data volume while overcoming the defective data set problem, allowing for efficient acquisition of multi-wavelength images without the need for spectral elements that cause aberration, resulting in smaller, more effective imaging systems.
Implementation Method 1
an image sensor which, in operation, acquires m kinds (m is an integer which is 1 or larger) of light, the m kinds of light each having wavelength characteristic different from each other and outputs one or more signals each corresponding to each of the m kinds of light
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging apparatus according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes an image sensor which, in operation, acquires m kinds (m is an integer which is 1 or larger) of light, the m kinds of light each having wavelength characteristic different from each other and outputs one or more signals each corresponding to each of the m kinds of light, and a signal processing circuit which, in operation, processes the one or more signals to generate and output n, which is larger than m, pieces of images corresponding to respective wavelength regions different from each other.