Inclined Optical Filter Frame for Multispectral Aberration Correction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multispectral imaging systems face challenges in capturing high-quality images due to uncorrected aberrations across different wavelengths, which affect image resolution and quality, especially when using general lenses with aberrations.

Innovation Solution

The proposed optical element and imaging apparatus employ a filter unit with bandpass filters installed on an inclined surface, adjusted by an inclination adjustment member, and fixed with an adhesive, allowing for individual correction of aberrations by adjusting optical path lengths for each wavelength range, thereby improving image quality across multiple spectral bands.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If general lenses are used for multispectral imaging, then device complexity is reduced, but image quality deteriorates due to uncorrected aberrations across different wavelengths

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelens system complexityVSAvoidimage quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the imaging system into separate wavelength-specific optical paths, each with its own lens optimized for a particular wavelength range. This segmentation allows each lens to be designed for minimal aberration at its specific wavelength while the overall system captures multiple spectral bands, resolving the contradiction between using simple general lenses and achieving high image quality across all wavelengths.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies the local quality principle by providing different optical characteristics to different parts of the imaging system corresponding to different wavelength ranges. Each wavelength-specific optical path has lenses with optimized glass compositions and curvatures tailored to their specific spectral band, ensuring high image quality locally for each wavelength while maintaining overall system simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Manufacturing precision

If wavelength-specific optical paths are implemented, then image quality is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage qualityVSAvoidoptical system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple wavelength-specific optical paths into a unified imaging system that shares common structural elements, such as the sensor array and housing. By combining these paths in an integrated manner rather than as separate systems, the patent achieves high image quality across multiple wavelengths while controlling overall device complexity through shared components and compact arrangement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Measurement precision

If aberration correction is applied for each wavelength range, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to complex adjustment requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespectral imaging precisionVSAvoidsystem adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring each wavelength-specific optical path with fixed lens elements designed for optimal performance at their designated wavelengths. The optical paths are pre-aligned and pre-adjusted during manufacturing, eliminating the need for complex runtime adjustments by the operator while maintaining high spectral imaging precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements self-service through optical elements with built-in aberration correction features, such as aspherical surfaces and specialized glass compositions, that automatically compensate for wavelength-specific distortions without requiring external adjustment mechanisms. The system self-corrects aberrations through its inherent optical design rather than requiring operator intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 solution enables the capture of multispectral images with improved resolution and quality by individually controlling aberrations for each wavelength range, even with general lenses, resulting in a more efficient and effective imaging system.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of optical filters including two or more optical filters that transmit light beams having at least partially different wavelength ranges

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical filtering: Filter (optical)

Implementation Method 2

a frame having an inclined surface portion with an optical axis center as an apex, in which the plurality of optical filters are installed on the inclined surface portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentUS11968437B2Optical element, optical device, imaging apparatus, and manufacturing method of optical element

Publication Date: 2024.04.23 FUJIFILM CORP

AI summary

One embodiment according to the technology of the present disclosure provides an optical element, an optical device, an imaging apparatus, and a manufacturing method of the optical element, for capturing a multispectral image. An optical element according to an aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of optical filters including two or more optical filters that transmit light beams having at least partially different wavelength ranges, and a frame having an inclined surface portion with an optical axis center as an apex, in which the plurality of optical filters are installed on the inclined surface portion.