Integrated Line-Scan Sensor for Simultaneous Imaging and Spectral Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hyperspectral imaging systems require multiple sensors or complex computational methods to simultaneously acquire spectral measurements and images, leading to inefficiencies and increased complexity.
Innovation Solution
A combined imaging and spectral measurement line-scan sensor array integrated on a single semiconductor substrate, where some pixel lines are dedicated to imaging and others to spectral measurement, with each line or group of pixels associated with specific spectral bands, allowing for simultaneous acquisition of images and spectral data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are employed to simultaneously acquire spectral measurements and images, then measurement capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensor functions (imaging and spectral measurement) into a single integrated sensor array. Different regions of the same sensor array perform different functions: some pixel lines capture images while others capture spectral measurements, eliminating the need for multiple separate sensors and reducing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor array is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously. The same basic sensor structure can capture both spatial image information and spectral measurement data by assigning different functional roles to different pixel lines, making the system multi-functional without requiring separate dedicated sensors for each function.
2Device complexity
If computational methods are used to generate spectral images from hyperspectral data, then hardware complexity is reduced, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor array performs spectral decomposition and data separation in advance during the acquisition phase. By capturing spectral measurements and images simultaneously at different pixel lines, the system prepares processed information before it reaches the computer, reducing the computational burden and processing time required for generating spectral images.
3Device complexity
If a single sensor is used for both imaging and spectral measurement, then device complexity is reduced, but signal-to-noise ratio deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor array is segmented into different functional regions with dedicated pixel lines for imaging and other lines for spectral measurements. This segmentation allows each region to optimize its signal quality for its specific function while sharing the same integrated substrate, maintaining high signal-to-noise ratios despite the combined 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
Enables efficient, simultaneous acquisition of images and spectral data with reduced complexity and cost by integrating imaging and spectral measurement functions on a single sensor, improving signal-to-noise ratio and reducing the number of required filters.
Implementation Method 1
A combined imaging and spectral measurement line-scan sensor array is integrated on a single semiconductor substrate and includes a plurality of sensor elements lines
Data Source
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AI summary
A combined imaging and spectral measurement line-scan imaging sensor, which includes a plurality of pixel lines. Each pixel line includes a plurality of pixels. A at least one of the pixel lines is an imaging line designated for acquiring at least one image of an object and one other of the pixel lines are spectral measurement lines designated for acquiring a spectral measurement of light received from the object. Each imaging line is associated with a single respective spectral response within a spectral range. Each pixel in each spectral measurement line is associated with a respective spectral band. Each of at least three pixels in each of the spectral measurement lines is respectively associated with different respective pixel spectral bands. The different respective pixel spectral bands are non-identical to any one of the single spectral responses associated with each the imaging spectral lines.