Integrated Multi-Spectral Sensor for Geometric Referencing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hyperspectral imaging systems face challenges in obtaining accurate geometric information, especially when the region of interest and the imaging system are in relative movement, leading to inaccuracies in positional data and alignment.
Innovation Solution
A compact sensing system integrating a first two-dimensional sensor element for spectral information and a second two-dimensional sensor element for geometric referencing on the same semiconductor chip, allowing for simultaneous data capture and alignment, thereby providing accurate geometric information coupled with spectral data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate sensors are used for spectral and geometric data collection, then functional versatility is improved, but alignment accuracy deteriorates due to relative movement and thermal expansion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines spectral sensing and geometric referencing sensors into a single integrated sensor unit mounted on the same substrate. This merging eliminates relative movement between separate sensors and ensures they experience identical thermal expansion, thereby maintaining precise alignment while preserving the versatility of collecting both spectral and geometric data simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated sensor unit serves multiple functions: it collects spectral information through the spectral sensor, captures geometric reference information through the geometric sensor, and provides synchronized data for multi-spectral image generation. This multi-functionality is achieved within a single unified structure that maintains fixed spatial relationships between sensing elements
2Measurement precision
If integration on the same chip is implemented, then alignment accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sensor types (spectral and geometric) are merged into a single integrated sensor unit on one substrate, achieving precise alignment through fixed spatial relationships. The integration is accomplished through coordinated design of sensor elements and filtering structures that share common mounting infrastructure, reducing the complexity that would arise from managing separate sensor assemblies
3Manufacturing precision
If spectral filters are switched between captures, then spectral resolution is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to sequential data collection
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system divides the sensor array into multiple segments, with different regions of the sensor capturing different spectral bands simultaneously. This segmentation allows parallel data collection across multiple spectral ranges, maintaining high spectral resolution while eliminating the time loss associated with sequential filter switching
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from temporal multiplexing (switching filters over time) to spatial multiplexing (using different spatial regions of the sensor for different spectral bands). This dimensional change from time to space enables simultaneous spectral capture, improving productivity while preserving spectral resolution
Data Source
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AI summary
A sensing device is described for obtaining geometric referenced multi-spectral image data of a region of interest in relative movement with respect to the sensing device. The sensing device comprises a first two dimensional sensor element (112) and a spectral filter (114). The sensing device (100) is adapted for obtaining subsequent multi-spectral images during said relative motion of the region of interest with respect to the sensing device thus providing spectrally distinct information for different parts of a region of interest using different parts of the first sensor. The sensing device (100) also comprises a second two dimensional sensor element (122) and is adapted for providing, using the second sensor element (122), an image of the region of interest for generating geometric referencing information to be coupled to the distinct spectral information. The first sensor element (112) and second sensor element (122) of the sensing device are integrated on the same substrate.