IR Bandpass Filter Lens Module for Infrared Imaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

IR image sensors in imaging systems are affected by visible light, which reduces the signal-to-noise ratio and impairs their ability to effectively capture infrared images.

Innovation Solution

An IR imaging system incorporating a lens module with an IR bandpass filter that filters out visible light, ensuring that only infrared light reaches the IR image sensor, thereby preventing interference from visible light.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an IR image sensor is used to capture infrared images, then the system can detect thermal properties and see in the dark, but the sensor is affected by visible light which reduces the signal-to-noise ratio

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinfrared image capture capabilityVSAvoidvisible light interference

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

An IR bandpass filter is introduced as an intermediary component between the lens and the IR image sensor. This filter selectively transmits infrared light while blocking visible light, thereby eliminating the harmful visible light interference without compromising the infrared detection capability of the sensor

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The solution applies selective optical properties to different parts of the optical path. The IR bandpass filter is placed specifically in the optical path where it can selectively transmit infrared wavelengths while blocking visible wavelengths, creating local quality differentiation in the optical system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If the IR image sensor is exposed to visible light, then the system can operate in various lighting conditions, but the signal-to-noise ratio is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation in various lighting conditionsVSAvoidsignal-to-noise ratio

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The IR bandpass filter acts as a mediator that allows the system to maintain adaptability to various lighting conditions while improving measurement precision. It selectively blocks visible light that causes noise while permitting infrared light to pass through, thus enhancing the signal-to-noise ratio without limiting operational versatility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

The IR bandpass filter effectively isolates infrared light, enhancing the signal-to-noise ratio and improving the system's ability to capture clear infrared images even in the presence of visible light, enabling true see-in-the-dark capability and thermal property observation.

Implementation Method 1

an IR bandpass filter received in the barrel and configured for filtering out visible light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBandpass filtering: Filter (optical)

Data Source

PatentUS7368716B2Infrared imaging system and lens module for use with the same

Publication Date: 2008.05.06 WCUBE

AI summary

An IR imaging system includes a lens module and an imaging module coupled to the lens module. The lens module includes a barrel defining a through hole, at least one lens received in the through hole and an IR bandpass filter received in the barrel and configured for filtering out visible light. The imaging module includes a housing and an IR image sensor received in the housing. The IR imaging system can prevent IR image sensors being affected by visible light.