Mosaic Filter Image Sensor for High Spectral Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Line-scan image capturing devices are slow and limited in application, requiring object movement for high spectral resolution imaging, which restricts their speed and versatility.
Innovation Solution
A method and device where a sensor surface is translated relative to an optical system to capture images with high spectral and spatial resolution without moving the object, using a mosaic filter to acquire multiple light properties in a single frame, enabling fast and versatile imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a line-scan image capturing device is used to achieve high spectral resolution, then spectral resolution is improved, but imaging speed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor surface is divided into multiple sensor surfaces, each capturing a portion of the spectral information. By segmenting the sensing function across multiple surfaces that can be positioned at different locations, the system achieves high spectral resolution without requiring sequential scanning of the entire spectrum, thereby improving imaging speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from one-dimensional spectral scanning to a multi-dimensional approach where multiple sensor surfaces capture spectral information simultaneously at different spatial positions. This dimensional expansion allows parallel acquisition of spectral data, resolving the contradiction between spectral resolution and imaging speed.
2Measurement precision
If an object is moved across the sensor surface to acquire a full spectrally resolved image, then spectral resolution is improved, but the system becomes limited to moving objects
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving the object across a single sensor surface to achieve spectral resolution, the invention inverts the approach by using multiple sensor surfaces that remain stationary and capture spectral information from different portions of the object simultaneously. This eliminates the requirement for object movement while maintaining spectral resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The system becomes universal by accommodating both moving and stationary objects. Multiple sensor surfaces can be positioned to capture spectral information from stationary objects without requiring mechanical movement, thereby extending the applicability of the system to various scenarios including remote sensing, medical imaging, and industrial inspection.
3Measurement precision
If multiple optical systems are used to capture different light properties, then spectral resolution is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple optical systems are merged into a unified configuration where multiple sensor surfaces share a common optical path or are positioned in a coordinated arrangement. This consolidation reduces the overall complexity compared to having completely separate optical systems while still enabling simultaneous capture of different spectral information.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical system is designed with multi-functionality, where a single optical system can illuminate and be imaged by multiple sensor surfaces simultaneously. This universal design allows one optical system to serve multiple spectral capture functions, reducing the number of separate optical systems needed and thereby decreasing device complexity.
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 approach allows for rapid acquisition of hyperspectral images with high spatial and spectral resolution, eliminating the need for object movement and complex optical system changes, while maintaining image quality and extending the device's applicability.
Implementation Method 1
Different rows of pixels may be sensitive to different wavelengths of light, such that, as the object is moved over the sensor area, an image with high spectral and spatial resolution may be obtained
Implementation Method 2
The mosaic filter is configured to transmit unique light properties to photo-sensitive areas in the sub-group
Data Source
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AI summary
An image sensor for acquiring an image of an object comprises: an array of photo-sensitive areas (112); and a mosaic filter (114) associated with the array dividing the array into sub-groups (118) of photo-sensitive areas (112) extending across at least two rows and two columns, wherein the mosaic filter (114) transmits unique light properties to the photo-sensitive areas (112) within the sub-group (118); wherein the mosaic filter (114) comprises a sequence of unique filter portions associated with a set of photo-sensitive areas (112) along a row, wherein the set extends through more than one sub-group (118); wherein sequences comprising the unique filter portions are associated with each row and wherein the sequences associated with adjacent rows comprise different orders of the unique filter portions, such that different light properties are transmitted to photo-sensitive areas (112) in the same column of adjacent rows.