Multi-band Optical Filter Sub-units for Compact Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for acquiring optical information in multiple narrowband wavelengths are costly and bulky, require multiple imaging systems, and are limited by the width of dual band pass filters and prone to errors due to subject or system movement.
Innovation Solution
An optical filtering apparatus with a filter unit comprising sub-filter units that sequentially dominate different wavelength bands, driven by a mechanical unit to rotate and adjust intensity, allowing for the generation of multi-wavelength images with a compact and cost-effective design that can be integrated with existing optical equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a beam splitter and multiple narrowband optical filters are used to acquire optical information in two or more wavelengths, then multi-wavelength imaging capability is achieved, but the structural size increases and costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple narrowband optical filters onto a single substrate to create an integrated multi-band optical filter. This merging approach allows the filter to transmit multiple discrete wavelength bands (e.g., 480±20nm, 560±20nm, 640±20nm) simultaneously, eliminating the need for multiple separate filters and beam splitters, thereby reducing structural size while maintaining multi-wavelength imaging capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs a universal optical filter structure that can be applied to various imaging systems for multi-wavelength acquisition. The filter unit with multiple sub-filter units serves multiple functions: wavelength selection, image separation, and simultaneous multi-band transmission, making the system adaptable to different applications without requiring complex reconfiguration
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple imaging systems are used to capture images in respective wavelengths, then comprehensive multi-wavelength data is obtained, but costs rise and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the function of multiple imaging systems into a single imaging system by using an integrated multi-band optical filter. The filter contains multiple sub-filter units, each transmitting a specific wavelength band, allowing one imaging system to capture multiple wavelength bands simultaneously through the same optical path, thereby reducing the number of required imaging systems while maintaining comprehensive multi-wavelength data acquisition
3Adaptability or versatility
If images are captured successively in different wavelengths by replacing filters, then multi-wavelength images are obtained, but errors occur due to subject or system movement during the time intervals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic action by rotating a filter wheel or switching between sub-filter units at controlled intervals. Each sub-filter unit is positioned to transmit a specific wavelength band, and the periodic switching allows sequential capture of multiple wavelength bands. This periodic mechanism ensures synchronized timing and reduces movement-related errors compared to manual filter replacement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple narrowband filters into a single integrated filter unit with multiple sub-filter units on one substrate. This merging allows all wavelength bands to be transmitted through a single optical path simultaneously or in rapid succession, eliminating the need for physical filter replacement and reducing the time intervals during which subject or system movement could cause registration errors
4Device complexity
If a dual band pass filter is used to transmit two wavelengths, then filtering is simplified, but the wavelength width is wider than general filters and dual band combination is very limited depending on material
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the filter into multiple sub-filter units, where each sub-filter unit is responsible for transmitting a specific wavelength band. This segmentation allows precise control over each wavelength band's transmission characteristics (e.g., 480±20nm, 560±20nm, 640±20nm), enabling narrow bandwidth selection and flexible combination of multiple wavelength bands that would be impossible with a single dual band pass filter
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite material structures in the filter design, combining multiple filter layers or materials with different optical properties to achieve the desired transmission characteristics for multiple discrete wavelength bands. This composite approach overcomes the material limitations of single-material dual band filters, providing greater versatility in wavelength selection and combination
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 the acquisition of multi-band optical information in a compact and cost-effective manner, reducing errors associated with subject movement and improving imaging quality by selectively filtering and correcting wavelength intensities.
Implementation Method 1
a filter unit configured to have a plurality of sub-filter units including a first sub-filter unit through which a first wavelength band passes and a second sub-filter unit through which a second wavelength band, which is different from the first wavelength band, passes
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a multi-band optical filtering method and apparatus and to a multi-band optical filtering method and apparatus capable of filtering wavelengths of two or more bands in order to create a multi-wavelength image of a subject. In the present invention, the optical filtering apparatus for creating a multi-wavelength image of a subject comprises a filter unit having a plurality of sub filter units comprising a first sub filter unit through which a first wavelength band passes and a second sub filter unit through which a second wavelength band, which is different from the first wavelength band, passes, wherein while the light generated in a light source passes through the filter unit, the filter unit filters the light such that an intensity of the first wavelength band is dominant in a first region, and an intensity of the second wavelength band is dominant in a second region.