Multi-Target Detection Using Conformal Optical Filters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spectroscopic imaging technologies face challenges in achieving real-time detection, especially in complex scenarios involving multiple targets, which limits their application in fields like surgical imaging and contraband detection.
Innovation Solution
The method involves illuminating multiple targets with photons, optically separating and filtering the interacted photons using conformal or multi-conjugate filters tuned with a single recipe, and detecting the spectral signatures with an image sensor, enabling real-time multi-target detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional spectroscopic imaging methods are used to detect multiple targets, then detection capability is achieved, but real-time detection performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection process by using optical separators to divide the photon paths from different targets into separate channels. Each channel can be processed independently with dedicated filters and detectors, enabling parallel processing of multiple targets simultaneously, thus achieving real-time detection performance while maintaining reliable detection capability for each target
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces polarization as an additional dimension to separate targets. By using polarizing beam splitters and polarization-specific filters, the system creates separate detection channels based on polarization states, allowing simultaneous detection of multiple targets with different polarization characteristics without temporal sequencing, thereby achieving real-time multi-target detection
2Measurement precision
If multiple filters with different recipes are used to detect different targets, then detection accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs universal filter components that can handle multiple wavelength ranges and target types through a single optical path design. The conformal filters and multi-conjugate filters are designed to work across broad spectral ranges, allowing a single filter assembly to detect multiple different targets without requiring separate dedicated filter systems for each target, thus reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high detection accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces polarization optics as an intermediary mechanism that simplifies the filtering requirements. By separating targets based on polarization states before they reach the filters, the system can use fewer and simpler filter recipes to detect multiple targets, reducing the complexity of the filtering system while maintaining the ability to accurately distinguish between different targets
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 simultaneous detection of multiple targets in real-time, improving the responsiveness and accuracy of spectroscopic imaging in complex scenarios, enhancing its applications in fields such as surgical imaging and contraband detection.
Implementation Method 1
filtering the first interacted photons and the second interacted photons with at least one of a conformal filter (CF) and a multi conjugate filter (MCF), wherein the CF or MCF is tuned with a single first recipe
Implementation Method 2
filtering the first interacted photons and the second interacted photons with at least one of a conformal filter (CF) and a multi conjugate filter (MCF)
Implementation Method 3
The first interacted photons and the second interacted photons are optically separated by polarizing and are each separately polarized
Implementation Method 4
detecting, with an image sensor, a spectral signature of the first target and the second target by analyzing the filtered first interacted photons and the filtered second interacted photons
Data Source
AI summary
A method for multi-target detection and an apparatus for multi-target detection are capable of detecting at least two targets in real time or near real time. The real-time detection or near real time detection can be achieved by at least one of a Recipe Group Approach, an End Member Grouping Approach, and a Pixelated Grouping Based Approach.