Multi-Wavelength Filter Array for Infrared Color Discrimination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image capturing systems that use wavelength filters to capture images of reflective objects face difficulties in color discrimination due to limited wavelength band reflection, leading to challenges in accurately representing object colors, especially when using filters that allow passage of light in broader or narrower wavelength bands.
Innovation Solution
An image capturing apparatus and method utilizing multiple photoelectric converting units with sensitivity to light in the 600 nm to 2500 nm range, combined with multiple wavelength filters that allow passage of light in different wavelength bands, where a combination of filters is determined to ensure overlap between the shortest and longest wavelength bands for effective light transmission, enabling improved color discrimination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a wavelength filter that allows passage of light in a broader wavelength band is used, then more light flux can be captured, but color discrimination becomes difficult due to loss of narrow band spectral information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the wavelength filtering function into multiple separate filters (at least four types with different wavelength bands) instead of using a single broad band filter. Each filter captures light in a specific wavelength range, and the image data generating unit combines information from multiple filters to reconstruct spectral information, thereby maintaining both light flux quantity and color discrimination precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the measurement from a single wavelength dimension to multiple wavelength dimensions by using multiple filters with different wavelength bands. This multi-dimensional approach allows the system to capture sufficient light flux across the broad spectrum while simultaneously preserving narrow band spectral information through the combination of multiple filter responses.
2Measurement precision
If a wavelength filter that allows passage of only a partial wavelength band is used, then narrow band spectral information can be captured, but the total light flux is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the output data from multiple narrow band filters to reconstruct a complete spectral representation. By combining the pixel signals from at least four different wavelength filters, the system recovers the total light flux information that would be lost if only a single narrow band filter were used, while maintaining the color discrimination capability provided by the narrow band spectral information.
Solution Approach 2:
The image data generating unit performs multiple functions simultaneously: it processes data from multiple wavelength filters, performs spectral reconstruction, and generates final image data that contains both broadband light flux information and narrowband spectral detail. This multi-functional processing enables the system to overcome the light flux limitation of narrow band filters.
3Device complexity
If three wavelength filters corresponding to RGB primary colors are used, then the system is simple, but the wavelength band coverage is insufficient for accurate color discrimination in the 600-2500 nm range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of filter quantity from three (RGB) to at least four different wavelength filters with specifically designed wavelength bands covering 600-2500 nm. This parameter change enables the system to achieve accurate color discrimination across the extended wavelength range while maintaining relative system simplicity through the use of standard photoelectric converting units.
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 solution enhances color discrimination by allowing for the generation of image data that accurately reflects the spectral intensity differences of objects across various wavelength bands, improving the ability to distinguish between objects with similar colors in both near-infrared and visible light spectra.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of photoelectric converting units that have a light reception sensitivity to light in a wavelength band from 600 nm to 2500 nm, and receive an object light flux to output pixel signals
Implementation Method 2
n types of wavelength filters (n is a natural number equal to or higher than four) that allow passage therethrough of light that is included in the object light flux and is in wavelength bands that are respectively different
Data Source
AI summary
An image capturing apparatus includes: photoelectric converting elements having a light reception sensitivity to light in a wavelength band from 600 to 2500 nm, and receiving an object light flux to output pixel signals; n types of wavelength filters (n>4) allowing passage therethrough of light included in the flux and is in wavelength bands being respectively different, each including the wavelength band; and an image data generator generating image data using the output from an element among those having received the flux passed through one of m types of the wavelength filters (3≤m<n) a combination determined based on a predetermined condition being determined such that among the respective wavelength bands of the m types of filters, a shortest-wavelength side wavelength band and a longest-wavelength side wavelength band overlap, and each filter among the m types allowing passage therethrough of light in the wavelength band including a predetermined effective wavelength band.