Multispectral Imaging Camera Using Diffraction Grating and Micromirror Array
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multispectral imaging systems rely on expensive custom filters and moving parts, limiting their flexibility and efficiency in capturing multispectral images, and often require multiple sensors and beam splitters.
Innovation Solution
An imaging system that uses a diffraction grating to split electromagnetic energy into multiple beams of different wavelengths, which are then selectively attenuated and recombined by an imaging array, allowing for real-time control of spectral response and generation of spectrally altered images, including RGB and hyper-spectral images extending into near-UV and near-IR wavelengths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional multispectral imaging systems use linear detectors and scanning mirrors, then they can capture multispectral images, but the systems require moving parts and complex mechanical structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical scanning mirror system with a fixed optical array comprising a diffraction grating and micromirror array. This substitution eliminates moving parts while maintaining the ability to capture multispectral images across multiple wavelengths simultaneously, thereby improving reliability by removing mechanical failure points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the optical path into distinct functional components: a diffraction grating that separates wavelengths, a micromirror array that directs specific wavelength bands to the detector, and a fixed detector array. This segmentation allows each component to perform its function statically without requiring mechanical movement, reducing device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional systems use expensive custom filters, then they can select specific wavelength bands, but the filter properties are frozen at design time and cannot be changed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic control of spectral filtering through a programmable micromirror array that can be electronically reconfigured to select different wavelength bands. This dynamic approach replaces static custom filters with a flexible system that can adapt to different spectral requirements through software control, enhancing adaptability without requiring physical filter changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables change of spectral parameters by controlling the orientation and activation of individual micromirrors in the array. By electronically adjusting which micromirrors are active and at what angles, the system can dynamically alter the spectral response to capture different wavelength combinations, providing versatility without expensive custom filters.
3Reliability
If conventional systems use multiple sensors and beam splitters, then they can capture multispectral images, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple spectral capture functions into a single integrated optical path using a diffraction grating to simultaneously disperse multiple wavelengths onto a micromirror array. This consolidation allows a single detector array to capture multiple spectral bands simultaneously, eliminating the need for multiple separate sensors and beam splitters, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining imaging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal imaging system where a single fixed detector array can capture multiple spectral bands through the coordinated action of the diffraction grating and programmable micromirror array. This multi-functional approach allows one sensor system to perform the work of multiple specialized sensors, reducing overall system 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
Enables real-time control of spectral response, generates RGB and hyper-spectral images, and blends multiple images to reveal details invisible to the human eye, improving image capture efficiency and flexibility without the need for expensive custom filters or moving parts.
Implementation Method 1
a second optical component configured to split and diffract the received electromagnetic energy into a plurality of beams of different wavelengths of electromagnetic energy
Implementation Method 2
an imaging array configured to receive the plurality of beams and to selectively attenuate one or more of the plurality of beams
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment disclosed is an imaging system that includes a first optical component configured to receive electromagnetic energy associated with an image of an object. The system also includes a second optical component configured to split and diffract the received electromagnetic energy into a plurality of beams of different wavelengths of electromagnetic energy. The system also includes an imaging array configured to receive the plurality of beams and to selectively attenuate one or more of the plurality of beams. The system also includes an imaging detector configured to receive and capture the one or more of the plurality of beams after the beams have been selectively attenuated and recombined and re-focused into a spectrally altered version of the image.