Multispectral Imager for Planetary Geologic Composition Analysis
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional imaging systems, particularly in planetary robotic exploration, have spectral limitations that hinder the ability to obtain a robust spectral profile of geologic scenes, and are constrained by weight, size, and power considerations, making them unsuitable for remote geologic studies both on planetary surfaces and terrestrial field locations.
Innovation Solution
A multispectral imager is developed, comprising a processing circuitry, illumination assembly, and detector assembly, capable of capturing images at multiple wavelengths and focal points, forming a multispectral image cube to determine the composition of objects based on spectral profiles, while being compact, lightweight, and low-power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional imagers with visible range spectral limitations are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the spectral profile accuracy is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The imager is divided into multiple detector assemblies, with each assembly dedicated to capturing images at a specific wavelength. This segmentation allows the system to achieve broad spectral coverage and high measurement precision without requiring a single complex imager to handle all wavelengths simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple detector assemblies with different spectral sensitivities are integrated into a single imaging system, enabling it to perform multiple spectral measurements across different wavelength ranges (visible, SWIR, MWIR) simultaneously or sequentially, thus achieving universal spectral analysis capability.
2Measurement precision
If laboratory equipment is used for geologic studies, then the spectral analysis capability is improved, but the weight and size increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple detector assemblies that would traditionally be separate laboratory instruments are merged into a single compact imager unit. This integration combines the spectral analysis capabilities of multiple devices while reducing overall weight and size, making the system suitable for mobile and remote applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The detector assemblies are arranged in a nested or stacked configuration within the imager housing, with each detector assembly containing its own focal plane array and optical elements. This nesting approach maximizes the use of internal space and minimizes the external dimensions and weight of the overall system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple detector assemblies are integrated into a single imager, then the spectral coverage is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each detector assembly is optimized with specific local qualities tailored to its designated wavelength range, including specialized focal plane arrays and optical filters. This local optimization allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while the overall system achieves broad spectral coverage through the combination of these specialized units.
4Weight of moving object
If a compact imager design is used, then the weight and size are reduced, but the imaging resolution may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves high resolution in a compact form factor by transitioning to a multi-dimensional approach: using multiple detector assemblies with different spectral sensitivities arranged in a stacked or nested configuration. This allows the system to capture detailed spectral information across multiple wavelength dimensions while maintaining a compact physical footprint.
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 multispectral imager enables high-resolution microscopic and macroscopic imaging, providing compositional, mineralogic, and microtextural information of rocks and soils, overcoming spectral limitations and environmental constraints, facilitating accurate geologic analysis in remote locations.
Implementation Method 1
The illumination assembly includes an array of illumination elements... capable of capturing images at multiple wavelengths
Implementation Method 2
The detector assembly includes a detector array, and is configured to be controlled by the processing circuitry to capture images at the plurality of wavelengths
Implementation Method 3
The focusing assembly includes a lens, and is configured to be controlled by the processing circuitry to adjust a focal point for the detector array
Data Source
AI summary
A multispectral imager includes processing circuitry, an illumination assembly, a detector assembly, and a focusing assembly. The illumination assembly includes an array of illumination elements controlled by the processing circuitry to illuminate a scene. The detector assembly includes a detector array controlled by the processing circuitry to capture images from the scene at different wavelengths. The focusing assembly includes a lens and is controlled by the processing circuitry to adjust a focal point for the detector array. The processing circuitry generates and processes the images from the scene, taken at different wavelengths and focal points, combines the images to form a multispectral image cube for the scene, and determines a composition of an object within the scene based on a spectral profile of the multispectral image cube.