Compact Multispectral Imaging via Filter Array and Micro-Optic Subsystems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional snapshot multispectral imaging systems are large due to their optics, limiting spatial and spectral resolution and image co-registration, and there is a need for a more compact system with improved resolution and co-registration.
Innovation Solution
The system employs an array of filters with varying spectral transmission characteristics and miniaturized micro-optic imaging subsystems tiled behind the filter and in front of a detector array, generating spectrally varying images with high co-registration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional snapshot multispectral imaging systems use large single aperture optics or optical relay subsystems, then the system can capture multispectral data, but the system becomes large in size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical system into multiple micro-optic imaging subsystems arranged in an array, where each subsystem processes a specific spectral band. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high spatial and spectral resolution without requiring a single large aperture optics, thereby reducing overall system size while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-aperture optical path to a two-dimensional array of micro-optic subsystems. Each subsystem captures spectral information in a different dimension, allowing the system to achieve high resolution in both spatial and spectral domains while keeping individual optical paths compact and manageable.
2Area of stationary object
If the system uses compact optics to reduce size, then the system becomes more compact, but spatial and spectral resolution deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the optical system into multiple micro-optic subsystems, each with its own optimized optical path, the system achieves high resolution in each spectral band while keeping the overall system compact. The array configuration allows parallel processing of multiple spectral bands without requiring large individual optical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical scanning systems with a static array of micro-optic subsystems. This substitution eliminates the need for large moving parts and complex mechanical relay systems, achieving compactness while maintaining high measurement precision through parallel optical processing.
3Measurement precision
If conventional systems use large optics, then spatial and spectral resolution can be maintained, but image co-registration deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The array of micro-optic subsystems is designed with precise geometric relationships between elements, allowing each subsystem to capture images that are inherently co-registered. The segmented architecture enables independent optimization of each subsystem's optical path while maintaining consistent spatial relationships across all spectral bands through controlled array geometry.
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 results in a compact snapshot multispectral imaging system with enhanced spatial and spectral resolution and improved image co-registration, addressing the limitations of current systems.
Implementation Method 1
an array of filters with varying spectral transmission characteristics capable of receiving electromagnetic radiation from a source and transmitting at least a portion of the electromagnetic radiation received from the source
Implementation Method 2
an array of micro-optic imaging subsystems capable of receiving electromagnetic radiation from the array of filters and imaging at least a portion of the received electromagnetic radiation onto an image plane
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for multispectral imaging are disclosed. The optical system includes 1) an array of optical elements, each optical element optically disposed to receive incident electromagnetic radiation; 2) a filter capable of substantially operating as a filter array, each filter element spectrally filtering electromagnetic radiation substantially into a spectral band having a predetermined central wavelength; and 3) a detector system capable of substantiality operating as a detector array of detector elements.