Multi-spectral Imaging via Longitudinal Chromatic Aberration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multi-spectral imaging systems are large and expensive, making them unsuitable for handheld use and requiring a more compact and cost-effective solution that can efficiently image objects across various wavelengths.
Innovation Solution
A multi-spectral imaging device utilizing an objective lens that induces longitudinal chromatic aberrations to disperse light along the optical axis, allowing a sensor to capture multiple in-focus images at different wavelengths, enabling the creation of a compact handheld device capable of imaging across a wide electromagnetic spectrum.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional multi-spectral imaging systems use spectrometers and rotating prisms, then multi-spectral imaging capability is achieved, but the device size becomes large and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the spectral dispersion function from complex mechanical systems (spectrometers and rotating prisms) and relocates it to the objective lens itself through longitudinal chromatic aberration. This allows the lens to naturally separate wavelengths along the optical axis, eliminating the need for additional spectral separation components and enabling compact handheld device design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical spectral separation systems (rotating prisms, moving gratings) with an optical phenomenon-based approach. The objective lens uses longitudinal chromatic aberration to disperse different wavelengths to different focal planes, and a fixed sensor array captures images at multiple wavelengths by positioning sensors at different axial positions, eliminating mechanical moving parts
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional multi-spectral imaging systems use spectrometers and rotating prisms, then multi-spectral imaging capability is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the objective lens serve multiple functions: it simultaneously performs focusing and spectral dispersion. The same lens that focuses light onto the sensor also separates different wavelengths along the optical axis through longitudinal chromatic aberration, eliminating the need for separate spectral separation components and reducing overall system cost
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses standard off-the-shelf camera sensors and conventional objective lenses that are already mass-produced and inexpensive. By combining these readily available components in a novel configuration that exploits longitudinal chromatic aberration, the system achieves multi-spectral imaging capability without requiring expensive specialized optics
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 enables the creation of a compact, handheld multi-spectral imaging device that can efficiently analyze objects across a broad spectrum, from ultraviolet to near-infrared, facilitating applications such as counterfeit detection and food quality assessment with improved portability and reduced costs.
Implementation Method 1
The objective lens, having symmetry around an optical axis, is configured to disperse images of a target object in longitudinal chromatic aberrations along the optical axis
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for imaging a target object are provided. In one example, an imaging device comprises an objective lens having symmetry around an optical axis. The objective lens is configured to disperse images of a target object in longitudinal chromatic aberrations along the optical axis. The imaging device further includes a sensor configured to obtain multiple images of the target object. Each image corresponds to a specific wavelength within a predetermined spectrum.