Multispectral Imaging System Parallel Optical Filtering
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multispectral imaging techniques face limitations in generating a large number of simultaneous spectral images, particularly in scanning types which are time-consuming and simultaneous acquisition types which can only produce a small number of images, often with poor resolution and image registration issues.
Innovation Solution
The use of a combination of multiple-bandpass optical filters, such as quadruple bandpass filters, and color optical filters, along with a processor to identify light intensity in multiple passbands, allows for the simultaneous acquisition of multiple spectral images by splitting light into multiple paths and processing each path through respective filters, enabling the generation of a large number of spectral images with improved resolution and registration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If scanning type of multispectral imaging is used, then spectral image quality can be improved, but the time required to generate multiple spectral images increases substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the spectral imaging process into multiple parallel spatial paths, each equipped with its own optical filter. Instead of scanning through wavelengths sequentially, the system segments the light into multiple spatial channels that simultaneously capture different spectral bands, thereby maintaining image quality while dramatically reducing acquisition time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from sequential wavelength scanning to simultaneous spatial-spectral acquisition by introducing a spatial dimension. Multiple optical filters are arranged in different spatial positions, allowing the system to capture multiple spectral images at the same time rather than sequentially, thus converting a time-based process into a spatially parallel process.
2Productivity
If simultaneous acquisition type of multispectral imaging is used, then the time to generate spectral images is reduced, but the number of spectral images generated is limited to a small number
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multiple optical filters (e.g., four bandpass filters) arranged in parallel spatial paths, with each filter capturing a different spectral band. This segmentation allows the system to simultaneously generate multiple spectral images beyond the limited number produced by conventional simultaneous acquisition methods, directly increasing the quantity of spectral data obtained.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple optical filtering paths into a single imaging system that processes light through multiple filters simultaneously. By merging several filtering operations into one integrated system, the patent achieves both high speed (simultaneous acquisition) and high quantity (multiple spectral images) without requiring separate imaging systems for each spectral band.
3Quantity of substance
If multiple parallel cameras are used for simultaneous spectral imaging, then the number of spectral images increases, but image registration and focusing become problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple optical filtering operations into a single imaging path using a beam splitter and multiple optical filters positioned in different spatial locations. This unified approach ensures that all spectral images are captured through the same optical system, maintaining consistent focus and perspective across all bands, thereby eliminating registration and focusing problems associated with multiple separate cameras.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent positions different optical filters at specific spatial locations within a single optical path, allowing each filter to capture its designated spectral band while maintaining the same focal plane and perspective. This localized arrangement of filtering elements within a unified optical system preserves image registration accuracy while enabling multiple spectral images to be generated simultaneously.
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 enables the simultaneous capture of a plurality of spectral images with enhanced resolution and registration, overcoming the limitations of existing technologies by allowing for the generation of multiple spectral images quickly and efficiently, suitable for applications involving moving objects or high-speed data acquisition.
Implementation Method 1
a first optical filter having at least two passbands disposed in different spatial positions on the first optical filter and a second optical filter disposed in optical communication with the first optical filter. The second optical filter also has at least two passbands
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~2A
Figure 3~3A
AI summary
Apparatus and method for multispectral imaging of an object (180). The apparatus comprises a multispectral light source adapted to transmit multispectral light (174,176) having a plurality of first discrete spectral bands toward the object, wherein the light source is adapted to excite emission of fluorescent light (178c) from the object; and a multispectral imaging system adapted to receive light from the object, wherein the light comprises a reflected light component (178a) in accordance with the transmitted light, wherein the reflected light component has the plurality of first discrete spectral bands, and a fluorescent light component (178c). The imaging system is adapted to measure the intensity of a combination of the received reflected light component and the received fluorescent light component at the plurality of first discrete spectral bands, and the intensity of the received fluorescent light at one or more second discrete spectral bands, which are not aligned with the plurality of first discrete spectral bands. The multispectral imaging system comprises a processor adapted to separate the intensity of the received reflected light component and the intensity of the received fluorescent light component based on the intensities measured at the plurality of first discrete spectral bands and the one or more second discrete spectral bands, and to generate one or more reflected light spectral images from the separated intensity of the reflected light component and/or one or more fluorescent light spectral images from the separated intensity of the fluorescent light component.