Multispectral Laser Camera for Internal Object Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current imaging technologies are limited to visible light spectrum and cannot detect characteristics of objects based on reflection and absorption of light outside this range, such as infrared and ultraviolet, which restricts the information that can be captured about an object's internal structure.
Innovation Solution
The use of multispectral and hyper-spectral imaging techniques with laser cameras that emit and detect light across various wavelengths, including infrared and UV, to capture additional information by re-projecting this data back onto the object or a display, allowing for enhanced detection of both surface and internal characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If visible light imaging is used, then the system is simple and easy to operate, but the detection capability is limited to surface characteristics only
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system is segmented into multiple spectral channels, each detecting specific wavelength ranges (UV, visible, infrared). This segmentation allows the system to overcome the limitation of visible light only imaging by capturing information across the electromagnetic spectrum, thereby improving detection capability while maintaining operational simplicity through automated multi-spectral capture.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging system is designed with multi-functionality to detect various characteristics including surface features, subsurface structures, material composition, and physiological parameters across different spectral ranges. This universal detection capability resolves the contradiction by enabling comprehensive measurement without requiring multiple separate devices, thus maintaining ease of operation.
2Loss of information
If multispectral imaging with multiple wavelengths is used, then additional information about internal structure is detected, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple spectral detection channels are merged into a single integrated imaging system. The system combines UV, visible, and infrared detection capabilities in one device, allowing comprehensive information capture about surface and internal structures while managing device complexity through unified design and coordinated operation of spectral channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters by varying the wavelength range across different detection modes. By adjusting which spectral ranges are activated based on the imaging task, the system achieves comprehensive information capture while controlling complexity through selective parameter adjustment rather than requiring all spectral channels to operate simultaneously at full complexity.
3Measurement precision
If laser light at specific wavelengths is used, then detection precision for specific characteristics is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The laser emission operates periodically rather than continuously, with specific wavelengths activated only when needed for detecting particular characteristics. This periodic activation maintains high detection precision for target features while significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous multi-wavelength illumination.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial action by selecting and activating only the specific wavelength ranges necessary for the current imaging task rather than using all available wavelengths continuously. This selective approach maintains measurement precision for the features of interest while minimizing energy consumption by avoiding unnecessary spectral activation.
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 visualization of additional information not detectable by the human eye, improving the quality of object characterization and enabling the detection of features like veins, arteries, teeth, metals, and plastics, with improved contrast and detail through real-time intensity variation and combination with external data.
Implementation Method 1
a laser camera for capturing images of an observed object by causing a laser light to traverse a selected area of the observed object and photo detecting a portion of the laser light which passes through the selected area
Implementation Method 2
detect characteristics of an observed object based on the reflection and absorption of the laser light
Implementation Method 3
detect characteristics of an observed object based on the reflection and absorption of the laser light
Implementation Method 4
exhibits either a color change (and can therefore use contrast enhancement) or a florescence at one or more wavelengths of incident light
Implementation Method 5
exhibits either a color change (and can therefore use contrast enhancement) or a florescence at one or more wavelengths of incident light
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for capturing a multispectral image of an object is described. The apparatus includes one or more means for transmitting a beam of laser light at a first wavelength and a beam of laser light at one or more additional wavelengths different from the first wavelength. There is a means for causing the beams of laser light to travel in a coaxial path and a moving mirror. The beams of light bounce off the mirror thereby producing a two dimensional projection pattern. This pattern travels from the mirror along a first path to an object and wherein some of the laser light penetrates the object and travels to an internal structure of the object. The reflection of the laser light returns to a photo detector along a path different from said first path.