Multispectral Imaging Micro Mirror Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging technologies struggle to capture images simultaneously in multiple ranges of wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation, such as long wave infrared, mid wave infrared, near infrared, and visible light, with accurate alignment and high resolution.
Innovation Solution
The use of a multispectral imaging device equipped with a micro mirror array and an optical image sensor, where the micro mirrors convert thermal radiation intensity into angle rotations measurable by the optical system, allowing simultaneous imaging in multiple wavelength ranges with perfect alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple separate imaging systems are used to capture different wavelength ranges, then each wavelength range can be imaged with high resolution, but the system complexity increases and alignment between images becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple imaging systems for different wavelength ranges (visible light, near-infrared, mid-infrared, thermal infrared) into a single integrated imaging device. All wavelength ranges share common optical components including a single lens system, beam splitters, and a unified detector array, enabling simultaneous capture across multiple spectra without requiring separate imaging systems for each wavelength range.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging device is designed with universal optical components that can handle multiple wavelength ranges. The lens system, beam splitters, and detector array are configured to receive and process electromagnetic radiation across visible, near-infrared, mid-infrared, and thermal infrared ranges, allowing a single device to perform multiple imaging functions simultaneously.
2Measurement precision
If multiple separate imaging systems are used to capture different wavelength ranges, then each wavelength range can be imaged independently, but the alignment and registration of images becomes inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
By merging all wavelength ranges into a single optical path with a common lens system and detector array, the patent ensures that images across different wavelength ranges are captured simultaneously and inherently aligned. The beam splitter configuration directs different wavelength ranges to specific detector regions while maintaining spatial coherence, eliminating alignment errors that would occur with separate imaging systems.
3Device complexity
If a single imaging system is used for multiple wavelength ranges, then system complexity is reduced, but the ability to capture high resolution images in all wavelength ranges simultaneously is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The detector array is segmented into different regions, with specific portions dedicated to detecting different wavelength ranges (visible light, near-infrared, mid-infrared, thermal infrared). This segmentation allows each wavelength range to be captured with optimized detection characteristics while maintaining a unified optical system, preserving high resolution capabilities across all spectral bands.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the detector array are optimized for specific wavelength ranges, with each region having detection characteristics tailored to its designated spectral band. This local optimization ensures that each wavelength range achieves high imaging resolution while the overall system maintains unified optical design benefits.
4Adaptability or versatility
If thermal radiation sensing is used, then infrared and thermal images can be captured, but the conversion of thermal radiation to measurable signals requires complex micromechanical components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex micromechanical thermal radiation sensing components with a simplified optical detection approach. Instead of using micromechanical pixels that physically respond to thermal radiation, the system uses a lens system to focus thermal infrared radiation directly onto specialized detector portions of the array, eliminating the need for complex micromechanical conversion mechanisms.
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 solution enables simultaneous imaging in multiple wavelength ranges with high resolution and perfect alignment, overcoming the limitations of existing technologies by utilizing a micro mirror array and optical image sensor to capture thermal and visible light images simultaneously.
Implementation Method 1
a micromechanical pixel configured for the sensing of thermal radiation intensity through the rotation of the micromechanical pixel in response to thermal radiation absorbed in the micromechanical pixel
Implementation Method 2
the micromechanical pixel in response to thermal radiation absorbed in the micromechanical pixel
Implementation Method 3
An optical system can be configured to use an optical image sensor to measure the rotation through imaging the position change of a visible light spot reflected off the micro mirror
Implementation Method 4
an optical image sensor configured to capture a visible light image of the scene and a visible light pattern reflected off the micro mirror array
Data Source
AI summary
A multispectral imaging device having: multiple lens systems to form images of a scene respectively in separate wavelength ranges of electromagnetic radiations; an optical image sensor; multiple micro mirror arrays to measure the images of the scene respectively; an optical sub-system to direct visible light beams at micro mirror arrays to generate, on multiple sections of the optical image sensor, multiple visible light patterns respectively; and a processor connected to the optical image sensor to receive, from each of sections, data representative of a respective pattern. The processor can analyze the data determine angles of rotations of micro mirrors in the micro mirror arrays, and generate image data representative of the images of the scene respectively. The device can further include a visible light lens system to form a visible light image of the scene directly on a further section of the optical image sensor.