On-Chip Spectrometer via Filter Array Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spectrometers are bulky and inconvenient for portable use, and existing cell phone spectrometer solutions either require additional accessories that increase power consumption and cost or affect the device's aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
An on-chip integrated cell phone spectrometer with a detection system that includes a cell phone lens and a focal plane detector integrated with a Bayer filter, along with a spectral filter array, allowing for spectral reconstruction without the need for external accessories, using the cell phone's processor for data processing and flash for illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an external spectrometer device is connected to the cell phone, then spectral detection function is added, but the device complexity and portability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the spectrometer functionality with the cell phone camera system by integrating a spectral filter array directly onto the camera sensor chip. This combines the spectral detection function with the existing camera structure, eliminating the need for external spectrometer devices and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The cell phone camera system is enhanced to serve multiple functions: traditional imaging and spectral detection. The spectral filter array enables the same camera hardware to perform both photography and spectrometry, making the device universal and eliminating the need for separate dedicated spectrometer hardware.
2Ease of operation
If an additional accessory is added inside the cell phone, then portability is improved, but power consumption and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spectral detection components are merged with the existing camera module, sharing the same sensor chip and processing pipeline. This integration allows the spectrometer to utilize the cell phone's existing processor and power management systems, avoiding the additional power consumption that would result from separate dedicated spectrometer hardware.
3Ease of operation
If an additional accessory is added inside the cell phone, then portability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spectral filter array is manufactured as an integrated component with the camera sensor chip using semiconductor fabrication processes. This merging of components eliminates the need for separate accessory manufacturing and assembly, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while achieving true portability.
4Measurement precision
If conventional spectrometer structure is used, then spectral resolution is achieved, but device size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical dispersive elements (prisms, gratings) with a digital spectral reconstruction approach. The spectral filter array captures multi-spectral data, and a processor reconstructs the spectrum computationally. This substitution eliminates heavy mechanical components while maintaining spectral resolution and enabling miniaturization.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using spatial dispersion mechanisms that require physical space for prisms or gratings, the patent uses a dimensional approach by filtering light spectrally in the optical domain and then reconstructing the spectrum digitally. This transforms a spatial problem into a computational one, enabling compact integration.
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 provides a compact, high-integration, fast-response spectrometer with good spectral resolution, enabling portable and cost-effective spectral analysis without compromising the phone's original functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a cell phone lens configured to acquire a reflected light from an object under test
Implementation Method 2
a focal plane detector integrated with a Bayer filter
Implementation Method 3
a spectral filter array, integrated at an edge of the Bayer filter, the spectral filter array including a plurality of filtering channels with different spectral transmittances
Implementation Method 4
a focal plane detector configured to acquire an intensity signal of the reflected light ray
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an on-chip integrated cell phone spectrometer and a cell phone. The spectrometer includes: a detection system, including a cell phone lens and a focal plane detector integrated with a Bayer filter; and a spectral filter array, integrated at an edge of the Bayer filter, the spectral filter array including a plurality of filtering channels with different spectral transmittances, each filtering channel corresponding to one or more detector pixels, where the cell phone lens is configured to acquire a reflected light from an object under test, the focal plane detector is configured to acquire an intensity signal of the reflected light, and after different intensity signals corresponding to different filtering channels are obtained, a data processing system performs spectral reconstruction to obtain spectral data of the object under test.