Optical Filter Array Layout for Multi-Wavelength Imaging Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hyperspectral cameras require a large number of pixels to capture multi-wavelength information, leading to a sacrifice in spatial resolution due to the need for each pixel to include information of a single wavelength region, making it difficult to acquire detailed properties of target objects efficiently.
Innovation Solution
An optical filter array with a band-pass filter and multiple filters, each with a transmission spectrum having local maximum values at three or more wavelengths, is disposed to pass light in a specific wavelength region, allowing for the detection of multiple wavelengths without the need for an equal number of pixels, thereby reducing the time to obtain multi-wavelength information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a large number of pixels are used to capture multi-wavelength information in hyperspectral cameras, then the spectral information coverage is improved, but the spatial resolution deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Each pixel is equipped with multiple filters having different transmission spectra, enabling a single pixel to detect multiple wavelength regions. This multi-functional approach allows the system to capture spectral information across several bands without requiring separate pixels for each wavelength, thereby maintaining spatial resolution while improving spectral coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple filters with different transmission characteristics into a single pixel structure. By merging the functions of multiple wavelength-specific filters into one pixel, the system achieves multi-wavelength detection capability without increasing the pixel count, thus preserving spatial resolution while expanding spectral information acquisition
2Measurement precision
If each pixel includes information of a single wavelength region, then the spectral detection accuracy is improved, but the spatial resolution and imaging efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Each pixel is designed to perform multiple spectral detection functions by incorporating filters with different transmission spectra. This allows a single pixel to accurately detect multiple wavelength regions, maintaining spectral detection accuracy while improving imaging efficiency by reducing the total number of pixels required
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different filter characteristics to different pixels based on their specific detection requirements. Each pixel is locally optimized with filters tailored to capture specific wavelength regions of interest, enabling accurate spectral detection across the entire array while maintaining overall imaging efficiency
3Loss of information
If multiple filters are placed in front of each pixel to detect multiple wavelengths, then the spectral information acquisition is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter array is segmented into multiple regions, each containing filters with specific transmission characteristics optimized for particular wavelength regions. This segmentation approach organizes the complexity into manageable sections, allowing spectral information acquisition across multiple bands while structuring the device complexity in a systematic and controllable manner
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 configuration enables the capture of multi-wavelength information while maintaining spatial resolution, as the filter array can detect multiple wavelengths with fewer pixels, allowing for efficient hyperspectral imaging without compromising spatial resolution.
Implementation Method 1
The band-pass filter passes light with two or more of the three or more wavelengths and does not pass light with one or more of the three or more wavelengths
Implementation Method 2
A transmission spectrum of each of the first filter and the second filter has local maximum values of transmittance at three or more wavelengths included in a first wavelength region
Data Source
AI summary
An optical filter includes a filter array including filters two-dimensionally arrayed and a band-pass filter. The filters includes first and second filters. A transmission spectrum of each of the first and second filters has local maximum values of transmittance at three or more wavelengths included in a first wavelength region. The band-pass filter passes light in a second wavelength region including two or more wavelengths of the three or more wavelengths and not including one or more wavelengths of the three or more wavelengths. The filter array and the band-pass filter are disposed so that (a) the band-pass filter is located on an optical path of light that passes through the first and second filters or (b) the first and second filters are located on an optical path of light that passes through the band-pass filter.