Optical Filter Array With Band-Pass Filtering for Hyperspectral Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hyperspectral cameras require a large number of pixels to capture multi-wavelength information, leading to a sacrifice in spatial resolution.
Innovation Solution
An optical filter system comprising a filter array with two-dimensionally arrayed filters and a band-pass filter, where each filter has local maximum transmittance values at multiple wavelengths, and the band-pass filter passes light in a specific wavelength region, allowing for reduced data acquisition time while maintaining resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a large number of pixels are used to capture multi-wavelength information, then spectral information coverage is improved, but spatial resolution deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Each pixel is equipped with multiple filters having different transmission spectra, enabling a single pixel to capture multi-wavelength information across different spectral bands. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve spectral information coverage equivalent to multiple pixels while maintaining the original pixel count and spatial resolution
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spectral dimension by adding filters with different transmission characteristics to each pixel. Instead of increasing pixel quantity in the spatial dimension, the system expands into the spectral dimension through filter arrays, allowing multi-wavelength capture without compromising spatial resolution
2Device complexity
If each pixel provides data for a single wavelength region, then spectral information is simplified, but the ability to determine detailed properties of target objects deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The spectral range is segmented into multiple wavelength regions, with each filter in the array designed to transmit specific wavelength bands. This segmentation allows the system to capture detailed spectral information across different regions while maintaining organized and manageable data structures for processing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent varies the transmission spectrum parameters of different filters to cover different wavelength regions. By changing filter characteristics (transmission wavelengths, bandwidths) rather than pixel configurations, the system achieves comprehensive spectral coverage while keeping the pixel array fixed and simplifying data processing
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
The optical filter system enables efficient acquisition of multi-wavelength information with reduced pixel density, thereby preserving spatial resolution and reducing data processing requirements.
Implementation Method 1
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. 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.
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.