Multispectral Analysis Using RGB Sensors and Excitation Light
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for material characterization, such as identifying biochromes and water, require complex and costly equipment, limiting their applicability outside laboratory settings and hindering efficient differentiation of materials based on absorption signatures.
Innovation Solution
A multispectral sample analysis technique using Red-Green-Blue (RGB) sensors with excitation light wavelengths across the electromagnetic spectrum, enabling the detection of absorption characteristics and composition identification through low-cost, portable, and mobile devices like drones, without the need for specialized cameras or elaborate filters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex laboratory equipment such as SEM, TEM, or XRD is used for material characterization, then measurement precision and identification accuracy are improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, complex laboratory equipment with inexpensive, portable devices such as smartphones equipped with standard cameras and flashlights. These low-cost devices can perform material characterization in field conditions without requiring sophisticated infrastructure, making the technology accessible and deployable anywhere.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes complex mechanical and optical systems (SEM, TEM, XRD) with a simplified optical system based on visible light absorption. By using the smartphone's camera to detect light absorption at different wavelengths, the system achieves material identification without mechanical electron beams or complex X-ray diffraction apparatus.
2Measurement precision
If specialized multispectral cameras and elaborate optical filters are used, then spectral analysis capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the approach from using specialized hardware for each wavelength to using a single broadband light source (flashlight) combined with a standard RGB camera. The spectral information is extracted by analyzing the RGB color values at different illumination conditions, transforming a hardware-intensive problem into a software-based spectral reconstruction problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes a universal, multi-functional device (smartphone) perform specialized spectral analysis tasks. The smartphone's existing camera, flashlight, and processor are repurposed to provide multispectral material characterization, eliminating the need for dedicated multispectral cameras and filter wheels.
3Reliability
If fixed laboratory equipment placement is used, then measurement stability is improved, but adaptability to different environments decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the system from a static, fixed laboratory setup to a dynamic, mobile field-deployable system. The smartphone-based device can be moved to different locations and adapted to various environmental conditions, enabling material analysis in outdoor and remote settings while maintaining measurement quality through software-based calibration and correction.
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 simplifies material characterization by reducing costs and complexity, enabling biochrome and water identification, and providing a cost-effective, portable method for material analysis in various settings, including outdoor environments.
Implementation Method 1
A light source is absorbed by molecules of a compound, causing little or no light from the light source to be reflected by the compound.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed techniques include multispectral sample analysis using absorption signatures. At least two excitation light wavelengths are provided to a material sample. The sample exhibits absorption characteristics along the Red-Green-Blue (RGB) light wavelength spectrum. Output values of an RGB sensor are measured. The measuring detects the absorption characteristics of the sample. The absorption characteristics are in response to the at least two excitation light wavelengths. A third excitation light wavelength is provided and an additional output value of the RGB sensor is measured. The providing at least two excitation light wavelengths and a third excitation light wavelength enable water identification and biochrome identification. An indication of composition of the material sample is generated. The indication is based on interpreting the output values that were measured. An additional RGB sensor enables stereoscopic sensor imaging.