Rotating Filter Carousel for Compact Spectral Camera
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spectral cameras with flexible filters are not compact, preventing the use of interchangeable lenses and efficient multispectral imaging due to complex constructions and lack of focusing arrangements.
Innovation Solution
A spectral camera with a rotatable filter carousel containing multiple spectral filters around a cylindrical support, allowing quick scanning of different wavelengths and integration of interchangeable lenses and electronics, enabling compact and efficient multispectral imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If filters are mounted in a rotating cylinder as disclosed in WO9404893, then multiple spectral filters can be accessed, but the construction becomes non-compact and prevents interchangeable lenses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a linear/planar filter arrangement to a cylindrical three-dimensional configuration. Filters are arranged radially around a central optical axis, allowing the light beam to pass through the center of the cylinder and interact with filters at different angular positions. This dimensional change enables a compact form factor while maintaining access to multiple filters.
Solution Approach 2:
The cylindrical filter carousel is designed to work with interchangeable lenses mounted on a C-mount interface. The same cylindrical structure accommodates both the filter array and the lens mounting mechanism, allowing the system to perform multiple functions (spectral filtering and variable focal length imaging) within a single integrated unit.
2Ease of operation
If mirrors are used within the filter cylinder to reflect light onto filters, then light can be directed through filters, but the construction becomes complex and non-compact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the mirrors from the cylindrical filter assembly, extracting this function from the system. Instead of using mirrors to redirect light onto filters, the design allows light to pass directly through the center of the cylinder, eliminating the need for internal reflective surfaces and simplifying the overall construction.
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than reflecting light onto filters using mirrors, the patent inverts the approach by having filters arranged around a central light path that passes through the cylinder. This reversal of the light interaction geometry eliminates the need for mirrors while achieving the same spectral filtering function.
3Productivity
If the filter cylinder is rotated to change filters, then different wavelengths can be scanned, but the mechanism prevents straightforward interchangeable lens use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical system into distinct functional modules: the interchangeable lens mounted on a C-mount interface and the cylindrical filter carousel. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the lens can be changed without affecting the filter mechanism, and the filter carousel can rotate independently to select different wavelengths.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates dynamic elements including the rotatable filter carousel for wavelength selection and the interchangeable lens mounting mechanism for focal length adjustment. These dynamic components are designed to work independently, allowing the lens to be swapped without interfering with the rotational filter selection mechanism.
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 solution enables fast, accurate, and automated multispectral imaging with a wide wavelength range, high spatial resolution, and easy filter customization, while maintaining a compact and user-friendly design.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of spectral filters arranged around a cylindrical surface
Implementation Method 2
a camera lens
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a spectral camera, in particular to a spectral camera having multiple filters mounted interchangeably within the optical path of the camera. It is disclosed a spectral camera having a plurality of spectral filters arranged around a cylindrical support, thus providing a filter carrousel, wherein the image sensor is placed within said carrousel.