Sliding Lens Group Spectrometer for Stable Scope Image Scanning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hyperspectral imaging devices for medical scopes face challenges with mechanical instability, large size, and complex mechanical assemblies that require powerful motors and are prone to calibration issues and mechanical failures.
Innovation Solution
A compact hyperspectral imaging device with a sliding lens group that moves linearly to scan the image, a focal plane array sensor, and an image processor to create a hyperspectral data cube, using a dispersive element like a diffraction grating to disperse light and a beamsplitter for white light imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the entire spectrographic optical assembly including the slit, optics, and sensor is moved to scan the image, then the spectrograph can be compact, but the mechanical assembly becomes large and complex requiring powerful motors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential scanning function by removing the entire spectrographic optical assembly movement and replacing it with a simple linear translator that moves only the slit. This separates the scanning function from the complete optical system, reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining compact spectrograph volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the spectrograph into fixed components (optics, sensor) and a movable component (slit only). This segmentation allows the majority of the optical assembly to remain stationary and compact, while only the minimal slit component moves to perform the scanning function, thereby reducing overall mechanical complexity.
2Volume of moving object
If the entire spectrographic optical assembly is moved to scan the image, then the spectrograph can be compact, but powerful motors are required causing mechanical instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the minimal slit movement function from the complete optical assembly, replacing powerful motors with a simple linear translator. This extraction eliminates the need for high-power actuators, reducing mechanical instability and improving reliability while keeping the spectrograph compact.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes complex mechanical systems (powerful motors and large mechanical assemblies) with a simple linear translator mechanism. This replacement maintains the compact form factor while significantly improving mechanical stability and reliability by eliminating heavy-duty mechanical components.
3Volume of moving object
If the entire spectrographic optical assembly is moved to scan the image, then the spectrograph can be compact, but calibration issues and mechanical failures increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the slit movement function, replacing it with a simple linear translator that is easier to manufacture and calibrate. This extraction eliminates the need to move and precisely align entire optical assemblies, significantly reducing calibration complexity and potential mechanical failure points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the system so that only the slit moves on a simple linear translator, while the main optical assembly remains fixed. This segmentation simplifies manufacturing and calibration by reducing the number of moving parts and alignment requirements, making the system more reliable and easier to maintain.
4Reliability
If a simple sliding lens group is used to scan the image, then mechanical stability improves, but the device must fit within limited medical scope form factor
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving the large optical assembly to achieve scanning, the patent inverts the approach by moving only the slit while keeping the optics and sensor fixed. This inversion reduces the moving mass and improves mechanical stability while maintaining compact device size suitable for medical scopes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical systems with a simple sliding lens group and linear translator mechanism. This substitution achieves the required image scanning function with minimal moving components, improving mechanical stability while maintaining a compact form factor that fits within medical scope constraints.
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 provides improved mechanical stability, ease of manufacture, and the ability to operate within the form factor of a medical scope while offering enhanced spectral information not discernible by white light imaging.
Implementation Method 1
A dispersive element is constructed and arranged to receive incident light from the slit and spectrally disperse it along a direction perpendicular to a width of the slit
Implementation Method 2
using a dispersive element like a diffraction grating to disperse light
Implementation Method 3
A focusing lens is arranged to focus the spectrally dispersed light at a second image plane
Implementation Method 4
A sliding lens group is arranged between the optical channel and the first image plane and adapted to move linearly in a direction perpendicular to an optical axis of the imaging channel
Data Source
AI summary
A hyperspectral imaging device includes an optical channel arranged to focus light at a first image plane. A spectrometer includes a slit formed at the first image plane to allow a slit-shaped portion of the light pass through. A dispersive element receives light from the slit and spectrally disperses it along a direction perpendicular to a width of the slit. A focusing lens focuses the spectrally dispersed light at a second image plane such that the spectral dispersion is imaged along a first axis thereof, and a spatial image of the slit width is imaged along a second axis for detection by a sensor. A sliding lens group between the optical channel and the first image plane moves to direct the incident light, scanning the entire image over the slit such that multiple frames acquired by the sensor each correspond to a horizontal line of the image.