Single Focal Plane Imaging for Multispectral and Panchromatic Capture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional imaging apparatuses using multiple sensors and optical beam splitters are complex and expensive, requiring additional hardware and software components for generating panchromatic images.

Innovation Solution

An image capture apparatus with a focal plane array and a filter device that includes bandpass and polarization filters, allowing for the capture of multi-spectral and panchromatic images using a simplified design, reducing hardware complexity by combining multiple spectral frequencies and polarizations into a single filter device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate cameras and optical beam splitters are used for multiple spectral bands and polarization channels, then multi-spectral and polarization imaging capabilities are achieved, but device complexity and expense increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-spectral and polarization imaging capabilityVSAvoidhardware complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple spectral bandpass filters and polarization filters onto a single focal plane array, eliminating the need for separate cameras and optical beam splitters. This integration maintains multi-spectral and polarization imaging capabilities while significantly reducing device complexity and component count.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single focal plane array is designed to perform multiple functions by incorporating various filters that enable it to capture images across different spectral bands and polarization channels simultaneously, replacing multiple specialized devices with one multi-functional unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate cameras and optical beam splitters are used for generating panchromatic images, then panchromatic image generation is achieved, but additional hardware and software components are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepanchromatic image generation capabilityVSAvoidhardware components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates panchromatic imaging capability into the same focal plane array system by using an unfiltered portion of the array, eliminating the need for separate hardware components dedicated to panchromatic image generation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If a filter device covers only a portion of the focal plane array, then hardware complexity is reduced, but the area for capturing images is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehardware complexityVSAvoidimage capture area

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the filter device to cover only a portion of the focal plane array, allowing different regions to serve different functions: filtered regions for multi-spectral imaging and unfiltered regions for panchromatic imaging. This partial coverage approach maintains versatility while reducing hardware complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 apparatus generates high-resolution composite images with reduced complexity and cost, enhancing image resolution through super resolution techniques and capturing images with similar linear alignments, effectively distinguishing man-made objects from natural backgrounds.

Implementation Method 1

The filter device comprises at least a first bandpass filter, comprising a first frequency range, and a second bandpass filter, comprising a second frequency range that is different from the first frequency range

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBandpass filtering: Filter (optical)

Implementation Method 2

Polarization sensors, which are also another type of electro-optical sensor, divide received light in a captured image into different planes of polarization

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPolarization: Polarisation

Implementation Method 3

Imaging apparatuses using electro-optical sensors, which receive electromagnetic radiation signals from or reflected by an object

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS12495120B2Multi-spectral and panchromatic imaging apparatus and associated system and method

Publication Date: 2025.12.09 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

An image capture apparatus comprises a focal plane array having a first portion and a second portion and a plurality of detectors. The image capture apparatus further comprises a filter device coupled with the covering the first portion of the focal plane array, the filter device comprising at least a first bandpass filter, comprising a first frequency range, and a second bandpass filter, comprising a second frequency range that is different from the first frequency range. The second portion of the focal plan array is uncovered by the filter device.