Single-Pixel Spectral Imaging Scan for Low-Cost Spatial Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multispectral and hyperspectral imaging devices are limited by specific spectral sensitivity, spectral resolution, and spatial resolution, making them expensive and inaccessible for commercial or public use, and they lack the ability to provide spectral and spatial discrimination effectively.
Innovation Solution
A multispectral imaging device with a movable carriage and single-pixel photosensitive detector that scans objects in a point-by-point raster pattern, using a spectrally multiband or continuum illumination source and automated spectral bandpass filters to capture light signals across multiple wavelengths, allowing for spatial and spectral discrimination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If cameras and optic assemblies with high pixel resolution are used, then spatial resolution is improved, but device cost increases making them unavailable for commercial or public use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging process into discrete spectral bands using multiple bandpass filters, allowing a single-pixel detector to capture spatial information point-by-point across the field of view. This segmentation approach replaces expensive high-resolution cameras with affordable single-pixel detectors while maintaining spatial discrimination capability through systematic scanning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a spectral dimension to the spatial scanning process by incorporating multiple bandpass filters that capture different wavelength bands. This transforms a simple spatial scan into a multispectral measurement, enabling spectral discrimination without requiring expensive hyperspectral cameras.
2Measurement precision
If multiple spectral bands are captured simultaneously, then spectral resolution is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses sequential filtering with multiple bandpass filters, where each filter captures a specific spectral band in sequence rather than simultaneously. This periodic action allows spectral resolution to be improved while keeping device complexity manageable, as only one filter is active at a time in the optical path.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated filter wheel or filter exchange mechanism ensures continuous capture of spectral information across different bands without interrupting the scanning process. This maintains productivity while achieving high spectral resolution through systematic filtering.
3Device complexity
If a single-pixel detector is used instead of a camera, then device cost decreases, but spatial resolution capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a spatial map by systematically scanning the single-pixel detector across multiple positions in the field of view, effectively copying spatial information point-by-point. This approach reconstructs spatial resolution capability without requiring a multi-pixel detector array, making the system affordable while maintaining spatial discrimination.
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 device provides high-resolution spectral and spatial discrimination, enabling the detection of substances and their locations on objects, with customizable spectral bands and spatial resolution, suitable for quality control and material detection.
Implementation Method 1
The source of visible and/or ultraviolet may include light emitting diodes (LEDs)
Implementation Method 2
The spectrally multiband or continuum illumination source may include at least one of light from fluorescence or light from thermal infrared radiation
Implementation Method 3
The spectrally multiband or continuum illumination source may include at least one of light from fluorescence or light from thermal infrared radiation
Implementation Method 4
a sensor comprised of a lens and the photosensitive detector... configured to capture light in a visible or non-visible light frequency band
Implementation Method 5
a single-pixel, photosensitive detector coupled with the movable carriage
Implementation Method 6
The movable carriage is moved in a point-by-point raster pattern in an x-y plane defined by the x-axis and the y-axis
Implementation Method 7
a sensor comprised of a lens and the photosensitive detector
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, a sensing device, and in particular, a modular spectral imaging device is described. The sensing device compiles one or more spectral images of an object in a point-by-point scan. The sensing device and related methods for scanning stationary objects provides spectral and spatial discrimination. Unlike conventional line scan or snapshot style devices, this system includes a sensor configured to function as a single pixel photodetector to sample a single point of a sample object. Spectral discrimination refers to isolating specific wavelengths of light within a spectral sensitivity range of a detector. Spatial discrimination refers to imaging an object within multidimensional space. The sensing device allows for configurability of both spectral bands and spatial resolution across a wide range of spectral sensitivities. Temporal scanning techniques are used to build up a multi-dimensional image. Modularity and automation are used to provide a broad range of capabilities.