Single RGB CFA Sensor for Hybrid Visible and Near-Infrared Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hybrid visible-near infrared imaging systems require multiple sensors or complex mechanical/electro-mechanical filters, leading to increased cost and complexity, and often struggle with spatial alignment between visible and near infrared images.
Innovation Solution
A method using conventional color filter array (CFA) RGB sensors to perform simultaneous visible-near infrared imaging without additional optical components, leveraging multiplex encoding or modulation of light sources to achieve spatial alignment and enable multispectral/hyperspectral imaging through unmixing/decomposing the sensor's multichannel signal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensors are used for hybrid visible-near infrared imaging, then imaging capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling a single conventional RGB sensor to perform both visible and near-infrared imaging functions. The sensor is configured to detect light across multiple spectral regions (visible and near-infrared) using its existing color filter array, eliminating the need for separate sensors for each spectral band. This single sensor serves multiple imaging purposes, reducing system complexity while maintaining comprehensive imaging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges visible and near-infrared imaging capabilities into a single integrated sensor system. By combining the detection of different spectral regions within one sensor device, the system eliminates the need for multiple separate sensors and their associated optical path splitting components, thereby reducing overall device complexity and cost.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical or electro-mechanical filters are used for spectral separation, then spectral imaging is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for mechanical or electro-mechanical filters from the optical path. Instead of using external filtering components to separate spectral regions, the system relies on the inherent spectral sensitivity characteristics of the sensor's color filter array, which is already integrated into the sensor structure. This removal of external filtering components simplifies the optical system.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor's color filter array inherently provides spectral separation capabilities without requiring external mechanical or electro-mechanical filtering systems. The existing color filters in the array naturally respond differently to various spectral regions, enabling the sensor to self-perform spectral imaging functions that would otherwise require additional complex optical components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If spectral filtering is applied to separate visible and near infrared light, then spectral information is obtained, but light intensity and signal strength decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the sensor's color filter array to have inherent spectral sensitivity characteristics that enable simultaneous detection of visible and near-infrared light. This pre-existing spectral response profile allows the sensor to capture spectral information without requiring additional filtering that would attenuate the light signal, thus maintaining light intensity while obtaining spectral data.
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
Enables cost-effective, efficient, and spatially aligned multispectral/hyperspectral imaging with a single sensor, reducing complexity and improving image alignment without the need for additional optical components.
Implementation Method 1
detecting any light reflected by the sample
Implementation Method 2
The near infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum can provide biomolecular information on tissue
Data Source
AI summary
Near infrared imaging is highly complementary to color imaging having a wide range of applications. For example, in health applications, the near infrared can provide biomolecular information on tissue that is not apparent under visual examination nor from the inspection of color images of tissue. Thus, there is utility in viewing both visible color and near infrared images in combination. Described herein are methods to perform visible and near infrared imaging as well as hybrid visible color and near infrared imaging with a single conventional color filter array RGB sensor. The methods automatically provide spatially co-registered color and near infrared images and the methods can be used as the basis for a multispectral or hyperspectral imaging system.