Spectral Basis Filter for Dynamic Bandpass Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing spectral imaging technologies lack the ability to dynamically adjust spectral bandpass and require high data bandwidth for transmission, often relying on electromechanical elements that can fail.

Innovation Solution

A spectral basis filter with oscillatory transmission profiles for sub-pixels allows continuous control of bandpass edges through linear combinations of sub-pixel intensities, enabling real-time or post-processing adjustments without mechanical components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional spectral imaging methods are used, then spectral information can be obtained, but the system requires high data bandwidth for transmission and lacks dynamic adjustment capability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedynamic spectral bandpass adjustmentVSAvoiddata bandwidth requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The filter is divided into multiple sub-pixels within super-pixels, where each sub-pixel has a specific oscillatory transmission profile. This segmentation allows the system to capture spectral information across multiple bands simultaneously while reducing the need for high data bandwidth transmission, as the structured sampling pattern enables efficient data compression and reconstruction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables dynamic adjustment of spectral bandpass by varying the relative weights of linear combinations of sub-pixel intensities in real-time or through post-processing, allowing the spectral characteristics to be adapted to different imaging requirements without physical reconfiguration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If electromechanical elements are used in spectral imaging systems, then spectral control can be achieved, but system reliability decreases due to potential mechanical failures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem reliabilityVSAvoidspectral bandpass control

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces electromechanical spectral control elements with a static optical filter containing multiple sub-pixels with fixed oscillatory transmission profiles. Spectral bandpass adjustment is achieved through computational methods (varying linear combination weights) rather than mechanical movement, eliminating moving parts while maintaining spectral adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system achieves spectral control by changing the parameters (relative weights) of the linear combination of sub-pixel intensities rather than physically adjusting mechanical elements. This allows spectral bandpass adjustment through software-controlled parameter modification, improving reliability while maintaining versatility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional filter designs are used, then simple structure is maintained, but continuous control of bandpass edges cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous bandpass edge controlVSAvoidfilter structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The filter is segmented into multiple sub-pixels with distinct oscillatory transmission profiles, allowing continuous control of bandpass edges through linear combinations. Each sub-pixel contributes specific spectral characteristics, and by adjusting their relative weights, any desired bandpass edge can be synthesized

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The filter employs a composite structure combining multiple sub-pixels with different transmission profiles within super-pixels. This composite approach enables continuous spectral control by integrating the contributions of individual sub-pixels, achieving versatile bandpass adjustment while maintaining a manageable physical structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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

This approach provides high sensitivity, reduces data transmission requirements, and enhances image contrast by allowing dynamic spectral bandpass adjustments, improving target detection and recognition.

Implementation Method 1

a predetermined number of the plurality of sub-pixels are characterized by an oscillatory transmission profile as a function of wavelength

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOscillatory transmission profile: Interference

Implementation Method 2

each of the predetermined number of sub-pixels can include one or more layers of a film, for example, a single thin film layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThin film interference: Thin Films

Data Source

PatentUS12392943B2Method and system for fabrication and use of a spectral basis filter

Publication Date: 2025.08.19 DRS NETWORK & IMAGING SYSTEMS LLC

AI summary

An optical system includes a focal plane array having a plurality of pixels defined by a first number of pixels arrayed in a first direction and a second number of pixels arrayed in a second direction. The optical system also includes an optical filter optically coupled to the focal plane array. The optical filter has a plurality of super-pixels. Each of the plurality of super-pixels includes a predetermined number of sub-pixels and each of the predetermined number of sub-pixels is characterized by one of a plurality of oscillatory transmission profiles as a function of wavelength.