Spectral Camera With Movable Optical Module And Stored Spectral Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spectrometers are bulky and heavy, necessitating a need for a smaller, more integrated design that incorporates an optical device and image sensor on a semiconductor chip.
Innovation Solution
A spectral camera with a movable optical module and image sensor that includes channels detecting different central wavelengths, a memory to store optical characteristic changes, and a processor to correct and restore input spectra based on these changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a spectrometer is designed with traditional optical components, then it achieves accurate spectral measurement, but it becomes bulky and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the optical module and image sensor into a single integrated assembly that can be moved as one unit. This integration reduces the overall system size and weight while maintaining the functional separation needed for accurate spectral measurement through the spectral filter and pixel array configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a movable optical module that can be positioned at different distances from the image sensor using a driver mechanism. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to optimize focus and spectral response for different measurement conditions, maintaining measurement precision while enabling a more compact design
2Manufacturing precision
If the optical module is moved to adjust focus or field of view, then imaging quality is improved, but optical characteristic changes cause measurement errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the processor receives information about the optical module's position and the detected spectral data, then uses stored optical characteristic information to correct measurement errors. This closed-loop approach compensates for the effects of movement on spectral accuracy while maintaining imaging quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent pre-stores optical characteristic information (such as spectral response curves) for different positions of the optical module in a memory device. Before actual measurement, the system loads the appropriate correction data based on the expected or measured position, enabling rapid compensation without real-time complex calculations
3Volume of moving object
If multiple channels with different central wavelengths are integrated on one chip, then device size is reduced, but optical characteristic variations increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by having different spectral filter characteristics for different regions (channels) of the image sensor. Each channel's spectral response is individually characterized and stored, allowing the system to account for local variations in optical properties across the integrated chip while maintaining compact size
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 accurate restoration of object images by accounting for optical characteristic variations due to chief ray angle changes, resulting in a more compact and efficient spectral imaging system.
Implementation Method 1
a spectral filter including a plurality of unit filters having different central wavelengths
Implementation Method 2
a pixel array including a plurality of pixels on which light that has passed through the plurality of unit filters is incident
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a spectral camera and an electronic apparatus including the same. The spectral camera includes an image sensor including a plurality of channels configured to detect a plurality of central wavelengths; an optical module configured to be movable with respect to the image sensor to provide an image of an object on the image sensor; a memory configured to store first information about a change in an optical characteristic of each of the plurality of channels in the image sensor, the change in the optical characteristic of each of the plurality of channels corresponding to a movement of the optical module; and a processor configured to: obtain the first information from the memory, obtain second information corresponding to the plurality of central wavelengths detected by the image sensor, and obtain third information by correcting the second information based on the first information.