Spectral Imaging System Using Sequential Optical Filtering

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Solution Overview

Problem

Spectral imaging technologies face challenges in maintaining uniformity and spatial resolution, often resulting in degraded point spread function and non-uniformity along spatial dimensions, and are time-consuming, with known techniques compromising on spatial and spectral resolution.

Innovation Solution

A spectral imaging system utilizing a sequential optical system, such as an interferometer or tunable filter, in conjunction with a color imager that generates a temporal sequence of output light beams characterized by different optical parameters, and an image processor that applies intensity correction factors and converts data to greyscale levels to construct a static spectral image.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If spectral imaging techniques use filter wheels or tunable filters to capture images at different wavelengths, then spectral information is obtained, but the imaging process becomes time-consuming and mechanical complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespectral informationVSAvoidimaging time

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical filter wheels with a computational approach using a single imager sensor. Instead of mechanically switching between multiple filters, the system captures a single image and uses machine learning algorithms to extract spectral information, eliminating mechanical movements and reducing imaging time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the approach from physical wavelength filtering to computational spectral decomposition. By transforming the problem from optical domain (physical filters) to computational domain (algorithmic processing), the system achieves spectral imaging without mechanical components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If spectral imaging systems use multiple sensors or complex optical systems, then spectral resolution is improved, but device complexity and loss of spatial information increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespectral resolutionVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes a single imager sensor perform multiple functions: capturing spatial information and extracting spectral information through computational processing. This eliminates the need for multiple sensors or complex optical systems while maintaining spectral resolution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces machine learning algorithms as an intermediary between the single imager sensor and the final spectral image output. These algorithms process the raw image data to reconstruct spectral information, acting as a computational mediator that replaces complex physical systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If spectral imaging techniques prioritize spectral resolution, then spectral information is enhanced, but spatial resolution and uniformity deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespectral resolutionVSAvoidspatial resolution

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the spectral information extraction process from the spatial image capture process. The single imager captures spatial information while computational algorithms separately extract spectral characteristics, allowing both spatial and spectral resolution to be optimized independently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 system achieves enhanced spatial and spectral resolution, allows for fast scanning of large regions, and reduces fringe pattern amplitudes, providing a spectral image with improved uniformity and reduced interference effects.

Implementation Method 1

each output light beam constitutes two interfering light beams characterized by a different optical path difference (OPD) therebetween

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInterference: Interference

Implementation Method 2

a tunable optical filter, wherein each output light beam is characterized by a different central wavelength of the tunable optical filter

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical filtering: Filter (optical)

Implementation Method 3

a color imager receiving the output light beams and being configured to responsively generate, for each output light beam, an image signal that is spatially resolved into a plurality of color channels

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS11012643B2System and method for spectral imaging

Publication Date: 2021.05.18 APPLIED SPECTRAL IMAGING

AI summary

A spectral imaging system comprises: a sequential optical system providing a temporal sequence of output light beams describing the scene; a color imager receiving the output light beams and responsively generating, for each output light beam, an image signal that is spatially resolved into a plurality of color channels. The system can also comprise an image processor that collectively process the image signals to construct a spectral image of the scene.