Spectral Imaging System Using Position Measurement for Portability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional imaging spectrometers are bulky and inaccessible due to complex components for vibration rejection, limiting their usability and accessibility, especially for applications requiring high spectral resolution and portability.
Innovation Solution
A spectral imaging system that uses a beam splitter and reflectors to split input light, with a position measurement system to account for actual reflector misalignment, allowing for the reconstruction of spectral images using actual positions rather than desired positions, enabling miniaturization and portability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex vibration rejection components are used in imaging spectrometers, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases and portability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical vibration rejection systems with a computational approach. A position measurement system tracks the actual positions of optical components, and a processor uses these measurements to correct spectral images computationally. This substitutes mechanical stabilization with optical tracking and digital processing, reducing device complexity while maintaining spectral resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the position measurement system continuously monitors the actual positions of optical components, and this information is fed back to the processor for real-time correction of spectral images. This feedback loop maintains measurement precision without requiring complex passive vibration rejection components.
2Measurement precision
If conventional imaging spectrometers are designed for high spectral resolution, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases making them inaccessible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex optical components with a simpler system that uses a position measurement system and computational processing. Instead of requiring precision mechanical components to maintain optical alignment, the system measures actual positions and corrects images computationally, making the device simpler and more accessible while maintaining spectral resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-correction by using its own position measurement system to detect and compensate for misalignments. The processor automatically adjusts spectral images based on measured positions, eliminating the need for complex external alignment mechanisms and making the device more accessible to users without specialized equipment.
3Ease of operation
If miniaturization is pursued for portability, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision may deteriorate due to component misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a position measurement system that provides feedback on the actual positions of optical components in the miniaturized device. This feedback enables real-time computational correction of spectral images, maintaining spectral resolution despite the compact size and potential misalignments inherent in miniaturized designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical precision requirements with computational correction in miniaturized devices. Instead of relying on precision mechanical alignment in compact components, the system measures positions and corrects images digitally, enabling portability without sacrificing spectral resolution.
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 allows for the development of miniature, portable imaging spectrometers with high spectral resolution, capable of being mounted in various devices like endoscopes or smartphones, enhancing applications in fields like healthcare and environmental monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
a beam splitter to receive an input light beam reflected or scattered from a sample and to split the input light beam into a first portion and a second portion
Implementation Method 2
A first reflector is in optical communication with the beam splitter to reflect the first portion of the input light beam and a second reflector is in optical communication with the beam splitter to reflect the second portion of the input light beam
Implementation Method 3
A detector is disposed at an intersection between the first portion of the input light beam and the second portion of the input light beam to detect an interference pattern created by the first portion of the input light beam and the second portion of the input light beam
Data Source
AI summary
A spectral imaging system includes an autocorrelator to generate different autocorrelations when the moving reflector in the autocorrelator is at different positions so as to reconstruct spectral images. The system also includes a position measurement system to measure the actual positions of the moving reflector when autocorrelations are taken. These actual locations, instead of the desired locations in conventional methods, are then used to reconstruct the spectral image. This approach can address the misalignment of the moving reflector from its desired location (due to external disturbances, slow actuator dynamics, and other factors) in conventional spectral imaging techniques and allow the development of high-resolution, high-stability, portable imaging spectrometers for the general public.