Spectroscopic Camera Filter Position Switching Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spectroscopic cameras require multiple image pickup devices due to the use of separate filters with wide and narrow band transmission characteristics, limiting their size reduction potential.
Innovation Solution
A spectroscopic camera design that incorporates a filter-position switching mechanism allowing a single image pickup section to capture both spectral and color images by retracting or advancing a spectral filter with a variable wavelength interference filter, eliminating the need for multiple image pickup devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple image pickup devices are used to capture both spectral and color images, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases and size reduction cannot be realized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple image pickup devices into a single image pickup device by using a beam splitter to divide incident light into two paths: one path goes through a wide-band filter to the image pickup device for color imaging, and the other path goes through a narrow-band filter to the same image pickup device for spectral imaging. This combining approach maintains measurement precision while reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The single image pickup device is designed to perform multiple functions by receiving different types of light (color light and spectral light) through the beam splitter and appropriate filters. This multi-functional design allows one device to replace what would traditionally require multiple specialized devices, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
2Measurement precision
If multiple image pickup devices are arranged to capture spectral and color images simultaneously, then measurement precision is improved, but the size of the apparatus increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the optical paths for color imaging and spectral imaging into a single image pickup device using a beam splitter. This merging of functions into one device significantly reduces the space required compared to arranging multiple separate image pickup devices, thereby reducing apparatus size while maintaining dual imaging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spatial dimension solution by using a beam splitter to divide the light path into different directions, allowing both color and spectral imaging to occur simultaneously through different optical paths that converge on a single image pickup device. This dimensional approach to light path management enables compact integration.
3Measurement precision
If a beam splitter with multiple filters is used to capture both spectral and color images, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and configuration complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple filtering functions into a single beam splitter component that simultaneously handles both wide-band filtering for color imaging and narrow-band filtering for spectral imaging. This consolidation reduces device complexity by eliminating the need for separate filter assemblies and complex switching mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The beam splitter is designed as a universal optical component that performs multiple functions: dividing light into color and spectral paths, and working with both wide-band and narrow-band filters to enable both color and spectral imaging through a single device. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity.
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 configuration simplifies the camera's structure and reduces its size while enabling the acquisition of both spectral and color images, improving operational efficiency and usability.
Implementation Method 1
a spectral filter configured to select light having a predetermined wavelength from the incident light input from the incident light system
Implementation Method 2
an image pickup section configured to receive, with the filter-position switching section, directly or via the spectral filter, the incident light input from the incident optical system
Data Source
AI summary
A spectrometry apparatus includes a light incident section on which incident light from an image pickup target is made incident, an image pickup section provided on an optical path of the incident light input from the light incident section, a variable wavelength interference filter configured to transmit light having a predetermined wavelength from the incident light input from the light incident section and capable of changing the wavelength of the light to be transmitted, and a filter-position switching section configured to advance and retract the variable wavelength interference filter to and from an optical path of the incident light.