Stacked Polarizer Hyperspectral Imaging Sensor Footprint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current imaging systems face challenges in capturing high-quality hyperspectral images without increasing the footprint of image sensors, as they require multiple polarization layers that need to be individually activated and deactivated to capture images with different polarizations.
Innovation Solution
A stacked polarizer system where multiple polarizers are layered to allow hyperspectral light to pass through and be detected by image sensor cells, with each polarizer being individually activated and deactivated to capture hyperspectral images with different polarizations, while maintaining a compact sensor footprint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple polarization layers are used to capture hyperspectral images with different polarizations, then image quality and polarization diversity are improved, but device footprint and structural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple polarization layers are stacked vertically one on top of another in a nested configuration, allowing all layers to occupy the same lateral footprint area. This enables capture of hyperspectral images with different polarizations without increasing the sensor's area, as each layer processes light at different polarization angles simultaneously along the light path.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from a lateral arrangement of polarization layers (which would increase area) to a vertical stacking arrangement (utilizing the depth dimension). By organizing polarizers along the optical axis rather than side-by-side, the system captures multiple polarization states without expanding the sensor footprint, effectively moving the problem from 2D to 3D space utilization.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple polarization layers are individually activated and deactivated, then polarization-specific image capture capability is improved, but device complexity and control mechanisms increase
Solution Approach 1:
Each polarization layer is equipped with independently controllable activation and deactivation mechanisms, allowing dynamic selection of which polarizer is active at any given time. This enables the system to adaptively capture images with specific polarization states by activating only the required layer, providing versatility without requiring all layers to be permanently engaged, thus managing complexity through controlled dynamics.
Solution Approach 2:
The stacked polarizer system serves multiple functions: it can capture hyperspectral images with different polarization angles by activating different layers, it can potentially capture unpolarized images by controlling activation patterns, and it maintains a compact footprint. This multi-functionality is achieved through a single stacked structure that can be dynamically configured for different imaging needs, reducing the need for separate dedicated systems for each function.
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 the capture of hyperspectral images with various polarizations without expanding the image sensor's footprint, ensuring efficient image quality assessment and storage of only high-quality pixel data, with the option to interpolate data from nearby pixels if quality thresholds are not met.
Implementation Method 1
A stacked polarizer can include a plurality of polarizers that are stacked upon each other such that a hyperspectral light source input can be pass through the stack of polarizers and be detected by a pixel of an image sensor cell. Each of the polarizers in the stack of polarizers can be individually activated and deactivated.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure include apparatuses and methods for stacked polarizer hyperspectral imaging. In a number of embodiments, a method can include passing a light source input through a lens and a hyperspectral sensor, activating a first polarization layer of a plurality of polarization layers, detecting a first hyperspectral image with an array of pixels from the light source input that is polarized when passed through the first polarization layer, and determining, via a controller coupled to the array of pixels, whether a quality of the first hyperspectral image that was polarized by the first polarization layer meets a threshold. A stacked polarizer can include a plurality of polarizers that are stacked upon each other such that a hyperspectral light source input can be pass through the stack of polarizers and be detected by a pixel of an image sensor cell. Each of the polarizers in the stack of polarizers can be individually activated and deactivated.