Imaging system with programmable spectral switch
US7274454B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 23, 2005 |
| Grant date | Sep 25, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 23, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N21/255
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An imaging apparatus has input optics for obtaining a multispectral image bearing light and a programmable spectral switching section. The programmable spectral switching section has a first lens for directing light toward a dichroic separator that separates the multispectral image bearing light into a plurality of discrete spectral bands, each directed to an optical switch. Each optical switch is selectively enabled to redirect its corresponding spectral band back through the first lens as switched spectral band light. A light path selector element directs switched spectral band light toward an image forming section that has a sensor lens for directing switched spectral band light toward an image sensor. The image sensor forms image data according switched spectral band light from each optical switch. A control logic processor communicates with optical switches and with the sensor, providing instructions for enablement of optical switches and obtaining sensor data.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.