JP2016510882A - Hyperspectral imaging system and method for imaging remote objects - Google Patents

Abstract

A hyperspectral imaging system (100c) and method for providing a hyperspectral image of an area of a remote object (eg, a scene of interest (104)) is described herein. In one aspect, the hyperspectral imaging system includes at least one optical element (106) and a rotatable drum (402) having a plurality of slits (404) formed in an outer surface thereof and a folding mirror positioned therein. A spectrometer (110), a two-dimensional image sensor (112), and a controller (114). In another aspect, a hyperspectral imaging system includes at least one optical element, a rotatable disk (having at least one linear slit formed therein), a spectrometer, a two-dimensional image sensor, and a controller. It has. In yet another aspect, a hyperspectral imaging system includes at least one optical element, a rotatable disk (having a plurality of linear slits formed therein), a spectrometer, a two-dimensional image sensor, and a controller. It has.

Description

Priority claim

  This application claims the benefit of priority of US patent application Ser. No. 13 / 79,630, filed on Mar. 13, 2013, under 35 U.S.C. 120, and under 2013 US Pat. Claiming the benefit of priority of US patent application Ser. No. 13 / 798,816, filed on Mar. 13, the contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

RELATED PATENT APPLICATION This application was previously filed on July 23, 2012 and is named “Hyperspectral Imaging System and Method for Imaging a Remote Object”. Related to US patent application Ser. No. 13 / 555,428. The contents of this related patent application are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

  The present invention relates to a hyperspectral imaging system and method for providing a hyperspectral image of an area in a remote object (eg, a scene of interest). In one aspect, the hyperspectral imaging system includes at least one optical element, a rotatable disk (having at least one helical slit formed therein), a spectrometer, a two-dimensional image sensor, and a controller. In another aspect, a hyperspectral imaging system includes at least one optical element, a rotatable disk (having a plurality of linear slits formed therein), a spectrometer, a two-dimensional image sensor, and a controller. In yet another aspect, the hyperspectral imaging system includes at least one optical element, a rotatable drum (having a plurality of slits formed on its outer surface and a folding mirror positioned therein), a spectrometer, and a two-dimensional image. Includes a sensor and a controller.

  Conventional hyperspectral imaging systems typically have an imaging lens that forms an image of a remote object of interest on a fixed slit, followed by a spectrometer. The spectrometer may be configured as any one of an Offner spectrometer, a Dyson spectrometer, or some other type of spectrometer. However, hyperspectrometer architectures with fixed slits are limited to forming a single beam hyperspectrum from a remote object. Furthermore, hyperspectrometer architectures with fixed slits are limited to filling only the pixels on the image sensor that correspond to the fixed slit spectrum. There are currently two well-known techniques for extending a single ray hyperspectral image from a remote object to a two-dimensional area of the remote object. The first known technique is to move the entire hyperspectral imaging system in a direction perpendicular to the fixed slit to acquire a hyperspectral image of the area of the remote object and to synchronize the image capture with its operation. Steps. This technique is often referred to as the “push-in” method. A second known technique includes placing a rotating mirror in front of the imaging lens to acquire a hyperspectral image of the area of the remote object, and then synchronizing the image capture with the mirror rotation. . Conventional hyperspectral imaging systems for acquiring hyperspectral images of areas of remote objects and their known techniques may work in several applications, but hyperspectral images of areas of remote objects may be used. It is still desirable to develop a new hyperspectral imaging system that can be used to acquire.

  Hyperspectral imaging systems and methods for providing hyperspectral images of areas of remote objects are described in the independent claims of this application. Advantageous embodiments of a hyperspectral imaging system and method for providing a hyperspectral image of an area of a remote object are described in the dependent claims.

  In one aspect of the invention, there is a hyperspectral imaging system (and associated method) for providing a hyperspectral image of a two-dimensional area of a remote object. The hyperspectral imaging system includes: (a) at least one optical element configured to receive light associated with a remote object; and (b) a disk formed with a helical slit, wherein the optical spectrum includes at least one optical element. A disk configured to receive light from the element and including a surface further disposed in the image plane of the at least one optical element; (c) an actuator for rotating the disk; and (d) a second object associated with the remote object. A controller configured to control the actuator such that the disk is rotated and the first portion of the spiral slit is positioned so that one light beam can pass through the first portion of the spiral slit; e) a spectrometer having at least a dispersion device configured to receive the first light beam and output the first dispersed light beam; and (f) the first dispersed light beam. And a two-dimensional image sensor configured to provide a first two-dimensional image of the first dispersed light beam, and (g) the controller is configured to acquire the first two-dimensional image. And controlling the actuator so that the disk is rotated and the second portion of the helical slit is positioned so that a second light beam associated with the remote object can pass through the second portion of the helical slit. (H) the spectrometer includes at least a dispersion device configured to receive the second light beam and output the second dispersed light beam, and (i) the two-dimensional image sensor includes the second light beam Configured to receive the dispersed rays and provide a second two-dimensional image of the second dispersed rays; (j) the controller is configured to acquire the second two-dimensional image; and (k) the remote Different rays related to the light of the object The controller repeatedly controls the actuator so that the disk is rotated and different parts of the spiral slit are placed so that different parts of the object can be passed, while a hyperspectral image of a two-dimensional area of the remote object is obtained. To provide, two-dimensional images of different dispersed rays are repeatedly acquired from a two-dimensional image sensor, and the first and second two-dimensional images and the different two-dimensional images are combined.

  In another aspect of the invention, there is a hyperspectral imaging system (and associated method) for providing a hyperspectral image of a two-dimensional area of a remote object. The hyperspectral imaging system includes: (a) at least one optical element configured to receive light associated with a remote object; and (b) a disc having a plurality of linear slits formed therein, the at least one optical element comprising: A disk configured to receive light from the front optical element and including a surface further disposed on the image plane of the at least one optical element; (c) an actuator for rotating the disk; and (d) a remote object. The actuator is controlled such that the disk is rotated and the first linear slits of the plurality of linear slits are arranged so that the associated first light beam can pass through the first linear slits of the plurality of linear slits. A configured controller; and (e) a spectrometer comprising a dispersion device configured to receive a first light beam and provide a first dispersed light beam; f) a two-dimensional image sensor configured to receive the first dispersed light beam and provide a first two-dimensional image of the first dispersed light beam, and (g) the controller includes the first two-dimensional image A second linear slit of the plurality of linear slits configured to acquire an image and rotated so that a second ray associated with the remote object can pass through the second linear slit of the plurality of linear slits (H) the spectrometer comprises at least a dispersion device configured to receive the second light beam and output the second dispersed light beam, (I) a two-dimensional image sensor is configured to receive the second dispersed light beam and provide a second two-dimensional image of the second dispersed light beam; (j) the controller is configured to provide the second two-dimensional image. Is configured to obtain (k) The controller moves the actuator so that the disc is rotated and different linear slits are placed in the plurality of linear slits so that different rays associated with the light of the remote object can pass through the different linear slits in the plurality of linear slits. In order to repeatedly control, while providing a hyperspectral image of a two-dimensional area of a remote object, two-dimensional images of different dispersed rays are repeatedly acquired from a two-dimensional image sensor, and first and second two-dimensional images; In addition, different two-dimensional images are combined.

  In yet another aspect of the invention, there is a hyperspectral imaging system (and associated method) for providing a hyperspectral image of a two-dimensional area of a remote object. The hyperspectral imaging system is located on (a) at least one optical element configured to receive light associated with a remote object, and (b) at least one slit formed on its surface and on itself. An opening on one side of the rotating drum with a turning mirror, wherein the rotating drum passes light from at least one front optical element and is reflected towards the inside of the surface by the turning mirror A rotating drum whose surface is disposed in the image plane of the at least one optical element, (c) an actuator for rotating the drum, and (d) at least one first beam associated with the remote object. The drum is rotated so that the first slit of at least one slit is arranged so that it can pass through the first slit of the two slits. A controller configured to control the actuator; (e) a spectrometer comprising at least a dispersion device configured to receive the first beam and output the first dispersed beam; and (f) a first A two-dimensional image sensor configured to receive one dispersed ray and provide a first two-dimensional image of the first dispersed ray, and (g) a controller obtains the first two-dimensional image And the drum is rotated so that a second linear ray associated with a remote object can pass through the first linear slit of the at least one slit and the first linear slit of the at least one slit is disposed. And (h) the spectrometer comprises at least a disperser configured to receive the second light beam and output the second dispersive light beam, and (i) Secondary An image sensor is configured to receive the second dispersed ray and provide a second two-dimensional image of the second dispersed ray, and (j) the controller obtains the second two-dimensional image. And (k) the drum is rotated to position the first slit of the at least one slit so that different rays associated with the light of the remote object can pass through the first slit of the at least one slit. Thus, the controller repeatedly obtains a two-dimensional image of different dispersed rays from the two-dimensional image sensor to repeatedly control the actuator while providing a hyperspectral image of the two-dimensional area of the remote object, and the first And a second two-dimensional image and a different two-dimensional image.

  Additional aspects of the present invention are described in part in the following detailed description, figures, and any claims, and are derived in part from the detailed description or can be learned by practice of the invention. it can. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention as disclosed.

  A more complete understanding of the present invention can be obtained by reference to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 3 illustrates basic components of an exemplary hyperspectral imaging system having a scannable slit mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention, the exemplary hyper hyperbolic mechanism is a disk (having at least one helical slit formed therein) and an actuator that rotates the disk about an axis. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating several spectral imaging systems. In accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention, the exemplary hyper hyperbolic mechanism is a disk (having at least one helical slit formed therein) and an actuator that rotates the disk about an axis. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating several spectral imaging systems. FIG. 4 illustrates exemplary method steps for providing a hyperspectral image of a two-dimensional area of a remote object using the hyperspectral imaging system shown in FIGS. 2A-2B in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart. Exemplary hyperspectral imaging wherein the scannable slit mechanism is an actuator that rotates a disk about an axis (with a plurality of linear slits formed therein) and an axis, according to a second embodiment of the present invention 1 is a diagram illustrating several systems. FIG. Exemplary hyperspectral imaging wherein the scannable slit mechanism is an actuator that rotates a disk about an axis (with a plurality of linear slits formed therein) and an axis, according to a second embodiment of the present invention 1 is a diagram illustrating several systems. FIG. FIG. 4 illustrates exemplary method steps for providing a hyperspectral image of a two-dimensional area of a remote object using the hyperspectral imaging system shown in FIGS. 3A-3B in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart. In accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention, a scannable slit mechanism comprises a rotating drum (having at least one linear slit on its surface and a folding mirror located therein) and an actuator that rotates the drum about an axis. FIG. 2 is a number of diagrams illustrating an exemplary hyperspectral imaging system. In accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention, a scannable slit mechanism comprises a rotating drum (having at least one linear slit on its surface and a folding mirror located therein) and an actuator that rotates the drum about an axis. FIG. 2 is a number of diagrams illustrating an exemplary hyperspectral imaging system. FIG. 4 illustrates exemplary method steps for providing a hyperspectral image of a two-dimensional area of a remote object using the hyperspectral imaging system shown in FIGS. 4A-4B in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart.

  Referring to FIG. 1, there is a diagram illustrating basic components of an exemplary hyperspectral imaging system 100 configured to provide a hyperspectral image 102 of an area of a remote object 104 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Hyperspectral imaging system 100 includes one or more optical elements 106, a scanable slit mechanism 108, a spectrometer 110, a two-dimensional image sensor 112, and a controller 114. Spectrometer 110 may be any one of an Offner spectrometer (shown), a Dyson spectrometer, or any other known spectrometer including a disperser 116. For example, spectrometer 110 may include a disperser 116 configured as a prism 116 corresponding to a refraction-based spectral imaging assembly. Alternatively, the spectrometer 110 may include a disperser 116 configured as a diffraction grating 116 corresponding to a diffraction-based spectral imaging assembly (shown). Further, the hyperspectral imaging system 100 may include a housing 118 that surrounds and supports the optical element 106, the scanable slit mechanism 108, the spectrometer 110, and the two-dimensional image sensor 112. In this example, the controller 114 is shown as being located outside the housing 118, but again the optical element 106 (to focus the optical element 106), the scanable slit mechanism 108, and Operatively coupled to the two-dimensional image sensor 112. The hyperspectral imaging system 100 may incorporate other components well known to those skilled in the art, but for clarity, the components 106, 108, 110, 112, 114 required to describe the present invention. , 116 and 118 are discussed in detail herein.

  The hyperspectral imaging system 100 is configured such that the optical element 106 receives light 115a from the remote object 104 and directs the focused light 115b representing the image 107 of the remote object 104 onto the scannable slit mechanism 108. Are arranged. The scannable slit mechanism 108 is arranged such that the surface 109 that receives the light 115 b from the optical element 106 is arranged on the image plane of the optical element 106. A scannable slit mechanism 108 receives the light 115 b and provides at least one first light beam 115 c to the spectrometer 110. In this example, spectrometer 110 is configured as an Offner spectrometer and includes a first mirror 122, which receives at least one first light beam 115c from a scannable slit mechanism 108. And the at least one first light beam 115d is reflected to the diffraction grating 116, the diffraction grating 116 guides at least one diffracted light 115e to the second mirror 124, and the second mirror 124 includes at least one diffracted light. 115 f is reflected to the two-dimensional image sensor 112. The two-dimensional image sensor 112 generates a two-dimensional image 117a of at least one diffracted light 115f.

  The controller 114 receives and stores the two-dimensional image 117a and then interacts with the scannable slit mechanism 108 so that at least one different light beam 115g from the remote object 104 is provided to the spectrometer 110. The slit mechanism 108 is reconfigured. The first mirror 122 of the spectrometer receives at least one different light beam 115g from the scannable slit mechanism 108 and reflects at least one different light beam 115h to the diffraction grating 116, the diffraction grating 116 being at least one The diffracted light 115 i is guided to the second mirror 124, and the second mirror 124 reflects at least one diffracted light 115 j to the two-dimensional image sensor 112. The two-dimensional image sensor 112 generates a two-dimensional image 117b of at least one diffracted light 115j. The controller 114 receives and stores the two-dimensional image 117b of the diffracted light 115j from the two-dimensional image sensor 112. Thereafter, the controller 114 may determine whether the different two-dimensional images 117c, 117d. . . In order to obtain 117n, it interacts in a manner similar to the scannable slit mechanism 108 and the two-dimensional image sensor 112 (Note: different light beams 115c, 115g, etc. are typically adjacent to each other and when combined Will represent the entire imaging area of the remote object 104). Controller 114 provides two-dimensional images 117a, 117b, 117c. . . Combine 117n. A detailed description of the configuration and operation of several different embodiments of the hyperspectral imaging system 100 incorporating several different types of scannable slit mechanisms 108 is provided below in connection with FIGS.

  With reference to FIGS. 2A-2B, there are several views illustrating a hyperspectral imaging system 100 a in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, wherein the scannable slit mechanism 108 includes at least one helical slit 204. (In this example, three spiral slits 204a, 204b, and 204c are shown), and an actuator 206 that rotates the disk 202 about an axis 208. The hyperspectral imaging system 100a includes an optical element 106, a rotating disk 202, an actuator 206, a spectrometer 110 (including at least a dispersion device 116), a two-dimensional image sensor 112, a controller 114, and a housing 118 (not shown). The optical element 106, the disk 202, the spectrometer 110 (dispersing device 116), and the two-dimensional image sensor 112 will be arranged in relation to each other so that the light beam is properly guided from one component to another. Please understand that. However, the orientation of the optical element 106 relative to the disc surface 209 has been changed to help explain various features of the hyperspectral imaging system 110a. For example, the disk surface 209 will actually face the major surface of the optical element 106 rather than facing the reader as shown. And the plane of rotation of the disk 202 on the axis 208 will be perpendicular to the reader.

As shown in Figure 2A-2B, the disc 202 is a first time "t1" in one position "p1" to have a first portion 209 ₁ of the spiral slit 204a (see Figure 2A ), and then spirally slit 204a another portion 209 ₂ of, as in position "p1" at a second time "t2" (see FIG. 2B), the hyperspectral imaging system 100a configured example There is. In FIG. 2A, the hyperspectral imaging system 100a receives the light 115a associated with the remote object 104 and directs focused light 115b representing the image 107 of the remote object 104 onto the disk 202. It is arranged at 1 time “t1”. In particular, the controller 114, as the first portion 209 ₁ of the spiral slit 204a is in position "p1" at a first time "t1", the actuator 206 to rotate the disk 202 on the shaft 208 interacts It will be done. At time “t 1”, the first portion 209 ₁ of the spiral slit 204 a is received by the disperser 116, for example, via the first mirror 122 (see FIG. 1), for example. In order to pass the light beam 115 c to the spectrometer 110, it is placed at or near the image plane of the optical element 106. Again, the spectrometer 110 can be any known spectrometer 110 having a disperser 116 (eg, prism 116, diffraction grating 116). The disperser 116 generates dispersed light 115e that is received by the two-dimensional image sensor 112 via, for example, a second mirror 124 (see FIG. 1). The two-dimensional image sensor 112 generates a two-dimensional image 117a. The two-dimensional image 117a is a single axis 210a representing the spatial information of the dispersed light 115e (for example, the diffraction grating 115 when the diffraction grating 116 is used). Zero-order image) and another axis 210b representing the spectral information of dispersed light 115e (eg, a non-zero-order image of diffracted light 115e when diffraction grating 116 is used). The controller 114 receives and stores the two-dimensional image 117a and, as will be described next, the spiral slit 204a for passing the different rays 115g associated with the image 107 from the remote object 104 to the spectrometer 110. the second portion 209 _2, so that the position "p1" to the time "t2", to interact with the actuator 206 to rotate the disk 202.

In FIG. 2B, the hyperspectral imaging system 100a is shown configured at a second time “t2”, where it is received by the disperser 116, for example, via the first mirror 122 (see FIG. 1). , in order to pass the second light beam 115g associated with the image 107 of the remote object 104 to the spectrometer 110, the second portion 209 ₂ of the spiral slit 204a, so that in the position "p1" to the time "t2" In turn, the controller 114 interacts with the actuator 206 to rotate the disk 202. As can be seen, the first ray 115c is adjacent or nearly adjacent to the second ray 115g associated with the image 107 of the remote object 104. The disperser 116 generates dispersed light 115i that is received by the two-dimensional image sensor 112 via, for example, a second mirror 124 (see FIG. 1). The two-dimensional image sensor 112 generates a two-dimensional image 117b. The two-dimensional image 117b is a single axis 210a representing the spatial information of the dispersed light 115i (for example, when the diffraction grating 116 is used, the two-dimensional image 117b Zero-order image) and another axis 210b representing the spectral information of the dispersed light 115i (eg, a non-zero-order image of the diffracted light 115i when the diffraction grating 116 is used). The controller 114 receives and stores the two-dimensional image 117b. Thereafter, the remaining portions 209 ₃ , 209 ₄ . . 209 _n are continuously located at position “p1”, while times “t3”, “t4”. . . At “tn”, the two-dimensional image sensor 112 has different two-dimensional images 117c, 117d. . . As it is triggered to obtain 117n, the controller 114 has different times “t3”, “t4”. . . Interact with actuator 206 to rotate disk 202 at “tn”. The controller 114 provides a two-dimensional image 117a, 117b, 117c, etc. to provide a hyperspectral image 102a of the overall image 107 associated with the area of the remote object 104. . . Combine 117n. In this example, each two-dimensional image 117a, 117b, 117c. . . 117n corresponds to different dispersed rays 115e, 115i, etc., and the dispersed rays 115e, 115i, etc., when their respective spectral images are combined, the resulting combination produces an image 107 of the area of the remote object 104. Adjacent to each other so as to form a representative hyperspectral image 102a.

The same process used to acquire the hyperspectral image 102a of the area of the remote object 104 using the first spiral slit 204a is the same as the hyper process of the area of the remote object 104 using the second spiral slit 204b. It will be repeated to acquire the spectral image 102b and then it will be repeated to acquire the hyperspectral image 102c of the area of the remote object 104 using the third spiral slit 204c. Thus, a disc 202 having three helical slits 204a, 204b, and 204c can produce three different hyperspectral images 102a, 102b, and 102c in the same image 107 of the remote object 104 area in a single 360 ° of the disc 202. It can be acquired at every rotation. In this example, different portions 209 ₁ , 209 ₂ , 209 ₃ , 209 ₄ . . The combined width of 209 _n will be greater than or equal to the width 211 of the image 107 of the remote object 104. And different portions 209 ₁ , 209 ₂ , 209 ₃ , 209 ₄ . . The height at each of 209 _n will be greater than or _{equal to} the height 213 of the image 107 of the remote object 104. The second spiral slit 204b and the third spiral slit 204c will typically have the same width and height as the first spiral slit 204a.

  In this example, the controller 114 uses different first two-dimensional images 117a, 117b, 117c that are combined to form one hyperspectral image 102a by using the first helical slit 204a during the 120 ° rotation of the disk 202. . . . 117n can be acquired. Furthermore, the controller 114 is combined to form two hyperspectral images 102b and 102c by using the second helical slit 204b and the third helical slit 204c during the remaining 240 ° rotation of the disk 202. Acquire different two-dimensional images. Alternatively, if the disc 202 has only one spiral slit 204, the controller 114 will provide one hyperspectral image of the remote object 104 for each single rotation of the disc 202. Similarly, if the disk 202 has two helical slits, the controller 114 will provide two hyperspectral images of the remote object 104 for each single rotation of the disk 202. In any case, the controller 114 can transmit the two-dimensional images 117a, 117b, 117c. . . 117n can be acquired, but it is typically the case that the respective helical slits 204a, 204b, and 204c are sufficiently rotated so that images of those slits on the two-dimensional image sensor 112 (respectively from the image 107). Will be moved horizontally by one pixel.

  In the above example, the spiral slits 204a, 204b, and 204c are such that the image 107 of the remote object 104 is located in only one of the spiral slits 204a, 204b, or 204c at any given time. Separated far enough from each other. In other words, the image 107 can be completely located in the space between the spiral slits 204a and 204b, between the spiral slits 204b and 204c, or between the spiral slits 204a and 204c. To accomplish this, the disc 202, and in particular the helical slits 204a, 204b, and 204c formed inside the disc 202, are the specific size and location of the image 107 that is ultimately formed by the front optical element 106. Arranged based on. In particular, the disc 202 may have a specific diameter, and the image 107 has a predetermined width 211 and height 213 at specific locations on the surface 209 of the disc 202. Further, the helical slits 204a, 204b, and 204c have one end 220a, 220b, and 220c located at a predetermined distance “1” from the edge of the disk 202 so that they are aligned with the one end 222 of the image 107. You will have each. Further, the spiral slits 204a, 204b, and 204c are opposite ends 224a, 224b, located at a predetermined distance “2” from the edge of the disk 202, such that they are aligned with the opposite ends 226 of the image 107. And 224c, respectively. In other words, each spiral slit 204a, 204b, and 204c is relative to the outer edge of the disk 202 with respect to the distance between the respective ends 220a-224a, 220b-224b, and 222c-224c of those slits. The difference between “1” and “2” is dimensioned to be equal to or greater than the width 211 of the image 107 of the remote object 104.

  Alternatively, the helical slits 204a, 204b, and 204c may be configured such that at any given time (for example) any two of the helical slits 204a and 204b each transmit a different ray from the image 107 of the remote object 104 to the spectrometer 110. Can be arranged relative to each other so that they can have parts that pass simultaneously. In this case, when the controller 114 receives the corresponding two-dimensional image from the two-dimensional image sensor 112, the controller 114 converts the two-dimensional image related to the first spiral slit 204a to the two-dimensional image related to the second spiral slit 204b. It may be necessary to process the two-dimensional image to separate it from Next, the controller 114 combines the various two-dimensional images associated only with the first spiral slit 204a to form the hyperspectral image 102a, and the second to form the hyperspectral image 102b. The various two-dimensional images associated only with the spiral slit 204b will be combined.

Referring to FIG. 2C, an exemplary method 200C for using the hyperspectral imaging system 100a to provide a hyperspectral image 102 of the two-dimensional area 107 of the remote object 104 in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention. There is a flowchart showing the steps. The method includes: (a) an optical element 106, a rotatable disk 202 (in which at least one helical slit 204 is formed), an actuator 206, and a spectrometer 110 (comprising at least a dispersion device 116). Providing a hyperspectral imaging system 100a including a two-dimensional image sensor 112 and a controller 114 (step 202C); and (b) placing an optical element 106 that receives light 115a associated with the remote object 104. Step (Step 204C) and (c) a first light beam 115c associated with the remote object 104 is configured to receive the first light beam 115c and output a first dispersed light beam 115e to the two-dimensional image sensor 112. The first of the spiral slits 204 to the spectrometer 110 with at least the dispersed disperser 116. As it can pass through the portion 209 _1, and the step of the disk 202 controls the actuator 206 such that the first portion 209 ₁ of the rotating spiral slit 204 is disposed (step 206C), (d) 2-dimensional image Obtaining a two-dimensional image 117a of the first dispersed light beam 115e from the sensor 112 (step 208C); and (e) a second light beam 115g associated with the remote object 104 receiving the second light beam 115g and receiving the second light beam 115g. and a dispersing device 116 configured to output a second distributed rays 115i to the two-dimensional image sensor 112 to the spectrometer 110 with at least, as the second portion 209 ₂ of the spiral slit 204 can pass through the disk 202 is rotated to the actuator 206 so that the second portion 209 ₂ of the spiral slit 204 is arranged Controlling (step 210C); (f) obtaining a two-dimensional image 117b of the second dispersed ray 115i from the two-dimensional image sensor 112 (step 212C); and (g) different rays associated with the remote object 104. Are different portions 209 ₃ , 209 ₄ . . . 209 _n is rotated so that different portions 209 ₃ , 209 ₄ . . . In _order to repeatedly control the actuator 206 so that 209 _n is located, while providing a hyperspectral image 102 of the two-dimensional area of the remote object 104, the two-dimensional images 117c, 117d. . . 117n are repeatedly acquired from the two-dimensional image sensor 112, and the first and second two-dimensional images 117a and 117b and different two-dimensional images 117c, 117d. . . Combining 117n (step 214C). In one example, the controller 114 may include first and second two-dimensional images 117a and 117b and different two-dimensional images 117c, 117d. . . The actuator 206 can be controlled to rotate the disk 202 continuously at a constant speed while acquiring 117n. In the above example, the controller 114 may include a processor 115 that interfaces with the memory 117, which stores the processor executable instructions and executes those processor executable instructions to perform steps 204C, 206C, 208C, 210C, 212C, and 214C are executed.

  If desired, the scan disk 202 and actuator 206 can be added to existing designs without significantly affecting the size of the system. Further, the resulting improved system (ie, hyperspectral imaging system 100a) will provide nearly 100% scanning efficiency. Other conventional scanning systems, such as galvanometer-driven scanners that incorporate a scanning mirror in front of the front optics, require feedback from the scanning device to know which lines in the remote object are being transmitted to the spectrometer And However, in the hyperspectral imaging system 100a, if the two-dimensional image sensor 112 is large enough to capture a zero order image and a diffraction image, the position of the zero order image does not require feedback from some scanning device. This information (i.e., which lines in the remote object are being transmitted to the spectrometer) can be provided. Furthermore, the conventional galvanometer-driven scanner is a vibration source and may involve higher power requirements when compared to the constant speed rotating disk 202 used in the hyperspectral imaging system 100a. Furthermore, conventional polygon scanners typically have poor scanning efficiency with an additional reflective surface, and when placed between the front optic and the remote object, the hyperspectral imaging system 100a A significant increase in system size will be required when compared to size. In the present invention, the disk 202 can be manufactured with conventional lithographic techniques (eg, chromium on glass for visible short wavelength infrared (SWIR) applications). The disc 202 may also be manufactured on a metal substrate using the process defined in co-assigned US Pat. No. 7,697,137, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. Is possible. Finally, the disk 202 can be driven by a simple motor 206 (actuator 206) and no speed control or angular position device is required. However, the axial position of the disc 202 needs to be nominally controlled and positioned so that it is within the depth of focus of the front optical element 106.

  Referring to FIGS. 3A-3B, there are several views illustrating a hyperspectral imaging system 100b according to a second embodiment of the present invention, in which a scanable slit mechanism 108 includes a plurality of linear slits 304 (in this example The disk 302 on which ten straight slits 304 a, 304 b, 304 c, 304 d, 304 e, 304 f, 304 g, 304 h, 304 i, and 304 j are formed) and an actuator that rotates the disk 302 around the axis 308 306. The hyperspectral imaging system 100b includes an optical element 106, a rotating disk 302, an actuator 306, a spectrometer 110 (including at least a dispersion device 116), a two-dimensional image sensor 112, a controller 114, and a housing 118 (not shown). The optical element 106, the disk 302, the spectrometer 110 (dispersing device 116), and the two-dimensional image sensor 112 will be positioned relative to one another so that the light rays are properly directed from one component to another. I want you to understand. However, the orientation of the optical element 106 relative to the disk surface 309 has been changed to help explain various features of the hyperspectral imaging system 110b. For example, the disk surface 309 will actually face the major surface of the optical element 106 rather than facing the reader as shown. And the plane of rotation of the disk 302 on the shaft 308 will be perpendicular to the reader.

  As shown in FIGS. 3A-3B, the disk 302 has one linear slit 304a at one position “p1” at a first time “t1” (see FIG. 3A), and then the disk 302 However, there is an example in which the hyperspectral imaging system 100b is configured to have the next straight slit 304b at the position “p1” at the second time “t2” (see FIG. 3B). In FIG. 3A, the hyperspectral imaging system 100b is configured such that the optical element 106 receives light 115a associated with the remote object 104 and directs focused light 115b representing the image 107 of the remote object 104 onto the disk 302. Is arranged at time “t1”. In particular, the controller 114 will interact with the actuator 306 to rotate the disk 302 on the axis 308 such that the first linear slit 304a is in the position “p1” at the first time “t1”. . At time “t 1”, the first linear slit 304 a is used to spectrometer the first light beam 115 c associated with the image 107, for example, received by the disperser 116 via the first mirror 122 (see FIG. 1). For passage to 110, it is placed at or near the image plane of the optical element 106. Again, the spectrometer 110 can be any known spectrometer 110 having a disperser 116 (eg, prism 116, diffraction grating 116). The disperser 116 generates dispersed light 115e that is received by the two-dimensional image sensor 112 via, for example, a second mirror 124 (see FIG. 1). The two-dimensional image sensor 112 generates a two-dimensional image 117a. The two-dimensional image 117a is a single axis 310a that represents the spatial information of the dispersed light 115e (for example, when the diffraction grating 116 is used, the two-dimensional image 117a Zero-order image) and another axis 310b representing the spectral information of the dispersed light 115e (eg, a non-zero-order image of the diffracted light 115e when the diffraction grating 116 is used). The controller 114 receives and stores the two-dimensional image 117a and, as will be described next, a second straight line for passing different rays 115g associated with the image 107 from the remote object 104 to the spectrometer 110. It interacts with the actuator 306 to rotate the disk 302 so that the slit 304b is in position “p1” at time “t2”.

  In FIG. 3B, the hyperspectral imaging system 100b is shown configured at a second time “t2”, where the controller 114 is received by the disperser 116 via, for example, the first mirror 122 (FIG. 1). In order to pass the second light beam 115g associated with the image 107 of the remote object 104 to the spectrometer 110, the disk 302 is placed so that the second slit line 304b is at position "p1" at time "t2". Interacted with actuator 306 to rotate. As can be seen, the first ray 115c is adjacent or nearly adjacent to the second ray 115g associated with the image 107 of the remote object 104. The disperser 116 generates dispersed light 115i that is received by the two-dimensional image sensor 112, for example, via the second mirror 124 (FIG. 1). The two-dimensional image sensor 112 generates a two-dimensional image 117b. The two-dimensional image 117b is a single axis 210a representing the spatial information of the dispersed light 115i (for example, when the diffraction grating 116 is used, the two-dimensional image 117b Zero-order image) and another axis 210b representing the spectral information of the dispersed light 115i (eg, a non-zero-order image of the diffracted light 115i when the diffraction grating 116 is used). The controller 114 receives and stores the two-dimensional image 117b. After that, the controller 114 determines that the remaining straight slits 304c, 304d, 304e, 304f, 304g, 304h, 304i, and 304j are time “t3”, “t4”, “t5”, “t6”, “t7”, “t8”. ”,“ T9 ”,“ t10 ”, and at different times“ t3 ”,“ t4 ”,“ t5 ”,“ t6 ”,“ t7 ”“ t8 ”,“ At the same time, the controller 114 interacts with the actuator 306 to rotate the disk 302 at “t9”, “t10”, during which time the controller 114 may have different two-dimensional images 117c, 117d, 117e, 117f, 117g, 117h, 117i, 117j of the remote object 104. To interact with the two-dimensional image sensor 112. The controller 114 combines the two-dimensional images 117a, 117b, 117c, 117d, 117e, 117f, 117g, 117h, 117i, 117j to provide a hyperspectral image 102 of the overall image 107 associated with the area of the remote object 104. . In this example, each two-dimensional image 117a, 117b, 117c, 117d, 117e, 117f, 117g, 117h, 117i, 117j corresponds to different dispersed rays 115e, 115i, etc., and the dispersed rays 115e, 115i etc. When the respective spectral images are combined, the resulting combination is adjacent to each other so as to form a hyperspectral image 102 associated with the entire image 107 of the area of the remote object 104.

  As can be seen, the disk 302 having a plurality of linear slits 304a, 304b, 304c, 304d, 304e, 304f, 304g, 304h, 304i, 304j is a hyperspectral image 102 associated with the image 107 of the area of the remote object 104. Generation can be obtained for every single 360 ° rotation of the disk 202. In this example, the length in each of the linear slits 304a, 304b, 304c, 304d, 304e, 304f, 304g, 304h, 304i, 304j will be greater than or equal to the width 211 of the image 107 of the remote object 104. And the combined width of the linear slits 304a, 304b, 304c, 304d, 304e, 304f, 304g, 304h, 304i, 304j will be greater than or equal to the height 213 of the image 107 of the remote object 104. As shown, when the first linear slit 302a is at position “p1”, the first linear slit 302a allows the light beam 115c from the top of the image 107 to pass through the slit, and the second When the straight slit 302b is at position “p1”, the second straight slit 302b allows the light beam 115g from just below the top of the image 107 to pass through the slit, and the remaining straight slits 304c, 304d, 304e. 304f, 304g, 304h, 304i, 304j, linear slits 304a, 304b, 304c, 304d, 304e 304f, 304g, 304h, 304i, 304j are offset on the surface 309 of the disk 302. Will be placed. Thus, after all of the linear slits 304a, 304b, 304c, 304d, 304e, 304f, 304g, 304h, 304i, and 304j are present at the position “p1”, the light rays 115c, 115g, and the like passing through them are When all the rays 115c, 115g, etc. are combined, they are adjacent to each other so as to include the entire image 107. Any number of linear slits 304 can be formed on the disk 302, and when combined, each linear slit 304 is the same as long as the width of the linear slits 304 is all greater than or equal to the height 213 of the image 107 of the remote object 104. Or it should be understood that it may have different widths.

  In the above example, the controller 114 has the corresponding individual linear slits 304 a, 304 b, 304 c, 304 d, 304 e, 304 f, 304 g, 304 h, 304 i, 304 j at the position “p1” and parallel to the two-dimensional image sensor 112. If the images are aligned, the “snapshot” of the two-dimensional images 117a, 117b, 117c, 117d, 117e, 117f, 117g, 117h, 117i, 117j is acquired. Accordingly, the controller 114 rotates each of the disks 306 about 36 ° about the axis 308, and then “snaps” of each of the two-dimensional images 117a, 117b, 117c, 117d, 117e, 117f, 117g, 117h, 117i, and 117j. In between these 36 ° rotations, no data will be obtained from the two-dimensional image sensor 112. As a result, the hyperspectral imaging system 100b does not have 100% scanning efficiency. This is because data cannot be obtained from the two-dimensional image sensor 112 when the linear slits 304a, 304b, 304c, 304d, 304e, 304f, 304g, 304h, 304i, and 304j are not at the position “p1”. The controller 114 can obtain “snapshots” of the two-dimensional images 117a, 117b, 117c, 117d, 117e, 117f, 117g, 117h, 117i, and 117j without having to stop the rotation of the disk 306. This is because the controller 114 interacts with the two-dimensional image sensor 112 whenever the linear slits 304a, 304b, 304c, 304d, 304e, 304f, 304g, 304h, 304i, 304j are in the position “p1” and from there the data It is because it will acquire.

  Referring to FIG. 3C, an exemplary method 300C for using a hyperspectral imaging system 100b to provide a hyperspectral image 102 of a two-dimensional area 107 of a remote object 104 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. There is a flowchart showing the steps. The method consists of (a) optical element 106 and rotatable disc 302 (in which a plurality of linear slits 304a, 304b, 304c, 304d, 304e, 304f, 304g, 304h, 304i, 304j are formed. Providing a hyperspectral imaging system 100b including an actuator 306, a spectrometer 110 (comprising at least a dispersion device 116), a two-dimensional image sensor 112, and a controller 114 (step 302C); b) placing an optical element 106 that receives light 115a associated with the remote object 104 (step 304C); and (c) a first light beam 115c associated with the remote object 104 receives the first light beam 115c. To output the first dispersed light beam 115e to the two-dimensional image sensor 112. The actuator 306 is moved so that the disk 302 is rotated and the first linear slit 304a is arranged so that the first linear slit 304a can pass through the spectrometer 110 having the dispersion device 116 configured as described above. Controlling (step 306C); (d) obtaining a first two-dimensional image 117a of the first dispersed ray 115e from the two-dimensional image sensor 112 (step 308C); and (e) relating to the remote object 104. The second light beam 115g to the spectrometer 110 comprising at least a dispersion device 116 configured to receive the second light beam 115g and output the second dispersed light beam 115i to the two-dimensional image sensor 112; The disc 302 is rotated so that the second linear slit 304b is arranged so that it can pass through the second linear slit 304b. Controlling the actuator 306 (step 310C), (f) obtaining a second two-dimensional image 117b of the second dispersed light beam 115g from the two-dimensional image sensor 112 (step 312C), and (g) The disk 302 is rotated (for example) so that different rays associated with the remote object 104 can pass (for example) different linear slits 304c, 304d, 304e, 304f, 304g, 304h, 304i, 304j. , 304d, 304e, 304f, 304g, 304h, 304i, 304j, while repeatedly controlling the actuator 306 while providing a hyperspectral image 102 of the two-dimensional area of the remote object 104 with different dispersed rays. 2D image 117c of 117d, 117e, 117f, 117g, 117h, 117i, and 117j are repeatedly acquired from the two-dimensional image sensor 112, and the first and second two-dimensional images 117a and 117b and different two-dimensional images 117c, 117d, 117e, and 117f are obtained. 117g, 117h, 117i, 117j (step 314C). In one example, the controller 114 may include first and second two-dimensional images 117a and 117b and different two-dimensional images 117c, 117d. . . The actuator 306 can be controlled to rotate the disk 302 continuously at a constant speed while acquiring 117n. In the above example, the controller 114 may include a processor 115 that interfaces with the memory 117, which stores the processor executable instructions and executes those processor executable instructions to perform steps 304C, 306C, 308C, 310C, 312C, and 314C are executed.

  If desired, the scan disk 302 and actuator 306 can be added to existing designs without significantly affecting the size of the system. Furthermore, the resulting improved system (ie, hyperspectral imaging system 100b) will provide scanning efficiency close to 100%. Other conventional scanning systems, such as galvanometer-driven scanners that incorporate a scanning mirror in front of the front optics, require feedback from the scanning device to know which lines in the remote object are being transmitted to the spectrometer And However, in the hyperspectral imaging system 100b, when the two-dimensional image sensor 112 is large enough to capture the zeroth order image and the diffraction image, the position of the zeroth order image does not require feedback from some scanning device. This information (i.e., which lines in the remote object are being transmitted to the spectrometer) can be provided. Furthermore, the conventional galvanometer-driven scanner is a vibration source and may involve higher power requirements when compared to the constant speed rotating disk 302 used in the hyperspectral imaging system 100b. In addition, conventional polygon scanners typically have poor scanning efficiency with additional reflective surfaces, and when placed between the front optic and a remote object, the hyperspectral imaging system 100b A significant increase in system size will be required when compared to size. In the present invention, the disk 302 can be manufactured with conventional lithographic techniques (eg, chromium on glass for visible short wavelength infrared (SWIR) applications). The disc 302 may also be fabricated on a metal substrate using the process defined in co-assigned US Pat. No. 7,697,137, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. Is possible. Finally, the disk 302 can be driven by a simple motor 306 (actuator 306) and no speed control or angular position device is required. However, the axial position of the disc 302 needs to be nominally controlled and positioned so that it is within the depth of focus of the front optical element 106.

  Referring to FIGS. 4A-4B, several views showing a hyperspectral imaging system 100c in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention (Note: FIGS. 4A-4B are cut out of a portion of the surface 406, resulting in: There is a folding mirror 404 located inside the drum 402, where the scannable slit mechanism 108 has at least one linear slit 404 (in this example several linear slits) on its surface 406. 404a, 404b, 404c, 404d and 404e) and a drum 402 with a folding mirror 408 positioned therein, and an actuator 410 that rotates the drum 402 about an axis 412. The hyperspectral imaging system 100c includes at least one optical element 106, a rotatable drum 402, an actuator 410, a spectrometer 110 (including at least a dispersion device 116), a two-dimensional image sensor 112, a controller 114, and a housing 118 (not shown). A). The optical element 106, the drum 402, the spectrometer 110 (dispersing device 116), and the two-dimensional image sensor 112 will be positioned with respect to each other so that the light beam is properly directed from one component to another. I want you to understand. As such, the rotating drum 402 has its own aperture 414 through which the light 115b from the optical element 106 passes and is reflected by the folding mirror 408 to form an image 107 of the remote object 104 in the interior 418 of the surface 406. You will have on one side 416. The interior 418 of the surface 406 will be located in the image plane of the optical element 106 (see exploded view 420 in FIGS. 4A and 4B).

  As shown in FIGS. 4A-4B, the rotating drum 402 has one linear slit 404a at one position “p1” at a first time “t1” (see FIG. 4A) and then rotated. There is an example in which the hyperspectral imaging system 100c is configured such that the drum 402 has a linear slit 404a at a position “p2” at a second time “t2” (see FIG. 4B). In FIG. 4A, optical element 106 receives light 115a associated with remote object 104 and forms an image 107 of remote object 104 in interior 418 of surface 406 (see exploded view 420) in rotating drum 402. First, the hyperspectral imaging system 100c directs the focused light 115b representing the image 107 of the remote object 104 through the opening 414 on one side 416 of the rotating drum 402 to the folding mirror 408 that reflects the focused light 115b. 1 at time “t1”. In particular, the controller 114 will interact with the actuator 410 to rotate the drum 402 on the axis 412 such that the first linear slit 404a is in position “p1” at a first time “t1”. . At time “t 1”, the first linear slit 404 a splits the first light beam 115 c associated with the image 107 received by the disperser 116, for example, via the first mirror 122 (see FIG. 1). It is placed at or near the image plane of the optical element 106 for passage through the meter 110. Again, the spectrometer 110 can be any known spectrometer 110 having a disperser 116 (eg, prism 116, diffraction grating 116). The disperser 116 generates dispersed light 115e that is received by the two-dimensional image sensor 112 via, for example, a second mirror 124 (see FIG. 1). The two-dimensional image sensor 112 generates a two-dimensional image 117a. The two-dimensional image 117a is a single axis 410a representing the spatial information of the dispersed light 115e (for example, when the diffraction grating 116 is used, the two-dimensional image 117a Zero-order image) and another axis 410b representing the spectral information of dispersed light 115e (eg, a non-zero-order image of diffracted light 115e when diffraction grating 116 is used). The controller 114 receives and stores the two-dimensional image 117a and, as will be described next, a first linear slit for passing different rays 115g associated with the image 107 from the remote object 104 to the spectrometer 110. It interacts with the actuator 410 to rotate the drum 402 so that 404a is in position “p2” at time “t2”.

  In FIG. 4B, the hyperspectral imaging system 100c is shown configured at a second time “t2”, where the controller 114 is received by the disperser 116 via, for example, the first mirror 122 (FIG. 1). In order to pass the second light beam 115g associated with the image 107 of the remote object 104 to the spectrometer 110, the drum 402 is moved so that the first slit line 404a is at the position "p2" at time "t2". Interacted with the actuator 410 to rotate. As can be seen, the first ray 115c is adjacent or nearly adjacent to the second ray 115g associated with the image 107 of the remote object 104. The disperser 116 generates dispersed light 115i that is received by the two-dimensional image sensor 112, for example, via the second mirror 124 (FIG. 1). The two-dimensional image sensor 112 generates a two-dimensional image 117b. The two-dimensional image 117b is a single axis 410a representing the spatial information of the dispersed light 115i (for example, when the diffraction grating 116 is used, the two-dimensional image 117b Zero-order image) and another axis 410b representing the spectral information of the dispersed light 115i (eg, a non-zero-order image of the diffracted light 115i when the diffraction grating 116 is used). The controller 114 receives and stores the two-dimensional image 117b. Thereafter, the controller 114 determines that the first linear slit 404a is positioned at the positions “p3”, “p4”. . . The different times “t3”, “t4”. . . Interact with actuator 410 to rotate drum 402 at “tn”, while times “t3”, “t4”. . . At “tn”, the two-dimensional image sensor 112 receives different two-dimensional images 117c, 117d. . . Operated to obtain 117n. The controller 114 provides a two-dimensional image 117a, 117b, 117c, etc. to provide a hyperspectral image 102a of the overall image 107 associated with the area of the remote object 104. . . Combine 117n. In this example, each two-dimensional image 117a, 117b, 117c. . . 117n corresponds to different dispersed rays 115e, 115i, etc., and the dispersed rays 115e, 115i, etc. represent the image 107 of the area of the remote object 104 when the respective spectral images are combined. Adjacent to each other so as to form a hyperspectral image 102a.

  The same process used to acquire the hyperspectral image 102a of the area of the remote object 104 using the first linear slit 404a is similar to the process used to acquire the hyperspectral image 102b of the area of the remote object 104 using the second slit 404b. Would then be repeated, to obtain a hyperspectral image 102c of the area of the remote object 104 using the third linear slit 404c, and so on. Thus, a drum 402 having “x” number of linear slits 404 produces “x” number of hyperspectral images 102 of the same image 107 in the area of the remote object 104 for each single 360 ° rotation of the drum 402. To be able to get. The controller 114 can transmit the two-dimensional images 117a, 117b, 117c. . . 117n can be acquired, but it typically means that each linear slit 404a, 404b, 404c and 404d image (each ray from image 107) on the two-dimensional image sensor 112 is moved laterally by one pixel. In order to do so, each linear slit 404a, 404b, 404c and 404d will be fully rotated.

  In this example, the length in each of the linear slits 402a, 402b, 402c and 402d will be greater than or equal to the width 211 of the image 107 of the remote object 104. And the width of the linear slits 402a, 402b, 402c and 402d is such that how many positions “p1”, “p2”, “p3”, etc., to accommodate the total height 213 of the image 107 of the remote object 104. . . “Pn” and times “t1”, “t2”, “t3”. . . It will define whether each linear slit 402a, 402b, 402c and 402d will be moved by rotating the drum 402 over "tn". In other words, the widths of the linear slits 402a, 402b, 402c and 402d are all adjacent rays so that if all rays 115c, 115g, etc. are combined, they will encompass the entire image 107. In order to allow 115c, 115g, etc. to pass through their slits, how many positions “p1”, “p2”, “p3”. . . “Pn” and times “t1”, “t2”, “t3”. . . It will define whether each linear slit 402a, 402b, 402c and 402d will be moved by rotating the drum 402 over "tn". It should be understood that any number of straight slits 404 (only four are shown) can be formed on the drum 402 and that the straight slits 404 can have the same or different widths and lengths. .

  In the above example, the straight slits 404a, 404b, 404c and 404d are such that the image 107 of the remote object 104 is located at only one of the 404a, 404b, 404c and 404d at any given time. , Separated far enough from each other. In other words, the image 107 can be completely located in a space such as between the straight slits 404a and 404b, between the straight slits 404b and 404c, or between the straight slits 404c and 404d. In this regard, the 2D image 107 formed by the front optical element 106 is in the interior 418 of the drum 402, and for each angular position of the drum 404, each linear slit 404a (for example) Only “pass” one line to spectrometer 110. Based on the outer diameter of the drum 402 and the size of the scanned 2D image 107, the linear slits 404a, 404b, 404c, and 404d are used when one linear slit 404a (for example) exits the 2D field of view of the optical element 106. The next straight slits 404b (for example) are spaced apart from each other so that they are just in the 2D field of view of the image 107. This results in 100% scan efficiency. In this situation, as the linear slit 404a (for example) traverses the focal plane of the optical element 106, it also moves in and out of focus. To address this issue, the drum 402 would ideally be large enough so that the linear slit 404a (for example) remains within the depth of focus of the optical element 106.

  Alternatively, linear slits 404a, 404b, 404c, and 404d may be configured so that at any given time, any two of linear slits 404a and 404b (for example) can simultaneously transmit different rays from image 107 of remote object 104 to spectrometer 110 at the same time. They can be arranged relative to each other so that they can have portions to pass through. In this case, when the controller 114 receives the two-dimensional image from the two-dimensional image sensor 112, the controller 114 separates the two-dimensional image associated with the first linear slit 404a from the two-dimensional image associated with the second linear slit 404b. In addition, a two-dimensional image will be processed. The controller 114 then combines the various two-dimensional images associated only with the first linear slit 404a later to form the hyperspectral image 102a and then the second to form the hyperspectral image 102b. Various two-dimensional images related only to the two straight slits 404b would be combined.

  Referring to FIG. 4C, an exemplary method 400C for using a hyperspectral imaging system 100c to provide a hyperspectral image 102 of a two-dimensional area 107 of a remote object 104, according to a third embodiment of the present invention. There is a flowchart showing the steps. The method includes (a) an optical element 106, a rotatable drum 402 (with at least one linear slit 404 on its surface 406, and a folding mirror 408 positioned therein), an actuator 410, and a spectrometer 110. Providing a hyperspectral imaging system 100b (including at least a disperser 116), a two-dimensional image sensor 112, and a controller 114 (step 402C); and (b) providing light 115a associated with the remote object 104. Placing the receiving optical element 106 (step 404C), and (c) an opening 414 on one side 416 of the drum 402 is arranged to receive the light 115b from the optical element 106, and the folding mirror 408 is The light 115b received from the optical element 106 is converted into the surface 406. Arranging the drum 402 to be arranged to reflect towards the interior 418, wherein the interior 418 of the surface 406 is located in the image plane of the optical element 106 (step 406C); d) The first light beam 115c associated with the remote object 104 comprises at least a dispersion device 116 configured to receive the first light beam 115c and output the first dispersed light beam 115e to the two-dimensional image sensor 112. The step of controlling the actuator 410 such that the drum 402 is rotated and the slit 404 is disposed so as to pass through the slit 404 to the spectrometer 110 (step 408C), and (e) from the two-dimensional image sensor 112 Acquiring a two-dimensional image 117a of the first dispersed light beam 115g (step 410C); and (f) a remote object. Spectrometer 110 comprising at least a dispersion device 116 configured to receive a second light beam 115g and output a second dispersed light beam 115i to the two-dimensional image sensor 112. Next, the step of controlling the actuator 410 so that the drum 402 is rotated and the slit 404 is disposed so as to pass through the slit 404 (step 412C), and (g) the second dispersion from the two-dimensional image sensor 112 is performed. Acquiring the two-dimensional image 117b of the light beam 115i (step 414C), and (h) rotating the drum 402 and positioning the slit 404 so that different light beams associated with the remote object 104 can pass through the slit 404. The actuator 410 repeatedly, while the two-dimensional area 107 of the remote object 104 In order to provide a hyperspectral image 102 of the two-dimensional images 117c, 117d. . . 117n is repeatedly acquired from the two-dimensional image sensor 112, and the first and second two-dimensional images 117a and 117b and the different two-dimensional images 117c, 117d. . . Combining 117n (step 416C). In one example, the controller 114 may include first and second two-dimensional images 117a and 117b and different two-dimensional images 117c, 117d. . . While acquiring 117n, the actuator 410 can be controlled to rotate the drum 402 continuously at a constant speed. In the above example, controller 114 may include a processor 115 that interfaces with memory 117, which stores processor executable instructions and executes those processor executable instructions to perform steps 404C, 406C, 408C, 410C, 412C, 414C, and 416C are executed.

  While embodiments of the present invention have been shown in the accompanying drawings and described in the foregoing detailed description, the present invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments and is described and defined in the claims. It should be understood that numerous rearrangements, modifications, and substitutions are possible without departing from the invention as described. References to “invention” or “invention” as used herein relate to exemplary embodiments and do not necessarily relate to all embodiments encompassed by the appended claims. I want to pay attention to

Claims (5)

In a hyperspectral imaging system (100c) for providing a hyperspectral image (102) of a two-dimensional area of a remote object (104), the hyperspectral imaging system comprises:
At least one optical element (106) configured to receive light (115a) associated with the remote object;
A rotating drum (402) comprising at least one slit (404a, 404b, 404c, 404d) formed on its surface (406) and a folding mirror (408) located on the surface (406), Having an opening (414) on one side (416) of the rotating drum, through which light from the at least one optical element passes and is reflected by the folding mirror towards the interior (418) of the surface; A rotating drum (402) in which the interior of the surface is disposed in the image plane of the at least one optical element;
An actuator (410) for rotating the drum;
The drum is rotated and the first slit of the at least one slit so that the first ray (115c) associated with the remote object can pass through the first slit (404a) of the at least one slit. A controller (114) configured to control the actuator such that (404a) is disposed;
A spectrometer (110) comprising at least a dispersion device (116) configured to receive the first light beam and output a first dispersed light beam (115e);
A two-dimensional image sensor (112) configured to receive the first dispersed light beam and provide a first two-dimensional image (117a) of the first dispersed light beam;
With
The controller is configured to acquire the first two-dimensional image, and a second ray (115g) associated with the remote object can pass through the first slit of the at least one slit. Configured to control the actuator such that the drum is rotated to position the first slit of the at least one slit;
The spectrometer comprises at least the dispersion device configured to receive the second light beam and output a second dispersed light beam (115i);
The two-dimensional image sensor is configured to receive the second dispersed light beam and provide a second two-dimensional image (117b) of the second dispersed light beam;
The hyperspectral imaging system (100c), wherein the controller is configured to acquire the second two-dimensional image.   The drum is rotated to position the first slit of the at least one slit so that different rays associated with the light of the remote object can pass through the first slit of the at least one slit. The controller repeatedly controls the actuator, while providing the hyperspectral image of the two-dimensional area of the remote object, the two-dimensional images (117a, 117b, 117c. 2. The hyperspectral imaging according to claim 1, characterized in that... 117 n) is repeatedly acquired from the two-dimensional image sensor and the first and second two-dimensional images and the different two-dimensional images are combined. system.   3. The controller controls the actuator to rotate the drum at a constant speed while acquiring the first and second two-dimensional images and the different two-dimensional images. The hyperspectral imaging system described in 1.   The hyperspectral imaging system according to claim 1, wherein the dispersion device is selected from the group consisting of a diffraction grating and a prism. In a method (400c) for providing a hyperspectral image (102) of a two-dimensional area of a remote object (104):
A hyperspectral imaging system (100c),
At least one optical element (106);
A drum (402) with at least one slit (404a, 404b, 404c, 404d) formed in its surface (406) and a folding mirror (406) located on itself;
An actuator (410) for rotating the drum;
A controller (114);
A spectrometer (110);
A two-dimensional image sensor (112);
Providing (402c) a hyperspectral imaging system (100c) comprising:
Positioning (404c) the at least one optical element to receive light (115a) associated with the remote object;
An opening (414) on one side (416) of the drum is arranged to receive the light from the at least one optical element, and the folding mirror receives the light received from the at least one optical element. Positioning the drum so as to reflect towards the interior of the surface (418), wherein the interior of the surface is disposed at the image plane of the at least one optical element (406c). )When,
A dispersion device (116) configured to receive a first ray (115c) associated with the remote object and to output a first dispersion ray (115e) to the two-dimensional image sensor. The drum is rotated so that the first slit (404a) of the at least one slit can be passed through the first slit (404a) of the at least one slit to the spectrometer having at least Controlling the actuator (408c) such that
Obtaining a first two-dimensional image (117a) of the first dispersed ray from the two-dimensional image sensor (410c);
The disperser configured to cause a second ray (115g) associated with the remote object to receive the second ray and output a second dispersive ray (115i) to the two-dimensional image sensor. So that the disk is rotated and the first slit of the at least one slit is arranged so that it can pass through the first slit of the at least one slit to the spectrometer comprising at least Controlling the actuator (412c);
Obtaining a second two-dimensional image (117b) of the second dispersed ray from the two-dimensional image sensor (414c);
A method (400c) comprising:

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