Patent Application
20180224329
The present disclosure relates to hyperspectral imaging. More particularly, embodiments described herein relate to a compact and lightweight hyperspectral imager that includes fore-optics interfaced with a spectrometer.
Hyperspectral imaging is emerging as the leading technique for remote imaging and detection. Applications of hyperspectral imaging include medical diagnosis, airborne reconnaissance in military and aerospace applications, environmental monitoring, agricultural monitoring, geological surveying, and mineral exploration.
Hyperspectral imaging systems measure the spectral features of objects in real-world scenes. Typically, the scene is broken into a grid and a spectrum is measured for each element of the grid. The spectrum typically consists of light reflected and/or scattered from objects in the scene. During imaging, the scene of interest is divided into slices and each slice is imaged separately. The image of the scene is acquired by sequentially sampling the slices.
Hyperspectral image acquisition involves acquiring spectra for each slice of the scene over a wide range of wavelengths. The wide wavelength range is desirable because different objects in the scene reflect or scatter light at multiple wavelengths. By acquiring spectral data over a wide wavelength range, it becomes possible to identify and discriminate between different objects in a scene with greater precision. To improve the quality of the hyperspectral image, it is necessary to insure high spatial resolution and high wavelength resolution. High wavelength resolution is achieved in hyperspectral imaging by dividing the detected wavelength range into a series of narrow contiguous wavelength bands and detecting each band separately. The wavelength bands in hyperspectral imaging may be 10nm or less. Acquiring spectra over the series of narrow wavelength bands provides more detail about the objects in the scene and allows for accurate fingerprinting of individual objects. The ability to narrow the wavelength range of detected spectral bands has been made possible by recent advances in detector design, image processing, and data storage.
The current methods used for hyperspectral imaging include a variety of techniques using devices that are becoming more compact and transportable. Although these various techniques are becoming better suited for a wide range of uses, improved efficiency and convenience are needed and desired by users across the various applications using hyperspectral imaging.
According to one embodiment, a hyperspectral imaging system is provided. The hyperspectral imaging system includes a fore-optics module configured to receive an electromagnetic signal from an object, the fore-optics module comprising a rolling optical lens, a wavelength-dispersing module configured to receive the electromagnetic signal form the fore-optics module, and a detector configured to receive the electromagnetic signal from the wavelength-dispersing module.
According to another embodiment, a method of acquiring an image from an object is provided. The method of acquiring an image from an object includes providing a hyperspectral imaging system. The hyperspectral imaging system includes a fore-optics module comprising a rolling optical lens, a wavelength-dispersing module, and a detector. The method for acquiring an image further includes rotating the rolling optical lens over the object.
According to yet another embodiment, a method of acquiring an image is provided. The method of acquiring an image includes providing a hyperspectral imaging system. The hyperspectral imaging system includes a fore-optics module comprising a rolling optical lens, the fore-optics module is configured to receive an electromagnetic signal from an object, an Offner spectrometer configured to receive the electromagnetic signal from the fore-optics module, and a detector configured to receive the electromagnetic signal from the Offner spectrometer. The method of acquiring an image further includes rotating the rolling optical lens over the object, the rotating including acquiring the electromagnetic signal from the object and directing the electromagnetic signal acquired by the rolling optical lens to a slit of the Offner spectrometer, the electromagnetic signal passing through the Offner spectrometer to the detector.
The present description extends to:
a fore-optics module, configured to receive an electromagnetic signal from an object, the fore-optics module comprising a rolling optical lens;
a wavelength-dispersing module configured to receive the electromagnetic signal from the fore-optics module; and
a detector configured to receive the electromagnetic signal from the wavelength-dispersing module.
The present description extends to:
providing a hyperspectral imaging system, the hyperspectral imaging system comprising:
rotating the rolling optical lens over the object.
The present description extends to:
providing a hyperspectral imaging system, the hyperspectral imaging system comprising:
rotating the rolling optical lens over the object, the rotating including acquiring the electromagnetic signal from the object; and
directing the electromagnetic signal acquired by the rolling optical lens to a slit of the Offner spectrometer, the electromagnetic signal passing through the Offner spectrometer to the detector.
Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the detailed description which follows, and in part will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from that description or recognized by practicing the embodiments as described herein, including the detailed description which follows, the claims, as well as the appended drawings.
It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are merely exemplary, and are intended to provide an overview or framework to understanding the nature and character of the claims. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate one or more embodiments, and together with the description serve to explain principles and operation of the various embodiments.
For purposes of description herein the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the device as oriented in
As used herein, the term “and/or,” when used in a list of two or more items, means that any one of the listed items can be employed by itself, or any combination of two or more of the listed items can be employed. For example, if a composition is described as containing components A, B, and/or C, the composition can contain A alone; B alone; C alone; A and B in combination; A and C in combination; B and C in combination; or A, B, and C in combination.
Reference will now be made in detail to the present embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Whenever possible, the same reference numerals will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.
Referring now to
The present disclosure provides a compact hyperspectral imaging system 10 suitable for weight- or space-constrained applications. The hyperspectral imaging system 10 includes the fore-optics module 26 and the hyperspectral camera 46 that includes the wavelength-dispersing module 34. The hyperspectral imaging system 10 may also include the detector 38 and supporting electronics. The fore-optics module 26 includes the rolling optical lens 42. The wavelength-dispersing module 34 may be a spectrometer. The detector 38 may be a sensor, camera, focal plane array or other device capable of detecting electromagnetic signals in the visible and near-infrared (NIR or SWIR) portions of the spectrum. The supporting electronics may aid in positioning the fore-optics module 26, operating the wavelength-dispersing module 34, or operating the detector 38. The supporting electronics may include memory to store image data or imaging software, and one or more microprocessors to run imaging software.
The fore-optics module 26 and wavelength-dispersing module 34 may be operatively coupled along a common optical path. The wavelength-dispersing module 34 and detector 38 may also be operatively coupled along a common optical path. The fore-optics module 26 acquires image data from a scene and directs it to the wavelength-dispersing module 34, which resolves the image data according to wavelength and directs it to the detector 38 to sense, quantify, and/or record the image data.
The hyperspectral imaging system 10 acquires image data in the form of electromagnetic signals from real world scenes and objects and provides sufficient resolution to permit discrimination between objects in the scene on the basis of electromagnetic signal. In some embodiments, the object or real world scene may include the patient, a biological tissue, a biological organ, a mammal, a vertebrate, an invertebrate, a surface, or any other object able to transmit or reflect electromagnetic signals 30. The fore-optics module 26 acquires the electromagnetic signal 30 reflected by, radiated by, emitted by, scattered by, and/or otherwise emanating from the patient or object in the scene. In one embodiment, the fore-optics module 26 receives the electromagnetic signal 30 from the patient or object in the scene and focuses it on a slit 54 of the wavelength-dispersing module 34 (
The wavelength-dispersing module 34 receives electromagnetic signal 30 from the fore-optics module 26 and separates or disperses it according to wavelength. The wavelength-dispersing module 34 may include optics such as diffraction gratings, prisms, lenses, and mirrors. The wavelength-dispersing module 34 may be a spectrometer. The spectrometer may be an Offner spectrometer 50 (shown in
The wavelength-dispersing module 34 may direct light to the detection element or detector 38. The detection element 38 detects the wavelength, intensity, polarization or other characteristic of the electromagnetic signal 30 dispersed by the wavelength-dispersing element. The detection element may be a photodetector, a CCD device, a diode array, a focal plane array, a CMOS device, or any other type of image detector known in the art for sensing electromagnetic radiation reflected over the wavelength range associated with physical objects in real-world scenes.
Referring now to
The hyperspectral imaging system 10 of the present disclosure operates to produce images of the patient or object (not shown) over a contiguous range of narrow spectral bands when the slit 54 receives the electromagnetic signal 30 from the patient or object through the fore-optics module 26 and directs the electromagnetic signal 30 to the Offner spectrometer 50. Offner spectrometer 50 diffracts the electromagnetic signal 30 and forwards the diffracted electromagnetic signal 88 to the detector 38. In particular, the slit 54 directs the electromagnetic signal 30 to the entrance surface 62 of the transmissive material 58. First mirror 64 receives the electromagnetic signal 30 transmitted through the entrance surface 62 and reflects the electromagnetic signal 30 towards the diffraction grating 72. The diffraction grating 72 receives the electromagnetic signal 30 and diffracts and reflects the diffracted electromagnetic signal 88 to the second mirror 76. The second mirror 76 receives the diffracted electromagnetic signal 88 and reflects the diffracted electromagnetic signal 88 to the exit surface 80 of the transmissive material 58. The detector 38 processes the diffracted electromagnetic signal 88 received from exit surface 80.
Transmissive material 58 is selected to have high transparency over the target range of wavelengths acquired from the scene during imaging. Wavelengths of interest may include near infrared wavelengths, visible wavelengths, and/or ultraviolet wavelengths. Materials suitable for transmissive material 58 include plastics, dielectrics, and gases. Representative materials include PMMA, polystyrene, polycarbonate, silicon, germanium, ZnS, ZnSe, CaF2, air, nitrogen, argon, and helium. When a solid phase material is employed as the transmissive material 58, the Offner spectrometer 50 may be referred to herein as a monolithic Offner spectrometer. When a gas phase material is employed as the transmissive material 58, the Offner spectrometer 50 may be referred to herein as a reflective Offner spectrometer. In the reflective Offner spectrometer design, the first mirror 64, the diffraction grating 72, and the second mirror 76, are coupled to the housing 14 through posts or other mounts. Use of a gas as the transmissive material 58 may facilitate the objective of minimizing the weight of the hyperspectral imaging system 10. Many gases also exhibit high transparency in the visible and near-infrared portions of the spectrum.
Detector 38 is selected to have a wavelength sensitivity based on the type of transmissive material 58 used to make the Offner spectrometer 50. For instance, if the transmissive material 58 of the Offner spectrometer 50 were made from a plastic, (e.g., polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), polystyrene, polycarbonate) then the diffracted wavelength range would be primarily in the visible and the detector 38 may be a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) video camera. If the transmissive material of the monolithic Offner spectrometer 50 were made from an infrared transmitting material, then the detector 38 may be an IR detector, such as one based on mercury cadmium telluride (HgCdTe), indium antimonite (InSb) or lead sulfide (PbS).
The hyperspectral imaging system 10 may further include additional optics to receive or direct the electromagnetic signal 30 and/or diffracted electromagnetic signal 88 to or from different directions to permit flexible positioning of slit 54 and/or detector 38 with respect to the housing 14.
The hyperspectral imaging system 10 may include a data processor to process image data embodied in electromagnetic signals acquired from the scene. The image data may include spectral data, wavelength data, polarization data, intensity data, or positional data. The data processor may receive image data from the detection element and transform or otherwise manipulate image data into a form specified by the user. Data processing may include conversion of image data to any of several visual forms known in the art and may include coloring, shading, or other visual effects intended to represent position, depth, composition, or other features of objects in the scene. Data received and/or processed by the hyperspectral imaging system 10 may be transferred to a display device for further processing and/or display. The display device may be integrated directly within the hyperspectral imaging system 10 or may be at a remote position. The data transfer may occur through a data interface, such as a data link or USB connection. The hyperspectral imaging system 10 may also include memory. The memory may be used to store image data or processing software. The image data may be unprocessed or processed image data. Image data stored in the hyperspectral imaging system 10 may be downloaded to an external computer for processing. Image data stored in the hyperspectral imaging system 10 may be processed online or offline.
The hyperspectral imaging system 10 may include a battery module. The battery module may include a rechargeable battery and may be removably coupled to the hyperspectral imaging system 10. Battery power may also be provided by a battery contained within the mobile display device. The hyperspectral imaging system may also be adapted to receive power from an external battery.
The fore-optics module 26 may be configured as a forward-looking design or a downward-looking design. In a forward-looking design, the fore-optics module 26 acquires image data in a direction aligned or substantially aligned with the direction of the longest linear direction of the housing 14. In a downward-looking design, the fore-optics module 26 acquires image data in a direction normal or substantially normal to the longest linear dimension of the housing 14. If the housing 14 is cylindrical in shape with a length that exceeds the diameter, for example, the longest linear dimension of the housing 14 is the length direction and a forward-looking fore-optics module 26 is positioned to view images along the length direction of the housing 14 (e.g., through an opening in the circular end of the cylinder). A downward-looking fore-optics module 26, in contrast, is positioned to view images along the radial direction of the housing 14 (e.g., through an opening in the sidewall of the cylinder). A forward-looking fore-optics module 26 may acquire image data from a direction parallel or substantially parallel to the ground. A downward-looking fore-optics module 26 may acquire image data from a direction normal or substantially normal to the ground.
Referring now to
The Offner spectrometer 50 provided in
Referring now to
Ideally only a single line scan will be collected per unit of time, as the rolling optical lens 42 is rotated across the surface regions of interest. However, it is possible that a given surface will slightly conform to or adhere to the rolling optical lens 42, especially in the case of soft biological tissue, thus limiting the capability of the rolling optical lens 42 to detect single line scans. This would result in multiple line scans entering the slit 54 simultaneously causing a potential decrease in image quality. To combat this possible problem, a movable/sliding slit 54 may be used to better define each of the lines scanned. The movable/sliding slit 54 may offer multiple possible solutions: a moveable/sliding slit 54 that may be mechanically/electronically controlled using a gyroscopic feedback system or an accelerometer (so that the position of the rolling optical lens 42 is known and the slit 54 is moved accordingly); a weighted slit 54 that may freely move from the effects of gravity (the slit 54 will position itself in whichever portion of the rolling optical lens 42 that is closest to the center of the earth), or the hyperspectral imaging system 10 may be designed in anticipation that soft biological tissue will conform to or adhere to the rolling optical lens 42 and the moveable slit 54 may mechanically move through the entire field of view as the fore-optics module 26 is placed on a given surface (in this embodiment, the rolling optical lens 42 would no longer require a rotating motion). Additionally, an illumination system (not shown) for this device could shift as a function of the rolling angle to help select which line scan will be imaged, thus increasing the signal to noise ratio.
Referring now to
Still referring to
The rolling optical lens 42 may be made from a variety of different lens materials. The lens materials used to fabricate the rolling optical lens 42 should optimally have high transparency over the target range of wavelengths acquired from the patient or scene during imaging. Wavelengths of interest may include near infrared wavelengths, visible wavelengths, and/or ultraviolet wavelengths. Lens materials suitable for the rolling optical lens 42 include plastics, glass ceramics, aluminosilicate glass, alkali-barium silicate glass, silica glass, optical glass, and/or any other optical material known in the art. Representative materials include PMMA, polystyrene, polycarbonate, silicon, germanium, ZnS, ZnSe, CaF2.
Using the rolling optical lens 42 as the fore-optic module 26 provides for a rolling probe-based method to collect spectral data from the surface of the patient in one embodiment, where the surface is intended to be biological tissue. The disclosure herein describes the ability to collect hyperspectral data cubes using a rolling probe based hyperspectral imaging system 10. There are many benefits of using the rolling probe-based hyperspectral imaging system 10 including: healthcare providers are already familiar with probe-based devices; the user or caregiver can directly image a variety of tissues directly on the respective tissue; and the hyperspectral imaging system 10 may be easier to clean. If the patient or the camera is required to move, the technology may be more difficult to use depending on the application or would require significantly more infrastructure to the system.
Referring now to
In some embodiments, the rolling optical lens 42 may be rotated across the patient using an emersion liquid to be placed between the rolling optical lens 42 and the patient. The emersion liquid may be any gel, suspension, oil, ointment, or other material that could enhance the transmission of the electromagnetic signal 30 between the patient and/or object and the hyperspectral imaging system 10.
Referring now to
It is understood that the descriptions outlining and teaching the hyperspectral imaging system 10 previously discussed, which can be used in any combination, may be applied equally as well where applicable to method 200 disclosed for acquiring an image from the patient using the hyperspectral imaging system 10.
The method 200 creates hyperspectral data cubes by imaging one row of pixels, or “image slice,” at a time. When each slice is imaged, the spectral data for each pixel is also collected in another dimension, thus creating a two dimensional image from a one dimensional line of pixels. The data cube is created by collating all of the spectrally resolved image slices. In order to collect these slices, either the object or the camera must move. This requirement is advantageous for collecting images from applications in which this motion is innately present such as an airplane application (camera in motion) or a conveyer belt (object in motion). For applications in which neither the object nor the detector 38 can easily change locations, a mirror galvanometer is typically used in the art to scan the respective image. However, for some medical and healthcare applications, the probe-based user interface systems as described herein may be used as an alternative to the mirror galvanometer system.
The rolling optical lens 42 disclosed herein may be used with the wavelength-dispersing module 34 and detector 38 to create the motion of the slit 54 over the patient and this rotation of the rolling optical lens 42 can create a scan orthogonal to the slit 54 direction. Once the rolling motion is completed and the slit 54 has scanned the desired region of the patient, the hyperspectral imaging system 10 may re-create a data cube of the two dimensional image using the spectral information. The disclosure herein proposes a novel device and method for collecting light to be used in the hyperspectral imaging system 10. Current light collection methods used in the art either use a moveable stage or a mirror galvanometer to shift the reference frame. A simple objective lens is used as a fore-optic collection system imaged to the slit 54 (creating a line of pixels as mentioned above) and inputted into the monolithic Offner spectrometer. The rolling optical lens 42 to collect the image can replace the need for a moveable stage or a mirror galvanometer. The rolling optical lens 42 can replace, modify, and/or simplify the fore-optic lens system used in the art.
Referring now to
It is understood that the descriptions outlining and teaching the hyperspectral imaging system 10 and methods for imaging a patient previously discussed, which can be used in any combination, may be applied equally as well where applicable to method 300 disclosed for acquiring an image from the patient using the hyperspectral imaging system 10.
Some of the advantages to using this rolling optical lens 42 and methods 200 and 300 are: ease of use; ease of cleaning; and flexibility of use. With the Pushbroom Officer hyperspectral imaging system used in the art, either the object or the camera must move. In clinical or surgical applications, it would be very difficult to instruct a patient to move at a constant rate. Building a device which moves the imaging device may also be difficult because in addition to keeping the patient still, the imaging device would likely be difficult to use at the bedside and/or operating room. Although using a mirror galvanometer can solve some of the movement issues, it will likely require additional stabilization or will confine the system to a specific geometrical configuration. The rolling optical lens 42 and respective hyperspectral imaging system 10 described herein are designed to be used as a hand-held device, which can be used on a variety of locations on and in the body during clinical examinations or surgical procedures. In clinical applications using this hyperspectral imaging system 10, the hyperspectral imaging system 10 may only be cleaned/sterilized between uses. Because it may be difficult to appropriately clean this hyperspectral imaging system 10 without damaging the sensitive detectors and electronics in some embodiments, a portion of the fore-optics module 26 may be disposable. In some embodiments, either the entire rolling optical lens 42 may be disposable or a disposable cover may be placed over the rolling optical lens 42. For cost effectiveness, the disposable cover embodiment may be used.
It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art that construction of the described device and other components is not limited to any specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of the device disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety of materials, unless described otherwise herein.
For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” (in all of its forms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining of two components (electrically, optically, and/or mechanically) directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved when the two components and any additional intermediate members are integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two components. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature unless otherwise stated.
It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the device as shown in the exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present innovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structures and/or members or connector or other elements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be varied. It should be noted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system may be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present innovations. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present innovations.
It will be understood that any described processes or steps within described processes may be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the present device. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and are not to be construed as limiting.
It is also to be understood that variations and modifications can be made on the aforementioned structures and methods without departing from the concepts of the present device, and further it is to be understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise.
The above description is considered that of the illustrated embodiments only. Modifications of the device will occur to those skilled in the art and to those who make or use the device. Therefore, it is understood that the embodiments shown in the drawings and described above is merely for illustrative purposes and not intended to limit the scope of the device, which is defined by the following claims as interpreted according to the principles of patent law, including the Doctrine of Equivalents.
Embodiment A is a hyperspectral imaging system. The hyperspectral imaging system includes a fore-optics module configured to receive an electromagnetic signal from an object, the fore-optics module comprising a rolling optical lens, a wavelength-dispersing module configured to receive the electromagnetic signal form the fore-optics module, and a detector configured to receive the electromagnetic signal from the wavelength-dispersing module.
The system of Embodiment A wherein the rolling optical lens is a spherical lens.
The system of Embodiment A or Embodiment A with any one of the intervening features wherein the rolling optical lens is an aspherical lens.
The system of Embodiment A or Embodiment A with any one of the intervening features wherein the rolling optical lens is a cylindrical lens.
The system of Embodiment A or Embodiment A with any one of the intervening features wherein the rolling optical lens is a ball lens.
The system of Embodiment A or Embodiment A with any one of the intervening features wherein the wavelength-dispersing module is a spectrometer.
The system of Embodiment A or Embodiment A with any one of the intervening features wherein the Offner spectrometer includes: a slit configured for receiving and passing the electromagnetic signal to an entrance surface of the fore-optics module, a first mirror configured for receiving and reflecting the electromagnetic signal passed through the slit, a diffraction grating configured for receiving and diffracting the electromagnetic signal reflected by the first mirror, and a second mirror configured for receiving and reflecting the electromagnetic signal diffracted by the diffraction grating.
The system of Embodiment A or Embodiment A with any one of the intervening features wherein the slit is a moveable slit.
The system of Embodiment A or Embodiment A with any one of the intervening features further comprising a gyroscope or an accelerometer configured to control the moveable slit.
The system of Embodiment A or Embodiment A with any one of the intervening features wherein the moveable slit is weighted and moves under the effects of gravity.
The system of Embodiment A or Embodiment A with any one of the intervening features wherein the object is a patient.
The system of Embodiment A or Embodiment A with any one of the intervening features wherein the object comprises biological tissue.
The system of Embodiment A or Embodiment A with any one of the intervening features further including a housing, the housing enclosing the wavelength-dispersing module.
Embodiment B is a method of acquiring an image from an object. The method of acquiring an image from an object includes providing a hyperspectral imaging system. The hyperspectral imaging system includes a fore-optics module comprising a rolling optical lens, a wavelength-dispersing module, and a detector. The method for acquiring an image further includes rotating the rolling optical lens over the object.
The method of Embodiment B wherein the rolling optical lens is a spherical lens.
The method of Embodiment B or Embodiment B with any of the intervening features wherein the rolling optical lens is a cylindrical lens.
The method of Embodiment B or Embodiment B with any of the intervening features wherein the wavelength-dispersing module is an Offner spectrometer including: a slit configured for receiving and passing an electromagnetic signal received from the fore-optics module, a first mirror configured for receiving and reflecting the electromagnetic signal passed through the slit, a diffraction grating configured for receiving and diffracting the electromagnetic signal reflected by the first mirror, and a second mirror configured for receiving and reflecting the electromagnetic signal diffracted by the diffraction grating.
The method of Embodiment B or Embodiment B with any of the intervening features wherein the slit is a moveable slit configured to focus the electromagnetic signal received from the fore-optics module.
The method of Embodiment B or Embodiment B with any of the intervening features further including: collecting a line scan as the rolling optical lens is rotated over the object, the collecting including acquiring an electromagnetic signal from the object and directing the electromagnetic signal to the fore-optics module, the fore-optics module receiving the electromagnetic signal and directing the electromagnetic signal to the wavelength-dispersing module, the wavelength-dispersing module receiving the electromagnetic signal directed by the fore-optics module and directing the electromagnetic signal to the detector, the detector receiving the electromagnetic signal directed by the wavelength-dispersing module and producing image data from the electromagnetic signal.
The method of Embodiment B or Embodiment B with any of the intervening features wherein the collecting is repeatedly performed to produce a plurality of the line scans, the detector producing image data from each of the plurality of line scans.
The method of Embodiment B or Embodiment B with any of the intervening features further including processing the image data, wherein the processing includes generation of a three dimensional hyperspectral data cube.
Embodiment C is a method of acquiring an image. The method of acquiring an image includes providing a hyperspectral imaging system. The hyperspectral imaging system includes a fore-optics module comprising a rolling optical lens, the fore-optics module is configured to receive an electromagnetic signal from an object, an Offner spectrometer configured to receive the electromagnetic signal from the fore-optics module, and a detector configured to receive the electromagnetic signal from the Offner spectrometer. The method of acquiring an image further includes rotating the rolling optical lens over the object, the rotating including acquiring the electromagnetic signal from the object and directing the electromagnetic signal acquired by the rolling optical lens to a slit of the Offner spectrometer, the electromagnetic signal passing through the Offner spectrometer to the detector.
The method of Embodiment C wherein the rolling optical lens is a spherical lens.
The method of Embodiment C or Embodiment C with any of the intervening features wherein the rolling optical lens is a cylindrical lens.
The method of Embodiment C or Embodiment C with any of the intervening features wherein the moveable slit is weighted and moves freely under the effects of gravity.
The method of Embodiment C or Embodiment C with any of the intervening features wherein the slit is a moveable slit.
The method of Embodiment C or Embodiment C with any of the intervening features wherein the electromagnetic signal is a line scan.
The method of Embodiment C or Embodiment C with any of the intervening features wherein the detector produces image data from the line scan.
This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/456,756 filed on Feb. 9, 2017 the content of which is relied upon and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62456756 | Feb 2017 | US |
