Adaptive Exposure Control for Colorimetry Dynamic Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current colorimetry methods require multiple exposures and longer measurement times due to the limited dynamic range of imaging devices, which leads to inefficiencies in capturing images with varying brightness levels, especially when measuring bright or dark areas.
Innovation Solution
A method that adjusts exposure times based on the brightness of the imaging data, performing re-imaging only when necessary, and storing exposure times for subsequent images to reduce the number of measurements and optimize imaging conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple exposures are performed to maintain brightness within detectable range, then the dynamic range of brightness is maintained, but the measurement time is lengthened
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs initial imaging, evaluates whether the brightness is within the detectable range, and automatically adjusts exposure time based on this evaluation. This feedback mechanism ensures that re-imaging is performed only when necessary, maintaining brightness detection reliability while minimizing additional measurement time.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of performing multiple fixed exposures for all measurements, the system applies partial action by conducting re-imaging only when the brightness evaluation indicates it is necessary. This selective approach reduces the total number of exposures required while still maintaining the dynamic range of brightness detection.
2Measurement precision
If re-imaging is performed frequently to optimize brightness, then the brightness detection accuracy is improved, but the colorimetry speed is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback control by evaluating brightness after initial imaging and only triggering re-imaging when the evaluation shows brightness is outside the optimal range. This ensures measurement precision is maintained while avoiding unnecessary re-imaging operations that would reduce colorimetry speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary imaging with a standard exposure time first, then evaluates the brightness before deciding whether re-imaging is needed. This preliminary action allows the system to quickly assess whether precision optimization is necessary, maintaining high productivity while ensuring accuracy when required.
3Illumination intensity
If exposure time is extended for dark areas, then the brightness of dark locations is improved, but the overall measurement time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging process is segmented into initial imaging with standard exposure, brightness evaluation, and conditional re-imaging. This segmentation allows the system to use extended exposure time only for dark areas that require it, rather than extending exposure for the entire image, thus improving brightness of dark locations without proportionally increasing overall measurement time.
Solution Approach 2:
Extended exposure time is applied partially only when brightness evaluation indicates dark locations need additional brightness, rather than being applied universally. This partial action improves the brightness of dark locations while minimizing the increase in overall exposure time by avoiding redundant extended exposures.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach allows for faster colorimetry by maintaining the dynamic range of brightness, reducing the time required for measurements, and minimizing the need for re-imaging, thereby enhancing the efficiency of colorimetry processes.
Implementation Method 1
a light filter that allows light with a predetermined wavelength to pass therethrough
Implementation Method 2
The phototransistors in the solid-state imaging element convert the light to a current signal and store the current in a capacitor
Implementation Method 3
The variable spectrum device is able to vary the gap between mirrors with a piezoelectric element or electrostatic actuator
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging device outputs imaging data captured with a predetermined exposure time, and a brightness determination unit determines whether the brightness of the imaging data is within a predetermined range. Re-imaging is performed with the exposure time changed when the brightness of the imaging data is not within the predetermined range. The re-imaging is performed with the exposure time lengthened when the brightness of the imaging data is less than a determination value, and the re-imaging is performed with the exposure time shortened when the brightness of the imaging data is saturated.