Adaptive Imaging System for Irregular Insect Specimens
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods are inadequate for efficiently and automatically digitizing and cataloging large collections of irregularly configured pinned insect specimens, which are crucial for identification and data analysis but require extensive human labor and time due to their varied configurations and labeling inconsistencies.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for adaptively conforming imaging and recording of work pieces with disparate configurations, utilizing a mount unit, imaging unit, and manipulator to execute scene segmentation and acquisition path mapping, allowing for precise imaging and data capture of specimens and labels despite variations in orientation and labeling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual handling and imaging methods are used for pinned insect specimens, then flexibility in examining various configurations is maintained, but productivity and handling efficiency deteriorate significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the imaging task into multiple acquisition points around the specimen, capturing images from different angles and positions. This allows the automated system to handle varied specimen configurations by dividing the complex imaging task into manageable discrete steps, maintaining flexibility while improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic manipulation of the specimen or imaging device to adapt to different specimen configurations. The manipulator unit can reposition specimens and the imaging device can adjust its position and orientation dynamically, enabling automated handling of diverse pinned insect specimens while maintaining the flexibility needed for various mounting styles.
2Productivity
If automated imaging systems are implemented for standardized specimen handling, then productivity increases, but adaptability to disparate specimen configurations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary scene segmentation and feature detection to identify key specimen elements before executing the detailed imaging sequence. This preliminary analysis allows the automated system to adapt to different configurations by understanding the specimen structure in advance, enabling high productivity while maintaining versatility across varied pinned insect specimens.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from image analysis and feature detection to dynamically adjust the imaging acquisition path and manipulation commands. This closed-loop control enables the automated system to adapt to disparate specimen configurations in real-time, maintaining both high productivity and adaptability by responding to actual specimen characteristics during the imaging process.
3Measurement precision
If comprehensive imaging of specimens and labels is performed from multiple angles, then measurement precision and data quality improve, but time consumption and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a multi-phase imaging approach where a first set of images is acquired from initial acquisition points for basic documentation, and a second set is acquired from additional points only when needed for enhanced detail or specific features. This partial action approach maintains high image quality and measurement precision while reducing overall imaging time by avoiding unnecessary comprehensive imaging of all specimens.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging process is segmented into priority levels and phases, with critical views captured first and optional supplementary views captured subsequently. This segmentation allows the system to achieve sufficient measurement precision for most specimens quickly, with the option to obtain additional images from more acquisition points only when higher detail is required, thereby balancing image quality with time efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A system is provided for adaptively conformed imaging of work pieces having disparate configurations, which comprises a mount unit for holding at least one work piece, and an imaging unit for capturing images of the work piece held by the mount unit. At least one manipulator unit is coupled to selectively manipulate at least one of the mount and imaging units for relative displacement therebetween. A controller coupled to automatically actuate the manipulator and imaging units executes scene segmentation about the held work piece, which spatially defines at least one zone of operation in peripherally conformed manner about the work piece. The controller also executes an acquisition path mapping for the work piece, wherein a sequence of spatially offset acquisition points are mapped within the zone of operation, with each acquisition point defining a vantage point for the imaging unit to capture an image of the work piece from.