Zone-Wise Adaptive Illumination for Uniform Object Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional illumination systems fail to adaptively control light sources based on lighting conditions, leading to uneven illumination and poor image quality, particularly in low-light environments like underground mines, which hampers precise segmentation of overlapping ore particles.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that processes images to determine zone-wise illuminance using an Edge-based Structural Similarity Index Metric (ESSIM), adjusts contrast and normalization, and selectively varies the intensity of IR illuminators to achieve targeted illumination by matching illuminance thresholds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If conventional illumination systems are used, then the system structure is simple, but the illumination uniformity and image quality deteriorate in low-light environments
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system is divided into multiple independent illuminators (first illuminator, second illuminator, third illuminator, fourth illuminator) positioned at different locations. Each illuminator can be controlled independently to illuminate specific zones, allowing uniform illumination across the entire object without requiring a single complex illumination source.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control of illuminator intensity based on real-time image analysis. The processor varies the intensity of each illuminator individually according to the illumination conditions detected in different zones, enabling adaptive illumination that maintains uniformity while responding to changing lighting requirements.
2Illumination intensity
If all illuminators operate at maximum intensity, then the illumination coverage is sufficient, but the energy consumption increases unnecessarily
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of operating all illuminators at maximum intensity, the system applies partial action by activating only the necessary illuminators and adjusting their intensity levels based on actual illumination requirements. The processor determines the minimum necessary intensity for each illuminator to achieve adequate coverage, avoiding excessive energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the operational parameters (intensity levels) of each illuminator based on real-time analysis of illumination conditions. The processor adjusts intensity parameters individually for each illuminator, optimizing energy usage while maintaining sufficient illumination coverage across all zones.
3Illumination intensity
If the illumination is increased to improve image quality, then the image quality improves, but the contrast and detail in overlapping regions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing differentiated illumination to different zones of the object. Each zone receives illumination tailored to its specific requirements, with the processor adjusting intensities based on local conditions. This ensures that overlapping regions receive appropriate illumination for segmentation while maintaining overall image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the processor continuously analyzes image quality and illumination conditions, then adjusts illuminator intensities accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures that illumination levels are optimized to maintain both image quality and segmentation precision, preventing excessive illumination from degrading contrast in overlapping regions.
Data Source
AI summary
Lighting conditions affect quality of images being captured. In traditional systems, illuminators (light sources) are used to illuminate the objects without considering illumination levels at different zones/sides of an object being photographed. As a result, all illuminators may run at maximum capacity, resulting in wastage of power and compromising efficiency of the system. The disclosure herein generally relates to illumination of objects, and, more particularly, to a method and system for adaptive illumination of objects. The system determines illumination at different zones of the object, and further identifies zones that are not illuminated properly in comparison with a threshold of illumination. Further the system controls intensity of only the illuminators which are responsible for illumination of the zones in which measured illumination is below a threshold of illumination, and increases the intensity by a value determined based on difference between measured illumination and the threshold of illumination, for each zone.