Calibrating Light Sources for Uniform Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional imaging-based diagnostic instruments face challenges in achieving uniform illumination and accurate color balance, leading to potential inaccuracies in diagnostic results due to non-uniform illumination and the need for user intervention in color balancing.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that calibrate light sources by monitoring current values in real-time, adjusting color gain values based on predefined thresholds, and using color checker cards to ensure accurate color balance, while indicating faults in light sources and modulating current values for uniform illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If conventional image processing techniques or photodiode-based illumination check are used to solve non-uniform illumination, then illumination uniformity can be improved, but the system becomes bulky, inefficient, and requires increased power and processing speed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the illumination checking function from complex external systems (photodiode-based apparatuses and image processing software) and integrates it directly into the existing image acquisition device. This allows the system to use the same sensor and processing pipeline for both illumination monitoring and diagnostic imaging, eliminating the need for separate bulky apparatuses while maintaining illumination uniformity correction capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The image acquisition device is made multi-functional by enabling it to perform both its primary diagnostic imaging function and the secondary illumination monitoring function. The same device captures images for both purposes, and the processing pipeline handles both illumination analysis and diagnostic image generation, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining both functions
2Measurement precision
If conventional systems require user intervention to balance color in acquired images, then color balance can be adjusted, but this leads to inaccuracies and reduces efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automated feedback control for color balance by capturing images of color checker cards, comparing the captured colors against known reference values, and automatically adjusting color gain parameters. This closed-loop feedback mechanism eliminates manual user intervention, ensures consistent and accurate color balancing, and improves processing efficiency by automating the entire color calibration workflow
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-calibration of color balance without requiring user intervention. The automated process independently captures color reference images, analyzes color deviations, and adjusts color gain parameters to correct imbalances, enabling the system to maintain accurate color balance autonomously and efficiently
3Reliability
If real-time current monitoring and calibration is implemented for light sources, then illumination consistency and color balance accuracy are improved, but the system requires additional processing and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light source monitoring and calibration functions with the existing image acquisition and processing system. The same processing unit that handles image data also monitors light source current and performs calibration adjustments, while the image acquisition device serves both imaging and illumination verification purposes. This integration reduces the need for separate control mechanisms and minimizes added complexity while maintaining reliable illumination consistency
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 ensures consistent and accurate illumination and color balance, reducing the risk of errors and eliminating the need for user intervention, thereby improving the reliability of diagnostic results.
Implementation Method 1
an image acquisition device (104) configured to acquire images
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, a method and a device for calibrating the apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus comprises one or more light sources, at least one image acquisition device for acquiring images; and a device. The device comprises a processing unit, a memory coupled to the processing unit. The memory comprising a calibration module configured to obtain a value of current flowing through each of one or more light sources in real-time, compare the value of current flowing through each of the one or more light sources with a predefined threshold current value, and calibrate color gain value associated with at least one image acquisition device, if the determined value of current for each of the one or more light sources is above the predefined threshold current value.