Generic Point Spread Function for Multi-Position Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the point spread function (PSF) of an imaging system are limited, as they only provide a PSF valid for a specific position, requiring multiple PSF calculations for different object positions and object position determination, making them impractical for generic use across a plurality of positions.
Innovation Solution
A method that acquires images of a target at multiple positions, estimates the PSF using real and synthetic images, calculates the optical transfer function, and obtains a generic PSF by averaging across positions, allowing the PSF to be valid for any position within the imaging system's working zone without requiring dedicated PSF calculations for each position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a PSF is determined using a test grid at a specific focal distance, then the PSF accurately characterizes the imaging system at that position, but the PSF cannot be used for objects at other positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal PSF model that can be applied across multiple object positions. Instead of determining separate PSFs for each position, the method uses a test grid imaged at different positions to build a single PSF model that represents the imaging system's behavior across the entire working zone, making the PSF universally applicable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from determining PSF at a single positional point to determining PSF across multiple positions. By imaging the test grid at various distances and synthesizing the information, the method adds the dimension of positional variation to the PSF determination process, enabling broader applicability.
2Measurement precision
If multiple PSFs are calculated for different object positions, then accurate correction is possible for each position, but the complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple PSF measurements taken at different positions into a single unified PSF model. Instead of maintaining separate PSFs for each position, the method combines the information from images taken at various distances to create one comprehensive model that simplifies the system while maintaining correction accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
A single PSF model is designed to serve multiple positions simultaneously. This universal model eliminates the need for multiple position-specific PSFs and their associated determination procedures, reducing system complexity while maintaining the capability to correct images at various object distances.
3Measurement precision
If the position of the object must be determined with respect to the imaging system, then accurate PSF selection is possible, but additional measurement steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal PSF model that works across the entire working zone without requiring position-specific matching. This eliminates the need for separate object position determination steps and PSF selection processes, as the single model is applicable to all positions within the imaging system's working range.
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 enables a single, generic PSF that can correct images acquired at any position within the imaging system's working zone, simplifying the process and eliminating the need for multiple PSF calculations, thereby improving image quality across various object positions.
Implementation Method 1
acquiring an image of the target at each position in a plurality of positions of the target in an optical field of the imaging system
Implementation Method 2
calculating an optical transfer function by applying a Fourier transform to the point spread function
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining a point spread function of an imaging system. The method includes: for each position in a plurality of positions of a target in an optical field of the imaging system: acquiring an image of the target, referred to as the real image; obtaining a synthetic image of the target representing a digital model of the target adjusted to a zone of the real image corresponding to the target so that the model coincides with the zone; estimating the point spread function using the real image and the synthetic image; and calculating an optical transfer function by applying a Fourier transform to the point spread function; calculating an average optical transfer function from the optical transfer functions calculated for each position in the plurality of positions; and obtaining an average point spread function by applying an inverse Fourier transform to the average optical transfer function.