Gloss Intensity Distribution Measurement Using Planar Mirror Copying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for acquiring a gloss intensity distribution from subjects with concavity/convexity are inefficient due to the complexity of adjusting light source and light-receiving element arrangements, leading to high measurement errors and prolonged data acquisition times, especially when using surface light sources.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus that sets a measurement area for gloss intensity distribution based on surface light source and image capturing position information, using a surface light source with a liquid crystal display and calculating correspondence relationships between pixel values and gloss intensities to generate gloss intensity distribution image data efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the arrangement of light source and light-receiving element is adjusted to acquire gloss intensity distribution, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and operation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a planar mirror to create a virtual image of the surface light source. By measuring the reflected light from this mirror image, the system can determine gloss intensity distribution without requiring complex adjustment of multiple physical light sources and detectors. The mirror creates a simplified optical path that maintains measurement accuracy while reducing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The planar mirror acts as an intermediary element between the surface light source and the image capturing apparatus. It redirects light from the light source through a controlled path to the camera, enabling the system to measure gloss intensity distribution without directly adjusting the light source and detector positions relative to each other.
2Measurement precision
If surface light source is used to reduce measurement error, then measurement precision is improved, but measurement time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-calculates and stores correspondence relationships between pixel values and gloss intensities in a lookup table before actual measurement. During measurement, the system only needs to retrieve pre-computed values based on the captured image data, eliminating the need for time-consuming real-time calculations and significantly reducing measurement time while maintaining high precision.
3Measurement precision
If complex concavity/convexity shape is measured, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The planar mirror creates a virtual copy of the light source position. This virtual image allows the system to measure gloss characteristics on complex three-dimensional surfaces without requiring physical adjustment of light sources and detectors to match each surface geometry. The mirror effectively copies the light path for any surface orientation, simplifying operation while maintaining measurement precision.
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
The apparatus enables rapid acquisition of accurate gloss intensity distribution data from subjects with concavity/convexity by optimizing the measurement area and correspondence calculations, reducing measurement time and error compared to conventional methods.
Implementation Method 1
captured image data obtained by capturing an image of a subject having concavity/convexity irradiated by a surface light source
Data Source
AI summary
The image processing apparatus of the present invention is an image processing apparatus that generates gloss intensity distribution image data indicating a gloss intensity distribution based on captured image data obtained by capturing an image of a subject having concavity/convexity irradiated by a surface light source. The image processing apparatus sets an area, in which specularly reflected light from the surface light source enters a planar mirror and which is the same size as or smaller than that of an area captured by an image capturing apparatus in a case where the planar mirror is arranged at substantially the same position as that of the subject, as a measurement area of the gloss intensity distribution based on surface light source position information indicating the position of the surface light source and image capturing position information indicating the position of the image capturing apparatus that captures an image of the subject. Further, based on the surface light source position information, the image capturing position information, and pixel values of the captured image data, the gloss intensity distribution image data in the measurement area is generated.