Image Contrast Maximization via Histogram Feedback Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Closed loop energy systems, particularly optical systems, face challenges in maximizing contrast in detected images due to inconsistent energy source output, leading to varying contrast over time and potential saturation or under-saturation issues.
Innovation Solution
A method that adjusts the energy source output in a closed loop system by calculating a histogram from detected images, identifying peaks, and adjusting the energy level step-by-step to achieve maximum contrast, ensuring the brighter peak is not saturated and the darker peak is within a predetermined threshold, with fine adjustments to maintain equilibrium.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the energy source output is increased to improve image brightness, then the brighter peak becomes saturated and contrast decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the histogram of detected images and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust the energy source output. The controller compares the histogram peaks against saturation thresholds and automatically modifies illumination intensity to maintain optimal contrast without saturation, resolving the contradiction between brightness and contrast.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the illumination intensity parameter based on real-time histogram analysis. By adjusting the energy source output level according to detected image characteristics, the system optimizes both brightness and contrast parameters simultaneously, preventing brighter peak saturation while maintaining adequate illumination.
2Reliability
If the energy source output is decreased to prevent saturation, then the darker peak becomes under-saturated and contrast decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The histogram-based feedback mechanism continuously monitors both brighter and darker peaks. When the darker peak approaches under-saturation, the system increases energy source output to restore adequate signal levels, thereby maintaining contrast while preventing brighter peak saturation through dynamic adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic adjustment of energy source output rather than static illumination levels. This allows real-time adaptation to maintain both peaks within optimal ranges, transforming the system from a static to a dynamic state that can respond to changing image characteristics and prevent both saturation and under-saturation.
3Device complexity
If fixed energy source output is used to simplify control, then contrast varies over time due to environmental changes
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automatic feedback control using histogram analysis to monitor image characteristics and adjust energy source output accordingly. This closed-loop approach maintains consistent contrast despite environmental variations without requiring complex manual intervention, balancing automation benefits with manageable system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-adjustment by automatically analyzing its own output through histogram computation and modifying energy source settings without external intervention. This self-service capability maintains optimal contrast consistency over time while keeping the control system relatively simple, as the system regulates itself based on real-time performance data.
Data Source
AI summary
A method 100 maximizes the contrast between light and dark markings 13 that carry information. The markings are illuminated by a variable output light source 16, and a reflected image is received by a detector 18 and processed by a controller 20. The method calculates a histogram of the reflected image at step 102, and the method determines at step 104 if the histogram has one peak or two peaks. The method increases at step 110 or decreases at step 112 the output of the light source 16 by adding or subtracting a small step amount to or from the current light level of the light source 16. The method 100 is a continuously repeating loop, and the method increases or decreases the light level of the source of illumination with substantially every loop to oscillate about an equilibrium light level that provides maximum contrast.