Image Motion Compensation Using Pulsed Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image motion estimation algorithms are not robust enough to handle large intensity changes, particularly in uncontrolled environments with varying ambient lighting, leading to inconsistencies in image measurement systems used for skin sensing applications.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for image motion compensation using pulsed illumination, where a light source provides pulsed illumination to capture multiple images, and a control unit determines motion maps based on pixel information to generate partially motion-compensated images, capable of handling large intensity changes and ambient light variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If image subtraction technique is used to minimize ambient light effect, then image reproducibility is improved, but sensitivity to subject motion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing motion compensation on images captured during the on-phase of pulsed illumination before subtracting them from the off-phase image. This preliminary motion correction ensures that the images are aligned properly, reducing sensitivity to subject motion during the subsequent subtraction operation and improving overall image reproducibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the image capture process into distinct phases (on-phase and off-phase of pulsed illumination) and processes them separately. By capturing multiple images during the on-phase and separately during the off-phase, then performing motion compensation and subtraction on these segmented sets, the system minimizes ambient light effects while maintaining robustness against subject motion.
2Device complexity
If existing motion estimation algorithms are used, then computational complexity is reduced, but robustness to large intensity changes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of illumination intensity by using pulsed illumination that alternates between on and off states. This creates controlled large intensity changes in the captured images, allowing the system to test and improve motion estimation robustness under varying intensity conditions while maintaining manageable computational complexity through the structured nature of the pulsed illumination pattern.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using the motion information extracted from images captured during the on-phase to correct and align images captured during the off-phase. This feedback loop continuously refines the motion compensation, improving robustness to large intensity changes while keeping computational complexity manageable through iterative refinement.
3Reliability
If artificial light source is used to mask ambient light, then measurement consistency is improved, but illumination intensity requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic pulsed illumination instead of continuous artificial light. By alternating between on and off phases, the system creates controlled illumination patterns that mask ambient light effects without requiring continuously high intensity. This periodic action reduces the average illumination intensity requirement while maintaining measurement consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamic illumination control by adjusting the on and off phases of the light source adaptively. This dynamic approach allows the system to optimize illumination intensity requirements by capturing images at different phases, improving measurement consistency without demanding continuously high brightness levels.
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 solution provides robust motion compensation techniques that improve image reproducibility and accuracy by effectively handling large intensity changes and ambient light variations, enhancing the reliability of skin sensing systems.
Implementation Method 1
a light source configured to provide pulsed illumination to an object
Implementation Method 2
an imaging unit configured to capture, while the object is illuminated by the pulsed illumination from the light source, a plurality of images of the object
Data Source
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AI summary
There is provided a system for performing image motion compensation. The system comprises a light source configured to provide pulsed illumination to an object, an imaging unit configured to capture a plurality of images of the object including a first image, a second image, and a third image, and a control unit configured to: determine a first motion map indicating an estimated motion between at least a section in the first image and at least the corresponding section in the second image, determine a second motion map indicating an estimated motion between at least the section in the first image and at least a corresponding section in the third image, or an estimated motion between at least the corresponding section in the second image and at least a corresponding section in the third image, and generate an at least partially motion compensated image.