Conditional Invisible-Light Removal in Image Reading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image reading devices degrade image quality by uniformly removing invisible components from visible images, which contain noise, without determining the necessity of removal, leading to unnecessary noise superimposition.
Innovation Solution
An image processing device determines whether to remove invisible components from visible images based on image reading mode, visible image characteristics, or visible and invisible image differences, and outputs either the original or processed image accordingly, using sensors with different sensitivities to visible and invisible wavelengths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If invisible components are uniformly removed from visible images, then the visible image quality is improved by eliminating invisible light interference, but noise is superimposed onto the image causing quality degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the invisible component removal process conditional rather than uniform. The system dynamically determines whether to remove invisible components based on the specific characteristics of each image, switching between removal and non-removal modes to avoid unnecessary noise superimposition while maintaining image quality where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of invisible component handling from a fixed state (always remove) to a variable state (conditionally remove). By adjusting the removal decision based on image characteristics such as color information presence and invisible component intensity, the system optimizes the balance between eliminating interference and avoiding noise degradation.
2Measurement precision
If invisible components are removed from visible images, then color accuracy is improved, but image processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing a preliminary determination of whether invisible component removal is necessary before actually executing the removal process. The system evaluates image characteristics in advance and only proceeds with removal when beneficial, avoiding unnecessary processing complexity while maintaining color accuracy where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by applying different processing treatments to different images based on their specific characteristics. Rather than uniformly processing all images the same way, the system selectively removes invisible components only from images where it will improve color accuracy, leaving other images unchanged to avoid unnecessary complexity.
3Measurement precision
If invisible components are selectively removed based on image characteristics, then image quality is maintained, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by performing only the necessary subset of processing operations for each image. Instead of always executing the full removal pipeline, the system performs a quick characteristic assessment and only executes the removal process when actually needed, reducing average processing time while maintaining image quality for cases where removal is beneficial.
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
Prevents image quality degradation by selectively removing invisible components only when necessary, maintaining image quality and reducing noise interference.
Implementation Method 1
The first light and the second light are reflected from an object to be read
Implementation Method 2
a first sensor having a first sensitivity to both of first light in a visible wavelength range; and second light in an invisible wavelength range
Implementation Method 3
a second sensor having a second sensitivity to the second light
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing device includes circuitry configured to receive a first visible and an invisible image, remove the invisible component from the first visible image based on the invisible image to generate a second visible image, determine whether to remove the invisible component from the first visible image, and output either the first visible image based on a determination not to remove the invisible component or output the second visible image based on a determination to remove the invisible component. The first visible image is captured by a first sensor having a first sensitivity to both of first light in a visible wavelength range; and second light in an invisible wavelength range. The first visible image includes an invisible component in the invisible wavelength range. The invisible image is captured by a second sensor having a second sensitivity to the second light.