Image Readout Apparatus Linear Scale Film Expansion Correction

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Solution Overview

Problem

The expansion and contraction of linear scale films used in image readout apparatuses due to temperature and humidity fluctuations lead to position detection accuracy issues, causing image distortion, particularly in applications requiring precise comparison of object positions and sizes across multiple images.

Innovation Solution

The image readout method corrects pixel positions by designating a reference image and calculating comparative pulse numbers to adjust for differences in encoder pulses, ensuring accurate positioning and minimizing distortion across multiple images.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If linear scale films are used for position detection in image readout apparatuses, then the apparatus can perform scanning and image acquisition, but the linear scale films expand and contract due to temperature and humidity fluctuations, leading to position detection accuracy issues and image distortion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition detection accuracyVSAvoidlinear scale film dimensional stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies feedback by measuring the actual position of the optical head using a separate measurement mechanism (encoder pulses during scanning) and using this information to correct the image data. The system continuously monitors position during scanning and adjusts the pixel positioning based on the measured deviations, thereby compensating for the linear scale film's thermal expansion and contraction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of pixel position coordinates based on the measured encoder pulse deviations. By calculating correction values from the reference image scanning and applying these corrections to subsequent image data, the system dynamically adjusts position parameters to compensate for environmental effects on the linear scale film.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If environmental conditions (temperature and humidity) are not controlled, then the operation flexibility and adaptability of the image readout apparatus is improved, but the linear scale films expand and contract, causing position detection errors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenvironmental condition adaptabilityVSAvoidposition detection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses feedback from encoder pulse measurements during reference image scanning to detect actual positional deviations caused by environmental conditions. This feedback information is then used to calculate correction values that compensate for thermal and humidity-induced expansions, allowing the apparatus to maintain accuracy across varying environmental conditions without requiring strict environmental control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful effect of linear scale film expansion and contraction into a measurable signal through encoder pulse counting. By treating the positional deviations as quantifiable data rather than mere errors, the system can calculate precise correction values that not only compensate for the deviations but also enable the apparatus to adapt to environmental changes, effectively turning a disadvantage into a corrective mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Productivity

If multiple images are scanned and stored for later comparison, then the ability to perform quantitative analysis is improved, but the accumulation of position detection errors across multiple images increases image distortion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage analysis capabilityVSAvoidimage positioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary correction by scanning a reference image first and calculating position correction values based on encoder pulse deviations before scanning and storing subsequent images. These pre-calculated correction values are then applied to all subsequently scanned images, ensuring that positional accuracy is maintained across multiple images from the outset rather than requiring post-processing correction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies parameter changes to the pixel position coordinates of multiple images by using the correction values derived from reference image scanning. These correction parameters are consistently applied across all scanned images, ensuring uniform positional accuracy and enabling reliable quantitative comparison without the accumulation of positioning errors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 effectively eliminates the influence of linear scale film expansion and contraction, allowing for precise analysis and comparison of image data without distortion, enhancing the accuracy of measurements in applications like protein or DNA analysis.

Implementation Method 1

such an image readout apparatus generally includes: a holding substrate which movably holds an optical head in a main scanning direction; a movement mechanism which moves the holding substrate to perform scanning in a sub-scanning direction perpendicular to the main scanning direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLinear encoder position detection:

Implementation Method 2

obtains image data of images represented by image information by reading out light received from a carrier carrying the image information photoelectrically

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric conversion: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP2779615B1Image readout method and image readout apparatus
Publication Date: 2017.04.19 FUJIFILM CORP
  • EP2779615B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2779615B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2779615B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

The influence of expansion and contraction of linear scale film is eliminated in an image readout apparatus that manages the position of an optical head with a linear encoder, to enable obtainment of images without distortion. [Constitution] The number of encoder pulses of a linear encoder when an optical head 15 is moved from a scanning start position to a scanning end position during image readout is obtained as a comparative pulse number. An image processing section (35) corrects pixel positions in a direction corresponding to a main scanning direction X of an image based on the difference between a reference pulse number which is determined in advance and the comparative pulse number.