Imaging System Calibration via Reference Feature Detection

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing imaging systems face challenges in accurately calibrating geometric distortions on recording media, particularly due to deviations in imaging beam positioning, which leads to imaging errors and requires costly specialized equipment for calibration, complicating field calibration processes.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a media support with individually spaced reference features and addressable imaging channels that adjust activation timing and movement to correct geometric distortions, allowing for recalibration at the point of use without additional calibration images or equipment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If specialized and dedicated calibration equipment is used to analyze test images, then measurement precision of geometric accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegeometric accuracyVSAvoidcalibration system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The imaging system performs self-calibration by using its own imaging channels to detect reference features and determine geometric accuracy. The system analyzes test images formed by itself and automatically adjusts positioning parameters without requiring external specialized calibration equipment, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The imaging channels serve dual functions: they both form images on recording media and simultaneously detect reference features for calibration purposes. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate calibration equipment, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining the ability to measure geometric accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Manufacturing precision

If factory based calibration systems are used, then manufacturing precision of imaging systems is improved, but ease of operation in field calibration deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging system precisionVSAvoidfield calibration ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs calibration actions automatically during normal operation without requiring manual intervention or specialized equipment in the field. The calibration process is initiated and executed autonomously by the imaging system itself, making field calibration as easy as running a standard imaging operation while maintaining manufacturing-level precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The imaging system performs self-calibration by using its own imaging channels to detect reference features and determine geometric accuracy. The system analyzes test images formed by itself and automatically adjusts positioning parameters without requiring external specialized calibration equipment, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If test images are formed and shipped to another site for analysis, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecalibration accuracyVSAvoidcalibration time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The imaging system performs self-calibration by using its own imaging channels to detect reference features and determine geometric accuracy. The system analyzes test images formed by itself and automatically adjusts positioning parameters without requiring external specialized calibration equipment, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The calibration process is merged with the normal imaging operation process. The same imaging channels and recording media used for production work are also used for calibration, eliminating the need to ship test images to separate facilities and reducing overall calibration time while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS8154572B2Adjusting the calibration of an imaging system

Publication Date: 2012.04.10 EASTMAN KODAK CO

AI summary

The calibration of an imaging system is adjusted for geometric distortion of an image formed by a group of imaging channels on a media supported on a media support. The media support includes a plurality of individually spaced reference features disposed on a surface of the media support and a change in an expected position of at least one of the reference features is determined. Activation timing of the channels is adjusted in accordance with such changes. The imaging channels can be supported on a movable carriage and movement of the carriage can be adjusted in accordance with such changes.