Imaging Device Noise Removal Offset Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional image generation methods fail to appropriately obtain noise, particularly black flaws, due to the offset value being smaller than the signal level of black flaws, leading to incomplete noise removal.

Innovation Solution

An image generation method involving a first imaging operation with a higher offset value than a second imaging operation, followed by subtracting the first image data from the second image data to generate noise-reduced image data, specifically addressing both white and black flaws.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the offset value is set to a conventional level (second offset value), then the imaging operation can be performed with standard reference signal levels, but noise (particularly black flaws) cannot be appropriately obtained and removed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenoise detection accuracyVSAvoidimaging operation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The imaging operation is segmented into two distinct operations: a first imaging operation with a first offset value (first reference signal level) for capturing noise data, and a second imaging operation with a second offset value (second reference signal level) for capturing actual image data. This segmentation allows each operation to be optimized for its specific purpose, enabling accurate noise detection while maintaining manageable system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The offset value (reference signal level) is changed between two imaging operations. The first imaging operation uses a first offset value that is higher than the second offset value used in the second imaging operation. This parameter change enables the system to capture different signal levels that reveal noise characteristics (particularly black flaws) that are invisible at conventional offset levels

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If the first offset value is set higher than the second offset value, then black flaws can be detected, but the signal level range for normal imaging is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveblack flaw detection accuracyVSAvoidsignal level constraint
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The first imaging operation with the higher first offset value is performed as a preliminary action before the second imaging operation. This preliminary operation captures noise data (including black flaws) that are then used to correct the image data from the second operation. By performing this high-offset measurement beforehand, the system can detect black flaws without constraining the signal level range available for normal imaging in the second operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Quantity of substance

If conventional dummy imaging is performed with light shielding, then some noise can be captured, but the noise correction is incomplete for certain noise types

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenoise data quantityVSAvoidnoise type coverage
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The reference signal level (offset value) is changed between the first and second imaging operations. The first imaging operation uses a first offset value that is higher than the second offset value used in the second imaging operation. This parameter change enables the system to capture different signal levels that reveal noise characteristics (particularly black flaws) that are invisible at conventional offset levels

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The imaging operation is segmented into two distinct operations: a first imaging operation with a first offset value (first reference signal level) for capturing noise data, and a second imaging operation with a second offset value (second reference signal level) for capturing actual image data. This segmentation allows each operation to be optimized for its specific purpose, enabling accurate noise detection while maintaining manageable system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3982622B1Image generation method, imaging device, and program
Publication Date: 2025.06.25 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD
  • EP3982622B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3982622B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3982622B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An image generation method in an imaging apparatus (10) that includes a plurality of pixels (210), includes: performing a first imaging operation of capturing an image when each of the plurality of pixels (210) is shielded from light, in a state in which a reference signal level in the first imaging operation is set to a first offset value (S22); and generating first image data based on a first pixel signal obtained by the first imaging operation (S24). The first offset value is higher than a second offset value that is a reference signal level in a second imaging operation of capturing an image in a state in which light is incident on each of the plurality of pixels (210).