Imaging Standard Apparatus for Consistent Digital Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional skin imaging systems face variations in light intensity and wavelength due to fluctuations in light sources and environmental conditions, leading to inconsistent images that compromise the reliability of digital imaging analysis.
Innovation Solution
An imaging apparatus with a digital camera and computer that captures and processes images of an imaging standard, automatically identifies and compensates for variations in pixel intensities, and verifies image data against reference data to ensure consistent operation of imaging stations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional skin imaging systems are used to capture images under varying lighting conditions, then images can be obtained quickly, but the images exhibit variations in light intensity and wavelength that compromise reliability
Solution Approach 1:
A neutral density filter is introduced as an intermediary element in the optical path between the light source and the subject. This filter attenuates the intensity of light from multiple wavelengths uniformly, allowing the system to capture images under varying lighting conditions while maintaining consistent relative intensity relationships across the spectrum, thereby improving image reliability without requiring complex active control systems
2Illumination intensity
If light source power is increased to improve image quality, then image intensity is improved, but variations in light source operation and environmental conditions cause greater intensity fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
A neutral density filter is placed in the optical path before the light reaches the subject and camera. This filter pre-attenuates the light intensity and stabilizes the relative intensity relationships across different wavelengths before any variations occur. By performing this intensity normalization in advance, the system captures more reliable images even when light source power fluctuates or environmental conditions change
Data Source
AI summary
A standard used to test imaging systems is imaged by a digital camera which expresses the image of the standard as a plurality of pixels having associated intensities. A computer automatically finds the image of the standard in the image and quantitatively compares intensities of pixels of a subsequent image of the standard to the first image to discern changes indicative of malfunction. A set of images of the standard may be collected and compiled to develop standard data, such as average of median values, that can be used to test imaging apparatus. The standard may be provided with a plurality of types of imaging standards occupying sub-areas that produce a different photoresponse to a plurality of different light sources. A fluorescent standard may be included that has a plurality of different fluorescence levels. Multiple sub-areas of the same type may be distributed over the surface area of the standard to measure the photoresponse in several areas and also to facilitate locating all sub-areas of the standard, e.g., multiple white squares may be distributed over the standard that may be identified by thresholding. The results of testing via the standard may be graphically displayed.