Imaging System Angled Mirrors Homogeneous Background
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Solution Overview
Problem
Imaging systems face challenges in obtaining multiple separate images of samples against a completely homogeneous background, as inhomogeneous backgrounds can disrupt automated digital image processing and obscure faults in samples due to reflected light and stray inhomogeneities.
Innovation Solution
An imaging system comprising a camera, a pair of angled mirrors, and a curved background element with complementary color illumination, positioned to prevent direct light from entering the camera's field of view, generating three images of the sample from different angles with a homogeneous background.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a background element is provided to create a homogeneous background, then the background homogeneity is improved, but reflected light still reaches the camera causing inhomogeneity and disturbing the image processing
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful reflected light is extracted and removed from the imaging path by positioning the background element and illumination source outside the camera's field of view, while maintaining their functional role in providing a homogeneous background for the sample
Solution Approach 2:
The background element serves as an intermediary between the illumination source and the camera, reflecting light to create a homogeneous background while its specific positioning and the illumination geometry prevent direct reflected light from reaching the camera sensor
2Measurement precision
If multiple separate images of the sample are obtained against a homogeneous background, then the image processing accuracy is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple imaging functions (direct imaging and reflected light imaging from different angles) are merged into a single integrated system using a pair of mirrors and one camera, achieving multiple images without proportionally increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The mirror pair and background element serve multiple functions simultaneously: creating homogeneous background, enabling multiple imaging angles, and directing light paths, thereby reducing overall system complexity while achieving high measurement precision
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
Enables more accurate image processing and analysis by providing a homogeneous background that enhances contrast and reduces interference from stray light, facilitating the detection of faults in samples.
Implementation Method 1
the background element comprises a curved surface which as defined in claim 1, is directed towards the mirror pair and creates a background to the images that facilitates image processing
Implementation Method 2
the surface of the background element that is directed towards the mirror pair is illuminated by at least one background illumination element which is directed towards this surface
Data Source
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AI summary
An imaging system ( 100) comprising at least one camera (3), a background element (4) and a pair of mirrors (2a, 2b), where the mirror surfaces of the mirrors in the pair are angled from each other at an angle a, where the imaging system (100) is intended to receive a sample along a main axis extending between the mirrors. The camera (3) is directed towards the mirror pair (2a, 2b) and the background element (4) comprises a surface directed towards the mirror pair, where the background element (4) is formed as a cylinder portion with a cylinder axis deviating from the main axis, and the mirrors are arranged with a respective mirror surface edge to edge with each other.