Imaging System Image Enhancement Using Digital Filters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solid-state imaging systems face challenges in capturing and decoding symbol targets efficiently due to the need for fast and reliable performance, especially when targets are at varying distances, and they are not robust enough for industrial environments with moving parts.
Innovation Solution
An imaging system with a solid-state imager, rangefinder, and image enhancer that uses a CCD or CMOS array, determines target distance, and applies filters based on distance and target type to enhance images, minimizing moving parts and improving performance and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If auto-focus/zoom optical systems with moving parts are used to focus at different distances, then the imaging system can capture both symbol and non-symbol targets at varying distances, but the system becomes slower, less reliable, and unsuitable for industrial environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical auto-focus/zoom system with a fixed optical system combined with digital image processing. Instead of using moving parts to physically adjust focus, the system captures images at a fixed focal point and then applies software-based focus adjustment and enhancement algorithms to achieve the desired imaging效果 for both near and far targets, thereby eliminating mechanical components while maintaining adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the imaging system by using a fixed optical configuration and instead adjusting digital parameters through software processing. The system varies exposure time, gain, and applies digital filtering and enhancement algorithms to adapt to different target distances without physically changing the optical parameters, thus improving reliability while maintaining versatility
2Adaptability or versatility
If auto-focus/zoom optical systems are used to capture images at different distances, then the system can handle both symbol and non-symbol targets, but the system complexity increases due to moving parts requiring high-accuracy motion control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the complex mechanical auto-focus/zoom system by replacing it with a fixed optical assembly and digital processing pipeline. The complexity of mechanical motion control, sensors, and actuators is replaced with simpler fixed optics and software algorithms that process the captured images to achieve the desired focus and enhancement effects
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy of the optical focusing process through software algorithms. Instead of physically moving optical elements to change focus, the system captures the image and applies digital filtering and enhancement that simulates the effect of proper focusing, thereby achieving the same functional outcome without the mechanical complexity
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional optical systems with moving parts are used, then the system can adjust focus for different distances, but the system is not robust enough for industrial environments with dropping and rough use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces all moving mechanical parts in the optical system with fixed components. The focus adjustment and image enhancement functions previously achieved through mechanical movement are now accomplished through solid-state sensors and software processing, making the system resistant to dropping and rough handling typical of industrial environments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the optical system with inherent robustness by eliminating vulnerable moving parts before environmental stresses can affect them. The fixed optical assembly and solid-state components are inherently more resistant to shock and vibration, providing built-in protection against the harmful effects of industrial environments without requiring additional protective mechanisms
4Adaptability or versatility
If auto-focus/zoom optical systems are used for symbol target capture, then the system can focus at different distances, but the capture and decoding speed becomes insufficient for high-performance requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the slow mechanical focusing process with instant digital image processing. The fixed optical system captures images without mechanical adjustment delays, and software algorithms immediately process the images to achieve the desired focus and enhancement, dramatically increasing capture and decoding speed while maintaining the ability to handle targets at various distances
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs image enhancement and focus adjustment as preliminary digital processing steps immediately after image capture. By pre-processing the images with software algorithms before decoding, the system eliminates the time-consuming mechanical focusing step and achieves faster overall processing while maintaining adaptability to different target distances
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
The system effectively captures and decodes symbol and non-symbol targets at varying distances with increased reliability and performance, using software filters to enhance images based on distance and type, ensuring robustness and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a solid-state imager having an array of image sensors for capturing light from the targets
Implementation Method 2
a rangefinder for determining a distance to a target
Data Source
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AI summary
Image enhancement of symbol targets and non-symbol targets is performed based on the distance to the target, and optionally on the type of target being imaged, by an imaging system to improve reader performance. An axicon and other lenses are preferred to capture light from the target.