Laser Imaging Resolution Detection via Minimum Post Spacing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Laser imaging systems face challenges in determining the maximum achievable resolution, leading to inefficient processing and prolonged time in obtaining high-resolution images, as users cannot accurately assess when additional processing will not improve resolution.

Innovation Solution

The method involves identifying the minimum post spacing in three-dimensional images using multiple point spread functions and the number of laser pulses directed at a specified area, which defines the maximum obtainable resolution, allowing for automatic generation of images at the highest achievable resolution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If additional image processing is performed to improve resolution, then image resolution may be improved, but processing time increases and computational resources are consumed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage resolutionVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary analysis of the raw measurement data to detect the minimum post spacing and determine the maximum achievable resolution before full image processing is executed. This preliminary action identifies the optimal processing level in advance, preventing unnecessary computational effort and time consumption while ensuring the highest possible resolution is achieved.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If image processing is performed to increase resolution, then image quality improves, but computational complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage resolutionVSAvoidprocessing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary analysis of the raw measurement data to detect the minimum post spacing and determine the maximum achievable resolution before full image processing is executed. This preliminary action identifies the optimal processing level in advance, preventing unnecessary computational effort and time consumption while ensuring the highest possible resolution is achieved.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If multiple processing iterations are performed to achieve higher resolution, then image resolution may improve, but the time required to obtain the final image increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage resolutionVSAvoidimage generation speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses feedback from the detected minimum post spacing to determine when the maximum achievable resolution has been reached. By continuously monitoring the relationship between post spacing and resolution during processing iterations, the system can automatically stop processing when further iterations would not improve resolution, thereby optimizing the balance between image quality and generation speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS8994818B2Method and apparatus for detecting minimum post spacing in imaging applications
Publication Date: 2015.03.31 RAYTHEON CO
  • US8994818B2 patent drawing
  • US8994818B2 patent drawing
  • US8994818B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method includes receiving image data obtained by a laser imaging system. The method also includes identifying a minimum post spacing obtainable in a three-dimensional image constructed using the image data. The minimum post spacing defines a maximum obtainable resolution of the image. Identifying the minimum post spacing includes using (i) multiple point spread functions associated with the image data and (ii) a number of laser pulses directed at a specified area by the imaging system during capture of the image data. Identifying the minimum post spacing may also include using (iii) a minimum contrast ratio associated with the image. The point spread functions may be associated with different point reflectors, have a Gaussian distribution, and overlap.