Modular Image Sensor Shading Correction via Pre-computed Light Ratios
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Solution Overview
Problem
Smart cameras face challenges in providing optimal angle of view and resolution for diverse user needs due to varying object sizes and environments, and the need for frequent adjustments in illuminations and lenses, leading to difficulties in achieving good light amount ratio correction across different combinations of optical and imaging elements.
Innovation Solution
A modular image sensor configuration comprising a body module, a lens module, and an imaging module, which acquires and applies shading correction information based on light amount ratio data from multiple positions on the imaging surface, aperture settings, and zoom settings to ensure effective luminance uniformity regardless of the combination used.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple lens modules and imaging modules are combined to meet diverse user needs, then adaptability is improved, but light amount ratio correction becomes difficult to achieve across different combinations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing light amount ratio correction values for each lens module and imaging module combination in a correction value storage unit. Instead of performing complex corrections in real-time when modules are combined, the system pre-computes correction values during manufacturing or initialization and stores them in memory, enabling rapid retrieval and application during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary correction value storage unit that acts as a mediator between the optical system (lens module) and the imaging system (imaging module). This storage unit holds pre-computed light amount ratio correction values that compensate for the interaction effects between different module combinations, allowing the system to achieve accurate correction without directly managing the complexity of each combination.
2Device complexity
If a processing-integrated image sensor is used, then device complexity is reduced, but flexibility to adjust illuminations and lenses is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the processing-integrated image sensor into separate functional modules: lens modules and imaging modules. These modules can be independently selected and combined based on specific application requirements, allowing the system to maintain the simplicity of integrated sensors while gaining the flexibility of modular components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by enabling the lens module and imaging module to be detachably connected and reconfigured. The lens module can be removed and replaced with different types based on inspection requirements, while the imaging module remains integrated with the processing unit. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to adapt to varying inspection tasks without increasing overall device complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The image sensor (1) includes a body module (10), and a lens module (20) and an imaging module (30) installed in the body module (10). The body module (10) includes: a correction part (11) performing shading correction on image data outputted by the imaging module (30) according to the set shading correction information; an acquisition part (14) acquiring information related to a size of an imaging element in the imaging module (30) installed in the body module (10) and acquiring light amount ratio information representing a ratio of a light amount at at least two positions on an imaging surface of the imaging element from the lens module (20) installed in the body module (10); and a generation and setting part (14) generating shading correction information based on the information acquired by the acquisition part (14) and setting the shading correction information to the correction part (11).