Multicamera Imaging System for Colorimetric Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing digital imaging systems for colorimetric characterization and calibration, such as those using Bayer mosaic filters and rotating color filter wheels, face limitations in color image resolution, spectral range, and device throughput due to mechanical parts and limited spectral transmittance distributions.
Innovation Solution
A multicamera imaging system comprising multiple digital imaging subsystems with aligned imaging optics, optical filters, and sensors, capable of capturing images with different spectral responses to approximate CIE color matching functions, allowing for per-pixel calculation of color metrics and alignment of images to enhance colorimetric performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a Bayer mosaic filter array is used, then the device structure is simplified and manufacturing cost is reduced, but the color image resolution is limited to 25-50% of sensor resolution
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the imaging function into multiple independent cameras, each equipped with a specific color filter (red, green, or blue). This segmentation allows each camera to capture full-resolution images in its designated color band, eliminating the resolution loss inherent in Bayer mosaic patterns while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through modular camera units.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-sensor spatial multiplexing approach (Bayer mosaic) to a multi-camera spectral dimension approach. By capturing images simultaneously in multiple color bands across different spatial dimensions, the system achieves full color resolution without compromising manufacturing ease.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a rotating color filter wheel is used, then the spectral range and filter selection flexibility are improved, but the device throughput and measurement speed are reduced due to mechanical rotation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the mechanical rotating filter wheel with multiple stationary cameras, each having a fixed color filter. This eliminates the need for mechanical rotation during measurement, thereby maximizing throughput and measurement speed while maintaining the ability to capture across multiple spectral bands simultaneously through parallel camera operation.
Solution Approach 2:
By using multiple stationary cameras with different color filters, the system enables continuous simultaneous capture across multiple spectral bands without interruption for filter rotation. This continuous parallel operation maintains high productivity while preserving spectral versatility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a rotating filter wheel with multiple filters is used, then the spectral transmittance distribution options are expanded, but moving parts are introduced that are subject to vibration, wear, and failure
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the mechanical filter wheel assembly with multiple stationary cameras, each equipped with a fixed color filter. This eliminates all moving parts from the optical path, removing sources of vibration, wear, and mechanical failure while preserving the ability to select from multiple spectral transmittance distributions through camera selection or combination.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having one camera with a rotating filter wheel that sequentially presents different filters, the system inverts the approach by having multiple cameras with fixed filters that can simultaneously or alternately capture images. This inversion eliminates mechanical complexity while maintaining spectral versatility.
4Ease of manufacture
If interline CCD imaging sensors with small pixels are used, then the sensor size and cost are reduced, but the detector dynamic range and signal-to-noise ratio are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines multiple camera sensors to achieve superior overall performance. By merging the data from multiple cameras, each with potentially different sensor characteristics, the system achieves enhanced signal-to-noise ratio and dynamic range through data fusion, while individual cameras can still use cost-effective sensor technologies.
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
This approach enables improved colorimetric calibration and characterization with increased throughput, full spectral band utilization, and reduced mechanical limitations, providing more accurate and efficient color metric calculations across a wider spectral range.
Implementation Method 1
Each camera or imaging subsystem includes imaging optics, a color filter and a digital imaging sensor
Implementation Method 2
a digital imaging sensor 100 is comprised of, for example, a CCD (charge-coupled device) or CMOS (complementary metal-oxide semiconductor) sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A multicamera imaging system includes multiple imaging subsystems. Each subsystem includes imaging optics, an optical filter, an optional shutter, a digital imaging sensor, and an analog-to-digital converter. After optional scaling, image displacement, keystone and other corrections, the captured images are aligned to result in a multi-layer registered image. Illumination metrics of individual pixels of the registered image are then calculated. The spatial distribution of the optical illumination properties of planar objects are measured, including colorimetric, photometric, radiometric, and spectroradiometric characterization and calibration of digital image displays and radiant scenes.