Multi-Camera Wavelength Image Alignment Using Calibration Patterns
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Acquiring sequential images of a sample at different wavelengths is time-consuming, increasing the risk of sample movement, especially with live tissue, and aligning simultaneously acquired images with multiple cameras having different views is challenging due to each camera's distinct perspective.
Innovation Solution
Simultaneously acquire images at different wavelengths using a plurality of cameras arranged side by side, irradiate the sample with a predetermined pattern, and use a calibration pattern detectable by all cameras to determine alignment rules, transforming images from individual camera views to a common primary view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If sequential images are acquired at different wavelengths using a single camera, then the device complexity is reduced, but the acquisition time increases and sample movement risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the imaging function across multiple cameras, with each camera dedicated to specific wavelength ranges. This segmentation allows simultaneous acquisition of multi-wavelength images, eliminating the time delay inherent in sequential single-camera approaches while managing device complexity through functional specialization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from temporal sequencing (one camera at a time) to spatial parallelism (multiple cameras simultaneously). By arranging cameras side-by-side with different wavelength sensitivities, the system captures multiple wavelength images at the same moment, effectively moving from a 1D temporal approach to a 2D spatial-temporal approach.
2Loss of time
If multiple cameras are used to acquire images simultaneously at different wavelengths, then the acquisition time is reduced, but the alignment difficulty increases due to different viewing angles
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calibration by capturing images of a calibration pattern from multiple camera angles. These calibration images are used to pre-compute geometric transformation parameters that account for each camera's viewing angle. This preliminary action enables rapid alignment of subsequent sample images without requiring complex real-time calculations.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment process uses feedback from the calibration pattern detection to automatically adjust and determine transformation rules. By comparing the known calibration pattern features across multiple camera views, the system iteratively refines the geometric transformation parameters, ensuring precise alignment while accommodating different viewing angles.
3Manufacturing precision
If a calibration pattern is used to determine alignment rules, then the alignment precision is improved, but the device complexity and process complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a calibration pattern that creates a known geometric copy or reference framework visible to all cameras. This calibration pattern serves as a common reference that can be detected and matched across different camera views, providing a simplified method to establish geometric relationships without requiring complex direct measurement of the sample itself.
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
Effectively aligns images by accounting for the sample's three-dimensional shape, allowing precise identification of surface points across multiple camera views, reducing the risk of misalignment and sample movement.
Implementation Method 1
acquiring an image of the sample area in a wavelength range specific to that camera
Data Source
AI summary
A method comprises, with a predetermined pattern, irradiating an area of a sample (1) with electromagnetic radiation (4). The method also comprises, by each of a plurality of cameras simultaneously, during the irradiating of the sample with the predetermined pattern, acquiring an image of the sample area in a wavelength range specific to that camera. The method also comprises irradiating the sample area with a calibration pattern detectable by each of the cameras. The method also comprises each of the cameras detecting the calibration pattern from its respective view of the sample area. The method also comprises, based on the detecting of the calibration pattern by each of the cameras, determining rules for transforming respective images acquired by the cameras from the respective views to a primary view. The method also comprises aligning the acquired images of the sample area by using the determined rules.