Optical Imaging System Motion Blur Mitigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image processing techniques for moving objects suffer from motion blur due to high object speeds, making it difficult to accurately determine object coordinates, and reducing camera shutter time is not feasible or cost-effective.
Innovation Solution
An improved physical object processing system that includes a process station, transport facility, optical imaging system, and data processing facilities, where the optical imaging system maps the object's image onto an image sensor at a fixed position, using a rotatable mirror and actuator controller to mitigate motion blur, even with long shutter times, and allows for feed-forward or feedback control of the processing station.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the speed with which the object moves is increased, then productivity is improved, but motion blur occurs in the captured image making accurate object coordinates determination difficult
Solution Approach 1:
A movable reference object is introduced as an intermediary between the moving physical object and the imaging system. The reference object moves synchronously with the physical object and carries a known pattern, allowing the system to calculate and compensate for motion effects through coordinate transformations, thereby maintaining measurement precision at high speeds
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a virtual copy of the moving object's position and orientation by tracking the reference object's known pattern. This virtual model allows the system to predict and correct for motion blur effects in real-time, enabling accurate coordinate determination even when the physical object is moving rapidly
2Measurement precision
If the camera shutter time is reduced to mitigate motion blur, then image quality is improved, but the cost increases substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from the reference object's known pattern to continuously adjust and correct the imaging parameters. By calculating the actual motion from the reference pattern and applying coordinate transformations, the system achieves motion blur compensation without requiring ultra-fast shutter times, thus avoiding the need for expensive specialized cameras
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of changing the shutter time parameter to extremely short durations, the system changes the computational approach by applying motion compensation algorithms and coordinate transformations. This allows the use of standard camera shutter times while achieving equivalent image quality through software-based correction
3Measurement precision
If the optical image is mapped at a fixed position during acquisition, then motion blur is reduced, but the system complexity increases due to additional control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The movable reference object serves as a mediator that simplifies the control problem. By tracking the reference object's position and orientation, the system can calculate the required image plane adjustments without needing complex direct control mechanisms, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining fixed-position mapping benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex mechanical image stabilization mechanisms with computational methods. By using the reference object's known pattern and applying coordinate transformations in software, the system achieves motion compensation without requiring complex mechanical adjustments to the image plane or camera positioning
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
Enables the acquisition of digital images with reduced or no motion blur, allowing for accurate control of processing operations, such as deposition, patterning, and inspection, while maintaining system reliability and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
The optical imaging system is configured to map an optical image of the at least one physical object onto an image sensor
Implementation Method 2
using a rotatable mirror and actuator controller to mitigate motion blur
Data Source
AI summary
A physical object processing system is described that includes a process station, a transport facility, an optical imaging system, an image sensor and data process facilities. The transport facility transports objects along the process station that performs processing steps to the object. The image sensor acquires a digital image from an optical image of the physical objects provided by the optical imaging system. The data process facilities in turn process the digital image to control the process station. The optical imaging system maps the optical image of the at least one physical object onto the image sensor at an at least substantially fixed position during a time-interval for acquiring the digital image.