Sample Observation Imaging With Rolling Shutter Distortion Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The use of a rolling shutter method in sample observation devices leads to distortion in the imaged figure of a sample due to shifted exposure periods in pixel columns, affecting the accuracy of shape and position analysis.
Innovation Solution
A sample observation device and method that sets one pixel column as a reference pixel column, combining data portions from consecutive frames to reconstruct image data equivalent to that obtained by a global shutter method, reducing distortion and ensuring accurate analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the rolling shutter method is adopted for image capturing, then the frame rate is improved, but distortion occurs in the imaged figure of the sample due to shifted exposure periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image data processing by selecting a reference pixel column and separately combining data portions from different frames that correspond to the same exposure position of the reference pixel column. This segmentation allows reconstruction of undistorted image data while maintaining the high frame rate capability of the rolling shutter method.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter combination approach by combining data portions from multiple frames based on the exposure position of the reference pixel column. This parameter change enables correction of the distortion caused by rolling shutter while preserving the high frame rate advantage.
2Speed
If the rolling shutter method is used, then image capturing speed is improved, but analysis accuracy of sample shape and position deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a corrected copy of the image data by combining data portions from multiple frames according to the reference pixel column's exposure position. This copying process reconstructs the sample image without distortion, ensuring accurate analysis while maintaining fast capturing speed.
3Productivity
If exposure periods are shifted in pixel columns, then frame rate is increased, but distortion causes misrecognition of sample position across frames
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by selecting a reference pixel column before combining data from multiple frames. This preliminary selection establishes a reference exposure position that guides the combination process, preventing misrecognition of sample position while maintaining high frame rate.
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
The method effectively reduces distortion in the imaged figure of the sample, preventing it from being recognized in the wrong frame and ensuring high accuracy in shape and position analysis.
Implementation Method 1
an area image sensor that performs image capturing by a rolling shutter method in which a start of an exposure period of each of pixel columns in the pixel region is shifted by predetermined time
Data Source
AI summary
In a sample observation device, an image capturing unit includes an area image sensor that performs image capturing by the rolling shutter method in which a start of an exposure period of each of pixel columns in a pixel region is shifted by a predetermined time, and a generation unit sets one pixel column of the pixel columns as a reference pixel column, and combines a data portion corresponding to an exposure position of the reference pixel column in exposure positions of pixel columns of one frame and the data portion corresponding to an exposure position of the reference pixel column in exposure positions of pixel columns of other frames continuous to the one frame, thereby generating two-dimensional image data corresponding to the exposure position of the reference pixel column in the one frame.