Handheld Scanner Image Frame Alignment via Computational Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Handheld scanners face challenges in accurately assembling successive outputs of an image array into a composite image without mechanical constraints, often resulting in fuzzy or distorted images due to inaccurate positioning of image frames.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that dynamically adjusts the size and position of image frames as they are added to a composite image, using navigation sensors and image matching techniques to determine the relative pose of each frame, allowing for coarse and fine adjustments to achieve accurate alignment and improve image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If handheld scanners are used without mechanical constraints, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision of composite image assembly deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical constraints with computational methods. Instead of physically constraining the scanner to move along predefined paths, the system uses image processing algorithms to calculate and correct the positions of successive image frames, substituting mechanical guidance with software-based positioning correction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the position of the handheld scanner and provides real-time feedback through image processing. By analyzing the relationship between successive images and the scanner's movement, the system dynamically adjusts the positioning of each frame to compensate for uncontrolled motion, ensuring accurate composite image assembly.
2Device complexity
If successive outputs of the image array are assembled without accurate positioning, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision of composite image assembly deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by capturing multiple successive image frames at predetermined time intervals during the scanning process. These frames are pre-positioned and pre-processed based on the scanner's movement data, allowing for accurate composite image assembly without requiring complex real-time positioning mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The scanning process is divided into discrete time intervals, with the image array capturing separate frames at each interval. This segmentation allows the system to process and position each frame independently based on the scanner's position at that specific moment, simplifying the overall device architecture while maintaining positioning accuracy.
3Manufacturing precision
If mechanical constraints are applied to the scanner, then manufacturing precision of image assembly is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates mechanical constraints by using computational methods to determine the positions of image frames. The system calculates positioning information based on the scanner's movement and uses image processing algorithms to accurately assemble the composite image, replacing physical constraints with software-based solutions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of positioning from mechanical/physical to computational/mathematical. Instead of relying on mechanical guides or constraints, the patent uses calculated position parameters derived from scanner movement data and image processing to accurately place each frame in the composite image.
4Manufacturing precision
If a predefined path is required for scanning, then manufacturing precision of image assembly is improved, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamics to the scanning process by allowing the scanner to move freely without predefined paths. The system dynamically calculates the position of each image frame based on the scanner's actual movement and time interval, enabling adaptive positioning that works regardless of the scanning path taken.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal scanning system that can handle various scanning paths and object sizes without requiring predefined paths or mechanical constraints. The computational positioning method is adaptable to different scanning scenarios, making the system versatile for various applications.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer peripheral that may operate as a scanner. The scanner captures image frames as it is moved across an object. The image frames are formed into a composite image based on computations in two processes. In a first process, fast track processing determines a coarse position of each of the image frames based on a relative position between each successive image frame and a respective preceding image determine by matching overlapping portions of the image frames. In a second process, fine position adjustments are computed to reduce inconsistencies from determining positions of image frames based on relative positions to multiple prior image frames. As additional image frames are added to the composite image, the size and format of the composite image may be automatically adjusted to facilitate ease of use.