1D Signal Extraction Using Pixel Weight Templates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for extracting a one-dimensional signal from a two-dimensional digital image face challenges in achieving high accuracy, resolution, and noise reduction, particularly when the projection line is not aligned with the pixel grid, leading to non-uniform scaling and blurring.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a repeating sequence of pixel weight templates, selected based on the orientation of the projection line, to compute a weighted sum of pixels, ensuring uniform scaling and reduced noise by adjusting pixel weights and positions to align with the pixel grid, thereby enhancing geometric accuracy and resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a projection line is not aligned with the pixel grid, then the extraction can follow arbitrary orientations, but the scaling becomes non-uniform and blurring occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a third dimension by using multiple pixel rows (offset by half a pixel row) to compensate for the misalignment in the projection direction. This multi-row approach with fractional pixel offsets enables uniform scaling and accurate signal extraction for arbitrary projection orientations without the blurring and non-uniform scaling that occur with single-row methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of pixel row offset from integer values to fractional values (specifically half a pixel row offset). This parameter change allows the system to achieve sub-pixel precision and maintain uniform scaling for projection lines at arbitrary orientations, resolving the geometric accuracy problem.
2Reliability
If pixel values are summed or averaged perpendicular to the projection line, then noise is reduced, but resolution is lost due to blurring
Solution Approach 1:
By utilizing multiple pixel rows with half-pixel row offsets, the patent creates additional degrees of freedom in the noise reduction process. This multi-dimensional approach allows for more precise weighting schemes that can reduce noise while preserving signal resolution, avoiding the blurring effect of simple averaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different weights to pixels based on their specific positions and distances from the projection line. This local quality approach allows pixels closer to the projection line to have higher weights while still incorporating pixels from multiple rows for noise reduction, thereby maintaining resolution while reducing noise.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a Bresenham line following method is used, then the projection line can follow arbitrary orientations, but the pixel sampling becomes sparse and less accurate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves from a one-dimensional Bresenham line following approach to a multi-row approach where pixels from multiple rows (offset by half a pixel row) are utilized. This dimensional expansion provides denser and more accurate pixel sampling for arbitrary projection orientations, eliminating the sparsity problem of Bresenham's method.
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods and apparatus are disclosed for extracting a one-dimensional digital signal from a two-dimensional digital image along a projection line. Disclosed embodiments provide an image memory in which is stored the digital image, a working memory, a direct memory access controller, a table memory that holds a plurality of transfer templates, and a processor. The processor selects a transfer template from the table memory responsive to an orientation of the projection line, computes a customized set of transfer parameters from the selected transfer template and parameters of the projection line, transmits the transfer parameters to the direct memory access controller, commands the direct memory access controller to transfer data from the image memory to the working memory as specified by the transfer parameters, and computes the one-dimensional digital signal using at least a portion of the data transferred by the direct memory access controller into the working memory.