Spectrally Structured Light Imaging for Color Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional imaging technologies, such as those using Bayer-pattern CMOS cameras, struggle to accurately capture spectral information due to limitations in lighting, leading to color inaccuracies and inefficiencies in distinguishing between objects based on their spectral properties, especially under varying ambient lighting conditions.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a system that synchronizes pulsing of multiple LED light sources with individual frames of a CMOS sensor, effectively transforming a standard camera into an imaging spectrometer capable of capturing hyper-spectral data by utilizing spectral structured light, allowing for direct chromaticity capture and improved color accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional Bayer-pattern CMOS cameras are used for imaging, then the device complexity is low and ease of manufacture is high, but the spectral information capture accuracy deteriorates and color accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by synchronizing the pulsing of multiple LED light sources with different spectral characteristics to individual frames of the CMOS sensor. This temporal multiplexing allows the single sensor to capture spectral information from multiple light sources sequentially, effectively transforming it into an imaging spectrometer without requiring multiple simultaneous sensors or complex optical paths
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the standard CMOS camera multi-functional by enabling it to perform both conventional imaging and spectral analysis functions. By coordinating the LED light sources with the sensor frames, the same hardware platform serves dual purposes: capturing spatial information through the Bayer pattern and spectral information through synchronized illumination, eliminating the need for separate spectral imaging devices
2Measurement precision
If multiple LED light sources are synchronized with CMOS sensor frames to capture hyper-spectral data, then spectral analysis precision is improved and color accuracy is improved, but the use of energy increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic pulsing of multiple LED light sources synchronized with CMOS sensor frames. Each LED emits light in a controlled pulse that corresponds to specific sensor exposure frames, allowing spectral information to be captured through temporal multiplexing rather than requiring continuous illumination from multiple sources simultaneously, thereby reducing overall energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent captures spectral information by creating multiple copies of the same scene under different spectral illuminations. Each LED light source illuminates the scene with its characteristic spectrum, and the synchronized sensor frames capture these spectral variations. This copying approach allows spectral analysis without requiring physically separate measurement systems for each wavelength
3Measurement precision
If multiple LED light sources are synchronized with CMOS sensor frames, then spectral analysis precision is improved and color accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic synchronization between multiple LED light sources and CMOS sensor frames to capture spectral information. By timing the LED pulses to coincide with specific sensor exposure frames, the system extracts spectral data from a standard camera through temporal multiplexing, avoiding the need for complex simultaneous multi-sensor arrangements or specialized spectral imaging hardware
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transforms a standard CMOS camera into a multi-functional device that performs both conventional color imaging and spectral analysis. The same sensor and processing hardware handle both types of data acquisition and analysis, eliminating the need for separate spectral imaging instruments and reducing overall system complexity despite the addition of multiple LED light sources
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
This approach enables precise spectral analysis and enhanced color capture, reducing errors caused by ambient lighting and improving object identification and classification, particularly in applications like medical imaging, food quality control, and digital watermarking.
Implementation Method 1
The present technology concerns how primarily the latter form of lighting, call it 'flash' for conciseness, can be so designed and implemented as to effectively qualify it within the general art of 'imaging spectrometry' or 'hyper-spectral imaging.' An introduction of the technology must make note of multi-chip LEDs
Implementation Method 2
even a common Bayer pattern CMOS camera can effectively become an imaging spectrometer with 'N bands'
Data Source
AI summary
A spectral imaging device is configured to capture color images synchronized with controlled illumination from different color light emitting diodes. A processor in the device applies a coupling factor to sampled color images to convert sampled pixels into spectral channels corresponding to LED color and color filter. Multi-spectral spectricity vectors produced at pixel locations are used along with spatial information to classify objects, such as produce items.