Spectroscopic Camera Abnormal Pixel Correction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Spectroscopic cameras using Fabry-Perot interference filters face issues with abnormal brightness in spectroscopic images due to specular reflection from compact near-infrared light sources, leading to suboptimal image quality.

Innovation Solution

A camera system with a light source, imaging section, pixel detection, and light amount correction capabilities that identifies abnormal pixels from specular reflection and corrects their light values using averages or medians of nearby normal pixels, ensuring high-precision spectroscopic imaging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of moving object

If a compact spectroscopic camera using Fabry-Perot interference filter is used, then the camera size is reduced and weight is decreased, but specular reflection from the light source causes abnormal brightness in the captured image

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecamera weightVSAvoidspecular reflection interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by detecting abnormal pixels caused by specular reflection before final image processing. The system identifies pixels with excessive brightness (abnormal pixels) and replaces their light amounts with corrected values derived from surrounding normal pixels, preventing reflection interference from affecting the final spectroscopic analysis results

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful specular reflection into a manageable issue by establishing a correction mechanism. Instead of avoiding the reflection problem, the system detects abnormal pixels and replaces their light amounts with values calculated from surrounding normal pixels, effectively transforming the harmful reflection effect into a correctable data anomaly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Device complexity

If a compact spectroscopic camera using Fabry-Perot interference filter is used, then the camera structure is simplified, but image quality deteriorates due to abnormal brightness from light source reflection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecamera structureVSAvoidimage quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by using the light amount information from surrounding normal pixels to correct abnormal pixels. The system calculates the light amount at abnormal pixels based on the light amounts of adjacent normal pixels, creating a feedback loop that restores image quality without complicating the overall camera structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Length of moving object

If the distance between light source and imaging lens is reduced in a compact camera, then the camera becomes more compact, but specular reflection enters the imaging lens causing abnormal brightness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecamera lengthVSAvoidspecular reflection entry

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies mechanics substitution by replacing the mechanical solution (increasing distance between light source and lens) with a software-based correction approach. Instead of mechanically preventing reflection by increasing distance, the system uses image processing to detect and correct abnormal pixels, maintaining the compact camera design while eliminating reflection interference

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 camera system effectively corrects for specular reflections, producing high-precision spectroscopic images by replacing abnormal pixel values with appropriate light amounts, enhancing image accuracy and reducing edge errors.

Implementation Method 1

The imaging apparatus (spectroscopic camera) described in JP-A-2009-33222 causes light from the object to be incident on a Fabry-Perot interference filter and allows an image sensor to receive light having passed through the Fabry-Perot interference filter

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInterference: Interference

Implementation Method 2

a near infrared light source needs to be provided in an imaging apparatus body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight emission: Light

Implementation Method 3

light specularly reflected off the surface of an object being imaged enters the imaging lens

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpecular reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS9270898B2Camera and image processing method for spectroscopic analysis of captured image

Publication Date: 2016.02.23 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

A spectroscopic analysis apparatus includes a light source section that radiates light toward an object being imaged, an imaging section that captures light reflected off the object being imaged to acquire an image, a pixel detector that detects an abnormal pixel in the image which is a pixel where a reflectance ratio is greater than or equal to 1 and detects normal pixels in the image each of which is a pixel where the reflectance ratio is smaller than 1, and a light amount corrector that calculates a light amount correction value based on the amounts of light at normal pixels in a pixel area including the abnormal pixel in the image and replaces the amount of light at the abnormal pixel with the light amount correction value.