Surface Contrast Assessment via Camera Focusing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for assessing contrasts on surfaces, such as paintings or sculptures, are not simple to use independently of location and may not be safe.

Innovation Solution

A method involving focusing a camera on a prominent image dot of the surface, creating at least two images of a high-contrast area, and storing the image with the highest level of detail as a reference image, using a mobile device equipped with a camera.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a stationary optical scanning device with multiple components (laser light source, light deflection device, imaging element, imaging retroreflector, light receiving device) is used for surface assessment, then measurement precision can be improved, but device complexity increases and portability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurface assessment precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple optical components (light source, deflection device, imaging element, retroreflector, and light receiving device) into a single integrated optical scanning device. This merging maintains measurement precision while reducing device complexity and enabling portability for field use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The optical scanning device is designed to perform multiple functions: generating light beams with different wavelengths, deflecting beams across the surface, imaging reflected light, and detecting surface characteristics. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate devices while maintaining assessment precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If multiple light sources and complex optical components are used for surface imaging, then image quality can be improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to complex setup and alignment requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage qualityVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the light source, deflection mechanism, imaging elements, and detection devices into a single self-contained optical scanning device. This integration eliminates complex alignment requirements and simplifies operation while maintaining high image quality through coordinated optical paths.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The optical scanning device is designed to automatically perform surface assessment without requiring manual alignment or complex setup. The integrated system self-calibrates and operates autonomously, improving ease of operation while maintaining measurement precision through internal coordination of optical components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If stationary optical devices with multiple components are deployed for surface assessment, then measurement precision can be maintained, but adaptability to different locations and environments is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurface assessment precisionVSAvoidportability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent consolidates all necessary optical components into a single portable scanning device that can be easily transported and deployed in various locations. This merged design maintains measurement precision while enabling field use and adaptability to different environments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The optical scanning device incorporates movable or adjustable components that allow it to adapt to different surface geometries, distances, and environmental conditions. This dynamic design enables the device to maintain measurement precision across diverse locations and applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables the automatic creation of sharp and high-quality images of a surface from a specified distance, allowing for effective assessment of contrasts and authentication of objects.

Implementation Method 1

Focusing a camera on a prominent image dot of the surface to be assessed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFocusing: Focusing

Implementation Method 2

The camera receives the light beams of the light sources reflected on the surfaces of the component

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS12222299B2Method for assessing contrasts on surfaces
Publication Date: 2025.02.11 4ART HLDG AG
  • US12222299B2 patent drawing
  • US12222299B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for assessing contrasts on surfaces, in particular for optically identifying structured and/or pictorial surfaces, e.g. of paintings or sculptures, is simple to use independently of the location and safe. For this purpose, the method involves the steps of: focusing a camera onto a prominent image dot on the surface; creating at least two images of a recognizable, high-contrast area of the image dot; and storing the image having the greatest depth of detail as a reference image.