Low Memory Auto-Focus and Exposure System for Large Multi-Frame Image Acquisition
AssigneeSeiko Epson Corporation
InventorsAli Zandifar, Anoop K. Bhattacharjya
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Abstract
Embodiments of the invention are described that provide automated and efficient optimization of camera settings. In certain embodiments of the invention, both focus and exposure settings are determined based on an analysis of compressed images taken of a frame. Based on this analysis, the camera focus and exposure settings are set to provide a preferred image quality of the particular frame. This optimization of the focus and exposure settings is performed at each frame within the multi-frame image source. As a result, each frame image is independently optimized and addresses variations, such as light and surface inconsistencies, across the multi-frame image source.
Claims21
A method for calibrating a camera for acquisition of a first frame within a multi-frame source image, the method comprising:
- taking a first plurality of photographs of the first frame using a first focus setting on the camera;
- compressing the first plurality of photographs into a first plurality of compressed image files;
- calculating a first average size of the first plurality of compressed image files;
- taking a second plurality of photographs of the first frame using a second focus setting on the camera;
- compressing the second plurality of photographs into a second plurality of compressed image files;
- calculating a second average size of the second plurality of compressed image files;
- and
- selecting a preferred focus setting on the camera by comparing the first average size to the second average size.
A system for taking photographs of a plurality of frames within a multi-frame image source, the comprising:
- a camera having adjustable focus and exposure settings that can be positioned over the plurality of frames;
- a control structure, coupled to the camera, that moves the camera within a two-dimensional space above the multi-frame image source;
- an image compression mechanism, coupled within the system to receive the photographs taken by the camera, that compresses the photographs into a plurality compressed image file;
- a memory coupled within the system to store the plurality of compressed image files;
- and
- a processor, coupled to the memory, that identifies a preferred focus setting and a preferred exposure setting based on an analysis of the plurality of compressed image files.
A method for calibrating a camera for acquisition of a first frame within a multi-frame source image, the method comprising:
- taking a first plurality of photographs of the first frame using a first exposure setting on the camera;
- compressing the first plurality of photographs into a first plurality of compressed image files;
- calculating a first average size of the first plurality of compressed image files;
- taking a second plurality of photographs of the first frame using a second exposure setting on the camera;
- compressing the second plurality of photographs into a second plurality of compressed image files;
- calculating a second average size of the second plurality of compressed image files;
- and
- selecting a preferred exposure setting on the camera by comparing the first average size to the second average size.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.