Method For Providing Image Illumination Calibration For An Imaging Apparatus

A method for providing image illumination calibration for an imaging apparatus having a camera scan system, comprising:

• (a) setting an exposure level of an illumination source of said camera scan system to a first exposure level;
• (b) generating a first image of said calibration target at said first exposure level having a first percentage of saturated pixels that defines a first zone in a total pixel area corresponding to said first image, said first zone representing a pixel sub-area of said total pixel area that excludes saturated pixels;
• (c) setting said exposure level of said illumination source of said camera scan system to a next exposure level;
• (d) generating a next image of said calibration target at said next exposure level having a next percentage of saturated pixels that defines a next zone in said total pixel area corresponding to said next image, said next zone representing a pixel sub-area of said total pixel area that excludes saturated pixels;
• (e) repeating acts (c) and (d) a predetermined number of times to generate a plurality of images of said calibration target and a corresponding plurality of zones;
• (f) combining said plurality of zones for said plurality of images of said calibration target to generate a final calibration image;
• and
• (g) generating a shading table that results in shading correction for said final calibration image to obtain a uniform image of said calibration target over said total pixel area, said shading table including gain and offset values associated with each pixel of said total pixel area.