WO1997012483A1 - Mecanisme a micromouvement destine a ameliorer la resolution de l'image d'un lecteur optique - Google Patents
Mecanisme a micromouvement destine a ameliorer la resolution de l'image d'un lecteur optique Download PDFInfo
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- WO1997012483A1 WO1997012483A1 PCT/US1996/015547 US9615547W WO9712483A1 WO 1997012483 A1 WO1997012483 A1 WO 1997012483A1 US 9615547 W US9615547 W US 9615547W WO 9712483 A1 WO9712483 A1 WO 9712483A1
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Classifications
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N23/00—Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensors; Control thereof
- H04N23/58—Means for changing the camera field of view without moving the camera body, e.g. nutating or panning of optics or image sensors
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N25/00—Circuitry of solid-state image sensors [SSIS]; Control thereof
- H04N25/48—Increasing resolution by shifting the sensor relative to the scene
Definitions
- This invention is in the area of apparatus and methods for high-resolution scanning of images, and has particular application to scanning apparatus, digital cameras, and video-cameras.
- a CCD charge-coupled device
- a CCD comprises thousands of photosensitive semiconducting cells, each of which transforms light impinging on the individual cell into an electrical charge having a magnitude proportional to the intensity ofthe light.
- the light falling on an array of such cells arranged to capture an image is light reflected from a hard copy of a document to be scanned, or from objects and topography (In the case of a digital camera) viewed through a lens.
- a single row of photosensitive semiconducting cells typically referred to in the art as a linear CCD, sometimes called a scanning bar, often is used in scanning devices and high-resolution digital cameras.
- a camera for example equipped with a linear CCD captures an image as a series of narrow strips.
- the position of either the CCD or ofthe entity being scanned must be moved a number of times to complete a scan to record an image.
- the technique offers high resolution particularly in the direction at right angles to the row of CCD elements, depending on ability to adjust position ofthe entity to be scanned relative to the linear CCD.
- the technique requires considerable time to capture an image, and is therefore not typically used for such as photography, where a scene may rapidly shift.
- a two-dimensional CCD array allows exposure of an entire two-dimensional grid of photosensitive semiconductor cells to an image, and a two-dimensional bit-map file may be quickly prepared by sensing the output of each of the cells in the array. This is the basis of a digital camera still camera and of a digital video camera, which records a series of frames, wherein each frame is a bit-map image.
- a digital camera equipped with a two-dimensional CCD captures an image in a fraction of the time it takes a camera equipped with a linear CCD to capture an image. For this reason a digital camera equipped with a two-dimensional CCD, often termed a real-time digital camera in the art, may be used to photograph scenes that are stationary for only a short time, or even moving objects.
- a unique micro-motion mechanism is combined with a two-dimensional CCD array and suitable controls, allowing for rapid and highly accurate micro-displacement of a two-dimensional CCD in a scanning or photographic procedure.
- displacing a low-resolution, two- dimensional CCD array a small increment in the plane ofthe array after recording a scan, the increment being substantially less than the center distance between CCD elements, and making such displacements and recording new scans incrementally in both two-dimension directions, a very high-resolution composite image may be quickly recorded.
- This apparatus and method provides low-cost, high-resolution digital cameras.
- a system for capturing images comprising an array of sensor cells including connection circuitry for coupling the cells to outside circuitry; and a micro-motion mechanism in contact with the array of sensor cells, including connections for power and control input to the micro-motion mechanism.
- the micro-motion mechanism is adapted for moving the cell array in at least one direction in the plane ofthe cell array.
- the cell array comprises an array of charge- coupled devices (CCDs) implemented on a semiconductor substrate, but the invention is not limited by devices that sense visible light, and micro-motion mechanisms can take several forms, such as bi-metallic cantilevers and piezoelectric devices.
- CCDs charge- coupled devices
- arrays can be linear arrays, such as a scanner bars, or CCD arrays in two dimensions, with sensor cells in columns and rows.
- systems according to the invention can be adapted for various purposes, such a digital still camera, a digital video camera, and scanners of various sorts.
- CCD arrays for use with such as scanners, digital cameras, and video cameras can now be smaller and of lower physical resolution, with final resolution software controlled.
- images with higher resolution than from conventional equipment may be made, many image filters and enhancements may rendered in software rather than hardware, making such systems inherently more versatile and flexible.
- Fig. 1 A is a plan view of a CCD system according an embodiment ofthe present invention, including a block diagram of control and storage circuitry.
- Fig. IB is an isometric view of a digital camera according to an embodiment ofthe present invention.
- Fig. IC is an isometric view of a flat-bed scanner according to an embodiment of the present invention.
- Fig. 2 is a plan view of an enlarged portion ofthe CCD system of
- Fig. 3 is a diagram of a displacement sequence illustrating how two exemplary photosensitive semiconductor cells can be displaced in small discrete steps by a precisely controlled micro-motion mechanism according an embodiment ofthe present invention.
- Fig. 4 is a diagram illustrating how a sequence of cell displacements according to an embodiment ofthe present invention may cause a photosensitive semiconductor cell dedicated to one color to exchange position with a photosensitive semiconductor cell of another color.
- Fig. 5 A is a plan view of a portion of the periphery of a CCD array with a bimetal micro-motion mechanism according an embodiment ofthe present invention.
- Fig. 5B is an edge view of the bimetal micro-motion mechanism of Fig. 5A.
- Fig. 6A is a plan view ofthe periphery of a CCD array showing a bimetal micro-motion mechanism having a current-control circuit according an alternative embodiment of the present invention.
- Fig. 6B is an edge view of the bimetal micro-motion mechanism of Fig. ⁇ A.
- Fig. 7 is a plan view of a CCD array having a piezoelectric micro-motion mechanism according another embodiment ofthe present invention.
- Fig. 8 is a plan view a three-color (RGB) camera mechanism according to another embodiment ofthe present invention. wherein each
- FIG. 9 is an isometric view of a video camera according to an embodiment ofthe present invention.
- Fig. 10 is a generalized flow diagram depicting a sequence of logical steps in constructing an image according to an embodiment of the present invention.
- Fig. IA is a plan view of a system 11 according to an embodiment ofthe present invention comprising a CCD array 13 having a matrix of photosensitive semiconductor cells such as cell 19.
- the position of CCD array 13 within a frame 17 is precisely controlled by a set of micro-motion mechanisms 15a, 15b, 15c. 15d that bear against both frame 17 and CCD array 13.
- micro-motion mechanisms There are a number of suitable micro-motion mechanisms known to the inventors for accomplishing physical displacement of array 134 relative to frame 17.
- the micro-motion mechanisms may be actuated by an electric current or charge.
- Dimension D 1 is the center distance in the exemplary case between CCDs in each direction X and Y. In Fig. 1 A the center distance is the same in each direction, but this need not be so.
- a set of micro-motion mechanisms displaces array 13 by a fraction of distance Dl.
- Micro-motion mechanisms 15b and 15d in this example cause displacement in the X direction, and one extends while the other retracts.
- one controllable micro-motion mechanism (15b for example) may be used with the opposite element (15d in this case) being a resilient member.
- micro-motion mechanisms 15a and 15c displace CCD array 13 in the Y direction.
- System 11 includes suitable control circuitry 28 coupled to the cell array for powering the cell array and motion mechanisms, for sensing the output of individual cells, and for processing and storing in a digital memory 32 bit-mapped images based on sensed output of cells.
- Such circuitry is conventional and within the skill of persons with ordinary skill in the art.
- Fig. IB is an isometric view of a digital camera 12 according to an embodiment ofthe present invention and having a movable CCD system 14 as described above relative to Fig. IA.
- Camera 12 focuses an image of outside entities and topography through a lens system 16 on internal CCD array 14 as in conventional digital cameras, but when the camera is triggered via switch 18 or similar trigger, multiple scans ofthe array are quickly executed and the results recorded, and an incremental movement ofthe CCD array is made in the plane ofthe array between each scan and recording.
- the result is several stored images which may be combined to produce a single image having higher resolution than any one ofthe single images.
- Fig. IC is an isometric view of a flat-bed scanner 20 having a movable CCD system 22 as described above relative to Fig. IA.
- This scanner has top cover 26 and an upper glass surface 24 as is conventional.
- CCD array 22 is mounted with micro-motion mechanisms to be movable in increments in the plane ofthe array.
- a document is placed on glass 24.
- cover 26 is closed, and a scan sequence is triggered by a switch or other command to the scanner. Multiple scans are made ofthe CCD array with interspersed incremental movements between scans as described also above for the digital camera of Fig. IB.
- a series of bit mapped files that may be combined into a single file or image having substantially greater resolution than any one ofthe individual images taken in the sequence.
- a linear CCD bar may be inco ⁇ orated and the scanner incorporates a document feed mechanism for feeding a document to be scanned past the liner CCD bar.
- the scanner while the document is being fed, fhe linear CCD bar is moved laterally in small increments and multiple scans are made in the direction at right angles to the direction of document feeding as well as in the direction of document feeding. In this manner the resolution of an image of a scanned document may be increased, and a low-cost CCD may be used with fewer and more widely spaced cells than would otherwise be needed for a given resolution.
- Fig. ID is an isometric view of a hand-held scanner 60 according to yet another embodiment ofthe present invention.
- a linear CCD 62 is used, as is common for such scanners, and an image is acquired as the hand-held scanner is drawn across a document to be scanned. Output of cells is taken at increments of time during the movement ofthe scanner. Movement ofthe scanner substitutes for the motion imparted to a document by a document feeder in scanners that feed documents.
- micro-motion mechanisms are inco ⁇ orated to move the linear CCD in the direction ofthe linear axis, that is. in the direction of arrow 64 which is at right angles to the direction of movement ofthe scanner during a scan. Output of cells taken and stored now can be combined to produce an image having improved resolution in the direction of arrow 64.
- Fig. 2 is a plan view of an enlarged portion ofthe CCD system of Fig. 1 A showing a set of four photosensitive semiconductor cells 23, 25, 29, and 39, which may be any ofthe cells shown in Fig. 1.
- micro-motion mechanisms 15a and 15c are actuated, all photosensitive semiconductor cells of CCD 13 move in the Y direction.
- cell 25 may be moved by action of micro-motion mechanisms 15a and 15c to position 31, halfway between the former positions of cells 23 and 25.
- cell 29 would move to position 30, and cells 23 and 39 would move to positions not shown in Fig. 2. but one-half of dimension Dl above the positions shown in Fig. 2.
- the records can be used to produce two distinct images, or the records can be combined to form a single image with twice the Y-axis resolution of either ofthe two distinct images. The combination with higher resolution assumes the entity being scanned or photographed has not moved in the time required to move array 13 to the new position in the y-axis direction.
- micro-motion mechanisms 15b and 15d may be actuated to move array 13 in the x-direction with results similar to the results described above for movement in the y-direction.
- Cell 25 moves to a new position 33 one-half of dimension Dl in the x-direction, and halfway between the original positions of cells 25 and 29.
- the records can be used to produce two distinct images, or the records can be combined to form a single image with twice the X-axis resolution of either ofthe two distinct images.
- the combination with higher resolution assumes the entity being scanned or photographed has not moved in the time required to move array 13 to the new position in the X-axis direction. Taking advantage ofthe movement of one-half of the cell center distance in each ofthe X and Y-directions, and capturing the output ofthe cells at the original position and at each ofthe halfway points, provides three image arrays that may be combined to produce a single image with twice the two-dimensional resolution of any one ofthe single captured images.
- precisely controlled micro-motion mechanisms may be activated to displace a CCD array in increments of a fraction ofthe cell center distance in the array.
- Fig. 3. illustrates a displacement sequence that illustrates how two cells 43 and 45 can be displaced in small discrete steps by a precisely controlled micro-motion mechanism, ln this example each cell traverses the center distance Dl between two adjacent physical cells in five equal steps. It will be apparent to those with skill in the art that smaller increments as well as nonlinear progression may be implemented with little difficulty. At the beginning, before movement, an image is captured, and a new image is recorded at each incremental movement step.
- FIG. 4 depicts a sequence of cell displacements according to an alternative embodiment ofthe present invention that illustrates how micro-motion mechanisms may be used to cause photosensitive semiconductor cells of one color to exchange position with photosensitive semiconductor cells of another color.
- the apparent resolution of a color dot known as a pixel in the art, equals an area bounded by circle 61.
- Step 1 shows initial positions of a red-sensitive cell 57, a blue-sensitive cell 53, and a green-sensitive cell 55.
- red-sensitive cell 57 is displaced by action of a micro-motion mechanism, as indicated by vector 63, from initial position to the position blue-sensitive cell 53 formerly occupied.
- red-sensitive cell 57 is displaced, as indicated by vector 65, to the position that green-sensitive cell 55 occupied in step 1.
- blue-sensitive cell 53 may exchange positions with cell 55 and cell 57 while green-sensitive cell 55 may exchange positions with cell 53 and cell 57.
- the apparent pixel area of a color-sensitive CCD equipped with a micro-motion mechanism may equal the area of a single color-sensitive cell, rather than the area encompassed by three cells.
- the resolution for such a system is far superior to the resolution achieved without a micro-motion mechanism.
- the cell-exchange technique as described above is not limited to three (RGB) color-photosensitive semiconductor cells, but may be applied to any set of multi-color photosensitive semiconductor cells.
- suitable software is needed to assemble multi-scanned images into a single high-resolution image. The necessary control mechanisms for recording the images as positional adjustment is made, and for combining the recorded information into a composite image is well within ordinary skill in the art.
- Fig. 5 A is a plan view of a CCD array 75 having a bimetal micro-motion mechanism 73 according an embodiment of the present invention for shifting the position ofthe CCD array as described above. It will be apparent to those with skill in the art that a bimetal micro-motion mechanism may be made an integral part of a CCD array, or an integral part of a frame apparatus, and that in either case the function and implementation of the micro-motion mechanism remains substantially the same.
- Micro-motion mechanism 73 comprises silicon substrate (CCD array) 75 having imbedded photosensitive semiconductor cells (not shown), a silicon frame 85 that bounds array 75. a cantilever structure 73 that is produced by etching substrate 75. an electrically conductive region 77 which may be made by doping silicon as is known in the art, a metallic layer 79 consisting of a metal like chromium or aluminum, and an insulator layer 81 that provides an electrical barrier between metallic layer 79 and electrically conductive region 77.
- etching a cantilever in semiconductor material is known in the an. Adding the layers as indicated may be done by other techniques known to those having skill in manufacture of integrated circuits.
- Fig. 5B is an elevation view of bimetal micro-motion mechanism 71 of Fig. 5A.
- metallic layer 79, and insulator 81 are shown.
- Region 77 of cantilever 73 may be made conductive by doping the surface with an impurity such as aluminum or arsenium.
- Insulator 81 may be made of silicon oxide deposited and patterned in processes developed for IC manufacture.
- Conductive area 77 and metallic layer 79 make contact at the tip of cantilever 73.
- an electric power source 87 When an electric power source 87 is connected to conductive area 77 and metallic layer 79, it will cause a small current to flow, and as a result, the temperature of cantilever 73 will rise as a result of considerable resistance to current flow.
- cantilever 73 Because of different temperature expansion coefficients for metallic layer 79 and the semiconductor material of cantilever 73, the cantilever deflects as shown in phantom view 89. As a result, cantilever 73 urges against silicon frame 85 and displaces CCD substrate 75 slightly. The degree of deflection of cantilever 73 is proportional to the temperature, and hence, proportional to the strength ofthe electric current. Consequently, the displacement of a CCD may be accurately controlled by regulating the electric current flowing through conductive area 77 and metallic layer 79. It will be apparent to one with skill in the art that an asymmetric metallic layer may cause cantilever 73 to deflect in a different direction, which phenomenon may be applied to alter the orientation of cantilever 73.
- Fig. 6a is a plan view of a bimetal micro-motion mechanism with a CCD-resident current-control circuit according an alternative embodiment ofthe present invention.
- a silicon substrate 99 comprises a cantilever structure 107 having an electrically conductive doped region 97. a metallic layer 95 having an extension 109, an insulator layer 93, and an integrated current-control circuit 101.
- Current-control circuit 101 may be electrically connected to extension 109 and conductive area 97 by a set of conductive paths 103 and 105.
- the conductive paths in one embodiment are may be traces created in silicon substrate 99.
- Fig. 6b is an edge view of bimetal micro-motion mechanism 107.
- Bimetal micro-motion mechanism 107 comprises cantilever 107.
- Fig. 7 is a plan view of a piezoelectric micro-motion mechanism 1 13 according another embodiment ofthe present invention.
- Micro-motion mechanism 113 comprises a silicon substrate 1 15. a cantilever 113, a doped semiconductor area 123, a thin layer of piezoelectric material 1 17 such as, but is not limited to, lead zirconate titanate (PZT), and a metallic layer 1 19.
- PZT lead zirconate titanate
- a metallic layer 1 19 When an electric-charge source 125 applies an electric field across piezoelectric material 1 17 by means of metallic layer 1 19 and doped semiconductor area 123, piezoelectric material 1 17 expands along one axis and contracts along another axis.
- This dimensional distortion is applied to displace silicon substrate 115 in a manner described fully above, and hence, displace photosensitive semiconductor cells as illustrated in Fig. 2. Fig. 3 and Fig. 4.
- only one micro-motion mechanism for the X axis and one micro-motion mechanism for the Y axis may be needed if each ofthe opposing micro-motion mechanisms are replaced by a piece of resilient material. Since a resilient material acts like a spring, a resilient piece reverses the displacement of a CCD when its opposing micro-motion mechanism fully or partly relaxes.
- a magnetostrictive material such as Terfenol-D may be used to construct micro-motion mechanisms. Since magnetostrictive materials change dimensions when exposed to a magnetic field, a small electromagnet may be used to actuate a micro-motion mechanisms made of magnetostrictive material.
- Fig. 8 is a plan view a three-color (RGB) camera 131 according an embodiment ofthe present invention wherein three separate CCD arrays are utilized, and each array may be moved independently by a micro-motion mechanism.
- the micro-motion mechanisms are not shown, but are implemented in frames with each CCD array as described above.
- Camera 131 comprises a prism 133. a lens 135. a CCD array 137 that is sensitive to red light, a CCD array 139 that is sensitive to green light, and a CCD array 141 that is sensitive to blue light.
- Each CCD array is equipped with a set of micro-motion mechanisms that displace its photosensitive semiconductor cells in a manner as previously described to increase captured-image resolution.
- the information obtained from captured multi-scanned images of each CCD is then combined and used to assemble a single high-resolution color image.
- the present invention also significantly improves resolution of digital video cameras.
- the mass of a cantilever of a micro-motion mechanism as described above can be made small enough to allow repetitive deflections at a rate that su ⁇ asses the line-scan frequency used in conventional digital video cameras.
- Such a quick-response micro-motion mechanism allows multiple CCD array displacements and associated line scans within a single line-scan period of a conventional digital video camera.
- a camera-resident software program uses information obtained from the multiple line-images to assemble and store a single high-resolution line. The program also ensures that a CCD array returns to its initial position, ready for a next line to be scanned.
- Fig. 9 is an isometric view of a video camera 66 according to an embodiment ofthe present invention.
- a sensor array is oscillated in the plane of the array by micro- motion mechanisms, and scans of cells an the array to produce images are initiated and guided by control routines executed by a local CPU.
- a judicious selection ofthe number of cells in each column and line allows for resolution to be adjusted to existing and perhaps future video standards.
- An 80 x 60 array of cells may be used, for example, to produce frames of 640 x 480 by recording images in seven positions between each physical position. The effect is multiplying the number of columns and lines in a image array by eight.
- the same 80 x 60 array may be multiplied by ten in each direction to produce an 800 x 600 image.
- the resolution can be set and reset by software.
- Fig. 10 is a flow diagram depicting a general process flow for making a composite scan using a movable cell device according to various embodiments ofthe present invention.
- the flow diagram assumes that the apparatus (camera, scanner) using the movable cell device is digitally controlled, and that a pre-programmed sequence determines the number of scans (images) to be taken and the timing and magnitude of movement by micro-motion mechanisms.
- the logical flow in Fig. 10 begins with initiation of a scan sequence at step 40. After initiation, a first reading of an array or linear bar is taken at step 42. before movement of the array or bar by a micro- motion mechanism. Then, at step 44. the bar or array is moved a small increment (which may be in any direction, and the direction in subsequent movements may change, according to a pre-programmed sequence). After movement, a subsequent reading is taken at step 46.
- step 48 a decision is made at step 48 as to whether the sequence is complete. If the sequence is not complete, control goes back to step 44, another movement is made, and then control goes again to step 46, where another subsequent reading is made. If at step 48 the decision is that the procedure is complete, control goes to step 50, where the scan procedure is complete, and processing of the collected data may begin. Variations and adaptions ofthe general stepwise procedure shown may be necessary for various alternative embodiments ofthe present invention.
- various embodiments ofthe invention have been described as using photosensitive arrays, and moving an array in the plane ofthe array to enhance resolution.
- the invention is not limited to sensors that sense visible light, however, but may be practiced with arrays of sensors that sense, for example, ultraviolet or infrared radiation, or other sorts of electromagnetic radiation. Applications of such sensing apparatus might include illuminating and recording systems for night vision.
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Abstract
L'invention concerne un dispositif d'imagerie numérique haute résolution, du type caméra numérique ou lecteur optique de documents, utilisant un ensemble basse résolution (13) de cellules photosensibles (19). L'ensemble (13) comprend des mécanismes à micromouvement (15a, 15b, 15c et 15d) permettant de déplacer cet ensemble rapidement par pas, pour saisir une information image entre les positions des cellules (19) de l'ensemble non déplacé.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US53617595A | 1995-09-29 | 1995-09-29 | |
US08/536,175 | 1995-09-29 |
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WO1997012483A1 true WO1997012483A1 (fr) | 1997-04-03 |
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PCT/US1996/015547 WO1997012483A1 (fr) | 1995-09-29 | 1996-09-27 | Mecanisme a micromouvement destine a ameliorer la resolution de l'image d'un lecteur optique |
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Cited By (8)
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WO2003032627A1 (fr) * | 2001-09-11 | 2003-04-17 | Deltapix Aps | Procede et dispositif permettant de produire une image haute resolution |
EP1320254A1 (fr) * | 2001-12-12 | 2003-06-18 | MV Research Limited | Système de traitement d'image |
GB2399630A (en) * | 2003-02-24 | 2004-09-22 | Shinko Denshi Kk | Apparatus for measuring sizes of articles |
WO2005057557A1 (fr) * | 2003-12-08 | 2005-06-23 | Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. | Dispositif de balayage holographique |
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DE102010038547A1 (de) * | 2010-07-28 | 2012-02-02 | Leica Microsystems (Schweiz) Ag | Bildstabilisierungs- und -aufnahmeeinrichtung für eine Bildaufnahmevorrichtung eines Operationsmikroskops |
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