Method and apparatus for limiting scanning imaging array data to characteristics of interest
US7034317B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 17, 2002 |
| Grant date | Apr 25, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 13, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B21/002
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method and system for limiting the amount of image data to be captured by a scanning imaging array. A low-resolution preliminary image of an object is acquired. Data from the preliminary image is used to identify features of interest in the object or to perform other image analyses that do not require a high-resolution image. Thereafter a scanning imaging array may be used to acquire a high-resolution image of only limited areas of the object including the features of interest or of only limited object characteristics. In one embodiment, the preliminary image is acquired using a separate, linear scanning array extending laterally with respect to the scan direction of the scanning imaging array. In another embodiment, an under sampled portion of the imaging elements of the scanning imaging array, or detectors thereof, is used to pre-scan the object to produce the low-resolution preliminary image. In a third embodiment, the preliminary image is acquired using a single-axis, low-resolution imaging system to produce the low-resolution image. The data acquired from these embodiments may then be used to limit the high-resolution image data acquired from the scanning imaging array spati…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.