New algorithms to Enhanced Fused Images from Auto-Focus Images

هذا البحث يقترح طريقة جديدة لدمج صورة ذات التركيز التلقائي بالاعتماد على خوارزميات جديدة. الخوارزمية الأولى تعتمد على حساب الانحراف المعياري لدمج صورتين. الخوارزمية الثانية تتركز على التباين عند نقاط الحافات وطريقة الترابط كعامل معيار لجودة الصورة الناتجة. هذه الخوارزمية تعتمد على ثلاثة مربعات بأحجام مختلفة عند المناطق المتجانسة وتتحرك 10 نقاط ضمن المنطقة المتجانسة.  الصورة الناتجة من الدمج تحتوي على نتائج جيدة في التباين بسبب إضافة نقاط حافات من الصورتين والتي تعتمد على الخوارزميات المقترحة. تم مقارنة النتائج مع طرق مختلفة.Enhancing quality image fusion was proposed using new algorithms in auto-focus image fusion. The first algorithm is based on determining the standard deviation to combine two images. The second algorithm concentrates on the contrast at edge points and correlation method as the criteria parameter for the resulted image quality. This algorithm considers three blocks with different sizes at the homogenous region and moves it 10 pixels within the same homogenous region. These blocks examine the statistical properties of the block and decide automatically the next step. The resulted combined image is better in the contrast value because of the added edge points from the two combined images that depend on the suggested algorithms. This enhancement in edge regions is measured and reaches to double in enhancing the contrast. Different methods are used to be compared with the suggested method

Robust Automatic Focus Algorithm for Low Contrast Images Using a New Contrast Measure

Low contrast images, suffering from a lack of sharpness, are easily influenced by noise. As a result, many local false peaks may be generated in contrast measurements, making it difficult for the camera’s passive auto-focus system to perform its function of locating the focused peak. In this paper, a new passive auto-focus algorithm is proposed to address this problem. First, a noise reduction preprocessing is introduced to make our algorithm robust to both additive noise and multiplicative noise. Then, a new contrast measure is presented to bring in local false peaks, ensuring the presence of a well defined focused peak. In order to gauge the performance of our algorithm, a modified peak search algorithm is used in the experiments. The experimental results from an actual digital camera validate the effectiveness of our proposed algorithm

Nonmechanical parfocal and autofocus features based on wave propagation distribution in lensfree holographic microscopy

Performing long-term cell observations is a non-trivial task for conventional optical microscopy, since it is usually not compatible with environments of an incubator and its temperature and humidity requirements. Lensless holographic microscopy, being entirely based on semiconductor chips without lenses and without any moving parts, has proven to be a very interesting alternative to conventional microscopy. Here, we report on the integration of a computational parfocal feature, which operates based on wave propagation distribution analysis, to perform a fast autofocusing process. This unique non-mechanical focusing approach was implemented to keep the imaged object staying in-focus during continuous long-term and real-time recordings. A light-emitting diode (LED) combined with pinhole setup was used to realize a point light source, leading to a resolution down to 2.76 μm. Our approach delivers not only in-focus sharp images of dynamic cells, but also three-dimensional (3D) information on their (x, y, z)-positions. System reliability tests were conducted inside a sealed incubator to monitor cultures of three different biological living cells (i.e., MIN6, neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y), and Prorocentrum minimum). Altogether, this autofocusing framework enables new opportunities for highly integrated microscopic imaging and dynamic tracking of moving objects in harsh environments with large sample areas

Continuous Autofocus for Line Scanning Hyperspectral Camera

Good focus quality is essential in imaging applications. For a hyperspectral line scanning camera, lack of continuous autofocus will quickly make the image become out of focus, given curved or sloped objects. In spite of this, continuous autofocus solutions for hyperspectral line scanning cameras seem largely absent. In the presented work a continuous autofocus system for a HySpex VNIR-1600 hyperspectral line scanning camera is detailed. Passive autofocusing techniques were first tested, showing little potential due to failure of differentiating between contrast changes and focus quality. Moving on, an active autofocus solution was developed. Using a laser displacement sensor mounted ahead of the camera's field of view, the topography of the object is measured and focus adjusted accordingly. The system is dependent on several calibrations. Calibration procedures were invented to ease the calibration process, and the obtained calibration accuracies are discussed. Several samples were tested for focus quality using two different speed settings, and the quality and measured performance is discussed. Furthermore, working conditions for the laser sensor is also investigated. The resulting continuous autofocus system worked as intended, adjusting for topography changes within the physical limits of the system. The obtained focus quality for slow topography changes is excellent. For large topography changes over a small distance the system struggles to follow. Furthermore, adjustment for changes of 5mm over a distance of one refocusing period (4.1-4.3mm) is not recommended due to vibrations in the camera. The refocusing period for the system is off from the set value. While not impacting the functionality directly, it indicates an implementation error in the system. Implementing a dynamic refocusing period might improve system performance. Furthermore, "pause and adjust"-scanning is suggested as a possible improvement with potential for objects with sudden topography changes. Last, a more robust rig is advisable in order to prevent camera vibrations interfering with the image quality

Chain of refined perception in self-optimizing assembly of micro-optical systems

Today, the assembly of laser systems requires a large share of manual operations due to its complexity regarding the optimal alignment of optics. Although the feasibility of automated alignment of laser optics has been shown in research labs, the development effort for the automation of assembly does not meet economic requirements – especially for low-volume laser production. This paper presents a model-based and sensor-integrated assembly execution approach for flexible assembly cells consisting of a macro-positioner covering a large workspace and a compact micromanipulator with camera attached to the positioner. In order to make full use of available models from computer-aided design (CAD) and optical simulation, sensor systems at different levels of accuracy are used for matching perceived information with model data. This approach is named "chain of refined perception", and it allows for automated planning of complex assembly tasks along all major phases of assembly such as collision-free path planning, part feeding, and active and passive alignment. The focus of the paper is put on the in-process image-based metrology and information extraction used for identifying and calibrating local coordinate systems as well as the exploitation of that information for a part feeding process for micro-optics. Results will be presented regarding the processes of automated calibration of the robot camera as well as the local coordinate systems of part feeding area and robot base

The SuperCam Instrument Suite on the Mars 2020 Rover: Science Objectives and Mast-Unit Description

On the NASA 2020 rover mission to Jezero crater, the remote determination of the texture, mineralogy and chemistry of rocks is essential to quickly and thoroughly characterize an area and to optimize the selection of samples for return to Earth. As part of the Perseverance payload, SuperCam is a suite of five techniques that provide critical and complementary observations via Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS), Time-Resolved Raman and Luminescence (TRR/L), visible and near-infrared spectroscopy (VISIR), high-resolution color imaging (RMI), and acoustic recording (MIC). SuperCam operates at remote distances, primarily 2-7 m, while providing data at sub-mm to mm scales. We report on SuperCam's science objectives in the context of the Mars 2020 mission goals and ways the different techniques can address these questions. The instrument is made up of three separate subsystems: the Mast Unit is designed and built in France; the Body Unit is provided by the United States; the calibration target holder is contributed by Spain, and the targets themselves by the entire science team. This publication focuses on the design, development, and tests of the Mast Unit; companion papers describe the other units. The goal of this work is to provide an understanding of the technical choices made, the constraints that were imposed, and ultimately the validated performance of the flight model as it leaves Earth, and it will serve as the foundation for Mars operations and future processing of the data.In France was provided by the Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales (CNES). Human resources were provided in part by the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) and universities. Funding was provided in the US by NASA's Mars Exploration Program. Some funding of data analyses at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) was provided by laboratory-directed research and development funds

Design and implementation of the SBX1: a smart environment chamber for biological research and discovery

2021 Summer.Includes bibliographical references.Modern biomedical laboratories make significant use of environmentally controlled chambers for incubation and examination of live cell samples. They require precise control over temperature, humidity, and gas concentration to mimic natural conditions for cell survival and growth. Many incubators and live cell imaging systems exist as commercial products; however, they are prohibitively expensive, costing tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars depending on capabilities of the system. This thesis presents the electrical, optical, mechanical, and software design of the SBX1Smart Environment Chamber. This device aims to fulfill the needs of most users at a lower cost than current commercial offerings, providing an opportunity for less funded labs to pursue biomedical research and development. The chamber provides temperature, humidity, and gas concentration controls, an internal microscope with an automated stage, and an integrated ARM microcomputer to with a graphical user interface for control and monitoring of the system. A patent has been filed for the SBX1; application no. US 2020/0324289 A1