Adaptive Depth of Field Gated Imaging for Low Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging systems, such as those described in US Patent No. 7,733,464 B2 and US Patent No. 6,730,913 B2, do not effectively enhance image quality based on Depth-Of-Field (DOF) for improved visibility in low-visibility conditions, particularly at night or in poor weather, and lack adaptive DOF capabilities for real-time target detection in vehicular applications.
Innovation Solution
A method for gated imaging using an adaptive depth of field, which involves obtaining boundary conditions, illuminating a scene with a pulsed light beam, controlling sensor array parameters, capturing images synchronized with the light beam, analyzing images to adjust DOF parameters, and repeating the process with updated parameters to achieve real-time imaging with enhanced DOF, enabling improved target detection and obstacle recognition in various conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If gated imaging is used to improve visibility in low-visibility conditions, then target detection capability is improved, but Depth-Of-Field control is lost resulting in image blur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the Depth-Of-Field parameters adaptive and adjustable in real-time based on platform velocity and scene boundary conditions. The system dynamically modifies DOF parameters during operation to maintain both gated imaging performance and image sharpness across varying operational conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes physical parameters by adjusting DOF parameters (such as focal length, aperture, or focus distance) based on platform velocity and scene characteristics. This parameter adaptation allows the system to optimize both target detection and image quality for different operating conditions.
2Manufacturing precision
If fixed DOF parameters are used to maintain image sharpness, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability to different platform velocities and scene conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static to dynamic DOF parameter control, continuously adapting parameters based on real-time platform velocity and scene boundary conditions. This enables the system to maintain image sharpness across varying operational conditions rather than being optimized for a single fixed state.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using scene boundary conditions and platform velocity information to continuously adjust DOF parameters. The system monitors operational conditions and modifies DOF settings in response, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains optimal image quality.
3Device complexity
If single-pass imaging is used to maintain simplicity, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and adaptability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by obtaining scene boundary conditions and determining appropriate DOF parameters before the actual imaging process. This pre-planning step allows the system to configure optimal parameters in advance, improving measurement precision without significantly increasing overall system complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach allows for real-time imaging with enhanced DOF, improving visibility and target detection in low-visibility conditions, reducing clutter and enhancing signal-to-noise ratio, thereby facilitating safer vehicular operations during nighttime and adverse weather.
Implementation Method 1
illuminating the scene, using a light source, with a pulsed light beam
Implementation Method 2
capturing, using the sensor array, one or more images of the scene, wherein the capturing is based on one or more exposures synchronized with the pulsed light beam
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for gated imaging using an adaptive depth of field is provided herein. The method includes obtaining boundary conditions associated with a preliminary depth of field (DOF) parameters in a scene; illuminating the scene, using a light source, with a pulsed light beam, based on the specified boundary conditions; controlling sensor array parameters based on the boundary conditions; capturing, using the sensor array, one or more images of the scene, wherein the capturing is based on one or more exposures synchronized with the pulsed light beam, to achieve gated images of the scene in accordance with the boundary conditions associated with the DOF parameters; analyzing at least one of the captured images, using data processing algorithms, to yield updated DOF parameters; and repeating the above stages with updated sensor array parameters and updated light source parameters, based on the updated DOF parameters and updated boundary conditions.