Adaptive Shutter Control for Infrared Imaging Offset Correction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Mass-produced infrared cameras face challenges in calibration due to temperature-induced drift and non-uniformity in pixel responses, requiring frequent shutter actuations that increase power consumption and noise, and often rely on expensive or inaccurate temperature sensors.
Innovation Solution
An imaging system that adaptively controls a calibration element, such as a shutter, by determining optimal actuation times based on estimated rates of change of Non-Uniformity Correction (NUC) using information from calibration data, image data, and ambient conditions, allowing for predictive offset corrections without accurate temperature measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If frequent shutter actuations are performed to correct temperature-induced drift and non-uniformity, then image quality is maintained, but power consumption increases and noise is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calibration to establish baseline pixel offset values, then uses predictive algorithms to estimate future offset values without requiring frequent physical shutter actuations. This preliminary action reduces the need for repeated calibration operations while maintaining image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms that monitor image data and ambient conditions to dynamically adjust calibration frequency. When drift is detected to be within acceptable thresholds, shutter actuation is reduced or eliminated, optimizing power consumption while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If frequent shutter actuations are performed to correct temperature-induced drift and non-uniformity, then image quality is maintained, but noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calibration to establish baseline pixel offset values, then uses predictive algorithms to estimate future offset values without requiring frequent physical shutter actuations. This preliminary action reduces the need for repeated calibration operations while maintaining image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms that monitor image data and ambient conditions to dynamically adjust calibration frequency. When drift is detected to be within acceptable thresholds, shutter actuation is reduced or eliminated, optimizing power consumption while maintaining reliability.
3Measurement precision
If accurate temperature sensors are used to monitor and correct pixel drift, then calibration precision is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the imaging sensor array itself to monitor temperature-induced drift by analyzing pixel response variations in uniform scenes. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate temperature sensors while maintaining calibration precision through image-based drift detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces image data as an intermediary to indirectly measure temperature effects on pixel responses. By analyzing variations in pixel values from uniform scenes, the system infers temperature-induced drift without requiring direct temperature measurements, reducing hardware costs while maintaining precision.
4Use of energy by moving object
If shutter actuation frequency is reduced to decrease power consumption and noise, then energy efficiency is improved, but calibration accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calibration to establish baseline pixel offset values, then uses predictive algorithms to estimate future offset values without requiring frequent physical shutter actuations. This preliminary action reduces the need for repeated calibration operations while maintaining image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms that monitor image data and ambient conditions to dynamically adjust calibration frequency. When drift is detected to be within acceptable thresholds, shutter actuation is reduced or eliminated, optimizing power consumption while maintaining reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and an imaging system for adaptive shutter control wherein an imaging system can be configured to actuate a calibration element at various times and develop an offset correction or Non-Uniformity Correction (NUC). The system control processing units may acquire information derived from calibration data, regular imaging data or external data, which may be correlated with how fast the NUC is changing over time. How often calibration element is actuated may be adaptively determined from the correlating information and the actuation times may be adaptively controlled to optimally actuate as needed. In some embodiments the calibration element may be a shutter and calibration activation may include closing the shutter and providing a flat field image for calibration purposes.