Dual-Mode Imaging System for Low-Light Object Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle-mounted imaging systems face challenges in accurately detecting objects in low-light conditions due to unclear reflection-based images and limited information from passive emission-based images, leading to increased decision-making time for operators and potential safety risks.
Innovation Solution
An imaging system combining a main detection unit with a light source and gated image sensor for reflection-based imaging and an auxiliary detection unit with a thermal sensor for emission-based imaging, with adaptive control of detection characteristics based on information from both units to enhance object detection and identification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If reflection-based imaging is used in low-light conditions, then object detection is enabled, but image clarity and detection accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines reflection-based imaging (active illumination with image sensor) and emission-based imaging (thermal sensing) into a unified dual-mode detection system. The controller selectively switches between or merges images from both detection units, allowing the system to overcome the limitations of each individual method and maintain high detection accuracy across varying environmental conditions.
2Reliability
If passive emission-based imaging is used, then thermal detection is enabled, but information completeness and object identification capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the thermal detection capability of the emission-based imaging unit with the detailed visual information from the reflection-based imaging unit. By combining these complementary data sources, the system achieves both thermal sensitivity and rich object identification information, resolving the contradiction between detection capability and information completeness.
3Measurement precision
If adaptive control is implemented, then detection accuracy improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller dynamically adjusts the operating mode of the detection system based on real-time environmental conditions. It selectively activates reflection-based imaging, emission-based imaging, or merges both modes according to lighting conditions, thermal contrast requirements, and object detection needs. This dynamic adaptability improves detection accuracy while managing system complexity through intelligent control rather than hardware proliferation.
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
The system provides enhanced object detection capabilities, improving the accuracy and speed of identifying potential hazards in various lighting and environmental conditions, reducing the likelihood of accidents by merging reflection-based and emission-based images for improved situational awareness.
Implementation Method 1
The light source is configured to emit light pulses toward an environment to be imaged, and the image sensor is configured to receive reflections of the light pulses reflected from a selected depth of field (DOF) in the environment and to convert the reflections into a reflection-based image
Implementation Method 2
the image sensor is configured to receive reflections of the light pulses reflected from a selected depth of field (DOF) in the environment and to convert the reflections into a reflection-based image
Implementation Method 3
The auxiliary detection unit includes at least one thermal sensor, configured to detect infrared radiation emitted from the environment and to generate an emission-based image
Data Source
AI summary
Imaging system and method, the system including a main detection unit, an auxiliary detection unit, an image processor, and a controller. The main detection unit includes a light source that emits light pulses and a gated image sensor that receives reflections of the light pulses reflected from a selected depth of field in the environment and converts the reflections into a reflection-based image. The auxiliary detection unit includes a thermal sensor that detects infrared radiation emitted from the environment and generates an emission-based image. The image processor processes and detects at least one region of interest in the acquired reflection-based image and/or acquired emission-based image. The controller adaptively controls at least one detection characteristic of a detection unit based on information obtained from the other detection unit. The image processor detects at least one object of interest in the acquired reflection-based image and/or acquired emission-based image.