Gated Imaging Object Detection with Thermal Pre-Screening
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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 accidents.
Innovation Solution
An imaging system combining a main detection unit with active gated imaging and an auxiliary detection unit using thermal sensors, where the main unit emits light pulses and receives reflections, while the auxiliary unit detects infrared radiation, with a controller synchronizing operations to enhance object detection by adjusting detection parameters based on information from both units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If active gated imaging is used to generate reflection-based images, then visibility in low-light conditions is improved, but image clarity and contrast deteriorate due to backscattering and oversaturation
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary imaging using the passive detection unit (thermal camera) before activating the active gated imaging. This preliminary thermal image provides early object detection and guidance, allowing the active imaging system to focus on specific regions of interest and adjust illumination parameters accordingly, thereby avoiding oversaturation while maintaining visibility in low-light conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit acts as an intermediary that coordinates between the passive detection unit and the active gated imaging system. It processes thermal image data to identify objects of interest, then modulates the active illumination and camera activation timing to optimize image quality while preventing backscattering and oversaturation effects
2Use of energy by moving object
If passive emission-based imaging is used to detect objects, then energy consumption is reduced, but detection accuracy and information completeness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the passive thermal detection unit with the active gated imaging system into a coordinated multi-modal detection platform. The passive unit provides energy-efficient continuous monitoring and early object detection, while the active unit supplements with high-contrast illumination and detailed imaging when needed, achieving both low energy consumption and high detection accuracy through complementary operation
Solution Approach 2:
The passive thermal detection unit performs preliminary object detection and screening at low energy consumption, identifying potential objects of interest before triggering the more energy-intensive active gated imaging. This preliminary action allows the system to maintain high detection accuracy while minimizing overall energy usage by activating the active imaging only when necessary
3Measurement precision
If high-resolution reflection-based images are processed for object detection, then detection precision is improved, but processing time and decision-making duration increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the detection process into two stages: first, the passive thermal detection unit performs rapid low-resolution screening to identify potential objects of interest; second, the active gated imaging unit processes high-resolution images only for the segmented regions containing detected objects. This segmentation dramatically reduces processing time while maintaining detection precision by avoiding full-image high-resolution analysis
Solution Approach 2:
The passive thermal detection unit performs preliminary object identification and region-of-interest segmentation before the active gated imaging unit processes high-resolution images. This preliminary action filters out background areas, allowing subsequent high-precision processing to focus only on relevant regions, thereby reducing overall processing time while maintaining detection precision
4Device complexity
If single detection unit is used to simplify system structure, then device complexity is reduced, but detection reliability and object identification accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit serves multiple functions: it processes thermal images from the passive detection unit, controls the gated imaging timing and illumination intensity, integrates data from both detection units, and manages image processing and output. This multi-functional design allows the system to maintain high detection reliability through coordinated multi-modal sensing while avoiding the complexity of multiple independent control systems
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 combination improves object detection capabilities, providing clearer and more comprehensive images of the environment, reducing the likelihood of accidents by enhancing the accuracy and speed of hazard identification in various lighting and weather conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The camera 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 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
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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.