Image Registration for Gas Leak Detection Under Motion Vibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas leakage monitoring devices struggle to improve visibility when the contour portion of the subject in a visible image is not easily recognizable, leading to difficulty in detecting gas leakage.
Innovation Solution
An information processing device that acquires and registers images captured by an imaging unit in different frames, followed by calculating differences between the registered images to enhance detection of gas leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the contour portion of the subject in the visible image is used to improve visibility, then the visibility is improved, but the detection capability deteriorates when the contour portion is not easily recognizable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image processing into distinct functional units: a difference image generation unit that processes infrared images to highlight gas leakage, and a visible image processing unit that handles visible images separately. This segmentation allows each unit to optimize for its specific function without being constrained by the other, thereby maintaining detection capability even when contour recognition is difficult.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a difference image as an intermediary representation that combines information from multiple infrared images to highlight changes and potential gas leakage. This difference image serves as a mediator between the raw infrared data and the final detection output, enhancing visibility of gas leakage without relying on the recognizability of subject contours in the visible image.
2Illumination intensity
If images are combined to improve visibility, then the visibility is improved, but the enhanced portion is likely to be buried in the contour portion of the visible image
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image processing into distinct functional units: a difference image generation unit that processes infrared images to highlight gas leakage, and a visible image processing unit that handles visible images separately. This segmentation allows each unit to optimize for its specific function without being constrained by the other, thereby maintaining detection capability even when contour recognition is difficult.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from processing only visible images to processing infrared images in a different dimension (thermal spectrum). By generating difference images from infrared sequences and combining them with visible images through alpha blending, the system highlights gas leakage in the infrared dimension while suppressing the dominance of visible image contours, thereby preventing enhanced portions from being buried.
3Area of stationary object
If the field of view is shifted between frames due to flight movement or vibration, then the imaging coverage is maintained, but the contours of subjects are emphasized as differences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary image registration and alignment before generating difference images. By pre-aligning the infrared images from different frames to a common coordinate system, the system compensates for field of view shifts caused by flight movement or vibration. This preliminary action ensures that subsequent difference calculations reflect actual gas leakage rather than artifacts from image misalignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms through iterative image registration and adjustment. The system continuously monitors the alignment quality of images and makes corrections to the registration parameters, ensuring that the difference images accurately represent real changes rather than artifacts from movement or vibration.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing device includes: an acquisition unit that acquires a first image and a second image captured by an imaging unit mounted on a moving body in different frames; a registration unit that performs registration of the first image and the second image; and a difference calculation unit that calculates a difference between the registered first image and the registered second image. The registration unit generates a plurality of third images by shifting the second image in a first direction, and calculates, for each of the third images, a first sum of the differences in brightness values for each pixel between the first image and each of the third images.