Infrared Camera Shutter Control for Pixel Saturation Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Infrared sensors in imaging apparatuses degrade when exposed to high-intensity light, leading to pixel saturation and image quality degradation, and closing the shutter to protect the sensor prevents image capture.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus that detects pixel saturation, calculates saturation time, determines solar irradiation conditions, and adjusts a threshold time to control the shutter based on these conditions to prevent sensor degradation while allowing image capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the shutter is closed to protect the infrared sensor from high-intensity light, then the sensor is protected from degradation, but image capture is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter control strategy transitions from static (always closed or always open) to dynamic (adaptively controlled based on real-time saturation detection and solar position calculations). The system dynamically adjusts shutter state by evaluating saturation duration against threshold values and considering solar irradiation conditions, enabling optimal balance between sensor protection and image capture opportunities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control by detecting pixel saturation states, calculating saturation duration, comparing against threshold values, and adjusting shutter control decisions based on this feedback loop. The saturation detection unit continuously monitors pixel values, and the control unit uses this information alongside solar position data to make informed shutter control decisions.
2Productivity
If the shutter remains open to capture images, then image capture capability is maintained, but the sensor elements are degraded by high-intensity light
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calculations of solar position and irradiation conditions before making shutter control decisions. By calculating where the sun will be and whether it will enter the imaging range, the system proactively prepares to close the shutter in advance, preventing sensor exposure to harmful radiation before it occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit acts as an intermediary between the saturation detection unit and the shutter mechanism, processing saturation information alongside solar position data from the astronomical calculation unit. This intermediary evaluates multiple factors and mediates the final shutter control decision, balancing protection needs with imaging requirements.
3Reliability
If the shutter is closed frequently to protect the sensor, then sensor protection is improved, but the time for image capture is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the parameter of shutter control from binary (open/closed) to a more nuanced state based on saturation duration thresholds and solar position. By introducing threshold-based control and considering astronomical parameters, the system optimizes shutter operation to close only when necessary, minimizing time loss while maintaining sensor protection.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus according to this embodiment includes: a saturation detection unit configured to detect saturation of a pixel in thermal image data; a saturation time calculation unit configured to calculate a saturation time during which the pixel is successively saturated; a positional information acquisition unit configured to acquire positional information regarding an imaging position of an infrared camera; a condition acquisition unit configured to acquire a condition of solar irradiation in the imaging position; a threshold time setting unit configured to set a threshold time in accordance with the condition of solar irradiation; a protection determination unit configured to determine whether the saturation time has exceeded the threshold time; and an instruction unit configured to send an instruction to close a shutter of the infrared camera in a case where the saturation time has exceeded the threshold time.