Infrared Image Non-Uniformity Correction with Compensation Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing infrared camera systems struggle with out-of-field radiation sensing, particularly due to temperature variations and structural elements within the camera, leading to non-uniformity in image quality.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for generating a compensation array using pixel value averages across a measurement array, adjusting these averages with parabolic functions to correct for out-of-field radiation, and verifying the correction array before application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If existing infrared camera systems are used, then the camera can capture thermal images, but out-of-field radiation from structural elements causes non-uniformity in image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calibration to generate a compensation array that accounts for out-of-field radiation from structural elements before actual imaging. This pre-computed correction map is then applied to subsequent images to eliminate non-uniformity caused by thermal emission from camera housing and optical components.
Solution Approach 2:
A compensation array serves as an intermediary data structure that mediates between the raw detector signals and the final corrected image. This intermediate correction map contains the spatial distribution of out-of-field radiation that is subtracted from the measured image data to recover the true thermal scene.
2Manufacturing precision
If temperature variations in camera components are accounted for, then image uniformity improves, but the system requires complex temperature measurement and compensation mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-calibration by using the detector array itself to measure the spatial distribution of out-of-field radiation from structural elements. No external temperature sensors or additional measurement equipment are required - the imaging detector directly captures and characterizes the thermal emission pattern, which is then used to correct future images.
3Manufacturing precision
If flat field correction is applied to correct non-uniformity, then image quality improves, but the correction process requires knowledge of camera temperature conditions and component characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calibration to generate a compensation array that encapsulates all temperature-dependent effects into a single correction map. This pre-computed array stores the spatial distribution of out-of-field radiation under various operating conditions, allowing rapid correction without requiring real-time temperature measurements or complex physical models during actual imaging.
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
Enhances image uniformity by reducing the impact of out-of-field radiation, maintaining image quality without disrupting camera operation, and requiring no knowledge of camera temperature conditions.
Implementation Method 1
receiving a measured image comprising a measurement array of pixel values from a detector array of an infrared camera
Data Source
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AI summary
An infrared image processing method including: receiving an image frame including a measurement array X of pixel values from a detector array of an infrared camera; calculating, from the measurement array: a row average vector r where calculating each element ri of the row average vector includes averaging corresponding elements of rows of the measurement pixel array; a column average vector c where calculating each element cj of the column average vector includes averaging corresponding elements of columns of the measurement pixel array; generating a correction array D by, for each element Dij of the correction array, summing a corresponding row average vector element ri and a corresponding column average vector element cj; and applying the measurement array X with the correction array D to provide a corrected measurement array.