Far-Infrared Image Gain Control to Prevent Pixel Saturation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Far-infrared cameras using bolometers face issues with non-uniform pixel output and saturation, especially in high-temperature environments, leading to poor temperature resolution and image quality.
Innovation Solution
An image adjustment apparatus and method that includes detecting objects in visible light and far-infrared images, selecting priority objects, specifying determination areas, counting saturated pixels, and adjusting gain or offset to prevent saturation and enhance temperature resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the temperature resolution is set high to capture small temperature differences, then the temperature measurement precision is improved, but the output value variation for each pixel increases causing saturation in high-temperature environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamic adjustment of gain and offset parameters based on detected temperature ranges. The control unit dynamically changes the gain and offset of the image-capturing element according to the temperature information obtained from imaging high-temperature objects, allowing the system to adapt to varying thermal conditions and prevent saturation while maintaining resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters (gain and offset) of the image-capturing element based on the imaging conditions. When high-temperature objects are detected, the control unit adjusts these parameters to expand the measurable temperature range, preventing pixel saturation while preserving temperature differentiation capability.
2Reliability
If the temperature resolution is reduced to prevent saturation, then the pixel output values remain within range, but two objects with different temperatures appear as the same object
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts gain and offset based on the detected temperature range of objects in the image. When objects are detected to be within a specific temperature range, the control unit changes the parameters to optimize both saturation prevention and temperature differentiation, avoiding the need to reduce resolution permanently.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit uses feedback from temperature detection to adjust the gain and offset parameters. By continuously monitoring the output values and detected temperature ranges, the system automatically optimizes parameters to maintain both saturation avoidance and sufficient temperature resolution.
3Reliability
If the output value of saturated pixels is adjusted by performing offset, then the saturation is removed, but the temperature resolution is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary adjustment of gain and offset parameters before saturation occurs. By detecting temperature ranges in advance and pre-adjusting the parameters, the system prevents saturation rather than correcting it afterward, thereby maintaining temperature resolution integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of correcting saturation afterward by applying offset, the system changes the gain and offset parameters in advance based on detected temperature conditions. This preliminary parameter adjustment ensures that output values remain within the valid range while preserving temperature differentiation capability.
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
Enables high-temperature resolution far-infrared images without saturation, allowing clear distinction between objects, particularly relevant for in-vehicle imaging systems.
Implementation Method 1
Some image sensors of a far-infrared camera use bolometers that receive far-infrared rays and generate heat
Implementation Method 2
a second image-capturing element that detects far-infrared light
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging system includes: an object detection unit configured to detect objects included in a first image; a selection unit configured to select a target object from among the objects included in the first image by referring to priority information given according to a temperature of each object; an area specifying unit configured to specify a determination area including a target object in a second image; a counting unit configured to count the number of saturated pixels that are saturated in the determination area; a determination unit configured to determine whether or not a rate of the saturated pixels in the determination area is equal to or greater than a threshold; and a change unit configured to change, when the rate is equal to or greater than the threshold, a value of a gain or an offset in a second image-capturing element.