Infrared Image Processing for Sunlight-Induced Pixel Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Infrared imaging systems using microbolometers face issues with image quality degradation and sensor function interruption due to sunlight exposure, leading to abnormal pixel values and prolonged calibration times, which affect temperature detection accuracy.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus with first and second correction units, saturated region detection, shutter control, and abnormal pixel detection, which corrects imaging data without shutter closure and selectively outputs corrected data based on pixel abnormalities to maintain image quality and sensor functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the shutter is closed to protect the microbolometer from sunlight, then the microbolometer is protected from abnormality, but the object detection function cannot be used during the shutter closure period
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical shutter system with an electronic correction system. The image processing device detects abnormal pixels caused by sunlight and corrects them using software algorithms, eliminating the need to mechanically close the shutter. This substitution maintains microbolometer protection while keeping the detection function continuously available.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the problematic mechanical shutter component from the system and replaces its protective function with a software-based pixel correction mechanism. By separating the protection function from the mechanical shutter, the system can protect the microbolometer electronically without interrupting the detection function.
2Measurement precision
If the shutter is closed periodically for mechanical shutter correction, then calibration accuracy is improved, but the temperature detection of objects is interrupted during correction periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical shutter correction process with an electronic pixel correction process. The image processing device identifies and corrects abnormal pixels caused by sunlight exposure through software algorithms, eliminating the need to close the mechanical shutter for calibration. This maintains temperature detection accuracy while avoiding detection interruptions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous temperature detection by replacing the periodic shutter closure with continuous electronic pixel correction. The system continuously monitors and corrects abnormal pixels without interrupting the detection function, maintaining both calibration accuracy and continuous operation.
3Measurement precision
If the dynamic range is reduced to improve object detection resolution, then detection resolution is improved, but detection signal saturation occurs even in normal temperature ranges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality correction by identifying and correcting only the specific pixels that are saturated due to sunlight exposure, rather than adjusting the entire image processing pipeline. This allows the system to maintain the reduced dynamic range setting for improved resolution while locally correcting saturation artifacts in affected pixels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the correction parameters dynamically based on detected saturation conditions. When sunlight-induced saturation is detected in specific pixels, the system applies targeted parameter adjustments to those pixels while maintaining the overall reduced dynamic range setting, thus preserving detection resolution while preventing signal saturation artifacts.
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
The solution reduces image quality degradation and sensor function interruption by effectively handling abnormal pixel values caused by sunlight exposure, ensuring accurate temperature detection and continuous operation.
Implementation Method 1
infrared cameras that detect the heat of an object
Implementation Method 2
a shutter is closed when there is a far-infrared ray detection pixel in which the quantity of far-infrared rays detected is equal to or greater than the first quantity
Data Source
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AI summary
In an image processing apparatus (100), a first correction unit (121) corrects imaging data acquired from an infrared imaging device, based on a first correction table, and outputs first corrected data. A second correction unit (122) generates a second correction table for the imaging data in a state in which a shutter is closed, and outputs second corrected data based on the second correction table. A saturated region detection unit (140) detects that a saturated region is present in the imaging data. A shutter control unit (150) performs closing control for the shutter, based on a result of detection of the saturated region. An abnormal pixel detection unit (123) detects whether or not the imaging data acquired in the state in which the shutter is closed includes an abnormal pixel. A selection unit (124) selects and outputs either the first corrected data or the second corrected data in accordance with a result of detection by the abnormal pixel detection unit.