Image Processing Method for Infrared Camera Visible Light Interference

Solution Overview

Problem

In mixed cameras that capture both visible and infrared images, the sensing device responds to both wavelengths, leading to interference and mixing of visible light with infrared images, resulting in unwanted extra images in the infrared output.

Innovation Solution

An image processing method and device that retrieves and modifies pixel brightness values using a threshold value to generate output images, where pixels with brightness values below the threshold are set to zero, reducing visible light interference and improving infrared image accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a dual band-pass filter is used to allow both visible light and infrared light to pass through the same sensing device, then the cost of the camera is reduced, but visible light interferes with the infrared image causing unwanted extra images

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecost reductionVSAvoidvisible light interference in infrared image

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The sensing device is divided into two separate sensing areas: a first sensing area for capturing infrared images and a second sensing area for capturing visible images. This segmentation allows each area to be optimized for its specific wavelength range, preventing visible light from interfering with infrared image capture while maintaining cost efficiency through a single integrated device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the sensing device responds to both visible light and infrared light wavelengths, then both types of images can be captured, but the infrared image accuracy deteriorates due to visible light mixing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedual wavelength sensing capabilityVSAvoidinfrared image accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The sensing device is divided into two separate sensing areas: a first sensing area for capturing infrared images and a second sensing area for capturing visible images. This segmentation allows each area to be optimized for its specific wavelength range, preventing visible light from interfering with infrared image capture while maintaining cost efficiency through a single integrated device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the sensing device are assigned different functional qualities: the first sensing area is optimized for infrared detection while the second sensing area is optimized for visible light detection. This local differentiation ensures that each region responds primarily to its designated wavelength range, improving infrared image accuracy while preserving dual-wavelength versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS10924683B2Image processing method and imaging device

Publication Date: 2021.02.16 ACER INC

AI summary

An image processing method for processing a first image captured by a camera is provided, in which the first image is retrieved; and an output image is output to an image output circuit after the first image is modified to the output image, wherein a result value of each pixel of the output image is zero or a value generated by subtracting the threshold value from the brightness value of each pixel of the first image.