Infrared Imaging Device Color Reproduction Timing Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional imaging devices struggle to capture color images in low-light conditions, such as at night, resulting in monochromatic images that hinder object identification, as they rely on infrared light which does not provide sufficient color information for accurate recognition.
Innovation Solution
An imaging device that uses an infrared projector to sequentially project infrared light of different wavelengths assigned to red, green, and blue colors within a frame period, and an image processing unit to synthesize these frames, adjusting the timing intervals to minimize color variations and enhance color reproduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If infrared light is used to image objects in low-light conditions, then imaging capability is improved, but color information is lost resulting in monochromatic images
Solution Approach 1:
The infrared spectrum is segmented into multiple wavelength bands (first, second, and third infrared lights with different wavelengths). Each wavelength band is projected sequentially and captured to obtain different color channel information, thereby recovering color data that would otherwise be lost in monochromatic infrared imaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter of infrared light across three distinct bands. By projecting and capturing images at different infrared wavelengths, the system retrieves color information that corresponds to red, green, and blue channels, transforming monochromatic infrared imaging into color-capable imaging.
2Loss of information
If multiple infrared wavelengths are projected sequentially to capture color information, then color reproduction is improved, but color variations in moving objects occur due to timing delays
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary synchronization by precisely controlling the projection timing and exposure timing of the imaging unit. The projection controller coordinates the infrared light projection with the imaging unit's exposure timing, ensuring that each color channel is captured at the correct moment in the frame period, thereby minimizing color variations in moving objects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic timing adjustment where the projection controller adaptively manages the projection intervals and exposure timing based on the frame period requirements. By dynamically coordinating the projection and capture timing within each frame period, the system maintains color consistency for moving objects while still capturing color information.
3Measurement precision
If infrared light projection timing is extended to capture all color channels, then color accuracy is improved, but frame rate decreases due to longer exposure time
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic action by dividing the frame period into three distinct phases, each dedicated to projecting a specific infrared wavelength and capturing the corresponding color channel. This periodic structure allows efficient time-division multiplexing of the three color channels within a single frame period, maintaining high frame rates while ensuring accurate color capture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuous useful action by overlapping the projection and capture operations within the frame period. The first, second, and third infrared lights are projected and captured in sequence without idle time, maximizing the utilization of the frame period and maintaining high frame rates while capturing all color channel information.
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 the capture of color images under low-light conditions, improving object identification by reproducing colors similar to those obtained in daylight modes, thereby enhancing image quality and recognition accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
radiating infrared light onto the object from an infrared projector
Implementation Method 2
imaging infrared light reflected by the object
Data Source
AI summary
A projection controller controls an infrared projector to selectively and sequentially project first to third infrared lights. An imaging unit images an object in a state where the first to third infrared lights are projected so as to generate first to third frames. An image processing unit synthesizes the first to third frames to generate a frame of an image signal. The projection controller sets an interval between a first timing and a second timing shorter than an interval between the first timing and a third timing. The first timing is the middle point of the period in which the second infrared light is projected. The second timing is the middle point of the period in which the first or third infrared light is projected. The third timing is the middle point of the one frame period of the first or third frame.