Infrared Imaging Mode Switching for Dynamic Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Infrared imaging devices face challenges in capturing scenes with large temperature variations, as they often saturate at high irradiance areas while burying low irradiance areas in noise, due to limitations in dynamic range and signal-to-noise ratio with a single exposure or integration time.
Innovation Solution
The device transitions between different imaging modes based on a threshold number of pixel values exceeding a saturation threshold, switching from a single mode to a superframing state to combine images captured using different modes, thereby extending the dynamic range and improving sensitivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the IR camera is optimized for lower irradiance, then the sensitivity for detecting cooler areas is improved, but the higher irradiance areas become saturated
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between high-gain and low-gain imaging modes based on scene conditions. The processor monitors pixel values and automatically transitions between modes to optimize sensitivity for different irradiance levels, making the imaging characteristics adaptable rather than fixed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the gain parameter of the imaging device by switching between high-gain and low-gain modes. This parameter change allows the same hardware to operate with different sensitivity levels, enabling optimal detection across a broader range of irradiance values.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the IR camera is optimized for higher irradiance, then the saturation in higher irradiance areas is reduced, but the lower irradiance areas are buried in noise
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic mode switching to adapt to varying scene conditions. When high irradiance is detected, the system transitions to low-gain mode to prevent saturation; when low irradiance predominates, it switches to high-gain mode to improve signal-to-noise ratio.
Solution Approach 2:
The gain parameter is changed based on scene irradiance levels. The processor monitors pixel values and switches between high-gain and low-gain modes to optimize the balance between saturation prevention and noise reduction.
3Device complexity
If a single integration time is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the dynamic range to encompass temperature variations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging device achieves multi-functionality by incorporating multiple imaging modes (high-gain and low-gain) within a single device. This allows the same hardware to perform both high-sensitivity detection and high-dynamic-range imaging, eliminating the need for multiple specialized devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects between high-gain and low-gain modes based on scene conditions, enabling the device to adapt its dynamic range and sensitivity characteristics to match the requirements of different thermal imaging scenarios.
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
This approach allows for the capture of scenes with broader temperature ranges by avoiding saturation and noise, enhancing the dynamic range and sensitivity of infrared images, particularly in scenarios with significant temperature variations.
Implementation Method 1
Focal plane arrays (FPAs) that detect IR radiation (e.g., thermal IR radiation) may be used by IR cameras to provide thermal IR images. The thermal IR radiation passing through an optical path of an IR camera may be received by IR detectors of the FPA
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are disclosed for systems and methods for facilitating infrared imaging in multiple imaging modes. A device may include an infrared image capture circuit and at least one processing circuit. The infrared image capture circuit may be configured to detect first infrared data and generate a first pixel value based on the first infrared data and a first imaging mode among multiple imaging modes. The at least one processing circuit may be configured to compare the first pixel value to a set of saturation threshold values associated with the first imaging mode. The at least one processing circuit may be further configured to select an imaging mode among the multiple imaging modes based on the comparison of the first pixel value. The at least one processing circuit may be further configured to set the infrared image capture circuit to generate a second pixel value based on the selected imaging mode.