Infrared Image Non-Uniformity Correction for Out-of-Field Radiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing infrared camera systems struggle with out-of-field radiation sensing, particularly due to temperature differences between structural and optical elements, which affect image uniformity and accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A method involving generating a compensation array by averaging pixel values across a measurement array in two perpendicular directions, smoothing the average vectors, and using parabolic functions to adjust for out-of-field radiation, thereby correcting image non-uniformity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If temperature differences between structural and optical elements are present in infrared camera systems, then out-of-field radiation sensing is affected, but image uniformity and accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by capturing a calibration image before actual measurement and using it to generate correction data. The calibration image is processed to create row and column correction vectors that are stored and applied to subsequent measurements, thereby compensating for temperature-induced non-uniformity before it affects measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring image uniformity and using the calibration image to generate correction data that is fed back into the measurement process. The correction vectors derived from the calibration image are applied to subsequent images to compensate for out-of-field radiation effects, creating a closed-loop system that maintains measurement accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If calibration procedures are performed to correct non-uniformity, then image accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the correction process into independent row and column components. The calibration image is processed to separate horizontal and vertical non-uniformity effects, creating distinct correction vectors for each direction. This segmentation allows the complex correction to be broken down into manageable, computationally efficient operations that can be applied independently to each pixel.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by creating a calibration image that replicates the measurement conditions, then using this copy to derive correction data. The calibration image serves as a template that is processed to generate correction vectors, which are then applied to actual measurements. This copying approach allows the system to characterize and compensate for non-uniformity without requiring complex real-time adjustments during measurement.
3Measurement precision
If real-time correction is applied to maintain image accuracy, then measurement precision improves, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing all complex correction calculations during the calibration phase before actual measurements are taken. The calibration image is processed to pre-compute row and column correction vectors, which are then stored and applied to subsequent measurements. This shifts the computational burden from real-time processing during measurement to offline processing during calibration, thereby maintaining measurement precision while minimizing processing time during actual operation.
Data Source
AI summary
An infrared image processing method including: receiving an image frame including a measurement array X of pixel values from a detector array of an infrared camera; calculating, from the measurement array: a row average vector r where calculating each element ri of the row average vector includes averaging corresponding elements of rows of the measurement pixel array; a column average vector c where calculating each element cj of the column average vector includes averaging corresponding elements of columns of the measurement pixel array; generating a correction array D by, for each element Dij of the correction array, summing a corresponding row average vector element ri and a corresponding column average vector element cj; and applying the measurement array X with the correction array D to provide a corrected measurement array.