Infrared Sensor Calibration Control for Extreme Temperatures

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Solution Overview

Problem

Infrared cameras used for obstacle detection in vehicles face calibration issues when exposed to environmental temperatures outside their measurable range, leading to potential degradation of image quality.

Innovation Solution

A control system and method that includes an image data acquisition unit, statistical data generation, calibration control unit, and image data output unit, which perform shift adjustments on sensor output values based on environmental temperature to maintain accurate calibration, even in extreme conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If calibration is performed under extreme environmental temperatures (below 10°C or above 50°C), then the infrared sensor can operate in broader temperature conditions, but the calibration accuracy deteriorates because the sensor output values saturate at upper or lower limit values

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperating temperature rangeVSAvoidcalibration accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs shift adjustment as a preliminary action before calibration when saturation is detected. By pre-adjusting the sensor output values to move them away from saturation limits, the system enables subsequent calibration to be performed accurately even in extreme temperature conditions that would otherwise cause saturation and calibration failure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameter of sensor output values by applying a shift adjustment (adding or subtracting a predetermined value). This parameter transformation moves the saturated output values into a valid calibration range, allowing calibration to proceed accurately in extreme temperatures where the original parameters would have caused saturation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If the infrared sensor operates in extreme temperatures without shift adjustment, then the system structure remains simple, but the image quality degrades due to saturation of sensor output values

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem structureVSAvoidimage quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces complex mechanical or hardware solutions with a simple software-based shift adjustment mechanism. By using arithmetic operations to adjust sensor output values, the system maintains structural simplicity while effectively preventing saturation and maintaining image quality in extreme temperature conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If no shift adjustment is performed, then the calibration process is straightforward, but the sensor output values become unusable for accurate detection when saturated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecalibration processVSAvoiddetection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-diagnosis by checking statistical data (maximum and minimum pixel values) to detect saturation conditions, and automatically applies shift adjustment without requiring external intervention. This self-service mechanism maintains ease of operation while ensuring detection accuracy by preventing saturation of sensor output values.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from statistical data analysis to determine whether shift adjustment is needed. By continuously monitoring maximum and minimum pixel values and comparing them against saturation thresholds, the system provides feedback that triggers appropriate calibration actions, ensuring accurate detection while maintaining operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 system effectively calibrates infrared sensors to suppress image degradation by adjusting sensor output values, ensuring accurate detection of obstacles and pedestrians despite varying environmental temperatures.

Implementation Method 1

an infrared sensor for capturing the thermal image

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInfrared radiation detection: Infrared Radiation

Implementation Method 2

a shutter blocking light incident on the infrared sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight blocking: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS12423868B2Control system and control method

Publication Date: 2025.09.23 JVC KENWOOD CORP

AI summary

In a control system, an image data acquisition unit acquires thermal image data from an infrared sensor. A statistical data generation unit generates statistical data about pixel values from the thermal image data. A calibration control unit controls, based on an environmental temperature, calibration for a sensor output value of the thermal image data in a state where a shutter is closed, the shutter blocking light incident on the infrared sensor. An image data output unit outputs image data related to the thermal image resulting from the calibration. In a case where the pixel values included in the statistical data include an upper limit value or a lower limit value, the upper limit value or the lower limit value being set in advance, the calibration control unit controls the calibration to be performed for an adjustment value which results from shift adjustment based on a shift amount set in advance.