Infrared Sensor Control Architecture Using Dynamic Correction Tables
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing infrared imaging sensors face limitations in detecting and identifying specific targets in cluttered scenes due to their configuration, which prioritizes encoding a wide dynamic range of temperatures at the expense of sensitivity, leading to degraded performance with temperature changes and saturation issues.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a method for operating an infrared imaging system using correction tables with unique values for each pixel, including integration time, bucket fill level, and temperature, to optimize sensitivity, contrast, and dynamic range, minimizing noise levels and adjusting internal camera settings automatically to maintain image quality across varying temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the infrared sensor is tuned to a specific ambient temperature, then sensitivity and contrast are optimized for that temperature, but performance degrades and saturation occurs when temperature changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic temperature compensation by continuously monitoring the ambient temperature and automatically adjusting the sensor's operating parameters (integration time, gain, offset) based on the current temperature. This dynamic adaptation allows the sensor to maintain optimal performance across varying temperature conditions without manual intervention or calibration paddles.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (integration time, bucket fill level, correction table selection) based on temperature conditions. By selecting appropriate correction tables indexed by temperature, integration time, and bucket fill level, the sensor adapts its characteristics to match the ambient temperature, resolving the contradiction between optimized sensitivity at a specific temperature and adaptability across temperature ranges.
2Adaptability or versatility
If correction tables with multiple index values are implemented, then performance across varying temperatures is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-calculates and stores correction tables for various temperature conditions, integration times, and bucket fill levels before operation. These correction tables are indexed by temperature, integration time, and bucket fill level, allowing the system to quickly retrieve and apply the appropriate correction factors without performing complex calculations in real-time. This preliminary preparation reduces runtime complexity while maintaining high adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The correction tables serve as an intermediary data structure that bridges the gap between raw sensor data and temperature-compensated images. Instead of implementing complex real-time temperature compensation algorithms, the system uses pre-computed correction tables as a lookup mechanism, simplifying the control logic while achieving accurate temperature adaptation.
3Ease of operation
If dynamic calibration is performed without operator intervention, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-calibration by automatically monitoring its own performance characteristics and applying corrections based on pre-stored correction tables. The infrared imaging system independently determines when calibration is needed and applies the appropriate correction factors without requiring external calibration paddles or operator intervention, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining manufacturing precision through factory-pre-calibrated correction tables.
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 significantly improves image quality by reducing noise equivalent temperature difference and maintaining dynamic range, allowing for high-resolution images without operator intervention, even under rapid temperature changes, and eliminates the need for calibration paddles.
Implementation Method 1
an array of pixels... capturing a second image
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for optimizing fixed and temporal noise in an infrared imaging system. The system may use correction tables with correction factors, each correction factor indexed to a plurality of system parameters.