Infrared Camera Continuous Focus via Distance Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for focusing infrared (IR) cameras with both IR and visual imaging subsystems do not allow for continuous adjustment of focus, which is crucial for accurate temperature measurements, fusion alignment, and image quality.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating one or more distance measuring devices and a processor to determine the distance to the scene, enabling continuous automatic focusing of the IR imaging subsystem based on distance or parallax between visual images from multiple visual imaging subsystems, allowing for precise focus adjustments without interrupting IR imaging functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual focusing or automatic focusing based on fixed indicators is used, then the camera structure remains simple, but continuous focus adjustment is not enabled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical focusing with an automated electronic focusing system that uses distance measuring devices (laser rangefinder, ultrasonic sensor, or visual imaging subsystems) to determine object distance and automatically adjusts the IR imaging subsystem focus accordingly. This substitution enables continuous focus adjustment while reducing the need for complex manual mechanical structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera system performs self-focusing by automatically measuring distance to the observed scene using integrated distance measuring devices and adjusting its own focus without external intervention. The processor receives distance information and autonomously controls the focus mechanism, enabling the system to serve itself in the focusing task.
2Measurement precision
If focusing is performed manually or with fixed automatic indicators, then the device complexity is low, but measurement precision and image quality are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces distance measuring devices (laser rangefinder, ultrasonic sensor, or visual imaging subsystems) as intermediary components between the camera and the observed scene. These devices provide accurate distance information that serves as a mediator for the focus adjustment process, enabling precise focusing without requiring complex direct measurement mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously measuring the distance to the observed scene using distance measuring devices and using this information to adjust the focus of the IR imaging subsystem. The processor receives real-time distance data and automatically modifies the focus position, creating a closed-loop feedback system that maintains measurement precision and image quality.
3Manufacturing precision
If focusing adjustments are made frequently for continuous adjustment, then image quality improves, but the IR imaging function may be interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by measuring the distance to the observed scene before capturing IR images and using this pre-obtained distance information to pre-adjust the focus position. This ensures that the IR imaging subsystem is already focused correctly when imaging begins, eliminating the need for focus adjustments during the imaging process and maintaining continuous productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuity of useful action by performing focus adjustment based on distance measurement in a way that does not interrupt the IR imaging function. The distance measuring devices operate independently to provide focus information, and the focus adjustment is executed in a manner that allows the IR imaging subsystem to continue capturing images without interruption, thus maintaining continuous productivity while ensuring focus accuracy.
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 solution enables higher measurement precision and improved image quality by allowing continuous automatic focusing of IR cameras, compensating for distance and humidity effects, and enhancing the alignment of IR and visual images for fused or blended image presentation.
Implementation Method 1
a first visual imaging subsystem (9, 15) and a second visual imaging subsystem (9, 15), the first and second visual imaging subsystems being arranged such that images of an object taken by the first and second imaging subsystem respectively will have a known parallax function dependent on the distance to the object
Implementation Method 2
one or more distance measuring devices configured to obtain distance related information regarding a distance from the camera to the observed scene
Data Source
AI summary
A camera has an infrared (IR) imaging subsystem that includes an IR detector. The camera also has a visual imaging subsystem for generating a visual image of an observed scene. The camera also has one or more distance measuring devices for obtaining distance related information regarding a distance from the camera to the scene and a processor arranged to receive distance related information from one or more distance measuring devices and process the received distance related information, wherein said processing comprises determining a distance to the scene based on the received distance related information. The IR imaging subsystem may also include an IR optical element for focusing IR radiation on the IR detector. The IR optical element may be operable to focus the IR radiation on the IR detector based on the determined distance.