Partially Attenuating Shutter for Continuous FPN Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional imaging devices face interruptions in scene information capture due to the need for opaque shutters to detect and correct fixed pattern noise (FPN), which blocks the sensors and results in lost data, especially in critical applications.
Innovation Solution
A partially attenuating shutter that translates between open and closed positions, allowing incident radiation to pass through partially while capturing images, enabling FPN detection and correction without interrupting scene viewing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an opaque shutter is used to detect FPN, then FPN detection accuracy is improved, but scene information capture is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter is designed with non-uniform optical properties, featuring a first region with first optical characteristics and a second region with second optical characteristics. This local differentiation allows the shutter to perform multiple functions simultaneously: one region blocks radiation for FPN detection while another region transmits radiation for scene capture, resolving the contradiction between accurate FPN detection and continuous scene monitoring
Solution Approach 2:
The single shutter structure serves dual purposes: it acts as both an FPN detection tool and a scene transmission element. By incorporating regions with different optical characteristics, the shutter enables both FPN measurement and scene information capture to occur simultaneously through the same component, eliminating the need to choose between these two functions
2Reliability
If an opaque shutter is used to detect FPN, then FPN correction is achieved, but time for scene capture is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter enables continuous operation by allowing scene radiation to pass through the second region while simultaneously enabling FPN detection through the first region. This eliminates the need to stop scene capture for FPN measurements, maintaining continuous useful action for both scene monitoring and noise characterization without temporal interruption
3Measurement precision
If a conventional opaque shutter is used, then FPN detection is possible, but heavy and expensive components are required
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than constructing a completely opaque shutter from heavy materials, the invention uses local quality by creating specific regions with blocking characteristics. This allows the shutter to achieve FPN detection capability only where necessary (first region) while using lighter materials or thinner structures in other areas, reducing overall weight and material costs
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
Enables continuous image capture and correction of FPN without data loss, improving scene information availability and reducing the need for heavy, expensive components.
Implementation Method 1
a shutter configured to attenuate a first portion of the incident radiation and permit a second portion of the incident radiation to pass
Data Source
AI summary
A partially attenuating shutter may be used to identify and reduce fixed pattern noise (FPN) associated with imaging devices. In one example, a system includes an image capture component configured to capture images in response to incident radiation from a scene along an optical path. The system includes a shutter configured to attenuate a first portion of the incident radiation and permit a second portion of the incident radiation to pass. The system also includes an actuator configured to translate the shutter between an open position out of the optical path, and a closed position in the optical path between the scene and the image capture component. The system also includes a processor configured to determine a plurality of FPN correction terms using images captured by the image capture component while the shutter is in the open and closed positions. Related systems and methods are also provided.