Sensor Array Burn-In Mitigation via Bias Signal Heating

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Solution Overview

Problem

Imaging systems face the challenge of burn-in effects, such as sunburn, which cause offset in detector arrays due to exposure to high-irradiance sources, leading to adverse image quality and slow decay rates, affecting the performance and longevity of imaging devices.

Innovation Solution

Applying a bias signal to the sensor array to increase its temperature, facilitating the decay of burn-in effects by heating the detector array, and using a burn-in detector to determine when to apply this bias signal based on user input or detection of high-irradiance exposure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the sensor array is exposed to high-irradiance sources, then the detector captures image data, but burn-in effects occur causing offset and degrading image quality

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage capture capabilityVSAvoidburn-in effect

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of burn-in conditions by monitoring detector offset values. When burn-in is detected, a bias signal is applied in advance to accelerate decay of the burn-in effect before it significantly degrades image quality. This preventive approach allows the system to maintain productivity while mitigating harmful burn-in effects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful burn-in effect into a beneficial process by applying a bias signal that intentionally heats the detector array. This controlled heating accelerates the decay of burn-in offset, transforming the persistent harmful effect into a temporary condition that can be actively managed and resolved, thereby maintaining image quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a bias signal is applied to accelerate burn-in decay, then image quality improves, but the temperature of the sensor array increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveburn-in decay rateVSAvoidsensor array temperature

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies the bias signal periodically or intermittently rather than continuously. The bias signal is activated when burn-in is detected and deactivated when the burn-in effect decays to an acceptable level. This periodic application achieves burn-in mitigation while allowing the sensor array temperature to return to normal operating conditions, avoiding excessive heat accumulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors the detector offset values to detect burn-in conditions and tracks the decay progress. Based on this feedback, the bias signal application is dynamically adjusted - activated when burn-in is present and deactivated when decay is sufficient. This closed-loop control achieves effective burn-in decay while maintaining temperature within acceptable ranges.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the bias signal is applied continuously, then burn-in decay is accelerated, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveburn-in mitigation efficiencyVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The bias signal is applied periodically based on burn-in detection rather than continuously. The system monitors detector offset values and activates the bias signal only when burn-in is detected, deactivating it when the effect decays. This periodic application significantly reduces energy consumption compared to continuous application while maintaining effective burn-in mitigation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the detector's own offset measurements to determine when burn-in mitigation is needed, making the energy-intensive bias signal application self-regulated. The detector effectively monitors its own health status and triggers the corrective action only when necessary, avoiding unnecessary energy consumption during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 method effectively mitigates burn-in effects by accelerating their decay, improving image quality and extending the lifespan of imaging devices by actively managing the temperature of the detector array.

Implementation Method 1

applying a bias signal to a sensor array of an imaging device to increase a temperature of the sensor array for burn-in mitigation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

a plurality of sensors may be provided in an image detector array to detect electromagnetic (EM) radiation at desired wavelengths

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation detection: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS12096143B2Burn-in mitigation and associated imaging systems and methods

Publication Date: 2024.09.17 TELEDYNE FLIR COMMERICAL SYST INC

AI summary

Techniques for facilitating burn-in mitigation and associated imaging systems and methods are provided. In one example, a method applying a bias signal to a sensor array of an imaging device to increase a temperature of the sensor array to perform burn-in mitigation. The method further includes reducing the temperature of the sensor array. The method further includes determining whether a burn-in is present in the sensor array. Related systems and devices are also provided.