Shutterless FIR Camera Calibration Without Image Freezing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current FIR cameras used in advanced driver assistance systems and autonomous vehicles require shutters for calibration, which lead to image freezing and mechanical wear, posing safety risks and limiting their adaptability due to high latency and power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A shutterless FIR camera design that integrates an optical unit, an uncooled FIR sensor, and an integrated circuit for processing thermal images, enabling shutterless correction and image enhancement to produce an enhanced thermal video stream, thus eliminating the need for mechanical shutters and improving reliability and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a shutter is used for calibration in FIR camera, then image quality and accuracy are improved, but image freezing occurs during calibration and mechanical wear increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the shutter component from the FIR camera system. Instead of using a mechanical shutter for calibration, the system employs a shutterless calibration method where the sensor captures images of the surrounding environment, and software algorithms perform flat-field correction by analyzing statistical properties of the captured frames. This eliminates the mechanical shutter that causes image freezing and mechanical wear.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical shutter system with a software-based calibration approach. The mechanical action of blocking and unblocking the sensor is substituted by computational methods that process captured images to achieve flat-field correction. The system uses algorithms to analyze image statistics and apply corrections without any moving parts, thereby eliminating mechanical wear and image freezing issues.
2Measurement precision
If a shutter is used for calibration, then flat-field correction is achieved, but calibration latency increases due to black period
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous calibration by having the sensor constantly capture images of the environment during normal operation. Instead of periodic calibration with black periods, the system continuously accumulates image data and performs incremental flat-field correction. This allows the calibration process to occur continuously without interrupting the useful imaging function, thereby eliminating calibration latency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary calibration actions by continuously capturing and analyzing environmental images in the background. The system pre-processes image data to build statistical models of the scene, which are then used for real-time flat-field correction. This preliminary continuous preparation eliminates the need for periodic calibration interruptions.
3Measurement precision
If mechanical shutter is used, then calibration can be performed, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the mechanical shutter assembly including the flag, sleeve, arm, and motor components from the camera system. This extraction of the mechanical calibration component simplifies the device structure, reduces the number of moving parts, and lowers overall device complexity while maintaining calibration capability through software-based methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical shutter system with an electronic/software-based calibration system. The complex mechanical components (motors, linkages, precise positioning mechanisms) are substituted by software algorithms running on the camera's processor. This substitution dramatically reduces device complexity and eliminates the power consumption associated with driving mechanical components during calibration.
4Measurement precision
If shutter is used for frequent calibration, then image uniformity is improved, but mechanical wear shortens camera lifetime
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the mechanical shutter that is responsible for wear. By removing the flag, sleeve, arm, and motor components, there are no moving parts subject to mechanical wear, friction, or fatigue. This directly extends the camera's operational lifetime while maintaining the ability to perform frequent calibration through software-based flat-field correction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the wear-prone mechanical shutter system with a software-based calibration approach. The mechanical components that would wear out from frequent opening and closing operations are replaced by computational algorithms that process image data. This substitution eliminates mechanical wear entirely, allowing for unlimited frequent calibration operations without degrading the camera's lifetime.
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 shutterless FIR camera provides continuous imaging, reduces mechanical wear, and meets safety and performance standards for advanced driver assistance systems by ensuring accurate and fast detection of objects and hazards under various conditions, with improved reliability and extended lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
an uncooled far-infrared (FIR) sensor coupled to the optical unit and configured to capture FIR images
Data Source
Figure 2
Figure 3
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
A shutterless far-infrared (FIR) camera for advanced driver assistance systems, including at least one optical unit including at least one lens; an FIR sensor coupled to the optical unit and configured to capture FIR images; and an integrated circuit (IC) configured to process the captured FIR images to output an enhanced thermal video stream, wherein the IC further includes: a processing circuitry; and a memory containing instructions that, when executed by the processing circuitry, configure the processing circuitry to perform image corrections including at least a shutterless correction.