Thermal Camera Resolution via Vibratory Motor Subpixel Shifts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal imaging cameras face limitations in achieving high resolution without increasing the cost of infrared sensors, and super-resolution algorithms are ineffective when there is little or no movement between images.
Innovation Solution
A method that uses a vibratory motor to induce movement during image capture, allowing for the application of super-resolution algorithms to increase the resolution of thermal images by determining subpixel shifts, aligning, scaling, and fusing the images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If super-resolution algorithms are used to improve resolution without more expensive sensors, then resolution can be improved at lower cost, but the approach fails when there is no or only slight movement between images
Solution Approach 1:
A vibratory motor is integrated into the thermal imaging camera to mechanically vibrate the sensor array during image capture. This vibration intentionally creates subpixel shifts between consecutive images, ensuring sufficient movement for super-resolution algorithms to function effectively. The vibration frequency and amplitude are controlled to optimize the subpixel shift magnitude, enabling resolution enhancement even when natural scene movement is minimal or absent.
2Measurement precision
If a vibratory motor is added to provide movement during image capture, then subpixel shifts are ensured for super-resolution, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vibratory motor is designed to work autonomously with the existing image capture system, requiring minimal additional control infrastructure. The motor is integrated directly with the sensor assembly and can be controlled through simple software commands from the camera's processing unit. The system automatically activates the vibration during image sequences and deactivates it when not needed, providing self-regulating operation without requiring complex external control systems.
3Measurement precision
If multiple images are captured during vibration and processed through super-resolution, then resolution is improved, but processing time and computational load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The vibratory motor and image capture system are configured to acquire multiple images in rapid succession during a single vibration cycle, preparing the image data before the super-resolution processing begins. The images are captured and buffered in memory during the vibration phase, so that when processing starts, the data is already ready for immediate algorithmic processing, reducing the overall time delay between capture and final image availability.
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 method effectively increases the resolution and quality of thermal images, improving detail and sharpness, even in scenarios with limited natural movement, thereby enhancing the camera's capabilities without the need for expensive sensor upgrades.
Implementation Method 1
vibration is initiated by a vibratory motor of the thermal imaging camera to provide movement during capturing of image data
Data Source
AI summary
A method for providing a thermal image of a thermal imaging camera with an increased resolution, includes (i) initiating a vibration by a vibratory motor of the thermal imaging camera to provide movement during capturing of image data by the thermal imaging camera, (ii) initiating the capturing of image data by the thermal imaging camera during the vibration, wherein the image data comprises at least two thermal images, and (iii) determining the thermal image based on a method for increasing a resolution of the thermal image. A computer program, a device, and a storage medium for this purpose is also disclosed.