Selective Color Thermal Display Using Background Threshold Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mass-produced thermal imaging cameras face challenges in effectively displaying thermal images due to limited resources, requiring innovative approaches to enhance image processing and display without the complexity of high-value instruments.
Innovation Solution
An imaging system that uses an array of photodetectors to produce intensity values, applying different lookup tables based on threshold criteria determined from a background scene to selectively colorize thermal images, allowing pixels above or below certain temperature thresholds to be displayed in vivid or monochrome formats, improving visual distinction of temperature regions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single lookup table is used for all pixels in the thermal image, then the device complexity is reduced, but the visual distinction of temperature regions is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the thermal image into multiple temperature regions based on threshold criteria, applying different lookup tables to different pixel groups. This segmentation allows enhanced visual distinction for specific temperature regions (such as highlighting warm objects against a cooler background) while maintaining manageable processing complexity through systematic classification of pixels into distinct groups.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different display characteristics (different lookup tables) to different local regions of the thermal image based on their temperature values. Pixels meeting specific criteria (e.g., above a temperature threshold) receive one lookup table while others receive a different lookup table, enabling localized optimization of visual information presentation without requiring complex global processing.
2Loss of information
If multiple lookup tables are applied to different pixels, then the visual representation of thermal regions is improved, but the image processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary classification of pixels into different groups based on threshold criteria before applying the corresponding lookup tables. By pre-identifying which pixels meet the criteria (such as temperature thresholds) and organizing them into groups, the system prepares the data structure in advance, reducing the computational burden during the actual display formatting process and minimizing processing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the display parameters (lookup table selection) based on pixel intensity values and temperature criteria. By dynamically selecting appropriate lookup tables based on pixel characteristics and predefined thresholds, the system optimizes visual representation quality while maintaining efficient processing through parameter-based classification rather than complex per-pixel analysis.
3Adaptability or versatility
If threshold criteria are determined from background scene analysis, then the adaptability to different environments is improved, but the processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the imaging system to automatically determine threshold criteria by analyzing the background scene itself. The system performs self-calibration by identifying background regions, analyzing their temperature characteristics, and automatically setting appropriate thresholds for highlighting foreground objects. This self-service approach improves environmental adaptability without requiring manual configuration or complex external processing systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary analysis of the background scene to establish threshold criteria before processing the main thermal image data. By pre-analyzing the background temperature distribution and setting thresholds in advance, the system prepares the processing parameters ahead of time, reducing the computational complexity during real-time image processing while maintaining high adaptability to different environmental conditions.
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 enhances the visual representation of thermal images by highlighting regions of interest through selective colorization, improving user experience and efficiency in mass-produced thermal imaging systems, particularly beneficial for tracking and reconnaissance applications.
Implementation Method 1
an array of photodetectors configured to produce an array of intensity values corresponding to light intensity at the photodetectors
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging system includes an array of photodetectors configured to produce an array of intensity values corresponding to light intensity at the photodetectors. The imaging system can include a display for display images acquired with the array of photodetectors, after some image and display processing. The image and display processing components of the imaging system produce an array of display-formatted pixels for display on the imaging system display. The display-formatted pixels include at least a first plurality of pixels formatted for display using a first lookup table and a second plurality of pixels formatted for display using a second lookup table. Threshold criteria for choosing which pixels belong to which plurality are determined from analysis of a scene indicated by a user as a background scene. Once the threshold criteria are determined from the background the criteria are applied to pixels in subsequent image frames, and the pixels that meet the criteria are displayed in at least one color table LUT and the pixels that do not are displayed in a at least one different color table LUT. In a particular embodiment. The criteria may be above or below the max scene value (or temperature) from the background scene and pixels below the criteria may be displayed in a monochrome or non-vivid color table and pixels above the criteria are displayed in a vivid color table.