Thermal Image Data Filtering for Intensity Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Thermal imaging systems face challenges in detecting and identifying objects of interest due to drastic intensity differences in scenes, such as between the sky and ground, which overwhelm the dynamic range, making it difficult to distinguish details in thermal images.
Innovation Solution
A method that filters thermal image data by identifying peaks in the signal distribution of intensity values, excluding data with intensity widths smaller than a predetermined span, and adjusting the intensity range based on the thermal image detector's resolution and signal strength response, allowing for dynamic adaptation and exclusion of isolated regions like the sky or sun, thereby redistributing intensity levels to enhance object visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If thermal image data from regions with drastically different intensities (e.g., sky and ground) is included in the image, then the complete scene is captured, but the available intensity level range is consumed by these extreme regions, making it difficult to distinguish details in regions of interest
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes thermal image data corresponding to isolated intensity peaks (such as sky or sun regions) from the image data. By identifying peaks in the signal distribution that have intensity widths smaller than a predetermined span, the method separates and excludes these extreme regions, preventing them from consuming the intensity level range and thereby improving the intensity resolution for regions of interest
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the intensity distribution parameters by redistributing the available intensity levels after removing peak regions. The intensity values of remaining pixels are rescaled to utilize the full dynamic range, transforming the intensity parameter distribution to enhance contrast and distinguishability of objects in regions of interest
2Measurement precision
If complex image analytics and static sky region identification methods are used to suppress extreme regions, then the imaging capability is improved, but the system complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a self-service approach where the filtering process automatically identifies and removes isolated intensity peaks through signal distribution analysis. The method uses the inherent statistical properties of the thermal image data (peak detection in intensity histograms) to automatically determine which regions to exclude, eliminating the need for manual sky region identification or complex prior analytics while improving imaging capability
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 approach improves the detection and identification of objects of interest by reducing the intensity range and enhancing contrast in thermal images without requiring complex analytics or prior analysis of object positions, allowing for more effective use of limited intensity levels.
Implementation Method 1
Objects with a temperature above absolute zero emit thermal radiation. The intensity and the spectral content of the emitted radiation varies with the temperature of the object.
Implementation Method 2
Thermal imaging systems utilize thermal sensors, such as micro-bolometers, to visualize heat differences within a scene by converting detected thermal energy into electrical energy to produce an image or a video of the scene.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a system for filtering thermal image data. The method comprises: capturing thermal image data by a thermal image detector; forming a signal distribution of intensity values; identifying a first part in the signal distribution of intensity values, the first part being a peak having an intensity width equal to or smaller than a predetermined intensity span being based on a resolution parameter of the thermal image detector; identifying a second part having an intensity width larger than the predetermined intensity span; determining an intensity range between the first part and the second part; and filtering, if the intensity range is larger than a predetermined minimum intensity range, the thermal image data by excluding thermal image data forming part of the first part.