Thermal Image Contrast Enhancement via Redistribution Function
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Solution Overview
Problem
Thermal imaging systems face challenges in detecting objects of interest due to reduced contrast caused by a wide temperature spread within a scene, making it difficult to distinguish objects with similar thermal emission from their background.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize an absolute calibrated thermal imaging system to redistribute thermal image data using a predetermined redistribution function based on the thermal characteristics of a class of objects, enhancing local contrast and detectability by modifying the intensity distribution to emphasize thermal characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the dynamic range of thermal data is reduced prior to displaying the thermal image, then the display range is optimized, but the detectability of objects of interest is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the thermal data processing into two distinct stages: first, redistributing the thermal data according to object temperature characteristics to enhance detectability, and second, applying gamma correction to optimize display range. This segmentation allows each processing stage to address its specific function without compromising the other, resolving the contradiction between detectability and display optimization.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a wide spread in temperatures for objects within a scene is present, then the thermal imaging system can capture diverse thermal emissions, but the contrast is reduced making it difficult to distinguish objects of interest
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by redistributing thermal data based on the temperature characteristics of specific objects of interest rather than applying a uniform transformation across the entire thermal range. This allows the system to maintain adaptability to diverse thermal emissions while enhancing contrast locally for objects with similar thermal emissions, resolving the contradiction between wide thermal range coverage and local contrast.
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 solution effectively increases the detectability of objects with specific thermal characteristics by enhancing local contrast in thermal images, allowing for improved identification and classification of objects like humans within a scene, even under varying environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
all objects with a temperature above absolute zero emit thermal energy
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
Data Source
AI summary
A method for increasing enhancing local contrast in a thermal image for a class of objects having a thermal characteristic is provided. The method including providing thermal image data representing a first thermal image, where the first thermal image is acquired by an absolute calibrated thermal imaging system, redistributing the thermal image data having a first intensity distribution into a second intensity distribution using a predetermined redistribution function, where the predetermined redistribution function is based on the thermal characteristic, such that the local contrast is enhanced for the class of objects, outputting the redistributed thermal image data as the thermal image. An apparatus for enhancing local contrast in a thermal image for a class of objects having a thermal characteristic is further provided.