Thermal Imager Motion Compensation for Scene Change Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional thermal image processing techniques face challenges in detecting scene changes when the thermal imager is in motion, as movement introduces noise in image comparisons, requiring burdensome user-adjusted parameters and trial-and-error tuning.

Innovation Solution

An imaging system that automatically adjusts the temporal delay for thermal image comparison processing based on detected motion, using a motion sensor to select thermal images for processing, thereby reducing noise and enhancing the visibility of scene changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If thermal images are compared to detect scene changes, then detection capability is improved, but motion-induced noise increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescene change detection capabilityVSAvoidmotion-induced noise

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the temporal delay between compared thermal images based on detected motion levels. When motion is detected, the delay is increased to allow for motion compensation, while in static conditions the delay is reduced for better temporal resolution. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by optimizing the comparison timing based on actual scene conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the temporal parameter (time delay) of image comparison based on motion detection. By varying this parameter according to scene dynamics, the system maintains accurate scene change detection while minimizing motion-induced noise artifacts in the comparison results.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If user specifies processing parameters, then processing accuracy can be optimized, but user burden increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing accuracyVSAvoiduser burden

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically determines and adjusts processing parameters (temporal delay, motion compensation settings) based on scene analysis and motion detection, eliminating the need for manual user configuration. This self-adjusting capability maintains high processing accuracy while completely removing the burden of parameter specification from the user.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors scene conditions and motion levels, using this feedback to automatically adjust processing parameters in real-time. This closed-loop approach ensures optimal processing accuracy is maintained without requiring user intervention, as the system adapts automatically to changing conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS12058473B2Motion based thermal image processing systems and methods

Publication Date: 2024.08.06 FLIR SYST AB

AI summary

Various techniques are provided for improved detection of scene changes using a thermal imager. In one example, a method includes capturing a plurality of thermal images of a scene using a thermal imager. The method also includes detecting motion associated with the thermal imager during the capturing. The method also includes determining a temporal delay in response to the detected motion. The method also includes selecting first and second ones of the thermal images captured at corresponding first and second times separated by the temporal delay. The method also includes processing the first and second thermal images to generate a comparison thermal image identifying changes in the scene between the first and second times. Additional methods and systems are also provided.