Thermal Imaging Burn-In Detection and Mitigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Thermal imaging systems face issues with burn-in events caused by high intensity thermal energy sources, such as the sun, leading to persistent blemishes in captured images due to incomplete mitigation by existing shielding and periodic flat-field correction methods, which are unsatisfactory in practice.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that detect burn-in events in thermal imaging systems using a focal plane array and a processor to identify and mitigate blemishes, employing dynamic flat-field correction processes that adjust based on the decay rate of blemishes, rather than fixed intervals, to provide continuous correction and minimize reoccurrence of blemishes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If periodic flat-field correction is performed to compensate for burn-in blemishes, then blemish compensation is achieved, but the correction terms become outdated and blemishes reappear due to non-linear decay
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic flat-field correction by continuously adjusting correction terms based on the current state of burn-in decay rather than using fixed periodic intervals. The system monitors the decay rate of blemishes and adapts the correction frequency and magnitude accordingly, transitioning from static periodic correction to dynamic real-time correction that responds to changing detector conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the system monitors the actual burn-in decay state of the focal plane array and uses this information to adjust correction terms. By measuring the current blemish characteristics and comparing them with expected decay patterns, the system automatically updates correction parameters to maintain accurate compensation throughout the decay process.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If shielding coatings or filters are used to protect from high intensity energy, then burn-in protection is provided, but cost increases and in-band transmission is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using physical shielding that blocks thermal energy, the patent converts the harmful burn-in effect into a detectable signal pattern. By monitoring the specific signature of burn-in decay in the thermal images, the system identifies affected regions and applies computational correction, effectively turning the harmful physical effect into useful information for calibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces physical shielding mechanisms (coatings, filters) with a computational approach using focal plane array imaging and digital signal processing. Instead of mechanically blocking thermal energy at the optical level, the system uses electronic detection and algorithmic correction to mitigate burn-in effects, eliminating the need for additional optical components.
3Device complexity
If fixed interval flat-field correction is used, then implementation is simple, but correction timing does not match non-linear decay rate causing reoccurrence
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static fixed-interval correction to dynamic adaptive correction by continuously monitoring burn-in decay characteristics. The correction frequency and parameters are automatically adjusted based on the current decay rate, ensuring optimal timing for each correction cycle to prevent blemish reoccurrence while managing computational resources efficiently.
Data Source
AI summary
Various techniques are disclosed to detect and mitigate the effects of burn-in events occurring in thermal imaging systems. Such events may be attributable to the sun (e.g., solar burn-in) and/or other high thermal energy sources. In one example, a method includes detecting a burn-in event that causes thermal images captured by a focal plane array (FPA) to exhibit a blemish; and mitigating the blemish in the thermal images. In another example, a thermal imaging system includes a focal plane array (FPA) adapted to capture thermal images; and a processor adapted to: detect a burn-in event that causes the thermal images to exhibit a blemish, and mitigate the blemish in the thermal images.