Parallax Correction for Dual-Mode Thermal Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Thermal imaging cameras often suffer from parallax errors between infrared and visible light images due to misalignment of optics, which existing correction methods, such as focus adjustments and factory-calibrated settings, may not adequately address, especially when add-on lenses are used.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for refining parallax correction by performing initial and secondary parallax corrections through focusing and manual registration of images, with the option to store refinement data for future use, and employing mathematical algorithms that incorporate lens-specific parameters to adjust for parallax errors, both with and without add-on lenses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate visible light and infrared optics are positioned in different locations on the camera, then the camera can capture both visible light and infrared images, but parallax offset occurs between the two images making registration difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a third dimension (depth adjustment) to resolve the two-dimensional registration problem. By allowing the visible light sensor or infrared sensor to move along the optical axis (depth dimension), the system can compensate for parallax offset caused by separate optics positioning, enabling accurate registration while maintaining dual imaging capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary parallax correction by adjusting the focus or depth position of one sensor relative to the other before image capture. This preliminary action pre-compensates for the expected parallax offset, allowing the subsequently captured images to be properly registered without requiring complex post-processing
2Ease of operation
If focus adjustment is used to correct parallax offset, then some alignment improvement may be achieved, but the correction is often insufficient and does not adequately resolve the parallax error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static focus adjustment to dynamic depth adjustment. The system allows continuous adjustment of the relative depth position between visible light and infrared sensors, enabling fine-tuned parallax correction that adapts to different imaging conditions and target distances, thereby achieving superior correction accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical focus adjustment mechanisms with a more precise depth positioning system. This may involve motorized sensor mounting brackets or adjustable sensor holders that provide finer control over the relative positioning of sensors along the optical axis, enabling more accurate parallax compensation
3Adaptability or versatility
If add-on lenses are incorporated into the thermal imaging camera, then imaging flexibility is improved, but the parallax correction becomes more complex and difficult to manage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary characterization of add-on lenses during manufacturing or initial setup. By pre-determining the parallax properties of specific lens-camera combinations and storing this information in lookup tables, the system simplifies runtime operation to simple table lookups rather than complex real-time calculations, thereby maintaining imaging flexibility while reducing operational complexity
Data Source
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AI summary
A thermal imaging system having visible light and infrared camera modules can perform various methods for reducing parallax errors between captured visible light and infrared images. The system can perform a first calibration method, which can be manual or automatic, and can receive subsequent parallax refinement adjustments via a user interface. The parallax refinement adjustments may be stored in memory for future use. Systems can include an add-on lens capable of interfacing with the infrared camera module for producing modified infrared images. The system can perform methods to reduce parallax between modified infrared and visible light images, and can receive subsequent parallax refinement adjustments to further reduce parallax between the modified infrared and visible light images. The add-on lens parallax refinement data can be stored in memory of the camera memory of the lens for future use in parallax correction.