Vehicle Infrared Imaging Device Shutter Control for Noise Correction

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing infrared imaging devices for vehicles face challenges in acquiring accurate images due to fixed pattern noise and ambient light interference, particularly when acquiring correction data, which can lead to reduced safety and increased costs with multiple devices.

Innovation Solution

An infrared imaging device with a first imaging unit for far-infrared rays and a second imaging unit for shorter wavelengths, along with a control unit that manages light irradiation and shutter operation to suppress ambient light influence during correction data acquisition, allowing for cost-effective operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If correction data acquisition processing is performed by blocking infrared rays using a shutter mechanism, then fixed pattern noise correction can be achieved, but the acquisition of infrared images is interrupted and safety cannot be secured

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixed pattern noise correctionVSAvoidsafety during image acquisition

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent dynamically switches between two operational modes: a first mode for acquiring correction data (with shutter closed and infrared rays blocked) and a second mode for acquiring infrared images (with shutter open). This dynamic mode switching allows the system to optimize for either correction precision or continuous monitoring safety depending on the operational phase, resolving the contradiction between needing to block infrared rays for correction and maintaining continuous image acquisition for safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If multiple far-infrared imaging devices are used to avoid simultaneous interruption, then safety can be improved, but costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety during correction data acquisitionVSAvoidnumber of imaging devices

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action by alternating between correction data acquisition periods and infrared image acquisition periods within a single imaging device. During correction periods, the shutter is closed to block infrared rays; during normal operation periods, the shutter is open for image capture. This time-division multiplexing approach eliminates the need for multiple parallel devices while maintaining safety through periodic correction updates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Quantity of substance

If a single infrared imaging device is used, then costs are reduced, but the acquisition of correction data interrupts image capture and reduces safety

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of imaging devicesVSAvoidcontinuous monitoring capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by acquiring correction data at predetermined intervals or under specific conditions (such as when temperature changes are detected or during low-traffic periods) rather than continuously. This allows the single imaging device to maintain most of the time in image acquisition mode for safety, while periodically switching to correction data acquisition mode to update calibration information, thus minimizing interruption to continuous monitoring.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 enables continuous image acquisition with reduced ambient light interference during correction data processing, enhancing safety and reducing costs by utilizing a single set of imaging units.

Implementation Method 1

an infrared detector that detects incident infrared rays and converts the detected infrared rays into electric signals

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInfrared detection: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

having a shutter mechanism on the front surface of the infrared detector and blocking the infrared rays incident on the infrared detector from the outside

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInfrared ray blocking: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS10511789B2Infrared imaging device, control method thereof, and vehicle

Publication Date: 2019.12.17 FUJIFILM CORP

AI summary

A first imaging unit detects far-infrared rays and captures a first image. A second imaging unit detects light having a wavelength range shorter than a wavelength range of the far-infrared rays and captures a second image. An unevenness correction unit performs unevenness correction processing on the first image. A correction data acquisition unit acquires correction data for correcting unevenness. A light irradiation determination unit determines whether or not the second imaging unit is irradiated with light having a wavelength range captured by the second imaging unit. A control unit causes the correction data acquisition unit to acquire the correction data in a case where the light irradiation determination unit determines that light irradiation is not performed on the second imaging unit.