Virtual-Shutter NUC for Infrared Imaging Calibration Drift
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Solution Overview
Problem
Infrared imaging devices face calibration drift issues due to changes in device characteristics over time, leading to ineffective calibration terms that require frequent recalibration, which can be cumbersome, especially for small form factor and low-cost devices without access to calibration stations or internal shutter mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a virtual-shutter non-uniformity correction (NUC) procedure that generates NUC terms using scene-based corrections during image capture, allowing for snapshot storage of calibration data to quickly update and correct non-uniformities upon startup, eliminating the need for external calibration stations and internal shutters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional calibration methods using calibration stations or internal shutter mechanisms are used, then calibration accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the calibration function from complex external calibration stations and internal shutter mechanisms, implementing it through a simplified virtual shutter approach using image processing algorithms that operate on captured images without requiring additional hardware
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical calibration systems (physical shutters, calibration stations) with an electronic/software-based virtual shutter system that uses image processing algorithms to achieve calibration, eliminating the need for mechanical moving parts and complex hardware infrastructure
2Measurement precision
If frequent recalibration is performed to compensate for calibration drift, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but time consumption and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service calibration where the system automatically performs calibration using captured images and the virtual shutter mechanism without requiring external intervention or manual recalibration operations, enabling continuous autonomous calibration drift compensation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous calibration by integrating the virtual shutter mechanism into ongoing image capture operations, allowing calibration to occur continuously without interruption to normal imaging functions, thereby maintaining accuracy without discrete time-consuming recalibration events
3Measurement precision
If virtual-shutter NUC procedure is implemented for scene-based corrections, then calibration accuracy is improved without additional hardware, but processing time and computational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by implementing the virtual shutter mechanism selectively based on scene characteristics and calibration needs, processing only the necessary portions of images rather than continuously analyzing all captured data, thereby reducing computational load while maintaining calibration effectiveness
Data Source
AI summary
Various techniques are provided to compensate for and/or update ineffective (e.g., stale) calibration terms due to calibration drifts in infrared imaging devices. For example, a virtual-shutter non-uniformity correction (NUC) procedure may be initiated to generate NUC terms to correct non-uniformities when appropriate triggering events and/or conditions are detected that may indicate presence of an object or scene to act as a shutter (e.g., a virtual shutter). Scene-based non-uniformity correction (SBNUC) may be performed during image capturing operations of the infrared imaging device, for example, when a virtual-shutter scene is not available. Further, snapshots of calibration data (e.g., NUC terms) produced during the virtual-shutter NUC procedure, the SBNUC process, and/or other NUC process may be taken. Such snapshots may be utilized to provide useful NUC data when the infrared imaging device starts up or is otherwise reactivated, so that the SBNUC or other NUC methods may produce effective results soon after the start-up. Such snapshots may also be utilized to update ineffective calibration terms.