Shutterless infrared imager algorithm with drift correction
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A method of maintaining image quality in presence of temperature drift for an infrared (IR) imaging system comprising:
- a) taking base measurements from the IR imaging system while a shutter of the IR imaging system is closed, the base measurements comprising temperature with regard to the shutter and outputs of detector elements of a focal plane array (FPA) of the IR imaging system;
b) determining an offset output for the IR imaging system from the base temperature with regard to the shutter;
c) taking present measurements from the IR imaging system while the shutter is open and the IR imaging system is directed at a target scene, the present measurements comprising temperature with regard to the shutter and outputs of the FPA detector elements;
d) calculating thermal drift components with regard to the present outputs of the FPA detector elements in light of differences between the base and present measurements;
e) calculating outputs of the FPA detector elements attributable to the target scene in light of the present outputs of the FPA detector elements, the respective drift components of the FPA detector elements, and the offset output;
f) determining temperatures of the target scene from the output portions of the FPA detector elements attributable to the target scene; and
g) repeating steps (c) through (f) while the shutter is open during continued use of the IR imaging system.
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Abstract
An infrared imaging system having functionality for maintaining image quality in the presence of temperature drift of the system. Such functionality is applied repetitively to maintain image quality of a target scene, yet without continuous actuation of a shutter of the system. The functionality of the imaging system results from implementing an imager algorithm. In use, the imager algorithm functions with a calibration curve created for the imaging system, with the curve comprising a plot of system output versus target scene temperature.
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Citations
28 Claims
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1. A method of maintaining image quality in presence of temperature drift for an infrared (IR) imaging system comprising:
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a) taking base measurements from the IR imaging system while a shutter of the IR imaging system is closed, the base measurements comprising temperature with regard to the shutter and outputs of detector elements of a focal plane array (FPA) of the IR imaging system; b) determining an offset output for the IR imaging system from the base temperature with regard to the shutter; c) taking present measurements from the IR imaging system while the shutter is open and the IR imaging system is directed at a target scene, the present measurements comprising temperature with regard to the shutter and outputs of the FPA detector elements; d) calculating thermal drift components with regard to the present outputs of the FPA detector elements in light of differences between the base and present measurements; e) calculating outputs of the FPA detector elements attributable to the target scene in light of the present outputs of the FPA detector elements, the respective drift components of the FPA detector elements, and the offset output; f) determining temperatures of the target scene from the output portions of the FPA detector elements attributable to the target scene; and g) repeating steps (c) through (f) while the shutter is open during continued use of the IR imaging system. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. An infrared (IR) imaging apparatus comprising:
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a lens for focusing IR energy from a target scene; a focal plane array (FPA) paired with the lens and adapted to receive the IR energy from the target scene via the lens, the FPA comprising a plurality of IR detector elements; means for selectively exposing the FPA detector elements to the IR energy from the target scene, the means enabling maintenance of image quality in presence of temperature drift for the IR imaging apparatus following a single blocking of the FPA detector elements from the IR energy from the target scene; and a processor operatively coupled to the FPA and configured for making initial measurements of the IR imaging apparatus during the single blocking of the FPA detector elements and for making continued measurements of the IR imaging apparatus during continued use of the IR imaging apparatus when the FPA detector elements are exposed to the IR energy from the target scene, the processor configured for storing the initial measurements and configured for using a calibration curve for the IR imaging apparatus with which the initial and continued measurements are used in maintaining image quality in presence of temperature drift during the continued use of the IR imaging apparatus. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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22. A computer-readable medium programmed with instructions for maintaining image quality in presence of temperature drift for an infrared (IR) imaging system, the medium comprising instructions for causing a programmable processor to:
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a) take base measurements from the IR imaging system while a shutter of the IR imaging system is closed, the base measurements comprising temperature with regard to the shutter and outputs of detector elements of a focal plane array (FPA) of the IR imaging system; b) determine an offset output for the IR imaging system from the base temperature with regard to the shutter; c) take present measurements from the IR imaging system while the shutter is open and the IR imaging system is directed at a target scene, the present measurements comprising temperature with regard to the shutter and outputs of the FPA detector elements; d) calculate thermal drift components with regard to the present outputs of the FPA detector elements in light of differences between the base and present measurements; e) calculating outputs of the FPA detector elements attributable to the target scene in light of the present outputs of the FPA detector elements, the respective drift components of the FPA detector elements, and the offset output; f) determine temperatures of the target scene from the output portions of the FPA detector elements attributable to the target scene; and g) repeat steps (c) through (f) while the shutter is open during continued use of the IR imaging system. - View Dependent Claims (23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28)
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Specification