Image enhancement in far infrared camera
US6759949B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 23, 2002 |
| Grant date | Jul 6, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 2, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06T2207/30261
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
The present invention is an infrared imaging system that comprises a far-infrared camera disposed at the front end of a vehicle adapted for detecting thermal radiation in the 7 to 14 micron wavelength band and producing an image signal indicative of the temperature of the surrounding objects. A digital signal processor receives the image signal and selectively enhances the temperature resolution based upon the relative temperature distribution of the image signal, which is proportional to the temperature of objects emitting in the infrared region. In accordance with the present invention, the digital signal processor enhances temperature ranges having high concentrations and contracts temperature ranges having low concentrations. The digital signal processor selects between high and low concentrations based upon a predetermined threshold concentration value. A display apparatus receives a display signal that is temperature-enhanced and displays that signal to the driver.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.