Infrared imaging system and method of operating
US9800804B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 30, 2015 |
| Grant date | Oct 24, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 15, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04N25/615
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A lens unit (120) shows longitudinal chromatic aberration and focuses an imaged scene into a first image for the infrared range in a first focal plane and into a second image for the visible range in a second focal plane. An optical element (150) manipulates the modulation transfer function assigned to the first and second images to extend the depth of field. An image processing unit (200) may amplify a modulation transfer function contrast in the first and second images. A focal shift between the focal planes may be compensated for. While in conventional approaches for RGBIR sensors contemporaneously providing both a conventional and an infrared image of the same scene the infrared image is severely out of focus, the present approach provides extended depth of field imaging to rectify the problem of out-of-focus blur for infrared radiation. An imaging system can be realized without any apochromatic lens.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.