JPH04207367A - Image sampling system - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To decrease out-of-focus and a decrease of an integrating effect by providing a variable delay element and adjusting the timing of the sampling signal in either of multiplexing means. CONSTITUTION:Detecting elements 2A1 to 2A3, 2B1 to 2B3 of a 1st row and 2nd row consisting of staggered element array are provided and the input light from a scanner 1 which scans these element rows in a cross direction is converted to an electric signal. The outputs of the detecting elements 2A1 to 2A3, 2B1 to 2B3 of the 1st row and 2nd row are respectively sampled and the outputs subjected to time divided multiplexing are synthesized to display images. The variable delay element 4 is provided in such video device to adjust the timing of the sampling signal in either of the multiplexing means 3A, 3B. The outputs of the detecting elements are added 6 in the same position when the interelement spacings between the detecting elements 2A1 to 2A3 of the 1st row and the detecting elements 2B1 to 2B3 of the 2nd row and the geometrical visual field angle of the scanning by the scanner 1 do not coincide. The generation of the out-of-focus and the decrease of the integrating effect is thus prevented.

Description

Detailed description of the invention The outputs of the sensing elements in the column are combined at the correct position, or added at the same position, to avoid disturbances in the output image, or to avoid defocusing or reducing the integration effect. The first and second columns convert input light from a scanner that scans in the horizontal direction with respect to a staggered element array or a TDI element array or an element array into electrical signals. It comprises a sensing element and a multiplexing means for sampling the outputs of the first and second row sensing elements and multiplexing them on the time and minute sides, and combining the outputs of both the multiplexing means or delaying one of the outputs. In a video device that displays an image by adding the output and the output of the other and 2,
ζ) It is constructed by providing a tiJ variable delay element for adjusting the timing of the sampling signal in one of the multiplexing means.

(Industrial Application Field) The present invention relates to image processing in an infrared imaging device, etc., and particularly to a staggered C7-array detector or TDI (Time Dela) I.
The present invention relates to an image embedding method for a video device using an element array detector (nt, egration).

For infrared imaging devices, etc., a method is used in which a plurality of detection elements are arranged in a line in an image detection section and optically scanned and scanned to generate an image corresponding to a predetermined screen. There is C.

Especially in recent years, for the purpose of increasing the sensitivity of the device,
Staggered array detector or "1" as a detection element
A device using a DI element array detector is used.

It is desired that an image sampling method used in a video device using such a staggered element array or a TDI element array detector does not cause image disturbance, defocus, or decrease in integral effect.

[Conventional technology]

Conventionally, as a detection element 2 in an infrared imaging device, etc.,
For example, a method is used in which unit elements are arranged in a line in a line direction 7 and optically scanned in the horizontal direction using a mirror or the like to obtain a video signal corresponding to a predetermined screen.

However, in the case of detectors arranged in a single row, there is a limit to the improvement in the sensitivity of the device, so recent infrared imaging devices use non-interactive L-series detectors that use staggered element array detectors in which elements are arranged in a staggered pattern. The TDI image sampling method uses a TDN element array detector in which elements are arranged in two or more rows and integrates with a time delay.

FIG. 4 shows an image sampling scheme for a staggered element array detector.

In the figure, A +, A x, As, --, B 1.
B z, B s, - indicate the first and second rows of vertical sensing elements arranged in a bird shape, which are given input light scanned in the horizontal direction by a scanner as shown; Pulse train tA, +t t
A2+L A3+- is sequentially sampled, and the second row of sensing elements is subjected to a pulse train tIl□ delayed by a certain period of time (T) from this pulse train, 1.2.1 and 3. - By sequentially pulling and combining the outputs, the same output as when each element is arranged in one row is generated.

In this case, the elements in the first row and the elements in the second row are arranged in a staggered pattern and are sufficiently isolated. When arranged without gaps, there is no need to insulate the output between elements, and there is no need to interlace every other element to extract the output, and it can be driven using a non-interlaced method, improving sensitivity. be able to.

FIG. 5 shows an image sampling method for a TDI element sequence array detector.

In the figure, A+-Az, A3. -, B,, BZ, B:1.
shows the first and second rows of vertical sensing elements arranged in parallel, which are scanned horizontally by a scanner as shown, and the first row of sensing elements are pulsed by a pulse train jAt, ja□, The detection elements of the second row are sequentially sampled by the pulse train 1, B1.tB2゜t83. The outputs of the sensing elements in the column are delayed and then added to the outputs of the corresponding sensing elements in the second column.
In this way, an output equivalent to that of a single row of sensing elements is extracted.

In this case, since the outputs of the two rows of sensing elements are added together and the output is taken out, sensitivity can be improved by making each sensing element arranged in parallel smaller to some extent and insulating the elements. I can do it.

[Problems to be solved and attempted by the invention] In the case of an infrared imaging device using a staggered element array detector, the element spacing between the first row of detection elements and the second row of detection elements and the scanning by the scanner are If the geometric viewing angles of 7 do not match, when the outputs of the detection elements in the first row and the outputs of the detection elements in the second row are combined, the positional relationship of the respective outputs will not be correctly reproduced. As a result, the image is distorted, and the vertical curves are expressed as jagged cotton.

In addition, in the case of an infrared imaging device using a TDi element array detector, the element spacing between the first row of sensing elements and the second row of sensing elements and the geometric field of view of scanning by the S4 sensor are similarly determined. If the corners etc. do not match, the output of the first row of sensing elements and the second
When the outputs of the detection elements of the two columns are added together, the same position is not added, resulting in a result similar to defocusing, and the integration effect due to the outputs of the two columns is reduced.

The present invention aims to solve the problems of the prior art as described above, and it is an object of the present invention to solve the problems of the prior art.
In an infrared imaging device using an I-element array detector, when the element spacing between the first row of sensing elements and the second row of sensing elements does not match the geometric viewing angle of scanning by the scanner. , the output of the first row of sensing elements and the second row of sensing elements j
The output of ``-'' is combined with W to the correct extent, or added at the same position, so as not to cause disturbances in the output image, defocus, or decrease in the integral effect. The purpose is to

[Means for Solving the Problems] FIGS. 1(a) and 1(b) also show the basic configuration of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1(a), the present invention includes first and second rows of sensing elements 2A, +,
2 Az, 2 A, s, -, 2B1.2 Bz, 2
B3. - converts the input light from the scanner 1 that scans horizontally to this element row into an electrical signal, and the multiplexing means 3A and 3B sample the outputs of the first and second rows of sensing elements, respectively. In a video device that performs time-division multiplexing and combines the outputs of the multiplexing means 3A and 3B to display an image, a variable delay element 4 is provided to adjust the timing of the sampling signal in one of the multiplexing means. This is what I did.

Further, as shown in FIG. 1(b), the present invention includes first and second rows of sensing elements 2A, 2 consisting of TDI element arrays.
A2.2 A3%-'-'+ 2 B,, 28Z,
2 B3, - converts the input light from the scanner 1 that scans this element row in the horizontal direction into an electrical signal,
The multiplexing means 3A and 3B sample and time-division multiplex the outputs of the detection elements in the first and second rows, the delay means 5 delays one output of the multiplexing means, and the addition means 6 delays the output of one of the multiplexing means. In a video apparatus that adds this delayed output and the output of another output of the multiplexing means and displays an image based on the output of the adding means 6, a variable delay element 4 is provided to perform sampling in one of the multiplexing means. This is to adjust the timing of the signal.

[Function] In a video device, the first
It has a first column and a second column of sensing elements, and converts input light from a scanner that scans in a direction transverse to the first column into an electrical signal. Then, the outputs of the detection elements in the first and second rows are sampled, and the time-division multiplexed outputs are combined and displayed as an image.

In such a video device, a variable delay element is provided so that the timing of the sampling signal in either of the multiplexing means can be adjusted. Even if the element spacing between the sensing elements and the geometric viewing angle of scanning by the scanner do not match, the output of the first row of sensing elements and the output of the second row of sensing elements are in the correct position. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a vertical straight line from being expressed as a jagged line due to disturbance in the output image.

In addition, in video equipment, the first
It has a first column and a second column of sensing elements, and converts input light from a scanner that scans in a direction transverse to the first column into an electrical signal. Then, the outputs of the first and second row sensing elements are sampled and time-division multiplexed, one of the multiplexed outputs is delayed, this delayed output and the other multiplexed output are added, and this Displays an image based on the addition output.

In such a video device, since a variable delay element is provided so that the timing of the sampling signal in either one of the multiplexing means can be adjusted, the first
an element spacing between a row of sensing elements and a second row of sensing elements;
Even if the geometric viewing angle of the scan by the scanner does not match, the outputs of the first row of sensing elements and the outputs of the second row of sensing elements are added at the same position, thus reducing defocus and integration effects. This will prevent people from living in the area.

[Example] FIG. 2 shows an example of the present invention,
This figure shows the configuration of an infrared imaging device using a staggered element array detector.

In FIG. 2, 11 is an optical system that captures light (heat) from a target object, 12 is a scanner consisting of a mirror that performs reciprocating rotational movement to scan in the horizontal direction, 13 A +, 13
Ax, 13A, , - are the sensing elements of the first row, 1, 381 .
13 B,, 13 B3. − is the second row of sensing elements arranged in a bird shape with 7 points to the first row of sensing elements, 14;
A1.1.4 A! , 14 ,A, , are amplifiers provided corresponding to the first row of sensing elements, 14B, , 14
B2゜14B3. 15A is an amplifier provided corresponding to the second row of sensing elements, 15A is an analog multiplexer that time-division multiplexes the output of the first row of sensing elements, and 15B is an analog multiplexer for the second row of sensing elements.
16A is an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter that converts the analog output of the analog multiplexer 15A into a digital signal; 16B is the analog output of the analog multiplexer 15B. 17 is an analog-to-digital (A/D') converter that converts the signal into a digital signal;
] 8 is a scan converter 1 which scan-converts the outputs of the D converters 1.6A and 16B to generate a television video signal;
A monitor device 19 displays the output of 7 as an image; 19 is an analog multiplexer 15A, 15B, and an A/D converter 16;
A timing generator 20 supplies timing signals for A and 16B, and 20 is a delay element that delays timing signals for analog multiplexer 15A and A/D converter 16B.

In Figure 2, the light (thermal) radiation from the target is
The light is condensed through a scanner] 2 and scanned in the lateral force direction with respect to a target object, and is irradiated onto the detection elements in each row. First row sensing element y3A.

1, 3 A z, 13 A :i, - and second row sensing element 13B +, 13 B2.13 B3. '−
- converts individual light (heat) signals into electrical signals.

The generated electrical signals are sent to the corresponding amplifiers 14A, 1''
4 Az, 14 A, , - and 14B, 14B
Z. Divided and multiplexed.

The A/D converters 16A, 16B sample the time-division multiplexed analog signals from the analog multiplexers 15A, 15B, respectively, in accordance with the timing signal from the timing generator 19, and convert them into digital signals. The scan converter 17 includes A/D converters 16A and 16B.
Converts the digital signal output from the converter into a standard TV signal format and outputs it. The monitor device 18 displays an image of the target object on a TV screen using the output C of the scan converter 17.

The timing generator 19 includes the analog multiplexers 15A, 15B and the A/D converter 16A, as described above.
A timing signal such as a sample pulse is supplied to 16B.

At this time, the timing signal for sampling the output of the second row of sensing elements is changed through the variable delay element 20.

Therefore, as described above, even if the element spacing between the first row of sensing elements and the second row of sensing elements does not match the geometric viewing angle of scanning by the scanner, the first row of sensing elements and the output of the second row of sensing elements can be combined at the correct position.

In this case, the variable delay element 20 may be used to change the timing of the timing signal for sampling the output of the first column of sensing elements.

According to this embodiment, in an infrared imaging device using a staggered element array detector, it is possible to prevent image disturbance from appearing in a jagged manner in a vertical straight line.

FIG. 3 shows another embodiment of the present invention,
This figure shows the configuration of an infrared imaging device using a TDI element array detector.

In FIG. 3, the same parts as in FIG. 2 are indicated by the same numbers, 21 is a delay circuit consisting of a memory, etc., and 22 is an adder. In the case of FIG. 3, the first row of sensing elements 13A,
, l 3A2. ISA, , and the second row of sensing elements 13 h3+, 13 Bz, 13 B3. - indicates that the corresponding detection elements are arranged in parallel so that they are aligned in the horizontal direction C and have an equal positional relationship.

In Figure 3, the light (thermal) radiation from the target is
1, the light is focused by the scanner 12, and is scanned in the lateral force direction with respect to the target object, and is irradiated onto the sensing elements Y in each row. First row sensing element 13A1, 1.3 A2.13
A3, and the second row of sensing elements 13B6.13B2.
13B:1. - converts each incident optical (thermal) signal into an electrical signal.

The generated electrical signal is sent to a corresponding amplifier 14A.

1, 4 Az, 14 A3. = and 14B, 14
B,,14B3. - and then time-division multiplexed by being sequentially sampled by analog multiplexers 15A and 15B in accordance with timing signals as shown in FIG. 5 from timing generator 19. .

The A/D converters 16A and 16B generate time-division multiplexed analog signals from the analog multiplexers 15A and 15B, respectively. ! It is sampled according to the timing signal from S19 and converted into a digital signal. The output signal from the A/D converter 16A is delayed for a certain period of time through a delay circuit 21 consisting of a memory, etc., and then sent to the adder 22 to the A/D converter 16B.
is added to the output signal from the scan converter 17.
It is converted into a standard TV signal format and output.

The monitor device 18 displays the image of the target object on the TV screen based on the output of the scan converter 17.

The timing generator 19 includes the analog multiplexers 15A, 15B and the A/D converter 1.6A, as described above.
A timing signal such as a sample pulse is supplied to 16B.

At this time, the timing signal for sampling the output of the second row of sensing elements is changed through the variable delay element 20.

Therefore, even if the element spacing between the first row of sensing elements and the second row of sensing elements does not match the geometric viewing angle of scanning by the scanner, the output of the first row of sensing elements and the second row of sensing elements do not match. 2
The outputs of the sensing elements in the column can be added at the same position.

In this case, the variable delay element 20 may be used to change the timing of the timing signal for sampling the output of the first column of sensing elements.

According to this embodiment, in an infrared imaging device using a TDI element array detector, occurrence of focal blur and reduction in integration effect during addition can be prevented.

It goes without saying that this embodiment can be extended to cases where there are three or more rows of sensing elements.

[Effects of the Invention] As explained above, according to the present invention, in an infrared image binding using a staggered element array detector or a TDI element array detector, the detection elements of the first row and the second row Even if the element spacing between the two and the geometric viewing angle of scanning by the scanner do not match, the outputs of the first and second row of sensing elements will be combined at the correct position. , or added at the same position. Therefore, according to the present invention, infrared using a staggered element array detector,! In an imaging device, it is possible to prevent a vertical straight line from appearing jagged due to image disturbance, and to prevent focus blurring and addition in an infrared imaging device using a TDI element array detector. This can prevent the integral effect from decreasing over time.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIGS. 1(a) and (b) are diagrams showing the basic configuration of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a diagram showing one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a diagram showing another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an image summing method for a staggered element array detector, and FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an image summing method for a TDI element array detector. 1:, Scanner, 2 A1.2 A2.2 A3. −
,2B,. 2 B,, 2 B, , are detection elements in the first and second columns, 3A and 3B are multiplexing means, 4 is a variable delay element,
5 is a delay means, and 6 is an addition means.

Claims (2)

[Claims] (1) The first and second rows of detection elements (2A_1,
2A_2, 2A_3,..., 2B_1, 2B_2
, 2B_3, .
), a video device that combines the outputs of the multiplexing means (3A, 3B) and displays an image, comprising: a variable delay element (4) that adjusts the timing of the sampling signal in either of the multiplexing means (3B); ) is provided. (2) The first and second rows of detection elements (2A_1, 2A
_2, 2A_3, ..., 2B_1, 2B_2, 2
B_3, ...), and multiplexing means (3A, 3B
), a delay means (5) for delaying one output of the multiplexing means (3A, 3B), and an addition for adding the delayed output and the other output of the multiplexing means (3A, 3B). means (6), and displays an image based on the output of the adding means (6), further comprising a variable delay element (4) for adjusting the timing of the sampling signal in any of the multiplexing means (3B). An image sampling method characterized by