Interweaving of IR and visible images

摘要

Systems and methods for interweaving infrared and visible moving image data using a single optical system and imager device based on an infrared input signal and a visible input signal are disclosed. Infrared image frames can be substituted in for complete visible image input frames or for partial visible image input frames, i.e. substituting in an infrared image input frame for one or more of the color channels in one or more visible image input frames. Moving video or computer-generated moving graphics can include both infrared and visible image data to be displayed users viewing the resulting images with and without night vision imaging devices. In particular, the system and method can be used in projection systems for night-vision imaging device team training simulators to reduce the cost of the system while increasing the ease of use and performance of such systems.

主权项

1. A method for interweaving visible image data and infrared image data using an image processing computer, the method comprising:
using the image processing computer to receive a visible light input signal, each frame of the visible light input signal having a plurality of color channels; using the image processing computer to receive an infrared input signal, the infrared input signal for displaying infrared images in synchronization with an infrared light source; using the image processing computer to process the visible light input signal and the infrared input signal into a combined output signal having a plurality of channel output data; wherein the plurality of channel output data includes data from the infrared input signal substituted for data from one of the plurality of color channels in the visible light input signal for each of a plurality of frames, further wherein the plurality of color channels comprises a red channel, a green channel and a blue channel; and wherein data from the infrared input signal is sequentially substituted in for the red channel, the green channel or the blue channel, such that: in a first frame of three sequential frames, the red channel is substituted with the infrared input signal, in a second frame of three sequential frames, either the green channel or the blue channel is substituted with the infrared input signal, and in a third frame of three sequential frames, the remaining color channel is substituted with the infrared input signal.