Infrared thermal imager calibration method and device

Abstract

An infrared thermal imager calibration method, which comprises: Step S1: Shoot with an infrared thermal imaging module towards a working environment. Step S2: the infrared thermal imaging module sends a search heat source signal to a heat source module, the heat source module generates a heat source according to the search heat source signal, and the heat source changes the temperature at any time according to a preset temperature change mode. Step S3: the infrared thermal imaging module locks the heat source according to the search heat source signal and the heat source, the infrared thermal imaging module sends a calibration temperature signal to the heat source module, and the heat source module generates a calibration temperature according to the calibrated temperature signal. Step S4: The infrared thermal imaging module obtains a temperature correction value according to the calibration temperature of the heat source module. Thus, the heat source of the heat source module is precisely identified and corrected.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This disclosure relates to a calibration method, and more particularly to a calibration method and apparatus for an infrared thermal imager. [Previous Technology]

[0002] An infrared thermal imager is a device that uses infrared radiation to detect the temperature of an object and generate a thermal image. It is mainly used in fields such as medical, industrial, and surveillance. Different colors in the thermal image represent different temperatures; for example, red represents high temperature and blue represents low temperature.

[0003] However, the temperature measurement error of a typical infrared thermal imager may increase due to prolonged use. Therefore, infrared thermal imagers require regular calibration. Furthermore, different usage environments and detection distances can also affect the measurement results of infrared thermal imagers. [Summary of the Invention]

[0004] The main objective of this disclosure is to provide an infrared thermal imager calibration method and apparatus, thereby accurately locating the heat source of the heat source module and calibrating the infrared thermal imager module.

[0005] The foregoing objectives do not preclude the existence of other objectives. Objectives that can be derived by a person skilled in the art from the description, claims, or drawings are also included in the objectives disclosed herein.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this disclosure provides an infrared thermal imager calibration method, which includes:

[0007] Step S1: Take a picture of a working environment using an infrared thermal imaging module.

[0008] Step S2: The infrared thermal imaging module sends a heat source search signal to a heat source module set in the working environment. The heat source module generates a heat source according to the heat source search signal. The heat source changes temperature at any time according to a preset temperature change mode.

[0009] Step S3: The infrared thermal imaging module locks and captures the heat source based on the search heat source signal and the temperature change of the heat source. The infrared thermal imaging module sends a correction temperature signal to the heat source module, and the heat source module generates a correction temperature based on the correction temperature signal.

[0010] Step S4: The infrared thermal imaging module obtains a temperature correction value based on the correction temperature of the heat source module.

[0011] In another embodiment of this disclosure, an infrared thermal imager calibration device is provided, which is installed in a working environment. The infrared thermal imager calibration device includes an infrared thermal imaging module and a heat source module. The infrared thermal imaging module takes pictures of the working environment; the heat source module is placed in the working environment, and the infrared thermal imaging module sends a heat source search signal to the heat source module. The heat source module generates a heat source according to the heat source search signal, and the heat source changes its temperature according to a preset temperature change pattern. The infrared thermal imaging module locks onto the heat source based on the heat source search signal and the temperature change of the heat source. The infrared thermal imaging module sends a correction temperature signal to the heat source module, and the heat source module generates a correction temperature based on the correction temperature signal. The infrared thermal imaging module obtains a temperature correction value based on the correction temperature of the heat source module.

[0012] Accordingly, this disclosure has at least the following technical features:

[0013] I. The heat source module disclosed herein generates a heat source based on the heat source search signal of the infrared thermal imaging module, providing the infrared thermal imaging module with the ability to find heat sources in the working environment and perform subsequent temperature correction.

[0014] Secondly, if there are one or more temperature interference sources in the working environment, such as people, animals, household appliances, or instruments, the heat source module disclosed herein can generate a heat source based on the search for heat source signals, and the heat source will change its temperature at any time according to a preset temperature change pattern. For example, the heat source temperature may rise from low to high or fall from high to low, or the heat source temperature may first fall and then rise or first rise and then fall. Through the temperature change of the heat source, the infrared thermal imaging module can successfully track the heat source of the heat source module.

Implementation Method

[0015] To facilitate the description of the central ideas expressed in the above-described technical content, specific embodiments are provided below. The various elements of the embodiments are depicted according to a scale, size, deformation, or displacement suitable for illustration, and are not drawn to scale with actual elements, as will be stated prior.

[0016] The exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail below with reference to the various drawings. It is not intended to limit the technical principles of the present disclosure to the specific disclosed embodiments. The scope of the present disclosure is limited only by the scope of the claims and covers alternatives, modifications and equivalents.

[0017] Please refer to Figure 1. In this embodiment of the present disclosure, an infrared thermal imager calibration method 100 is provided, which includes:

[0018] Please refer to Figures 1 and 2 for details. Step S1: Use an infrared thermal imaging module 10 to take a picture of a working environment 1 to obtain thermal image information. The working environment 1 can be a school, clinic, hospital, office, etc.

[0019] Step S2: The infrared thermal imaging module 10 sends a heat source search signal to a heat source module 20 located in the working environment 1. The heat source module 20 generates a heat source 21 according to the heat source search signal, and the heat source 21 changes its temperature at any time according to a preset temperature change pattern. The temperature change can be from low to high, from high to low, first decrease and then increase, or first increase and then decrease. This disclosure is not limited to the described embodiment. In this way, the infrared thermal imaging module 10 can successfully track the heat source 21 of the heat source module 20 and avoid temperature interference sources in the working environment 1 (e.g., people, animals, household appliances or instruments, etc.) that may hinder the infrared thermal imaging module 10 from tracking the heat source module 20.

[0020] In one embodiment of this disclosure, in step S2, the heat source 21 changes its heating area at any time according to a preset temperature change pattern. For example, the heating area of ​​the heat source 21 changes from small to large or from large to small. The heating area of ​​the heat source 21 can even alternate between large and small changes in sequence to provide the infrared thermal imaging module 10 for identification.

[0021] Referring to Figure 3, in one embodiment of this disclosure, in step S2, the heat source 21 changes its heating shape according to a preset temperature change pattern, thereby providing it to the infrared thermal imaging module 10 for identification. The heating shape of the heat source 21 can be square, circular, triangular, or polygonal, etc., and this disclosure is not limited to the described heating shape.

[0022] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the infrared thermal imaging module 10 transmits a heat source search signal to the heat source module 20 via a wireless signal or a wired signal. More specifically, if the infrared thermal imaging module 10 transmits the heat source search signal to the heat source module 20 via a wireless signal, the heat source module 20 can be placed in the working environment 1, and the infrared thermal imaging module 10 transmits the heat source search signal to the heat source module 20 at a long distance; if the infrared thermal imaging module 10 transmits the heat source search signal to the heat source module 20 via a wired signal, the heat source module 20 can be placed in front of the lens of the infrared thermal imaging module 10, and the infrared thermal imaging module 10 transmits the heat source search signal to the heat source module 20 via a wired connection.

[0023] Step S3: The infrared thermal imaging module 10 locks onto and captures the heat source 21 based on the search heat source signal and the temperature change of the heat source 21. The infrared thermal imaging module 10 sends a correction temperature signal to the heat source module 20. The heat source module 20 generates a correction temperature based on the correction temperature signal.

[0024] For example, when the infrared thermal imaging module 10 locks onto and captures the heat source 21, the infrared thermal imaging module 10 sends a correction temperature signal to the heat source module 20, requesting the heat source module 20 to output a correction temperature, for example, greater than or lower than the temperature of the working environment 1. After receiving the correction temperature signal, the heat source module 20 generates a correction temperature based on the correction temperature signal.

[0025] Step S4: The infrared thermal imaging module 10 obtains a temperature correction value based on the correction temperature of the heat source module 20, and performs subsequent temperature correction.

[0026] Referring to Figure 4, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the heating surface 22 of the heat source module 20 can be adjusted. Further, in step S2, the infrared thermal imaging module 10 simultaneously sends a heat source search signal to both the adjustment module 30 and the heat source module 20, which are disposed on the heat source module 20; wherein, the infrared thermal imaging module 10 simultaneously sends the heat source search signal to the adjustment module 30 and the heat source module 20 via wireless or wired signals. In step S3, the adjustment module 30 adjusts the heating surface 22 of the heat source module 20 according to the heat source search signal, causing the heating surface 22 of the heat source module 20 to rotate, tilt, rise, and fall, etc. The infrared thermal imaging module 10 locks onto and captures the heat source 21 based on the heat source search signal, the temperature change of the heat source 21, and the heating surface 22 of the heat source module 20.

[0027] In one embodiment of this disclosure, in step S4, a distance detection module 40 coupled to the infrared thermal imaging module 10 performs distance detection on one or more heat sources 21, and the distance detection module 40 generates distance detection data. The infrared thermal imaging module 10 obtains a temperature correction value based on the correction temperature of the heat source module 20 and the distance detection data of the distance detection module 40. Therefore, this disclosure uses the distance detection data of the distance detection module 40 in conjunction with the correction temperature of the heat source module 20 to compensate for the distance between the infrared thermal imaging module 10 and the heat source 21, enabling the infrared thermal imaging module 10 to obtain more accurate temperature data.

[0028] Referring to Figure 5, in another embodiment of this disclosure, an infrared thermal imager calibration device 200 is provided. The infrared thermal imager calibration device 200 is installed in a working environment 1.

[0029] The infrared thermal imager calibration device 200 includes an infrared thermal imaging module 10 and a heat source module 20.

[0030] The infrared thermal imaging module 10 captures images of the working environment 1. A heat source module 20 is positioned within the working environment 1. The infrared thermal imaging module 10 sends a heat source search signal to the heat source module 20. The heat source module 20 generates a heat source 21 based on the heat source search signal, and the heat source 21 continuously changes its temperature according to a preset temperature change pattern. Specifically, the infrared thermal imaging module 10 locks onto and captures the heat source 21 based on the heat source search signal and the temperature change of the heat source 21, and sends a correction temperature signal to the heat source module 20. More specifically, when the temperature change of the heat source 21 matches the heat source search signal, the infrared thermal imaging module 10 sends a correction temperature signal to the heat source module 20. The heat source module 20 receives the correction temperature signal and generates a correction temperature based on it. The infrared thermal imaging module 10 obtains a temperature correction value based on the correction temperature of the heat source module 20.

[0031] Referring to Figures 4 and 5, the infrared thermal imager calibration device 200 further includes an adjustment module 30, which has a drive mechanism, such as a motor. The adjustment module 30 is disposed on the heat source module 20 to adjust the angle or height of the heat source module 20. The infrared thermal imaging module 10 simultaneously sends a heat source search signal to both the adjustment module 30 and the heat source module 20. The adjustment module 30 adjusts the heating surface 22 of the heat source module 20 according to the heat source search signal to provide it for the infrared thermal imaging module 10 to capture images. The infrared thermal imaging module 10 locks onto and captures images of the heat source 21 based on the heat source search signal, the temperature change of the heat source 21, and the heating surface 22 of the heat source module 20.

[0032] The infrared thermal imager calibration device 200 further includes a distance detection module 40. The distance detection module 40 is coupled to the infrared thermal image module 10; wherein, the distance detection module 40 may be disposed on the infrared thermal image module 10. The distance detection module 40 performs distance detection on one or more heat sources 21, and generates distance detection data. The infrared thermal image module 10 obtains a temperature correction value based on the correction temperature of the heat source module 20 and the distance detection data of the distance detection module 40.

[0033] The infrared thermal imager calibration device 200 further includes an overheat protection module 50. The overheat protection module 50 is disposed on the heat source module 20; wherein, the overheat protection module 50 can be attached to the heat source module 20 for temperature detection. The overheat protection module 50 is coupled to the heat source module 20. When the overheat protection module 50 detects that the temperature of the heat source module 20 exceeds a preset temperature, the overheat protection module 50 controls the heat source module 20 to stop generating heat source 21 by means of a signal.

[0034] In summary, this disclosure has the following technical features:

[0035] 1. The heat source module 20 disclosed herein provides the infrared thermal imaging module 10 with the ability to locate the heat source 21 in the working environment 1 for subsequent temperature correction.

[0036] Second, this disclosure uses the temperature change of the heat source 21 of the heat source module 20 to enable the infrared thermal imaging module 10 to successfully track the heat source 21 of the heat source module 20, thereby avoiding temperature interference sources in the working environment 1 that would prevent the infrared thermal imaging module 10 from tracking the heat source module 20.

[0037] Third, the heat source 21 disclosed herein can change into different forms according to the preset temperature change mode, and provide the infrared thermal imaging module 10 with search for the heat source 21, making it more versatile in actual use.

[0038] Fourth, this disclosure uses the adjustment module 30 to adjust the heat source module 20 at various angles or heights, so that the infrared thermal imaging module 10 can successfully track the heat source module 20 without being affected by object obstruction. In another embodiment, the adjustment module 30 can also adjust the heat source module 20 to a specific angle or height, so that the infrared thermal imaging module 10 can identify the heat source module 20 by the specific angle or height of the heat source module 20.

[0039] Fifth, the distance detection data of the distance detection module 40 disclosed herein is combined with the correction temperature of the heat source module 20 to compensate for the distance between the infrared thermal imaging module 10 and the heat source 21, so that the infrared thermal imaging module 10 can obtain more accurate temperature data.

[0040] The foregoing technical features do not preclude the existence of other features. Features that can be derived by a person skilled in the art from the description, claims, or drawings disclosed herein are also included in the features disclosed herein.

[0041] In summary, the embodiments described herein are merely for illustrating the technology disclosed herein and are not intended to limit the scope of the patent applications disclosed herein. All modifications or variations made without departing from the spirit of this disclosure are within the scope of protection intended by this disclosure. [Simplified Explanation of the Diagram]

[0042] Figure 1 is a schematic flowchart of an infrared thermal imager calibration method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the working environment implementation of an embodiment of the present disclosure, particularly showing the application of each module in the working environment. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram from one side of a heat source module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, particularly showing the heating surface of the heat source module. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram from another side of a heat source module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, particularly showing the rotation of the heat source module. Figure 5 is a block diagram of an infrared thermal imager calibration device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, particularly showing the coupling relationship of each module.

Claims

1. A calibration method for an infrared thermal imager, comprising: Step S1: taking an image of a working environment using an infrared thermal imaging module; Step S2: the infrared thermal imaging module simultaneously sending a heat source search signal to a heat source module disposed in the working environment and an adjustment module disposed in the heat source module, the heat source module generating a heat source according to the heat source search signal, the heat source changing its temperature according to a preset temperature change pattern; Step S3: the adjustment module adjusting the heating surface of the heat source module according to the heat source search signal, the infrared thermal imaging module locking and capturing the heat source according to the heat source search signal, the temperature change of the heat source, or the heating surface of the heat source module, the infrared thermal imaging module sending a correction temperature signal to the heat source module, the heat source module generating a correction temperature according to the correction temperature signal; and Step S4: the infrared thermal imaging module obtaining a temperature correction value according to the correction temperature of the heat source module.

2. The infrared thermal imager calibration method as described in claim 1, wherein, In step S2, the heat source changes its heating area at any time according to the preset temperature change pattern.

3. The infrared thermal imager calibration method as described in claim 2, wherein, In step S2, the heat source changes its heating shape according to the preset temperature change pattern.

4. The infrared thermal imager calibration method as described in claim 1, wherein, In step S2, the infrared thermal imaging module simultaneously transmits the heat source search signal to the adjustment module and the heat source module via a wireless signal or a wired signal.

5. The infrared thermal imager calibration method as described in claim 1, wherein, In step S4, a distance detection module coupled to the infrared thermal imaging module performs distance detection on one or more of the heat sources. The distance detection module generates distance detection data, and the infrared thermal imaging module obtains the temperature correction value based on the correction temperature of the heat source module and the distance detection data of the distance detection module.

6. An infrared thermal imager calibration device, installed in a working environment, comprising: an infrared thermal imaging module for capturing images of the working environment; a heat source module disposed in the working environment, wherein the infrared thermal imaging module sends a heat source search signal to the heat source module, the heat source module generates a heat source based on the heat source search signal, and the heat source continuously changes its temperature according to a preset temperature change pattern; an adjustment module disposed on the heat source module, wherein the infrared thermal imaging module simultaneously sends the heat source search signal to both the adjustment module and the heat source module, and the adjustment module adjusts the heating surface of the heat source module based on the heat source search signal; and wherein... The infrared thermal imaging module locks onto and captures the heat source based on the search heat source signal, the temperature change of the heat source, or the heating surface of the heat source module. The infrared thermal imaging module sends a correction temperature signal to the heat source module, the heat source module generates a correction temperature based on the correction temperature signal, and the infrared thermal imaging module obtains a temperature correction value based on the correction temperature of the heat source module.

7. The infrared thermal imager calibration apparatus as described in claim 6, wherein, It further includes a distance detection module coupled to the infrared thermal imaging module. The distance detection module performs distance detection on one or more of the heat sources and generates distance detection data. The infrared thermal imaging module obtains the temperature correction value based on the correction temperature of the heat source module and the distance detection data of the distance detection module.

8. The infrared thermal imager calibration apparatus as described in claim 6, wherein, It also includes an overheat protection module, which is disposed on the heat source module and coupled to the heat source module. When the overheat protection module detects that the temperature of the heat source module exceeds a preset temperature, the overheat protection module controls the heat source module to stop generating the heat source by means of a signal.

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