Combined infrared thermal imaging product and thermal imaging optimization method therefor

Abstract

Embodiments of the present application provide a combined infrared thermal imaging product and a thermal imaging optimization method therefor. The combined infrared thermal imaging product comprises: an infrared thermal imager, used for receiving an infrared light signal to form an infrared image; and a laser ranging module, comprising a laser emitting module, a laser receiving module, and a calibration signal module, wherein the optical axis of indication light emitted by the calibration signal module is parallel to the optical axis of a laser signal emitted by the laser emitting module, the laser ranging module and the infrared thermal imager are connected by means of a detachable connecting structure, the infrared thermal imager and the laser ranging module are communicationally connected to the same display terminal, the display terminal displays the infrared image collected by the infrared thermal imager when the calibration signal module emits the indication light to a target object, and an aiming cursor is adjusted to be aligned with the target object in the infrared image so as to calibrate the optical axis of the infrared thermal imager and the optical axis of the laser ranging module. Therefore, the combined infrared thermal imaging product can keep better ranging accuracy.

Description

Combined infrared thermal imaging product and thermal imaging optimization method thereof

[0001] The present invention claims priority to Chinese patent application number 202311652252.8, filed with the Patent Office of China on December 4, 2023, entitled “Combined infrared thermal imaging product and thermal imaging optimization method thereof”, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to the field of optical aiming technology, and in particular to a combined infrared thermal imaging product and a thermal imaging optimization method thereof. Background Art

[0003] As portable smart devices become increasingly popular, users are demanding more and more features from them. Currently, most smart devices lack infrared thermal imaging capabilities. However, infrared thermal imaging offers the advantage of night vision, providing users with a clear view in harsh weather and at night, greatly satisfying user needs.

[0004] The inventors of this application have made the following analysis and summary of the status and shortcomings of known products in their research on expanding the infrared thermal imaging function of smart terminal devices:

[0005] 1. Adding an infrared thermal imager to a smart terminal device poses a greater challenge to its lightweight design, increasing design and production costs. Furthermore, users who already own smart terminal devices that do not have a built-in infrared thermal imager must replace their devices with new ones to enjoy the night vision function, which is also very costly.

[0006] 2. Known infrared thermal imager products, also considering the need for lightweight design, usually do not have their own ranging function. However, in night vision scenes, achieving ranging is also a common need of many users to meet clear observation.

[0007] 3. Currently, some infrared thermal imagers are considering adding a rangefinder module to the outside of the camera to enhance its rangefinder functionality. However, these cameras require professional pre-production optical axis calibration. This calibration involves parallel alignment of the laser rangefinder, laser indicator, and infrared imaging axes. During factory use, the user places the target to be measured at the center of the image using the thermal image (because the laser indicator is typically fixed at the center of the image). The laser indicator light is not on. However, this method does not support user-defined calibration. If the device is used for an extended period or the laser rangefinder module is disassembled or replaced, the optical axis may shift, causing the laser indicator to no longer be centered. Failure to perform calibration can easily lead to discrepancies in the results, affecting rangefinder accuracy. This can be an unacceptable product defect for users. Furthermore, while these infrared thermal imagers incorporate an external rangefinder module, they are essentially a single unit. This clearly does not meet the needs of users seeking a lightweight infrared thermal imager.

[0008] Summary of the Invention

[0009] In order to solve the existing technical problems, the present application provides a combined infrared thermal imaging product and its thermal imaging optimization method, which has a more flexible combination method, can be used as an accessory of a smart terminal device to expand the night vision function of the smart terminal, and can support calibration of the optical axis after leaving the factory.

[0010] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application is implemented as follows:

[0011] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a combined infrared thermal imaging product, comprising:

[0012] Infrared thermal imager, used to receive infrared light signals and form infrared images;

[0013] A laser ranging module, comprising a laser emitting module, a laser receiving module and a calibration signal module, wherein the optical axis of the indicator light emitted by the calibration signal module is parallel to the optical axis of the laser signal emitted by the laser emitting module;

[0014] The laser ranging module and the infrared thermal imager are connected via a detachable connection structure. The infrared thermal imager and the laser ranging module are communicatively connected to the same display terminal. The display terminal displays an infrared image captured by the infrared thermal imager when the calibration signal module emits an indication light to the target object, and adjusts an aiming cursor to align with the target object in the infrared image to calibrate the optical axes of the infrared thermal imager and the laser ranging module.

[0015] In some embodiments, the infrared thermal imager includes a first housing, an infrared imaging module housed in the first housing, and a first detachable connection structure provided on the first housing, wherein the light incident surface of the infrared imaging module is provided on the front side of the first housing;

[0016] The laser ranging module includes a second housing and a second detachable connection structure provided on the second housing, and the laser emitting module, the laser receiving module and the calibration signal module are all provided on the front side of the second housing;

[0017] The infrared thermal imager and the laser ranging module are connected via the first detachable connecting structure and the second detachable connecting structure.

[0018] In some embodiments, the first detachable connection structure includes a leather rail provided on the top surface of the first shell, and the second detachable connection structure includes a buckle portion provided on the bottom surface of the second shell and corresponding to the slot on the leather rail.

[0019] In some embodiments, the laser ranging module includes a wireless communication module, and the laser ranging module establishes a wireless communication connection with the display terminal through the wireless communication module.

[0020] In some embodiments, the infrared thermal imager includes a communication interface, and the communication interface establishes a communication connection with the display terminal via a data line.

[0021] In some embodiments, the display terminal is integrated on the infrared thermal imager, and the image processor in the infrared thermal imager is communicatively connected to the display terminal.

[0022] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a thermal imaging optimization method for a combined infrared thermal imaging product, wherein the combined infrared thermal imaging product is the combined infrared thermal imaging product provided in an embodiment of the present application, and the method comprises:

[0023] In a calibration mode for optical axis calibration of the combined infrared thermal imaging product, the laser ranging module aims at a target object through the calibration signal module and emits an indicator light;

[0024] The infrared thermal imager correspondingly collects an infrared image and sends the infrared image to a display terminal for display; wherein the infrared image includes an imaging area of ​​the target object;

[0025] The display terminal displays the infrared image and the aiming cursor on a display interface, and according to an adjustment operation on the aiming cursor, moves the aiming cursor to the position on the target object where the indicator light is aimed and calibrates it, thereby completing the optical axis calibration of the infrared thermal imager and the laser ranging module;

[0026] In the imaging working mode of the combined infrared thermal imaging product, the infrared thermal imager collects infrared light signals in the target scene to form a real-time infrared image. When the calibrated aiming cursor in the display interface is aimed at the ranging object in the real-time infrared image, the laser ranging module performs ranging to obtain ranging information, and displays the ranging information in the real-time infrared image.

[0027] In some embodiments, the laser ranging module aims at the target object through the calibration signal module and emits an indicator light, including:

[0028] The laser ranging module turns on the Bluetooth function and completes the Bluetooth pairing connection with the display terminal;

[0029] Based on the operation of the indicator light emission button in the display interface, the display terminal sends a corresponding control instruction to the laser ranging module through Bluetooth communication to control the calibration signal module to emit the indicator light.

[0030] In some embodiments, the laser ranging module performs ranging to obtain ranging information, and displays the ranging information in the real-time infrared image, including:

[0031] The display terminal sends a corresponding ranging instruction to the laser ranging module via Bluetooth communication based on the operation of the ranging control button in the display interface, thereby controlling the laser emission module to emit a laser signal;

[0032] The laser receiving module receives the reflected laser signal;

[0033] The laser ranging module calculates and obtains ranging information based on the reflection and reception of the laser signal, and sends the ranging information to the display terminal via Bluetooth communication, and the display terminal displays the ranging information in the real-time infrared image.

[0034] In some embodiments, the imaging working mode is a default mode of the combined infrared thermal imaging product, and the method further includes:

[0035] The display terminal enters the calibration mode from the imaging working mode based on an operation of a calibration mode button in the display interface.

[0036] In some embodiments, the target object is a reference heat source object selected within the observation range of human eyes.

[0037] In the combined infrared thermal imaging product provided by the above embodiment, the laser ranging module and the infrared thermal imager are connected by a detachable connection structure, and can be communicatively connected to the same display terminal. The laser ranging module is provided with a calibration signal module, and the optical axis of the indicator light emitted by the calibration signal module is parallel to the optical axis of the laser signal emitted by the laser emission module. In this way, the laser ranging module and the infrared thermal imager can be combined and then assembled together to the same display terminal. The infrared image captured by the infrared thermal imager when the calibration signal module emits the indicator light can be used to ensure that the position of the aiming cursor in the infrared image is consistent with the position of the indicator light emitted by the calibration signal module, thereby realizing calibration of the optical axes of the infrared thermal imager and the laser ranging module. Such a combined infrared thermal imaging product, first of all, supports users to choose to install it according to the need to expand the night vision function, and also supports users to choose whether to add a laser ranging module according to whether the ranging function is currently needed. The combination method is flexible and can be used as an accessory of a smart terminal device to conveniently expand the night vision function of the smart terminal with or without ranging capability; secondly, the setting of the calibration signal module in the laser ranging module allows users to perform optical axis calibration based on the infrared image collected under the indicator light emitted by the calibration signal module on the display terminal. For the use scenario requirements of the combined infrared thermal imaging product as an accessory installed on the smart terminal device, the user can calibrate the optical axis by himself each time a new combination of the infrared thermal imager and the laser ranging module is assembled, or the optical axis can be coaxially checked after a certain period of use, so that the combined infrared thermal imaging product can always maintain better ranging accuracy.

[0038] In the above-mentioned embodiments, the thermal imaging optimization method of the combined infrared thermal imaging product and the corresponding combined infrared thermal imaging product embodiments belong to the same concept, and thus have the same technical effects as the corresponding combined infrared thermal imaging product embodiments, which will not be described in detail here; further, in the thermal imaging optimization method, after completing the optical axis calibration between the infrared thermal imager and the laser ranging module in the combined infrared thermal imaging product, in the imaging working mode of the combined infrared thermal imaging product, the aiming cursor in the real-time infrared image can be directly used to aim at any ranging object within the imaging range of the infrared image to ensure that the laser ranging module accurately measures the distance information of the ranging object, which is simple to operate and easy to use. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of an application scenario of a combined infrared thermal imaging product according to an embodiment;

[0040] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of an application scenario of a combined infrared thermal imaging product according to another embodiment;

[0041] FIG3 is a schematic structural diagram of a combined infrared thermal imaging product according to an embodiment;

[0042] FIG4 is a schematic structural diagram of the combined infrared thermal imaging product shown in FIG3 from another angle;

[0043] FIG5 is another schematic structural diagram of the combined infrared thermal imaging product shown in FIG3 ;

[0044] FIG6 is a flow chart of a thermal imaging optimization method for a combined infrared thermal imaging product according to an embodiment.

[0045] Description of component symbols: intelligent terminal device 10, display terminal 11, infrared thermal imager 21, 21', first shell 211, infrared imaging module 212, first detachable connecting structure 231, laser ranging module 22, second shell 221, second detachable connecting structure 232, laser emitting module 221, laser receiving module 222, calibration signal module 223, detachable connecting structure 23. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] The technical solution of this application is further elaborated in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0047] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of this application clearer, the application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The described embodiments should not be regarded as limiting this application. All other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative work are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0048] In the following description, the expression "some embodiments" is involved, which describes a subset of all possible embodiments. It should be noted that "some embodiments" may be the same subset or different subsets of all possible embodiments, and may be combined with each other without conflict.

[0049] In the following description, the terms "first, second, and third" are merely used to distinguish similar objects and do not represent a specific ordering of the objects. It is understandable that "first, second, and third" can be interchanged with a specific order or sequence where permitted, so that the embodiments of the present application described herein can be implemented in an order other than that illustrated or described herein.

[0050] Please refer to Figure 1, which is a schematic diagram of an optional application scenario of the combined infrared thermal imaging product provided in the embodiment of the present application. The combined infrared thermal imaging product can be used as an optional accessory for the smart terminal device 10, and can be assembled to the smart terminal device 10 according to the needs of use to expand the night vision function with ranging capability for the smart terminal device 10. Among them, the smart terminal device 10 can be a smart phone, a tablet or other portable smart device with a screen that has storage and computing capabilities. Taking the smart terminal device 10 as a mobile phone as an example, the user can choose to install the combined infrared thermal imaging product provided in the embodiment of the present application on the mobile phone to expand the night vision function of the mobile phone. The combined infrared thermal imaging product includes a detachably connected infrared thermal imager 21 and a laser ranging module 22. The infrared thermal imager 21 and the laser ranging module 22 are two separate and independent components. The two are assembled and combined by setting a detachable connection structure to form a combined infrared thermal imaging product. The infrared thermal imager 21 and the laser ranging module 22 are respectively connected to the smart terminal device 10 for communication. The laser ranging module 22 is set with a calibration signal module. In this way, the user can align the optical axes of the infrared thermal imager 21 and the laser ranging module 22 by adjusting the aiming cursor to align with the target object in the infrared image captured by the infrared thermal imager 21 when the calibration signal module emits an indication light to the target object on the smart terminal device 10 side, so as to enable the combined infrared thermal imaging product to provide users with a simple and convenient optical axis calibration function.

[0051] It should be noted that in some application scenarios, the combined infrared thermal imaging product is not limited to being formed as an accessory for smart terminal devices to conveniently expand the night vision function of the smart terminal, but refers to a combined infrared thermal imaging product formed by adding a laser ranging module to a known infrared thermal imager. Please refer to Figure 2. The infrared thermal imager 21' has its own display screen, that is, the infrared thermal imager 21' itself is a display terminal. The laser ranging module 22 and the infrared thermal imager 21' are assembled and combined via a detachable connection structure. During calibration, the laser ranging module 22 emits an indicator light to the target object through the calibration signal module. At this time, the infrared thermal imager 21' captures the infrared image and displays it on the display screen. The user can adjust the aiming cursor to align it with the target object in the infrared image to complete the calibration of the optical axes of the infrared thermal imager 21' and the laser ranging module 22, so that the combined infrared thermal imaging product can provide users with a simple and convenient optical axis calibration function.

[0052] Please refer to Figures 3, 4 and 5 in combination, which are schematic structural diagrams of a combined infrared thermal imaging product provided in an embodiment of the present application. The combined infrared thermal imaging product includes: an infrared thermal imager 21, which is used to receive infrared light signals to form infrared images; a laser ranging module 22, which includes a laser emitting module 221, a laser receiving module 222 and a calibration signal module 223, wherein the optical axis of the indicator light emitted by the calibration signal module 223 is parallel to the optical axis of the laser signal emitted by the laser emitting module 221; the laser ranging module 22 and the infrared thermal imager 21 are connected via a detachable connecting structure 23, and the infrared thermal imager 21 and the laser ranging module 22 are communicatively connected to the same display terminal 11. The display terminal 11 displays the infrared image captured by the infrared thermal imager when the calibration signal module 223 emits the indicator light to the target object, and adjusts the aiming cursor to align with the target object in the infrared image to calibrate the optical axes of the infrared thermal imager 21 and the laser ranging module 22.

[0053] The infrared thermal imager 21 and the laser ranging module 22 are two separate, independent components assembled together via a detachable connection structure 23. The display terminal 11 may refer to an application terminal that cooperates with the combined infrared thermal imaging product to implement a night vision function with ranging capability, or may refer to a smart terminal device 10 equipped with the combined infrared thermal imaging product, which is loaded with an application that cooperates with the combined infrared thermal imaging product to implement a night vision function with ranging capability.

[0054] Calibration signal module 223 is a light-emitting module capable of emitting indicator light. Optionally, calibration signal module 223 is a laser indicator module capable of emitting visible light laser signals. Laser emitting module 221 is used to transmit invisible laser signals toward the object being measured while the laser ranging module is performing ranging. Laser receiving module 222 is used to receive the laser signals reflected back from the object being measured. Laser ranging module 222 calculates the distance to the object based on the transmission and reception of laser signals.

[0055] In the above embodiment, the laser ranging module 22 and the infrared thermal imager 21 can be combined and then assembled together on the same display terminal 11. The infrared image captured by the infrared thermal imager 21 when the calibration signal module 223 emits the indicator light can be used to ensure that the position of the aiming cursor in the infrared image is consistent with the position of the indicator light emitted by the calibration signal module 223 toward the target object, thereby achieving calibration of the optical axes of the infrared thermal imager 21 and the laser ranging module 22. Such a combined infrared thermal imaging product, first of all, supports users to choose to install it according to the need to expand the night vision function, and also supports users to choose whether to add a laser ranging module according to whether the ranging function is currently needed. The combination method is flexible and can be used as an accessory of the smart terminal device 10 to conveniently expand the night vision function of the smart terminal device 10 with or without ranging capability; secondly, the setting of the calibration signal module 223 in the laser ranging module 22 allows users to perform optical axis calibration on the display terminal 11 based on the infrared image collected under the indicator light emitted by the calibration signal module 223. For the use scenario requirements of the combined infrared thermal imaging product as an accessory installed on the smart terminal device 10, the user can calibrate the optical axis by himself each time he re-assembles the infrared thermal imager 21 and the laser ranging module 22, or perform a coaxial check on the optical axis after each continuous use for a certain period of time, so that the combined infrared thermal imaging product can always maintain better ranging accuracy.

[0056] In some embodiments, referring to FIG5 , the infrared thermal imager 21 includes a first housing 211, an infrared imaging module 212 housed within the first housing 211, and a first detachable connection structure 231 disposed on the first housing 211. The light incident surface of the infrared imaging module 212 is disposed on the front side of the first housing 211. The laser ranging module 22 includes a second housing 221 and a second detachable connection structure 232 disposed on the second housing 221. The laser transmitting module 221, the laser receiving module 222, and the calibration signal module 223 are all disposed on the front side of the second housing 221. The infrared thermal imager 21 and the laser ranging module 22 are connected via the first detachable connection structure 231 and the second detachable connection structure 232. The infrared imaging module 212 includes an infrared objective lens assembly and an infrared core module. The infrared objective lens assembly is located on the light-entering side of the infrared thermal imager 21 and is used to receive infrared light signals from the target scene. The infrared light signals are then focused and directed toward the infrared detector within the infrared core module, which converts the infrared light signals into electrical signals for forming an infrared image. Optionally, a window is provided on the front side of the first housing 211 for the infrared light signal to enter, and the infrared objective lens assembly is located at a position corresponding to the window. The surfaces of the first housing 211 of the infrared imager 21 and the second housing 221 of the laser ranging module 22 where they connect are of substantially the same shape and size. When assembled, the laser ranging module 22 and the infrared thermal imager 21 are stacked. The laser transmitting module 221, laser receiving module 222, and calibration signal module 223 can be arranged on the front side of the second housing of the laser ranging module 22. The infrared thermal imager 21 and the laser ranging module 22 are each encapsulated by the first housing 211 and the second housing 221, forming independent product modules. This allows users to select and assemble different modules according to their needs, making them easy to disassemble and carry, and reassemble when needed.

[0057] Optionally, the first detachable connection structure 231 comprises a leather rail mounted on the top surface of the first housing 211, and the second detachable connection structure 232 comprises a snap-fit ​​portion mounted on the bottom surface of the second housing 221, corresponding to a slot on the leather rail. The leather rail comprises a guide rail and a locking member, and can serve as an accessory mounting platform for other accessories, such as the laser rangefinder module 22 in this embodiment, ensuring stable assembly. The leather rail comprises a guide rail with a slot, and a locking member pre-attached to the guide rail, securing the leather rail to the accessory mounting body, such as the first housing 211 of the infrared thermal imager 21 in this embodiment.

[0058] In some embodiments, the laser ranging module 22 includes a wireless communication module, through which the laser ranging module 22 establishes a wireless communication connection with the display terminal 11. The wireless communication module can be a known standard wireless communication module, such as a Bluetooth module or a Wi-Fi module. The laser ranging module 22 establishes a wireless communication connection with the display terminal 11 and communicates data with the display terminal 11. This allows the user to control ranging by operating the display terminal 11, and to transmit collected ranging information to the display terminal 11 for display.

[0059] In some embodiments, the infrared thermal imager 21 includes a communication interface, and the communication interface establishes a communication connection with the display terminal 11 via a data cable. The infrared thermal imager 21 and the display terminal 11 are connected via a data cable. The communication interface can use a known standard communication type interface, such as a USB interface, a type-C interface, etc., which can be compatible with the data interface type of the infrared thermal imager 21 and mainstream smart terminal devices. The infrared thermal imager 21 transmits the infrared image data collected in real time via a data cable, which is conducive to ensuring the transmission efficiency and stability of the image data. It should be noted that the communication connection method between the infrared thermal imager 21 and the laser ranging module 22 and the display terminal 11 is not limited to the aforementioned embodiment. For example, the infrared thermal imager 21 and the display terminal 11 are connected via a wireless communication module, while the laser ranging module 22 and the display terminal 11 are connected via a data cable; or both use wireless or wired communication connection methods.

[0060] In addition, in an embodiment where the display terminal 11 is integrally provided in the infrared thermal imager 21' (as shown in FIG2 ), the display terminal 11 can be provided on one side of the first housing of the infrared thermal imager 21'. The infrared thermal imager 21' is provided with an image processor connected to the infrared detector for receiving the electrical signal converted by the infrared detector based on the infrared light signal for imaging processing. The display terminal 11 and the image processor in the infrared thermal imager 21' are communicatively connected via a data line.

[0061] Referring to FIG6 , another aspect of the present application provides a thermal imaging optimization method for a combined infrared thermal imaging product. The combined infrared thermal imaging product is the combined thermal imaging product of the aforementioned embodiment. First, the combined thermal imaging product is connected to the display terminal 11, the infrared thermal imager and the display terminal 11 are turned on, and the thermal imaging app on the display terminal 11 is opened to ensure that the infrared thermal imager can operate normally and produce images. The thermal imaging optimization method includes:

[0062] S11, in a calibration mode for performing optical axis calibration on the combined infrared thermal imaging product, the laser ranging module aims at a target object through the calibration signal module and emits an indicator light.

[0063] Combined infrared thermal imaging products allow users to calibrate the optical axes of the laser rangefinder module and the infrared thermal imager, rather than requiring factory calibration and then connecting the two. During calibration, the laser rangefinder module is controlled by the calibration signal module to aim and emit a pointer beam toward a target object. Since the pointer beam is a visible light signal, a reference heat source object within the human visual range can be selected as the target object, and the pointer beam is directed toward the target object to ensure a clearer image of the selected target object in the corresponding captured infrared image. In other words, the target object is the reference heat source object selected within the human visual range.

[0064] S12, the infrared thermal imager collects an infrared image and sends the infrared image to a display terminal for display; wherein the infrared image includes an imaging area of ​​the target object.

[0065] While keeping the indicator light directed towards the target object, the corresponding infrared image is collected by the infrared thermal imager and displayed on the interface of the display terminal.

[0066] S13, the display terminal displays the infrared image and the aiming cursor in the display interface, and according to the adjustment operation of the aiming cursor, moves the aiming cursor to the position on the target object where the indicator light is aimed and calibrates it, thereby completing the optical axis calibration of the infrared thermal imager and the laser ranging module.

[0067] When you open the aiming cursor on the thermal imager app, the initial aiming cursor position will appear on the display terminal interface. The aiming cursor can be moved up, down, left, and right, or fixed. The user can then manipulate the aiming cursor's position in the infrared image until it aligns with the position of the indicator light beam within the target object's imaging area. Record the aiming optical axis position for calibration purposes, ensuring the same position the next time the infrared imager is turned on. This completes the optical axis alignment between the infrared imager and the laser ranging module, allowing you to exit calibration mode. For example, the calibration signal module can be used to aim at the earlobe of a person's head and emit an indicator light. While the infrared imager is capturing an infrared image of the head and displaying it in real time, the user can move the aiming cursor to the earlobe position in the infrared image, click Confirm, and record the aiming cursor's position. The aiming cursor is now considered aligned with the target object. The aiming cursor can then be used as a graticule for aiming at any object in the real-time infrared image for ranging during subsequent infrared observations.

[0068] S14, in the imaging working mode of the combined infrared thermal imaging product, the infrared thermal imager collects infrared light signals in the target scene to form a real-time infrared image, and when the calibrated aiming cursor in the display interface is aimed at the ranging object in the real-time infrared image, the laser ranging module performs ranging to obtain ranging information, and displays the ranging information in the real-time infrared image.

[0069] After calibration is complete, the combined infrared thermal imaging product, in its normal imaging mode, uses the infrared thermal imager to capture a real-time infrared image of the target scene and transmits it to the display terminal for display. At this point, the user can observe the real-time infrared image displayed on the display interface to identify the object requiring distance measurement. Simply aligning the calibrated aiming cursor on the display interface with the object requires distance measurement, and then controlling the laser ranging module to perform distance measurement and obtain distance information. The laser ranging module transmits this distance information to the display terminal for simultaneous display with the real-time infrared image. It should be noted that in the combined infrared thermal imaging product's imaging mode, the user can select the object requiring distance measurement within the real-time infrared image displayed on the display interface. The calibration signal module, which emits indicator light, is now disabled, eliminating the need for visible indicator light. The laser signal used for distance measurement is invisible light, and the laser ranging module performs distance measurement without disrupting the imaging of the target scene or disturbing the target object (such as an animal).

[0070] It should be noted that in the combined infrared thermal imaging product, the infrared thermal imager and the laser ranging module are detachably connected. When the user does not need the ranging function, the laser ranging module can also be removed, and the user can only install the infrared thermal imager on the smart terminal device to expand the night vision function; and when the user needs the ranging function, the laser ranging module can be installed. At this time, the laser ranging module and the infrared thermal imager are reassembled, and the optical axes of the laser ranging module and the infrared thermal imager need to be calibrated once, and then enter the normal imaging working mode to realize the night vision function with ranging on the smart terminal device.

[0071] In some embodiments, the calibration signal module aims and emits an indicator light toward a target object through the calibration signal module, including:

[0072] The laser ranging module turns on the Bluetooth function and completes the Bluetooth pairing connection with the display terminal;

[0073] Based on the operation of the indicator light emission button in the display interface, the display terminal sends a corresponding control instruction to the laser ranging module through Bluetooth communication to control the calibration signal module to emit the indicator light.

[0074] In this embodiment, the laser ranging module and the display terminal are connected via Bluetooth. Once the laser ranging module is turned on, the Bluetooth module emits a Bluetooth signal, which the display terminal searches for, automatically completing Bluetooth pairing. Before calibration, the laser ranging module and infrared thermal imager are combined and then mounted on one side of the display terminal using a connecting bracket or other structure. The infrared thermal imager is connected to the display terminal via a data cable, and the laser ranging module is automatically paired with the display terminal via Bluetooth. After the laser ranging module and the display terminal establish a Bluetooth connection, during subsequent calibration or regular use, the user can control the laser ranging module through operations within the display terminal's interface. For example, a button for emitting an indicator light can be provided within the display terminal's interface. The user can click this button to control the laser ranging module's calibration signal module to emit an indicator light. This facilitates user operation and eliminates the need for corresponding operation buttons on the laser ranging module.

[0075] In some embodiments, the laser ranging module performs ranging to obtain ranging information, and displays the ranging information in the real-time infrared image, including:

[0076] The display terminal sends a corresponding ranging instruction to the laser ranging module via Bluetooth communication based on the operation of the ranging control button in the display interface, thereby controlling the laser emission module to emit a laser signal;

[0077] The laser receiving module receives the reflected laser signal;

[0078] The laser ranging module calculates and obtains ranging information based on the reflection and reception of the laser signal, and sends the ranging information to the display terminal via Bluetooth communication, and the display terminal displays the ranging information in the real-time infrared image.

[0079] In this embodiment, a ranging control button is provided in the display interface of the display terminal. The user can click the ranging control button to control the laser emitting module of the laser ranging module to emit a laser signal for ranging. When the user watches the real-time infrared image in the display interface, the user can select the ranging object by aiming the cursor, and then directly click the ranging control button in the display interface to control the laser ranging module to obtain ranging information, which is more convenient for user operation and can also avoid setting corresponding operation buttons on the laser ranging module.

[0080] In some embodiments, the imaging working mode is a default mode of the combined infrared thermal imaging product, and the thermal imaging optimization method further includes:

[0081] The display terminal enters the calibration mode from the imaging working mode based on an operation of a calibration mode button in the display interface.

[0082] The timing for calibrating the optical axes of the infrared thermal imager and the laser ranging module can be determined by the user based on actual application requirements. A calibration mode button is set on the display interface. When the user feels the need to calibrate the optical axis, they can click the calibration mode button to initiate calibration. Once in calibration mode, user-operated movements of the aiming cursor on the display interface will take effect and recalibrate the aiming cursor so that its position on the display interface represents the optical axis position of the laser ranging module. If calibration is not initiated, the combined thermal imaging product enters the default imaging mode when it is turned on. In this mode, the movement of the aiming cursor is blocked, and user operations on the display interface will not change its position. This prevents accidental operations and ensures that the imaging mode is not disturbed.

[0083] It should be noted that, in this document, the terms "comprises," "includes," or any other variations thereof are intended to encompass non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus comprising a series of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not explicitly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. In the absence of further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising a ..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus comprising the element.

[0084] Through the description of the above embodiments, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that the above-mentioned embodiment methods can be implemented by means of software plus the necessary general hardware platform, and of course can also be implemented by hardware, but in many cases the former is a better embodiment. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the present invention is essentially or the part that contributes to the prior art can be embodied in the form of a software product, which is stored in a storage medium (such as ROM / RAM, magnetic disk, optical disk), including a number of instructions for enabling a terminal (which can be a mobile phone, computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute the methods described in each embodiment of the present invention.

[0085] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present application, but the scope of protection of the present application is not limited thereto. Any modifications or substitutions that can be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present application should be included in the scope of protection of the present application. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present application should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A combined infrared thermal imaging product, characterized in that: include: An infrared thermal imager (21), used for receiving infrared light signals to form infrared images; A laser distance measuring module (22), comprising a laser emitting module (221), a laser receiving module (222) and a calibration signal module (223), wherein the optical axis of the indication light emitted by the calibration signal module (223) is parallel to the optical axis of the laser signal emitted by the laser emitting module (221); The laser distance measuring module (22) and the infrared thermal imager (21) are connected via a detachable connection structure (23); the infrared thermal imager (21) and the laser distance measuring module (22) are communicatively connected to the same display terminal (11); the display terminal (11) displays an infrared image collected by the infrared thermal imager (21) when the calibration signal module (223) emits an indication light beam to a target object, and adjusts an aiming cursor in the infrared image to align with the target object, so as to calibrate the optical axes of the infrared thermal imager (21) and the laser distance measuring module (22).

2. The combined infrared thermal imaging product according to claim 1, characterized in that: The infrared thermal imager (21) comprises a first housing (211), an infrared imaging module (212) housed in the first housing (211), and a first detachable connection structure (231) arranged on the first housing (211); a light incident surface of the infrared imaging module (212) is arranged on the front side of the first housing (211); The laser distance measuring module (22) comprises a second housing (221) and a second detachable connection structure (232) arranged on the second housing (221); the laser emitting module (221), the laser receiving module (222) and the calibration signal module (223) are all arranged on the front side of the second housing (221); The infrared thermal imager (21) and the laser distance measuring module (22) are connected via the first detachable connection structure (231) and the second detachable connection structure (232).

3. The combined infrared thermal imaging product according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first detachable connection structure (231) comprises a leather rail arranged on the top surface of the first shell (211), and the second detachable connection structure (232) comprises a buckle portion arranged on the bottom surface of the second shell (221) and corresponding to the buckle slot on the leather rail.

4. The combined infrared thermal imaging product according to claim 1, characterized in that: The laser distance measuring module (22) comprises a wireless communication module, and the laser distance measuring module (22) establishes a wireless communication connection with the display terminal (11) via the wireless communication module.

5. The combined infrared thermal imaging product according to claim 1, characterized in that: The infrared thermal imager (21) comprises a communication interface, and the communication interface establishes a communication connection with the display terminal (11) via a data line.

6. The combined infrared thermal imaging product according to claim 1, characterized in that: The display terminal (11) is integrated on the infrared thermal imager (21), and the image processor in the infrared thermal imager (21) is communicatively connected to the display terminal (11).

7. A thermal imaging optimization method for a combined infrared thermal imaging product according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: include: In the calibration mode of the combined infrared thermal imaging product for optical axis calibration, the laser ranging module aims at the target object through the calibration signal module and emits an indication light; The infrared thermal imager correspondingly collects an infrared image and sends the infrared image to a display terminal for display; wherein the infrared image includes an imaging area of ​​the target object; The display terminal displays the infrared image and the aiming cursor in a display interface, and according to the adjustment operation of the aiming cursor, moves the aiming cursor to the position on the target object where the indicator light is aimed and calibrates it, thereby completing the optical axis calibration of the infrared thermal imager and the laser ranging module; In the imaging working mode of the combined infrared thermal imaging product, the infrared thermal imager collects infrared light signals in the target scene to form a real-time infrared image. When the calibrated aiming cursor in the display interface is aimed at the ranging object in the real-time infrared image, the laser ranging module performs ranging to obtain ranging information, and displays the ranging information in the real-time infrared image.

8. The thermal imaging optimization method according to claim 7, characterized in that: The laser ranging module aims at the target object through the calibration signal module and emits an indication light, comprising: The laser ranging module turns on the Bluetooth function and completes the Bluetooth pairing connection with the display terminal; Based on the operation of the button for emitting indication light in the display interface, the display terminal sends a corresponding control instruction to the laser ranging module through Bluetooth communication to control the calibration signal module to emit indication light.

9. The thermal imaging optimization method according to claim 8, characterized in that: The laser ranging module performs ranging to obtain ranging information, and displays the ranging information in the real-time infrared image, including: The display terminal sends a corresponding distance measurement instruction to the laser distance measurement module through Bluetooth communication based on the operation of the distance measurement control button in the display interface, thereby controlling the laser emission module to emit a laser signal; The laser receiving module receives the reflected laser signal; The laser ranging module calculates and obtains ranging information according to the reflection and reception of the laser signal, sends the ranging information to the display terminal via Bluetooth communication, and the display terminal displays the ranging information in the real-time infrared image.

10. The thermal imaging optimization method according to claim 7, characterized in that: The imaging working mode is a default mode of the combined infrared thermal imaging product, and the method further includes: The display terminal enters the calibration mode from the imaging working mode based on the operation of the calibration mode button in the display interface.

11. The thermal imaging optimization method according to claim 7, characterized in that: The target object is a reference heat source object selected within the observation range of human eyes.

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