Angled Infrared Sensor Scanning for High-Resolution Thermal Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current infrared detecting systems face challenges in achieving high-resolution thermal images without increasing the number of infrared detecting elements, which leads to increased costs and mechanical complexity, particularly in applications like air-conditioners where space is limited.
Innovation Solution
An infrared detecting apparatus with a matrix of infrared detecting elements that are inclined at a prescribed angle relative to the scanning direction, allowing for improved resolution without increasing the number of elements, and a scanner that moves the sensor to scan a detection range, enabling enhanced thermal image resolution through super resolution processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the number of infrared detecting elements is increased to improve thermal image resolution, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a temporal dimension by scanning the same scene at multiple time points with different sensor orientations. Instead of using more spatial elements simultaneously, the system uses a single sensor array that is rotated to different angles across time, capturing overlapping thermal images that are then processed to achieve super-resolution output.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the sensor array dynamic by rotating it to different orientations during the scanning process. The sensor array transitions from a static configuration to a dynamic one where it changes its angular position, allowing the same physical elements to sample different spatial locations at different times, thereby improving resolution without adding more elements.
2Measurement precision
If more infrared detecting elements are used to improve resolution, then measurement precision is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a temporal dimension by scanning the same scene at multiple time points with different sensor orientations. Instead of using more spatial elements simultaneously, the system uses a single sensor array that is rotated to different angles across time, capturing overlapping thermal images that are then processed to achieve super-resolution output.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates multiple copies of the thermal image data by scanning the same scene from different angular positions. These multiple copies are then processed through super-resolution algorithms to reconstruct a high-resolution image, effectively using information redundancy rather than element quantity to achieve resolution improvement.
3Measurement precision
If the sensor array is rotated to improve resolution, then measurement precision is improved, but detection time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic rotation of the sensor array through a set of discrete angular positions. The sensor array rotates to predetermined angles, captures thermal images at each position, and then returns to the starting position. This periodic scanning pattern allows for systematic data collection that can be processed efficiently to achieve super-resolution without requiring continuous rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary scanning at multiple angular positions to collect redundant thermal image data before final image reconstruction. By pre-acquiring images from different orientations, the system prepares sufficient data for super-resolution processing, which can then be computationally intensive but time-efficient compared to real-time high-resolution capture.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach allows for high-resolution thermal image acquisition without the need for additional infrared detecting elements or motors, reducing costs and mechanical complexity, while enabling easier integration into space-constrained devices like air-conditioners, and improving scanning efficiency without prolonging detection time.
Implementation Method 1
an infrared sensor in which a plurality of infrared detecting elements are placed in a matrix
Data Source
AI summary
An infrared detecting apparatus includes an infrared sensor in which a plurality of infrared detecting elements are placed in a matrix, and also includes a scanner that moves the infrared sensor in a prescribed direction to cause the infrared sensor to scan a detection range. The infrared sensor is placed so that the matrix of the plurality of infrared detecting elements is inclined at a prescribed angle with respect to the prescribed direction.