Imaging Device Thermal Management via Time-Based Temperature Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging devices face challenges in managing heat generation during moving image recording, particularly in devices with limited space, where traditional temperature sensors are costly and obstructive, and may not accurately detect temperature changes, leading to restricted device usage and potential overheating.
Innovation Solution
The imaging device employs a system that accumulates and manages moving image recording time to determine if image capture can proceed without a temperature sensor, using parameters like frame rate and pixel size to estimate temperature rise, allowing for image capture restrictions and power management without the need for a temperature sensor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a temperature sensor is mounted inside the device to accurately measure temperature, then temperature measurement accuracy is improved, but device cost increases and the sensor cannot be positioned optimally for detecting skin touch due to appearance constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the physical temperature sensor with a thermal simulation system that uses computational models to predict temperature based on recording parameters. The control unit calculates estimated temperature by simulating heat generation from the imaging unit based on frame rate, pixel size, and recording duration, eliminating the need for physical sensing hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the temperature measurement function through thermal simulation. Instead of physically measuring temperature, the system generates a simulated temperature value based on mathematical models that replicate the thermal behavior of the imaging device under various operating conditions.
2Loss of information
If the device displays temperature warnings on the GUI to inform users of heat generation, then user awareness of temperature is improved, but the display becomes an obstacle that robs concentration on the live video image
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the temperature information delivery from the main video display by using separate haptic feedback mechanisms (vibration patterns) and auxiliary indicators. This divides the warning system into distinct channels that do not interfere with the primary live video feed, allowing temperature information to be conveyed without blocking the user's view.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces vibration feedback as an intermediary medium to convey temperature warnings. Instead of displaying visual warnings on the screen that would compete for the user's attention, the system uses tactile vibrations through the housing to communicate temperature status, allowing the user to perceive warnings without visual distraction from the live video image.
3Reliability
If the device restricts image capture when temperature exceeds thresholds to prevent overheating, then device reliability is improved, but device usability and productivity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic temperature management where the recording time threshold is not fixed but adapts based on real-time conditions. The control unit continuously monitors estimated temperature and adjusts the allowable recording duration dynamically, extending limits when cooling is effective and reducing them when heat accumulation occurs, allowing flexible optimization between reliability and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters (frame rate, pixel size, recording duration) to manage temperature rather than simply restricting operation. The system adjusts these parameters dynamically to keep temperature within safe ranges while maximizing recording time, transforming the approach from binary restriction to continuous parameter optimization.
Data Source
AI summary
An image capture determination unit that determines whether an imaging unit can start an image capture operation from a moving image recording cumulative time stored in a moving image recording cumulative time storage unit and an image capture parameter set by a parameter setting unit, and an image capture restriction control unit that performs processing of imposing a restriction of image capture when the image capture is determined to be not able to be started by the image capture determination unit when receiving an image capture start instruction of the imaging unit are included.