Infrared Camera Integrating Humidity Sensor for Thermal Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing humidity detection methods, such as IR cameras and conductivity sensors, face reliability and efficiency issues, with temperature-based measurements being unreliable and contact-free systems being time-consuming and unsuitable for storage.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a humidity sensor within an IR camera that superimposes humidity information onto the thermal image, allowing for real-time identification of humidity risk areas, using internal or external sensors, and optional laser pointers or sensor probes for precise measurement point correlation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If temperature-based humidity detection is used in IR cameras, then the detection can be performed without contact, but the measurement reliability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines temperature-based humidity detection with conductivity-based humidity detection in a single integrated system. The IR camera captures temperature data while conductivity sensors provide direct electrical conductivity measurements of the material, and both data streams are merged to produce a reliable humidity assessment that overcomes the limitations of either method alone.
2Reliability
If conductivity sensors are moved across the object for humidity detection, then the measurement reliability is high, but the detection process is time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical movement of conductivity sensors across the object with a stationary sensor array that takes simultaneous measurements at multiple points. The IR camera captures the entire field of view at once, and conductivity sensors are positioned to measure multiple locations without physical movement, dramatically increasing detection speed while maintaining reliability through multiple measurement points.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are integrated into the IR camera, then the humidity detection accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the integrated sensor system to perform multiple functions: the IR camera captures both temperature data and visual imagery, while the conductivity sensors provide electrical conductivity measurements. The processing unit analyzes all these data streams to determine humidity, material type, and risk assessment, making the single device universally applicable for comprehensive building inspection rather than requiring separate specialized equipment.
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
Enables reliable, efficient, and visually intuitive detection of humidity risk areas directly within thermal images, enhancing the accuracy and speed of humidity detection while allowing for storage and display of results.
Implementation Method 1
comprises a lens (5) for focusing incoming IR radiation onto a focal plane array (7)
Implementation Method 2
a humidity sensor (10), such as a conductivity sensor, is provided within the camera housing
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
An IR camera for recording and presenting a thermal image of an object comprises optical receiving means for focusing infra-red radiation received from the object onto a focal plane array and processing means for receiving and processing the data from the focal plane array to form a thermal image, presentation means for presenting the thermal image and storage means for storing the thermal image. According to the invention the IR camera further comprises receiving means for receiving from at least one humidity sensor arranged to provide humidity information, information about the humidity in at least one measuring point on the object, and forwarding said humidity information to the processing means, said processing means being arranged to include said humidity information in the thermal image. In this way the camera can directly identify any points on the object where there is risk for damp.