Infrared Camera Electronic Architecture Using Programmable Logic Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional infrared camera architectures are costly, large, power-intensive, and difficult to upgrade due to their complex and specialized circuitry, which limits their applicability in various applications.
Innovation Solution
The use of a programmable logic device (PLD), such as a field programmable gate array (FPGA), coupled with external memories to control and process infrared data, providing memory management, timing, calibration, and biasing for the infrared detector, and enabling data compensation and correction, while also allowing for configuration and calibration data storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional specialized circuitry and discrete components are used, then the infrared camera can perform necessary control and processing functions, but the device becomes costly, large, and power-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple specialized functions (control, processing, memory management, timing, calibration) into a single programmable logic device. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate discrete components and custom circuitry, directly reducing device complexity and circuit board area while maintaining all necessary infrared camera functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The programmable logic device serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a controller, processor, memory manager, timing generator, and calibration device. This multi-functionality replaces the conventional approach of using separate specialized components for each function, thereby reducing overall system complexity and physical footprint.
2Adaptability or versatility
If custom discrete circuitry is used, then the infrared camera can be designed for specific applications, but it becomes difficult to upgrade and adapt
Solution Approach 1:
The programmable logic device enables dynamic reconfiguration of the infrared camera's control and processing functions through software programming. This allows the same hardware platform to be adapted to different applications and upgraded by loading new firmware or configuration data, eliminating the need for physical circuit modifications and enabling easy upgrades.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows changing operational parameters and functionality through software configuration rather than hardware modification. By loading different firmware images or configuration data into the programmable logic device, the camera can be adapted to new applications or upgraded without physical redesign, thus improving ease of manufacture and upgrade capability.
3Quantity of substance
If multiple discrete memory devices and controllers are used, then data storage and processing can be performed, but the system requires significant power and occupies more space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates memory control and data processing functions within the programmable logic device, eliminating the need for separate discrete memory controllers. This consolidation reduces the number of active components that consume power, thereby reducing overall system power requirements while maintaining adequate memory capacity for infrared camera operations.
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, an infrared camera includes an infrared detector providing infrared data and a programmable logic device providing timing and control signals to the infrared detector and processing the infrared data to provide an output signal based on the infrared data. Additional memory devices, if present, may be controlled by the programmable logic device, which manages the flow of information for the memory devices.