Infrared Detector Array Shutter for Temperature Drift Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Infrared thermal imaging cameras face challenges in accurately determining surface temperature distributions due to temperature drift caused by aging of the detector array, leading to continuous falsification of measurement results.
Innovation Solution
The method involves an infrared measuring system with a shutter mechanism to prevent infrared radiation from reaching the detector array, allowing for the determination of temperature drift components by comparing measurement signals with those taken when the shutter is closed, and using these components to correct temperature readings in real-time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If temperature measurements are continuously taken by the infrared detector array, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to temperature drift from aging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where temperature drift components are continuously determined from measurement signals and used to correct subsequent temperature readings. The evaluation device calculates drift components based on previous measurements and applies corrections in real-time, creating a closed-loop system that maintains measurement accuracy despite continuous operation and detector aging.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary determination of temperature drift components before they significantly affect measurement accuracy. By continuously monitoring and calculating drift components from measurement signals and applying corrections proactively, the system prevents accuracy degradation rather than reacting to it after it occurs.
2Measurement precision
If a shutter mechanism is added to determine temperature drift components, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the infrared detector array to serve dual purposes: both detecting infrared radiation for temperature measurement and determining temperature drift components from its own measurement signals. The evaluation device extracts drift information from the measurement signals without requiring separate reference measurements, allowing the system to self-calibrate and reducing the need for additional hardware components.
3Measurement precision
If temperature drift correction is implemented in real-time, then measurement precision is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial correction by determining temperature drift components from measurement signals and applying corrections only when drift exceeds acceptable thresholds. The evaluation device selectively processes correction based on the magnitude of detected drift, avoiding unnecessary computational energy consumption while maintaining measurement precision when it matters most.
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 improves the accuracy of temperature measurements by correcting for pixel-associated temperature drift, ensuring precise and continuous correction of thermal images, providing immediate and accurate temperature data to the user.
Implementation Method 1
Temperature measurement using an infrared-sensitive thermometer is based on the detection of thermal radiation, i.e., Infrared radiation, particularly in a wavelength range between 3 μm and 50 μm, is emitted by every object with varying intensity depending on its temperature
Implementation Method 2
an infrared measuring system with a shutter mechanism to prevent infrared radiation from reaching the detector array
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for determining a temperature of a surface (22) without contact, in particular for determining a temperature distribution of a surface (22) without contact, which method proceeds from an infrared measuring system (10, 10a) at least having: an infrared detector array (36), which has a plurality of measuring pixels (62), which each provide a measurement signal for determining a temperature measurement value T MP (64), which temperature measurement value depends on the intensity of the incident infrared radiation, and a closure mechanism for preventing the incidence of infrared radiation on the infrared detector array (36), wherein the method comprises at least the following steps: determining the temperature measurement values T MP (64) of a plurality of measuring pixels (62); correcting temperature measurement values T MP (64) by a pixel-associated temperature drift component Tdrift (46). According to the invention, the incidence of infrared radiation on the infrared detector array (36) is prevented by means of the closure mechanism (58) of the infrared measuring system (10, 10a) at least at times, and during these times temperature measurement values T MP blind (66) are determined, and the temperature drift components T drift (46) are determined by using temperature measurement values TMP blind (66). The invention further relates to an infrared measuring system (10, 10a) operated by means of the method.