Infrared Sensor Ambient Temperature Measurement Blinded Window
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable electronic devices, such as mobile phones, face challenges in accurately measuring ambient air temperature due to internal heating variations, making it difficult to estimate ambient temperature based on the device's own temperature sensor readings, and prior methods for predicting ambient temperature are not accurate.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with an integrated infrared sensor and a blinded window that senses the temperature of its surface, which is in thermal contact with the environment, allowing for direct calculation of ambient temperature by determining the temperature difference between the sensor and the surface, independent of the device's internal temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an internal temperature sensor is used to measure ambient temperature, then the device can provide temperature data, but the measurement accuracy deteriorates due to internal heating variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a blinded window as an intermediary element that is in thermal contact with both the ambient environment and the infrared sensor. This window acts as a mediator that allows the sensor to indirectly measure ambient temperature through its surface temperature, avoiding direct exposure to internal heating while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the direct thermal contact measurement method with an infrared sensing method. Instead of using a temperature sensor that directly contacts the ambient environment (which would be affected by internal heating), the system uses an infrared sensor to detect the thermal radiation from the blinded window surface, thereby substituting a mechanical/thermal measurement approach with an optical/infrared one.
2Measurement precision
If prior art prediction methods are used to estimate ambient temperature, then ambient temperature can be inferred, but the measurement accuracy deteriorates due to reliance on device usage history
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the device to self-measure ambient temperature through the infrared sensor detecting the blinded window surface temperature. This eliminates the need to rely on device usage history, power consumption data, or other indirect indicators. The system serves itself by directly sensing the ambient thermal environment through the window, providing accurate measurements without external information requirements.
3Measurement precision
If a thermal probe sticks out of the device to measure air temperature, then direct ambient temperature measurement is possible, but the device complexity and ease of manufacture deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the ambient temperature measurement function with the existing device structure by integrating the infrared sensor and blinded window into the device housing. Instead of adding a separate external thermal probe that sticks out of the device, the measurement system is combined with the device's cover or housing structure, simplifying assembly and manufacturing while achieving accurate ambient temperature measurement.
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 method provides a direct and instantaneous measurement of ambient air temperature, reducing measurement errors associated with long-term integration and avoiding reliance on the device's usage history, while keeping all sensors internal, ensuring accurate and precise ambient temperature calculation.
Implementation Method 1
the blinded window being in thermal contact with the environment of the electronic device as well as with a cover of the electronic device
Implementation Method 2
the at least one integrated infrared sensor being adapted for sensing the temperature of the blinded window
Data Source
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AI summary
An electronic device (1) for measuring an ambient temperature (Tair) of the environment (51) of an electronic device is described. It comprises at least one integrated infrared sensor (2), a blinded window (20) preventing infrared radiation to directly impinge on the integrated infrared sensor and being in thermal contact with the environment as well as with a cover (50) of the device resulting in the blinded window (20) being at a surface temperature (Tsurface). The at least one integrated infrared sensor is adapted for sensing the temperature of the blinded window (Tsurface). The device also comprises at least one absolute temperature sensor for measuring a temperature of the at least one infrared sensor (Tsensor) itself, and a processing means for determining a temperature difference (ΔT) between the sensed surface temperature (Tsurface) and the temperature of the infrared sensor (Tsensor) and for calculating based thereon the ambient temperature (Tair).