Infrared Sensor Thermal Calibration via Adjacent Temperature Probe
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Solution Overview
Problem
Thermal imaging devices, such as infrared sensors, output temperature measurements that are not calibrated to an absolute scale, making it difficult to provide accurate temperature information for users, especially in applications like crop health monitoring and water management.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a non-contact temperature sensing device adjacent to the infrared image sensor on the same substrate, allowing the temperature data to calibrate the image output, providing absolute temperature information in units like degrees Celsius or Kelvin.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a thermal imaging device is used to capture temperature information, then thermal images can be obtained, but the temperature measurements are not calibrated to an absolute temperature scale
Solution Approach 1:
A temperature sensor is introduced as an intermediary device to measure the temperature of a reference object (such as a blackbody or known-temperature surface) within the scene. This intermediary measurement provides the reference data needed to calibrate the thermal imaging device's temperature scale, enabling conversion from relative to absolute temperature measurements without requiring complex internal calibration mechanisms in the thermal imager itself
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical calibration systems (such as shutter mechanisms with known temperature references) with a simpler approach using a separate temperature sensor to measure reference objects in the scene. This substitution eliminates the need for moving parts, mechanical shutters, or complex internal reference sources within the thermal imaging device, reducing overall system complexity while achieving absolute temperature calibration
2Measurement precision
If traditional calibration methods with shutter mechanisms are used, then absolute temperature calibration can be achieved, but the device becomes complex and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration reference function is extracted from the thermal imaging device itself and placed outside as a separate temperature sensor measuring reference objects in the scene. This extraction removes the need for heavy internal calibration mechanisms, shutters, and moving parts within the thermal imager, significantly reducing device weight while maintaining absolute temperature calibration capability through external reference measurements
Solution Approach 2:
Mechanical shutter systems and moving calibration components are replaced with a stationary temperature sensor that optically measures reference objects. This substitution eliminates motors, moving parts, and complex mechanical calibration mechanisms, reducing both weight and mechanical complexity while achieving the same calibration goal through optical-thermal measurement of external references
3Measurement precision
If traditional calibration methods with shutter mechanisms are used, then absolute temperature calibration can be achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration reference functionality is extracted from the thermal imaging device and implemented as a separate temperature sensor measuring reference objects in the scene. This extraction simplifies the thermal imager by removing internal calibration mechanisms, shutters, and moving parts, reducing system complexity while maintaining absolute temperature calibration through external reference measurements
Solution Approach 2:
A temperature sensor serves as an intermediary measurement device that measures reference objects (such as blackbodies or known-temperature surfaces) within the thermal imaging scene. This intermediary provides the reference temperature data needed to calibrate the thermal imager's temperature scale, enabling absolute temperature measurement without complex internal calibration systems
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 the generation of accurate and calibrated thermal images, allowing users to determine actual temperatures, which is crucial for precise crop health assessment and water management, without the need for complex and heavy shutter mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
The non-contact temperature sensing device determines temperature of a subset of the area imaged by the imaging device
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to a system and method of capturing and calibrating thermal images to provide accurate temperature information regarding an imaged area. The system includes a thermal image sensor positioned next to a non-contact temperature sensor. The system identifies pixels of the thermal image that correspond to a field of view of the temperature sensor and generates a calibration value by analyzing the pixels and the temperature information. Then the thermal image is biased or calibrated using the calibration value.