Integrated Switch and Shutter for IR Imaging Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional infrared imaging devices with mechanical shutters for calibration and power control are bulky, complex, and prone to wear, which degrades image quality and reliability due to non-uniform detector responses and increased size and cost.
Innovation Solution
An integrated multi-stage switch and shutter system that mechanically controls power and positions the shutter within the field of view for flat field correction, using a processor to capture thermal images of the shutter for calibration and store correction maps, allowing for efficient calibration and power management without mechanical motion control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an automatic mechanical shutter with blade, actuator, and drive train is integrated into an imaging device, then the shutter can be moved in and out of the optical path for calibration, but the size, complexity, and cost of the imaging device increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the mechanical actuator and drive train from the shutter system, retaining only the essential shutter blade and its mounting structure. The simplified shutter is then controlled by a solid-state switch that electronically triggers the calibration process, eliminating the need for complex mechanical motion control while maintaining the core calibration function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical actuator and drive train with an electronic control system. A solid-state switch assembly with movable contact elements electronically controls the calibration process, substituting mechanical motion control with electronic signaling and processing, thereby reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining functional capability.
2Ease of operation
If an automatic mechanical shutter with motors and drive trains is used, then the shutter can be controlled for calibration, but the components are more prone to wear and tear, adversely affecting reliability and longevity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical motors and drive trains with a solid-state switch assembly that uses movable contact elements to electronically control the calibration process. This substitution eliminates the wear and tear associated with mechanical components while maintaining the ability to control shutter operation for calibration purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The switch assembly is designed to be manually operable, allowing the user to directly control the calibration process by moving the switch between positions. This self-service approach eliminates the need for complex automated control systems, reducing component count and potential failure points while maintaining operational capability.
3Reliability
If a mechanical shutter system is integrated into the imaging device, then calibration can be performed, but the overall device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the unnecessary mechanical components (actuator, drive train) from the shutter system, retaining only the essential shutter blade and mounting structure. This streamlined approach significantly reduces the volume required for the shutter mechanism while preserving the calibration capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the switch assembly with the shutter mounting structure, integrating the control function directly into the mechanical support structure. This consolidation eliminates separate control mechanisms and reduces the overall space required for the shutter system, enabling compact imaging device design.
Data Source
AI summary
Various devices including a three-stage switch and an infrared (IR) imaging module and methods for performing FFC using the three-stage switch and the IR imaging module are provided. The three-stage switch may have at least a first position in which the IR imaging module is powered off, a second position in which the IR imaging module is powered on and the shutter is positioned in the FOV, and a third position in which the IR imaging module is powered on and the shutter is positioned out of the FOV, wherein the second position is intermediate in relation to the first position and the third position. A thermal image of the shutter may be captured while the switch is at or adjacent to the second position, and an FFC map of FFC terms may be acquired based on the thermal image of the shutter.