Infrared Camera Isotherm Color Mapping for Building Insulation Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Interpreting and identifying thermal anomalies in infrared images of building surfaces is challenging due to significant differences between thermal and visual images, leading to difficulties in recognizing insulation deficiencies and potential structural issues.
Innovation Solution
A method for displaying thermal images in an infrared camera by registering outdoor and indoor temperature values, calculating an isotherm level, and adjusting image colors based on temperature differences, allowing for clear identification of temperature distribution and anomalies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a thermal image is used to represent temperature distribution, then temperature data is captured and displayed, but the image is difficult to interpret and identify locations of objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color changes by mapping temperature values to specific color ranges (e.g., red for high temperature, blue for low temperature) and using color-coded overlays to highlight thermal anomalies. This transforms the abstract thermal data into visually intuitive color representations that are easy to interpret while preserving temperature measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the thermal image by dividing it into distinct temperature zones or regions of interest, allowing operators to focus on specific areas with thermal anomalies. This segmentation helps in identifying and analyzing critical areas without being overwhelmed by the entire thermal spectrum.
2Reliability
If the operator examines the thermal image closely from different angles to identify the right target, then identification accuracy improves, but inspection time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-processing the thermal image to enhance contrast, apply edge detection algorithms, and highlight potential anomalies before the operator views it. This preliminary enhancement reduces the need for operators to manually examine the image from multiple angles, thereby maintaining identification accuracy while significantly reducing inspection time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms by providing real-time or near-real-time thermal imaging with automated anomaly detection and highlighting. The system feedbacks potential issues directly to the operator through visual cues, reducing the iterative examination process and enabling faster decision-making while maintaining reliability.
3Reliability
If the thermal anomaly is not clearly defined in the thermal image, then the operator may miss the anomaly, but adding visual enhancements may complicate the image display
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by enhancing only the specific regions of the thermal image that contain anomalies or are of interest, rather than uniformly enhancing the entire image. This localized enhancement maintains anomaly detection reliability while avoiding unnecessary visual complexity in areas without issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing computational algorithms and processing layers that mediate between the raw thermal data and the final displayed image. These intermediaries automatically detect and highlight anomalies, making them clearly defined without requiring complex manual visual enhancements, thus maintaining reliability while managing display complexity.
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 an easily interpretable thermal image that immediately highlights critical areas, enabling on-site determination of insulation quality and accuracy in identifying thermal transmission issues.
Implementation Method 1
An infrared (IR) camera is used for capturing, displaying and storing thermal images
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is achieved by using a method for displaying a thermal image in an infrared (IR) thermal camera, comprising the steps of registering an outdoor temperature value, registering an indoor temperature value, calculating an isotherm level by using the registered temperature values and a temperature color alarm level, imaging a surface area to create an image of the temperature distribution in at least a part of the surface area, comparing the surface area temperature in at least one image point of the thermal image to the isotherm level, adjusting the color of the at least one image point in dependence of the relation between the surface area temperature in said at least one image point and the isotherm level and displaying the colored thermal image.The invention allows you to determine immediately, on-site, if a building is well insulated or not. It presents an easily interpreted and understandable thermal image which instantly draws a users attention to an identified critical area.