On-Board IR Camera Report Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Infrared camera operators face delays and inefficiencies in preparing reports, as they require downloading images and data to a computer with specialized software, which can be cumbersome and delay delivery to customers, often leading to omitted observations.
Innovation Solution
An infrared camera capable of preparing reports on-board in a standard file format, including IR and visual images, parametric data, and comments, using pre-selected or user-defined templates, and transmitting them via USB or wirelessly without the need for specialized software on receiving devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the camera operator downloads images and data to a computer with specialized software to prepare reports, then the report can be prepared with complete data, but the process is time-consuming and delays delivery to customers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the report preparation functionality directly into the camera device itself, merging the data collection and report generation functions into a single integrated system. This eliminates the need for separate computers and specialized software, thereby reducing the overall system complexity while enabling faster report preparation directly at the survey location.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera is designed to automatically generate reports using its onboard processor and storage capabilities. The device performs self-service by collecting thermal and visual data, processing it through embedded algorithms, and producing formatted reports without requiring external computational resources. This self-contained approach eliminates dependency on external specialized software and accelerates the reporting process.
2Ease of operation
If the camera operator carries a portable computer to survey sites to prepare reports, then reports can be prepared on-site, but it is cumbersome and incompatible with inhospitable survey environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential report preparation functionality from bulky portable computers and integrates it directly into the camera. By removing the need for separate computing devices and their associated power, weight, and environmental requirements, the system achieves on-site report preparation capability while eliminating the cumbersome equipment that limited operation in inhospitable environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera is designed as a multi-functional device that combines thermal imaging, visual imaging, data processing, and report generation in a single unit. This universal device replaces the need for specialized portable computers and various auxiliary equipment, making the system adaptable to diverse survey environments without requiring additional gear that may not function in extreme conditions.
3Measurement precision
If specialized driver software and hardware are used to import images and data to prepare reports, then accurate data processing is achieved, but the process becomes cumbersome and delays customer delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The camera performs preliminary data processing and validation onboard before the survey is completed. Thermal and visual data are processed, correlated, and validated in real-time during the survey, with results stored in standardized formats. This preliminary action ensures data accuracy is maintained while eliminating the need for time-consuming post-survey processing with specialized software, thereby accelerating report delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of data processing by moving it from external specialized software to onboard embedded processing. The camera's processor operates with optimized parameters for thermal and visual data correlation, producing accurate results directly in the field. This parameter change enables both precise data handling and rapid report generation without dependency on external computational systems.
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein is an IR camera that can prepare a report on-board the camera in a standard file format that is substantially universally readable by a number of receiving devices, including but not limited to computers. The report preferably includes at least one IR image, at least one visual image and a table that can be populated with the output of any of the camera's measurement functions or any parametric information (time, date, emissivity, background temperature, GPS location, etc.). The report may also include text, voice, and/or visual/graphical comments and recommendations. The comments may be added directly to the report or hyperlinked to the report.