IR Sensor Integration Time Compensation for Thermal Drift
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Solution Overview
Problem
Thermal imaging cameras face significant deviations in measured values due to temperature-induced drift, particularly when transitioning from warm to cold environments, caused by bolometer sensitivity changes and temperature dependencies in control and supply voltages, housing, and lenses, which existing methods struggle to compensate for efficiently without complex electronics or high energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
An IR measuring device with a thermally coupled temperature sensor that adjusts the integration period of the sensor output signal to compensate for temperature-induced drift, allowing for software-controlled optimization of measurement quality without complex electronic circuits, thereby simplifying the structural design and reducing energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If temperature stabilization systems (Peltier elements) are used to maintain constant detector temperature, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter being controlled from temperature to integration period. Instead of actively stabilizing temperature using complex Peltier elements, the system compensates for temperature-induced drift by dynamically adjusting the integration period based on detected temperature changes, thereby maintaining measurement precision without complex stabilization hardware
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/thermal stabilization system (Peltier elements) with an electronic/software-based compensation method. By using evaluation electronics to detect temperature and adjust integration period parameters, the system substitutes complex thermal management hardware with simpler electronic control
2Measurement precision
If Peltier elements are used for active temperature stabilization, then measurement precision is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system compensates for temperature drift by changing the integration period parameter rather than actively controlling temperature. This passive compensation method consumes minimal energy compared to active Peltier stabilization, while still maintaining measurement accuracy across varying temperatures
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the temperature information already present in the environment to self-compensate for drift. By detecting temperature changes and automatically adjusting integration period, the system serves itself without requiring additional energy-intensive cooling or heating mechanisms
3Measurement precision
If complex electronic control circuits are used for temperature compensation, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent simplifies the control approach by adjusting a single parameter (integration period) rather than using complex multi-parameter control circuits. The evaluation electronics detect temperature and directly modify the integration period, eliminating the need for sophisticated electronic temperature stabilization circuits
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 approach ensures constant sensitivity of the IR radiation detector over a wide ambient temperature range, minimizing environmental influences on measurement accuracy without the need for active temperature stabilization, thus maintaining high dynamic range and reducing operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
the IR radiation detector is thermally coupled to at least one temperature sensor and means for influencing the integration period are formed by an output signal of the at least one temperature sensor
Implementation Method 2
an infrared (IR) measuring device with an IR radiation detector with at least one sensor element which is sensitive to infrared radiation, the at least one sensor element being designed as a bolometer
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
Disclosed is an IR measuring instrument (1) comprising a least one sensor element (29) which is sensitive to infrared radiation and generates an output signal (12) that depends on the radiation incident on the at least one sensor element (29). The output signal (12) for a predefined incident radiation can be varied by means of an integration time. The actual temperature prevailing on the at least one sensor element (29) is detected and is used for varying the integration time in such a way that the integration time compensates the influence of the temperature variations on the output signal (12) of the at least one sensor element (29).