Laser Pointer Calibration via Visible Light Camera
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laser-based thermal temperature sensors require labor-intensive and costly manual alignment of a laser pointer with an infrared spot sensor, which is prone to misalignment due to mechanical shocks or movements, especially when the system is moved or dropped, leading to inaccuracies in temperature measurements.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a visible light image to align a laser pointer with an infrared array sensor, eliminating the need for manual aiming by using a graphical slide control to mathematically position the images and store the relative positions for software calibration, ensuring accurate temperature measurements without mechanical adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual alignment of laser pointer with infrared spot sensor is performed, then temperature measurement capability is achieved, but alignment precision deteriorates due to mechanical shocks or movements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment with an automated optical alignment system. The visible light camera captures the laser dot position, and software calculations determine the precise angular adjustment needed. This substitutes mechanical trial-and-error alignment with an optical measurement and computational correction approach, achieving both initial alignment precision and continued accuracy despite mechanical shocks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the visible light camera continuously monitors the laser dot position relative to the infrared spot sensor. The system calculates angular deviations and provides feedback for real-time correction of misalignment caused by mechanical shocks or movements, maintaining both alignment stability and temperature measurement accuracy.
2Ease of manufacture
If manual alignment process is used, then initial alignment is achieved, but time and cost increase due to labor-intensive procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the system to perform its own alignment automatically. The visible light camera captures images of the laser dot and infrared spot sensor positions, and the embedded software automatically calculates the required angular adjustments and guides the alignment process without requiring skilled technicians or manual intervention, dramatically reducing both time and manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the visible light camera to create an optical copy or image of the laser dot position and infrared spot sensor location. This visual representation is then processed by software to determine alignment parameters, replacing complex mechanical measurement and adjustment procedures with simple image capture and computational analysis, reducing both time and skill requirements.
3Manufacturing precision
If separate elongated aiming device with epoxy is used, then laser pointer positioning is achieved, but device complexity increases and reliability decreases when moved or dropped
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the alignment function into the main device housing rather than using a separate elongated aiming device. The visible light camera, infrared spot sensor, and laser pointer are integrated into a unified structure with a common coordinate system, eliminating the need for separate positioning mechanisms and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical epoxy-based positioning system with an optical measurement and software calculation system. Instead of relying on rigid mechanical connections that fail when dropped, the system uses visual field calibration and angular calculations to maintain accurate positioning, significantly improving reliability while reducing mechanical 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 approach simplifies the alignment process, reduces costs, and enhances the accuracy and reliability of temperature measurements by eliminating the need for manual mechanical alignment, thereby improving the precision and durability of thermal imaging systems.
Implementation Method 1
The output of the infrared array sensor includes values indicative of infrared radiation from the target
Implementation Method 2
outputting, by the laser pointer, a light beam to produce a laser dot on a target
Data Source
AI summary
A method comprises capturing outputs of a VLC and an infrared array sensor (IAS). A memory includes a calibration based on a position of a laser pointer relative to the IAS. The method includes the laser pointer outputting a light beam to produce a laser dot on a target. The output of the VLC includes a representation of the laser dot. The output of the IAS includes values indicative of infrared radiation from the target. The method includes determining a temperature based on a portion of the values indicative of infrared radiation from the target. The portion of the values includes values associated with a portion of the target at which the laser dot is produced. The method includes displaying, on the display, the output of the VLC and the temperature. Displaying the output of the VLC includes displaying a visible light image showing the laser dot and at least a portion of the target.