Temperature Measurement Instrument Laser Targeting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Non-contact temperature measurement instruments face challenges in clearly correlating temperature information with specific areas of a target, especially for novice users, due to difficulties in interpreting infrared images and aligning them with visible-light scenes, particularly in applications with low infrared contrast.
Innovation Solution
A temperature measurement instrument comprising an infrared detector, a light source, and a programmable processor that generates infrared data and moves a light beam to visually identify areas on a target satisfying temperature criteria, allowing for precise correlation of temperature readings with specific target areas without the need for complex electronic displays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a thermal imager provides a complete thermal image display with colors or gray-levels, then temperature information about the target is improved, but it becomes difficult to correlate the temperature information with specific areas of the target
Solution Approach 1:
A laser beam is introduced as an intermediary element that physically connects the temperature measurement function with the visual indication function. The laser beam is directed at the specific area of the target corresponding to the measurement spot, serving as a visual mediator that helps users correlate temperature readings with their spatial location on the target without requiring complex image processing or display systems.
2Ease of operation
If an instrument includes laser beam sights to aid aiming, then ease of operation is improved, but the instrument cannot dynamically identify and highlight specific temperature features of interest
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback by continuously monitoring the thermal image data and automatically adjusting the laser beam position to track and highlight areas of interest. When the measurement spot detects a temperature feature meeting predetermined criteria (such as maximum temperature, minimum temperature, or temperature differential), the feedback control system directs the laser beam to that specific location, enabling dynamic identification of temperature features while maintaining ease of operation.
3Ease of operation
If a thermal imager overlays visible-light image with infrared image, then ease of operation is improved for novice users, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts only the essential visual indication function needed for correlation, separating it from the complex image processing and display systems. Instead of incorporating a visible-light camera and overlay display system, the patent extracts the core need for visual-spatial correlation and satisfies it through a simpler laser beam indication system that works independently of complex imaging electronics, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining ease of operation.
4Measurement precision
If a thermal imager provides detailed temperature mapping, then measurement precision is improved, but it becomes difficult to identify specific areas of interest without complex displays
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the laser beam as a visual indicator that changes its spatial position in response to temperature variations. While the thermal image provides detailed temperature mapping with color or gray-level variations, the laser beam provides a dynamic visual cue that 'changes location' to highlight specific areas of interest, making it easier to identify temperature spots without requiring the user to interpret complex color-coded thermal images.
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
Enables effective identification of temperature features on a target by illuminating selected areas, improving user understanding of temperature distributions and reducing instrument complexity and cost.
Implementation Method 1
an infrared detector to generate infrared data from infrared radiation emanating from a target
Implementation Method 2
a light source to generate a light beam for illuminating a selected area of the target
Data Source
AI summary
Temperature measurement instruments and methods are provided for visually identifying a selected area of a target with a light beam. After imaging infrared radiation from a measurement area on a target, a selected area satisfying a temperature criterion is determined. An actuator system moves a light beam relative to the instrument and measurement area to visually identify the selected area. In some embodiments the actuator system may repeatedly move the light beam to visually identify the selected area of the target as the instrument is moved and the selected area's position changes within the measurement area.