Microbolometer Pixel References for Background Temperature Compensation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Microbolometer-based thermal imaging sensors face inaccuracies due to resistance changes caused by both long-wave infrared light and background temperature fluctuations, which are difficult to separate, leading to distorted thermal images and interruptions in continuous video recording.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of first and second pixels with varying absorber sizes and structures within the pixel array, along with a processor that compensates for background temperature changes by subtracting reference resistance changes from measured resistance changes, using a predetermined constant and interpolation methods.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a microbolometer-based thermal imaging sensor measures resistance change at each pixel, then thermal image data can be generated, but resistance changes due to background temperature fluctuations are also included, causing measurement inaccuracy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal image measurement accuracyVSAvoidbackground temperature interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The pixel array is divided into two distinct types: first pixels with normal light absorbance for capturing thermal images, and second pixels with reduced light absorbance for measuring background temperature. This segmentation allows separate measurement of target thermal signals and background temperature variations, resolving the measurement accuracy problem by isolating the harmful background temperature interference into dedicated reference pixels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second pixels act as intermediary reference elements that do not directly participate in thermal image capture but provide background temperature data. These intermediary pixels mediate between the thermal environment and the measurement system, enabling the processor to calculate and subtract background temperature effects from the first pixel measurements, thereby improving overall measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If continuous thermal video recording is performed, then real-time thermal monitoring is achieved, but background temperature changes cause image distortion and measurement errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous video recording capabilityVSAvoidthermal image accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The second pixels continuously measure background temperature in advance and in parallel with the first pixels capturing thermal images. This preliminary action of background temperature measurement enables the processor to immediately compensate for temperature drifts during continuous video recording, maintaining image accuracy without interrupting the recording process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a feedback mechanism where background temperature measurements from second pixels continuously inform the processing of first pixel data. The processor uses this feedback to dynamically adjust and compensate for background temperature effects in real-time, ensuring reliable thermal image accuracy throughout continuous video recording operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 allows for accurate thermal image generation without interruptions, reducing distortions and enabling continuous thermal video recording by effectively separating infrared light-induced resistance changes from background temperature effects.

Implementation Method 1

a microbolometer is located in each pixel, and a readout integrated circuit reads out a change in current of the pixel due to a resistance change to convert the current change into a thermal image and output the image

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBolometer: Bolometer

Implementation Method 2

a microbolometer is located in each pixel... a first absorber... a second absorber... The first resistance change may be a resistance change due to a change in background temperature

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption (EM radiation): Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS20250207977A1Microbolometer-based thermal imaging sensor with pixels for background temperature compensation

Publication Date: 2025.06.26 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A microbolometer-based thermal imaging sensor includes a pixel array including at least one first pixel, and at least one second pixel having a lower light absorbance than light absorbance of the at least one first pixel, and a processor configured to obtain a first resistance change of the at least one second pixel and obtain a second resistance change of the at least one first pixel based on the first resistance change of the at least one second pixel.