Overlapping Wavelength Sensor Circuit for Imaging Pyrometer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging pyrometers are complex and expensive to produce, with limited resolution and dynamic range, making it difficult to accurately determine both temperature distributions and geometric properties of objects in a scene using visible and infrared radiation.
Innovation Solution
A circuit arrangement using two types of sensor elements that capture electromagnetic radiation from overlapping broadband wavelength ranges, including visible light and infrared, allowing for temperature determination and optical image generation with improved resolution and cost-effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If three different types of sensor elements are used to capture visible light and infrared radiation, then temperature determination capability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling a single sensor element type to perform multiple functions: capturing both visible light for optical imaging and infrared radiation for temperature measurement. This is achieved through sophisticated signal processing that extracts temperature information from the infrared component of the visible light spectrum, eliminating the need for separate dedicated infrared sensor elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of visible light capture and infrared detection into a single integrated sensor system. By combining the optical image capture and temperature measurement capabilities in one sensor element, the patent reduces device complexity while maintaining both functions' performance.
2Measurement precision
If sensor elements of different types are arranged alternately on the sensor surface, then temperature measurement capability is improved, but resolution is reduced due to gaps between sensor elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sensor surface into functional zones: a first region for optical image capture and a second region for temperature measurement. This spatial segmentation allows each region to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining continuous coverage, eliminating gaps that would reduce resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional alternating arrangement of different sensor types to a three-dimensional stacked configuration. By stacking sensor elements vertically in layers, the patent achieves both high-resolution imaging and temperature measurement without the gaps caused by horizontal alternation, effectively adding a spatial dimension to the sensor architecture.
3Measurement precision
If narrow-band wavelength ranges are used for infrared detection, then temperature determination accuracy is improved, but dynamic range is limited requiring multiple exposure times
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the spectral parameters by using broadband sensor elements that capture a wide range of wavelengths including both visible light and infrared radiation. This broadband approach provides a large dynamic range for detecting different radiation intensities while the signal processing algorithms extract accurate temperature information from the infrared component, eliminating the need for multiple exposure times.
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 high-accuracy temperature determination and optical image generation with increased resolution and reduced production complexity, facilitating the use of a cost-effective imaging pyrometer.
Implementation Method 1
sensor elements (12, 14) which generate a number of first and second electrical signals (45a, 45b) as a function of incident electromagnetic radiation
Implementation Method 2
the second sensor element (14) has a cut-off filter which defines a lower limit of the second wavelength range
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a circuit arrangement for creating light and temperature dependant signals, comprising a plurality of first and second sensor elements that generate a plurality of first and second electric signals as a function of received electromagnetic radiation. The first sensor element are designed to generate the first electric signals as a function of electromagnetic radiation from a first wavelength range (62) comprising at least a large part of the visible light. The second sensor elements are designed to create the second electric signals as a function of electromagnetic radiation from a second wavelength range (64) comprising mainly infrared radiation. According to an aspect of the invention, the first wavelength range (62) overlaps the second wavelength range (64), and thus also contains infrared radiation. The new circuit arrangement is preferably used for an imaging pyrometer.