Scanning Thermal Image Sensor for Air Conditioner Activity Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current air conditioners using infrared detectors lack effectiveness in measuring activity levels, leading to suboptimal comfort settings based on user state, such as movement or sleep, and do not efficiently utilize high-resolution thermal image data for control purposes.
Innovation Solution
A thermal image sensor system with a plurality of infrared detector elements arranged in different positions, capable of scanning a detection area to capture a single thermal image, including a scanning unit that moves the elements to detect infrared light and an optical system to introduce infrared light from a target object, allowing for accurate temperature distribution measurement and user activity detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single infrared detector element is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of temperature distribution and activity level is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The detection task is segmented into multiple infrared detector elements arranged in different positions, where each element detects infrared light from specific spatial regions. The scanning unit further segments the detection process by sequentially positioning different detector elements to capture the entire detection area, thereby achieving high-resolution thermal imaging without requiring all detectors to be simultaneously active.
Solution Approach 2:
The scanning unit introduces dynamic movement to the infrared detector elements, enabling them to sequentially occupy different positions in the detection area. This dynamic repositioning allows a limited number of detector elements to effectively cover a larger detection area over time, achieving high measurement precision without proportionally increasing device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple infrared detector elements are arranged in different positions, then the activity level detection capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The plurality of infrared detector elements arranged in different positions serve multiple functions: they detect temperature distribution across the detection area, track movement of target objects, and determine activity levels. This multi-functional design enables the system to adapt to various detection scenarios without requiring separate specialized sensors for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The detector elements are arranged in different spatial positions forming a multi-dimensional detection configuration. The scanning unit moves these elements through additional spatial dimensions to comprehensively cover the detection area, enabling the system to capture temperature and motion information from multiple perspectives simultaneously.
3Measurement precision
If the scanning unit moves detector elements to capture the entire detection area, then the temperature distribution measurement accuracy is improved, but the measurement time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The scanning unit employs periodic scanning motion to systematically move infrared detector elements through different positions in the detection area. By using regular, repetitive scanning patterns, the system efficiently captures temperature data from all regions in a structured sequence, minimizing total measurement time while ensuring complete coverage and high measurement accuracy.
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 precise measurement of user activity and temperature distribution, enabling the air conditioner to adjust settings like air flow direction, fan speed, and temperature based on user presence and state, improving comfort and energy efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of infrared detector elements that detect infrared light in a detection area
Implementation Method 2
a scanning unit configured to scan the detection area in a scanning direction to detect, with the plurality of infrared detector elements, infrared light in an area to be captured as a single thermal image
Data Source
AI summary
A thermal image sensor including: a plurality of infrared detector elements that detect infrared light in a detection area; and rotors that scan the detection area in a scanning direction to detect, with the plurality of infrared detector elements, infrared light in an area to be captured as a single thermal image. The plurality of infrared detector elements include infrared detector elements arranged in mutually different positions in a rotational direction corresponding to the scanning direction of the plurality of infrared detector elements.