Thermal Imaging via Swept Single IR Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermographic cameras are expensive and bulky due to the use of multiple sensors, making them unsuitable for low-cost and portable applications.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing a single IR sensor in a handheld device, such as a mobile phone, to generate thermal image data by sweeping the field of view in multiple directions, increasing image resolution through data averaging from various sweep directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used to improve image resolution, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging process into multiple sequential sweeps, where a single sensor captures different portions of the scene in different directions. Each sweep captures a subset of spatial information, and the final high-resolution image is constructed by combining data from all sweeps, effectively segmenting the measurement task across time and direction rather than using multiple simultaneous sensors
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds the dimension of time and sweep direction to the imaging process. Instead of capturing all spatial information simultaneously with multiple sensors, the system sweeps the sensor through multiple directions (e.g., horizontal, vertical, diagonal) and combines the temporal sequence of measurements to achieve high spatial resolution from a single sensor
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used to improve image resolution, then measurement precision is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a single sensor to effectively 'copy' the function of multiple sensors by capturing the same scene from different angular perspectives through sweeping motions. The processing system reconstructs the full high-resolution image by synthesizing these multiple views, achieving the equivalent information content of multiple simultaneous sensors with a single physical sensor
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging process employs periodic sweeping motions in different directions, where the sensor systematically moves through predefined angular paths. This periodic action allows a single sensor to gather comprehensive spatial information that would otherwise require multiple sensors, reducing hardware cost while maintaining measurement precision
3Device complexity
If a single sensor is used to reduce device complexity, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous sweeping motions that systematically cover the entire field of view without gaps. The sensor continuously moves through multiple directions and the system continuously accumulates data points, ensuring that every region of the scene is measured from multiple angles. This continuous action compensates for the single-sensor limitation by ensuring complete and redundant coverage of the imaging area
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the sweeping motion control and position tracking to dynamically adjust the measurement process. By monitoring the sensor's angular position and sweep progress, the system can optimize the timing and integration of data from different sweeps, ensuring that the final reconstructed image achieves high resolution through precise coordination of the single sensor's measurements
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 provides a cost-efficient and portable solution for thermal imaging, offering improved resolution and real-time feedback to the user, while reducing the complexity and cost associated with multiple sensors.
Implementation Method 1
an IR sensor 2 which is arranged to receive IR radiation in a field of view 4
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 7~9
AI summary
There is provided a method for providing thermal image data using a device comprising an IR sensor arranged to receive IR radiation from the surroundings in a field of view, and positioning determining means able to determine a position and orientation of the IR sensor, where the thermal image data represents a plurality of pixels in a dot matrix, the method involving the steps a) the IR sensor determining an IR sensor value corresponding to a temperature with at least a predetermined frequency, b) sweeping the field of view over the area of interest for which the thermal image data is to be produced, c) the positioning determining means determining the respective current relative position and orientation of the device for each determination in step a), during the course of the field of view is being swept, d) using the determined IR sensor values, together with their respective detected positions and orientations, to determine the thermal image of the area, where an temperature for a pixel in the image is determined by determining temperatures for two partially overlapping fields of view, such that an overlap between two fields of view are associated with fields not common for the two overlapping fields of view (non-common fields), and where a temperature value for a non-common field is determined by using the temperature difference between the two partially overlapping fields of view and the proportion of the area of the non-common field in relation to the area of the field of view, and where the temperature for a pixel in the thermal image data is determined by using the temperature values thus determined.