Thermal Imaging Camera Real-Time Temperature Rate of Change Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standard thermal imaging cameras face inaccuracies in detected infrared radiation and visual representation due to reflected energy and varying emissivities of objects, and they lack the capability to provide real-time temperature and rate of change measurements for dynamic scenes.
Innovation Solution
A thermal imaging camera system that includes an optical assembly, IR sensor, memory, processing element, and display, capable of continuous real-time temperature measurement and display of temperature rates of change for objects within its field of view, using a computer program to process and analyze IR data for accurate visual representation and tracking of areas of interest.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If standard thermal imaging cameras are used to measure thermal radiation, then temperature information can be obtained, but measurement precision deteriorates due to reflected energy and varying emissivities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an emissivity database as an intermediary reference system that stores pre-measured emissivity values for various materials. The processing element queries this database using identified object characteristics to retrieve accurate emissivity values, which are then applied to correct the thermal measurements and compensate for reflected energy interference, thereby improving measurement precision without requiring direct physical measurement of emissivity for each object.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously comparing measured thermal radiation with expected values based on object identification and emissivity database lookups. The processing element adjusts the interpretation of thermal signals by incorporating emissivity corrections, creating a closed-loop system that compensates for reflected energy and varying material properties to maintain accurate temperature measurements.
2Loss of information
If standard thermal imaging cameras provide static temperature readings, then maximum and minimum temperatures can be displayed, but the capability to measure real-time temperature rates of change is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by continuously capturing and storing thermal image data at successive time intervals in memory. This creates a temporal sequence of thermal snapshots that preserves thermal dynamic information before any analysis is performed. The system prepares the data in advance by organizing it into comparable time-stamped frames, enabling subsequent calculation of temperature rates of change without losing thermal dynamic information.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic action by capturing thermal images at regular frame intervals. This periodic sampling of thermal radiation allows the processing element to detect changes in temperature over time by comparing successive frames. The regular time-based sampling ensures that thermal dynamic information is captured systematically, enabling the calculation of temperature rates of change while maintaining continuous real-time monitoring capability.
3Measurement precision
If thermal imaging cameras capture static scenes, then temperature distribution can be visualized, but tracking of moving objects and their thermal changes is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses feedback by comparing thermal patterns and object characteristics across successive frames to track moving objects. The processing element identifies objects in one frame, predicts their position in the next frame based on motion patterns, and verifies detection by comparing expected versus actual thermal signatures. This feedback loop maintains accurate temperature rate of change measurements for moving objects even as they change position and orientation within the scene.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-identifying and tracking objects of interest across multiple frames before calculating their temperature rates of change. By establishing object trajectories and maintaining object identity through sequence numbering, the system prepares the data structure in advance to accurately attribute thermal changes to specific moving objects, enabling precise measurement of their temperature dynamics despite motion and scene complexity.
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
The system provides enhanced accuracy and precision in temperature measurements and rate of change analysis, enabling real-time tracking and display of thermal changes, even for moving objects, improving diagnostic analysis in applications like home inspection.
Implementation Method 1
Objects with a temperature above absolute zero emit heat in the form of thermal radiation. The intensity of the emitted radiation increases as the temperature of the objects increase. Thus, the temperature of objects can be determined by measuring the intensity of the radiation the objects emit.
Implementation Method 2
Typical thermal cameras measure thermal radiation by sensing radiation in the infrared range. The cameras convert the intensity of the sensed infrared radiation (IR) into electrical signals.
Data Source
AI summary
A camera, computer program, and method for determining and displaying temperature rates of change for regions within the camera's field of view. More specifically, the embodiments provide for the continuous, real-time temperature measurement and display of a plurality of objects within the camera's field of view, and further for the real-time processing and display of the temperature rates of change for the region.