Thermal Imaging Camera Graphical Temperature Plot
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Solution Overview
Problem
Thermal imaging cameras face challenges in detecting temperature changes over time, especially when changes occur slowly or intermittently, and in visualizing numeric temperature data such as minimum, maximum, or average temperatures, making it difficult for operators to monitor and interpret temperature variations effectively.
Innovation Solution
A thermal imaging camera system that displays temperature data as graphical plots, allowing users to select temperature sources from infrared images, set time intervals for data gathering, and store the data for later analysis, enabling easier detection of temperature changes and trends.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If temperature data is displayed only as numeric values on the thermal image, then the device complexity is low, but the ease of operation deteriorates because operators cannot easily monitor temperature changes over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms temperature data from a one-dimensional numeric display into a two-dimensional graphical plot with temperature on the y-axis and time on the x-axis. This dimensional transformation allows operators to visually track temperature changes over time, making it easier to detect trends and anomalies without increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a graphical plot as an intermediary representation between the raw temperature data and the operator's interpretation. This intermediary visual format bridges the gap between numeric data and human understanding, enabling easier detection of temperature changes without modifying the core measurement system.
2Measurement precision
If operators rely on visual observation of thermal images to detect temperature changes, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision deteriorates because slow or intermittent changes are difficult to notice
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the graphical plot continuously updates with new temperature data points, allowing operators to observe temperature trends over time. This feedback loop enables detection of slow or intermittent temperature changes that would be imperceptible in static thermal images, improving measurement precision without significant increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous monitoring and plotting of temperature data over time, transforming discrete thermal image observations into a continuous temperature history. This continuity allows operators to detect gradual temperature changes and trends that would be missed in intermittent visual inspections, enhancing measurement precision.
3Ease of operation
If the thermal imaging camera captures both visible light and infrared images with two separate sets of optics, then the ease of operation improves for image interpretation, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the visible light image and infrared thermal image into a single composite display that shows both image types simultaneously. This merging allows operators to interpret thermal data more easily by comparing it with the corresponding visible light image, while avoiding the need for separate display systems that would increase device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the display system multi-functional by enabling it to display both visible light and infrared images, as well as graphical temperature plots, using a single display unit. This universality provides enhanced interpretation capabilities without requiring multiple specialized display devices, thereby managing device 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 enhances the ability to monitor and detect temperature changes over time by providing clear graphical representations of temperature data, making it easier for operators to identify trends and changes that may be difficult to notice through visual observation alone.
Implementation Method 1
infrared optics that focus infrared radiation on an infrared sensor for generating the infrared image
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for monitoring a temperature of an object over time using a thermal imaging camera. The methods and apparatus may gather infrared temperature data from a selected source of temperature data within a scene at a selected time interval and display a graphical plot of the gathered temperature data on a digital display.