Thermal image sensor and user interface
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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 to scan a detection area, allowing for the capture of a single thermal image by moving the elements in a scanning direction, and an image processing unit to detect specific body parts and adjust air conditioner settings accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If infrared detector elements are arranged in a fixed array to capture thermal images, then the structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but the measurement precision of activity levels is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the detector element arrangement changeable rather than fixed. The detector elements can be dynamically repositioned along the detection surface to different predetermined positions, allowing the system to adapt to different measurement needs and improve activity level detection precision without requiring a completely complex fixed multi-array structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the detection area into multiple predetermined positions along the scanning direction, with detector elements that can be positioned at different segments. This allows the system to capture thermal information from multiple locations sequentially, improving activity measurement precision while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure
2Measurement precision
If multiple infrared detectors are used to improve activity detection accuracy, then measurement precision improves, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using multiple fixed detector arrays simultaneously, the patent uses a dynamic repositioning mechanism that allows a set of detector elements to be moved to different positions sequentially. This achieves the measurement precision of multiple detectors while avoiding the complexity and cost of having all detectors active at once
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action through the scanning mechanism that moves detector elements to different predetermined positions in sequence. The detectors periodically scan across the detection area, capturing thermal information at multiple positions over time, which improves activity detection accuracy without requiring all detectors to operate simultaneously
3Measurement precision
If the thermal image sensor scans the detection area to capture activity data, then activity level measurement improves, but the response time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-determining the positions where detector elements will be placed along the scanning direction. These predetermined positions are calculated in advance to optimize the scanning path, allowing the system to quickly move detectors to the next required position without complex real-time calculations, thus reducing scanning response time while maintaining measurement precision
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 solution enables more accurate measurement of activity levels and user comfort, allowing for optimal air conditioner control based on detected body parts and their states, improving energy efficiency and user comfort.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of infrared detector elements that detect infrared light in a detection area
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.