Thermal Image Generation Using Multi-Sensor Fusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional thermal image generating apparatuses using infrared sensors are large and expensive, making it difficult for common users to obtain high-resolution thermal images, especially for mobile use, as they require expensive sensors to achieve accurate temperature distribution information.
Innovation Solution
A thermal image generating apparatus that includes a memory, a first sensor for temperature measurement, a second sensor for distance measurement, and a third sensor for movement detection, along with a controller that processes temperature, distance, and movement information to generate multiple thermal images, allowing for high-resolution thermal image generation with relatively inexpensive sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If expensive infrared ray sensors with high resolution are used, then thermal image quality is improved, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the thermal imaging function into multiple components: a simple temperature sensor, a distance sensor, and an image processing unit. Instead of using one expensive high-resolution infrared sensor, the system segments the measurement task across multiple lower-cost sensors that work together to generate thermal images through computational methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual thermal image by combining data from multiple sensors. The processing unit synthesizes thermal image information by integrating temperature data, distance data, and movement information, effectively copying the function of an expensive physical thermal sensor through computational reconstruction rather than direct physical measurement.
2Reliability
If conventional thermal image generating apparatuses are used, then thermal imaging capability is provided, but device size becomes too large for portable use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential thermal imaging function from bulky conventional apparatuses by identifying the core components needed: temperature sensing, distance measurement, and data processing. By removing unnecessary hardware and implementing the function through software algorithms, the system achieves portable size while maintaining thermal imaging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical thermal imaging hardware with a computational system. Instead of using physical infrared sensors that require large optical components, the system uses electronic sensors to collect data and a processing unit to generate thermal images through algorithmic reconstruction, substituting mechanical complexity with computational simplicity.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors for temperature, distance, and movement are combined, then thermal image quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes each sensor multi-functional: the temperature sensor provides both temperature data and spatial information, the distance sensor contributes to depth perception and image scaling, and the movement sensor enables dynamic tracking. By making each component serve multiple purposes in the thermal image generation process, the system achieves high image quality without proportionally increasing 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
Enables common users to generate high-resolution thermal images using relatively inexpensive sensors, providing portable and efficient thermal imaging capabilities for temperature distribution analysis.
Implementation Method 1
measuring infrared rays radiated from the target object by using an infrared ray sensor
Implementation Method 2
a second sensor configured to measure a distance to the target object
Implementation Method 3
a third sensor configured to detect a movement of the thermal image generating apparatus
Data Source
AI summary
A thermal image generating apparatus for generating a thermal image regarding a target object is provided. The apparatus includes a memory configured to store a first thermal image, a first sensor, configured to measure a temperature of the target object, a second sensor configured to measure a distance to the target object, a third sensor configured to detect a movement of the thermal image generating apparatus, and a controller configured to generate a second thermal image based on temperature information received from the first sensor, distance information received from the second sensor, and movement information received from the third sensor, and generate a third thermal image based on the first thermal image and the second thermal image.