Thermal Imager Annotation Prompts via Environmental Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Thermal imaging cameras often capture images without necessary annotations, leading to forgotten details and difficulties in recalling important information over time, especially when environmental or usage context changes occur.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating additional sensors and a processor in thermal imaging cameras to prompt users for annotations based on measured data, allowing selection from a menu or composition of custom annotations, which are stored with the image for future reference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If the user manually annotates thermal images, then annotation accuracy is improved, but the time required for annotation increases and users may forget to annotate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically detecting environmental parameters (temperature, humidity, light) and preparing annotation prompts before the user needs to annotate. The camera proactively identifies when annotation is needed based on sensor data, eliminating the need for users to remember to annotate and reducing the time required by providing context-aware prompts.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring environmental sensors and providing real-time prompts to users when annotation conditions are met. The camera analyzes sensor data, determines when annotation is necessary, and feeds back to the user through on-screen prompts, ensuring annotation occurs at the appropriate moment without requiring user memory or manual initiation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the camera captures thermal images without additional sensors, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to provide context-aware annotation prompts is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system achieves multi-functionality by integrating environmental sensors (temperature, humidity, light sensors) that serve dual purposes: capturing environmental data for context-aware annotation prompts and potentially serving as additional imaging modes. This universal approach allows the same hardware to support both traditional thermal imaging and environment-driven annotation without requiring separate dedicated systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera performs self-service by automatically monitoring its own environmental conditions through integrated sensors and generating annotation prompts based on its own sensor data. The system serves itself by identifying when annotation is needed and prompting the user appropriately, eliminating the need for external monitoring equipment or manual user assessment of environmental conditions.
3Loss of information
If the system prompts users frequently for annotations, then information completeness is improved, but user convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by selectively prompting users for annotations only when environmental sensor data indicates specific conditions are met, rather than requiring annotation for every image. The camera analyzes sensor readings and triggers prompts only when necessary, providing sufficient annotation information without overwhelming the user with excessive prompts for every captured image.
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
Ensures that critical image details are documented and retained, enhancing the usability and accuracy of thermal imaging data by prompting users to annotate images in real-time, reducing the likelihood of forgotten information and maintaining contextual relevance.
Implementation Method 1
thermal imaging cameras include sensors for detecting infrared energy in a scene being viewed by the camera
Implementation Method 2
The additional sensor can be in wired or wireless communication with the camera, and can be any appropriate type of sensor, such as, for example, a current or voltage meter, a temperature sensor, or a positioning sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A thermal imaging camera comprises an infrared lens assembly and associated IR sensor for detecting thermal images of a target scene, a processor, and at least one additional sensor. The at least one additional sensor is configured to provide measurement data to the processor, where it is compared to a predetermined requirement. If the measurement data satisfies the predetermined requirement, the camera will prompt the user via a display. During use, the camera can prompt the user to provide annotation data, conduct a thermographic inspection, inspect the target scene, or perform other tasks based on the measurement data.