Thermal Imaging for Ambient Temperature Regulation in HVAC Systems
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional thermostats often inaccurately measure ambient temperature due to localized air temperature measurements, failing to account for temperature variations within a region and user comfort perceptions, leading to inadequate comfort adjustments.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing thermal imaging to measure surface temperatures and integrate this data with air temperature measurements to determine a more accurate ambient temperature, adjusting HVAC systems accordingly to enhance user comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional thermostats use air temperature measurements near temperature sensors, then the measurement process is simple, but the ambient temperature measurement accuracy is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces thermal imaging technology as an intermediary to measure surface temperatures of objects in the environment. Instead of directly measuring air temperature near sensors, the system uses thermal images of surfaces (furniture, walls, floors) as mediators to infer ambient temperature, thereby improving measurement accuracy without requiring complex multi-sensor arrays
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical/contact-based temperature sensing system with an optical-based thermal imaging system. By substituting physical temperature sensors that measure air temperature with infrared thermal imaging cameras that detect surface radiation, the system achieves better ambient temperature representation while maintaining relatively simple device architecture
2Measurement precision
If multiple thermostats are placed in different locations to detect ambient temperature, then the ambient temperature coverage is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes a single thermal imaging device perform the function that would otherwise require multiple distributed temperature sensors. The thermal camera captures temperature information from multiple locations and surfaces simultaneously within its field of view, providing comprehensive ambient temperature representation with one device instead of multiple thermostats
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from point-based temperature measurement (single location near sensor) to area-based temperature measurement (multiple surfaces across a region). By capturing thermal data from two-dimensional spatial distribution of surfaces, the system achieves comprehensive environmental temperature coverage without multiplying the number of sensing devices
3Ease of operation
If thermostats adjust air temperature based on localized measurements, then the control mechanism is simple, but the user comfort level is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different temperature measurement approaches to different surfaces and objects in the environment. Instead of using a single air temperature measurement for the entire space, the system evaluates surface temperatures of various objects (seats, walls, floors) and uses this distributed thermal information to assess local thermal conditions that affect user comfort in different zones
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring surface temperatures through thermal imaging and using this information to adjust HVAC control decisions. The system compares measured surface temperatures against comfort criteria and modifies temperature control actions accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that responds to actual environmental thermal conditions affecting user comfort
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
Improves ambient temperature measurement accuracy and user comfort by dynamically adjusting HVAC operations based on surface and user-specific thermal data, addressing the limitations of traditional thermostats.
Implementation Method 1
an infrared (IR) camera can collect a thermal image of a set of surfaces, and the thermal image is processed to determine surface temperatures
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
Systems and techniques are described for using thermal imaging to configure and/or augment temperature regulation operations within a property. In some implementations, a computing device obtains a thermal image of a region of a property. The thermal image identifies at least a surface within the region. A surface temperature of the surface is determined. An ambient temperature for the region is determined based at least on the surface temperature. The one or more temperature controls for the region are adjusted based at least on the ambient temperature.