Integrated Thermal Imaging and Moisture Detection Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Building inspectors face inconvenience and difficulty in obtaining quick and accurate measurements due to the need to carry and switch between separate infrared cameras and moisture meters, which also complicates associating thermal anomalies with specific measurement locations and documenting results.
Innovation Solution
A measurement device integrating an infrared imaging module, moisture sensor, and logic device to capture thermal images, detect moisture parameters, and overlay this information onto the images, allowing for simultaneous and integrated physical and moisture parameter measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate infrared cameras and moisture meters are used, then thermal imaging and moisture measurement can be performed, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to needing to carry and switch between multiple devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines an infrared imaging module and a moisture sensor into a single integrated measurement device. The infrared imaging module captures thermal images to identify thermal anomalies, while the moisture sensor measures moisture parameters at specific locations. These two previously separate devices are merged into one handheld unit, allowing simultaneous thermal imaging and moisture measurement without requiring inspectors to carry and switch between multiple devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated measurement device performs multiple functions: thermal imaging to detect thermal anomalies, moisture parameter measurement at targeted locations, and automatic association of both data types. The device serves as both an infrared camera and a moisture meter, plus an additional data association function, making it a universal tool that replaces multiple specialized devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate infrared cameras and moisture meters are used, then thermal imaging and moisture measurement can be performed, but ease of operation worsens due to difficulty in associating thermal anomalies with specific measurement locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines an infrared imaging module and a moisture sensor into a single integrated measurement device. The infrared imaging module captures thermal images to identify thermal anomalies, while the moisture sensor measures moisture parameters at specific locations. These two previously separate devices are merged into one handheld unit, allowing simultaneous thermal imaging and moisture measurement without requiring inspectors to carry and switch between multiple devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The device provides real-time feedback by displaying thermal images on a screen and allowing users to select regions of interest. The system automatically associates moisture measurements with the corresponding thermal anomaly locations, providing immediate feedback that confirms proper measurement placement and enables quick verification of results.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate infrared cameras and moisture meters are used, then thermal imaging and moisture measurement can be performed, but loss of information increases due to inability to associate and document results together
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines an infrared imaging module and a moisture sensor into a single integrated measurement device. The infrared imaging module captures thermal images to identify thermal anomalies, while the moisture sensor measures moisture parameters at specific locations. These two previously separate devices are merged into one handheld unit, allowing simultaneous thermal imaging and moisture measurement without requiring inspectors to carry and switch between multiple devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The device provides real-time feedback by displaying thermal images on a screen and allowing users to select regions of interest. The system automatically associates moisture measurements with the corresponding thermal anomaly locations, providing immediate feedback that confirms proper measurement placement and enables quick verification of results.
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 convenient, accurate, and integrated measurement and documentation of thermal and moisture parameters, improving the efficiency of building inspections by associating thermal anomalies with specific locations and storing results for future analysis.
Implementation Method 1
an infrared (IR) imaging module configured to capture thermal images of a scene
Implementation Method 2
a moisture sensor configured to detect a moisture parameter associated with an external article
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are disclosed for measurement devices and methods to obtain physical parameters and thermal images associated with a scene in an integrated manner. In one embodiment, a measurement device includes an infrared (IR) imaging module configured to capture thermal images of a scene; a moisture sensor configured to detect a moisture parameter associated with an external article; a housing configured to be hand-held by a user and at least partially enclosing the IR imaging module; a display fixed relative to the housing and configured to display user-viewable thermal images; and a logic device configured to freeze a user-viewable thermal image on the display, overlay information to indicate a first detection of the moisture parameter onto the frozen user-viewable thermal image on the display, and update the overlaid information to indicate a second detection of the moisture parameter.