Thermal Image Sensor Scanning Layout for Human Activity Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current thermal image sensors for air conditioners lack effectiveness in measuring activity levels, particularly in accurately detecting human presence and activity states, which limits personalized and efficient air conditioning control.
Innovation Solution
A thermal image sensor system comprising multiple infrared detector elements arranged in different positions to scan a detection area, allowing for the capture of a single thermal image by scanning in a specific direction, with the ability to detect and adjust based on human presence and activity through image processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single infrared detector element is used to detect infrared light, then the device structure is simple, but the measurement precision of activity levels and temperature distribution is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The detection area is divided into multiple detection regions by arranging multiple infrared detector elements at different positions. Each detector element detects infrared light from a specific region, and the control unit integrates these signals to generate comprehensive thermal image data, thereby improving measurement precision without requiring a single complex detector
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-point detection approach to a multi-dimensional detection approach by arranging detector elements in different positions and scanning through the detection area. This spatial dimensionality enhancement allows for precise temperature distribution mapping and activity level measurement across the entire detection area
2Measurement precision
If infrared detector elements are arranged in multiple positions to scan the detection area, then the temperature distribution measurement accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple infrared detector elements into a unified detection system where the control unit integrates signals from all detector elements. This merging approach allows the system to achieve comprehensive temperature distribution measurement accuracy while managing device complexity through centralized signal processing
Solution Approach 2:
The scanning mechanism performs periodic scanning of the detection area, moving detector elements through different positions in a systematic sequence. This periodic scanning action enables complete coverage of the detection area for accurate temperature distribution mapping while maintaining manageable device complexity through regular, predictable motion patterns
3Reliability
If multiple infrared detector elements are used to capture thermal images, then the activity level detection capability is enhanced, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multiple infrared detector elements to detect infrared light from different regions of the detection area. By strategically positioning detector elements to cover key areas where human activity is most likely to occur, the system achieves reliable activity level detection while minimizing the total number of detectors required, thus controlling energy consumption
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 precise measurement of activity levels and temperature distribution, allowing for optimized air conditioning control based on human presence and activity, enhancing comfort and energy efficiency.
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.