Thermal Sensor Tracking System for Low Power Ranging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current mechanical devices, such as robots and unmanned aerial vehicles, require high computing performance and power consumption for 3D camera filming, leading to increased size and motor load, necessitating a reduction in computing dependence.

Innovation Solution

A tracking and ranging system utilizing a thermal sensor device to capture thermal images, analyze heat sources, and adjust a ranging device's angle for distance measurement, reducing reliance on high-performance computing through a thermal sensor, controller, and transmission device combination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a 3D camera is used to continuously film humans for tracking and ranging, then the position and distance information can be obtained, but the computing processes and power consumption increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition and distance informationVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the 3D camera-based optical measurement system with a thermal sensor-based detection system. The thermal sensor captures thermal radiation from the human body to obtain position and distance information, eliminating the need for complex 3D imaging processing and significantly reducing power consumption while maintaining measurement functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the detection parameter from optical 3D imaging to thermal radiation detection. By detecting infrared thermal radiation emitted by the human body, the system obtains ranging information through thermal intensity variations rather than complex spatial imaging, thereby reducing computational requirements and energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If a 3D camera is used for continuous filming, then tracking capability is achieved, but the device volume cannot be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetracking capabilityVSAvoiddevice volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes the bulky 3D camera system with a compact thermal sensor device. The thermal sensor has a much smaller form factor while providing sufficient tracking capability through thermal signature detection, thereby reducing the overall device volume while maintaining adaptability for human interaction applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If high-performance processor computing platform is used for calculating position and distance, then accurate measurement is achieved, but the motors need to push heavy loads

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition and distance calculationVSAvoidmotor load

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the high-performance processor computing platform with a simplified thermal sensor-based detection system. The thermal sensor directly provides position and distance information through thermal radiation detection, eliminating the need for intensive computational processing and thereby reducing the mechanical load on motors that would otherwise need to support heavier computing hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

The system effectively reduces the dependence on computing performance, saving power and minimizing device size by using thermal imaging to align and measure distances, enabling efficient human-robot interaction.

Implementation Method 1

a thermal sensor device 101...configured to capture a thermal image

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal radiation: Thermal Radiation

Implementation Method 2

the ranging device detects the first distance from the tracking and ranging system to the object by transmitting energy and receiving reflected energy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS10775242B2Tracking and ranging system and method thereof

Publication Date: 2020.09.15 QUANTA COMPUTER INC

AI summary

A tracking and ranging system includes a thermal sensor device, a controller, a ranging device and a transmission device. The thermal sensor device is configured to capture a thermal image. The controller analyzes the thermal image to identify the main heat source from among the heat sources displayed in the thermal image, and obtain an offset distance between the center points of the main heat source and the thermal image. The ranging device is coupled to the controller. The transmission device loads the ranging device and is coupled to the controller. The controller controls the motion of the transmission device in accordance with the offset distance to correct the offset angle between the ranging device and the object corresponding to the main heat source. After correcting the offset angle, the ranging device detects a first distance to the object by transmitting energy and receiving reflected energy.