Thermal Imaging Shutter Calibration Using a Controlled Blackbody
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Solution Overview
Problem
Microbolometer arrays in thermal imaging systems face challenges with non-uniform responses to infrared radiation, leading to decreased measurement accuracy and the need for frequent calibration, especially in space applications where environmental changes affect pixel responsivity, requiring additional components like blackbody emitters that occupy space and depend on mechanical robustness.
Innovation Solution
A shutter assembly with a temperature controller and heating element acts as a controllable blackbody radiation source, allowing for calibration of the infrared sensing module by generating reference temperature data at different operating temperatures, which can be used to correct measurement errors and improve accuracy without additional components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If extra components such as flaps with blackbody emitters are installed in front of the camera for calibration, then calibration accuracy is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the calibration function with the existing shutter assembly by integrating a heating element and temperature sensor directly into the shutter structure. This eliminates the need for separate blackbody emitter components while maintaining calibration functionality, thereby reducing device complexity and space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The shutter assembly is given multiple functions: it serves both as an optical shutter for controlling light passage and as a temperature-controlled blackbody emitter for calibration purposes. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated calibration components, reducing overall device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If extra components such as flaps with blackbody emitters are installed in front of the camera for calibration, then calibration accuracy is improved, but the observation surface captured by the camera is limited
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the blackbody emitter functionality into the existing shutter assembly rather than adding separate components in front of the camera, the patent maintains an unobstructed optical path. This allows the camera to capture the full observation surface without being blocked by external calibration components.
3Use of energy by moving object
If microbolometer arrays are not cooled, then power consumption is reduced and compact design is enabled, but measurement accuracy decreases due to non-uniform responses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter of the shutter assembly using an integrated heating element to create a controlled thermal gradient. This allows the uncooled microbolometer array to perform calibration measurements at different temperature states, compensating for temperature-dependent response variations and improving measurement accuracy without requiring active cooling.
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
This solution provides a simple and accurate calibration mechanism for thermal imaging systems, enabling continuous temperature measurements with minimal additional components, effectively addressing the challenges of environmental changes and improving measurement precision in space applications.
Implementation Method 1
The shutter assembly may further comprise a heating element (e.g., a flat heating element) coupled to the shutter blade. In particular, the temperature of the shutter blade may be adjusted when the shutter blade is at an open position using the heating element.
Implementation Method 2
The shutter assembly itself may act as a controllable blackbody radiation source when being in the closed state. The respective measurement signals corresponding to the given temperature of the shutter assembly may then be converted into corresponding temperature data that may represent a temperature profile of the shutter assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and an imaging system for providing an infrared image of an object comprises an optical element configured to capture infrared radiation from the object, an infrared sensing module, a processing unit, and a shutter assembly. The infrared sensing module comprises a plurality of infrared detectors, each configured to receive the infrared radiation from the object after passage through the optical element and generate a measurement signal from the received infrared radiation. The processing unit is coupled to the infrared sensing module and configured to convert the measurement signals into temperature data associated with the object for providing the infrared image. The shutter assembly is disposed between the infrared sensing module and the optical element, and is configured to selectively pass the infrared radiation from the object through to the infrared sensing module. The shutter assembly comprises a temperature controller configured to adjust a temperature of the shutter assembly.