3D Printed Thermal Test Article for Camera Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current thermal imaging systems require live human subjects for accuracy testing, which is impractical and inefficient, especially in various environments, and lack a standardized method for evaluating their performance and calibration.
Innovation Solution
A 3D printed thermal imaging test article with a face block design that simulates a human face's thermal and optical spectrum, using variable thickness and attached heaters to mimic a human face's temperature profile, allowing for the use of a blackbody for calibration and enabling testing without live subjects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If live human subjects are used for thermal imaging accuracy testing, then measurement precision can be obtained, but the testing process becomes impractical and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a physical copy of a human face using a 3D printed block with variable thickness to replicate facial contours. This artificial face model can be heated to simulate human thermal patterns, providing a reusable test target that eliminates the need for live subjects while maintaining measurement accuracy for thermal imaging system evaluation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent varies the thickness parameters of the 3D printed block to create different facial feature geometries that affect thermal distribution. By controlling the thickness of different regions, the model simulates varying thermal conductivity and heat capacity characteristics of actual facial features, enabling accurate thermal pattern reproduction
2Reliability
If live human subjects are used for thermal imaging testing, then realistic thermal patterns can be obtained, but the testing becomes impractical in various environments
Solution Approach 1:
The artificial face model replicates the essential thermal characteristics of human faces through controlled heating elements and geometric design, creating a reliable test target that can be deployed in diverse environments without requiring human presence
Solution Approach 2:
The heated block serves multiple functions: it simulates facial thermal patterns for detection algorithms, provides known temperature references for calibration, and can be configured with different thickness patterns to represent various facial features, making it a versatile testing tool across different applications and environments
3Measurement precision
If a standardized testing method is implemented, then evaluation consistency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The test article is segmented into distinct functional components: a 3D printed block with variable thickness for geometric fidelity, heating elements for thermal control, and a blackbody reference for calibration. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall system simplicity and standardization
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 consistent and thorough evaluation of thermal imaging systems, allowing for accurate calibration and performance assessment in different environments, reducing the need for live subjects and improving usability and tolerance thresholds.
Implementation Method 1
one or more heaters thermally coupled to the block to produce heat and heat the block
Implementation Method 2
The blackbody can be seen through one or more cutouts in the block and be used for calibration of the camera for temperature measurement
Data Source
AI summary
In an example, a thermal imaging test article comprises a block configured to be attached to a blackbody on a back side of the block, the block having a variable thickness to represent facial features of a human face, the block including a cutout to allow a thermal imaging device to see the blackbody behind the block through the cutout, and one or more heaters thermally coupled to the block to produce heat to heat the block. The variable thickness of the block and the heat produced by the one or more heaters are selected to simulate thermally the human face on a front side of the block.