Virtual Thermal Camera Using Sensor Interpolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional thermal monitoring systems, such as thermal cameras, face challenges in accurately measuring temperatures due to the distinction between reflected and emitted infrared light, and they lack the ability to associate data with triggering events, making it difficult to generate accurate heat maps, especially when the device under test is in an obscured location.
Innovation Solution
A test and measurement instrument that functions as a virtual thermal camera by using data from temperature sensors to generate thermal gradients, which are then overlaid onto a visual representation of the device under test, enabling the creation of heat maps that provide more accurate temperature measurements and allow for analysis of thermal changes over time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If thermal cameras are used to measure temperatures and display thermal gradients, then live temperature information is provided, but the accuracy of temperature measurements is limited due to difficulty in distinguishing between reflected and emitted infrared light
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses temperature sensors as intermediary devices that directly contact or proximity-measure the device under test, bypassing the infrared light distinction problem. These sensors provide accurate reference temperature data that mediates between the thermal camera's limited accuracy and the need for precise temperature measurement
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a virtual thermal camera by using data from physical temperature sensors to generate thermal gradient images. This virtual copy reproduces the thermal appearance of the device under test with higher accuracy than a real thermal camera, as it uses direct sensor measurements rather than indirect infrared detection
2Loss of information
If multiple trace graphs are used to display temperature measurements from multiple ports, then temperature data from each sensor is captured, but the data is difficult to quickly analyze and does not depict temperatures occurring between sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms one-dimensional temperature data from multiple sensors into a two-dimensional spatial thermal gradient map. This dimensional transformation allows users to visualize temperatures between sensors through interpolation, making the data both complete and easily interpretable in a single visual representation
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges multiple temperature measurement channels into a single integrated thermal gradient image. By combining data from all temperature sensors and interpolating between them, the system creates one comprehensive visual display that shows both measured and inferred temperatures across the entire device under test
3Loss of time
If thermal cameras are used to provide live temperature information, then real-time thermal data is available, but the ability to associate data with particular triggering events is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring temperature data and comparing it against threshold values or expected patterns. When triggering events occur, the system captures and associates the thermal data with these events, providing both real-time monitoring and event-specific analysis without losing temporal or contextual information
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 approach provides more accurate temperature measurements and allows users to visualize thermal changes on the device under test, even in obscured locations, by generating heat maps that depict temperature ranges using color representations, facilitating better analysis and data association with triggering events.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of ports of the test and measurement instrument are electrically connected to a plurality of temperature sensors of the device under test
Implementation Method 2
A thermal gradient for the device under test is generated based on the temperature and the location of each of the sensors
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments described herein include a data acquisition unit having a plurality of ports that are each configured to receive a signal from a respective temperature sensor of a device under test. Each of the temperature sensors is associated with a location with respect to the device under test. The data acquisition unit also includes a processor configured to determine a temperature corresponding to each temperature sensor, based on the signal received from the respective temperature sensor. The processor can then generate a thermal gradient for the device under test based on the temperature and the location of each of the temperature sensors. This thermal gradient can then be output for further analysis. Additional embodiments may be described and/or claimed herein.