• 专利附录
  • 专利说明
  • 权利要求
  • 类似技术
  • 同族专利
  • 引用文献
  • 法律状态
  • 优先权
    • 专利摘要:

    公开号:SE538424C2
    申请号:SE1450472
    申请日:2012-09-18
    公开日:2016-06-21
    发明作者:Eric J Gustafson；Glen Francisco；Adam J Ward
    申请人:Drs Network & Imaging Systems Llc；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    [1] This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application 61/536945 filed September 20, 2011 and entitled "IR Surveillance Camera Thermal Insulation Device", which is incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.
    [2] Thermal image generating systems detect radiation in the IR region of the electromagnetic spectrum (about 9-15 μm) to provide images of objects producing the radiation. Since objects at all temperatures other than zero emit IR radiation (i.e. they are radiation sources of the black body type), thermal image generation makes it possible to see objects and the environment even in the absence of visible lighting. Thermal image generation is useful when studying temperature variations because the amount of radiation emitted by the object increases with temperature. When you look at them with a thermal, image-generating system, hot objects are distinguishable against a colder background, which makes people, animals and the like visible even at night. Thermal generation is widely applied in both military systems and surveillance cameras.
    [3] Despite advances in the field of thermal image generation, the need for improved methods and systems for thermal image generation remains.
    [4] The present invention relates generally to thermal image generation systems. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention provide methods and systems for achieving thermal insulation of IR surveillance cameras. The present invention may have several different fields of application including other IR image generation systems.
    [5] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a thermal, image generating system is provided. The thermal, image generating system comprises a mounting structure characterized by first thermal conductivity, a focal plane mats mounted on the mounting structure, an optical system coupled to the mounting structure, a heating element coupled to the mounting structure, and a thermal insulator coupled to the mounting thermal structure. which is lower than the initial thermal conductivity.
    [6] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a thermal imaging camera is provided. The thermal camera comprises a housing, a front, multi-element housing comprising a heating pond connected to the housing, arranged at a distance from the housing and characterized by a second thermal conductivity which is greater than the first thermal conductivity; and a heating element coupled to the mounting structure, an IR image generator mounted on the mounting structure, and a front window mounted on the mounting structure.
    [7] According to a specific embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method of handling a thermal, image generating system. The method comprises providing a thermal camera placed in a housing. The thermal imager comprises a mounting structure, a thermal insulator which creates a distance between the mounting structure and the housing, a heating element which is bonded to the mounting structure and a front window connected to the mounting structure. The method further comprises providing electrical energy to the thermal, image generating system in a manner complying with the 802.3af PoE standard, determining that an ambient temperature is less than or equal to a threshold temperature, heating the heating element and conducting heat from the heating element to the front window.
    [8] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a thermal insulation system comprises a heating element and a first material connected to the heating element. The first material is also characterized by the first thermal conductivity. The thermal insulation system also comprises a second material which is connected to the first material. The second material is also characterized by a second thermal conductivity which is lower than the first thermal conductivity.
    [9] A number of advantages over conventional techniques are achieved by the present invention. For example, embodiments of the present invention maximize the amount of energy available to the heating element, optimize the input power, and reduce or minimize the parasitic heat losses of the heating element to the environment when it is in the heating state. In contrast to conventional systems, where the part in which the heating element is attached is made of a single material with high thermal conductivity, embodiments of the present invention create a thermal dust between the heating element and the outer casing. Thus, embodiments use multi-element components partly with high thermal conductivity and partly with low thermal conductivity, the high conductivity side being adjacent to the camera and providing thermal conductivity between the front window, the camera and the heating element, and the low conductivity side being adjacent to the outside. and provides thermal barrier to this. The low conductivity side or element provides a seal to the environment while being structurally capable of supporting the weight of the heating element and the camera in the event of vibrations and shocks, which can be expected. These and other embodiments of the invention as well as many of its advantages and technical features are described in more detail in connection with the text below and accompanying drawings.
    [10] The application / granted patent contains at least one color drawing. Copies of the published application / granted patent with color drawing (s) will be provided upon request and after the required fee has been paid.
    [11] Fig. 1 is a simplified perspective view illustrating a thermal camera system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
    [12] Fig. 2 is a simplified perspective view illustrating a front multi-element housing in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
    [13] Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the front multi-element housing shown in Fig. 2.
    [14] Fig. 4 is a simplified cross-sectional view illustrating a thermal imaging system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
    [15] Fig. 5 is a simplified color cross-sectional view of the heat map illustrating temperature distributions in the thermal camera system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, and
    [16] Fig. 6 is a simplified flow chart illustrating a method of operating an image generation system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
    [17] The present invention relates generally to thermal image generation systems. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention provide methods and systems for achieving thermal insulation of IR surveillance cameras. The present invention may have several different fields of application including other IR image generation systems.
    [18] Fig. 1 is a simplified perspective view illustrating a thermal camera system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 1, the thermal imaging system includes a housing 110 that is exposed to the environment. In accordance with one embodiment, the housing meets the IP66 rating. The housing 110 in this embodiment is made of aluminum or other suitable material including metallic materials. The housing provides an enclosure that is suitable for operation in a temperature range, for example between - 40 ° C and +65 ° C. The thermal camera system also includes a front window 120 which may include one / more optical elements including one or more lenses, optical filters and the like. The front window 120 (comprising one / more optical elements) is exposed to the environment and liquids such as water or water vapor present on the front window may in operation freeze to ice at temperatures around the lower end point of the temperature range. Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention enable heat control systems to operate in a predetermined temperature range without ice forming on the front window. Thus, embodiments of the present invention provide methods and systems that counteract ice formation. Such a system will prevent ice from forming on the front window 120 in operation as long as electrical energy is supplied to the thermal camera system described herein in more detail.
    [19] Fig. 2 is a simplified perspective view illustrating a front multi-element housing in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Fig. 1, the front multi-element housing is located at the front portion of the housing and the front window 120 is illustrated in both Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. Referring to Fig. 2, a mounting structure 210 provides mechanical support and a heat conduction path to a focal plane array 215 and the front window 120. Although not shown in the figure, the front window is coupled to optical elements described herein in more detail.
    [20] In one embodiment, the focal lance mat is a non-cooled vanadium oxide microbolometer with a predetermined resolution, for example 320 x 240, 640 x 480 or other suitable resolution. The focal plane mats provide a spectral response over a predetermined spectral band, for example long wave infrared (LWIR - Long Wawe IR) from 8 to 14 μm, although other spectral bands may also belong to the focal plane mats.
    [21] A front window 210 is also illustrated in Fig. 2. The front window is optically coupled to an optical system which collects and images light on the focal plane mats 215. In some embodiments, a lens is integrated with the front window and an annular structure is provided. around the lens. In various embodiments, the optical system may provide different viewing fields, for example, a horizontal viewing field of 40 °, a viewing field of 16 °, a viewing field of 9 °, or the like, and an f / # of 1.2. In a particular embodiment, the optical system comprises a germanium lens integrated with the front window of the camera system to provide a first optical surface and focusing capability required for image generation operation. Although germanium-based optics are used in certain embodiments, according to the present invention, it is not a requirement that the system use this material and other optical elements suitable for transmitting IR radiation, in particular LWIR radiation is covered by the scope of the present invention.
    [22] The mounting structure 210 is made of a material with high thermal conductivity, including metallic materials, which provide mechanical support for the focal plane array and the front window. In some embodiments, the mounting structure 210 is made of aluminum, other suitable metals, metallized plastics, Xyloy ™ injection molded zinc / aluminum alloy, other metal alloys, and the like. Examples of other suitable materials for the mounting structure include alloys of magnesium, copper, zinc, brass, other materials with high thermal conductivity and moderate ultimate strength. The mounting structure is preferably characterized by a thermal conductivity ranging between 100 W / m-K and 1000 W / m-K, for example between 100 W / m-K and 400 W / m-K. Magnesium is found at the lower endpoint of the range and copper is found at the upper endpoint of the range while aluminum alloys are normally found near the midpoint of the range.
    [23] Fig. 2 illustrates a plurality of projections extending from the periphery of the mounting structure 210. The plurality of projections are useful for positioning the front multi-element housing in the housing shown in Fig. 1. A heating element 220 is connected to the peripheral portion of the mounting structure and can be operated to provide thermal energy to heat the mounting structure when in operation. The heating element shown in Fig. 2 is flexible and it encloses the mounting structure, with adjacent electrical contact plates 221a and 221b providing electrical input for operating the heating element. In one embodiment, the heating element is a flexible, silicone-based element with etched foil available from NorthEast Flex Heaters Inc. of Warwick, Rhode Island bonded to the peripheral surface of the mounting structure. Other suitable heating elements that can be bonded to the mounting structure are within the scope of the present invention.
    [24] The front multi-element housing also comprises a thermal insulator 230 which is connected to the front surface of the mounting structure. The thermal insulator 230 has an outer diameter that is larger than the outer diameter of the mounting structure. As a result, the insulator, when mounted in the housing, is in contact with the housing while a distance is created between the mounting structure and the housing. The thermal insulator and mounting structure may have a diameter that varies as a function of length measurement. In some embodiments, the largest diameter of the mounting structure will be less than or equal to the largest diameter of the thermal insulator. Thus, once connected, the thermal insulator will extend to a greater radial extent than the mounting structure and provide a spatial separation (e.g., an air gap, or a space filled with thermally insulating material) between the mounting structure and the housing. As will be described in more detail in connection with Fig. 4, the spatial separation of the mounting structure relative to the housing and the larger diameter of the thermal insulator will enable the thermal insulator, which has a lower thermal conductivity than the mounting structure, to serve as a heat pond and prevent heat transfer from the heating element 220 to the housing. The thermal insulator is made of suitable materials with low thermal conductivity, including a plastic material such as polycarbonate thermoplastic resin. The present invention is not limited to the use of this or other materials such as nylon, acetal, ultem, polyetherimide - a large number of other industrial materials including industrial polymers with sufficient strength and low thermal conductivity can be used. Any material with high strength and thermal conductivity on the order of 1 W / m-K can be used to make the thermal insulator. The thermal insulator 230 is also characterized by thermal conductivity between 0.018 W / m-K to about 0.6 W / m-K, for example between 0.1 W / m-K and 0.4 W / m-K. NASA Airgel has a thermal conductivity of 0.018 W / m-K and polycarbonate typically has a thermal conductivity of 0.3 W / m-K. It should be noted that Airgel is relatively fragile, which is taken into account when choosing structures that are adapted to the low strength of the material.
    [25] An O-ring 232 is illustrated in Fig. 2 and is provided to form a seal with the housing, which enables the rating IP66, or other suitable rating, to be met. As illustrated in Fig. 2, the front end of the camera includes a front multi-element housing that uses a material with low thermal conductivity such as plastic. The design creates a seal with the housing, but creates a high thermal resistance between the position of the heating element and the housing. The design prevents heat from flowing to the casing that would normally radiate and convectively conduct a significant amount of heat to the surroundings.
    [26] Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the front multi-element housing shown in Fig. 2. Reference numerals used in connection with the description of Fig. 2 are also used in Fig. 3 to facilitate reading. The mounting structure 210 is illustrated and includes a plurality of openings 312 which engage projections 310 extending from the periphery of the thermal insulator 230. As shown, the outer surface of the mounting structure 210 is connected to the inner periphery of the thermal insulator 230. The heating element 220 encloses a section of the mounting structure, which in turn conducts the heat from the heating element to both the front window 120 and the focal plane matrix 215.
    [27] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a combination of materials described herein is used to efficiently apply heat from the heating element to the front window, lens or mirror which in a wide ambient temperature range is desired to be free of ice or mist. The front multi-element housing comprises a material with low thermal conductivity relative to how it adheres to the surrounding structure to reduce the thermal heat conduction to the environment, thereby preventing certain heat losses. The front multi-element housing also uses a material with high thermal conductivity that is attached to the object to be heated in order to directly and efficiently transfer heat to the object. The device also does this in an efficient manner so that it enables any heat source that meets the Power over Internet (POE) standard 802.3af to be a sufficient heat source for the device.
    [28] The embodiments use a "thermal dust" or thermal insulation system to increase de-icing efficiency (which may also include de-icing / fogging in some embodiments) for cameras, lenses, windows or other electronic devices to meet extreme conditions. low energy consumption conditions and restrictions (such as, but not limited to, the POE 802.3af standard). The thermal insulation methods provided by the embodiments of the present invention provide the ability for an instrument to efficiently use available energy to mist, counteract icing or de-ic a camera, window, mirror or electronic device, all under the low power POE standard 802.3af. This enables devices to operate more efficiently over a wider temperature range without being affected (or reducing the impact) by fogging or icing on optical elements, sensitive electronics or other components that one wishes to keep free from condensation, fog or ice, and for systems that must be integrated into existing low-power systems that meet the POE standard 802.3af (which includes most low-power IP cameras for visible light). It should be noted that by complying with the POE standard 802.3af, a thermal imaging system described herein can be integrated into existing infrastructure, including existing Ethernet cables suitable for transmitting 15.4 W maximum power associated with the POE standard 802.3af.
    [29] Embodiments of the present invention provide systems suitable for low power operation while suitably preventing icing on the camera lens. As described herein, the embodiments use a thermal dust (also called a thermal insulator) to consume an amount of energy that is available according to the predetermined standard and still meets requirements to appropriately prevent icing on the camera lens. These systems are in contrast to conventional techniques where a heating element is placed so that it is close to the front window. Recognized technicians consume too much energy because they could work efficiently and meet the POE standard 802.3af.
    [30] Embodiments of the present invention prevent ice from accumulating on the front window within a predetermined temperature range. Some embodiments prevent ice formation, with other embodiments being capable of performing de-icing when accumulated ice melts. However, de-icing functionality is not a requirement for embodiments of the present invention. As described herein, the thermal energy that the heating element delivers to the unit is sufficient to prevent the accumulation of ice in a predetermined temperature range, for example between -40 ° C and +65 ° C.
    [31] Embodiments of the present invention use POE standards that meet 802.3af for camera operation, including operation of the heating element. Consequently, and when operating at a power of less than 15.4 W, the use of the thermal dam enables heating of the front window (also called an optical system or a front lens assembly) with reduced heat energy loss to the environment, enabling icing to be prevented and an effect on less than 15 W is used.
    [32] Fig. 4 illustrates how heat flows from the heating element 410, through the body of the mounting structure 420 (e.g., aluminum section of the mounting structure to which the front window 405 and focal plane array 415 are attached. As illustrated in Fig. 4, a processor panel 417, including processor ( er) and one or more memories suitable for the operation of the focal plane array, also attached to the mounting structure and enabling control of data flows to and from the focal plane array.
    [33] The processor (s) may be a general purpose microprocessor configured to execute instructions and data, such as a Pentium processor manufactured by Intel Corporation. It may also be an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) having at least some of the instructions for performing the method of the present invention in software, hardware and / or hardware. As an example, such processors include dedicated circuits, ASICs, combinatorial logic, other programmable processors, optional combinations of the above, and the like.
    [34] The memory provided on the processor panel 417 may be locally or conveniently distributed to the specific application. The memory may comprise a number of different memories including a main RAM (read and write memory) for storing instructions and data during program execution and a ROM memory (read only memory) in which fixed instructions are stored. The memory thus provides a permanent (non-volatile) storage for programs and data files and may include a hard disk, flash memory, floppy disk reader with associated removable media, a CD-ROM reader, an optical reader, removable media cartridges and other similar storage media.
    [35] As illustrated by thick arrows in Fig. 4, heat flows from the heating element 410 enclosing the periphery of the mounting structure 420 to and through the circuit boards including the circuit board containing the focal plane array 415 (or other suitable IR detector). The heat also flows through the body of the mounting structure 420 to the front window 405 which may comprise optical elements such as lenses and filters, for example a germanium lens. The heat flow to the lens unit's optics heats these to remove condensate or ice that would otherwise form there. As the ambient temperature drops to zero, the heating element can be activated and thus prevent ice formation on the front window.
    [36] In some embodiments, the focal lance mats and the front window (i.e., the optical shield 406 and / or the lens 407) have the same temperature to enhance or optimize the performance of the camera (i.e., isothermal operation). Although it is preferred that the focal plane matrix and the front window have the same temperature, it is not a requirement of the present invention and temperature difference between them may occur. It should be noted that optical protection is optional and that some embodiments use the lens 407 as a front shield and focusing element. As illustrated in Fig. 4, the thermal insulator 425 (ie, half of the mounting structure made of plastic and acting as a thermal dust (also called a thermal block, thermal inhibitor or the like) is to prevent the heat generated in the heating element from being lost to the outer shell 430 (typically made of a metallic material) and radiated into the environment, which would prevent efficient heating of the lens and require significantly more energy to achieve heating or prevent icing in a manner corresponding to the system specification requirements. the insulator would have the additional power necessary to prevent icing would mean that the system would not qualify for the POE standard that meets 802.3af, the system would then require more energy than is available in accordance with the 802.3af standard. conductive mounting structure 420 which is provided by means of the thermal insulator 425 fire from the outer shell 430 controls the heat flow through the camera system, thereby heating the front window and focal plane array while preventing significant heat flow to the environment, all while meeting 802.3af.
    [37] It should be noted that by using the thermal conductivity of the mounting structure to transfer heat from the heating element to the front window with small heat losses to the surroundings, embodiments of the present invention enable heating of the front window without the need for a dedicated heating element. installed at the front window (and to provide associated electrical wiring to the front window). The mounting structure provides this thermal conductivity while being spatially separated from the housing.
    [38] Fig. 5 is a simplified color cross-sectional view of the thermal map illustrating temperature distributions in the thermal camera system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Embodiments of the present invention provide systems for managing flows of thermal energy in the camera system, providing thermal energy for heating the front window without allowing a significant heat flow to the environment. The thermal management provided by embodiments of the present invention enables the prevention of icing on the front window for predetermined temperatures while the system consumes energy in a manner satisfying 802.3af. As described below, the thermal insulator (also called a thermal dust) prevents significant heat loss to the environment while providing thermal energy to the front window and focal plane array.
    [39] Fig. 5 illustrates how heat flows from the heating element 510 to the various system components. In the example illustrated in Fig. 5, an ambient temperature of -40 ° C is used. Consequently, the solar cover 530 maintains approximately - 40 ° C. The outer shell 532 (also called a shell or outer shell) which is spaced apart from the solar shell by means of spacers is approximately -15 ° C, where the rear portion of the outer shell has lower temperatures. The heating element 510 is a 6.5 W heater which is arranged around the periphery of the mounting structure. In the figure, the heating element is approximately 0 ° C and the front window is 0.3 ° C. The area in which the focal plane matrix is mounted maintains a higher temperature because it is centrally located in the camera system - approximately 14 ° C in the figure.
    [40] Referring to Fig. 5, the thermal insulator 515 maintains approximately - 10 ° C and prevents the heat generated in the heating element 510 from flowing to the outer shell 530.
    [41] Fig. 6 is a simplified flow chart illustrating a method of operating an image generation system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The method comprises providing a thermal camera placed in a housing. The thermal imager comprises a mounting structure, a thermal insulator which creates a distance between the mounting structure and the housing, a heating element bonded to the mounting structure, and a front window connected to the mounting structure. The front window may comprise a germanium lens. The method further comprises providing electrical energy to the thermal, image generating system in a manner that meets standard 802.3af PoE, and determining that an ambient temperature is less than or equal to a threshold temperature. The threshold temperature may, for example, be in the range between -40 ° C and + 65 ° C, more preferably in the range between -10 ° C and + 10 ° C. In a special embodiment, the threshold temperature is in the range between -2 ° C and +2 ° C.
    [42] In another, typical embodiment, the threshold temperature may be in the range between -40 ° C and + 58 ° C. In a particular embodiment, the heater assembly is located at the front of the camera, on the optical lens assembly, and a thermistor that controls the ON / OFF setpoints of the heater algorithm is located on the internal circuit board assembly and away from the front of the camera. In this particular embodiment, the threshold temperature range for turning on and off the heating element is between about 10 ° C and 50 ° C (to account for differences in thermal offset).
    [43] The method further comprises heating the heating element (614) and conducting heat from the heating element to the front window to prevent ice formation (616). According to embodiments, the thermal insulator is also characterized by an outer diameter which is larger than an outer diameter of the mounting structure, which provides a spatial separation between the mounting structure and the housing which maintains ambient temperature. In some embodiments, the system is an isothermal system in which heat is also conducted to the focal plane matrix of the thermal camera.
    [44] It should be noted that the specific method steps illustrated in Fig. 6 provide a particular method of operating a thermal image generation system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Other sequences or method steps may also be performed in accordance with alternative embodiments. Alternative embodiments of the present invention may, for example, perform the above-mentioned method steps in a different order. In addition, the individual method steps illustrated in Fig. 6 may comprise a plurality of sub-steps which may be performed in different sequences, as appropriate for the individual method step. In addition, additional steps can be added or removed depending on the specific application.
    [45] It is also to be understood that the examples and embodiments described herein are for illustrative purposes only and that in light thereof several modifications or changes may be made to one skilled in the art and are within the spirit and scope of the invention and the scope of the appended claims.
    权利要求:
    Claims (20)
    [1]
    A thermal image generating system comprising: a mounting structure (210, 420) characterized by a first thermal conductivity; a focal plane array (215, 415) mounted on the mounting structure (210, 420); an optical system coupled to the mounting structure (210, 420); an electric heating element (220, 410, 510) coupled to the mounting structure (210, 420); wherein the electric heating element (220, 410, 510) encloses a section of the mounting structure (210, 420); and a thermal insulator (230, 425, 515) coupled to the mounting structure (210, 420) and characterized by a second thermal conductivity lower than the first thermal conductivity.
    [2]
    A thermal, image generating system according to claim 1, wherein the mounting structure (210, 420) comprises a metallic material.
    [3]
    A thermal, image generating system according to claim 2, wherein the metallic material comprises an aluminum material.
    [4]
    The thermal imaging system of claim 1, wherein the optical system comprises a germanium lens (407).
    [5]
    A thermal, image generating system according to claim 1, wherein the thermal insulator (230, 425, 515) comprises a plastic material.
    [6]
    A thermal, image generating system according to claim 5, wherein the plastic material comprises a thermoplastic resin of polycarbonate.
    [7]
    The thermal, image generating system according to claim 1, wherein the electric heating element (220, 410, 510) comprises a flexible heater connected to an outer periphery of the mounting structure (210, 420).
    [8]
    The thermal image generating system according to claim 1, wherein an outer diameter of the thermal insulator (230, 425, 515) is larger than an outer diameter of the mounting structure (210, 420).
    [9]
    A thermal camera comprising: a housing (110); a front, multi-element housing comprising: a heating dust connected to the housing (110) and having a first thermal conductivity; and a mounting structure (210, 420) connected to the heating pond and spaced from the housing (110) and characterized by a second thermal conductivity greater than the first thermal conductivity; and an electric heating element (220, 410, 510) thermally coupled to the mounting structure (210, 420), the electric heating element (220, 410, 510) enclosing a section of the mounting structure (210, 420); an IR image generator mounted on the mounting structure (210, 420); and a front window (120, 405) mounted on the mounting structure (210, 420).
    [10]
    A thermal imager according to claim 9, wherein the thermal imager meets the 802.3af PoE standard.
    [11]
    A thermal imager according to claim 9, wherein the housing (110) meets the IP66 rating.
    [12]
    A thermal camera according to claim 9, wherein the heat pond comprises a plastic material.
    [13]
    A thermal camera according to claim 9, wherein the mounting structure (210, 420) comprises aluminum and wherein the electric heating element (220, 410, 510) comprises a flexible heater bonded to an outer peripheral surface belonging to the mounting structure (210, 420). .
    [14]
    A thermal camera according to claim 9, wherein the IR image generator comprises a focal pian matrix (215, 415).
    [15]
    A thermal camera according to claim 9, wherein the front window (120, 405) comprises an optical element.
    [16]
    A thermal imager according to claim 15, wherein the optical element comprises a germanium lens (407).
    [17]
    A thermal camera according to claim 15, wherein the mounting structure (210, 420) encloses the optical element along the circumference.
    [18]
    A method of handling a thermal, image generating system, the method comprising: - providing (610) a thermal camera disposed in a housing (110), the thermal camera comprising: a mounting structure (210, 420) capable of supporting a focal plane matrix (215). , 415); a thermal insulator (230, 425, 515) that creates spacing between the mounting structure (210, 420) and the housing (110); an electric heating element (220, 410, 510) bonded to the mounting structure (210, 420), the electric heating element (220, 410, 510) enclosing a section of the mounting structure (210, 420); and a front window (120, 405) coupled to the mounting structure (210, 420); - providing (612) electrical energy to the thermal, image generating system in a manner complying with the 802.3af PoE standard; - determining (614) that an ambient temperature is less than or equal to a threshold temperature; - heating (616) the electric heating element (220, 410, 510); and - conducting heat (618) from the electric heating element (220, 410, 510) to the focal plane array (215, 415) and the front window (120, 405).
    [19]
    A method according to claim 18, wherein the combine temperature is in the range between -40 ° C and +65 ° C.
    [20]
    A method according to claim 18, wherein the thermal insulator (230, 425, 515) is characterized by an outer diameter that is larger than an outer diameter of the mounting structure (210, 420).
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    法律状态:
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    US201161536945P| true| 2011-09-20|2011-09-20|
    PCT/US2012/055935|WO2013043611A1|2011-09-20|2012-09-18|Thermal isolation device for infrared surveillance camera|
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