Systems and methods for open path gas detectors with integrated optical sensor

Abstract

Systems and methods are provided for an open path gas detection system having a receiver with an optical sensor configured to continuously capture optical image data. A field of view of the optical sensor may include a path of a focused light beam received by a light sensor of the receiver. The receiver may be configured to receive and temporarily store the optical image data in the memory buffer, and then transmit the optical image data to the persistent memory region upon receipt of a transfer command. In various cases, a transmission command may be provided, such as when a receiver requests, when a predefined object of interest is identified in the optical image data, or when an occlusion occurs and the light sensor no longer receives the focused beam.

Description

Cross Reference to Related Applications

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 473,419, filed September 25, 2023, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. BACKGROUND

[0002] Gas detectors are instruments designed to detect the presence of gases (e.g., harmful gases and vapors) in various environments. These detectors can be useful in providing data about current conditions as well as safety alerts indicating that a potentially dangerous condition can exist. False alarms can result in unnecessary actions, such as evacuations or other remedial actions, which can result in unnecessary expenditure of time, effort, and money. SUMMARY

[0003] Provided herein are systems and methods for open-path gas detectors having receivers with integrated optical sensors. The optical sensors can provide optical image data that can be used to determine whether an event condition has occurred that can have an impact on the focused beam received by the receiver (e.g., misalignment of the emitter and receiver, presence of a known object of interest near the path of the beam, weather, etc.). The receiver can be configured to continuously capture and store the optical image data in a temporary memory location, and then transmit the optical image data to a persistent memory location upon receipt of a transmission command, which can be provided upon a determination that an event condition has occurred. The receiver can determine whether an event condition has occurred using, for example, an object recognition model based on the detection signal (i.e., light intensity at the receiver) and / or the optical image data. In this way, the open-path gas detector can better control the capture and storage of optical image data, and can provide improved information (e.g., objects identified in the optical image data, etc.) to a user that can allow the user receiving the information to better react to events that are changing or have the potential to change the detection signal of the open-path gas detector.

[0004] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a gas detection system. The system can include a receiver. The receiver can include a light sensor configured to receive a focused light beam generated by an emitter and produce a detection signal containing information about a gas within a path of the focused light, an optical sensor configured to continuously capture optical image data, wherein a field of view of the optical sensor includes the path of the focused light beam, and an electronic assembly including a memory buffer and a persistent memory area. The memory buffer can be configured to receive and temporarily store the optical image data and transmit the optical image data to the persistent memory area upon receipt of a transmission command.

[0005] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a gas detection system. The system can include a receiver. The receiver can include a light sensor configured to receive a focused light beam generated by an emitter and produce a detection signal containing information about a gas within a path of the focused light, an optical sensor configured to capture optical image data, wherein a field of view of the optical sensor includes the path of the focused light, and an electronic assembly including a processor. The processor can be configured to receive the optical image data and determine whether an event condition has occurred based on the optical image data.

[0006] In yet another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of gas detection. The method can include receiving a focused light beam, producing a detection signal based on the received focused light, the detection signal containing information about a gas within a path of the focused light, capturing optical image data, wherein a field of view of the optical image data includes the path of the focused light, and determining whether an event condition has occurred based on the optical image data, wherein the event condition is the appearance of a predefined object of interest within a field of view of an optical sensor.

[0007] In still another aspect, the present disclosure provides a gas detection system. The system can include an emitter configured to produce a focused light beam along a path and a receiver including a light sensor configured to receive the focused light beam and produce a detection signal containing information about a gas within a path of the focused light. At least one of the emitter and the receiver can include an optical sensor configured to capture optical image data, wherein a field of view of the optical sensor can include the path of the focused light, and an electronic assembly including a processor configured to receive the optical image data and determine whether an event condition has occurred based on the optical image data. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1A is an example diagram depicting an arrangement of an open path gas detector having a receiver with an integrated optical sensor.

[0009] Figure 1B is an example diagram depicting an open path gas detector arrangement of Figure 1A where an object of interest has entered the field of view of the optical sensor.

[0010] Figure 2A is an example diagram depicting a top perspective view of a receiver with an integrated optical sensor to be used in an open path gas detection system.

[0011] Figure 2B is an example diagram depicting a bottom perspective view of Figure 2A a receiver.

[0012] Figure 2C is an example diagram depicting a front view of Figures 2A-2B a receiver.

[0013] Figure 3 is an example diagram depicting various internal components of a receiver to be used in an open path gas detection system, including light sensors, optical sensors, and electronic components.

[0014] Figure 4 is a diagram depicting various internal components of a receiver to be used in an open path gas detection system, including light sensors, optical sensors, and electronic components.

[0015] Figure 5 is a diagram of a receiver to be used in an open path gas detection system interacting with a system network and system devices.

[0016] Figure 6 is an example diagram depicting exemplary optical image data with a graphical overlay that can be obtained from a receiver with an integrated optical sensor and provided to a user.

[0017] Figure 7 is a flowchart of an exemplary method of gas detection using a receiver with an integrated optical sensor. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] Gas detectors, including open-path gas detectors, are instruments designed to detect the presence of harmful gases and vapors in a variety of environments, including industrial, environmental, and safety applications. Unlike single-point gas detectors, which are configured in fixed locations, open-path gas detectors, in some embodiments, provide broader coverage by monitoring vapor and gas concentrations along a designated path of interest using a beam of electromagnetic radiation (e.g., infrared light). As a result, one of the advantages of open-path gas detectors is their ability to monitor large areas, making them well-suited for outdoor and open environments.

[0019] An open-path gas detection system can rely on two components positioned a distance from one another: a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter can be configured to emit a focused beam of light, which can include one or more specific wavelengths corresponding to an absorption band of a gas targeted for detection. Thus, as the emitted beam of light travels through the air, a gas present in its path can absorb light of the specific wavelength. As a result, the intensity of the light measured by the receiver can decrease. By quantifying the decrease in light intensity, the receiver can determine the concentration of the gas present along the path of the focused beam of light.

[0020] Open-path gas detectors are useful in several industries, such as oil and gas, chemical manufacturing, and environmental monitoring, given their fast response times and ability to detect a wide range of gases, including toxic, flammable, and explosive substances. Because these devices often rely on both safety and early detection of gas leaks, regular calibration and maintenance can be required to maintain the accuracy and reliability of these devices.

[0021] Because open-path gas detectors can provide large coverage areas, they can be installed in remote locations, some of which can not be immediately accessible to an operator. For example, both the transmitter and receiver can be miles away from an operator monitoring the device (e.g., in an offshore oil drilling platform). Thus, whenever an abnormal condition is detected, whether it is misalignment of the focused beam of light, an obstruction, a general system malfunction, or an actual gas leak, the operator can spend a significant amount of time actually being able to reach the site and determine the cause of the abnormal condition. Further complicating the situation is that the condition of the open-path gas detector system can change during the time it takes for the operator to travel to the detector. For example, if a bird lands in front of the receiver and obstructs the light received from the transmitter, the operator can be provided with a malfunctioning condition, which the operator can dispatch a technician to investigate, but when the technician actually arrives at the system, the bird can have flown away, and the condition of the system can thus have returned to normal operation. In such a situation, the technician can only be able to guess as to what can have caused the malfunctioning condition.

[0022] To address these deficiencies and others, the present disclosure provides, among other things, systems and methods that utilize a receiver having an optical sensor that can produce optical image data (e.g., video) that can be selectively stored and provided to a user (e.g., an operator). This image recording capability can provide the user with a visual record of the environment in front of the receiver, thereby enabling them to quickly and remotely diagnose abnormal conditions. For example, this can eliminate the need to dispatch a technician to the device to diagnose a problem that can have self-corrected by the time they arrive at the device. For example, if the optical image data shows that it can be a temporary condition (e.g., a bird falling in front of the receiver), the user can know that there is no need to travel to the site. However, if the imaging shows a more permanent condition, such as a vehicle parked in the path of the transmitter or misalignment, the user can know to take prompt corrective action.

[0023] Relatedly, in some aspects, the optical image data can be processed and a predefined object of interest can be determined, which can be provided as information to the user. For example, the optical image data can determine that a bird entered the field of view of the optical sensor, and this information can be provided to the user, thereby allowing them to avoid actually viewing the optical image data in some cases. In other aspects, the optical image data can be continuously produced by the optical sensor, stored in temporary memory, and only transmitted to another memory area upon receipt of a transmission command. This arrangement can allow the user to access optical image data from before an event condition. For example, if a truck is parked in front of the sensor, the current optical image data merely shows the white side of the truck (i.e., can not be clear about what is causing the obstruction), but upon viewing past optical image data, it can be determined that the truck drove into the field of view and obstructed the path of the beam. These aspects and others are described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0024] Figure 1A is an example diagram depicting an arrangement of an open path gas detector 100 having a receiver 110 with an integrated optical sensor 112. A transmitter 130 is shown positioned at a distance from the receiver 110. The transmitter 130 can be configured to emit a focused beam 132 (e.g., infrared light) in the direction of the receiver 110. An optical sensor 114 can be integrated with the receiver 110 and configured to receive the focused beam 132 and produce a detection signal containing information about a gas or vapor within the path of the focused light 132. In this way, the air properties in the area between the receiver 110 and the transmitter 130 can be monitored.

[0025] The optical sensor 112 can be configured to capture optical image data (e.g., images, video, etc.) and can capture optical image data, particularly continuously, while in operation. The field of view 116 of the optical sensor 112 can include at least a majority of the path of the focused light 132. In some aspects, the field of view 116 can include a majority of the path of the focused light 132 or even the entire path of the focused light 132. For example, the optical sensor 112 can include the emitter 130 within its field of view 116. As will be further described, the optical image data can be stored and accessed by a user (e.g., an operator) who can rely on the optical image data to make safety and maintenance decisions for the open-path gas detector 100. In some aspects, the optical image data can be continuously stored for at least a period of time, which can allow the user to access optical image data prior to a fault condition or signal change of a detection signal. In this depiction, the object of interest 160 (i.e., a vehicle) is shown as being outside of the field of view 116 of the optical sensor 112.

[0026] Although the receiver 110 and the emitter 130 are not drawn to scale or depicted in the context of a work site, it should be readily appreciated that both components can be positioned at any suitable location relative to one another and attached or connected to any suitable structure (e.g., a building, a platform, a pole, etc.). Depending on the sensor application, the emitter 130 can be positioned to provide the focused light 132 directly to the light sensor 114 of the receiver 110 and can rely on various known emitter technologies. For example, the emitter 130 can provide the focused light 132 in a continuous or patterned manner and at an intensity tailored for the particular arrangement of the open-path gas detector 100. Depending on the target gas or vapor to be measured, the focused light 132 can include one or more specific wavelengths known to effectively interact with the target substance to be monitored.

[0027] Figure 1B depicted Figure 1Athe open path gas detector 100, where the object of interest 160 has now entered the field of view 116 of the optical sensor 112. As shown, the object of interest now blocks the focused light 132 from reaching the light sensor 114. Without the optical sensor 112, it would be challenging for a user viewing the output information from the receiver 110 to know why the detection signal produced by the light sensor 114 suddenly reads out a fault condition. As previously described, since there are many conditions that all produce similar signal loss (e.g., misalignment of the emitter 130 and receiver 110, loss of power to the emitter 130, a defective light sensor 114, etc.), it would otherwise be necessary for a technician to travel to the site to manually determine the cause of the fault condition. Including the integrated optical sensor 112 into the receiver 110 allows the user to instead simply view the optical image data and determine that the object of interest 160 has entered the path of the focused light 132, which can allow for a different corrective action to be taken (e.g., calling a phone number and instructing an operator to move a parked vehicle).

[0028] As will be further described, in some aspects, the receiver 110 can be configured to provide information to a user that goes beyond a simple photograph taken when the detection signal produced by the light sensor 114 is interrupted or changes. For example, the optical sensor 112 can be configured to continuously acquire optical image data, which can be stored for at least a substantial amount of time (e.g., 1 minute). Such an arrangement can allow access to optical image data from before the change in the detection signal, which can help a user better determine the cause of the incident. Additionally, because the optical image data can be continuously analyzed to determine various event conditions, such as misalignment of the emitter 130 or the entry of a known object of interest into the field of view 116, this additional information can be provided to the user, further improving their ability to ensure that the open path gas detector 100 is operating as intended.

[0029] Figures 2A-2C depicts an open path gas detection system (such as the open path gas detector 100) that includes an integrated optical sensor 112, where the object of interest 160 has now entered the field of view 116 of the optical sensor 112. As shown, the object of interest now blocks the focused light 132 from reaching the light sensor 114. Without the optical sensor 112, it would be challenging for a user viewing the output information from the receiver 110 to know why the detection signal produced by the light sensor 114 suddenly reads out a fault condition. As previously described, since there are many conditions that all produce similar signal loss (e.g., misalignment of the emitter 130 and receiver 110, loss of power to the emitter 130, a defective light sensor 114, etc.), it would otherwise be necessary for a technician to travel to the site to manually determine the cause of the fault condition. Including the integrated optical sensor 112 into the receiver 110 allows the user to instead simply view the optical image data and determine that the object of interest 160 has entered the path of the focused light 132, which can allow for a different corrective action to be taken (e.g., calling a phone number and instructing an operator to move a parked vehicle). Figures 1A-1BVarious views of a receiver 210 with an integrated optical sensor 212 used in a system such as the system of FIG. 1. The receiver 210 can include a housing 220 with a front end 222 and a back end 224. The front end 222 can be positioned to face the direction of the emitter when the receiver 210 is in use. The optical sensor 212 can be positioned on the front end 222 along with the photosensor 214. The housing 220 can also include one or more support mechanisms 217, which can be used to attach or position the receiver 210. It should be readily appreciated that the housing 220 can include various other structural features to facilitate positioning, attachment, or calibration and alignment of the receiver 210. Additionally, the housing 220 can also include one or more interfaces 218A, 218B, 218C configured to facilitate the transmission of electrical communications (e.g., detection signals, optical image signals, power) to external devices. The housing 220 can be formed of any suitable material known in the art, but can be particularly configured to prevent the internal components of the receiver 210 from being exposed to water or other environmental damage, and thus can be designed to operate in adverse weather conditions.

[0030] As shown, the optical sensor 212 and the photosensor 214 can be positioned in close proximity to one another and facing the same direction. In addition to helping avoid misalignment of the optical sensor 212 relative to the photosensor 214, this arrangement can also help ensure that the field of view of the optical sensor 212 includes the path of the focused light beam received by the photosensor 214. Furthermore, the optical sensor 212 and the photosensor 214 can be particularly arranged within a recess of the housing 220, as depicted. A transparent element 226 (e.g., a flat piece of glass) can be positioned in front of the optical sensor 212 and the photosensor 214, which can help ensure that neither sensor is compromised by the element. For example, if the optical sensor 212 were instead positioned separate from the photosensor 214, then an event condition immediately adjacent to the photosensor 214 can not be detected. For example, if the optical sensor 212 were instead attached to another portion of the receiver housing 220 or positioned as a separate component proximate to the receiver 210, then a fault condition caused by frost on the transparent element 226 can not be determinable from the optical image data. Again, separating the two components risks one component moving relative to the other, which can have an impact on the information that can be obtained from the optical image data. Thus, as shown, it can be useful to integrate the optical sensor 212 directly into the receiver 210.

[0031] The optical sensor 212 can be specifically configured for each particular open-path gas detector application, but generally can include a lens for focusing received light onto an image sensor or film, which then converts the captured light into an electrical signal that can include optical image data (e.g., a photograph, a video). The optical sensor 212 can also include an aperture, shutter, focusing system, and / or any other components typically employed in a digital camera. The optical sensor 212 can be configured such that the ISO, aperture, shutter speed, and various other features of the optical sensor 212 can be adjusted. In particular, the focal length, aperture, and field of view of the optical sensor 212 can be specifically adjusted according to the positioning of the emitter and the surrounding environment. Each of the optical sensor 212 and the light sensor 214 can include or be connected to associated optical components (e.g., lenses, apertures, etc.). The optical sensor 212 can include a movement mechanism configured to move the field of view of the optical sensor by physically adjusting the associated components. In this way, the user can be provided with the ability to adjust the angle of view of the optical sensor 212 to within a certain range. Alternatively or additionally, the angle of view can be automatically adjusted by the movement mechanism upon receiving a command signal from a processor, for example, based on a determination of a predefined event (e.g., detecting a signal change).

[0032] The light sensor 214 can include one or more optical components configured to capture and focus the focused light beam emitted by the emitter, and a light detector configured to thereafter receive the focused light and produce an electrical signal (i.e., a detection signal) proportional to the intensity of the received focused light. If necessary, the detection signal can be further amplified, or otherwise adjusted to reduce noise, thereby ensuring accurate and reliable detection. The skilled person will appreciate that the present technology can also utilize various light sensor arrangements and techniques known in the art.

[0033] Figure 3 Various internal components 300 of a receiver to be used in an open-path gas detection system are depicted, including an optical sensor 312, a light sensor 314, and internal electronic components 340. As shown, the internal electronic components 340 can include a first printed circuit board (PCB) 342, a second PCB 344, a third PCB 346, and a fourth PCB 347, one or more of which can be in electrical communication with the optical sensor 312 and / or the light sensor 314.

[0034] Similar to the optical sensor 212, the light sensor 214 can be specifically configured for each particular open-path gas detector application, but generally can include a lens for focusing received light onto an image sensor or film, which then converts the captured light into an electrical signal that can include optical image data (e.g., a photograph, a video). The light sensor 214 can also include an aperture, shutter, focusing system, and / or any other components typically employed in a digital camera. The light sensor 214 can be configured such that the ISO, aperture, shutter speed, and various other features of the light sensor 214 can be adjusted. In particular, the focal length, aperture, and field of view of the light sensor 214 can be specifically adjusted according to the positioning of the emitter and the surrounding environment. Each of the optical sensor 212 and the light sensor 214 can include or be connected to associated optical components (e.g., lenses, apertures, etc.). The light sensor 214 can include a movement mechanism configured to move the field of view of the light sensor by physically adjusting the associated components. In this way, the user can be provided with the ability to adjust the angle of view of the light sensor 214 to within a certain range. Alternatively or additionally, the angle of view can be automatically adjusted by the movement mechanism upon receiving a command signal from a processor, for example, based on a determination of a predefined event (e.g., detecting a signal change). Figure 3 , Figure 4The illustration in FIG. 4A depicts various internal components 400 of a receiver to be used in an open-path gas detection system, including an optical sensor 412, a light sensor 414, and internal electronic components 440, which can include a first PCB 442, a second PCB 444, a third PCB 446, and a fourth PCB 447, one or more of which can be in electrical communication with the optical sensor 412 and / or the light sensor 414. As shown, the electronic components 440 can include or be in electrical communication with various components of the receiver, including but not limited to one or more batteries 448, one or more processors 450, one or more communication units 452, and one or more memory units 454. One or more of the PCBs 442, 444, 446, 447, or subsections thereof, can be specifically configured to interact with and control the optical sensor 412. For example, the fourth PCB 447 can be configured to receive and process optical image data from the optical sensor 412, as well as provide various control signals to the optical sensor 412 (e.g., a shut-off command, etc.).

[0035] As previously mentioned, the electronic components 440 can include both a memory buffer and a persistent memory area. The memory buffer can be configured to receive and temporarily store optical image data, and transmit the optical image data to the persistent memory area upon receipt of a transmission command. The memory buffer and the persistent memory area can be contained within the same component of the electronic components 440 (e.g., the depicted memory unit 454), or they can be provided as separate components. The memory buffer can also be configured to delete optical image data after a predefined amount of time (e.g., 1 minute), unless a transmission command is provided. In this way, without a transmission command, continuously received optical image data can be deleted in order to avoid unnecessarily storing optical image data over time. The predefined amount of time that the memory buffer is configured to store optical image data before deletion can be selected to have a minimum length (e.g., at least 10 seconds, at least 30 seconds, at least 1 minute, etc.) such that optical image data prior to a transmission command can provide sufficient context for a user to evaluate a condition that gradually leads to an event condition (e.g., enough time to observe a vehicle drive up and block the focused light). Thus, after optical image data has been transmitted from the memory buffer, a user can access the optical image data stored in the persistent memory area (which can provide more permanent memory storage functionality) at a later point in time in order to evaluate the status of the open-path gas detector.

[0036] The processor 450 can be configured to continuously receive optical image data stored in the memory buffer and continuously determine whether an event condition has occurred and whether a transmission command should be provided. In many cases (i.e., event conditions), a transmission command can be provided by the electronic assembly 440. For example, if a detection signal received from the optical sensor 414 indicates a fault condition (e.g., a blocked or misaligned signal) or a signal change that is below or above a predefined threshold or rate of change, the electronic assembly 440 can be configured (e.g., via the processor 450) to provide a transmission command to the memory buffer. Additionally, the electronic assembly 440 can be configured to provide a transmission command upon receiving a request from a user or upon a receiver initiating or completing an action of interest, such as calibration, commissioning, or system testing. Furthermore, the processor 450 can be configured to analyze optical image data temporarily stored in the memory buffer and provide a transmission command to the memory buffer based on the optical image data. For example, the processor 450 can be configured to identify whether an event condition has occurred (e.g., a bird blocking a path of focused light, a transmitter misalignment, etc.) based on the optical image data alone or in combination with the detection signal.

[0037] When analyzing optical image data in order to determine whether a transmission command is needed, the processor 450 can rely on image classification to identify known objects or patterns in the optical image data. For example, the processor 450 can rely on an image classification model, which can utilize a machine learning algorithm. The image classification model can be specifically trained to identify event conditions common to open path gas detectors, including common weather issues (e.g., fog, rain, frost) or objects known to commonly enter a path of focused light emitted from a transmitter (e.g., birds, operators, vehicles, etc.). The processor 450 can be configured to consider a proximity of an identified object to a path of focused light and a direction of travel of the identified object when considering whether to provide a transmission command. For example, an operator walking within a field of view of the optical sensor 412 but not immediately adjacent to a path of focused light can be determined to be insufficient to require a transmission command.

[0038] The processor 450 described herein can be configured to identify a transmitter within the optical image data. Such identification is not always simple due to the large distance between the transmitter and the receiver. To help facilitate identification of the transmitter, the transmitter device itself can include a known identifier, such as a known color or pattern. For example, the transmitter can specifically include a light source configured to produce a predetermined light emission (e.g., a patterned light signal), and the processor 450 can be configured to recognize the light emission and thereby identify the transmitter within the optical image data. The processor 450 can use the identification of the transmitter to determine a misalignment or blockage of a path of focused light. For example, if a position of a fixed transmitter shifts within a field of view of the optical sensor 412, it can be determined that an alignment of the receiver has been changed.

[0039] Once the memory buffer receives a transfer command, it can be configured to provide the current optical image data being stored, and to provide the optical image data continuously to the persistent memory area for a predefined period of time (e.g., 1 minute), or until a stop transfer command is provided. The stop transfer command can be provided based on, for example, detecting a signal (e.g., upon returning to a normal value), receiving a request from a user to stop the transfer, expiration of a predefined period of time after initiating the transfer, and / or the optical image data (e.g., the identified object leaving the field of view).

[0040] Figure 5 is a diagram depicting a receiver 510 to be used in the open-path gas detection system 500 interacting with the system network 570 and the system device 580. As previously described, the receiver 510 can include the optical sensor 512, the light sensor 514, and the electronic assembly 540, which can include the memory 554, the processor 550, and the communication unit 552. The receiver 510 can be configured to provide information to the system network 570 and the system device 580 via a wireless or wired connection. The information provided can include at least information related to the detection signal and the optical image data. For example, the receiver 510 can provide the optical image data in the form of a video to one or more servers of the system network 570, and this information can then be accessed and viewed by a user on the system device 580. Information obtained from the optical image data can be provided to the user in one or more different ways, including but not limited to a video, a photograph, text (e.g., “bird identified”), and / or a modified video (e.g., including a graphical overlay).

[0041] The system device 580 can include various device forms, including but not limited to a computer, a cell phone, an operator workstation, an alarm device, or other equipment. In some aspects, the system device 580 can be in direct electrical communication with the receiver 510. A user can rely on the system device 580 to provide various command signals to control the receiver 510, including the optical sensor 512. Although various components are described herein as being integrated with the receiver 510 (which can be preferred for many applications), it should be appreciated that various components can instead be contained within other system devices. For example, instead, the persistent memory area can be a component of another system device (e.g., a server). Likewise, another processor can be configured to analyze the optical image data from within the system device.

[0042] Figure 6Exemplary optical image data 600, which has been modified to include a graphical overlay 690, is depicted, which can be obtained from a receiver having an integrated optical sensor and provided to a user. As shown, the exemplary optical image data includes an emitter 630 positioned on a structure 632. The emitter 630 can be configured to provide a focused beam of light to a receiver. In this depiction, an object of interest 634, i.e., a parked vehicle, has entered the field of view of the optical sensor.

[0043] As shown, the graphical overlay 690 can include additional information for the user to view, including a time and date stamp, a detected signal value, an indication of whether an object of interest has been identified by the receiver, and the type of object of interest that has been identified. It should be readily appreciated that alternative information can be included, and that alternative forms of presentation other than a graphical overlay can be used, including a unique identifier to distinguish one receiver from another. The receiver can be configured to modify the optical image data 600 by, for example, directly labeling or otherwise emphasizing the identified object of interest 634, the emitter 630, and / or other objects within the field of view of the optical sensor (e.g., by placing a colored box around the identified object). Any modification to the optical image data 600 can occur prior to the optical image data 600 being transmitted to a persistent memory area or prior to being provided to a user accessing the system device.

[0044] Further, some information generated by the receiver can be provided to the user separately from the optical image data 600. The receiver can be configured to provide information to the user that allows them to determine whether it is necessary to view the optical image data 600. For example, the receiver can be configured to provide the identity of the object of interest and an indication of whether the object of interest has been resolved (i.e., whether it is still possible or at risk of having an impact on the detected signal). As one example, if a bird flies into the path of the focused light, the receiver can be configured to provide the optical image data to the system device with a preliminary verbal alert (e.g., “Ob. Det.: Bird, No Longer Present”), which indicates that a bird was identified and is no longer in the field of view. The user can then choose whether it is necessary to open and view the optical image data file.

[0045] Figure 7A method 700 of gas detection in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure is depicted. At 702, a focused light beam can be received. At 704, a detection signal containing information about a gas within a path of the focused light can be generated based on the received focused light. At 706, optical image data can be captured, where a field of view of the optical image data includes the path of the focused light. At 708, the method 700 can include determining whether an event condition has occurred based on the optical image data. The event condition can be particularly an event that can have an impact on the detection signal. The event condition can be, for example, the appearance of a predefined object of interest within the field of view of the optical sensor or misalignment of the receiver relative to the path of the focused light.

[0046] While the optical sensor is primarily described throughout the present disclosure as being included within the receiver of the gas detection system, it should be readily appreciated that the optical sensor can instead be positioned within the transmitter. For example, the optical sensor can be located in the transmitter and work in a similar manner by receiving transmission signals from the receiver unit or from the user control unit via a communication interface.

[0047] While the present disclosure has been described and illustrated in detail, it should be readily apparent that various changes and modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the embodiments. The present disclosure is therefore aimed to cover all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of the embodiments.

Claims

1. A gas detection system, comprising: Receiver, the receiver comprising: An optical sensor configured to receive a focused beam of light generated by an emitter and generate a detection signal containing information about gas within the path of the focused light; An optical sensor configured to continuously capture optical image data, wherein the field of view of the optical sensor includes the path of the focused beam; and The electronic component includes a memory buffer and a persistent memory region, wherein the memory buffer is configured to: Receive and temporarily store the optical image data; and Upon receiving a transmission command, the optical image data is transferred to the persistent memory area.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the electronic component is configured to provide the transmission command to the memory buffer based on the detection signal.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the electronic component is configured to provide the transmission command when the signal strength within the detection signal drops below a predefined threshold.

4. The system of claim 2, wherein the electronic component is configured to provide the transmission command when the detection signal indicates a blocked or misaligned signal.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the electronic component is configured to provide the transmission command to the memory buffer based on the optical image data.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the memory buffer is further configured to delete the optical image data after a predefined time interval, unless the transmission command is received.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the electronic component is configured to modify the optical image data transferred from the memory buffer to the persistent memory region.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the optical image data is modified to include information obtained from the detection signal.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the optical image data is modified to include the signal strength value of the detection signal.

10. The system of claim 7, wherein the optical image data is modified to include a graphic overlay layer.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein the light sensor is located adjacent to the optical sensor within the housing of the receiver, and wherein the transparent component is located adjacent to both sensors along the path of the focused light.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein the optical image data includes video files.

13. A gas detection system, comprising: Receiver, the receiver comprising: An optical sensor configured to receive a focused beam of light generated by an emitter and generate a detection signal containing information about gas within the path of the focused light; An optical sensor configured to capture optical image data, wherein the field of view of the optical sensor includes the path of the focused light; and Electronic components, the electronic components including a processor, the processor being configured to: Receive the optical image data; and The optical image data is used to determine whether an event has occurred.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the event condition is the appearance of a predefined object of interest within the field of view of the optical sensor.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the processor is configured to identify the predefined object of interest.

16. The system of claim 13, wherein the event condition is that the receiver is misaligned relative to the path of the focused light.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the processor is configured to determine that the receiver is misaligned based on the identification of the transmitter in the optical image data.

18. The system of claim 13, wherein the processor is configured to continuously receive the optical image data and continuously determine, based on the optical image data, whether an event condition has occurred.

19. A method for gas detection, the method comprising: Receive a focused beam of light; A detection signal is generated based on the received focused light, and the detection signal contains information about the gas in the path of the focused light; Capture optical image data, wherein the field of view of the optical image data includes the path of the focused light; as well as Based on the optical image data, it is determined whether an event condition has occurred, wherein the event condition is the presence of a predefined object of interest within the field of view of the optical sensor or misalignment of the receiver relative to the path of the focused light.

20. A gas detection system, comprising: A transmitter configured to generate a focused beam of light along a path; as well as The receiver includes a light sensor configured to receive the focused light beam and generate a detection signal containing information about the gas within the path of the focused light. The transmitter and the receiver, at least one of them, include: An optical sensor configured to capture optical image data, wherein the field of view of the optical sensor includes the path of the focused light; as well as Electronic components, the electronic components including a processor, the processor being configured to: Receive the optical image data; and The optical image data is used to determine whether an event has occurred.

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