Flame Monitoring with IR-Camera Distance Cross-Validation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flame detection systems are unable to accurately determine flame distance and size, leading to potential false alarms and inefficiencies in fire detection.
Innovation Solution
A flame monitoring system utilizing an infrared sensor and a camera sensor to calculate flame area and distance through a processor, validating the area as actual based on a threshold difference between sensed infrared energy and image-captured parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing flame detection systems are used, then flame detection is provided, but flame distance and size cannot be determined accurately
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional single-point flame detection to two-dimensional imaging detection using a camera. The camera captures flame images that contain spatial information about flame area and position, enabling determination of flame size and distance that was previously unavailable from conventional detectors alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an image processing unit as an intermediary between the camera and the detection system output. This unit processes the captured images to extract flame area, perimeter, and centroid information, converting visual data into quantitative measurements of flame distance and size.
2Reliability
If traditional flame detection is used, then detection is provided, but false alarms occur due to inability to determine flame characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the image processing unit continuously analyzes flame characteristics (area, shape, intensity distribution) and compares them against expected flame patterns. This feedback loop enables the system to distinguish between actual flames and false alarm sources, improving detection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes color/intensity analysis of flame images to identify genuine flames. By analyzing the characteristic color patterns and intensity distributions of real flames versus false alarm sources, the system can reliably distinguish between actual fire hazards and spurious detections.
3Loss of information
If flame area calculation is performed, then flame intensity analysis is provided, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The image processing unit serves multiple functions simultaneously: it calculates flame area for intensity analysis, determines flame position for localization, and extracts flame shape characteristics for verification. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each measurement task.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the captured flame images themselves as the source data for all measurements. The same image data that detects flame presence is also used to calculate area, determine position, and analyze intensity, eliminating the need for separate sensing systems and reducing overall complexity.
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
Accurately determines flame area and distance, reducing false alarms and enhancing the reliability of fire detection.
Implementation Method 1
a flame detector configured to sense infrared energy (E) emitted by a flame
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A flame monitoring system (100) is disclosed. The flame monitoring system comprises a flame detector (106) configured to sense an infrared energy emitted by a flame (302), an image capturing device (110), and at least one processor (104). The at least one processor is configured to determine an area of the flame based at least on a first distance between the flame and the flame detector, a predefined flame constant, and the infrared energy; determine a second distance between the flame and the flame detector based at least on parameters associated with the image capturing device and determine a difference between the first distance and the second distance and in an instance in which the difference between the first distance and the second distance is less than or equal to a threshold value, validate the area as an actual area of the flame.