Open Path Gas Detector Optical Sensor Misalignment Diagnosis
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Open path gas detectors often experience false alarms due to misalignment, blockages, or environmental factors, leading to unnecessary maintenance and resource allocation, as operators may need to physically inspect the detectors to diagnose issues.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a receiver with an integrated optical sensor that captures and stores optical image data, allowing for the determination of event conditions such as misalignment or blockages, and providing this data to users for remote diagnosis and corrective action.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If operators physically inspect detectors to diagnose issues, then accurate diagnosis can be achieved, but time and resource expenditure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a visual copy of the detection path environment using an optical sensor and camera. The camera captures images of objects in the detection path, and the optical sensor generates optical images that are processed to create representations of the environment. These visual copies allow operators to remotely diagnose issues without physically visiting the site, maintaining diagnosis accuracy while eliminating travel time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of the optical sensor, camera, and image processing unit that mediates between the physical detector environment and the operator. This intermediary captures and transmits visual information about misalignment, blockages, and environmental conditions, allowing operators to assess situations remotely and make informed decisions without direct physical inspection.
2Loss of information
If optical image data is continuously captured and stored, then complete diagnostic information is available, but memory resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary processing of optical image data by analyzing it to detect specific conditions such as misalignment, blockages, and environmental factors before storing. The system evaluates the optical images to determine if they contain diagnostically relevant information, and only stores data that meets predefined criteria. This preliminary action ensures that stored information is complete and useful while minimizing unnecessary storage of redundant data.
3Reliability
If false alarms are investigated through site visits, then potential issues can be identified, but unnecessary resource allocation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by performing remote preliminary assessment of false alarm conditions using optical image data and camera images. Instead of immediately dispatching resources for full investigation, the system first conducts a partial assessment by analyzing visual data to determine if the false alarm is caused by detectable environmental factors such as misalignment, blockages, or weather conditions. This partial action filters out cases that can be diagnosed remotely, preventing unnecessary resource allocation while maintaining the ability to identify and address genuine issues.
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 solution enables more accurate and efficient diagnosis of issues with open path gas detectors, reducing the need for unnecessary site visits and allowing for timely and informed corrective actions, thereby improving the reliability and efficiency of gas detection systems.
Implementation Method 1
a light sensor configured to receive a beam of focused light generated by a transmitter and to produce a detection signal containing information regarding the gas within the path of the focused light
Implementation Method 2
an optical sensor configured to continuously capture optical image data, wherein the field of view of the optical sensor includes the path of the beam of focused light
Data Source
AI summary
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. The field of view of the optical sensor can include the path of a beam of focused light received by a light sensor of the receiver. The receiver can be configured to receive and temporarily store the optical image data in a memory buffer, and then transfer the optical image data to a persistent memory area upon receipt of a transfer command. A transfer command may be provided in various situations, such as when requested by a receiver, when a predefined object of interest is identified in the optical image data, or when a blockage occurs and light sensor is no longer receiving the beam of focused light.