Gas Imaging Camera System Wavelength Selection for Background Scattering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Infrared and gas imaging systems face challenges in accurately detecting target gases due to varying background conditions that interfere with backscattered light, leading to misinterpretation of images, especially in scenarios with inadequate scattering or angled surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that capture images using light of different wavelengths, where one wavelength is not absorbed by the target gas, allowing for the identification of operable gas detection pixels by comparing pixel differences, and a portable camera system with light sources emitting at specific wavelengths to aid in gas detection by distinguishing between suitable and unsuitable pixels for imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If gas imaging is performed using backscattered light, then gas detection capability is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to varying background conditions that interfere with light scattering
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the wavelength parameter of illumination light to differentiate between gas absorption and background scattering effects. By using multiple wavelengths (including wavelengths absorbed by the target gas and wavelengths not absorbed), the system can distinguish genuine gas detection signals from background interference, thereby improving reliability while maintaining detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary comparison mechanism that uses non-absorbed wavelength images as a reference to evaluate the reliability of absorbed wavelength images. This intermediary approach allows the system to identify and exclude pixels affected by inadequate background scattering, thus improving overall detection reliability
2Measurement precision
If multiple wavelengths are used for imaging, then detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging device is designed with multi-functionality to capture images at multiple wavelengths using a single detector element. The detector can be illuminated by light sources of different wavelengths sequentially, and the same detector processes all wavelength data, reducing the need for multiple specialized components while maintaining high detection accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic illumination with different wavelengths rather than simultaneous multi-wavelength illumination. The light sources illuminate the target scene at different time intervals, and the detector captures images during each illumination period. This periodic approach simplifies the optical system design while still enabling multi-wavelength analysis for improved accuracy
3Measurement precision
If background scattering is required for gas detection, then gas shadow visibility is improved, but adaptability deteriorates due to limited suitable backgrounds
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the evaluation parameter from requiring strong background scattering to evaluating the ratio of absorbed to non-absorbed light at different wavelengths. This parameter change allows the system to detect gas shadows even in backgrounds with poor scattering properties, as the wavelength-dependent absorption signature remains detectable regardless of overall scattering intensity
Solution Approach 2:
The non-absorbed wavelength images serve as an intermediary reference that enables the system to adapt to various background conditions. By comparing absorbed and non-absorbed wavelength images, the system can identify genuine gas absorption patterns even when background scattering is weak or inconsistent, thereby improving adaptability across different environments
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
Enhances the accuracy of gas detection by identifying suitable imaging areas and alerting users to unsuitable pixels, reducing false positives and negatives, and enabling effective visualization of gas presence in complex backgrounds.
Implementation Method 1
a user will illuminate the target scene with light of a wavelength that is absorbed by the target gas... the light incident on the target scene will either encounter the target gas and be at least partially absorbed
Implementation Method 2
or will be scattered back to the camera at substantially full intensity from various portions of the target scene
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the invention generally relate to illumination gas imaging and detection. Camera systems can illuminate a target scene with light sources configured to emit absorbing and non-absorbing wavelengths with respect to a target gas. An image of the target scene illuminated with a non-absorbing wavelength can be compared to a non-illuminated image of the target scene in order to determine information about the background of the target scene. If sufficient light of the non-absorbing wavelength is scattered by the scene toward a detector, the target scene comprises an adequate background for performing a gas imaging process. A camera system can alert a user of portions of the target scene suitable or unsuitable for performing a gas imaging process. If necessary, the user can reposition the system until sufficient portions of the target scene are recognized as suitable for performing the gas imaging process.