Gas Mixture Detection Using Tunable Wavelength Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas detection technologies, both passive and active, have limitations in accuracy and selectivity, particularly in detecting gas mixtures and determining their composition from a distance, with passive detection being limited by temperature differences and active detection requiring specific background conditions.
Innovation Solution
A device combining passive and active detection methods by using a tunable light source and optical filters to capture and analyze gas images at different wavelengths, allowing for precise determination of gas presence, distribution, and composition through image differencing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If passive detection is used, then measurement distance can be several hundred meters, but detection accuracy and selectivity are limited due to reliance on thermal background radiation and temperature differences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines passive detection (using thermal background radiation) and active detection (using an illuminator) in a single device. The optical capture unit can operate in both modes, allowing the system to leverage the long measurement distance advantage of passive detection while incorporating the high accuracy and selectivity of active detection through spectral analysis of reflected light.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the detection parameter by introducing controlled light illumination at specific wavelengths. The illuminator emits light at a first wavelength and the optical capture unit captures reflected light, enabling spectral analysis that provides high detection accuracy and selectivity regardless of temperature differences or background conditions.
2Measurement precision
If active detection is used, then detection accuracy and selectivity are improved, but measurement distance is substantially reduced to approximately 2 meters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges active and passive detection capabilities into one system. The optical capture unit is designed to capture both thermal background radiation (passive mode) and reflected illuminated light (active mode), allowing the system to achieve long measurement distances when needed while maintaining high detection accuracy when active illumination is used.
3Adaptability or versatility
If passive detection is used, then no background requirements are imposed, but gas identification is limited and algorithms are required for detection
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces controlled light illumination at specific wavelengths to enhance gas identification. By capturing reflected light at multiple wavelengths and performing spectral analysis, the system achieves accurate gas identification and composition determination without requiring complex algorithms, while still maintaining adaptability to various background conditions.
4Device complexity
If a single wavelength range is used, then device complexity is reduced, but detection capability for gas mixtures is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is segmented into multiple functional components: an optical capture unit for capturing light, an illuminator for emitting controlled light at specific wavelengths, and an optical filter for selecting wavelength ranges. This segmentation allows the system to detect multiple gas components by capturing light at different wavelengths while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular design.
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 detection accuracy and selectivity by enabling identification and quantification of gas mixtures at various distances and backgrounds, overcoming limitations of both passive and active detection methods.
Implementation Method 1
The light transmitted in is reflected by a background, which is required for the functioning of this technique. Subsequently, the reflected light is evaluated in the same way as in passive detection
Implementation Method 2
The filter is selected such that it lets infrared light through only in the vicinity of the absorption lines of the sought gas. If gas is present, the image is 'darkened' or 'lightened' at these locations
Implementation Method 3
The filter is selected such that it lets infrared light through only in the vicinity of the absorption lines of the sought gas
Implementation Method 4
a first light source designed to emit light having a current wavelength that can be set within a first wavelength range
Data Source
AI summary
A device for detection of a gas or of a multi-component gas mixture comprises: an optical capture unit for capturing a field of view; a first light source configured to emit light having a current wavelength within a first wavelength range, wherein the first light source is arranged such that the light emitted impinges on the field of view; a first optical filter arranged between the optical capture unit and the first light source, wherein the first optical filter enables only those wavelengths of the light in a first filter wavelength range to pass; and a control/evaluation unit configured to determine, based on at least one image recorded by the optical capture unit, the distribution of the gas or the gas mixture in the field of view, the composition of the gas or the gas mixture, and/or a concentration of the components of the gas mixture.