Hybrid Flame Gas Detection Using Sensor Validation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flame and gas detection systems using either non-imaging sensors or imaging sensors face challenges such as false alarms, difficulty in discerning certain flames or gases, and lack of spatial specificity, which reduces their reliability.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that combines data from both non-imaging sensors and imaging sensors, including mid-wave infrared and ultraviolet non-imaging sensors, and infrared and visible light imaging sensors, to determine and validate the presence of flames or gases within a scene of interest, using a processor to integrate data and reduce false alarms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If non-imaging sensors are used for flame or gas detection, then detection sensitivity is improved, but spatial location capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines non-imaging sensors (for detection sensitivity) with imaging sensors (for spatial location) into a hybrid detection system. The non-imaging sensors detect flame or gas presence with high sensitivity while the imaging sensors provide spatial information, and the two data streams are integrated through validation logic to achieve both detection precision and spatial awareness simultaneously.
2Loss of information
If imaging sensors are used for flame or gas detection, then spatial location capability is improved, but false alarm rate increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a validation mechanism where the imaging sensor detection state is validated against the non-imaging sensor detection state. The non-imaging sensor acts as a reference to confirm or refute detections from the imaging sensor, providing feedback that reduces false alarms while preserving spatial location capability.
3Device complexity
If single sensor type is used for detection, then device complexity is reduced, but detection reliability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the detection system by implementing a validation framework that dynamically adjusts detection confidence based on agreement between non-imaging and imaging sensors. When both sensor types agree on a detection, the system increases detection confidence and triggers alerts, while discrepancies lead to further validation or dismissal of potential false alarms.
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
The combined system enhances the reliability of flame and gas detection by reducing false alarms and providing greater spatial specificity, allowing for more accurate detection and validation of flames or gases within specific locations.
Implementation Method 1
Sensors, such as mid-wave infrared non-imaging sensors, generally employ two or more sensor components with a common field of view which have filters tuned to admit electromagnetic radiation within different portions of the mid-wave infrared waveband
Implementation Method 2
Imagers, such as visible, ultraviolet, or infrared imagers, generally employ a focal plane array sensitized to generate image data using electromagnetic radiation within their respective wavebands
Data Source
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AI summary
A flame or gas detection method (200) includes determining (210) non-imaging sensor system detection state (16; 322, 336) for a scene of interest (14), determining (220) an imaging sensor system detection state (18; 350, 362) for the scene of interest, and validating (230) one of the non-imaging sensor system detection state and the imaging sensor system detection state with the other of the non-imaging sensor system detection state and the imaging sensor system detection state. A flame or gas detecting system detection state (26; 242, 244) is then indicated (240) at a user interface (124; 372) including the validated one of the non-imaging sensor system detection state and the imaging system detection state. Flame or gas detection systems (100; 300) and computer program products (102) are also described.