Infrared Thermography for Flame Detection Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flame detectors struggle to accurately differentiate between real fires and artificial flames, leading to unwanted alarms and economic losses, especially in industrial settings where environmental factors like high-temperature equipment and lighting can trigger false alarms.
Innovation Solution
An intelligent flame detection apparatus and method that combines a conventional flame detector with an infrared thermographic camera and image processing technology, allowing for accurate determination of flame type and risk through cooperative relationships between the components, reducing unwanted alarms and improving fire alarm accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional flame detectors use sensitivity setting based on flame size and temporal setting to reduce unwanted alarms, then unwanted alarms are reduced, but detection accuracy for small flames deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional detection (flame size and duration only) to two-dimensional detection by incorporating spatial distribution information through infrared thermographic imaging. This allows the system to analyze not only the size and duration of flames but also their spatial patterns, enabling accurate distinction between real fires and artificial flames while maintaining sensitivity to small flames.
2Measurement precision
If flame detectors detect specific electromagnetic waves from flames, then fire detection capability is improved, but false detection of high-temperature equipment and artificial lights worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the principle of color changes by utilizing the characteristic color (infrared radiation pattern) of flames in the infrared spectrum. The infrared thermographic camera captures the unique thermal radiation signature of flames, which differs from the radiation patterns of high-temperature equipment and artificial lights. This enables the system to distinguish real flames from false targets based on their distinct thermal characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from general electromagnetic wave detection to specific infrared radiation pattern analysis. By focusing on the unique infrared signature and spatial distribution patterns of flames, the system can differentiate between actual fires and false targets such as high-temperature equipment or artificial lights that do not exhibit the same thermal radiation characteristics.
3Loss of information
If infrared thermographic camera is used to detect flames, then spatial distribution information is obtained, but differentiation between real fires and artificial flames deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by comparing the captured infrared image patterns against a database of pre-registered artificial flame patterns. The system continuously monitors the spatial distribution of thermal radiation and provides feedback by matching it with known patterns, enabling intelligent differentiation between real fires and artificial flames based on their distinct spatial characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary component - the image processing unit with pattern recognition algorithms - that mediates between the raw infrared image data and the final detection decision. This intermediary analyzes the spatial distribution information, extracts characteristic features, and compares them with reference patterns to accurately distinguish between real fires and artificial flames.
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 solution effectively reduces erroneous fire alarms by distinguishing between real fires and artificial flames, minimizing economic losses and improving the accuracy of fire detection, particularly in industrial environments.
Implementation Method 1
an infrared thermographic camera module for obtaining a thermogram image according to infrared radiation
Implementation Method 2
a flame sensor for detecting a flame; wherein the flame sensor is a sensor for detecting ultraviolet or infrared rays or a three-wave flame detector
Implementation Method 3
a flame sensor for detecting ultraviolet or infrared rays or a three-wave flame detector
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an intelligent flame detection apparatus and method using an infrared thermogram, which combine a conventional flame detector with an infrared thermographic camera and an infrared thermogram processing technology, and which enable whether a flame signal received from a flame sensor is an allowed flame or an artificial flame to be accurately detected, thereby improving the accuracy of fire alarms.