IR Camera Optical Filter for Industrial Safety Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Factory environments with high optical noise reduce the dynamic range of safety cameras, making them less effective in hazardous industrial settings, and existing safety equipment is complex and costly to operate.
Innovation Solution
A camera apparatus using an optical filter and imager that translates infra-red radiation into visible light, allowing for thermal signature analysis and differentiation between objects, including people and machinery, to identify safety hazards and prevent accidents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional safety cameras are used in factory environments with high optical noise, then the cameras can detect safety hazards, but the dynamic range is reduced making them less effective
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical detection into multiple wavelength channels (visible light and infrared). By dividing the detection spectrum into separate bands, the system can process thermal radiation information independently from visible light noise, thereby maintaining dynamic range while improving reliability in high optical noise environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an infrared optical filter as an intermediary component that selectively transmits thermal radiation wavelengths while blocking visible light. This intermediary element enables the camera to isolate and detect thermal signatures without interference from high optical noise in the visible spectrum, preserving dynamic range while enhancing safety detection reliability.
2Reliability
If conventional safety equipment is used to provide safety monitoring, then safety hazards can be detected, but the equipment complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the camera system universal by enabling it to detect both visible light and infrared thermal radiation through wavelength-selective optical filtering. This multi-functional capability allows a single device to perform both conventional visual monitoring and thermal hazard detection, reducing overall equipment complexity and cost while maintaining high reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the camera by introducing tunable optical filters that can select different wavelength ranges. This parameter adjustment allows the same hardware to adapt between visible light detection and infrared thermal detection modes, simplifying the system architecture while providing comprehensive safety monitoring capabilities.
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 enables effective operation in high optical noise environments without reducing dynamic range, providing a cost-effective and simplified means to monitor and manage safety hazards, reducing the risk of accidents by accurately identifying and responding to thermal signatures in industrial settings.
Implementation Method 1
A camera apparatus using an optical filter and imager that translates infra-red radiation into visible light
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and methods for using infra-red light provide for enhanced operation in camera applications. In an embodiment, a safety camera includes an optical filter that provides an input to an imager from received light having wavelengths in the infra-red spectrum. Output from the imager can be analyzed to determine safety hazard events in an area viewed by the safety camera.