Mobile Gas and Chemical Imaging Camera with Divided-Aperture IR
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spectral imaging systems require scanning in both spatial and spectral domains, leading to inefficient data acquisition and the need for expensive, maintenance-intensive cooled detectors, which are not suitable for continuous monitoring and extreme weather conditions.
Innovation Solution
A divided-aperture infrared spectral imaging (DAISI) system that operates in a single-shot mode using uncooled detectors, capturing multispectral data from multiple optical channels simultaneously, allowing for real-time gas detection and monitoring in a portable form factor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If scanning approaches are used to acquire spectral data, then measurement precision can be improved, but loss of time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The aperture is divided into multiple segments, each corresponding to a different spectral band. This allows simultaneous capture of multiple spectral regions without scanning, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and acquisition time by capturing the full spectral data cube in a single shot.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from sequential scanning in one dimension to simultaneous capture across multiple spectral dimensions. By using a divided aperture with each segment capturing a specific spectral band, the system acquires the complete spectral data cube simultaneously, eliminating the time penalty of scanning while maintaining spectral precision.
2Measurement precision
If cooled detectors are used, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs uncooled detectors that are simpler, cheaper, and more robust compared to cooled detectors. While cooled detectors offer higher sensitivity, the uncooled detectors in this invention provide sufficient performance for the application while eliminating the complexity of cooling systems, maintenance requirements, and associated costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters of the detection system by operating at ambient temperature rather than requiring cryogenic cooling. This parameter change from cooled to uncooled operation simplifies the device while maintaining adequate measurement precision for gas detection applications.
3Device complexity
If uncooled detectors are used, then device complexity and cost are reduced, but measurement precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The divided aperture segments the incoming radiation into multiple spectral bands, with each segment directed to an uncooled detector. This segmentation allows uncooled detectors to specialize in detecting specific spectral regions where their sensitivity is adequate, compensating for their generally lower sensitivity compared to cooled detectors across the full spectrum.
4Ease of operation
If portable form factor is implemented, then ease of operation and adaptability are improved, but device complexity increases due to integration constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the optical system, divided aperture, and uncooled detectors into an integrated portable unit. By combining these components into a single compact system, the invention achieves portability while managing integration complexity through unified design rather than separate interconnected systems.
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 DAISI system provides efficient, cost-effective, and reliable gas detection in various environments without the need for cooling, enabling continuous monitoring and reduced susceptibility to motion artifacts, while using uncooled detectors that are less expensive and more robust.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the at least two optical channels can be positioned to transfer IR radiation incident on the optical system towards the optical FPA
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, an infrared (IR) imaging system for determining a concentration of a target species in an object is disclosed. The imaging system can include an optical system including an optical focal plane array (FPA) unit. The optical system can have components defining at least two optical channels thereof, said at least two optical channels being spatially and spectrally different from one another. Each of the at least two optical channels can be positioned to transfer IR radiation incident on the optical system towards the optical FPA. The system can include a processing unit containing a processor that can be configured to acquire multispectral optical data representing said target species from the IR radiation received at the optical FPA. Said optical system and said processing unit can be contained together in a data acquisition and processing module configured to be worn or carried by a person.