Multispectral Infrared Camera Flame Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current infrared detectors face challenges in accurately distinguishing flames from hot equipment and false alarms caused by hot CO2 emissions and sunlight, particularly in detecting flames at 4.3 um wavelength, and struggle with distance and water interference.
Innovation Solution
A multispectral infrared camera system using multiple filters to detect flames in the 4.3-4.4 um range and thermal images in longer wavelengths, with synchronized filter movement and a photodiode for verification, and water mitigation solutions like hydrophobic coatings and heating to enhance detection accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a narrowband detector filtering only 4.3-4.4 um range is used for flame detection, then flame detection capability is improved, but the ability to distinguish flames from hot CO2 emissions and sunlight deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the infrared spectrum into multiple wavelength bands (4.3-4.4 um for flame detection, 8-12 um for thermal imaging, and additional bands at 3 um and 5 um). By segmenting the detection spectrum and using multiple detectors for different bands, the system can differentiate between flame emissions and other heat sources like hot CO2 and sunlight, thereby reducing false alarms while maintaining flame detection precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The broadband infrared camera is designed to perform multiple functions: flame detection in the 4.3-4.4 um band, thermal imaging in the 8-12 um band, and verification detection in additional bands (3 um and 5 um). This multi-functional detector can identify flames, image thermal scenes, and verify detections to eliminate false positives, resolving the contradiction between detection precision and reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If broadband infrared camera is used to detect both flame and thermal image, then detection versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple detection functions (flame detection, thermal imaging, and verification) into a single broadband infrared camera system with multiple filters and detectors. By merging these functions into one integrated device rather than separate systems, the patent achieves detection versatility while managing complexity through unified control and synchronized operation of the filters and detectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamically switchable filters that can be positioned in front of the detector to select different wavelength bands as needed. This dynamic filtering capability allows the single broadband camera to adapt between flame detection mode, thermal imaging mode, and verification mode, providing versatility without requiring multiple fixed-purpose devices.
3Measurement precision
If multiple filters are used for wavelength selection, then detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical path into multiple channels, each with dedicated filters for specific wavelength bands (4.3-4.4 um, 8-12 um, 3 um, 5 um). By segmenting the filtering function across multiple specialized filters rather than using one complex variable filter, the system achieves high detection accuracy for each band while keeping each filter component relatively simple and manageable.
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
Enables clear differentiation of flames from heat sources and reduces false alarms by using multiple filters and water mitigation techniques, improving detection accuracy and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a detector configured to detect a flame in a first infrared wavelength band
Implementation Method 2
to detect a thermal image in a second infrared wavelength band, longer than the first infrared wavelength band
Implementation Method 3
water mitigation solutions like hydrophobic coatings
Implementation Method 4
heating to enhance detection accuracy
Data Source
AI summary
An infrared imaging system includes a detector configured to detect a flame in a first infrared wavelength band and to detect a thermal image in a second infrared wavelength band, longer than the first infrared wavelength band; and an imaging circuit configured to output an image including the flame and the thermal image.