Remote Gas Imaging via Spectral Segmentation and Non-linear Prediction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas detection systems face challenges in distinguishing between methane, butane, and propane due to overlapping infrared absorption bands, leading to difficulties in accurately detecting and imaging these gases.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing a light source with uniform infrared wavelength distribution, bandpass filters corresponding to specific gas absorption curves, and a non-linear prediction model to determine gas concentrations and construct distribution images, enabling accurate identification of gas leakage even with overlapping absorption bands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If infrared cameras are used to detect gas leakage, then detection sensitivity is improved, but the ability to distinguish between different gases deteriorates due to overlapping infrared absorption bands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the infrared spectrum into multiple discrete wavelength bands using bandpass filters. Each filter captures a specific wavelength range corresponding to absorption features of target gases. By dividing the continuous spectrum into segmented bands, the system can selectively measure absorption at multiple wavelengths to distinguish between gases with overlapping absorption profiles, thereby maintaining detection sensitivity while improving gas identification accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-wavelength detection to multi-wavelength spectral detection, adding the wavelength dimension to the detection process. By measuring infrared absorption across multiple wavelength bands simultaneously, the system creates a spectral fingerprint for each gas type. This dimensional expansion enables differentiation between gases that would be indistinguishable in single-wavelength detection, resolving the contradiction between sensitivity and identification accuracy.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple gas types are detected simultaneously, then monitoring coverage is improved, but the complexity of distinguishing overlapping absorption bands increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multiple bandpass filters, each tuned to specific wavelength ranges characteristic of different gas types. This segmentation of the spectral detection space allows simultaneous monitoring of multiple gases without requiring complex spectral unmixing algorithms. Each filter provides dedicated detection channels for specific gases, simplifying the overall detection architecture while maintaining multi-gas monitoring capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system is designed with universal applicability to detect multiple gas types (methane, butane, propane, etc.) using a common platform of infrared camera and filter wheel assembly. The same hardware infrastructure supports detection of various gases by simply changing the filter configuration, avoiding the need for separate detection systems for each gas type and thereby reducing overall system complexity.
3Device complexity
If conventional filter-based detection is used, then system simplicity is maintained, but detection sensitivity for low concentration gases deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary background calibration by capturing reference images of the scene without gas present. These background images are stored and subsequently subtracted from measurement images to eliminate static environmental effects such as temperature gradients, humidity, and fixed infrared emissions. This preliminary action enhances the sensitivity of low-concentration gas detection by removing confounding factors before actual gas measurement, while maintaining system simplicity through software-based processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback through iterative background subtraction and image processing. By continuously comparing current measurements against stored background references and adjusting for environmental variations, the system maintains high detection sensitivity. The feedback loop allows the system to adapt to changing environmental conditions and consistently detect low-concentration gases despite the simplicity of the hardware configuration.
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 system achieves higher sensitivity in gas imaging and accurately differentiates between methane, butane, and propane across a wide concentration range, providing precise gas concentration information and warnings for environmental safety.
Implementation Method 1
an active light source configured to illuminate the area with a light beam having uniform light intensity distribution over the mid-wave infrared range
Implementation Method 2
one or more gas detection filters having bandpass central wavelength corresponding to absorption curves of one or more target gases respectively
Implementation Method 3
an infrared image sensor configured to capture the infrared image of the illuminated area
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a method and a system for remote imaging of explosive gases in an area. The method comprises: illuminating the area with a light source having a uniform light intensity distribution over an infrared wavelength range; acquiring images of the illuminated area with an image sensor through gas detection filters having bandpass central wavelength corresponding to absorption curves of target gases respectively; determining existence of the target gases based on the acquired images; predicting distribution of gas concertation for existing target gases respectively by using a non-linear prediction model; and constructing gas distribution images of the area based on the predicted distribution of gas concertation. The present invention can recognize different gases with overlapping absorption curves and provide more accurate prediction of gas concentrations.