Window Obscuration Sensors for Multispectral Gas Imaging Cameras
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spectral imaging systems struggle with detecting obscuration of camera windows, which can degrade system operation, as they typically acquire only partial data cubes and lack efficient methods to assess window clarity.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating spatially and spectrally distinct optical channels, including a first channel focused close to the optical window and others at varying distances, with a processing unit to analyze image data for window obscuration, using techniques like edge detection, normalization, and correlation to determine window clarity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If spectral imaging systems use single optical channel, then device complexity is reduced, but ability to detect window obscuration is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical system into multiple distinct optical channels (first optical channel focused near the window, second optical channel focused at infinity) to perform different functions. This segmentation allows one channel to detect window obscuration while another performs spectral imaging, resolving the contradiction by enabling precise obscuration detection through functional division rather than requiring a single complex channel to do both.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the optical detector system universal by enabling it to receive images from multiple optical channels with different focus distances. The same detector system serves both window obscuration detection (via the first channel) and spectral imaging (via the second channel), achieving multi-functionality without proportionally increasing device complexity.
2Loss of information
If spectral imaging systems acquire full data cube, then measurement completeness is improved, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by using the first optical channel to detect window obscuration before the spectral imaging process. This preliminary detection allows the system to assess window clarity and potentially compensate for attenuation effects, ensuring complete and accurate spectral data acquisition without delays caused by re-acquisition due to obscured windows.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by using obscuration detection results from the first optical channel to inform and adjust the spectral imaging process. The processing unit uses the obscuration information to compensate for attenuation in the spectral data, ensuring data completeness while maintaining efficient acquisition times without requiring repeated measurements.
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
Enhances the ability to detect window obscuration effectively, ensuring consistent system performance by compensating for attenuation and enabling accurate spectral analysis.
Implementation Method 1
a first optical channel out of the plurality of optical channels has a focus distance that is closer to the optical window than at least some of the other optical channels of the plurality of optical channels to detect whether the optical window is obscured
Implementation Method 2
an infrared (IR) imaging system comprising: a housing; an optical window disposed on the housing; an optical detector system disposed within the housing
Implementation Method 3
a plurality of spatially and spectrally distinct optical channels that transfer incident IR radiation from the optical window to the optical detector system
Data Source
AI summary
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 a focal plane array (FPA) unit behind an optical window. 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. One or more of the optical channels may be used in detecting objects on or near the optical window, to avoid false detections of said target species.