초록 ▼

A remote sensing method for detecting and analyzing gases, vapors and flame plumes using an imaging spectrometer. The spectrometric instrument uses Image Multispectral Sensing (IMSS) technology, enhanced by advanced imaging processing techniques and micro-miniature circuitry. These enhancements prov

A remote sensing method for detecting and analyzing gases, vapors and flame plumes using an imaging spectrometer. The spectrometric instrument uses Image Multispectral Sensing (IMSS) technology, enhanced by advanced imaging processing techniques and micro-miniature circuitry. These enhancements provide a portable instrument with the capability to remotely detect and image gases, including gas leaks. The technology also provides an analysis of the gas including chemical species and concentrations. The instrument can also remotely detect, image and analyze flames and plumes in the same manner, providing an analysis of the chemical species and concentrations in the flame. Advanced image processing techniques are used to provide gas and plume images and analysis to the operator. These processing algorithms are implemented in micro-miniature circuits such as digital signal processors (DSP's) and field programmable gate arrays (FPGA's) to provide a field portable instrument.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A method for detecting the presence of a particular gas in a volume of gas comprising the steps of: (a) presenting an image multispectral sensing apparatus operable for measuring the spectral composition of light emanating from a remote volume of gas, the apparatus having a light input apertur

1. A method for detecting the presence of a particular gas in a volume of gas comprising the steps of: (a) presenting an image multispectral sensing apparatus operable for measuring the spectral composition of light emanating from a remote volume of gas, the apparatus having a light input aperture; then (b) gathering light from said volume of gas and focusing an image containing said light on said input aperture; then (c) measuring the spectral composition of light from different parts of the image to determine the spectral distribution, the spectral distribution indicating the presence of a gas leak. 2. The method of claim 1 wherein said image multispectral sensing apparatus comprises: (a) an input optical element adapted to receive and transmit said light emanating from a remote volume of gas; and (b) a diffractive optical element having an optical axis and disposed to receive said light transmitted by said input optical element and adapted to disperse spectral components of said light into a volume having an area A and a length L, said area A defining a pixel footprint; and (c) a photodetector array comprising a plurality of pixels, said photodetector array having an area substantially equal to said pixel footprint, said photodetector array being disposed to receive dispersed light from said diffractive optical element; and (d) means for measuring said controllable portion of said light that is focused upon said photodetector array, said measured controllable portion comprising an image; and (e) means for changing the distance between said diffractive optical element and said photodetector array in the direction of L. 3. The method in accordance with claim 2 wherein said image multispectral sensing apparatus further comprises: (a) an addressable spatial mask disposed between said input optical element and said diffractive optical element comprising a sheet having a planar array of discrete addressable switchable apertures disposed thereon, said apertures being independently operable for directing a controllable portion of said light incident thereon to said diffractive optical element in response to a control signal; and (b) means for controlling the direction of said light incident upon each of said plurality of apertures of said addressable spatial mask to impinge upon said diffractive optical element. 4. The method of claim 2 wherein said image multispectral sensing apparatus further comprises computer means operable for enhancing said image. 5. The method of claim 3 wherein said image multispectral sensing apparatus further comprises computer means operable for enhancing said image.