Systems and methods for an open path gas detector with an integrated optical sensor
Systems and methods are provided for an open path gas detection system having a receiver with an optical sensor configured to continuously capture optical image data. The field of view of the optical sensor can include the path of a beam of focused light received by a light sensor of the receiver. The receiver can be configured to receive and temporarily store the optical image data in a memory buffer, and then transfer the optical image data to a persistent memory area upon receipt of a transfer command. A transfer command may be provided in various situations, such as when requested by a receiver, when a predefined object of interest is identified in the optical image data, or when a blockage occurs and light sensor is no longer receiving the beam of focused light.
1 . A gas detection system comprising:
a receiver including:
a light sensor configured to receive a beam of focused light generated by a transmitter and to produce a detection signal containing information regarding the gas within the path of the focused light;
an optical sensor configured to continuously capture optical image data, wherein the field of view of the optical sensor includes the path of the beam of focused light; and
an electronic assembly including a memory buffer and a persistent memory area, wherein the memory buffer is configured to:
receive and temporarily store the optical image data;
receive a transfer command based on an analysis of the optical image data; and
transfer the optical image data to the persistent memory area upon receipt of the transfer command,
wherein the electronic assembly is configured to provide a stop-transfer command to the memory buffer based on the optical image data.
2 . The gas detection system of claim 1 , wherein the stop-transfer command is provided based on the detection signal.
3 . The gas detection system of claim 1 , wherein the stop-transfer command is provided based on receipt of a request from the user.
4 . The gas detection system of claim 1 , wherein the stop-transfer command is provided based on the expiration of a predefined period of time following initiation of a transfer.
5 . The gas detection system of claim 1 , wherein the stop-transfer command is provided based on an analysis of the optical image data.
6 . A gas detection system comprising:
a receiver including:
a light sensor configured to receive a beam of focused light generated by a transmitter and to produce a detection signal containing information regarding the gas within the path of the focused light;
an optical sensor configured to capture optical image data, wherein the field of view of the optical sensor includes the path of the focused light; and
an electronic assembly including a processor configured to:
receive the optical image data;
identify a predefined object of interest;
determine that a first event condition has occurred when the predefined object of interest is identified in the optical image data;
transfer the optical image data over a network when the first event condition has occurred; and
halt the transfer of the optical image data over the network when a second event condition has occurred.
7 . The gas detection system of claim 6 , wherein the processor is configured to continuously receive the optical image data and to continuously determine if the first event condition has occurred based on the optical image data.
8 . The gas detection system of claim 6 , wherein the second event condition is the object of interest is no longer identified in the optical image data.
9 . The gas detection system of claim 6 , wherein the second event condition is the expiration of a predefined period of time.
10 . The gas detection system of claim 6 , wherein the second event condition is the receipt of a user stop-transfer command.
11 . A gas detection system comprising:
a receiver including:
a light sensor configured to receive a beam of focused light generated by a transmitter and to produce a detection signal containing information regarding the gas within the path of the focused light;
an optical sensor configured to capture optical image data, wherein the field of view of the optical sensor includes the path of the focused light; and
an electronic assembly including a processor configured to:
attempt to identify the transmitter in the optical image data;
transfer the optical image data over a network based on a failure to identify the transmitter in the optical image data indicating misalignment.
12 . The gas detection system of claim 11 , wherein the electronic assembly includes a memory buffer configured to receive and temporarily store the optical image data and to delete the optical image data after a predefined amount of time unless a transfer command is received.
13 . The gas detection system of claim 11 , wherein the electronic assembly is configured to modify the optical image data transferred over the network.
14 . The gas detection system of claim 13 , wherein the optical image data is modified to include information obtained from the detection signal.
15 . The gas detection system of claim 14 , wherein the optical image data is modified to include a signal strength value of the detection signal.
16 . The gas detection system of claim 13 , wherein the optical image data is modified by labeling an identified object of interest.
17 . The gas detection system of claim 11 , wherein the light sensor is positioned adjacent to the optical sensor within a housing of the receiver, and wherein a transparent component is positioned adjacent to both sensors along the path of the focused light.
18 . The gas detection system of claim 11 , wherein the optical image data includes a video file.