Abstract: A method and system for gas leak detection can involve analyzing image data of a scene in an industrial plant to identify a presence of a unique gas within the scene based on variations in a refractive index of the unique gas relative to surrounding materials, wherein the image data of the scene can be captured without an artificial background screen. Variations in the refractive index can be compared with typical index contrast imaging profiles to distinguish the unique gas from other substances within the scene. A signal or notification indicating a presence of a leak of the unique gas within or from the industrial plant can be output when the unique gas is distinguished from the other substances within the scene.

Abstract: Thermal imaging systems are provided. An example thermal imaging system includes an infrared (IR) imager that acquires IR image data of a field of view of the IR imager. The thermal imaging system further includes video analysis circuitry operably coupled to the IR imager. The video analysis circuitry receives first temperature data of a first field reference within the field of view of the IR imager, receives second temperature data of a second field reference within the field of view of the IR imager, and receives IR image data from the IR imager. The video analysis circuitry calibrates the IR imager based upon the first temperature data, the second temperature data, and the IR image data. The thermal imaging system may further include a temperature control chamber enclosing the IR imager and configured to thermally isolate the IR imager and temperature sensors thermally coupled to the IR imager.

Abstract: In one embodiment, 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 an optical focal plane array (FPA) unit. 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. Said optical system and said processing unit can be contained together in a data acquisition and processing module configured to be worn or carried by a person.

Abstract: In one embodiment, 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 an optical focal plane array (FPA) unit. 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. Said optical system and said processing unit can be contained together in a data acquisition and processing module configured to be worn or carried by a person.

Abstract: Thermal imaging systems are provided. An example thermal imaging system includes an infrared (IR) imager that acquires IR image data of a field of view of the IR imager. The thermal imaging system further includes video analysis circuitry operably coupled to the IR imager. The video analysis circuitry receives first temperature data of a first field reference within the field of view of the IR imager, receives second temperature data of a second field reference within the field of view of the IR imager, and receives IR image data from the IR imager. The video analysis circuitry calibrates the IR imager based upon the first temperature data, the second temperature data, and the IR image data. The thermal imaging system may further include a temperature control chamber enclosing the IR imager and configured to thermally isolate the IR imager and temperature sensors thermally coupled to the IR imager.