A portable device that can monitor gas leaks by visualizing them.

Abstract

The present invention relates to a portable device capable of monitoring whether a gas leak has occurred by visualizing the gas leak, and more specifically, to a portable device capable of monitoring whether a gas leak has occurred by visualizing the gas's movement path in real time using the Schlieren photography technique. To this end, the present invention provides a portable device capable of monitoring whether a gas leak is occurring by visualizing the leak, comprising: a portable gas metering device capable of detecting whether a gas leak is occurring in a location where there is a risk of gas leakage, including a gas pipeline; a central server capable of receiving and storing information detected by a portable gas metering module; and a user terminal capable of viewing results detected by the portable gas metering module in real time and transmitting and receiving information with the central server.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a portable device capable of monitoring whether a gas leak has occurred by visualizing the gas leak, and more specifically, to a portable device capable of monitoring whether a gas leak has occurred by visualizing the gas's movement path in real time using the Schlieren photography technique. Background Technology

[0002] Generally, if a leak occurs in gas pipelines, such as LNG pipes buried underground, due to external impact or aging, high-pressure gas leaks out, resulting not only in the continuous waste of expensive gas but also, in severe cases, a risk of explosion.

[0003] Therefore, the management agency periodically inspects the gas pipelines to check for gas leaks.

[0004] Recently, there has been a trend of shifting the energy source for heating in urban buildings and homes from petroleum to gas in significant proportions. Generally, gas is supplied to desired locations by connecting multiple pipes with a constant thickness between the outer and inner surfaces in series and parallel.

[0005] While these gases can serve as convenient energy sources in many ways, their unstable chemical state means that the risks are as significant as their convenience. Therefore, safety management and risk prediction for gas pipeline networks are recognized as critical issues, as gas leaks caused by external damage to pipelines can lead to massive economic losses, including explosions and environmental pollution.

[0006] In addition, there are concerns that colorless, odorless gases such as nitrogen, which are frequently used in laboratories, are difficult to detect with existing sensors, potentially leading to safety issues.

[0007] In addition, existing gas detection technologies had the problem of being unable to visually display gas flow or diffusion paths, making rapid response difficult.

[0008] Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop new means to solve these problems.

[0010] Prior Art: KR Registered Patent Publication No. 10-1956417 (Published Mar. 8, 2019) The problem to be solved

[0012] The present invention was devised to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a portable device that can visualize gas leaks and monitor whether a leak has occurred, which can visualize the movement path of gas in real time using the Schlieren photography technique, is developed as a portable device that is easy to move and operate, and is economical. means of solving the problem

[0013] A portable device according to the present invention, which can monitor whether a gas leak is occurring by visualizing the gas leak to achieve the above objective, comprises: a portable gas metering device capable of detecting whether gas is leaking in a place where there is a risk of gas leakage, including a gas pipeline; a central server capable of receiving and storing information detected by a portable gas metering module; and a user terminal capable of viewing results detected by the portable gas metering module in real time and transmitting and receiving information with the central server.

[0014] In addition, it includes a portable gas metering device capable of detecting whether gas is leaking in locations where there is a risk of gas leakage, including gas pipelines; a central server capable of receiving and storing information measured by the portable gas metering module; and a user terminal capable of viewing results measured by the portable gas metering module in real time and transmitting and receiving information with the central server, wherein the portable gas metering module includes a light source unit capable of emitting light, a mirror unit capable of reflecting light emitted from the light source unit, and a camera unit capable of capturing light reflected from the mirror unit.

[0015] In addition, the system includes a portable gas metering device capable of detecting whether gas is leaking in locations where there is a risk of gas leakage, including gas pipelines; a central server capable of receiving and storing information measured by the portable gas metering module; and a user terminal capable of viewing results measured by the portable gas metering module in real time and transmitting and receiving information with the central server. The portable gas metering device includes a light source module capable of emitting light, a mirror module capable of reflecting light emitted from the light source module, and a camera module capable of capturing light reflected from the mirror module. The mirror module is installed on a mirror mounting module, and the mirror mounting module is capable of moving back and forth to adjust the focus.

[0016] Additionally, the system includes a portable gas metering module capable of detecting whether gas is leaking in locations where there is a risk of gas leakage, including gas pipelines; a central server capable of receiving and storing information detected by the portable gas metering module; and a user terminal capable of viewing results detected by the portable gas metering module in real time and transmitting and receiving information with the central server. The portable gas metering module includes a light source module capable of emitting light, a mirror module capable of reflecting light emitted from the light source module, and a camera module capable of capturing light reflected from the mirror module. The mirror module is installed on a mirror mounting module, and the mirror mounting module is capable of moving back and forth to adjust the focus. The system also includes the ability to replace the light source module, mirror module, and camera module depending on the type of gas to be measured. Effects of the invention

[0017] According to the present invention, there is an effect of being able to effectively monitor gas leaks at industrial sites.

[0018] In addition, since gas leaks can be visually confirmed, it is effective in precisely identifying the location of the leak and the path of the leaked gas. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0019] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the components of a portable device capable of monitoring whether a gas leak has occurred by visualizing the leak, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the components and relationships of a portable gas meter and a central server. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a portable gas meter reading device. FIG. 4 is a drawing showing gas leakage captured by a portable gas meter. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0020] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. First, it should be noted that in assigning reference numerals to the components of each drawing, the same components are given the same reference numeral whenever possible, even if they are shown in different drawings. Furthermore, in describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of related known components or functions may obscure the essence of the present invention, such detailed description is omitted. Additionally, while preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below, the technical concept of the present invention is not limited or restricted thereto and can be modified and implemented in various ways by those skilled in the art.

[0022] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the components of a portable device capable of monitoring whether a gas leak is present by visualizing the gas leak according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the components and relationship between a portable gas meter and a central server, FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a portable gas meter, and FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a photograph of gas leaking through a portable gas meter.

[0024] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4, the components of the portable device capable of visualizing gas leakage and monitoring whether leakage has occurred according to the present invention will be described in detail.

[0026] A portable device capable of monitoring whether a gas leak is present by visualizing the gas leak according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a portable gas meter (100), a central server (200), and a user terminal (300).

[0028] The portable gas meter (100) can be carried by a person who intends to measure gas, and can measure whether gas is leaking in places where there is a risk of gas leakage, including gas pipes.

[0030] The portable gas meter (100) comprises a position sensor module (110), a light source module (120), a mirror module (130a), a camera module (190), a mirror mounting module (130b), a power module (140), a knife module (150), a button section (160), a gas leak sensor module (170), a main plate (180a), a handle module (180b), and a communication module.

[0032] The position sensor module (110) includes sensors capable of sensing the position of a portable gas meter, including a gyroscope and an accelerometer, and the information sensed by the position sensor can be transmitted to a central server and stored in the form of coordinates.

[0034] The location sensor module (110) enables accurate identification of the place and location where gas is leaking in a specific pipe or specific space.

[0036] The light source module (120) can irradiate light including a laser toward the mirror module (130a), and the light irradiated from the light source module (120) can be reflected by the mirror module (130a).

[0038] The mirror module (130a) can reflect light irradiated from the light source and is made of a concave mirror or is angled to refract and reflect the light irradiated from the light source.

[0040] The mirror module (130a) can be installed on the mirror mounting module (130b), and the mirror mounting module (130b) is equipped with a power device including a motor or a cylinder, so that forward and backward movement is possible due to the rotational movement of the motor or the movement of the piston inside the cylinder.

[0042] The power module can supply power to the position sensor module, light source module, gas leak sensor module, camera module (190), and communication module.

[0044] The power module includes a battery and can be charged via wired or wireless connection.

[0046] The user can move the mirror mounting module (130b) forward or backward using the forward button and backward button provided in the button section (160).

[0048] The user can adjust the focus by moving the mirror mounting module (130b) forward or backward using the forward button or backward button of the button section (160).

[0050] Macroscopic focus adjustment is possible by moving the mirror mounting module according to the size and location of the pipe, while microscopic focus adjustment can be controlled through the camera module.

[0052] The light reflected from the mirror module (130a) is directed to the knife module (150), and the knife module (150) can partially block the light to reduce the light and make the contrast more distinct.

[0054] The knife module (150) blocks light and changes the refractive index to allow the airflow and air movement to be observed more clearly visually.

[0056] The camera module (190) can capture light reflected from the mirror module (130a), and the light is partially blocked by the knife module (150) to visualize air flow including air flow and differences in air density.

[0058] The image information captured by the camera module (190) can be transmitted to a central server and transmitted to a user terminal so that the user can monitor it in real time using a display provided on the user terminal.

[0060] In addition, the camera module is focus-adjustable, allowing the focus to be adjusted according to the size and location of the pipe through the camera module.

[0062] The gas leak sensor can sense whether gas is leaking and transmit the sensing information to a central server and a user terminal, and the user can check whether gas is leaking from the pipe, etc. through the gas leak sensor module (170).

[0064] Gas pipes, etc., that are to be monitored for leakage can be positioned between the mirror module (130a) and the camera module (190), and the gas leak sensor module (170) can determine whether gas is leaking, and the camera module (190) can confirm exactly where in the pipe gas is leaking.

[0066] The gas leak sensor module can be replaced depending on the type of gas flowing in the pipe to be detected for gas leaks, and the light source module (120), mirror module (130a), and camera module (190) can also be replaced depending on the type of gas flowing in the pipe.

[0068] Since the wavelength of light absorbed varies depending on the type of gas, the light source, mirror module (130a), and camera module (190) can be replaced to match the wavelength of light absorbed by each gas according to the type of gas.

[0070] The main plate (180a) may be provided with a mirror mounting module (130b) on one end of its upper surface and a camera module (190) on the other end, and may position a pipe to be inspected between the mirror mounting module (130b) and the camera module (190).

[0072] The light source module (120) may be positioned on the upper surface of the camera module (190), and light irradiated from the light source module (120) is reflected by the mirror module (130a), and the light reflected by the mirror module (130a) may be captured by the camera module (190) while partially obscured by the knife module (150).

[0074] The communication module can transmit information sensed by the position sensor module, information sensed by the gas leak sensor module, and video information captured by the camera module (190) to the user terminal and the central server.

[0076] The handle module (180b) can be attached to the lower surface of the main plate (180a), and when a user carries it for portable inspection, the user can grasp the handle module (180b) to perform inspection, and it is detachable.

[0078] In places where gas leaks occur frequently and continuous real-time monitoring is required, the portable gas meter according to the present invention can be connected to a pipe, and the handle module can be detached to continuously monitor for gas leaks in real time.

[0080] The present invention is equipped with a gas sensor module and a camera module (190) simultaneously, so that even if the gas is colorless or odorless, the gas leak can be detected by the gas sensor. Furthermore, through the organic combination of the light source module (120), mirror module (130a), knife module (150), and camera module (190), the leaking gas can be visualized, allowing the exact location of the gas leak, the flow of the gas, and the diffusion path to be confirmed visually.

[0082] The central server can receive and store images captured by the camera module (190) of the portable gas meter and information sensed by the gas sensor module, and when gas is sensed by the gas sensor, it can transmit an alarm signal to the user terminal to enable immediate response.

[0084] The central server consists of a database unit, an image correction unit, a data analysis unit, and an alarm generation unit.

[0086] The database section can store sensing information sensed by the position sensor module (110) and gas sensor module of the portable gas meter reading device, and can store image information captured by the camera module (190).

[0088] In the database section, the position value sensed by the position sensor module (110) is converted into a coordinate value and can be matched with the sensing information sensed by the gas sensor module and the image information captured by the camera module (190).

[0090] The data analysis unit receives the image captured by the camera module (190) from the database unit and can determine whether a specific air flow has been captured in the image.

[0092] The light captured by the camera module (190) passes through the knife module (150) and is partially obscured, so only a very small amount is captured and the image is dark. However, when a gas with a density difference from air flows, the wavelength of the light source is absorbed or reflected, and the image may appear darker or brighter.

[0094] The data analysis unit can determine whether the gas flow appears darker or brighter in the image captured by the camera module (190).

[0096] Even if gas flow is detected by the data analysis unit, if the time during which the gas flow is detected is captured briefly for a very short period less than a predetermined time and subsequently does not appear in the image, the image is determined to be noise and is not determined to be a gas leak.

[0098] Even if footage appearing to show a gas leak is captured due to external factors rather than errors or actual gas leaks, if it does not persist for a predetermined period of time or longer, it is not determined to be a gas leak, thereby preventing malfunctions caused by noise.

[0100] The technology for recognizing whether a specific subject has been captured in a video or photograph is a generally well-known technology and is not relevant to the scope of the present invention, so a detailed description is omitted.

[0102] When the data analysis unit determines that gas flow has been captured in a specific image taken by the camera module (190), the image can be transmitted to the image correction unit to correct it so that gas flow is better displayed.

[0104] The image correction unit can perform correction to make the airflow more clearly visible when the airflow is captured in the image information captured by the camera module (190).

[0106] Clearly correcting a subject appearing in a specific image is a generally well-known technique and is unrelated to the scope of the present invention, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0108] The alarm generation unit can generate a gas leak alarm and transmit it to a user terminal when gas is sensed by the gas sensor module or when a gas leak is detected in an image captured by the camera module (190).

[0110] The user terminal is equipped with a display unit so that it can view images captured by the camera module (190) of the portable gas meter reading device in real time, and can receive and view information stored in the database unit of the central server.

[0112] In addition, when a gas leak is detected by the portable gas meter, the user can be notified visually through the display unit so that they can perceive it through sight, hearing, and touch, a notification sound can be emitted to provide auditory notification, and vibration can be used to enable tactile perception.

[0114] When a gas leak is detected, the user terminal can enable the user to perceive it through sight, hearing, and touch, thereby enabling immediate action.

[0116] The administrator terminal can transmit and receive information with the central server, and can receive and query information stored in the central server's database.

[0118] The portable gas meter can be carried directly by a worker performing gas meter readings to detect gas leaks, and it may also be installed in locations where gas leaks are frequent or where continuous real-time leak detection is required.

[0120] When multiple portable gas meter reading devices are installed in multiple locations requiring continuous leak detection, images captured by each device can be viewed through a manager terminal, and the presence of gas leaks can be managed in real time.

[0122] In addition, even when a worker carries the device to directly detect a leak, if gas is detected by the portable gas meter, an alarm is transmitted not only to the user terminal but also to the manager terminal, allowing the user of the manager terminal to immediately know whether there is a gas leak.

[0124] The foregoing description is merely an illustrative explanation of the technical concept of the present invention, and those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains will be able to make various modifications, changes, and substitutions within the scope of the essential characteristics of the present invention. Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention and the accompanying drawings are intended to explain, not limit, the technical concept of the present invention, and the scope of the technical concept of the present invention is not limited by such embodiments and accompanying drawings. The scope of protection of the present invention shall be interpreted by the claims below, and all technical concepts within an equivalent scope shall be interpreted as being included within the scope of rights of the present invention. Explanation of the symbols

[0125] 100 - Portable gas meter 200 - Central Server 300 - User terminal

Claims

Claim 1 A portable gas metering device capable of detecting whether gas is leaking in a location where there is a risk of gas leakage, including gas pipelines; a central server capable of receiving and storing information detected by a portable gas metering module; and a user terminal capable of viewing results detected by the portable gas metering module in real time and transmitting and receiving information with the central server, comprising a portable device capable of monitoring whether gas is leaking by visualizing the leak. Claim 2 A portable gas metering device capable of detecting whether gas is leaking in a place where there is a risk of gas leakage, including gas pipelines; a central server capable of receiving and storing information detected by a portable gas metering module; and a user terminal capable of viewing results detected by the portable gas metering module in real time and transmitting and receiving information with the central server, wherein the portable gas metering module includes a light source module capable of emitting light, a mirror module capable of reflecting light emitted from the light source module, and a camera module capable of capturing light reflected from the mirror module, a portable device capable of monitoring whether gas is leaking by visualizing the leak. Claim 3 A portable gas metering device capable of detecting whether gas is leaking in a place where there is a risk of gas leakage, including gas pipelines; a central server capable of receiving and storing information detected by a portable gas metering module; and a user terminal capable of viewing results detected by the portable gas metering module in real time and transmitting and receiving information with the central server, wherein the portable gas metering device includes a light source module capable of emitting light, a mirror module capable of reflecting light emitted from the light source module, and a camera module capable of capturing light reflected from the mirror module, wherein the mirror module is installed on a mirror mounting module, and the mirror mounting module is capable of moving back and forth to adjust the focus, thereby enabling a portable device capable of visualizing gas leaks to monitor whether a leak is occurring. Claim 4 A portable device capable of monitoring whether a gas leak is occurring by visualizing a gas leak, comprising: a portable gas metering module capable of detecting whether a gas leak is occurring in a place where there is a risk of gas leakage, including a gas pipeline; a central server capable of receiving and storing information detected by the portable gas metering module; and a user terminal capable of viewing results detected by the portable gas metering module in real time and transmitting and receiving information with the central server, wherein the portable gas metering module comprises a light source module capable of emitting light, a mirror module capable of reflecting light emitted from the light source module, and a camera module capable of capturing light reflected from the mirror module, wherein the mirror module is installed on a mirror mounting module, and the mirror mounting module is capable of moving back and forth to adjust the focus; and wherein the light source module, mirror module, and camera module can be replaced depending on the type of gas to be detected.

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