A method and system for detecting a pipe leakage controlled by an electric ball valve

Abstract

This invention relates to a method and system for detecting pipeline leaks controlled by an electric ball valve, belonging to the field of leak detection technology. The method includes: responding to a preset leak signal; acquiring a leak sensor number; determining the corresponding camera device number based on the leak sensor number; controlling the camera device corresponding to the camera device number to perform an image acquisition operation to obtain a leak image; extracting leak features from the leak image and analyzing them to determine the corresponding leak condition; combining the leak condition with the leak sensor number to find the corresponding electric ball valve number; controlling the electric ball valve corresponding to the electric ball valve number to perform a pipeline closure operation; and generating and outputting leak information based on the leak condition and the leak image. This invention improves the accuracy and reliability of leak detection.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of leakage detection technology, and in particular to a method and system for detecting pipeline leakage controlled by an electric ball valve. Background Technology

[0002] In various water-using scenarios, including household life, industrial production, and public buildings, timely detection and automatic handling of pipe leaks are crucial for preventing water-related disasters, conserving water resources, and ensuring property safety. If slow seepage caused by burst pipes, leaking joints, or aging equipment is not detected in time, it can often lead to serious consequences such as waterlogged floors, moldy walls, equipment damage, and even major production accidents.

[0003] Currently, automatic leak protection devices and systems based on the linkage of leak sensors and electric ball valves have emerged in the industry. The core of these devices is to deploy water immersion sensors in leak-prone areas and install electric ball valves on the main inlet or branch pipes. When the sensor detects water accumulation on the ground, it sends a signal to the controller, which then drives the electric ball valve to close, thereby cutting off the water supply and preventing further damage. This model replaces the traditional method of manually detecting and closing valves, laying the foundation for improving the timeliness and automation of emergency leak response.

[0004] Regarding the aforementioned technologies, in actual leak detection, the system only relies on sensors and environmental analysis to determine whether the signals emitted are caused by pipe leaks. Therefore, the accuracy and reliability of leak detection still have room for improvement. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To improve the accuracy and reliability of leak detection, this invention provides a pipeline leak detection method and system controlled by an electric ball valve.

[0006] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a method for detecting pipeline leakage controlled by an electric ball valve, employing the following technical solution: A method for detecting pipeline leaks controlled by an electric ball valve includes: Step 1: In response to the preset leakage signal, obtain the leakage sensor number; Step 2: Determine the corresponding camera device number based on the leakage sensor number; Step 3: Control the camera device corresponding to the camera device number to perform image acquisition operation to obtain a water leakage image; Step 4: Extract leakage features from the leakage image and analyze them to determine the corresponding leakage situation; Step 5: Based on the leakage situation and the leakage sensor number, find the corresponding electric ball valve number; Step 6: Control the electric ball valve corresponding to the numbered electric ball valve to perform the pipeline closure operation; Step 7: Generate and output leakage information based on the leakage situation and leakage image.

[0007] By adopting the above technical solution, the camera device number is determined by the number of the leak sensor that sends the leak signal. Then, the leak image is acquired, the leak characteristics are analyzed to obtain the leak situation, and then the corresponding electric ball valve is located to cut off the water pipe circuit. At the same time, the leak information is obtained and output, which reduces the possibility of misjudgment of water pipe leaks by the environment and the leak sensor, and improves the accuracy and reliability of leak detection.

[0008] Optionally, it also includes further methods for determining the leakage, the methods comprising: Step 40: Locate the corresponding thermal imaging device number based on the leakage sensor number; Step 41: Control the thermal imaging device corresponding to the thermal imaging device number to perform a thermal image acquisition operation to obtain a thermal image; Step 42: Extract water features within the wall from the thermal image; Step 43: Analyze the characteristics of water inside the wall to obtain the thermal situation of water leakage and define it as the output of water leakage situation.

[0009] By adopting the above technical solution, the corresponding thermal imaging device number is found through the leakage sensor number, the thermal imaging device is controlled to collect thermal images, the water features inside the wall are extracted from the thermal images, and the leakage thermal situation is analyzed and defined as the leakage situation output. This avoids the situation of misjudgment when judging leakage based solely on external images, and further improves the accuracy and reliability of leakage detection.

[0010] Optionally, methods for analyzing the characteristics of water within the wall to determine the thermal conditions of leakage include: Step 430: Obtain the water pipe temperature and the outside water temperature; Step 431: Extract the infiltration water temperature from the thermal image; Step 432: Calculate the water pipe temperature difference based on the infiltrated water temperature and the water pipe temperature, and at the same time calculate the outside temperature difference based on the infiltrated water temperature and the outside water temperature; Step 433: If the temperature difference in the water pipe is less than the temperature difference in the outside, define the water pipe leakage as a thermal leakage situation. Step 434: If the temperature difference in the water pipe is greater than the temperature difference in the outside, the water leakage thermal situation is defined as external interference water.

[0011] By adopting the above technical solution, the temperature difference between the water pipe and the outside water is calculated by comparing the temperature of the infiltrated water with the temperature of the water pipe and the outside water temperature. Then, the direction of the water source is determined by comparing the magnitude of the two temperature differences. This avoids judging water pipe leakage simply because there is a "connecting waterway" between the water pipe and the accumulated water, thus improving the scientificity, accuracy and reliability of leakage detection.

[0012] Optionally, a method for determining leakage status is also included if the temperature difference in the water pipe equals the temperature difference in the outside environment. This method includes: Step 435: Locate the corresponding heating device number based on the leakage sensor number; Step 436: Identify the corresponding leakage area using the leakage image; Step 437: Control the heating device corresponding to the heating device number to perform heating operation on the leaking area; Step 438: After the heating operation is completed, re-acquire the thermal image and execute steps 430 to 434.

[0013] By adopting the above technical solution, when the temperature difference of the water pipe is equal to the temperature difference of the outside, the corresponding heating device number is found according to the leakage sensor number, the leakage area is determined by the leakage image, and the heating device is controlled to perform heating operation on the leakage area. After the heating operation is completed, the thermal image is collected again and the temperature difference comparison step is performed again, avoiding the problem of not being able to determine whether there is a leak when the temperature is similar or the temperature difference is consistent, thus improving the flexibility of leakage detection.

[0014] Optionally, methods for calculating the water pipe temperature difference based on the infiltrated water temperature and the water pipe temperature, and simultaneously calculating the external temperature difference based on the infiltrated water temperature and the external water temperature, include: Step 4320: Obtain the water pipe features and wall features corresponding to the leak image; Step 4321: Combine the infiltration water temperature with the characteristics of the water pipe to obtain the temperature close to the water pipe, and at the same time combine the infiltration water temperature with the characteristics of the wall surface to obtain the temperature close to the wall surface; Step 4322: Calculate the temperature difference of the water pipes based on the water pipe temperature and the temperature of the surface near the wall; Step 4323: Calculate the temperature difference between the outside water and the temperature near the water pipe.

[0015] By adopting the above technical solution, the temperature close to the water pipe and the temperature close to the wall are obtained by combining the water circuit thermal information with the water pipe features and wall features corresponding to the water leakage image. Then, the temperature difference between the water pipe and the outside temperature are calculated separately, making the temperature difference calculation results more obvious and improving the accuracy of temperature difference calculation.

[0016] Optionally, it also includes a method for determining whether to calculate the temperature difference between the water pipes and the outside temperature, the method including: Step 43240: Compare the water pipe temperature with the outside water temperature to obtain the temperature difference between the inside and outside; Step 43241: If the temperature difference between the inside and outside is 0, find the corresponding wiping device number through the water leakage sensor number; Step 43242: Calculate the wiping area based on the leaking area and the preset water pipe area; Step 43243: Control the wiping device corresponding to the wiping device number to perform the wiping operation in the wiping area; Step 43244: After the wiping operation is completed, the video of the wiping area waiting for leakage is collected by the camera device corresponding to the camera device number according to the preset leakage time. Step 43245: Analyze the video of the leak to determine the extent of the leak; Step 43246: If the temperature difference between the inside and outside is not 0, calculate the temperature difference of the water pipe based on the temperature of the infiltrated water and the temperature of the water pipe, and at the same time calculate the temperature difference of the outside based on the temperature of the infiltrated water and the outside water temperature.

[0017] By adopting the above technical solution, the internal and external temperature difference is obtained by comparing the water pipe temperature with the external water temperature. When the internal and external temperature difference is 0, the wiping device number is located and the wiping area is calculated. The wiping device is then controlled to perform the wiping operation. Then, the video of the leak is collected and analyzed according to the leakage time. When the internal and external temperature difference is not 0, the temperature difference calculation step is performed. This avoids the problem of blindly calculating the temperature difference when there are obstructions between the heating device and the water pipe, thus improving the accuracy and reliability of the temperature difference calculation.

[0018] Optionally, the method for controlling the thermal imaging device corresponding to the thermal imaging device number to perform thermal image acquisition operations to obtain thermal images includes: Step 440: Based on the water leakage image, find the corresponding layout information to extract the wall area and the floor area; Step 441: If the water pipe area falls into the preset wall area, control the thermal imaging device corresponding to the thermal imaging device number to perform thermal image acquisition operation to obtain a thermal image. Step 442: If the water pipe area falls into the preset ground area, find the adjacent device number based on the thermal imaging device number; Step 443: Control the adjacent device corresponding to the adjacent device number to perform thermal image acquisition operation to obtain adjacent thermal images and define them as thermal image output.

[0019] By adopting the above technical solution, layout information is found through water leakage images to extract wall and ground areas. When the water pipe area falls into the wall area, thermal images are collected. When the water pipe area falls into the ground area, adjacent devices are controlled to collect adjacent thermal images. This avoids the problem that the thermal imaging device cannot effectively collect thermal images when there is water accumulation on the ground, thus improving the adaptability and reliability of thermal image acquisition.

[0020] Optionally, the method for controlling adjacent devices corresponding to adjacent device numbers to perform thermal image acquisition operations to obtain adjacent thermal images includes: Step 4430: Determine the adjacent device area based on the adjacent device number; Step 4431: Determine the adjacent data collection area based on the adjacent device area, the leakage area, and the water pipe area; Step 4432: Control the adjacent devices corresponding to the adjacent device numbers to perform adjustment operations according to the adjacent acquisition areas; Step 4433: After the adjustment operation is completed, control the adjacent device corresponding to the adjacent device number to perform thermal image acquisition operation to obtain the adjacent thermal image.

[0021] By adopting the above technical solution, the adjacent device area is determined by the adjacent device number, and the adjacent acquisition area is determined by combining the leakage area and the water pipe area. Then, the adjacent devices are controlled to perform adjustment operations. After the adjustment is completed, adjacent thermal images are acquired, realizing the effective acquisition of thermal images and improving the flexibility and accuracy of thermal image acquisition.

[0022] Optionally, methods for generating and outputting leakage information based on leakage conditions and leakage images include: Step 70: Identify the corresponding water stain area using the leak image; Step 71: Find similar water stain information based on the water stain area; Step 72: Extract the leakage boundary in the water stain area; Step 73: Combine the leakage situation, similar water stain information and leakage boundary to form leakage information and output it.

[0023] By adopting the above technical solution, the water stain area is determined by the water leakage image, and then similar water stain information is found and the leakage boundary is extracted. The three are integrated to form leakage information and output, which enables staff to understand the relevant information about the leakage more accurately and improves the practicality of the leakage information.

[0024] Secondly, the present invention provides a pipeline leakage detection system controlled by an electric ball valve, which adopts the following technical solution: An electric ball valve controlled pipeline leakage detection system includes: The acquisition module is used to acquire the leakage sensor number, water pipe characteristics, and wall characteristics; A memory for storing a program for a pipeline leakage detection method controlled by an electric ball valve as described above; The processor loads and executes programs from memory.

[0025] By adopting the above technical solution, the module acquires relevant data such as the leakage sensor number, the memory stores the program of the leakage detection method, and the processor loads and executes the program in the memory, thereby realizing the automated execution of each step in the above method and improving the accuracy and reliability of leakage detection.

[0026] In summary, the present invention has at least one of the following beneficial technical effects: The camera device number is determined by the number of the leak sensor that sends the leak signal. Then, the leak image is acquired, the leak characteristics are analyzed to obtain the leak situation, and then the corresponding electric ball valve is located to cut off the water pipe circuit. At the same time, the leak information is obtained and output, which reduces the possibility of misjudgment of water pipe leaks by the environment and leak sensors, and improves the accuracy and reliability of leak detection. By calculating the temperature difference between the water pipe and the "water circuit" and the temperature difference between the outside water and the "water circuit", and comparing them, the smaller temperature value is obtained to determine whether there is a water pipe leak. This avoids misjudgment of leak detection when outside water flows into the location of the water pipe, and improves the accuracy and reliability of leak detection. When there is no temperature difference, the wall surface corresponding to the area where the water pipe is located is wiped, and video is collected while the leakage time is recorded. This allows for accurate determination of whether there is a water pipe leak even in some extreme environments, improving the flexibility and reliability of leak detection. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of a pipeline leakage detection method controlled by an electric ball valve according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a scene for thermal image acquisition according to an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0029] This invention discloses a method for detecting pipeline leaks controlled by an electric ball valve. (Refer to...) Figure 1 A method for detecting pipeline leaks controlled by an electric ball valve includes: Step 1: In response to the preset leakage signal, obtain the leakage sensor number.

[0030] A water leakage signal is a trigger-type electrical signal actively sent to the control system after a water leakage sensor detects contact with liquid water or the formation of water droplets due to excessive ambient humidity. The response to this water leakage signal is as follows: after detecting water conduction in the circuit between its probes, the water leakage sensor automatically triggers and sends a water leakage signal to the system, which then receives the signal and completes its response.

[0031] The leak sensor number refers to the unique identifier of each physical leak sensor deployed in different monitoring areas. The leak sensor number is obtained by assigning a unique identifier to each leak sensor, which is set and entered into the system by professionals in the field. When the system receives a leak signal, it automatically retrieves and matches the corresponding identifier of the sensor that emitted the leak signal to obtain the leak sensor number.

[0032] Step 2: Determine the corresponding camera device number based on the water leakage sensor number.

[0033] The camera device number refers to a unique number assigned to each on-site image acquisition camera device. The method for determining this camera device number is as follows: each camera device has a unique number, which is set by those skilled in the art and associated with the water leakage sensor number before being input into the system. When the system receives the water leakage sensor number, it automatically retrieves and matches the corresponding camera device number.

[0034] Step 3: Control the camera device corresponding to the camera device number to perform image acquisition operation to obtain the water leakage image.

[0035] Image acquisition refers to the act of a camera device capturing, snapshotting, or recording short-term video of the real-world scene within the sensor-monitored area. The image acquisition operation is executed by the system sending a control command to the target camera device to initiate shooting. The camera device then activates its lens module and lighting components, aligns itself with the monitored area, and captures the image, generating the original scene image. A water leakage image refers to a real-time scene image captured by the camera device of a suspected water leakage area. This water leakage image is obtained by the camera device transmitting the acquired raw image data to the control system via local buffering or a communication link after image acquisition.

[0036] Step 4: Extract the leakage features from the leakage image and analyze them to determine the corresponding leakage situation.

[0037] Leakage features refer to a set of visual pixel features such as water stain morphology, water flow traces, boundaries of damp areas, and seepage distribution patterns. The extraction method for these features involves the system performing a full-domain traversal of the leak image using image segmentation, edge detection, and pixel grayscale comparison algorithms to filter and separate pixel features that distinguish them from normal wall and floor backgrounds, including dampness and water stains. Leakage conditions refer to the classification results of different water-related scenarios, such as actual pipe leakage, external water accumulation interference, and condensation, obtained based on a comprehensive judgment of leakage features. The determination of leakage conditions is based on the fact that different leakage features correspond to different leakage conditions. Experts in the field have experimentally obtained various leakage condition representations using different features, integrated them, and input them into the system. Once the system extracts the leakage features, it automatically retrieves the corresponding leakage condition. For example, a feature of continuous strip-shaped water flow traces corresponds to continuous dripping from a water pipe, while a feature of localized jet-like water marks corresponds to high-pressure water jet leakage from a water pipe.

[0038] Step 5: Based on the leakage situation and the leakage sensor number, find the corresponding electric ball valve number.

[0039] The electric ball valve number refers to a unique number assigned to each electric ball valve used for pipeline on / off control. The method for finding this electric ball valve number is as follows: each electric ball valve has a unique number, which is set and bound to a corresponding leakage sensor number by professionals in the field. When the system detects a leakage, it automatically retrieves and matches the corresponding electric ball valve number based on the leakage sensor number.

[0040] Step 6: Control the electric ball valve corresponding to the number of the electric ball valve to perform the pipeline closing operation.

[0041] Pipeline closure operation refers to the process by which an electric ball valve, upon receiving a control command, rotates its valve core to cut off the water flow in the corresponding pipeline, thus sealing off the water supply. The pipeline closure operation is executed by the system issuing a valve-closing control signal based on the matched electric ball valve number. This signal drives the internal actuator of the electric ball valve to rotate the valve core to a fully closed position, completing the shut-off and closure of the water supply pipeline.

[0042] Step 7: Generate and output leakage information based on the leakage situation and leakage image.

[0043] Leakage information refers to an integrated set of anomaly monitoring data, which combines leakage type determination results, on-site leakage images, and water stain distribution. This leakage information is generated by the system retrieving the determined leakage classification results, binding them to the synchronously collected raw leakage image data, and integrating the two types of information through data packaging and standardized layout. The leakage information is output by the system through a local display screen, a cloud backend, or a terminal push channel, visually displaying and uploading the integrated leakage information.

[0044] This also includes a further method for determining the extent of the leak, which includes: Step 40: Find the corresponding thermal imaging device number based on the water leakage sensor number.

[0045] The thermal imaging device number refers to a unique number assigned to each thermal imaging device used to acquire images of the temperature field distribution of an area. The method for finding the thermal imaging device number is as follows: each thermal imaging device has a unique number, which is set and bound to the water leakage sensor number by those skilled in the art and then entered into the system. When the system receives the water leakage sensor number, it automatically retrieves and matches the corresponding thermal imaging device number.

[0046] Step 41: Control the thermal imaging device corresponding to the thermal imaging device number to perform thermal image acquisition operation to obtain a thermal image.

[0047] Thermal image acquisition refers to the process by which a thermal imaging device senses the infrared radiation energy of objects within a monitored area using infrared detection elements, converting the temperature distribution into a visual thermal image. In this case, the thermal image acquisition operation is executed by the system issuing a start command based on the target thermal imaging device's serial number, activating the infrared temperature probe, aligning it with the monitored area, and capturing the area's infrared radiation data in real time to complete the acquisition. A thermal image is a visual image generated by the thermal imaging device that reflects the temperature differences and heat distribution within the monitored area. The thermal image is obtained by the thermal imaging device converting the acquired infrared radiation electrical signals into a temperature pixel matrix. After rendering processing using infrared grayscale conversion algorithms, temperature pseudo-color mapping algorithms, and image noise reduction algorithms, a thermal image with temperature level identifiers is generated. For details, please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 2 Water on the outside of the wall will form water stains, and there are also "waterways" inside that connect water pipes to the water accumulation outside.

[0048] Step 42: Extract the water features inside the wall from the thermal image.

[0049] The feature of water inside the wall refers to the set of infrared temperature pixels in the thermal image that can reflect areas of water seepage, abnormal temperature changes, and the patterns of water infiltration and diffusion within the wall. The extraction method for this feature involves the system using an infrared region segmentation algorithm and a temperature gradient analysis algorithm to perform pixel-level analysis of the thermal image, filtering out low-temperature seepage anomaly areas that differ from the normal temperature background of the wall to obtain the water feature inside the wall.

[0050] Step 43: Analyze the characteristics of water inside the wall to obtain the thermal situation of water leakage and define it as the output of water leakage situation.

[0051] The thermal condition of water leakage refers to the source and degree of seepage based on thermal imaging analysis. This thermal condition is obtained by researchers who conduct experiments on different walls and with different leakage conditions. The data is then input into the system. When the system receives the characteristics of the water inside the wall, it automatically retrieves the corresponding thermal condition and defines it as a leakage situation. The system outputs the obtained thermal condition as a unified leakage determination result for subsequent processes.

[0052] Methods for analyzing the characteristics of water inside the wall to determine the thermal situation of water leakage include: Step 430: Obtain the water pipe temperature and the outside water temperature.

[0053] Water pipe temperature refers to the real-time temperature of the water flowing inside the pipe. This temperature is obtained by the system using thermal imaging to collect thermal images, locating the infrared temperature pixel data of the area where the pipe is located, and then fitting the average value to obtain the corresponding real-time temperature. External water temperature refers to the real-time temperature of water exposed on walls or floors. This temperature is obtained by the system selecting the exposed water-covered area on the wall or floor from the thermal image, extracting the corresponding infrared temperature pixels, and then averaging the values ​​to calculate the external water temperature.

[0054] Step 431: Extract the infiltration water temperature from the thermal image.

[0055] Infiltration water temperature refers to the real-time temperature value of the water that has seeped into and remained inside the wall. The extraction method for this infiltration water temperature involves the system selecting areas of abnormal temperature within the wall from a thermal image, collecting infrared temperature pixel information of that area, averaging the data, and then calculating the temperature value of the infiltration water inside the wall.

[0056] Step 432: Calculate the water pipe temperature difference based on the infiltration water temperature and the water pipe temperature, and at the same time calculate the outside temperature difference based on the infiltration water temperature and the outside water temperature.

[0057] The water pipe temperature difference refers to the numerical difference between the temperature of the water seeping into the wall and the temperature of the water pipe. It is calculated by subtracting the water pipe temperature from the seeping water temperature, then taking the absolute value of the difference. The external temperature difference refers to the numerical difference between the temperature of the water seeping into the wall and the external water temperature. It is also calculated by subtracting the external water temperature from the seeping water temperature, then taking the absolute value.

[0058] Step 433: If the temperature difference in the water pipe is less than the temperature difference in the outside, the water leakage thermal situation is defined as water pipe leakage.

[0059] Water pipe leakage refers to water seepage inside the wall caused by damage to the pipe itself, leaks at joints, or other pipe-related issues.

[0060] If the temperature difference between the water pipes and the outside temperature is less than the temperature difference between the outside and the inside, it means that the water inside the wall is closer to the temperature of the water in the pipes. The water is flowing out from the pipes, so the thermal leakage is defined as water pipe leakage.

[0061] Step 434: If the temperature difference in the water pipe is greater than the temperature difference in the outside, the water leakage thermal situation is defined as external interference water.

[0062] External disturbance water refers to the situation where the seepage water inside the wall does not originate from the leakage of the pipes themselves, but is a disturbance water body formed by external factors such as environmental condensation, ground water accumulation, and rainwater infiltration.

[0063] If the temperature difference between the water pipes and the outside is greater than the temperature difference between the outside and the inside, it means that the water temperature inside the wall is closer to the outside temperature, indicating that the water is not caused by a leak in the water pipes. Therefore, the leakage thermal situation is defined as external interference water.

[0064] This also includes a method for determining leakage if the temperature difference in the water pipe equals the temperature difference in the outside environment. This method includes: Step 435: Locate the corresponding heating device number based on the leakage sensor number.

[0065] The heating device number refers to a unique number assigned to each heating device used for localized heating of walls or pipes and auxiliary temperature comparison detection. The method for finding the heating device number is as follows: each heating device has a unique number, which is set by those skilled in the art and bound to the leak sensor number. This number is then input into the system. When the system receives a reading that the water pipe temperature difference matches the external temperature difference, it automatically retrieves and matches the corresponding heating device number based on the current leak sensor number.

[0066] Step 436: Determine the corresponding leakage area using the leakage image.

[0067] A leaking area refers to the localized region in a leaking image where seepage, water stains, dampness, and abnormal temperature are observed. The leaking area is determined by the system performing image feature recognition on the acquired leaking image, locating localized areas with water stain textures, wet pixels, and abnormal temperature distributions, and then delineating the boundaries to obtain a precise leaking area.

[0068] Step 437: Control the heating device corresponding to the heating device number to perform heating operation on the leaking area.

[0069] The heating operation refers to the thermal process of heating and maintaining a constant temperature on a identified leaking area. The heating operation is executed by the system issuing a work instruction based on the matched heating device number, driving the heating device to release heat energy directionally to the leaking area, thus completing the targeted heating of the leaking area. The relevant parameters for this heating operation are set by those skilled in the art according to the actual situation and then input into the system. For example, the heating temperature should not exceed 40℃, the heating time is 5 minutes, and there are three heating levels: low (300W), medium (500W), and high (800W).

[0070] Step 438: After the heating operation is completed, re-acquire the thermal image and execute steps 430 to 434.

[0071] After the heating operation is completed, it indicates that the temperature of the outside water has been adjusted. At this time, if the water inside the wall is exposed to outside water, the temperature effect will be very obvious. Therefore, the thermal image is re-acquired and steps 430 to 434 are executed.

[0072] Among them, the methods for calculating the water pipe temperature difference based on the infiltration water temperature and the water pipe temperature, and the methods for calculating the external temperature difference based on the infiltration water temperature and the external water temperature, include: Step 4320: Obtain the water pipe features and wall features corresponding to the leak image.

[0073] Water pipe features refer to the set of characteristic data such as the direction, location, outline, and distribution coordinates of water pipes at the corresponding geographical location of the leak image. The method for obtaining these water pipe features is that relevant water pipe features for each location corresponding to a leak sensor are input into the system by professionals in the field based on actual water pipe information. When the system receives water pipe temperature data, it automatically retrieves the corresponding water pipe features based on the leak image. Wall features refer to the set of characteristic data such as wall material, background color, texture, and area boundary range at the corresponding geographical location of the leak image. The method for obtaining these wall features is that relevant wall features for each location corresponding to a leak sensor are input into the system by professionals in the field based on the actual wall conditions on site. After matching the leak image with the corresponding geographical location, the system automatically retrieves the wall feature data.

[0074] Step 4321: Combine the infiltration water temperature with the characteristics of the water pipe to obtain the temperature close to the water pipe, and combine the infiltration water temperature with the characteristics of the wall surface to obtain the temperature close to the wall surface.

[0075] "Water pipe temperature" refers to the water temperature located immediately adjacent to the water pipe in the seepage path. This temperature is obtained by matching the seepage water temperature with the water pipe characteristics, locating the area within the wall where the water path meets the pipe, and extracting the temperature value of that area from the seepage water. "Wall surface temperature" refers to the water temperature located immediately adjacent to the wall surface in the seepage path. This temperature is also obtained by matching the seepage water temperature with the wall surface characteristics, locating the area within the wall where the water path meets the wall surface, and extracting the temperature value of that area from the seepage water.

[0076] Step 4322: Calculate the temperature difference of the water pipe based on the water pipe temperature and the temperature of the surface near the wall.

[0077] The water pipe temperature difference is calculated by subtracting the temperature of the surface near the wall from the system water pipe temperature, and then taking the absolute value of the difference as the water pipe temperature difference.

[0078] Step 4323: Calculate the temperature difference between the outside water and the temperature near the water pipe.

[0079] The outside temperature difference is calculated by subtracting the temperature of the water pipe closest to the outside water temperature from the outside water temperature, and then taking the absolute value of the difference as the outside temperature difference.

[0080] This includes a method for determining whether to calculate the temperature difference between the water pipes and the outside temperature, which includes: Step 43240: Compare the water pipe temperature with the outside water temperature to obtain the temperature difference between the inside and outside.

[0081] The internal and external temperature difference refers to the absolute value of the temperature difference between the water pipe temperature and the ambient water temperature. This internal and external temperature difference is obtained by comparing the water pipe temperature with the ambient water temperature and taking the absolute value of the difference.

[0082] Step 43241: If the temperature difference between the inside and outside is 0, find the corresponding wiping device number by using the water leakage sensor number.

[0083] The wiping device number refers to a unique number assigned to each device used for wiping and absorbing water in leaking areas. The wiping device number is retrieved by assigning a unique number to each device, which is set by someone skilled in the art and linked to the leak sensor number before being entered into the system. When the internal and external temperature difference is zero, the system automatically retrieves and matches the corresponding wiping device number based on the leak sensor number.

[0084] If the temperature difference between the inside and outside is 0, it means that the thermal image collected by the thermal imaging device does not contain the water pipe temperature, or that there are foreign objects in the middle that interfere with the collected thermal image. Therefore, the corresponding wiping device number is found by using the water leakage sensor number.

[0085] Step 43242: Calculate the wiping area based on the leaking area and the preset water pipe area.

[0086] The water pipe area refers to the fixed area on the wall corresponding to the location of the pre-embedded water pipes inside the wall. This water pipe area is obtained by professionals in the field who determine the location of each leak sensor and then input the location of the water pipes installed during construction into the system. The wiping area refers to the area to be cleaned and drained. The wiping area is calculated by the system merging and boundary-merging the detected leak areas and water pipe areas, and then defining the area from the water pipe location to the ground as the wiping area.

[0087] Step 43243: Control the wiping device corresponding to the wiping device number to perform the wiping operation in the wiping area.

[0088] Wiping operation refers to the process of absorbing and cleaning water stains and wet spots on walls. The wiping operation is performed by the system issuing a running command to the wiping device corresponding to its number, causing the wiping device to move to the designated wiping area and complete the full-area water absorption and wiping cleanup along the water pipe to the ground.

[0089] Step 43244: After the wiping operation is completed, the video of the wiping area waiting for water leakage is collected by the camera device corresponding to the camera device number according to the preset water leakage time.

[0090] Leakage time refers to the longest time it takes for water to leak from the pipe until the leak becomes visible on the wall. This leakage time is obtained by those skilled in the art through water pipe leakage experiments to determine the maximum time required for a leak, and then inputting this information into the system. For example, 2 minutes. Waiting for the leak video refers to the monitoring video continuously captured by the camera device according to the longest possible water pipe leakage time. This waiting time video is captured by the system calling the camera device corresponding to its number, starting from the moment the wiping operation is completed, and continuously recording the wiping area within the leakage time period.

[0091] After the wiping operation is completed, it means that there is no liquid water on the wall. However, the temperature still affects the heating device. Therefore, the video of the wiping area waiting for water leakage is collected by the camera corresponding to the camera device number according to the preset leakage time.

[0092] Step 43245: Analyze the video of the leak to determine the extent of the leak.

[0093] The leakage situation is obtained by the system performing image recognition and water stain feature detection frame by frame on the video waiting for leakage. It extracts features such as whether new wet marks, water stain spread and seepage traces are added in the wiping area, and determines whether there is a re-leak, the size of the leakage area and the severity of the seepage. Then, the data are integrated to form the leakage situation.

[0094] Step 43246: If the temperature difference between the inside and outside is not 0, calculate the temperature difference of the water pipe based on the temperature of the infiltrated water and the temperature of the water pipe, and at the same time calculate the temperature difference of the outside based on the temperature of the infiltrated water and the outside water temperature.

[0095] If the temperature difference between the inside and outside is not zero, it means that the thermal image can capture the temperature of the water pipe. Therefore, the temperature difference of the water pipe is calculated based on the temperature of the infiltrated water and the temperature of the water pipe, and the temperature difference of the outside is calculated based on the temperature of the infiltrated water and the outside water temperature.

[0096] The method for controlling the thermal imaging device corresponding to the thermal imaging device number to perform thermal image acquisition operations to obtain thermal images includes: Step 440: Based on the water leakage image, find the corresponding layout information to extract the wall area and the floor area.

[0097] Layout information refers to the set of spatial arrangement feature data, including the overall layout, spatial structure, wall positions, floor area, and door and window areas of the room corresponding to the location of the leak image. The layout information is retrieved by assigning a specific area to each leak sensor and its associated camera device. This area's actual layout information is linked to the leak sensor number and input into the system. When the system needs to perform thermal image acquisition, it automatically retrieves the corresponding layout information. The wall area refers to the area containing the main wall surface in the leak image. The wall area is extracted by the system matching the layout information to the leak image and segmenting out the wall portion from the image. The floor area refers to the area containing the floor in the leak image. The floor area is extracted by the system dividing the leak image into regions based on the layout information and separating the floor portion from the image.

[0098] Step 441: If the water pipe area falls into the wall area, control the thermal imaging device corresponding to the thermal imaging device number to perform thermal image acquisition operation to obtain a thermal image.

[0099] If the water pipe area falls into the wall area, it means that the water pipe is inside the wall and is generally not blocked by other objects or liquids. Therefore, the thermal imaging device corresponding to the thermal imaging device number is controlled to perform thermal image acquisition operation to obtain thermal image.

[0100] Step 442: If the water pipe area falls into the ground area, find the adjacent device number based on the thermal imaging device number.

[0101] The adjacent device number refers to the number of the surrounding thermal imaging devices that are adjacent to the current thermal imaging device. The method for finding the adjacent device number is that those skilled in the art will associate the numbers of each thermal imaging device with adjacent ones and then input them into the system. When the water pipe area falls into the ground area, the system will automatically retrieve the corresponding adjacent device number based on the current thermal imaging device number.

[0102] If the water pipe area falls into the ground area, it indicates that there may be an object or liquid that will obstruct the location where the image needs to be acquired. Therefore, the adjacent device number is searched based on the thermal imaging device number.

[0103] Step 443: Control the adjacent device corresponding to the adjacent device number to perform thermal image acquisition operation to obtain adjacent thermal images and define them as thermal image output.

[0104] Adjacent thermal images refer to thermal imaging images of the ground area and the area surrounding the water pipe acquired by thermal imaging devices located in adjacent positions. These adjacent thermal images are obtained by the system controlling the thermal imaging device corresponding to the adjacent device number to perform thermal imaging of the area surrounding the water pipe; the resulting thermal images are the adjacent thermal images. The thermal images are output by the system directly assigning the acquired adjacent thermal images as the target thermal image for this task before outputting them.

[0105] The method for controlling adjacent devices corresponding to adjacent device numbers to perform thermal image acquisition operations to obtain adjacent thermal images includes: Step 4430: Determine the adjacent device area based on the adjacent device number.

[0106] The adjacent device area refers to the fixed coverage area corresponding to the installation and deployment of adjacent devices. The adjacent device area is determined as follows: each thermal image acquisition device has a corresponding area. Those skilled in the art associate and bind the actual installation location of the device with its device number and input this information into the system. When the system receives an adjacent device number, it automatically retrieves the corresponding adjacent device area.

[0107] Step 4431: Determine the adjacent data collection area based on the adjacent device area, the leakage area, and the water pipe area.

[0108] The adjacent acquisition area refers to the thermal image acquisition area defined by the joint association and integration of the adjacent device area, the leak area, and the water pipe area. The adjacent acquisition area is determined by the system spatially overlaying and merging the adjacent device area, the leak area, and the water pipe area, eliminating irrelevant and redundant areas, and delineating the target range suitable for thermal imaging acquisition to obtain the adjacent acquisition area.

[0109] Step 4432: Control the adjacent devices corresponding to the adjacent device numbers to perform adjustment operations according to the adjacent acquisition areas.

[0110] The adjustment operation refers to the process of adjusting the device's own attitude, shooting angle, field of view, and acquisition parameters. Here, the adjustment operation is performed by the system issuing control commands based on the spatial location and range of adjacent acquisition areas, driving adjacent devices to fine-tune their shooting angles, focus ranges, and monitoring fields of view, so that the device's acquisition field of view completely covers the adjacent acquisition areas.

[0111] Step 4433: After the adjustment operation is completed, control the adjacent device corresponding to the adjacent device number to perform thermal image acquisition operation to obtain the adjacent thermal image.

[0112] After the adjustment operation is completed, it indicates that the adjacent device has been able to acquire thermal images of the required area. Therefore, the adjacent device corresponding to the adjacent device number is controlled to perform thermal image acquisition operation to obtain the adjacent thermal image.

[0113] The methods for generating and outputting leakage information based on leakage conditions and leakage images include: Step 70: Identify the corresponding water stain area using the leak image.

[0114] The water stain area refers to the area showing signs of water leakage, such as dampness, water stains, or discoloration due to moisture. The water stain area is determined by the system performing image feature recognition on the leakage image, extracting areas of abnormal grayscale, color, and texture in the image, and then segmenting and locating the water stain area.

[0115] Step 71: Find similar water stain information based on the water stain area.

[0116] Similar water stain information refers to standard information related to water stains entered by staff that is similar to the water stain area. The method for finding similar water stain information here is that staff obtain relevant water stain information corresponding to various water pipe leakage situations through experiments. When the system receives a water stain area, it automatically extracts relevant information and searches for corresponding similar water stains.

[0117] Step 72: Extract the leakage boundary in the water stain area.

[0118] The leakage boundary refers to the outline of the dividing line between the water stain area and the wall / floor area, which is also the outermost edge range of the water stain spread. The leakage boundary is extracted by the system performing edge detection and contour delineation on the water stain area to identify the coordinates of the outermost boundary of the water stain spreading outward.

[0119] Step 73: Combine the leakage situation, similar water stain information and leakage boundary to form leakage information and output it.

[0120] The leakage information here is generated by the system integrating and summarizing the detected leakage situation, the retrieved and matched similar water stain information, and the extracted leakage boundary contour features. This integrates multi-dimensional information such as water stain morphology, diffusion range, leakage degree, and cause, and then splices together to generate complete leakage information. The leakage information is output by the system in the form of data packets and images.

[0121] Based on the same inventive concept, this invention provides a pipeline leakage detection system controlled by an electric ball valve.

[0122] One example is a pipeline leakage detection system controlled by an electric ball valve, comprising: The acquisition module is used to acquire the leakage sensor number, water pipe characteristics, and wall characteristics; A memory for storing a program for a pipeline leakage detection method controlled by an electric ball valve; The processor loads and executes programs from memory.

[0123] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the above-described division of functional modules is used as an example. In practical applications, the above functions can be assigned to different functional modules as needed, that is, the internal structure of the device can be divided into different functional modules to complete all or part of the functions described above. The specific working process of the system, device, and unit described above can be referred to the corresponding process in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0124] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. All technical solutions falling within the scope of the present invention's concept are within the scope of protection of the present invention. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, any improvements and modifications made without departing from the principles of the present invention should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for detecting pipeline leakage controlled by an electric ball valve, characterized in that, include: Step 1: In response to the preset leakage signal, obtain the leakage sensor number; Step 2: Determine the corresponding camera device number based on the leakage sensor number; Step 3: Control the camera device corresponding to the camera device number to perform image acquisition operation to obtain a water leakage image; Step 4: Extract leakage features from the leakage image and analyze them to determine the corresponding leakage situation; Step 5: Based on the leakage situation and the leakage sensor number, find the corresponding electric ball valve number; Step 6: Control the electric ball valve corresponding to the numbered electric ball valve to perform the pipeline closure operation; Step 7: Generate and output leakage information based on the leakage situation and leakage image.

2. The method for detecting pipeline leakage controlled by an electric ball valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes further methods for determining the extent of leakage, which include: Step 40: Locate the corresponding thermal imaging device number based on the leakage sensor number; Step 41: Control the thermal imaging device corresponding to the thermal imaging device number to perform a thermal image acquisition operation to obtain a thermal image; Step 42: Extract water features within the wall from the thermal image; Step 43: Analyze the characteristics of water inside the wall to obtain the thermal situation of water leakage and define it as the output of water leakage situation.

3. The method for detecting pipeline leakage controlled by an electric ball valve according to claim 2, characterized in that, Methods for analyzing the characteristics of water inside walls to determine the thermal situation of water leakage include: Step 430: Obtain the water pipe temperature and the outside water temperature; Step 431: Extract the infiltration water temperature from the thermal image; Step 432: Calculate the water pipe temperature difference based on the infiltrated water temperature and the water pipe temperature, and at the same time calculate the outside temperature difference based on the infiltrated water temperature and the outside water temperature; Step 433: If the temperature difference in the water pipe is less than the temperature difference in the outside, define the water pipe leakage as a thermal leakage situation. Step 434: If the temperature difference in the water pipe is greater than the temperature difference in the outside, the water leakage thermal situation is defined as external interference water.

4. The method for detecting pipeline leakage controlled by an electric ball valve according to claim 3, characterized in that, It also includes a method for determining leakage if the temperature difference in the water pipes equals the temperature difference in the outside environment. This method includes: Step 435: Locate the corresponding heating device number based on the leakage sensor number; Step 436: Identify the corresponding leakage area using the leakage image; Step 437: Control the heating device corresponding to the heating device number to perform heating operation on the leaking area; Step 438: After the heating operation is completed, re-acquire the thermal image and execute steps 430 to 434.

5. The method for detecting pipeline leakage controlled by an electric ball valve according to claim 3, characterized in that, Methods for calculating the water pipe temperature difference based on the infiltration water temperature and the water pipe temperature, and methods for calculating the external temperature difference based on the infiltration water temperature and the external water temperature, include: Step 4320: Obtain the water pipe features and wall features corresponding to the leak image; Step 4321: Combine the infiltration water temperature with the characteristics of the water pipe to obtain the temperature close to the water pipe, and at the same time combine the infiltration water temperature with the characteristics of the wall surface to obtain the temperature close to the wall surface; Step 4322: Calculate the temperature difference of the water pipes based on the water pipe temperature and the temperature of the surface near the wall; Step 4323: Calculate the temperature difference between the outside water and the temperature near the water pipe.

6. The method for detecting pipeline leakage controlled by an electric ball valve according to claim 3, characterized in that, It also includes a method for determining whether to calculate the temperature difference between the water pipes and the outside temperature, which includes: Step 43240: Compare the water pipe temperature with the outside water temperature to obtain the temperature difference between the inside and outside; Step 43241: If the temperature difference between the inside and outside is 0, find the corresponding wiping device number through the water leakage sensor number; Step 43242: Calculate the wiping area based on the leaking area and the preset water pipe area; Step 43243: Control the wiping device corresponding to the wiping device number to perform the wiping operation in the wiping area; Step 43244: After the wiping operation is completed, the video of the wiping area waiting for leakage is collected by the camera device corresponding to the camera device number according to the preset leakage time. Step 43245: Analyze the video of the leak to determine the extent of the leak; Step 43246: If the temperature difference between the inside and outside is not 0, calculate the temperature difference of the water pipe based on the temperature of the infiltrated water and the temperature of the water pipe, and at the same time calculate the temperature difference of the outside based on the temperature of the infiltrated water and the outside water temperature.

7. The method for detecting pipeline leakage controlled by an electric ball valve according to claim 4, characterized in that, Methods for controlling the thermal imaging device corresponding to the thermal imaging device number to perform thermal image acquisition operations to obtain thermal images include: Step 440: Based on the water leakage image, find the corresponding layout information to extract the wall area and the floor area; Step 441: If the water pipe area falls into the preset wall area, control the thermal imaging device corresponding to the thermal imaging device number to perform thermal image acquisition operation to obtain a thermal image. Step 442: If the water pipe area falls into the preset ground area, find the adjacent device number based on the thermal imaging device number; Step 443: Control the adjacent device corresponding to the adjacent device number to perform thermal image acquisition operation to obtain adjacent thermal images and define them as thermal image output.

8. The method for detecting pipeline leakage controlled by an electric ball valve according to claim 7, characterized in that, Methods for controlling adjacent devices corresponding to adjacent device numbers to perform thermal image acquisition operations to obtain adjacent thermal images include: Step 4430: Determine the adjacent device area based on the adjacent device number; Step 4431: Determine the adjacent data collection area based on the adjacent device area, the leakage area, and the water pipe area; Step 4432: Control the adjacent devices corresponding to the adjacent device numbers to perform adjustment operations according to the adjacent acquisition areas; Step 4433: After the adjustment operation is completed, control the adjacent device corresponding to the adjacent device number to perform thermal image acquisition operation to obtain the adjacent thermal image.

9. A method for detecting pipeline leakage controlled by an electric ball valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, Methods for generating and outputting leakage information based on leakage conditions and leakage images include: Step 70: Identify the corresponding water stain area using the leak image; Step 71: Find similar water stain information based on the water stain area; Step 72: Extract the leakage boundary in the water stain area; Step 73: Combine the leakage situation, similar water stain information and leakage boundary to form leakage information and output it.

10. A pipeline leakage detection system controlled by an electric ball valve, characterized in that, include: The acquisition module is used to acquire the leakage sensor number, water pipe characteristics, and wall characteristics; A memory for storing a program for a pipeline leakage detection method controlled by an electric ball valve as described in any one of claims 1 to 9; The processor loads and executes programs from memory.

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