Image-based fluid aeration measurement system

Abstract

The present invention provides a new method for measuring aeration by utilizing: 1. A custom-designed funnel and collection container with an integrated overflow reservoir to ensure sample consistency. 2. An optical measurement system using smartphone cameras for detecting fluid level and temperature changes over time. 3. A passive temperature-sensitive scale embedded in the collection container to correct for volume fluctuations due to thermal expansion. It utilizes a liquid expansion column to ensure accurate image based readings of temperature fluctuations without requiring electronic sensors. 4. A software application that processes captured images, calculates aeration percentages, and stores data in the cloud for analysis.

Description

[0001] IMAGE-BASED FLUID AERATION MEASUREMENT SYSTEM

[0002] Anthony Khoraych - anthony.khoraych@advancedta.com

[0003] SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IMAGE-BASED FLUID AERATION MEASUREMENT SYSTEM

[0004] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present invention relates to fluid measurement and analysis, specifically to a system and method for measuring aeration in fluids using image-based processing. The invention is particularly applicable in automotive, aerospace, and industrial fluid testing environments, where aeration can impact lubrication and heat transfer performance and component longevity.

[0006] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0007] 1. Problem to be Solved

[0008] Existing aeration measurement methods, such as the traditional beaker method, require manual volume readings and subjective interpretation, leading to inaccuracies and inconsistencies. High-end laboratory-grade aeration measurement tools exist but are expensive and inaccessible to many industry professionals. There is a need for an affordable, repeatable, and automated system for measuring fluid aeration without requiring specialized equipment.

[0009] 2. Prior Art Review

[0010] Various prior patents and publications describe methods for measuring aeration, including:

[0011] ● US7130738B2 – Method for measuring oil aeration using inline sensors in an engine system. ● US7059169B2 – Apparatus for in-situ measurement of air entrainment behavior in fluid systems. ● WO2016168167A1 – Use of digital imaging to analyze fluids.

[0012] A key distinction of the present invention from the prior art is that all existing methods rely on sensors that require electrical power, such as pressure, density, or optical sensors with

[0013]

[0014] IMAGE-BASED FLUID AERATION MEASUREMENT SYSTEM

[0015] Anthony Khoraych - anthony.khoraych@advancedta.com dedicated light sources (LEDs or otherwise). Even digital imaging-based measurement methods utilize active lighting systems as part of the apparatus.

[0016] In contrast, the present invention is entirely passive — it does not introduce any electrical or powered components in direct contact or proximity with the fluid sample. Instead, it relies exclusively on smartphone-based image capture, natural or ambient lighting conditions, and Smartphone-based computational image analysis for aeration and temperature extraction and algorithmic processing. This eliminates the need for dedicated sensor hardware, reducing system complexity, cost, and susceptibility to electronic failures, while increasing portability and ease of use in field applications.

[0017] This passive approach to aeration measurement, leveraging only external imaging and computational processing, provides a significant advantage over prior art and represents a novel improvement in fluid aeration analysis technology.

[0018] For example, a test engineer evaluating lubricant aeration in a remote vehicle durability test would not have access to lab-grade sensors, inline flow loops, or active monitoring equipment. Using the present invention, the engineer can extract precise aeration data using only a smartphone and the proprietary beaker setup, enabling fast, repeatable aeration monitoring directly at the test site without requiring complex instrumentation.

[0019] Unlike prior aeration measurement systems that depend on inline sensors, the present invention, referred to as the Aerify Capture System, includes the Aerify Capture Kit (hardware) and Aerify Capture App (software). This system provides a new method for measuring aeration using a structured beaker system with image-based analysis using smartphone-based image capture and passive temperature compensation. This novel integration eliminates the need for laboratory-grade instrumentation, making fluid aeration measurement more accessible for real-time, in-field applications.

[0020]

[0021] IMAGE-BASED FLUID AERATION MEASUREMENT SYSTEM

[0022] Anthony Khoraych - anthony.khoraych@advancedta.com

[0023] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0024] 1. System Components

[0025] 1.1 Aerify Capture Kit (Physical Device)

[0026] The Aerify Capture Kit consists of the following as illustrated in figure 5:

[0027] • A transparent / translucent measurement vessel (501) (beaker-like design) with volumetric markings (502) or geometry.

[0028] • A capture funnel (503) with a drained port (504) for controlled capture into an overflow (505) system to ensure uniform sample volume.

[0029] • The embedded temperature indicator (506) (liquid expansion column) is pre-calibrated for specific fluid types, ensuring measurement accuracy across a range of lubricants. The scale is designed to provide consistent, repeatable readings without requiring electronic sensors, enabling seamless smartphone-based data extraction.

[0030] • Optional calibration markers and identification (507) to aid in image analysis accuracy and authentication.

[0031] 1.2 Aerify Capture App (Software System) Figures 1,2 and 3.

[0032] • User Interface: Guides users through the structured measurement process as illustrated in Figure 1, Figure 2 and Figure 3.

[0033] • Image Processing Algorithms: Detects fluid level changes in sequential images.

[0034] • Cloud Data Storage & Retrieval: Allows long-term trend analysis and comparison. • Automated Timer & Notification System: Ensures proper de-aeration time before the second image is taken.

[0035] • Data Export & Visualization: Generates reports in CSV / PDF formats.

[0036] Page 4 of 11IMAGE-BASED FLUID AERATION MEASUREMENT SYSTEM

[0037] Anthony Khoraych - anthony.khoraych@advancedta.com

[0038] 2. Method of Use

[0039] • User fills the Aerify Capture Kit vessel to the overflow point, ensuring a known starting volume.

[0040] • Initial image is captured using the Aerify Capture App.

[0041] • The app starts a de-aeration timer based on preset conditions.

[0042] • After de-aeration is complete, the user is prompted to take a second image.

[0043] • The app calculates aeration percentage based on detected volume differences, correcting for temperature fluctuations.

[0044] • Data is stored and analyzed for reporting and comparison.

[0045] 3. Aeration Calculation Formula

[0046] The aeration can be calculated by inputting V_initial (Initial fluid volume from Photo 1), V_final (Final fluid volume from Photo 2), T_initial (Initial temperature from Photo 1), T_final (Final temperature from Photo 2) and β (coefficient of thermal expansion of the fluid) into the following formula:

[0047] Aeration Percentage = [(V_initial - V_final) - (V_initial * β * (T_final - T_initial))] / V_initial * 100

[0048] and as illustrated in Figure 4

[0049] Page 5 of 11

Claims

IMAGE-BASED FLUID AERATION MEASUREMENT SYSTEM Anthony Khoraych - anthony.khoraych@advancedta.comCLAIMS1. A fluid aeration measurement system, comprising:o A structured collection container with a controlled overflow system or equivalent mechanism to ensure a standardized fluid sample volume. o A temperature scale indicator embedded within the container to enable passive temperature correction.o An optical measurement system utilizing image processing to detect fluid level changes over time.o A software application configured to process sequential images, compute aeration percentage, and store measurement data.o A cloud-based data storage and analysis system for long-term monitoring and reporting of fluid aeration trends.

2. A method for measuring aeration in fluids, comprising the steps of:o Filling a structured measurement vessel to an overflow point to standardize volume.o Capturing an initial image of the fluid level and temperature indicator.o Initiating a de-aeration timer based on predefined conditions.o Capturing a second image after de-aeration.o Processing the images to determine aeration percentage, compensating for temperature-related volume changes.o Storing and analyzing measurement data via a cloud-based platform.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the optical measurement system utilizes smartphone-based image processing to determine fluid aeration without the need for external sensors.

4. The system of claim 1, further comprising automated calibration markers within the container to enhance measurement accuracy.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the software application provides real-time user guidance, notifications, and reporting tools.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the temperature scale indicator is calibrated for specific fluid properties, ensuring measurement consistency across different fluid types.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the software application applies artificial intelligence-based image recognition to enhance fluid aeration detection, compensate for non-uniform lighting conditions, adapt to varying fluid transparency levels, correct for optical distortions, and refine aeration percentage calculations using historical measurement trends, machine learning-based pattern recognition, and adaptive calibration techniques.Page 6 of 11

Images