Angular Gauge Reporting System Remote Value Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems lack an efficient method to remotely and accurately determine values displayed by angular gauges, especially when they are located in difficult-to-reach or hazardous environments, as they require manual interpretation and can be computationally intensive.
Innovation Solution
An angular gauge reporting system (AGRS) that receives images of the gauge, generates an angular map, identifies numbers through optical character recognition, and determines values using interpolation, allowing for remote and efficient reading without repeated complex tasks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual reading of angular gauges is performed, then measurement capability is maintained, but safety is compromised and productivity is reduced due to the need for personnel to physically access hazardous locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses image capture devices to create visual copies of the angular gauge face, which are then processed through image recognition algorithms to extract the measured value. This allows remote reading of gauges in hazardous locations without personnel exposure, simultaneously improving safety and maintaining productivity through automated digital copying and analysis of the gauge display
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical reading processes with an automated system combining image capture, optical character recognition, and angle calculation algorithms. The system automatically detects gauge markings, needle position, and computes values without human intervention, eliminating the need for personnel to physically access dangerous locations while maintaining accurate measurement capabilities
2Ease of operation
If image processing methods are used to read angular gauges, then remote reading capability is achieved, but computational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by capturing a reference image of the gauge face with known markings and needle position, processing it to establish the angular map and coordinate transformations. This pre-processing creates a reference framework that simplifies subsequent value readings, as the complex tasks of marking detection and angle calculation are performed only once rather than repeatedly for each measurement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the image processing task into distinct modules: gauge face detection, marking identification, needle position detection, angle calculation, and value determination. Each module handles a specific aspect of the problem, making the overall complex process more manageable and efficient by breaking it down into independent, optimized sub-tasks
3Measurement precision
If traditional image processing is applied to each gauge reading, then accurate values can be determined, but repeated complex computations reduce productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs the computationally intensive tasks of detecting gauge markings, establishing coordinate systems, and creating angular maps as preliminary actions during an initial setup phase. These processed results are stored and reused for subsequent readings, eliminating the need to repeat complex computations for each new measurement while maintaining accurate value determination through the pre-established reference framework
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a continuous workflow where the initial image processing creates a persistent angular map and transformation parameters that remain valid for multiple subsequent readings. This allows rapid sequential measurements to be performed using the pre-computed reference data, maintaining measurement precision while dramatically improving reading speed by avoiding repeated full processing cycles
Data Source
AI summary
In various embodiments, an angular gauge reporting system (“AGRS”) may determine one or more values from an image of an angular gauge. The AGRS may receive one or more images of the gauge and develop an angular map to determine values indicated by the gauge. The AGRS may identify numbers in the image to generate the angular map. The AGRS may determine a center for the angular gauge. The AGRS may determine numerical values by processing capture images of the angular gauge though angular or linear interpolation of values. By generating the angular map prior to later determination of values, the AGRS may provide for determination of numerical values without requiring repetition of actions which may be computationally complex or resource intensive. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.