Camera-Based Movement Detection for Real-Time Leak Classification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing leak detection methods lack real-time accuracy and reliability, particularly in environments where visual inspection is difficult or impossible, and sensors often provide false positives.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing cameras and image processing, including optical flow and machine learning algorithms, to isolate and classify movement in images as leaks, non-leaks, or other movements, enabling real-time detection and reducing false alarms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If visual inspection is used for leak detection, then simplicity of the method is maintained, but real-time detection capability and accessibility in hard-to-reach environments are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection with an automated optical detection system using cameras and image processing algorithms. The system captures images continuously and uses machine learning models to automatically identify leaks, eliminating the need for human operators to physically inspect hard-to-reach areas while maintaining real-time monitoring capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates digital copies (images) of the monitored environment and analyzes these copies to detect leaks. By working with image data rather than requiring direct physical inspection, the system can continuously monitor inaccessible areas in real-time without putting operators at risk.
2Productivity
If sensors are used for leak detection, then continuous monitoring is achieved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to false positives
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses machine learning models that are continuously trained on image data to improve their detection accuracy. The feedback loop involves comparing sensor inputs with learned patterns from historical data, allowing the system to refine its detection criteria and reduce false positives over time while maintaining continuous monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts detection parameters based on environmental conditions and learned patterns. By changing the thresholds and criteria for leak detection based on contextual information from multiple images and time points, the system maintains high precision while continuing to monitor continuously.
3Reliability
If multiple sensors are deployed for better detection coverage, then monitoring reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a single camera system that performs multiple functions: capturing images, detecting movement, identifying leaks, and providing real-time alerts. By making the detection system multi-functional, the patent avoids the need for multiple specialized sensors while achieving comprehensive monitoring coverage and high reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for detecting leaks includes one or more cameras configured to obtain images of one or more objects to be monitored for leaks and a processor configured to execute machine readable instructions stored on a memory. The system may be configured to receive images from the one or more cameras of the one or more objects to be monitored for leaks; isolate movement in the received images to output isolated movement images; and analyze the isolated movement images to determine whether the isolated movement is a leak, a non-leak, or other movement.