Fluid Current Detection Using Particulate Tracking for Navigation Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies lack effective methods to utilize information about fluid currents for navigation control and dynamic property changes of bodies traveling through fluids, such as air or water, using particulates as indicators.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising a processor and memory configured to determine the magnitude and direction of fluid currents from particulates, using time-of-flight cameras and Doppler calculations, and process this information for navigation control or fluid dynamic property changes of ground-supported or liquid-supported bodies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If real-time fluid current measurement from particulates is implemented, then navigation control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses particulates suspended in the fluid as intermediary objects to measure current characteristics. Instead of directly measuring fluid flow, the system tracks particulate movement, which serves as a mediator that reflects fluid current properties. This approach enables precise measurement while using relatively simple imaging equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical fluid flow measurement systems with optical imaging and computational analysis. By using cameras to capture particulate positions and applying image processing algorithms, the system substitutes mechanical sensors and direct flow measurement devices with a non-contact optical measurement approach.
2Reliability
If navigation control and fluid dynamic property changes are implemented based on current data, then body travel safety is improved, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where measured fluid current characteristics are continuously fed back to adjust navigation control and fluid dynamic properties of the body. This closed-loop approach improves reliability by constantly adapting to changing fluid conditions, with the processor automatically adjusting control parameters based on real-time measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary analysis of fluid current conditions before executing navigation adjustments. By measuring and processing current characteristics in advance, the system can prepare appropriate control actions, ensuring safer navigation through predicted hazardous conditions rather than reacting to them after they occur.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables precise navigation control and fluid dynamic property adjustments of bodies traveling through fluids, improving safety and efficiency by leveraging real-time fluid current data from particulates.
Implementation Method 1
The velocity of the particulates may be calculated using a Doppler time-of-flight calculation
Implementation Method 2
The velocity of the particulates may be calculated using a Doppler time-of-flight calculation
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus (100) comprises at least one processor (110,210,530,550,385) and at least one memory (120,220) including computer program code. The memory (120,220) and the processor (110,210,530,550,385) are configured to, in respect of a ground-supported or liquid-supported body (401,411) travelling or to travel through a fluid, receive a determined magnitude and direction of a current within a forthcoming fluid zone (410,420), the magnitude and direction of the current determined from particulates suspended in the forthcoming fluid zone (410,420), and process the determined magnitude and direction of the current to provide for at least one of: a change in one or more fluid dynamical properties of the body (401,411), or navigation control of the body (401,411).