Infrared Gas Leak Flow Estimation Without Manual Distance Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing leakage gas detection systems require manual distance measurement by users, increasing workload and limiting accurate flow rate estimation without stored distance information.
Innovation Solution
A system that automatically calculates gas flow rate using map information, camera position, and imaging orientation to estimate gas flow rate without manual distance measurement, incorporating a gas flow rate estimation device with map acquisition, distance calculation, and image processing sections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual distance measurement by user is performed, then distance information is obtained for flow rate estimation, but user workload increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically acquires distance information using the camera's position information and map data without requiring manual measurement by the user. The distance calculation section computes distance based on the camera position from position information and the target position from map information, enabling self-service distance acquisition that eliminates user burden while maintaining accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
Map information serves as an intermediary between the camera and the target object to provide distance data. Instead of direct manual measurement, the system uses map data as a mediator to obtain position information and calculate distance, thereby reducing user workload while preserving measurement precision
2Ease of operation
If distance information is not stored during image capture, then user workload is reduced, but flow rate estimation cannot be performed later
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary acquisition of position information and map data at the time of image capture, storing these data elements for future use. This preliminary action ensures that when flow rate estimation is needed later, the necessary distance information is already available without requiring user input at that moment
Solution Approach 2:
The system captures and stores position information that serves multiple functions: it is used for both immediate image capture operations and future flow rate estimation operations. This multi-functionality allows the same position data to support different operational modes without requiring separate distance measurements
3Ease of operation
If automatic distance calculation using map information is implemented, then user workload is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system is enhanced with multi-functionality to not only capture images but also acquire position information and enable automatic distance calculation. By making the system universal in its capabilities, the added complexity is justified by the elimination of manual operations and the enablement of automated flow rate estimation
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical process of distance measurement with a laser range finder is replaced with an automated information processing system that uses position data and map information. This substitution replaces physical measurement mechanisms with computational methods, reducing user workload while managing complexity through software-based solutions
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 accurate and convenient gas flow rate estimation by eliminating the need for manual distance measurement, simplifying user operations, and allowing estimation from data lacking initial distance information.
Implementation Method 1
detects a leaked gas from an image captured by a camera using infrared absorption of a specific wavelength by a gas
Data Source
AI summary
A gas flow rate estimation device includes a map acquisition section acquiring, from position information of a camera capturing an image including information of an infrared ray, map information around the camera, a distance calculation section calculating, based on the map information, a distance from the camera to a gas cloud, a first calculation section calculating, using time-series images, a gas velocity of the gas cloud and a gas passage time for which gas passes through a gas region, a second calculation section calculating a gas concentration thickness product of the gas region by using image data of the gas region and a gas amount of the gas region by using the gas concentration thickness product and a distance calculated by the distance calculation section, and a third calculation section calculating a flow rate estimation value of gas by using the gas passage time and the gas amount.