Laser Pipe Leak Detection via Polarization State Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid leak detection methods in pipes require complex configurations involving visible light cameras and synchronized light irradiation, making them cumbersome for efficient leak detection.
Innovation Solution
A liquid leak detection system utilizing a laser measurement device to acquire data based on reflected light, generating a three-dimensional pipe model, detecting polarization states, and identifying leaks using polarization information, thereby simplifying the detection process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If visible light camera and light irradiation means are used for oil leak detection, then leak detection capability is achieved, but device complexity and installation work increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential detection function from the complex visible light camera system and isolates it to a simple mobile phone camera. By removing the light irradiation means and synchronization control, the system retains leak detection capability while dramatically reducing device complexity and installation requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive, complex detection equipment with a inexpensive mobile phone camera. This disposable-like approach uses a readily available device instead of specialized infrastructure, eliminating the need for professional installation and reducing overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If visible light camera and light irradiation means are used for oil leak detection, then leak detection capability is achieved, but installation work and synchronization control are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the light irradiation means and synchronization control mechanisms from the detection system. By extracting these complex operational elements, the system becomes as simple as pointing a mobile phone camera at the pipe, eliminating professional installation requirements while maintaining detection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile phone camera system performs self-service detection without requiring external light sources or synchronization control. The device autonomously captures images and processes them to detect leaks, eliminating the need for complex operational procedures and professional installation.
3Measurement precision
If difference image processing is used for leak detection, then leak identification is achieved, but processing time and computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by capturing multiple images at different positions along the pipe before processing. By pre-positioning the camera at various locations and capturing images in advance, the system reduces real-time processing requirements and accelerates leak detection while maintaining identification accuracy through spatial sampling.
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 easier and more efficient detection of liquid leaks in pipes by eliminating the need for complex device synchronization and installation, allowing for accurate leak presence and location determination.
Implementation Method 1
a data acquiring means for acquiring data based on reflected light of laser light applied to a region including a pipe
Implementation Method 2
a polarization state detecting means for detecting a polarization state in the pipe model by using the data
Data Source
AI summary
The purpose of the present invention is to detect a liquid leak in a pipe more easily. This liquid leak detection device (2) comprises: a data acquiring means (11) that acquires data based on reflected light from laser light which irradiates a region including a pipe; a pipe model generating means (12) that uses the data and generates a pipe model that is a three-dimensional model of the pipe; a polarization state detecting means (13) that uses the data and detects a polarization state in the pipe model; and a liquid leak detecting means (14) that detects a liquid leak in the pipe on the basis of the polarization state detected by the polarization state detecting means.