Liquid Surface Measurement Using Segmented Optical Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring the surface of a liquid, especially in containers with complex geometries and moving liquids, face challenges in accurately determining the height and volume due to distortion and non-planar surfaces, leading to potential volume measurement errors and difficulties in detecting contaminants.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that project a pattern onto both the solid structure and the liquid surface, allowing for the analysis of upper and lower projected patterns to determine the liquid's edge height and interior characteristics, using image processing to correct for distortion and interpolate the non-planar shape of the liquid surface, enabling accurate volume calculation and contaminant detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single projected pattern is used to measure liquid surface, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to inability to distinguish edge height from interior surface characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The projected pattern is segmented into two distinct parts: an upper projected pattern projected onto the solid structure and a lower projected pattern projected onto the liquid surface. This segmentation allows the system to separately analyze edge height information from the upper pattern and interior surface characteristics from the lower pattern, thereby improving measurement precision without requiring overly complex single-pattern solutions.
2Measurement precision
If the liquid surface is assumed to be planar, then the measurement process is simplified, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to distortion from non-planar surfaces and sloshing
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different analysis methods to different regions of the liquid surface. The upper projected pattern analysis focuses on edge height determination where the liquid contacts the solid structure, while the lower projected pattern analysis focuses on interior surface characteristics. This local quality approach allows accurate volume measurement even when the overall surface is non-planar due to sloshing or distortion.
3Measurement precision
If traditional single-point height measurement is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to inability to account for surface distortion and sloshing
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from single-point height measurement to two-dimensional pattern analysis. By projecting patterns and analyzing their distortion across the entire field of view, the system captures height information at multiple points simultaneously. The upper projected pattern provides edge height data while the lower projected pattern provides interior surface data, enabling accurate volume calculation that accounts for surface distortion and sloshing.
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
This approach provides accurate measurements of liquid height and volume, even in non-planar surfaces, and allows for real-time monitoring, reducing errors associated with sloshing and improving detection of contaminants, resulting in a more precise estimation of liquid volume and surface conditions.
Implementation Method 1
illuminating the surface of the liquid and the solid structure with a pattern so that an upper part of the pattern is projected onto the solid structure
Data Source
AI summary
A method of measuring a surface of a liquid, the surface of the liquid having an edge which contacts a solid structure and an interior area which does not contact the solid structure. The surface of the liquid and the solid structure are illuminated with a pattern so that an upper part of the pattern is projected onto the solid structure to form an upper projected pattern and a lower part of the pattern is projected onto the interior area of the surface of the liquid to form a lower projected pattern. An image of the upper projected pattern is acquired and analysed to determine a height of the edge of the surface of the liquid. An image of the lower projected pattern is acquired and analysed to determine a characteristic of the interior area of the surface of the liquid.