Lubricating Oil Degradation Evaluation with Ordinary Cameras
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for evaluating lubricating oil degradation require expensive special imaging apparatuses like hyperspectral cameras, making it impractical for general users to perform immediate evaluations.
Innovation Solution
A lubricating oil degradation evaluation system utilizing imaging data from a general user's imaging apparatus with a communication function, including a storage unit for reference data, a creation unit for image analysis, and an evaluation unit to determine the degree of degradation based on this data, using machine learning for enhanced accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a hyperspectral camera is used to measure lubricating oil degradation, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive hyperspectral cameras with inexpensive ordinary digital cameras or smartphones. The system uses readily available imaging devices that general users already possess, eliminating the need for specialized expensive equipment while achieving sufficient measurement precision for lubricating oil degradation evaluation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified copy of the hyperspectral imaging function using ordinary cameras. Instead of requiring complex spectral dispersion hardware, the system captures images with standard cameras and processes the data through image analysis algorithms, effectively copying the essential measurement capability at a fraction of the cost and complexity.
2Measurement precision
If sampling and laboratory analysis is performed, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical laboratory analysis process with an automated digital imaging and image processing system. Ordinary cameras capture images of the lubricating oil, and computer algorithms automatically analyze the images to determine degradation levels, eliminating the need for manual sampling, transportation, and laboratory procedures while maintaining evaluation accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables users to perform degradation evaluation themselves using their own devices. The imaging apparatus captures images, the creation unit processes the images, and the evaluation unit provides results - all in one automated sequence that users can execute immediately without requiring external laboratory services.
3Ease of operation
If ordinary imaging apparatus is used, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the measurement approach by changing from spectral parameter analysis (requiring hyperspectral cameras) to color and brightness parameter analysis (usable with ordinary cameras). The image analysis unit extracts degradation information from standard RGB color values and brightness levels, achieving accurate measurements with devices that have simpler parameters and are widely accessible.
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 immediate and accurate evaluation of lubricating oil degradation and contamination using common imaging devices, reducing the need for specialized equipment and facilitating timely assessments.
Implementation Method 1
measuring a degree of degradation of a lubricating oil by using light transmission
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a lubricating oil degradation evaluation system and a lubricating oil degradation evaluation method capable of immediately evaluating degradation and a contamination state of a lubricating oil by including: a storage unit 10 that stores evaluation reference data 100 regarding evaluation of degradation of a lubricating oil; a creation unit 20 that acquires imaging data 210 of an evaluation lubricating oil serving as an evaluation target captured by an imaging apparatus 21 having a communication function and creates image analysis data 200 regarding degradation of the evaluation lubricating oil from the imaging data 210; and an evaluation unit 30 that creates an evaluation result 300 of a degree of degradation of the evaluation lubricating oil from the image analysis data 200 on the basis of the evaluation reference data 100.