Optical Acoustic Vector Sensor for Dense-Fluid Motion Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vector sensors require multiple sensors or complex magnetic fields to measure acoustic wave vectors, making them cumbersome and inefficient, especially in dense fluids like water where traditional methods fail to accurately measure small-scale vibratory motion.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing two optical cameras positioned with a known distance and angle to capture images of particulates in a fluid, processing these images to derive acoustic wave vectors through image decomposition, amplification, and combination, without the need for magnetic fields or multiple sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional vector sensors are used to measure acoustic wave vectors, then measurement capability is provided, but device complexity increases due to requiring multiple sensors or complex magnetic fields
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical vector sensors that require complex magnetic fields and multiple sensor arrays with an optical imaging system using cameras to capture particle motion. This substitution of mechanical/electromagnetic measurement with optical measurement simplifies the device configuration while maintaining measurement capability for acoustic wave vectors in fluid environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces suspended particles as intermediary objects that visually amplify and make visible the otherwise imperceptible acoustic particle motion. These particles serve as mediators between the acoustic field and the optical measurement system, allowing cameras to capture and measure acoustic wave vectors through tracking particle displacement and velocity.
2Measurement precision
If traditional sensors are used in dense fluids, then measurement is attempted, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inability to accurately measure small-scale vibratory motion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from direct acoustic pressure or velocity measurement to optical displacement measurement of suspended particles. By measuring the position and motion of visible particles rather than attempting to measure the acoustic field directly, the system achieves reliable measurement of small-scale vibratory motion in dense fluids where traditional sensors fail.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the visual properties of suspended particles (their optical characteristics) to make invisible acoustic motion visible. The particles scatter or reflect light, allowing their motion to be captured by optical cameras, thereby transforming the measurement of acoustic vibration into a visual detection problem that can be solved with standard imaging equipment.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are deployed to measure acoustic vectors, then measurement completeness improves, but loss of time increases due to complex data processing from multiple sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple vector sensors into a single optical imaging system. Instead of deploying multiple independent sensors that each require separate data processing, the system uses one or more cameras to simultaneously capture all spatial components of particle motion, reducing the number of data sources and simplifying the processing pipeline while still obtaining complete acoustic vector information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from measuring acoustic vectors in the acoustic domain (using microphones or pressure sensors) to measuring them in the visual/spatial domain using camera imaging. This dimensional change allows simultaneous capture of multiple vector components through spatial resolution of particle positions in images, reducing the need for multiple temporal measurements and complex synchronization.
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 measurement of acoustic wave vectors in dense fluids by capturing and processing small-scale particle motion, providing a compact and efficient solution for deriving acoustic wave characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
a light source configured to be placed in the fluid... The light is adequate to illuminate at least one particulate in the scene
Implementation Method 2
record over a small area any movement of at least one particle suspended in the fluid so as to record any object movement in response to any disturbance of the fluid by an acoustic wave
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for measuring acoustic wave vectors in a fluid is presented, a system comprising: a first camera configured to be placed in the fluid; a second camera configured to be placed in the fluid; a light source configured to be placed in the fluid; and a controller configured to: control the first camera; control the second camera; control the light source; process images provided by the first camera and second camera to determine an acoustic wave vector.