Optical Flow Measuring Device Using CMOS Array and FPGA for Real-Time Profile Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical flow measurement techniques struggle to provide continuous, time-resolved, and real-time measurements of flow profiles in pipes with dynamic flow conditions, often requiring complex hardware and high computational power, and are limited in detecting local transverse components and turbulence.
Innovation Solution
A flow measuring device using a CMOS array detector with a connected FPGA processes sensor signals from multiple detectors to continuously and real-time convert speed profiles into flow parameters like volume flow, flow profile, and turbulence, eliminating the need for intermediate storage and enabling real-time output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If Particle Image Velocimetry is used for spatially resolved flow velocity measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and computational requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical/optical PIV systems with a simplified optical correlation flowmeter that uses a single light source and sensor unit. The system substitutes sophisticated image processing mechanics with a streamlined optical correlation method that achieves sufficient measurement precision without requiring high computing power or complex hardware arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts only the essential measurement function from PIV technology, eliminating unnecessary complexity. By focusing solely on obtaining flow velocity data through optical correlation rather than full spatially resolved velocity fields, the system achieves practical measurement precision with significantly reduced device complexity and computational requirements.
2Device complexity
If optical transit-time or correlation flowmeter is used for integral measurement, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to model assumptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the flow measurement process into discrete correlation calculations across multiple sensor elements. By dividing the measurement plane into individual sensor units that each perform local correlation analysis, the system achieves integral measurement capability without requiring complex model assumptions about the flow profile, thereby improving precision while maintaining simplicity.
3Device complexity
If laser Doppler technology is used for point-based measurement, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and volumetric flow indication deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from point-based laser Doppler measurement to a planar measurement approach using an array of sensor units. By adding the spatial dimension across multiple sensors arranged in a measurement plane, the system simultaneously achieves low device complexity and improved volumetric flow indication precision through parallel correlation calculations across the entire measurement area.
4Measurement precision
If continuous real-time flow profile measurement is implemented, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time and computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous real-time flow profile measurement through uninterrupted optical correlation processing. The system maintains continuous measurement precision by performing correlation calculations in real-time as flow data arrives, eliminating gaps in measurement while keeping processing time minimal through efficient algorithms and direct optical-sensor coupling without intermediate storage requirements.
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 solution allows for precise, real-time measurement of flow velocity and volume flow with reduced computational effort, capable of detecting asymmetrical and non-stationary flow profiles, even in curved pipes, with improved accuracy and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
Optical methods for flow measurement, for example within a pipe section, are based on the emission of electromagnetic waves, especially light, into the fluid
Implementation Method 2
A fundamental distinction can be made between point-based measurement methods, integral measurement methods, and spatially resolved measurement methods
Data Source
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Figure 2a~2b
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AI summary
The invention relates to a flow measurement method for the optical measurement of a volume flow of a fluid (10) in a closed cross-section and a flow measurement device (1) for this purpose, comprising at least one light source (11) and at least one sensor unit (12) with which particles (13) present in the fluid (10) are detected within a measurement plane (14).According to the invention, it is provided that at least one measurement plane and the particles (13) present therein are illuminated by the light source (11), wherein the sensor unit (12) is provided with at least two or with a plurality of individual detectors (12a, 12b, 12c, 12b) with which sensor signals (S) are output, and wherein a processing unit (16) is connected downstream of the sensor unit (12) with which the sensor signals (S) are processed in real time by integrating and weighting the individual signals of the individual detectors (12a, 12b, 12c, 12b) using spatial filtering technology and output as an output signal (18).