Optical Liquid Level Measurement Using Binary Code Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid level measurement systems face uncertainties due to dependence on physical conditions like temperature and density, and are prone to measurement noise and inaccuracies, especially when impurities are present, limiting their ability to provide absolute measurements.
Innovation Solution
An optical liquid level measurement system featuring a support with a guide pin and a movable float equipped with a camera assembly for acquiring two-dimensional images of binary codes on the guide pin, allowing for digital and absolute level measurement independent of medium conditions and impurities, with optional correction for liquid density.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If analog measurement methods using wave propagation are used, then measurement can be implemented, but measurement uncertainties increase due to dependence on physical conditions like temperature and density
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces analog wave propagation-based measurement systems with a digital optical measurement system. Instead of using acoustic or electromagnetic waves whose speed depends on medium conditions, the invention uses a digital camera to capture images of binary codes on a staff, processing these images digitally to determine liquid level. This substitution eliminates dependence on physical conditions like temperature and density while maintaining measurement capability.
2Measurement precision
If analog measurement devices are used, then measurement function is provided, but measurement noise increases intrinsic uncertainties
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces analog measurement devices that are inherently susceptible to measurement noise with a digital measurement system. The digital camera captures images of binary codes, and digital processing algorithms determine the liquid level by identifying which binary code is at the liquid surface. This digital approach eliminates intrinsic measurement noise present in analog systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses binary codes printed on the staff as a visual representation (copy) of level information. Instead of directly measuring physical quantities with noisy analog sensors, the system captures an optical copy (image) of the binary code pattern and processes it digitally. This copying approach transfers measurement information from the physical domain to the digital domain, eliminating noise.
3Measurement precision
If optical measurement methods using light propagation are used, then level measurement is achieved, but erroneous measurements occur when impurities are present in the liquid
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the measurement from a one-dimensional line-of-sight optical path through the liquid to a two-dimensional imaging plane. The digital camera captures an image of the binary codes on the staff from the side, not through the liquid. This dimensional change eliminates the harmful effect of impurities in the liquid, as the optical path no longer traverses the liquid medium.
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
The system provides robust and accurate absolute liquid level measurements by overcoming noise and impurity-related errors, ensuring precision and reliability regardless of medium conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a camera assembly mounted on the float and comprising a member for illuminating the staff and a camera device capable of acquiring two-dimensional images of the staff
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
Digital system for absolute optical measurement of a level of liquid in a container by correlation of photographs This optical system for measuring a level of liquid (L) in a container (C), comprises a support (2), a guidance axis (3) extending from the support and comprising an optical sight (9) comprising distinct binary codes each corresponding to a step change of level of liquid in the container, and a mobile float (7) able to slide along the guidance axis according to the level of liquid (L). It comprises at least one photography assembly (10) mounted on the float and comprising a lighting member (10a) for the sight and a photography device (10b) able to acquire two-dimensional images of the sight, said images acquired by the photography device encompassing a set of several binary codes corresponding to a set of respective step changes of level making it possible to determine the level of liquid, even in the presence of impurities blotting out a part of the image of the sight.