Optical Power Detection Device for Instantaneous Consumption Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional consumption meters with counters and counting discs do not provide timely and accurate instantaneous power displays, relying on average values with significant time shifts, which hinders real-time power consumption analysis and identification of large power consumers.
Innovation Solution
A power detection device utilizing image analysis of the counting disk's movement parameters, specifically the current speed, to determine instantaneous power by correlating consecutive images and integrating movement information, with a processor calibrating based on known disk characteristics and energy parameters, and using a communication device to send the instantaneous power data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional consumption meters with counters and counting discs are used, then the device complexity is low and ease of manufacture is high, but the measurement precision of instantaneous power is poor and time delay is large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical reading system with an optical imaging system. Instead of mechanically reading the counting disc through a viewing window, the system uses an image sensor to capture images of the counting disc and processes these images to determine instantaneous power. This substitution enables precise measurement of the counting disc's rotational speed and position, thereby achieving accurate instantaneous power measurement without significant time delay.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an image sensor as an intermediary between the counting disc and the measurement system. The image sensor captures visual information from the counting disc, which is then processed by a evaluation unit to extract rotational parameters. This intermediary enables non-contact, high-precision measurement of the counting disc's movement, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.
2Loss of time
If image scanning methods are used to capture images of the counting disk, then the measurement precision of instantaneous power is improved and time delay is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical or periodic sampling methods with continuous optical imaging. The image sensor continuously captures images of the counting disc, enabling real-time measurement of rotational speed and position. This continuous optical measurement eliminates the time delay inherent in periodic sampling or mechanical reading systems, providing instantaneous power values without significant lag.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary image capture and processing to determine rotational parameters before power calculation is needed. By continuously capturing images and pre-processing them to extract rotational speed and position information, the system is ready to calculate instantaneous power immediately when required, minimizing any potential time delay.
3Measurement precision
If the image acquisition unit scans the counting disk through the viewing window, then the measurement precision is improved, but the ease of operation decreases due to alignment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-aligning features where the image sensor and evaluation unit automatically adjust to capture and process images of the counting disc without requiring precise manual alignment. The system can detect the counting disc's position and orientation automatically, and the evaluation algorithm can compensate for minor misalignments, making the device easy to install and operate while maintaining high measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses image processing techniques that can adapt to variations in the counting disc's position, orientation, and lighting conditions. By changing parameters such as image thresholding, contrast enhancement, and feature detection algorithms, the system maintains high measurement precision across a range of operating conditions without requiring precise alignment, thereby improving ease of operation.
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 real-time, accurate power consumption monitoring by providing instantaneous power values, allowing for timely analysis and detection of large power consumers, overcoming the limitations of conventional meters.
Implementation Method 1
two consecutive images can be correlated, in particular cross-correlated, in order to determine displacements of individual pixels along the axis under consideration
Implementation Method 2
With the help of image scanning methods, for example using laser/LED technology, it is possible to record movement information in the captured images
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2~3
AI summary
Power recording device comprising an image acquisition unit configured for capturing images of a counting disc of a counter of a consumption meter and a processor configured for evaluating the captured images in such a way that at least two temporally successive images are correlated to capture movement information along an axis and configured for calculating an instantaneous power output of the consumption meter depending on the movement information.