Automated Stroboscopic Detection Using Optical Flow Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional stroboscopes are manual, require system downtime for inspection, limited to repetitive motion, lack quantitative data, and are prone to human error, environmental interference, and safety hazards, making them unsuitable for diverse and complex industrial applications.
Innovation Solution
A stroboscopic device with a camera, light source, and processor that automates stroboscopic effect detection by analyzing optical flow between frames, adjusting the duty cycle, and using AI to identify objects and detect movement, enabling non-invasive, real-time inspection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional manual stroboscope inspection procedures are used, then inspection can be performed with simple equipment, but system downtime is required and productivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical inspection procedures with an automated computer vision system that captures images and automatically analyzes them using image processing algorithms. This substitution eliminates the need for manual intervention and system shutdown, enabling continuous operation while performing inspections.
Solution Approach 2:
The inspection system performs self-analysis through automated image processing and defect detection algorithms. The system captures images, processes them, identifies defects, and generates reports without requiring external manual inspection, thereby eliminating downtime while maintaining inspection quality.
2Measurement precision
If conventional stroboscope methods are used, then visual inspection can be performed, but human error and subjectivity affect measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces human visual inspection with an automated computer vision system that uses image processing algorithms to objectively analyze images. This substitution eliminates human error, subjectivity, and the need for operator skill, providing consistent and precise measurements across all inspections.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides automated feedback through objective image analysis and defect detection. The computer vision system processes images, identifies defects with precise measurements, and generates actionable insights, eliminating the variability inherent in human judgment and providing consistent, repeatable results.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional stroboscopes are used, then rotating machinery can be inspected, but adaptability to diverse equipment and failure modes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal inspection system based on computer vision that can inspect various types of equipment including rotating machinery, conveyor belts, and assembly lines. The system uses configurable parameters and adaptable image processing algorithms to handle diverse failure modes and equipment types without requiring specialized hardware for each application.
Solution Approach 2:
The inspection system is dynamically configurable to adapt to different equipment types and inspection requirements. The system can adjust imaging parameters, processing algorithms, and analysis criteria based on the specific application, enabling versatile inspection across diverse machinery while maintaining manageable system complexity through software flexibility.
4Extent of automation
If cloud-based automated processing is used, then inspection automation is achieved, but latency increases and real-time operation is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the inspection system into local edge computing components that perform image capture and processing immediately on-site. By distributing processing functionality to local devices rather than relying on centralized cloud processing, the system achieves both automation and real-time performance with minimal latency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces local edge computing devices as intermediaries between image capture and analysis. These intermediaries perform automated image processing and defect detection locally, eliminating the need to transfer data to remote cloud servers and thereby maintaining real-time operation while achieving full automation.
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 accurate, automated, and real-time detection of stroboscopic effects, overcoming environmental limitations and human error, and offering quantitative data for predictive maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
a camera for acquiring video frames
Implementation Method 2
Stroboscopes are devices used to make a high frequency, cyclically moving object appear slow-moving or stationary, primarily by illuminating it at intervals
Data Source
AI summary
A stroboscopic device, comprising: a camera for acquiring video frames; a light source; and at least one hardware processor; and software that is configured to, when executed by the at least one hardware processor, acquire a sequence of video frames via the camera, convert the frames from RGB to grayscale, for a first and second frame in the sequence of video frames, compute the dense optical flow field between the two frames, wherein the optical flow field contains a flow vector for each pixel in each of the first and second frames, indicating the motion of that pixel from the first frame to the second frame, calculate the average magnitude (Average Optical Flow or AOF) of all flow vectors for each pixel in the first and second frames, compare the AOF to a threshold, and store a result based on the comparison, repeat the process for all frames in the sequence of video frames, determine whether a stroboscopic effect has been achieved based on the store results, control the activation of the light source until the results indicate that the stroboscopic effect has been achieved, control the activation of the light source until the results indicate that the stroboscopic effect has been achieved, and obtain a further sequence of video frames after the stroboscopic effect is achieved, identify an object in the further sequence of video frames, and automatically detect movement or vibration of the identified object.