Switchgear Hot Spot Detection Using Inverse Pixel Thresholding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated systems struggle to accurately determine hot spots in switchgear using infrared imagery, necessitating continuous human monitoring and lacking efficiency in identifying faults.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing an infrared camera, processing unit, and output unit to analyze infrared images by determining a temperature interval based on a fixed number of pixels between a threshold and maximum temperature, identifying hot spots through a novel inverse pixel count algorithm, and optionally employing machine learning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If an automated system is used to determine hot spots from infrared images, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of determining a temperature threshold and counting pixels above it (conventional approach), the patent inverts the logic by specifying a fixed pixel count (second number less than total pixels) and calculating the temperature threshold that produces exactly that pixel count. This inverse pixel count method automatically identifies the hottest region while maintaining objective, repeatable measurements suitable for automated systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from temperature-based thresholding to pixel-count-based thresholding. By fixing the number of pixels to analyze (second number) and deriving the temperature threshold from this fixed count, the system achieves consistent, automated measurement that is insensitive to arbitrary threshold selection, thereby improving both productivity and measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If a fixed number of pixels is used to determine the temperature interval, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision is improved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent simplifies the measurement approach by changing from complex multi-parameter analysis to a single fixed parameter (second number of pixels). This fixed pixel count serves as the basis for determining the temperature interval, reducing algorithmic complexity while improving measurement precision through consistent, repeatable analysis of the hottest region.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent focuses analysis on a specific local region defined by the fixed pixel count rather than analyzing the entire image uniformly. By concentrating computational resources on the hottest pixels (those with maximum temperature and surrounding pixels), the system achieves higher measurement precision for the critical hot spot region while reducing overall device complexity.
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
Automatically detects hot spots in switchgear without requiring continuous human oversight, enhancing fault detection efficiency and reducing system complexity.
Implementation Method 1
an infrared camera is configured to acquire a first infrared image of the switchgear
Implementation Method 2
The processing unit is configured to determine a pixel in the first infrared image with a maximum temperature in the first infrared image
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a system for monitoring a switchgear, the system comprising: - an infrared camera; - a processing unit; and - an output unit. The infrared camera is configured to acquire a first infrared image of the switchgear, wherein a total number of pixels in the first infrared image is equal to a first number. The processing unit is configured to determine a pixel in the first infrared image with a maximum temperature in the first infrared image. The processing unit is configured to utilize a second number less than the first number to determine a temperature interval for the first infrared image equal to a difference between the maximum temperature in the first infrared image and a threshold temperature in the first infrared image. The processing unit is configured to determine the threshold temperature in the first infrared image as a pixel temperature in the first infrared image that results in a number of pixels in the first infrared image having a temperature between the threshold temperature in the first infrared image and the maximum temperature in the first infrared image that most closely matches the second number. The processing unit is configured to determine that a hot spot exists in the switchgear. The determination that the hot spot exists comprises utilization of the temperature interval for the first infrared image. The output unit is configured to output an indication of a fault in the switchgear when the determination has been made that a hot spot exists in the switchgear.