Utility Enclosure Anomaly Detection With Edge Screening
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current detection systems for utility enclosures are inaccurate and slow, leading to delayed responses and increased likelihood of catastrophic events such as fires or explosions due to undetected anomalies in underground utility structures.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a sensing device with a sensor and processing module to detect anomalies within utility enclosures, which processes data locally and sends it to an analysis system only when anomalies are detected, reducing bandwidth and energy consumption, and an analysis system that performs more complex analyses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current detection systems are used in utility enclosures, then the system is simple to implement, but the detection accuracy and response speed are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into two parts: a sensing device with processing module deployed in the utility enclosure for initial anomaly detection, and a remote analysis system for comprehensive analysis. This segmentation allows the sensing device to perform basic detection locally while the analysis system handles complex processing, thereby improving detection accuracy without requiring the entire system to be overly complex.
Solution Approach 2:
The processing module performs preliminary processing of sensor data locally before transmitting to the analysis system. This preliminary action filters and prepares data in advance, reducing the burden on the analysis system while improving the speed and accuracy of anomaly detection. The system performs initial screening locally and sends only relevant data for further analysis.
2Measurement precision
If continuous monitoring data is transmitted to the analysis system, then comprehensive analysis can be performed, but bandwidth consumption and energy requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts and transmits only the essential anomaly detection data from the sensing device to the analysis system, rather than transmitting all raw sensor data continuously. The processing module identifies and sends only relevant anomaly information, reducing bandwidth consumption and energy requirements while maintaining comprehensive analysis capability at the analysis system.
Solution Approach 2:
The processing module performs preliminary processing and filtering of sensor data before transmission, preparing only the necessary anomaly-related information for remote analysis. This preliminary action reduces data volume significantly, lowering energy consumption for transmission and processing while ensuring the analysis system receives sufficient information for accurate anomaly detection.
3Loss of time
If response time is reduced for anomaly detection, then catastrophic events can be prevented, but system complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments detection tasks by urgency: the processing module handles immediate anomaly detection and alert generation for time-critical situations, while the analysis system performs comprehensive analysis for non-urgent cases. This segmentation enables fast response to critical anomalies without requiring the entire system to be optimized for speed, balancing response time with system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The processing module performs preliminary anomaly detection and immediately transmits alerts for time-critical situations before comprehensive analysis is complete. This preliminary action enables rapid response to dangerous conditions while the analysis system continues background processing, reducing response time for critical events without requiring full system complexity to be optimized for speed.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein are systems, methods, and computer-readable media for monitoring utility enclosures. In one embodiment, a sensing device comprises a sensor—such as a visual or infrared camera—and a processing module configured to receive sensor output, process the data using stored algorithms to assess environmental conditions, and wirelessly send anomaly data (e.g., images, text descriptions, and metadata) to an analysis system. The analysis system includes a receiving module and an analysis module that processes the received data with algorithms to compare current sensor information to stored data and verify the anomaly's accuracy. In some embodiments, the processing algorithms operate with lower computational requirements than those in the analysis system. The invention further encompasses methods for detecting, processing, and transmitting sensor data and computer-readable media containing instructions to perform these tasks.