Imaging Utility Panel Elements with Non-Parallel Optical Plane
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Solution Overview
Problem
Monitoring utility panel elements, such as switches and fuses, within enclosures is challenging due to the close proximity of imaging devices, making it difficult to acquire in-focus images, especially when the imaging device is inside the enclosure.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing an optical focusing element to form an image of utility panel elements at a non-parallel imaging plane, potentially with a reflector mounted on the enclosure door, and oriented according to the Scheimpflug condition, allowing for remote monitoring and image acquisition within the enclosure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the imaging device is placed within close proximity of the utility panel (inside the enclosure), then the monitoring capability and accessibility are improved, but the ability to acquire in-focus images deteriorates due to space constraints and optical path limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a non-parallel imaging plane that is angled relative to the utility panel surface. This dimensional change in the imaging geometry allows the imaging device to capture focused images of panel elements despite the close proximity constraints within the enclosure, resolving the contradiction between monitoring accessibility and image quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs an optical element (such as a lens or mirror) positioned between the utility panel and the imaging device to mediate the optical path. This intermediary component enables focused image formation by correcting the optical geometry, allowing the imaging device to maintain focus quality while operating in the constrained space within the enclosure
2Area of stationary object
If the imaging device is placed within close proximity of the utility panel, then the monitoring coverage is improved, but the image acquisition difficulty increases due to optical path constraints
Solution Approach 1:
By configuring the imaging plane at a non-parallel angle to the utility panel, the system expands the effective monitoring coverage area that can be captured in a single image. This angular configuration allows the imaging device to cover a broader portion of the panel surface while maintaining focus, reducing image acquisition difficulty despite close proximity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent pre-configures the optical system with specific lens elements and imaging plane angles optimized for the enclosure geometry. This preliminary optimization of the optical path and imaging parameters before deployment simplifies image acquisition operations, allowing operators to capture images of utility panel elements without complex adjustments despite the constrained space
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 effective imaging and remote monitoring of utility panel elements, providing early warnings of component failures through focused images, even in confined spaces, by using an optical focusing element and reflector to redirect rays and aligning components according to the Scheimpflug principle.
Implementation Method 1
an optical focusing element configured to focus rays from the utility panel elements and to form an image of the utility panel elements at an imaging plane
Implementation Method 2
a reflector configured to redirect rays from the utility surface toward the optical focusing element
Data Source
AI summary
Switch boxes and other such utility boxes must some time be monitored by video. And most of the time, they are behind a door for security and safety reasons In order to image them, the imaging system must then be located very close to them, that is, inside the enclosure. Disclosed herein are systems and corresponding methods for imaging and monitoring utility panel elements arranged on a utility surface. Example embodiments include an optical focusing element to focus rays from utility panel elements and image the elements onto an imaging plane that is non-parallel with a utility surface, and an imaging surface configured to acquire a representation of the image. Example systems and corresponding methods provide for thermal imaging of utility panel elements at close proximity to the elements and within an enclosure. An advantage of these systems and methods is that utility panel elements such as fuses and switches may be imaged even when located within an enclosure and remotely monitored.