Valve Image Recognition for Fast On-Site Component Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Components such as fluid-carrying valves often cannot be easily identified during maintenance or service calls due to the absence of nameplates or visible serial numbers, leading to delays as additional personnel or information is required.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a mobile recording device with a camera, database, and analysis tool for capturing and comparing valve images with stored reference data, allowing on-site identification and display of relevant information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional identification methods relying on nameplates or visible serial numbers are used, then identification accuracy can be maintained, but identification speed and productivity deteriorate due to delays requiring additional personnel or information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection and physical examination of nameplates with an optical imaging system using a camera to capture valve images. The captured images are then processed through image recognition algorithms that automatically identify valve types, replacing the mechanical/manual identification process with an automated optical-electronic system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy (image) of the valve instead of requiring physical inspection of the actual valve and its nameplate. This digital replica can be analyzed, stored, and compared without needing to physically handle or visually inspect the original component, enabling faster and more consistent identification.
2Ease of operation
If manual identification procedures are used, then detailed examination is possible, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase due to multiple personnel requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service identification where the valve itself provides identification information through its visual features. The imaging system captures the valve's appearance, and the recognition algorithm automatically extracts identifying characteristics without requiring external personnel or additional information sources, making the process self-contained and operationally simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal identification system that can handle multiple valve types and scenarios through a single integrated platform. The database stores diverse valve images and characteristics, allowing the same system to identify different valve types using consistent procedures, eliminating the need for multiple specialized identification methods.
3Productivity
If image-based automated identification is implemented, then identification speed and productivity improve, but measurement precision and reliability may deteriorate without proper reference data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-capturing images of valves in various states and conditions, and pre-processing these images to extract characteristic features before actual identification is needed. This preparatory work creates a ready-to-use database of reference data that speeds up subsequent identifications while maintaining accuracy through pre-validated reference patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by comparing captured valve images against the database and using the comparison results to refine identification. The feedback loop allows the system to learn from previous identifications and adjust its recognition criteria, improving both speed and accuracy over time through iterative optimization.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a system for identifying components, particularly fluid-carrying components, comprising a mobile recording device with a camera, an input unit and a display unit, a database in which component data of a plurality of components, particularly fluid-carrying components, are stored, an analysis means by which the component data stored in the database can be compared with image data of a component to be identified captured by the camera and assigned to it for the purpose of identification, and a visualization means which is designed to display component data on the display unit upon successful identification of the component to be identified and to output an input prompt via the display unit upon failed identification.wherein, in the case of an input prompt, input data can be entered using the input unit and/or additional image data can be captured using the camera, and wherein, based on the input data and/or the additional image data, an assignment and/or a renewed comparison with the component data stored in the database takes place.