Valve Assembly Identification via Image Recognition
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Solution Overview
Problem
In industrial processes, identifying valve assemblies on large-scale installations is prone to human error due to the reliance on physical asset tags, which can lead to misidentification and increased labor costs, and poses safety risks when accessing hard-to-reach locations.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize image recognition to identify valve assemblies by comparing captured images with a database, eliminating the need for physical asset tags, and allowing identification from a safe distance through a network-connected computing device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If physical asset tags are used to identify valve assemblies, then identification can be performed using simple hardware scanners, but human error increases and labor costs increase due to misidentification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical asset tags and handheld scanners with an optical system using cameras and image recognition algorithms. The camera captures images of valve assemblies, and computer vision technology automatically identifies and extracts identification information from these images, eliminating the need for physical tags and manual scanning operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates digital copies (images) of valve assemblies and stores them in a database with associated identification information. Instead of reading physical tags, the system compares captured images against stored digital copies to identify valve assemblies, enabling accurate identification without physical contact or proximity to the equipment.
2Ease of operation
If personnel physically approach valve assemblies for identification, then direct visual recognition is possible, but safety risks increase when accessing hard-to-reach or dangerous locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a camera as an intermediary device between the personnel and the valve assembly. The camera captures images from a distance, allowing identification to be performed without personnel physically approaching dangerous or hard-to-reach locations. The image processing system then analyzes these images to extract identification information, completely eliminating the need for close physical proximity.
3Loss of information
If asset tags are physically attached to valve assemblies, then identification information is available, but human error occurs when tags are mistakenly attached to wrong assemblies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by capturing images of valve assemblies and storing them in a database with their correct identification information before any identification tasks are performed. This pre-established database serves as the authoritative source, eliminating the possibility of mismatched or incorrectly attached tags. When identification is needed, the system simply retrieves information from the pre-stored images rather than relying on physical tags that could be misplaced.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and method for conveying an identity of a valve assembly found on a process line. The method can configure the system for receiving a first image of a subject valve assembly at a first computing device. The method can also configure the system for using the first image, selecting an entry in an asset database, the entry associating valve identifying data that relates to the subject valve assembly with a second image of the subject valve assembly that is stored in the asset database, the valve identifying data configured to define an identity for the subject valve assembly. The method can further configure the system for retrieving data from the selected entry and for generating an output for display on a second computing device, wherein the output is configured to convey the valve identifying data that relates to the subject valve assembly in the first image.