Vehicle Misfuelling Detection Using Optical Nozzle Recognition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for preventing misfuelling of vehicles require modifications to both the fuel pump and vehicle, making them cumbersome and not universally applicable, as they do not effectively prevent the insertion of a petrol nozzle into a diesel fuel tank without such modifications.
Innovation Solution
A method using an on-vehicle image capture device to detect the type of fuel nozzle by capturing images and analyzing features such as size, shape, color, and markings, determining compatibility with the vehicle's fuel type, and alerting the user with a warning if incompatible fuel is detected, without requiring modifications to the fuel nozzle or pump.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If magnetic field detectors such as reed switches are mounted on the vehicle to detect fuel nozzle type, then misfuelling detection capability is improved, but device complexity and modification requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/magnetic detection systems (reed switches and magnets) with an optical detection system using an image capture device (camera). The camera captures images of the fuel nozzle and uses image processing algorithms to identify nozzle features such as color, shape, and markings, thereby determining fuel type without requiring physical modifications to the vehicle or fueling infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a visual copy (image) of the fuel nozzle using a camera and analyzes this copy to determine fuel type. Instead of directly interacting with the physical nozzle through magnetic or mechanical means, the system captures optical information and processes it through image recognition algorithms, enabling detection without physical contact or modification.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If narrower fuel nozzles are used for petrol pumps, then prevention of diesel insertion into petrol tanks is improved, but ability to detect petrol nozzle insertion into diesel tanks deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the detection problem from a one-dimensional mechanical fit issue (nozzle diameter) to a multi-dimensional optical analysis problem. By capturing images and analyzing multiple features simultaneously (color, shape, markings, size), the system can distinguish between different fuel nozzle types regardless of their dimensional differences, enabling detection of both petrol and diesel nozzles in any tank type.
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
This solution provides a standalone, user-friendly method to prevent misfuelling by accurately identifying fuel nozzles and alerting users to potential misfuelling events, ensuring compatibility without modifying existing fuel pump or vehicle equipment, thus offering a universal solution for various fuel types and nozzles.
Implementation Method 1
capturing an image of a fuel nozzle positioned in the vicinity of a filler cap of the vehicle using an on-vehicle image capture device
Data Source
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AI summary
A method (20) for detecting misfuelling of a vehicle (1) is provided that comprises determining (22) that the vehicle (1) is to be fuelled; capturing (23) an image (30) of a fuel nozzle (33) positioned in the vicinity of a filler cap (4) of the vehicle (1) using an on-vehicle image capture device (7); detecting (24) at least one feature of the fuel nozzle (33) indicative of the type of fuel dispensed by the fuel nozzle (33) in the image (30); determining (25) the type of fuel to be dispensed by the fuel nozzle (33) from the at least one feature of the fuel nozzle (33) detected in the image (30); determining (26) if the type of fuel to be dispensed by the fuel nozzle (33) is compatible with the vehicle (1), and if the type of fuel to be dispensed by the fuel nozzle (33) is incompatible with the vehicle (1), causing (28) a warning to be produced indicative of a misfuelling event.