Video System Angular Resolution via Periodic Sampling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for visual inspection of machinery during operation are limited by human perception and require expensive high-frame-rate cameras to achieve high angular resolution, making it difficult to detect subtle vibrations and anomalies in real-time.
Innovation Solution
A digital video system that automatically sets frame rates and uses aliasing to reconstruct video at desired angular resolution, allowing for slow-motion playback and detailed inspection of moving components without disrupting machine operation, using a video camera to capture and process periodic motions with adjustable sampling rates and filtering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If standard cameras are used for visual inspection, then device cost is reduced, but measurement precision and angular resolution deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the temporal sampling parameters by using a frame rate that is a submultiple of the component's rotational frequency. This parameter change allows standard cameras to capture sufficient data points per rotation cycle, achieving high angular resolution through intelligent sampling rather than requiring expensive high-frame-rate cameras.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic sampling at strategically selected intervals that align with the rotational period of the component. By capturing images at regular intervals that are synchronized with the component's motion cycle, the system reconstructs high-resolution temporal sequences from standard camera frame rates, effectively achieving the measurement precision of expensive equipment.
2Measurement precision
If high-frame-rate cameras are used, then angular resolution is improved, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the temporal sampling parameters by using a frame rate that is a submultiple of the component's rotational frequency. This parameter change allows standard cameras to capture sufficient data points per rotation cycle, achieving high angular resolution through intelligent sampling rather than requiring expensive high-frame-rate cameras.
3Ease of operation
If stroboscope is used for visual inspection, then motion freezing is achieved, but detection precision is limited by human perception
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the stroboscope's optical freezing mechanism with digital video capture and computational reconstruction. Instead of using light flashing to freeze motion perceptually, the system captures sequential frames at controlled intervals and reconstructs the motion cycle computationally, enabling precise anomaly detection through digital analysis rather than human visual perception.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates multiple temporal copies of the component's motion state by capturing frames at different time points within each rotation cycle. These copies are then assembled into a reconstructed video sequence that provides detailed views of all angular positions, enabling precise anomaly detection that exceeds human perception capabilities.
4Measurement precision
If frame rate is increased to capture high-frequency motion, then temporal resolution is improved, but device cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the temporal sampling parameters by using a frame rate that is a submultiple of the component's rotational frequency. This parameter change allows standard cameras to capture sufficient data points per rotation cycle, achieving high temporal resolution through intelligent sampling strategies rather than requiring expensive high-frame-rate cameras.
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 high-phase resolution and detailed visual inspection of machinery components, detecting subtle anomalies and vibrations that would be undetectable with standard cameras, reducing the need for high-cost equipment and improving predictive maintenance efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
by selecting sample rates which are not synchronous with the frequency of interest, reconstructed video output can render what appears to be a very high angular resolution of the component which would normally only be achievable by cameras with a very high frame rate
Implementation Method 2
This instrument flashes a high intensity light at user selected frequencies. When the frequency of flashing is exactly at the frequency of interest, the motion of the moving component appears to freeze.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments disclosed herein include, but are not limited to, methods for capturing video sampling data comprising a plurality of video images of a moving object, for example using one or more cameras positioned on a stationary frame of reference adjacent to the mechanical component under investigation, in which a change in motion of the moving object is correlated to an origin frame obtained from the sampling data and representing a point at which the change in motion first occurs.