Wastewater Monitoring Digital Camera Binary Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wastewater monitoring systems for pipes are expensive and complex, making them unsuitable for small municipalities that need to detect storm water leaks into sewage pipes over extended periods without causing system backups.
Innovation Solution
A digital camera system with a binary sensor is used in a fixed location within a wastewater pipe, taking photographs at defined intervals and adding visible data such as sensor states, temperature, and battery levels to the images, allowing for simple and cost-effective monitoring of water levels without the need for constant connectivity or complex infrastructure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple cameras with constant network connection are used for monitoring, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential monitoring function from complex multi-camera network systems and implements it using a single digital camera with local binary sensor processing. The camera is positioned to monitor wastewater levels and receives trip signals from binary sensors, eliminating the need for multiple cameras and constant network connections while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs inexpensive, simple components including a basic digital camera, binary sensors, and local processing logic rather than expensive professional monitoring equipment. The system uses off-the-shelf components that can be easily replaced or upgraded, reducing overall system cost and complexity while achieving the required monitoring function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cameras with network connection are deployed, then monitoring coverage is improved, but ease of operation and installation are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The single digital camera system performs multiple functions: it captures images, receives trip signals from binary sensors, changes picture frequency based on sensor input, and stores data with visible overlays. This multi-functional approach replaces multiple specialized cameras while maintaining comprehensive monitoring capability and simplifying installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera system operates autonomously with local processing logic that automatically adjusts picture frequency based on binary sensor trip signals. The system self-manages monitoring operations without requiring constant remote control or complex network infrastructure, making it easier to install and operate in remote locations.
3Loss of information
If constant network connection is maintained for data transmission, then information availability is improved, but energy consumption and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The camera operates in periodic cycles, taking pictures at defined intervals and only when triggered by binary sensor trip signals. This periodic operation pattern reduces energy consumption compared to continuous monitoring while ensuring data is captured at appropriate moments. The system can store data locally and transmit it periodically when connectivity is available.
Data Source
AI summary
A wastewater monitoring system uses a digital camera in a fixed location in a wastewater pipe. The digital camera is coupled to a binary sensor that provides a binary trip signal that indicates when the sensor detects wastewater in the pipe exceeding a defined threshold. When the digital camera detects a trip signal from the binary sensor, operating logic in the digital camera changes frequency for taking pictures. The digital camera preferably adds visible data to a stored digital photograph file that may include any or all of the following: camera serial number, state of sensor(s), temperature, battery level in the digital camera, and battery level in the sensor(s). The visible data is stored in the digital photograph file such that the visible information is overlaid on the digital photograph so it is visible to the eye of the person viewing the digital photograph.