Methods and apparatus for refractive flow measurement with three dimensions and uncertainty
US9842404B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 15, 2014 |
| Grant date | Dec 12, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 29, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06T2207/30241
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An imaging method and corresponding apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention enables measurement and visualization of fluid flow. An embodiment method includes obtaining video captured by a video camera with an imaging plane. Representations of motions in the video are correlated. A textured background of the scene can be modeled as stationary, with a refractive field translating between background and video camera. This approach offers multiple advantages over conventional fluid flow visualization, including an ability to use ordinary video equipment outside a laboratory without particle injection. Even natural backgrounds can be used, and fluid motion can be distinguished from refraction changes. Depth and three-dimensional information can be recovered using stereo video, and uncertainty methods can enhance measurement robustness where backgrounds are less textured. Example applications can include avionics and hydrocarbon leak detection.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.