METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR REFRACTIVE FLOW MEASUREMENT

摘要

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.

主权项

1. A method comprising:
obtaining video captured by a video camera with an imaging plane; and by a processor, correlating, over time, representations of motions in the video from frame to frame as a function of motion of a refractive field through which light from a textured background passes to the imaging plane.