Non-intrusive method of measuring engine operating parameters
First Claim
1. A method for measuring at least one parameter of a combustion engine containing a plurality of cylinders, the at least one parameter being related to firing of the cylinders, the method comprising:
- capturing a series of images of a component moving in synchronism with the engine;
extracting motion information from the series of images indicative of motion of the engine caused by the firing of at least one of the cylinders; and
extracting the at least one parameter from the motion information.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
Methods and devices for measuring and calculating various kinds of parameters of a running engine are disclosed. A camera may be positioned to capture a plurality of images of a moving component that is being driven by the an engine. From the plurality of images, a velocity of the moving component may be measured, and an acceleration then derived. From the derived acceleration, various parameters of the running engine may be calculated, including but not limited to, number of firing cylinders, rotational rate, and relative cylinder balance. These and other parameters may then be reported, such as through a display screen, to a user. The methods and devices disclosed herein may also generate recommendations for specific kinds of maintenance to an engine based on the results of parameter measurements and calculations, then report those recommendations to a user.
23 Citations
31 Claims
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1. A method for measuring at least one parameter of a combustion engine containing a plurality of cylinders, the at least one parameter being related to firing of the cylinders, the method comprising:
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capturing a series of images of a component moving in synchronism with the engine;
extracting motion information from the series of images indicative of motion of the engine caused by the firing of at least one of the cylinders; and
extracting the at least one parameter from the motion information. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. An apparatus for measuring at least one parameter of a rotating combustion engine containing a plurality of cylinders, comprising:
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a camera configured to capture a plurality of images of a component that is moving in synchronism with an engine;
a computer processor in communication with the camera and configured to retrieve and process motion information from the plurality of images, and to calculate a parameter of the engine based on the motion information, wherein the motion information is indicative of motion of the engine caused by the firing of at least one of the cylinders;
a display, operably connected to the computer processor and configured to receive an output therefrom, the output comprising the calculated parameter; and
the display further configured to present the calculated parameter in a readable format. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23)
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24. An apparatus for measuring at least one parameter of a rotating combustion engine containing a plurality of cylinders, comprising:
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a recording means for capturing a plurality of images of a component that is moving in synchronism with an engine;
a processing means for retrieving and processing motion information from the plurality of images, and to calculate a parameter of the engine based on the motion information, wherein the motion information is indicative of motion of the engine caused by the firing of at least one of the cylinders; and
a display means for displaying an output representing the calculated parameter in a readable format. - View Dependent Claims (25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31)
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Specification