Process device with process variable measurement using image capture device
AssigneeRosemount Inc.
InventorRobert C. Hedtke
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A field device for monitoring a process variable of an industrial process includes an image capture device. A process component exhibits relative motion as a function of a process variable. The image captures device captures an image which changes due to the relative motion of the process component. An image processor coupled to the image capture device detects relative motion of the process component and measures the process variable based upon the detected relative motion. Output circuitry provides an output related to the measured process variable.
Claims26
A field device for monitoring a process variable of an industrial process, comprising:
- a process component which exhibits relative motion as a function of the process variable;
- an image capture device configured to capture an image which changes due to relative motion of the process component;
- an image processor coupled to the image capture device configured to:
- detect relative motion of the process component;
- and
- measure the process variable based upon detected relative motion;
- and
- output circuitry coupled to the image processor configured to provide an output related to the measured process variable.
A method for monitoring a process variable of an industrial process using a field device, comprising:
- placing a process component in the industrial process which exhibits relative motion as a function of the process variable;
- capturing an image which changes due to relative motion of the process component, the relative motion related to the process variable;
- detecting the relative motion in the captured image;
- measuring the process variable based upon the detected relative motion;
- and
- responsively providing an output related to the process variable.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.