Abstract:
Provided is a device for use in locating the origin of a phenomenon of interest, including a sensor capable of detecting the presence of the phenomenon of interest and generating a detection signal in response thereto. The device also includes a phenomenon origin locator to monitor the detection signal and project light toward the origin when the detection signal satisfies a selected criteria level, thereby indicating the origin of the phenomenon of interest.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    The present application is a continuation of the applicant&#39;s co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/027,191, entitled “Laser Indicator System For Remote Measuring Devices And Methods Therefor,” filed on Feb. 6, 2008. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    There are many applications in which the remote detection of an event or the measurement of a quantity from a distance requires ascertaining the origin location of the event. An example of this application is the now common infrared thermometer with a laser pointer incorporated within. With an infrared thermometer, the user activates the thermometer to take a reading. The laser pointer indicates the spot where the measurement is taking place. Some infrared thermometers allow the user to select if the laser pointer is active during the measurement or not but the activation still takes place with the on/off switch. Another instrument that reads from a distance is the ultrasonic leak detector such as in my previous U.S. Pat. No. 7,051,577, where the location of a distant target is pointed to by a laser pointer incorporated in the leak detector. In this case, the laser pointer is usually in a parabolic dish, sometimes called a long-range module. Similar to an infrared thermometer, the leak detector offers the user the option to activate the laser pointer. Yet another example of an instrument that takes measurements at a distance is a thermographic camera. Some of these thermographic cameras also incorporate a laser pointer. It should be appreciated that these applications are just some of the examples of instruments incorporating laser pointers. All of these instruments, however, use the laser pointer passively much like laser pointers used in presentations. The user activates the laser pointer to identify the target or the point of interest either using a dedicated control or the on/off button for control of the instrument. 
         [0003]    Improvements have been made to the basic laser pointing systems incorporated on remote sensing devices. Such improvements include visibly outlining the energy zone to be measured by a radiometer. This type of infrared thermometer is available from Omega Engineering, Inc. of Stamford, Conn. See also U.S. Pat. No. 6,659,639. In this particular device, the laser is directed in a circular pattern about the energy zone to be measured. There are, however, opportunities to advance the utility of remote sensing devices further. For instance, in situations where the leak or sound point cannot be reached, such as in electrically energized systems, there is a need for a viable approach to search for a leak, arcing, or hotspot. This need is in contrast to the capabilities provided by the prior art in which the laser pointers contemplate a known area of interest. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    Provided is a device for use in locating the origin of a phenomenon of interest, such as a leak, sound, radiation, or the like. The device includes a sensor capable of detecting the presence of the phenomenon of interest and generating a detection signal in response thereto. A phenomenon origin locator, which may include a laser, monitors the detection signal and projects light toward the origin when the detection signal satisfies a selected criteria level, thereby indicating the origin of the phenomenon of interest. 
         [0005]    The criteria level may be selectively varied with a level selector and may include physical properties such as amplitude, frequency, temperature, time, light, sound pressure, and/or radiation. A microcontroller may be employed for receiving the detection signal and activating the phenomenon origin locator according to the selected criteria level. The device may also include an output display for producing perceptible output in response to the detection signal in the form of an alphanumeric display, a graphic display, and/or a bar graph. 
         [0006]    The sensor may have a field of detection extending along a sensor axis, with the light being projected along a projection axis that is generally parallel to the sensor axis. The device may also include an override switch for manually activating the phenomenon origin locator to assist in aiming the device in a desired direction. 
         [0007]    The device may also include a first limit indicator to monitor the detection signal and project light along a first indicator axis when the detection signal satisfies a selected first threshold level of said selected criteria. In addition, the device may include a second limit indicator which monitors the detection signal and projects light along a second indicator axis when the detection signal satisfies a selected second threshold level for said selected criteria. The first and second indicator axis may be collinear with each other as well as collinear with the projection axis. 
         [0008]    The sensor may be an acoustic emissions sensor such as a microphonic sensor, or a gas sensor, radiation sensor, infrared sensor, or radio frequency sensor. The sensor may generate an analog detection signal which may be converted to a digital detection signal. 
         [0009]    Also provided is a method for locating the origin of a phenomenon of interest broadly comprising sensing the phenomenon of interest, determining whether the sensed phenomenon of interest satisfies selected criteria, and projecting light along a projection axis while the selected criteria is satisfied. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]      FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of a device for use in locating the origin of a phenomenon of interest according to a first exemplary embodiment; 
           [0011]      FIG. 1B  is a perspective view of the device introduced in  FIG. 1A , representatively shown here indicating the location of a leak; 
           [0012]      FIG. 2A  is a perspective view of a device for use in locating the origin of a phenomenon of interest according to a second exemplary embodiment; 
           [0013]      FIG. 2B  is a perspective view of the device introduced in  FIG. 1A , representatively shown here indicating the location of a leak; 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  is a representative block diagram illustrating a first embodiment of circuitry for implementing the device; 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  is a block diagram representing a second embodiment of circuitry for implementing the detection device; 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  is a block diagram representing a third embodiment of circuitry for implementing the detection device; 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  is a block diagram representing a fourth embodiment of circuitry for implementing the detection device; 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  is a block diagram representing a fifth embodiment of circuitry for implementing the detection device; 
           [0019]      FIG. 8  is a block diagram representing a sixth embodiment of circuitry for implementing the detection device; 
           [0020]      FIG. 9  is a graph illustrating a first exemplary criteria schema shown here as a trigger window; 
           [0021]      FIG. 10  is a graph illustrating a second exemplary criteria schema shown here as upper and lower trigger levels; 
           [0022]      FIG. 11  is a representative block diagram for implementing another embodiment of the detection device, which is mounted on a motorized system; and 
           [0023]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view illustrating representative hardware for implementing the detection device of  FIG. 11 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0024]    Provided herein is a device for use in locating the origin of a phenomenon of interest. The device includes a locater such as a laser pointer for identifying the source of the phenomena of interest, such as a leaking fluid. As described herein the locator, or in this case laser pointer, is activated automatically when the detection device detects a phenomena of interest which satisfies selected criteria. For example, in the case of an ultrasonic leak detector, it would be very advantageous to a person searching for leaks in overhead compressed air or refrigerant gas lines to have the laser pointer turn on to indicate the location where the leak signal is the strongest, thus indicating the location of the leak. As the user scans the lines the laser pointer turns on to indicate the location or origin where a possible leak might exist. This feature enhances the utility of the detector by making it easier to use by less skilled personnel or in situations where the leak or sound point cannot be reached, such as in electrically energized systems. 
         [0025]      FIGS. 1A and 1B  illustrate a first exemplary embodiment of the detection device incorporating a laser pointer locater. Detection device  20  includes a housing  21 , a display  22 , a sensor  30  and user inputs  23 . In this embodiment sensor  30  is a multi-function leak detector, which uses ultrasonic detection as well as ultra-violet light detection to determine leakage from a pipe. For example, as shown in  FIG. 1A , pipe  5  has a leak which is illustrated here as crack  10 . Leak detection sensor  30  is described in my previous U.S. Pat. No. 7,051,577, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. It should be understood that while in this example a fluid leak is being detected with ultrasonic and ultraviolet detectors, any type of phenomena of interest such as temperature, sound, light, electromagnetic radiation, etc. would be appropriate for this device. Accordingly, various different sensors could be incorporated as well. 
         [0026]    In  FIG. 1A  device  20  is being scanned along pipe  5  in search of a leak shown here as crack  10 . However, in  FIG. 1A , the sensor has yet to detect crack  10  as exemplified here by emissions  32 .  FIG. 1B  shows that the sensor has detected the leak and activated laser pointer  25  to indicate the origin of the leak. Also shown in  FIG. 1B  is perceptible output device  22  shown here as a bar graph  24 . 
         [0027]      FIGS. 2A and 2B  illustrate a second exemplary embodiment of the detection device. In this embodiment, leak detector  120  is similar to that shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B  in that it includes a housing  121 , a display  122  and a detector  130 . However, in this case, laser pointer  125  is activated prior to leak detection to act as a targeting or aiming device. Laser pointer  125  can be activated in this embodiment either manually as desired or as long as leak detector  120  is turned on.  FIG. 2B  illustrates detection device  120  with the targeting laser  125  activated. This figure also represents that sensor  130  detects the phenomena and accordingly a second laser pointer  127 , in this case one which generates a conical beam of light, is also activated indicating the presence of the phenomenon of interest.  FIG. 2  also shows the perceptible output  122  displaying a bar graph  124  having a level which is indicative of the strength of the detected leak. 
         [0028]      FIG. 3  is a block diagram illustrating a representative example of circuitry for implementing the detection device with automatic laser pointer. Circuit  70  includes bar graph driver  81  which is connected to perceptible output, namely bar graph  22 . Both the bar graph driver  81  and bar graph  22  receive power from power supply  86 . Bar graph driver  81  receives a signal input  80  from a detector that is indicative of the detection level. Bar graph driver  81  drives the bar graph  22  to activate LED&#39;s indicative of the level of detection. Circuit  70  also includes a laser pointer enable switch  85 . In this embodiment, the laser pointer is activated automatically when the detection level reaches one of the last 4 LED&#39;s in bar graph  22 , which can be calibrated based on user preferences. Depending on which level is selected on level selector  89 , the laser pointer will activate. For instance, as shown in  FIG. 3 , when the last LED bar is activated in bar graph  22  a signal is transferred to OR gate  82  and then onto AND gate  83 , which activates switch  87 , which in turn activates voltage regulator  88  to power laser pointer  90 . Thus, in order for the laser pointer  90  to be activated, the laser pointer enable switch  85  must be closed and the selected level must be activated by the bar graph  22 . The bar graph is for example only and could also be an alphanumeric display, a graphical display, or other suitable device known in the art. Accordingly, the laser pointer could be triggered off of other types of perceptible output devices. Circuit  70  also includes a manual on-switch  84 . When manual on-switch  84  is closed, it sends a signal from power supply  86  through OR gate  82  to AND gate  83 , which again activates switch  87  thereby ultimately activating laser pointer  90 . The particular function of the LED bar graph driver  81  and associated LED bar graph  22  are described more fully in my previous U.S. Pat. No. 5,432,755 the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
         [0029]      FIG. 4  is a circuit diagram representing a second embodiment of circuitry for implementing the detection device. Circuit  170  is similar to circuit  70  shown in  FIG. 3  with the addition of signal input  180 , which is adapted to read the voltage or current from an analog style meter such as the ballistic galvanometers found in some instruments. In this case, the current flowing from 72 to 74 determines what level is displayed on the LED bar graph  122  based on bar graph driver  181  output. In this case, the current level from 72 to 74 flowing through the analog meter determines what level is displayed on the LED bar graph  122  based on bar graph driver  181  output. 
         [0030]    Whereas  FIGS. 3 and 4  illustrate analog circuitry for implementing the detection device,  FIG. 5  illustrates a circuit  270  that contemplates a digital control system. In this third exemplary embodiment, circuit  270  includes micro-controller  275  which receives signal input  280  and user input  223 . The user input could be from a keyboard, buttons, or a touch screen to name a few. As those of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate signal  280  could be any input from a sensor or combination of sensors. User input  223  can be used to input the selected criteria to which the signal input is compared in order to decide whether the laser pointer is to be activated. Micro-controller  275  communicates with alphanumeric digital display  228  to indicate the level of detection. Micro-controller  275  is also connected to latch buffers  277 ′,  277 ″, and  277 ′″, which are in turn connected to LED bar graph modules  222 . These latches, however, may be eliminated if the microcontroller has the ability to drive the LEDs directly. Micro-controller  275  is connected to voltage regulator/switch  288 , which controls laser pointer  290 . Thus, if signal input  280  satisfies the selected criteria, which is input via user input  223 , then micro-controller  275  would activate the alphanumeric digital display displaying the level of detection on display  228 . Also, microcontroller  275  would activate the appropriate latches or buffers  277 ′,  277 ″, and  277 ′″, which in turn activate LED bar graph modules  222 . The micro-controller circuitry is explained further in my previous U.S. Pat. No. 6,163,504 the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
         [0031]      FIG. 6  illustrates a fourth embodiment of circuitry for implementing the detection device with locator. This locator incorporates multiple laser pointers of the same or different color to indicate different leaks, temperatures, radiations, or other conditions. For example, a detector can have a targeting laser pointer, which is on when the device is ON, which indicates the direction and point of interest. However, when the trigger conditions are met, other laser pointers having different characteristics (e.g., different colors and/or spot and/or shapes) will turn on to indicate the spot where the detector has detected a leak or sound of interest. In an IR thermometer, for example, the second laser pointer can be blue and turn on for example when a lower limit in temperature is met, with the upper limit being indicated with a red laser pointer. These colors naturally can be any available colors. The locators can be made to pulsate based on certain criteria as well. In a thermography instrument, as another example, additional laser pointers can be activated to indicate the location where a temperature condition exists such as HI, LOW, Average, Specific Value, Difference, or Rate of Change. 
         [0032]    Circuit  370  ( FIG. 6 ) is similar to circuit  270  shown in  FIG. 5  with the addition of an upper-limit laser pointer and a lower-limit laser pointer in addition to the general targeting laser pointer  390 . In this embodiment, the detection device has a targeting laser pointer  390  which can be activated manually or with the activation of the device. In addition, the targeting laser pointer may be activated only when the selected criteria have been met. The user may input three criteria via user input  323  in order to activate the targeting and upper and lower limit laser pointers  390 ,  392  and  394  respectively. The target criteria as well as the upper-limit and lower-limit criteria are described more fully below with respect to  FIGS. 9 and 10 . 
         [0033]      FIG. 7  illustrates a fifth embodiment of circuitry for implementing the device. Circuit  470  is similar to circuit  370  shown in  FIG. 6 , however, in this case the laser pointers are connected to microcontroller  475  via an i.sup.2c bus  495  as is known in the art. Also, circuit  470  includes alternate or other output control  497 , which may be used for connecting to an oscilloscope, for example. 
         [0034]      FIG. 8  is a circuit diagram representing a sixth embodiment of a circuit for implementing the detection device. In this embodiment, digital signal processing (DSP) system  585  receives the signal from the detector, such as  280  in  FIG. 5 , and processes the signal to detect the presence of a single frequency or band. Micro-controller  575  receives a trigger signal from the DSP system  585 . Micro-controller  575  in turn displays output on output device  528  and activates the laser pointer system  590 , which includes laser pointers and voltage regulators/switches as described with respect to  FIG. 7 . The digital signal processing system is described more fully in my earlier U.S. Pat. No. 7,051,577. 
         [0035]    With respect to the selected criteria referred to in the above embodiments, there are several criteria schemas contemplated. These criteria schemas are discussed in some detail with reference to  FIGS. 9 and 10 , which are graphs of amplitude versus frequency, temperature, time, and radiation, as representative examples only.  FIG. 9  illustrates a trigger window  560 , which as shown here will only trigger the laser pointer if the detected phenomena, shown in the X-axis, are within a certain frequency band and a certain amplitude range. This is a condition-based trigger, which can become very sophisticated depending on the type of detector and the phenomenon of interest. When spectral analysis is performed within the instrument and a specific frequency, or frequency band is detected that the user is interested in or is associated with a specific leak, the DSP system (as described above) will turn the locator on only when this condition exists, ignoring competing sounds and sound intensities.  FIG. 9  is a graph, which plots the phenomena of interest (i.e. frequency, temperature, time, or radiation) along the X-axis versus the amplitude of the signal on the Y-axis. For purposes of discussion assume input signal  580  is a frequency signal. In this case, then, input signal  580  has a particular frequency and amplitude. Illustrated here, input signal  580  satisfies the criteria, or in this case, trigger window  560 . Trigger window  560  is represented in this case as a box with boundaries corresponding to amplitude and frequency. For instance, the trigger window is bounded on its upper and lower sides by amplitude levels  561  and  562  respectively. The trigger window is bounded on its front and backsides by frequency levels  564  and  563 . In this illustration, frequency signal  580  falls within the upper and lower amplitude bounds  561  and  562  respectively, as well as upper and lower frequency boundaries  563  and  564 ; thus the phenomenon of interest locater (laser pointer) would be activated. 
         [0036]    Focusing parabolic horns, parabolic reflector dishes or Fresnel lenses can be used to make a detector, particularly an ultrasonic leak detector, very directional and able to focus on a small target area. In industrial leak detection again, in overhead lines of either compressed air or refrigerants and in situations where multiple leaks are present in a relatively small area, one might be interested in locating a leak that is smaller than the surrounding ones but because of the type of gas that might be leaking it might be more important to know (flammable gas for instance). In such cases the user can program the device to turn on at a threshold point, for example 5, and turn off at 15. 
         [0037]      FIG. 10  represents a second schema for selected criteria upon which the laser pointer is activated.  FIG. 10  is a graph which plots frequency on the X-axis versus amplitude on the Y-axis. The criteria in this case are upper trigger level  597  and lower trigger level  595  represented here as horizontal lines at a particular amplitude level. Accordingly, regardless of the frequency level of the input signal ( 591 ,  592 ,  593 , and  594 ) the laser pointer will be activated as long as the signal reaches the lower and/or upper trigger levels. So for instance, signal  591  would not activate either the lower trigger level or the upper trigger level. However, signal  592  reaches the lower trigger level  595  and would thus trigger lower level laser pointer as is described above with reference to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , for example. Signals  593  and  594  would activate both lower and upper trigger levels  595  and  597  respectively. It should be understood that the criteria schemas illustrated in  FIGS. 9 and 10  are for exemplary purposes only and other trigger windows and levels could be defined in keeping with the spirit of the described schemas. Furthermore, the upper and lower limits and frequencies could be selected by a user via an input device such as a keyboard or touch screen, for instance. Additionally, a display schema such as a combination of current level indication and peak hold can be implemented. The laser pointer can be activated at a set point and follow the peaks of the signal of interest. For example, activation may be set at LED  7  and made to follow the peak hold until the peak hold resets. If the new peak is above the set point, the laser pointer will remain ON. If it drops below the set point, the laser pointer will go OFF. 
         [0038]      FIG. 11  is a representative block diagram of a circuit for implementing another embodiment of the detection device, which is mounted on a motorized system which can move to point to any location in three-dimensional space (see  FIG. 12 ). In this embodiment, circuitry  670  is similar to that shown in  FIG. 8  with the addition of an XYZ motion control and laser pointer firing system  650  as well as sensor array  660 . Shown in  FIG. 12  is such a system where the sensor array  660  is mounted underneath the XYZ motion control  650 . Both sensor arrays  660  and motion controller  650  are mounted on pole  652 . It is contemplated that the system could be mounted on pole  652  in an industrial environment, such as for example, a petroleum pumping station or a refinery. Sensor array  660  would detect any leaks and communicate via circuitry  670  to the laser pointing system  650  in order to target the leak origin. Assuming the detected leak meets the selected criteria, laser pointer  690  would fire beam  625  toward the origin of the leak, thereby indicating its location. It should be understood that the location and configuration of the sensor array may vary and the configuration shown is for example only. For instance, the sensor arrays could also be arranged in phased array lattices. 
         [0039]    With the above embodiments in mind, also contemplated are methods of locating a phenomenon of interest. One such method may include any steps inherent in any of the disclosed embodiments. The method broadly includes sensing the phenomenon of interest, determining whether the sensed phenomenon satisfies selected criteria, and projecting light along a sensor axis while the criteria is satisfied. Methods can also include multiple locators and criteria for indicating conditions that meet various selected criteria. 
         [0040]    Although the exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described in some detail above, it should be appreciated that the present invention is defined by the following claims construed in light of the prior art such that modifications or changes may be made to the exemplary embodiments without departing from the inventive concepts contained herein.