The computer can then calculate the change in depth of the liquid in the tank when any one of the units, or pixels, in the camera's image of the crossed lines changes. The researchers used two standard mathematical approaches to solving the problem for the fuel tank and found that one, triangulation, yielded simple, direct solutions that came at low computational cost. Although their computations were performed with a stationary system, they think their approach can be adapted to systems undergoing vibration, turbulence or other displacement. The researchers conclude that computer vision offers an attractive alternative to the currently available options. They note that their experimental results are available now for studying the feasibility of implementing an actual system that could be incorporated in aircraft, automobiles or other applications.
Copies are available by contacting the researchers.