Author - Ilya Sivkov

ChartRecorder: Computer Vision for Gas Flow Charts

Flow charts are widely used in gas industry. They record parameters of a gas flow (like pressure) on a paper disc. This data is then used to calculate gas volume passed through a pipe.


The chart recorder contains two or three pens driven by sensors. These pens plot traces on a rotating paper disk. The disk performs one revolution per day or week, rarely per month. The disk is replaced after one revolution.

Currently disks are processed manually. The operator uses the vector graphics editor to convert the scanned bitmap to contours and then to tabular data. This approach relies heavily on the operator’s attention and experience. There is a high probability of mistakes. After all, such job is really boring!

We have developed an algorithm that performs this job automatically. Given a bitmap with a scanned chart, it produces tabular representation of chart data.
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AR Experience: Successes and Failures

One day an excellent idea arose in our company: to create something connected with augmented reality. We decided to create a mobile app for our office guests. It was supposed to make visiting our office more informative and impressive.
For example, the app was to help a visitor find their way around our premises. It was also supposed to recognize markers and give hints as to where different rooms are situated.

So, we decided to implement the following functions:

  • Marker recognition: markers are caught by the camera and additional data is shown;
  • Face recognition: the name and position of a person seen by the camera are shown;
  • Navigation: the current position and main directions (meeting rooms, exits, etc.) are displayed.

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