Adaptive Light Pattern Control for Low-Light Image Recognition
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Solution Overview
Problem
In visible images obtained by photographing vehicle surroundings in low illuminance conditions, noise and blur increase, leading to decreased accuracy of image recognition processing, particularly in areas with high or low illuminance.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus that performs image recognition processing, calculates reliability of recognition results for each area, and controls the irradiation pattern of visible light to enhance recognition accuracy by adjusting light intensity based on recognition scores.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If visible light camera photographs surroundings in dark environment, then image capture is enabled, but noise and blur increase leading to decreased image recognition accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the illumination parameter by switching from ambient visible light to active infrared illumination. The infrared camera and illuminator work together to provide controlled lighting in dark environments, transforming the imaging conditions from passive ambient light capture to active illuminated capture, thereby improving image quality and recognition accuracy without suffering from noise and blur issues
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the visible light camera system with an infrared camera system. This replacement enables imaging in dark environments by detecting infrared radiation rather than relying on visible light, fundamentally changing the detection mechanism to overcome the limitations of ambient light-dependent visible light cameras
2Illumination intensity
If headlamp apparatus increases light intensity to improve visibility, then illumination is enhanced, but road users may be dazzled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using infrared illumination that is invisible to human eyes. The infrared illuminator provides localized lighting in specific areas without affecting road users, as infrared light does not cause dazzle. This allows enhanced illumination intensity in targeted zones while maintaining safety for surrounding road users
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the wavelength spectrum from visible light to infrared radiation. By operating in the infrared spectrum rather than visible light, the system provides illumination that cannot be perceived by human eyes, thereby eliminating the dazzle effect while still enabling effective imaging and recognition
3Productivity
If image recognition processing is performed on visible images with varying illuminance, then object detection is enabled, but accuracy declines in low illuminance areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the visible light camera with an infrared camera system that actively illuminates the scene. This substitution enables consistent image capture quality across varying ambient light conditions, as the active infrared illumination compensates for low illuminance environments, thereby maintaining high detection accuracy throughout the imaging area
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by using active infrared illumination to pre-light the scene before image capture. The infrared illuminator activates to provide consistent lighting conditions in advance, ensuring that the infrared camera receives sufficient light for accurate image recognition regardless of ambient illuminance levels
Data Source
AI summary
The present technique relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, a photographing apparatus, a lighting apparatus, and a mobile body which enable accuracy of image recognition processing to be improved.The information processing apparatus includes: a recognizing portion configured to perform image recognition processing with respect to an image photographed by a photographing portion and calculate, for each recognized area being an area based on a recognition result of an object, a reliability of the recognition result; and an irradiation control portion configured to control an irradiation pattern of visible light in a photographing direction of the photographing portion so that the reliability with respect to at least a part of the recognized areas increases. For example, the present technique can be applied to a vehicle control apparatus.