Alternating Light Filter Switching for Object Recognition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surveillance cameras face difficulties in distinguishing between an invader and the background when environmental light is sufficient, especially when their clothing color matches the background, due to the limitations of using only visible light images for recognition.
Innovation Solution
An image capturing device with a light filter module that alternates between a first light filter allowing visible light and infrared to pass, and a second light filter allowing visible and infrared light to pass, captures both visible and infrared images when environmental light is sufficient, enabling enhanced recognition by using infrared images to differentiate between the object and background.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If only visible light image is used for recognition when environmental light is sufficient, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of object detection deteriorates when object color matches background color
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by alternately switching between the first light filter (visible light) and the second light filter (infrared) at predetermined time intervals. This periodic switching allows the system to capture both visible light images and infrared images sequentially, enabling comparison and fusion of both image types to improve object detection precision while maintaining relatively simple device structure.
2Measurement precision
If infrared image is captured alternately with visible light image, then the object detection precision is improved, but the productivity of image capture process deteriorates due to alternating switching
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic action with predetermined time intervals for switching between filters, which balances the need for both visible and infrared images while maintaining a reasonable capture rate. This structured periodic switching ensures that both image types are acquired systematically without completely halting the image capture process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial action by capturing infrared images at selected intervals rather than continuously. This approach obtains sufficient infrared data for improved detection precision while avoiding the excessive time consumption that would result from continuous dual-filter operation, thus maintaining acceptable productivity levels.
3Adaptability or versatility
If light filter switching mechanism is added to switch between visible and infrared filters, then the adaptability to different lighting conditions is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single image capturing device that can perform multiple functions: capturing visible light images using the first light filter and capturing infrared images using the second light filter. This multi-functional design allows the device to adapt to different lighting conditions (daytime with visible light, nighttime or low-light with infrared) without requiring separate dedicated devices, thereby improving adaptability while controlling overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamics through the light filter switching mechanism that can dynamically change between different filter states based on environmental lighting conditions. The processing unit controls the switching between first and second light filters according to detected light intensity, enabling the device to adapt its functionality in real-time to match the current operating environment.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach allows for improved object recognition, including faces and license plates, even when background and object colors are identical or similar, by utilizing both visible and infrared images, thereby enhancing detection accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
The first light filter filters an infrared and allows a visible light to pass
Implementation Method 2
The second light filter filters a visible light and allows an infrared to pass
Implementation Method 3
the infrared light source to emit an infrared
Data Source
AI summary
An image capturing device includes an image capturing unit, a light filter module, a light sensing unit, an infrared light source and a processing unit. The light filter module includes a first light filter and a second light filter. The first light filter filters an infrared and allows a visible light to pass. The second light filter filters a visible light and allows an infrared to pass. The light sensing unit senses an environmental light. When the processing unit determines that an intensity of the environmental light is higher than a threshold, the processing unit alternately switches the first light filter and the second light filter to a front of the image capturing unit, controls the image capturing unit to capture a visible light image through the first light filter, and controls the image capturing unit to capture an infrared image through the second light filter.