Autonomous Work Machine Camera Control for Backlighting Avoidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous work machines face complex image processing challenges when recognizing external world information captured by cameras, particularly under various image capturing conditions, which can lead to increased processing complexity and errors due to backlighting.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous work machine equipped with cameras that determines backlighting conditions and controls its movement to avoid backlighting, using a determination unit to assess images and a control unit to adjust its path, such as turning or changing camera angles, to prevent backlighting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If image processing is applied to recognize external world information under various capturing conditions, then the autonomous work machine can operate in diverse environments, but the image processing complexity increases and recognition accuracy decreases due to backlighting
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of correcting backlighting effects through complex image processing, the patent inverts the approach by controlling the camera's orientation to prevent backlighting from entering the lens in the first place. The determination unit identifies backlighting conditions, and the control unit adjusts the camera angle to face away from the light source, thereby eliminating the problem at its source rather than attempting to correct it computationally.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of camera orientation/angle dynamically based on detected backlighting conditions. When backlighting is detected, the control unit modifies the camera's angular parameters to reposition it relative to the light source, transforming the system from a static camera setup to a dynamically adjustable one that adapts to lighting conditions.
2Measurement precision
If complex image processing is applied to correct backlighting positions, then recognition accuracy may be maintained, but processing time increases and control errors may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of backlighting conditions before image processing is initiated. By using the determination unit to identify backlighting in advance, the control unit can proactively adjust the camera orientation to prevent backlighting from affecting the image capture, thereby avoiding the need for time-consuming corrective processing later.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of backlighting into a useful detection signal. Instead of treating backlighting as merely an obstacle to be corrected, the system uses the presence of backlighting as information to guide camera repositioning, transforming a problematic condition into a trigger for adaptive behavior that ultimately improves image quality.
3Device complexity
If the camera orientation is fixed, then the device structure is simple, but the autonomous work machine cannot avoid backlighting and recognition errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the camera system from a static, fixed-orientation device to a dynamic one capable of adjusting its orientation in response to environmental conditions. The control unit receives real-time feedback about backlighting from the determination unit and dynamically repositions the camera, enabling the system to adapt to varying lighting conditions while maintaining operational reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
An autonomous work machine that includes a camera configured to capture an image of an external world, comprises a determination unit configured to determine, based on an image captured by the camera, whether backlighting has occurred, and a control unit configured to control, in a case in which the determination unit has determined that the backlighting has occurred, the autonomous work machine so as to avoid the backlighting.