Image Display System Using Bright-Place Depth References in Dark Environments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing augmented reality technologies struggle to provide effective visual recognition in dark places, such as construction sites or building interiors without illumination, due to poor camera performance in low-light conditions.
Innovation Solution
An image display apparatus equipped with a camera, distance measurement sensor, illuminance sensor, and a processing system that generates and retrieves distance images to enhance visibility by comparing and displaying images from bright and dark environments, allowing users to see augmented reality objects in low-light conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If camera imaging is used in dark places, then visual recognition is achieved, but imaging quality deteriorates due to insufficient light
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by capturing and storing reference images in bright conditions before entering dark environments. These pre-captured images serve as templates for later comparison and recognition in dark places, enabling visual recognition without requiring real-time light conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates copies of visual information by capturing reference images in bright conditions and storing them for later use. The distance image generated from depth data serves as a copy that can be compared against stored references, allowing the system to recognize environments in dark places without direct visual input.
2Illumination intensity
If illumination light is used in construction sites or maintenance sites, then visibility is improved, but safety hazards increase due to surrounding environment considerations
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary approach by using distance measurement data and pre-captured reference images as mediators between the dark environment and the user's visual perception. Instead of adding light that could create safety hazards, the system processes and compares depth information with stored references to enable recognition without physical illumination.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the mechanical/optical system of illumination with an information processing system. Instead of using physical light to improve visibility, the system uses computational methods to compare distance images and recognize environments, substituting physical illumination with digital image processing and pattern recognition.
3Loss of information
If distance measurement sensor is added to capture distance data, then depth information is obtained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The distance measurement sensor serves multiple functions: it captures depth information for generating distance images, provides spatial context for comparing with reference images, and enables the system to operate in dark places where traditional cameras fail. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing comprehensive environmental data.
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
Improves visibility in dark places by enabling users to recognize images from bright environments, enhancing safety and usability in settings where traditional imaging fails.
Implementation Method 1
a distance measurement sensor configured to obtain data representing a distance from the user to each position in a real object included in a visual field region of the camera
Implementation Method 2
Patent Document 2 discloses a distance measurement sensor (LiDAR: Light Detection and Ranging) configured to obtain data representing a distance to an object in the front direction by scanning laser light and measuring an arrival time or a phase difference of reflected light
Implementation Method 3
an illuminance sensor configured to obtain data representing brightness of a place in which the user is present
Data Source
AI summary
An image display apparatus includes a camera, a distance measurement sensor, an illuminance sensor, a brightness/darkness determinator, an image generator, an image storage, an image retriever, a visual image decider, and a display. The camera captures an image of a real object in front of a user to obtain a camera image. The image generator generates a distance image which corresponds to the camera image and represents a distance to each position of the real object based on data of the distance measurement sensor. The brightness/darkness determinator determines whether a place in which the user is present is a bright place or a dark place based on data of the illuminance sensor. The image storage stores the camera image and the distance image obtained in the bright place as a set.