Camera Image Anomaly Detection and Alert System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Compact cameras with small screens face difficulties in displaying high-resolution images in bright light and detecting lens or sensor debris, which can lead to impractical corrections for flaws discovered later in low light or when images are transferred to larger devices.
Innovation Solution
An assembly with a processor and imager that generates alerts and automatically corrects anomalies in photographs caused by debris on the lens or sensor, using image recognition and signal processing to detect and address issues without user intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the camera uses a small screen to display high-resolution images, then the camera size is reduced, but it becomes difficult to see images in bright light and detect lens or sensor debris
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device (smartphone or computer) to display high-resolution images at full size, allowing users to detect lens or sensor debris that cannot be seen on the camera's small screen, even under ideal lighting conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary analysis of captured images using image processing algorithms to detect debris, smudges, or defects on the lens or sensor before the user views the image, enabling early warning and corrective action
2Strength
If the front lens is recessed from the camera body to protect it, then the camera structure is improved, but it becomes difficult to inspect for smudges or attached debris
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system performs self-inspection by automatically analyzing captured images to detect lens smudges, debris, or sensor defects, eliminating the need for manual visual inspection of the recessed lens
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses image processing algorithms as an intermediary to detect lens and sensor conditions indirectly through the captured image data, since direct visual inspection of the recessed lens is difficult
3Measurement precision
If anomalies in photographs are discovered later when the camera is relocated into low light or images are downloaded to a large screen device, then image quality issues are detected, but it is impractical or unfeasible to recreate the scene
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of image quality issues immediately after capture by analyzing the photograph for lens smudges, sensor debris, or other anomalies, enabling users to take corrective action before leaving the shooting location
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides immediate feedback about image quality issues through alerts or notifications, allowing users to adjust the lens or sensor conditions before capturing more images, rather than discovering problems later when recreation is no longer feasible
Data Source
AI summary
A photograph is processed using signal processing or image comparison to determine whether a smudge or speck of dust on the lens or sensor appears in the photograph. If it does, an alert is generated on the imaging device so that the user is made aware and can take immediate corrective action, e.g. clean the lens or sensor, and/or allow the camera to remove the effects of the smudge or dust automatically.