Camera Mode Switching via Image Content Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional monitoring camera systems face errors in determining the correct mode (day or night) due to misjudgment by ambient light sensors, leading to inappropriate operation modes and distorted image content, especially under sheltered conditions or interference from supplemental light sources.
Innovation Solution
A day-mode-night-mode switching method that uses an operational processor to analyze image content and adjust exposure parameters based on specific spectral compensation, determining the need for supplemental lighting and accurately switching between modes to ensure proper illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If ambient light sensor is used to determine day/night mode, then mode switching is automated, but measurement precision deteriorates under sheltered conditions or supplemental light interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces image content as an intermediary to verify the ambient light sensor's measurement. The operational processor analyzes the captured image to detect supplemental light sources and their spectral characteristics, using this information to mediate between the ambient light sensor's reading and the actual illumination conditions, thereby resolving contradictions in measurement precision under complex lighting environments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the operational processor continuously monitors image content characteristics and feeds this information back to the mode switching determination. This feedback loop allows the system to detect when the ambient light sensor's reading is inaccurate due to sheltered conditions or supplemental lights, and automatically correct the mode switching decision based on the feedback from image analysis
2Illumination intensity
If supplemental light source is activated for light compensation, then illumination is improved, but image content is distorted by the supplemental light
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes color or spectral changes as indicators to detect the presence and intensity of supplemental light sources. The operational processor analyzes color temperature, saturation, or spectral distribution changes in the captured image to determine the supplemental light's contribution, enabling the system to adjust exposure parameters to maintain image quality while benefiting from the illumination enhancement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts exposure parameters such as exposure time, aperture, or gain based on the detected supplemental light conditions. By changing these parameters in response to the supplemental light's spectral characteristics and intensity, the system maintains optimal image quality while utilizing the light compensation effect
3Ease of operation
If ambient light sensor makes erroneous judgment, then mode switching occurs incorrectly, but hardware cost and damage risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses image content analysis as an intermediary verification mechanism. Instead of relying solely on the ambient light sensor, the system analyzes the captured image to detect supplemental light sources and their spectral characteristics, using this intermediary information to verify or correct the sensor's reading and ensure reliable mode switching determination
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical/electronic ambient light sensor reading with a computational analysis of image content. By substituting the direct sensor reading with software-based image analysis, the system achieves more reliable determination while avoiding additional hardware sensors that would increase cost and complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A day-mode-night-mode switching method is applied to a monitoring camera apparatus or a filter switching module. The monitoring camera apparatus is electrically connected to an supplemental lighting apparatus for light compensation. The day-mode-night-mode switching method can include acquiring an equivalent exposure parameter of the monitoring camera apparatus, determining whether the equivalent exposure parameter conforms to a first mode switching condition when the monitoring camera apparatus is in a night mode, computing a light compensation exposure parameter of the monitoring camera apparatus when the equivalent exposure parameter conforms to the first mode switching condition, utilizing a compensation parameter acquired by the light compensation exposure parameter to transform the equivalent exposure parameter into a predicted exposure parameter, and switching modes of the monitoring camera apparatus according to a determination of the predicted exposure parameter and the first mode switching condition.