Camera Tracking Adaptation to Abrupt Brightness Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Camera systems struggle to reliably track target objects under abrupt changes in lighting conditions, such as entering or exiting a tunnel, which can cause the tracking algorithm to lose sight of the target vehicle.
Innovation Solution
The method involves detecting changes in brightness values of the target object and manipulating parameters of the tracking algorithm or camera settings, such as increasing the keep-alive time interval or adjusting the integration time of the image sensor, to maintain tracking even under significant brightness changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a standard tracking algorithm is used to track the target object, then the tracking process is simple and efficient, but the tracking reliability deteriorates when abrupt brightness changes occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the tracking algorithm adaptive to changing lighting conditions. The system dynamically adjusts tracking parameters based on detected brightness changes, transitioning from a static tracking approach to a dynamic one that responds to environmental conditions. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining reliability through adaptability without requiring a completely complex new algorithm.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying tracking algorithm parameters in response to detected brightness changes. When abrupt brightness changes are detected, the system adjusts parameters such as tracking sensitivity, update frequency, or threshold values to maintain reliable tracking. This approach maintains algorithm simplicity while improving reliability through parameter adaptation.
2Measurement precision
If the camera exposure time is increased to improve detection under low brightness, then the target object remains detectable in dark conditions, but the temporal resolution and tracking speed deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the exposure time adaptive rather than fixed. The system dynamically adjusts exposure time based on detected brightness levels and change rates. During abrupt brightness transitions, the camera increases exposure time to maintain detection precision, while during stable conditions, it reduces exposure time to maintain high tracking speed. This resolves the contradiction through temporal adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action by continuously monitoring brightness levels and periodically adjusting camera parameters accordingly. The system performs brightness analysis at regular intervals and adjusts exposure time in response to detected conditions, creating a periodic feedback loop that balances detection precision and tracking speed based on current environmental conditions.
3Reliability
If the tracking algorithm parameters are frequently adjusted to adapt to brightness changes, then the tracking reliability under varying conditions improves, but the computational overhead and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by adjusting tracking parameters only when and where brightness changes are detected, rather than continuously adjusting all parameters everywhere. The system selectively modifies parameters based on the presence and magnitude of brightness changes, reducing unnecessary computational overhead while maintaining reliability during critical transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by detecting brightness changes in advance and proactively adjusting tracking parameters before the full impact of the brightness change occurs. This anticipatory adjustment allows the system to maintain tracking reliability during transitions without requiring intensive real-time parameter tuning, thereby reducing processing time during critical moments.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for tracking a target object (6) by means of a camera system (2) of a motor vehicle (1), wherein a sequence of images of an environmental region (4) of the motor vehicle (1) is provided by a camera (3) of the camera system (2) and the tracking is effected by an image processing device based on the sequence of the images. The target object (6) is detected in an image of the sequence and tracked over subsequent images of the sequence using a tracking algorithm by the image processing device. Brightness values of pixels of the target object (6) in the respective images are acquired and a change of a brightness of the depicted target object (6) is detected based on the brightness values. If the change of the brightness exceeds a predetermined amount, at least one parameter of the tracking algorithm and/or of the camera (3) is manipulated due to the detection of the change.